Frank Wright was a renoun resident of Smeaton, where he was born on 2 August 1901. He lived at Laura Villa, and attended Smeaton State School. His father William was a gold miner and his mother's name was Sarah. Their family won many singing and instrumental awards. Frank was tutored by Percy Code and was awarded a gold medal for the highest marks in the ALCM examinations in the British Colonies at the age of seventeen years. He became the Australian Open Cornet Champion by the age of eighteen. A year later, Frank conducted the City of Ballarat Band, and later the Ballarat Soldiers’ Memorial Band. He formed the Frank Wright Frisco Band and Frank Wright and his Coliseum Orchestra. These bands won many South Street awards, and Frank as conductor won many awards in the Australian Band Championship contest. In 1933 Frank Wright sailed to England to conduct the famous St Hilda’s Band and was later appointed Musical Director of the London County Council, where he organized many amazing concerts in parks, in and around the London district. He was made Professor of Brass and Military Band Scoring and conducted at the Guildhall of Music and Drama. Frank was often invited to adjudicate Brass Band Championships around Europe, in Australia, including South Street and in New Zealand. The Frank Wright Medal at the Royal South Street competition is awarded to an individual recognized as making an outstanding contribution to brass music in Australia. He died on 16 November 1970.A typed letter on a single sheet of paper with the Whittington Hospital header. The letter indicated that Frank Wright was a patient of this hospital and the medications he was taking.Signature at the end.frank wright, whittington hospital, musician

Pte G G Whittington of the 2/10 Bn gropes his way to an aid station guided by a Papuan boy. An emergency field dressing covers the face of Whittington and he died from his wounds 2 days later. This is a moving photo depicting the cooperation between the "Fuzzy Wuzzy Angles" and the Australian servicemen.Timber framed print with white borderChristmas Day at Buna 1942 Pte. G C Whittingtong g whittington, fuzzy-wuzzy angels

ill, maps, p.112.non-fictionA pictorial tribute to the steam locomotives at work in Victorian in the 1960s and the early 1970s.steam locomotives - victoria- history, railroad operations - victoria

Hard cover bookkeith miller, cricket

Blacksmith Shop High Street Melton Residence and Blacksmith Shop was continuously occupied from 1860 and demolished in 1966. Mr A.G. Macdonald operated the shop from 1923-1962 (39 years) An early photo exists of the Blacksmith Shop. It stood on what is now part of the landscaped area of the Melton Community Hall. The three blacksmiths wearing aprons are from the left, W. Whittington, G. Macdonald and A Falconer. MacDonald were employed by Whittington prior to each one in turn taking over the business, Falconer soon after selling the to MacDonald, died. He is buried in the Melton Cemetery. The old Smithy [on the right] stood in what is now 8 High Street Melton. The blacksmith and wheelwright was the forerunner of the modern motor mechanic, whose task it was and is, to keep the wheels of locomotion turning. According to the records there was a Blacksmith in Melton before 1850. In 1871, three blacksmiths, Messrs. A Blackwood, J MacPherson, and A Cameron were operating in Melton. In 1872 Mr. J.B. Whittington commenced as a blacksmith in Toolern Vale. On January 30th 1900, Mr Alexander Blackwood sold the property shown in the picture to J.B. Whittington where his son William Whittington conducted the business. William’s three children attended Melton State School No 340 The family left the district in 1921 when they moved to Essendon. Mr William Whittington died in 1963 at the age of 94. The next owner of the business, for a short period, was Mr. Ackland Falconer, who was succeeded by Mr A.G. Gordon MacDonald, in September 1923. Mr MacDonald raised a family of three. Thirty nine years later, in 1962, he retired, going to live with his son Robert in Sunshine, and the blacksmith shop finally closed its doors. This part of Melton’s history was demolished in by order of the Housing Commission, in 1966. Article research by Melton and District Historical Society Members. note: spelling should be Macdonald. History of the Melton Mechanics Institute. Mabel Rogers 1985 A.G. Macdonald Secretary 1927 – 1956 page 17. Committee member for 41 years. He also held the position of caretaker Blacksmith Shop, High Street Melton. The three blacksmiths wearing aprons are from the left, W. Whittington, G. Macdonald and A Falconer. local identities

Photograph of the Committee at the completion of the brick front Trustees and Committee: C Egan, Albert Lee, J F Minns,James Byrnes, Thomas Lang, William Whittington, J O McKenzie, William Sheahan, E Chalmers and Cr R Hornbuckle Photograph of the Committee at the completion of the brick front of the buildinglocal architecture

Music Programme of a Musical Pantomime Extravaganza by the Bendigo Operatic Society. "Dick Whittington and His Cat," Production by Norman Lee. Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, 12th, 13th, 14th December 1956 at 8pm. Approx 15 pages, A5 - printed in green. Programme consists of advertisements, acknowledgments, patrons, lists of people involved, background story to the musical and synopsis of scenes. music, theatre, programme

The photograph was taken by George Silk on Christmas Day 1942 near Buna, Papua New Guinea. George Silk was a War Photographer for Australian Government, his appointment began in 1939. He was in New Guinea with the AIF when this photograph was taken.The photograph shows the work and assistance of the Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels to Australian Servicemen who were Serving in Papua New Guinea during WW2.Photograph - black and white copy of the original in a wooden frame. Statue - free standing bronze statue on a wooden block.Photograph has a information on the bottom of the frame describing the picture and who is the photographer - George Silk. The men in the photograph are Pte G C Whittington 2/10th Battalion AIF and Papuan Raphael Oimbari. The photograph was taken on Christmas Day 1942 near Buna, Papua New Guinea.ww2 fuzzy wuzzy angel, qx23902 pte g c whittington, raphael oimbari, george silk

Melton State School May 3rd 1917 Head Teacher Mr Thomas Lang Senior Class Back Row: Frederick Manning Arthur Pearce Augustus Jongebloed Donald Watson Thomas Walter David Dodemaide Henry Whittington Second Back Row: Rita Barrie Lilian Barrie Winifred Cook Olive Pearcey Dorothy Flynn Miss Cassy Dudley Third Front Row: Winifred Williams Myrtle Moulsdale Theckla Jongebloed Olga Raleigh Fanny Trewin (Alice?) Front Row: George O’Neil – George McDonald Eric Wilson Leopold McGuire Keith Beaty Alan Beardemore Eric Burton Black and white photograph of Melton State School Senior Class with headmaster Thomas Langeducation, local identities

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

Bev Wild donation May 8th 2012. Bendigo Operatic Society Theatre programs commencing with .1 'The Chocolate Soldier' 1953, . 2, 'Floradora' 1954, . 3 'The Maid of the Mountains' 1954, . 4 Sinbad the Sailor', 1955, .5 'Dick Whittington and His Cat' 1956, . 6 'The Desert Song' 1957, .7 'No No Nanette' 1957, .8 'Jack and the Beanstalks' 1958, . 9 'You're in Love' 1958, .10 'The Student Prince' 1958, [duplicate] .11 'Rose Marie 1960,[duplicate], . 12 'Chu Chin Chow' 1961, .13 'South Pacific' 1962, .14 'Oliver' 1973, .15 'Fiddler on the Roof' 1975.bendigo, clubs, operatic society

Document. Gertrude Perry Collection. Eighteen programmes from Musical Productions staged by The Bendigo Operatic Society dating 1953 - 1963. Some of which featured Gertrude Perry. 'Floradora' program inside typed sheet with a poem with Floradora 1954 Verses composed by G Perry for song 'Tact'. 2 small black cards with white writing on them. Floradora program signed by Norman Lee producer of the show. Other plays: The Chocolate Soldier; Merry Widow; Floradora; The Maid Of the Mountains; Wildflower; The Arcadians; Katinka (2 copies); Dick Whittington and His Cat; No! No! Nanette; The Desert Song; You're in love; The Student Prince (2 copies); Rose Marie; Viktoria and Her Hussar; Show Boat; The New Moon:entertainment, theatre, musical, gertrude perry collection, the chocolate soldier, the merry widow, floradora, the maid of the mountains, wildflower, the arcadians, katinka (2), dick whittington and his cat, no! no! nanette, the desert song, you're in love, the student prince (2)

This set of 31 photographs was taken at Bones Day, an annual sports competition between the Army Survey Regiment and the RAAF School of Radio at Bendigo in November 1978. The two units took turns each year to host the event. The day competition usually comprised basketball, cricket, cross country, golf, sailing, squash, softball, tennis, touch football, rifle shooting, tug-of-war and volleyball. The “big bone” trophy comprising a large bone from a beast housed inside a wooden framed glass case, was awarded to the winner of the day competition. The evening competition often included darts, carpet bowls, hookey, quoits and billiards/snooker. The “little bone” (a mounted chicken bone) was the consolation trophy awarded to the winner of the evening competition. The 3-hour bus trip for the visiting unit on their return was typically very raucous. See item 6275.8P for more photographs taken on this occasion. The history of the Bones Day competition is best described in the booklet titled - Bones of Contention Souvenir Program. 1965. Refer to Item 6267.This set of 31 photographs were taken at Bones Day, an annual sports competition between the Army Survey Regiment (ASR) and the RAAF School of Radio (RSR) at Bendigo in November 1978. The photographs were printed on photographic paper and are part of the Army Survey Regiment’s Collection. The black and white photographs were scanned at 300 dpi. .1) - Photo, black & white, 1978, ASR Basketball Team Back row L to R: Jamie ‘Fish’ McRae, John Thomas, Gary Kerr. Front row L to R: Phil McGuire, Bill Jones, Gill Park, Bruce ‘Stretch’ Gordon, Stuart Symonds. .2) - Photo, black & white, 1978, RSR Basketball Team: All unidentified. .3) - Photo, black & white, 1978, Basketball action: Gill Park in No. 8 top, remainder unidentified. .4) - Photo, black & white, 1978, Basketball action: L to R: unidentified (x4), Gill Park, unidentified, Bruce ‘Stretch’ Gordon, remainder unidentified. .5) - Photo, black & white, 1978, ASR Cricket Team Back row L to R: Alan Toogood, Bob Norwood, Ken ‘Sluggo’ Slater, unidentified, Josh Degroot. Front row L to R: Rick van der Bom, Greg Byers, Peter Hammer, 2LT Trevor Black, Alan Bunn, Mark Casey. .6) - Photo, black & white, 1978, RSR Cricket Team: All unidentified. .7) - Photo, black & white, 1978, ASR Rifle Shooting Team Back row L to R: John Cain, Bob Clark, Ian Belmont, unidentified. Front row L to R: Steve Hansen, Struan Robinson, Max Neil, Warren ‘Waldo’ Shirley. .8) - Photo, black & white, 1978, RSR Rifle Shooting Team: All unidentified. .9) - Photo, black & white, 1978, ASR Squash Team Back row L to R: Errol Fletcher, Rick Downie, Andy Wilson, George Timmins, John Bennett. Front row L to R: Terry Danger, Di Norling, Rob John, Dennis Puniard. .10) - Photo, black & white, 1978, Softball action: L to R: Janet (Chopping) Justin, Lorraine ‘Snoopy’ (Daly) Talbot-Smith. In left background: Janet (Chopping) Justin. .11) - Photo, black & white, 1978, Softball action: L to R: Le-anne (Smallshaw) Shirley, Lynn Johnson. .12) - Photo, black & white, 1978, Softball action: L to R: Lorraine ‘Snoopy’ (Daly) Talbot-Smith, John Ashby, unidentified. .13) - Photo, black & white, 1978, RSR Tennis Team: All unidentified. .14) - Photo, black & white, 1978, ASR Volleyball Team Back row L to R: Kerry ‘Gags’ Gallager, Gerry Gates, Bob Clisby, unidentified, Cornelius Moorrees, Laurie Justin. Front row L to R: Chris Edwards, Bob Bright, Keith Quinton, Mick ‘Buddha’ Ellis, George Holland, unidentified. .15) - Photo, black & white, 1978, RSR Volleyball Team: All unidentified. .16) - Photo, black & white, 1978, Volleyball action L to R: Keith Quinton, unidentified, Chris Edwards, remainder unidentified. .17) - Photo, black & white, 1978, Volleyball action L to R: unidentified, Keith Quinton in No. 4 top, unidentified, unidentified. .18) - Photo, black & white, 1978, ASR Tug-of-War Team Back row L to R: Russ Mollenhaur, Brian Collings, Noel ‘Macca’ McNamara, Ken ‘Sluggo’ Slater, Mick Davey, Russell ‘Rusty’ Williams, unidentified. Front row L to R: Wolfgang Thun, Rhys Delaine, Phil Boyle, unidentified, Ian Nelson, Jamie ‘Fish’ McRae. .19) - Photo, black & white, 1978, RSR Tug-of-War Team: All unidentified. .20) - Photo, black & white, 1978, ASR Tug-of-War Team in action. .21) - Photo, black & white, 1978, RSR Tug-of-War Team in action. .22) & .23) - Photo, black & white, 1978, Tug-of-War Teams at end of contest. .24) - Photo, black & white, 1978, Darts competition: Di Chalmers in action. John Ashby in right background. .25) - Photo, black & white, 1978, Carpet bowls competition: All unidentified. .26) - Photo, black & white, 1978, Ian Whittington EXCH-UK admires the view from the Tavern’s rafters. .27) - Photo, black & white, 1978, social activities L to R: Paul Baker, unidentified. .28) - Photo, black & white, 1978, social activities L to R: Adrian Rynberk, unidentified, unidentified. .29) - Photo, black & white, 1978, Trophy presentation. L to R: RAAF CO presents ‘the Little Bone’ to Army’s CO LTCOL Bob Skitch. In background L to R: unidentified, Ian Whittington EXCH-UK in right background. .30) - Photo, black & white, 1978, Trophy presentation. L to R: RAAF CO presents ‘the Little Bone’ to Army’s CO LTCOL Bob Skitch. In background L to R: John Smith, Ian Whittington EXCH-UK. .31) - Photo, black & white, 1978, Trophy presentation. L to R: RAAF CO presents ‘the Little Bone’ to Army’s CO LTCOL Bob Skitch. In background L to R: unidentified, Ian Whittington EXCH-UK in right background. .1P to.9P – ‘Bones Day 1978’ annotated on cover sleeve.royal australian survey corps, rasvy, army survey regiment, army svy regt, fortuna, bones day

Head Teacher Thomas Lang Miss Silke, Miss Lang Back Row L – R 1-16 Jongebloed, Julius son of Gottfried. Storekeeper 5-1 Jan 1907 Manning, Eric Frederick son of Thomas Hotelkeeper. 4-6 1906 not named Dodemaide - ? Raleigh, Albert son of Oliver. Hawker 5-11 1904 Whiteside, Thomas son of Edward 5-6 1904 7. not named 8. not named 9. not named 10. not named 11. not named Jongebloed, Claus could be Augustus 19-10-06 April 1911 Coburn not named Whiteside, Albert Ernest son of Alexander. Labourer 4-11 Oct 1905 16. not named 2nd Back Row L-R No 1-18 1. not named 2. not named McGuire, Leopold son of John. Carpenter 22-2-03 Jan 1911 MC 23/11/15 Dodemaide, ? 5. not named 6. not named Whittington, Henry son of Wm. Blacksmith. 17-4-05 Jan 1910. MC 74845 Coburn, Albert, son of Fredr. 4-8 July 1904 not named Wickham, Edward son of George. Carpenter. 7-4 July 1908 26/1/1916 11. not named Wickham, George son of George. Carpenter 7-4 July 1908 26/11/1915 not named not named Dodemaide ? 16…not named Watson, Donald son of Alexr. 6-5-05 1911 Trewin, James son of Willm. James 31-3-03 1910 2nd Front Row L –R No 1-14 not named McGuire, Monica, daughter of John Carpenter 22-4 Jan 1909 St Ambrose Brunswick ? McLennan, Bella McDonald Gladys, daughter of Donald 6-2 1906 Riddell, Annie daughter of Joseph 6-3 July 1903 Minns, Chesney daughter of Fredk. 5-5 Sept 1904 Watts, Alice daughter of James. Labourer 6-11 May 1906 Toolern Neal Margaret, daughter of John 4-3 April 1902 Barrie, Essie (not found), Myra daughter of Wm Henry 7-6 May 1905 Werribee Wilson, Lila daughter of Alfred George Farmer 6- Jan 1907 Robinson, Florence daughter of Thomas 5-10 Mar 1908 Burns, Caroline James 4-10 Mar 1907 Trewin, (Lena) Emily daughter of Thomas. Farmer 10-3 Jan 1904 Jessie McLellan daughter of Duncan Farmer 5-11-07 1912 ? Head Teacher Thomas Lang, Miss Silke, Miss Lang and a group of students in front of one of the school buildings. education, local identities

This is a set of 20 photographs featuring MAJ John Sinclair being farewelled by several officers of the Army Survey Regiment at Fortuna, Bendigo in 1978. MAJ Sinclair served in the Australian Army from 1973 to 1978. It is evident in these photos this was his last day at Fortuna. This is a set of 20 photographs featuring MAJ John Sinclair and several officers of the Army Survey Regiment at Fortuna, Bendigo in 1978. The photographs are on 35mm negative film. They are part of the Army Survey Regiment’s Collection. The photographic negatives were scanned at 96 dpi. There are additional photos in this set that have not been scanned due to poor quality or low historical value. .1) - Photo, black and white, 1978. L to R: unidentified, MAJ John Sinclair. .2) - Photo, black and white, 1978. L to R: MAJ John Sinclair, CAPT Dennis Puniard. .3) - Photo, black and white, 1978. MAJ John Sinclair. .4) - Photo, black and white, 1978. L to R: MAJ John Sinclair, MAJ Sam Schwartz EXCH-US. .5) - Photo, black and white, 1978. L to R: MAJ Ian Whittington EXCH-UK, MAJ John Sinclair. .6) - Photo, black and white, 1978. MAJ John Sinclair. .7) - Photo, black and white, 1978. L to R: MAJ John Sinclair, CAPT Don Maskew. .8) - Photo, black and white, 1978. L to R: MAJ John Sinclair, CO LTCOL Bob Skitch. .9) - Photo, black and white, 1978. L to R: unidentified Indonesian officer, MAJ Peter Eddy MAJ Frank Bryant, MAJ John Sinclair. .10) - Photo, black and white, 1978. MAJ John Sinclair, MAJ Robin Wilson. .11) to .12) - Photo, black and white, 1978. MAJ John Sinclair. .13) - Photo, black and white, 1978. CAPT Don Maskew, MAJ John Sinclair. .14) - Photo, black and white, 1978. L to R: CO LTCOL Bob Skitch, MAJ John Sinclair. .15) - Photo, black and white, 1978. L to R: MAJ John Sinclair, MAJ Sam Schwartz EXCH-US, CAPT Don Maskew. .16) - Photo, black and white, 1978. L to R: CAPT Terry Edwards, CAPT Gary Kenney, MAJ John Sinclair. .17) to .18) - Photo, black and white, 1978. MAJ John Sinclair. .19) - Photo, black and white, 1978. L to R: CO LTCOL Bob Skitch, MAJ John Sinclair. .20) - Photo, black and white, 1978. MAJ John Sinclair.Film negative sleeve labelled: “Farewell to MAJ Sinclair Undated” .1P to .20P – No personnel are identified.royal australian survey corps, rasvy, army survey regiment, army svy regt, fortuna, asr

TOM COLLINS–from the reel to reel tape recording at Melton 1969 In the years between 1890 and to about 1913 Melton was a quiet little hamlet alongside the Toolern Creek, once called the Pennyroyal Creek, 24 miles from Melbourne on the Ballarat Road. There was a fair amount of woodland left around it, mostly grey and yellow box with sheoak, and golden wattle, which in spring time made a rather attractive setting. Most of the premises were in the main or High Street, with its line of elm and pepper trees on each side. Unitt, McKenzie and Henry streets each contained only a few dwellings. Hotels were four in number, Minns’s, Mrs Hay licencee, now Mac’s, Golden Fleece – Sheblers. The Royal or Ryan’s as it was then called, later Graham had the licence, and the Raglan - Kilpatricks had the licence and afterwards Tom Manning. This was situated about where Mr K. Young had his residence. There was a store attached to the hotel until about 1900. Both the Royal and the Raglan were delicensed, later on the Royal being converted to a green grocery and a boarding house, the Raglan was demolished. The Royal green grocery and boarding house was kept by E Carew and after he retired, E Radford. The Post and Telegraph Office was on the opposite side of the street to the Raglan Hotel about two doors west of the Shire Hall and was kept by Mrs Ferris and Lady Farmer until her retirement, when it was carried on by Miss Lottie Ross. A store was attached to the Post Office and was sometimes used as a store and at one time housed the National Bank. There were two full time banks at Melton, the other being the Commercial which built premises about 1904 and on the corner of High and Smith Streets, which it still occupies. Mr G Egan was the manager of the Commercial and Mr Stradling and later Mr Lee of the National. However as business was not thought good enough they reverted to a part time branch operated from Bacchus Marsh. Grocer shops were Chalmers, with a news agency and drapery now Arnolds, Jongebloeds had the bakery. Mr Fox also a produce merchant, was where Melton Real Estate is now, it was later occupied by Buchanans, Atleys, and Mrs Ross. Not long after the War Mrs Ross built the Post Office, since demolished where Miss Lottie Ross was the Post Mistress and later built the store which she conducted. It was later turned into a factory and in now the barbers shop. McNichols was just west of the Minns Hotel. He travelled as far a Ballan weekly, buying calves and dairy produce for sale in Melbourne. Afterwards he sold the business and bought Minns Hotel and changing the name to Macs. Blacksmiths were three in number. Blackwoods – later James Byrnes next door to Jongebloeds. Alex Cameron who learnt his trade with Blackwoods had his shop about the rear of where Ken Youngs Garage is now he later moved to the north west corner of High and Alexander Street. He was also the Registrar of Birth and Deaths and Electoral Registrar. After his retirement he was weighbridge keeper at Melton South. Two of his sons were engaged in the carpentry trade, but both died at an early age. Whittingtons shop was a few doors east of the Mechanics Hall and it was later occupied by Gordon Macdonald who did business there until about eight years ago. The butchers of the period were George Graham, that is where Mandy Lees hairdressing establishment is now. Euan MacDonald had premises later occupied by Whittingtons blacksmith shop. Later shifting next door. He left here about 1901, he slaughtererd animals at a slaughter house right where Chas Jones now resides, it had previously been a slaughter house and butcher shop of that site. George Spring also operated as a butcher for two or three years about the 1900 or so. Ted Simpsons shop was where John Kontek now has his Estate Agency, he used it as an branch shop from Bacchus Marsh bringing meat from there by a two horse lorry. Jimmy Butler the manager was well known and loved, his son was later a steeplechase jockey. The Court House and Police Station would be built sometime before 1900. The Constables at the time were McGuire, later Wade, Riely and McKenzie after that Robert Wilson and Seinfort were here, they were a bit later on. The Mechanics Hall was first opened by Ryan of the Royal Hotel who sold it to the Hall Committee. It was on Unitt Street and it was moved by McLellans the house shifters from Unitt Street to its present site. Bluestone premises formerly occupied by the bootmaker Carew, were later demolished and replaced by the brick frontage to the Hall. Keith Orensini [?] the local bricklayer built brick portion to the Hall. In the cottage adjoining the Hall a Frenchman named Baudin, had a boot repairing business.This cottage was the later residence of J Hill, a local carpenter and builder from whom I learnt my trade. Granny Watts was the well known local nurse and operated the Mid-Wifery Hospital in Yuille Street on the Sherwin Street corner. Mrs Nissen was on the opposite side of Yuille Street a short distance nearer the township. She conducted the laundry. Carew had a greengrocers shop next door to the Post Office in the High Street for some time before transferring to the Royal Hotel site. He also bought [?] calves for killing. W Cecil was a tank maker and also had a produce round, he lived on Pyke and Sherwin Street. Later Gus Shebler, builder and carpenter engaged in tank making being well known for good workmanship. Shebler was very energetic in forming the Gun Club which met for a good number of years where the golf course now has its headquarters. Of the four churches only three are in use, Christ Church, Scots and St Dominics. The Methodist closed down but later transferred to Melton South. Monthly stock sales were held at the yards in Unitt Street at Minns Hotel by McPhail Auctioneers, later held by McCarthur and McLeod. After the Council built the pound and sale yards they transferred sales to these premises, but lack of patronage caused them to be abandoned. A familiar sight in the district was blind Bob Nixon, who lived in a tumbled down cottage in Centenary Road near W Coburns, being led by his dog down the road to Melton, that is Palmerston street, to the Post Office, butcher and baker for his supplies and then back home. He was able to do his own cooking and other chores. Sundays he would come down Raleighs Road to the back of the church and tie his dog to a tree. Someone, mostly one of the boys would guide him into the church and out again after the service, when the dog would lead him home again. State School 430, a two roomed bluestone building it was the only school in the district, none at Melton South. The nearest would be Rockbank and Toolern Vale. Scholars had a fair distance to walk in most cases. The teachers were Mr T Lang Headmaster. I put a query here, Miss Winters, I’m not certain of the name, Mrs Skinner and Miss Silke as Assistant Teachers. Miss Augusta Cecil and Miss Maud Lang were Junior teachers. One boy who attended the school about the turn of the century was Hector Fraser who resided with his parents in Keilor Road, where Jim Gillespie now lives. He was an excellent gun shot and at the age of about 17 years his father took him to France or Monaco where he won the Gran Prix for pigeon shooting and became the champion boy shot of the world. However he died there from pneumonia. He shot under the name of “Parvo”. The Melbourne Hunt Club used to meet in Keilor Road north side just east of the Toolern Creek on what was originally Pykes Run. This was also the place where the races were held and the Sports Meetings. Dave Murphy, employed at Clarke’s Rockbank Station usually provided the fox which he liberated for the Club. Greyhound coursing was usually held on Moylans property Mt Kororoit, or Mt Misery as it was known then. Later it was held at Melton Park, Mr Matt Carberry was the judge and Percy Cook the slipper. Early in the 1900’s the Recreation Park was created and the Caledonian and the ANA sports meetings were held there, they were annual events. L Paterson from Melton South was a successful competitor in all the cycling events as a young man. He later in life became the Deputy Chief Officer of the Metropolitan Fire Brigade. The present Chief Officer of the Fire Brigade is John Paterson, nephew of his, and spent his early life in Exford where his father was manager of the Exford Estate. Notes Tom Collins was born c 1895. He lived on the south side of the Ballarat Road near the intersection of Keilor Road.Historical image of Palmerston Street in Meltonlocal architecture, landscapes of significance