Document: 2 typed letters and 2 typed memos relating to installation of a station light at Castlemaine. Letters are addressed to R. Huddle, Secretary, A.F.U.L.E, on Victorian Railways letterhead, and written from the District Superintendent's Office, Bendigo, dated from 4th. February through to 18th. April 1939. Staple removed from documents. Handwritten note on memo dated 18th. Feb. 1939, by R. Huddle, stating that 'Mr. McKerlie will interview you concerning this matter'.organisation, government, victorian railways, huddle, r., victorian railways, superintendent's office, mckerlie, bendigo

Sinai desert Asia Minor Feb 13th. Dear mother, just a card in answer to your ever welcome letter I received today. Sorry to hear Dad in not to well. I wrote a long note to him this week. Send it onto Ella to see. I had a letter from Jack to day. He is getting better. I had a letter from Tom yesterday. I heven’t been getting his letters lately. We are both well. Roy had no word from you, wondering what’s the matter. Going on patrol duty 4 in the morning, no fighting here yet. All for this time, goodbye, best love to all from Bill. Remember me to the boys. Collection re Mrs May Burns.Postcard photo, B & W, pyramids - several trees in foreground. The rear has a hand written letter in pencil.Top right: Cairo - Pyramidsdocuments, photographs, postcards

Kathryn Knitwear, founded by Robert Blake, manufactured high quality children’s knitwear in Melbourne from the 1940s – 1980s. Robert Blake began manufacturing children’s knitwear in his bedroom in Strathmore using a hand powered machine in the late 1940s. The operation moved to Ascot Vale and Essendon, before eventually establishing a factory in Moonee Ponds in the early 1950s. The business continued to expand, necessitating a move to a new factory in Broadmeadows. By 1962, the Broadmeadows factory was producing an average of 20,000 garments per month, which increased to 24,000 by 1964. Robert Blake’s Son, Brendan recalls that “The Kathryn brand was famous around Australia, anywhere children needed to keep warm and dress smartly. It also won a number of wool fashion awards”, including the 1969 Wool Awards, which was held by the Australian Wool Bureau and published in Women’s Weekly. The Kathryn range was designed for durability, comfort and care, without sacrificing style. They used patterning techniques that increase stretchiness, comfort and fit, as well as integrating decorative elements into the fabric to prevent them from being bulky, uncomfortable or tight. Making longevity of style a priority, Brendan Blake remembers that “there was one particular garment that was in the range for at least thirty years”. He also recalls “In the past, when women have found out that I was associated with Kathryn Knitwear, they would often relate to me the story of a garment they had purchased or received as a gift and, when their child had grown out of it, they would hand it on to another child. Several ladies have told me of purchasing garments for their daughters’ glory box, or saving a particular garment after their daughter had grown out of it. Brendan Blake: “At the peak of their operation they employed approximately two hundred people, mainly women and girls. A family would often seek to send their daughter to work in this company because they knew they would be looked after and safe. One lady wrote to me telling me that working at the Moonee Ponds Factory prior to getting married was the happiest time of her life.” In 1963, workers at the Kathryn factory earned £13 per week, which was 8 shillings and 8 pence higher than the minimum weekly wage for female workers in the textile manufacturing industry (£12 11s 4d). By 1970, the Kathryn Knitwear brand expanded from children’s knitwear into womenswear under the brand name ‘Lady Kathryn’, and for boys and men under ‘Robert Blake’. Continuing to diversify their distribution, they also began exporting ‘Kathryn’ garments to New Zealand, the Pacific Islands, and Japan. ‘Kathryn Knitwear’ was well-known for their early adoption of modern materials and techniques that had broad appeal to their customer base. This is shown in their early use of the acrylic fibre ‘Orlon’ in the 50s and 60s and ‘Superwash’ wool in the 1970s. Many of Kathryn Knitwear’s styles, particularly those that were long running staples of the brand, were available in both wool and Orlon to suit the consumer’s preference. Far from the humble origins of one man in his bedroom with a hand-cranked machine; at its closure in 1980, the Broadmeadows factory of ‘Kathryn’ housed more than 100 machines, including 53 sewing machines and 45 knitting machines. Robert Blake was “a passionate advocate for wool and Australian Made” throughout his whole life. A strong thread that ties through the lifespan of Robert Blake and Kathryn Knitwear is a balance between adopting new innovations without sacrificing the core values of durability, comfort, care and style that had made the brand so well known. Their legacy forms an integral part of both Australian social and manufacturing history.Typewritten letter in black ink on cream paper with green and black letterhead of ‘Commonwealth Serum Laboratories’, marketing influenza vaccines to businesses for their employees.COMMONWEALTH SERUM LABORATORIES 45 POPLAR ROAD, PARKVILLE, N.2. VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA TELEGRAPHIC ADDRESS ‘SERUMS’ MELBOURNE / TELEPHONE 38-2101 (5 LINES), 38-5136 (5 LINES) ADDRESS CORRESPONDENCE TO DIRECTOR IN REPLY PLEASE QUOTE 63/909 Dear Sir, INFLUENZA VIRUS VACCINE Each year more and more business houses are organising immunisation campaigns against influenza for their staff. This, we feel is a wise precaution as influenza is not selective and absenteeism amongst your work force because of influenza could seriously hinder the operations of your company. To combat epidemic influenza, C.S.L. have produced Influenza Virus Vaccine (Polyvalent) which is effective against the types and strains of influenza virus which are likely to cause the disease this winter. We believe that immunization against influenza should be carried out between February and April (before the onset of winter) and suggest that you discuss the matter with your Medical Officer as soon as possible so that he can advise you on the needs of your organization. Ordering: Having decided on your influenza vaccine requirements, it is then only necessary to place your order, quoting your doctor’s name, by simply contacting the C.S.L. State Sales Branch in your capital city. Yours faithfully, COMMONWEALTH SERUM LABORATORIES. P.S. We have supplies of attractive coloured notice board posters inviting the staff to support the campaign arranged for their benefit. Should you decide on a campaign, these posters are available on request from the C.S.L. State Sales Branch in your capital city, or if you have any difficulty, direct from us at Parkville.business, business history, manufacturing, knitting machine, fashion textile production, business archives, manufacturing documents, vaccination, flu vaccination, public health, public health history, epidemiology, influenza, vaccination history

This hand written letter, in black ink script on blue lined paper, is impressed with the official stamp of the Victoria Steam Navigation Board. The left margin has the reference “S82/12" It is transcribed: "Victoria Steam Navigation Board, Melbourne, January 12th 1882 To Frederick Chapman, Master, S.S. "Julia Percy" You are herewith furnished with a copy of the report of the Official Court which assembled to enquire into the circumstances attending the collision between the steamers "Julia Percy" and "Nelson" off Apollo Bay near Cape Otway on the morning of the 25th December 1881, and you are hereby expected to attend at the Board Room, Custom House, Melbourne, at 2pm, on 13th January instant to show cause why you should not be censured accordingly. [Signature] Secretary" This document refers to the matter of a collision between two steamships, the Julia Percy and the Nelson, on 25th December 1881. The Julia Percy was at that time owned by her first owners, the Warrnambool Steam Packet Company, and she sailed under the command of Captain Chapman. She had left Melbourne the evening of 24th December, with about 150 passengers, sailing in fine weather through Port Phillip Heads around 9pm. She was headed for Warrnambool, Belfast (now named Port Fairy) and Portland. The Julia Percy was off Apollo Bay when Captain Chapman was woken by the ship’s whistle after midnight, the steamer Nelson being on a collision course with the Julia Percy.[See Link.] The Nelson struck Julia Percy midship. Boats were lowered from the ship (apart from a damaged lifeboat) and about 30-40 of the passengers boarded the Nelson. The engine room and the forehold were checked and found clear of water. The company manager, Mr Evans, had been on the Nelson, so he boarded and inspected the Julia Percy and the decision was made to continue on to Warrnambool with the passengers as there appeared to be no immediate danger. However, Captain Thomas Smith said the Nelson was taking on water, so Julia Percy followed her for about an hour towards Melbourne on standby in case of need. Then Julia Percy turned around towards Warrnambool again. Shortly afterwards the Nelson turned to follow her, the ships stopped and passengers were returned to Julia Percy, and three from Julia Percy boarded the Nelson. Both ships proceeded on their way. Julia Percy passed Cape Otway light afterwards, signalling that there had been a collision. It was discovered later that one of the passengers was missing, then thought to have boarded the Nelson but later thought to have fallen into the sea and drowned while trying to jump from Julia Percy to Nelson. There had been 3 tickets purchased under the same name of that passenger “Cutler”; a father, son and friend named Wordsworth, which had caused quite some confusion. No further mishap occurred to either ship and both the Julia Percy and the Nelson reached their destinations safely. An enquiry was instigated by the Victoria Steam Navigation Board regarding the cause of the accident between the two steamships, in connection with the death of Cutler who was supposed to have lost his life by the collision. The enquiry resulted in the following decision: "The Victorian Steam Navigation Board having taken into consideration the points urged by Captain Thos [Thomas] Smith and also by his legal advisers, is of opinion that the charge prepared against him has been sustained, but taking into consideration Captain Smith’s previous good conduct and character, the board suspends his master’s certificate No 227 issued by this board for a period of six calendar months from this date – Robert Fullarton, Chairman. “The Victorian Steam Navigation Board having beard the statement of Captain Frederick Chapman urged in his defense to the charge of dereliction of duty as master of the Julia Percy, in having no standing order on board that vessel to be called in the event of any approaching steamer’s lights being seen, find such charge sustained, and censure him accordingly – Robert Fullarton, Chairman.” ABOUT “JULIA PERCY” The S.S. Julia Percy (later named Leeuwin ) was an iron passenger-cargo steam ship built in 1876. At one point in time the Julia Percy would sail from Warrnambool to Melbourne every Friday and return from Melbourne to Warrnambool every Tuesday. The cost of a return ticket for a Saloon Fare was £1.0.0. She would sail “if practical and weather permitting”. Shipping was the cheapest and most practical means of carrying produce and goods during the period 1840-1890. Regular domestic steamer services commenced in the Warrnambool district in the late 1850’s and by 1870 the passenger trade was booming. Produce was loaded from the jetty into ‘lighters’ (small boats), which took it to the ships at anchorage in the bay. Passengers were taken to the ship’s side then climbed aboard up ladders or gangways. The coming of the railway in October 1889 meant the gradual decline and end of the steam shipping era. The Julia Percy was built in Glasgow by Thomas Wingate & Company, Whiteinch, in 1876 for the Warrnambool Steam Packet Company, which commissioned her for trade in Victoria’s western district. She was first registered in Warrnambool, Victoria in 1876. The Julia Percy changed hands several times. Her next owner was the Western Steam Navigation Co (1887), managed by Mr. T.H. Osborne (the company’s office was on the corner of Timor and Liebig Streets, Its north-western wall is now part of the current Warrnambool Regional Art Gallery. ) The Melbourne Steamship Co became the next owners (1890), followed by William Howard Smith and Sons (1901) for use in Queensland coastal trades, then she was bought by George Turnbull in 1903 and used for local mail contract in Western Australia. The Julia Percy was sold to the Melbourne Steamship Company Ltd. (1906) and re-named the “Leeuwin” but continued in her Western Australian coastal run. She was converted into a coal hulk in Melbourne in 1910 as a result of damaged caused when she was driven against the jetty at Dongara during a gale. The ship was eventually dismantled and scuttled in Bass Strait on 28 December 1934. The document is significant for its association with the wreck of the Leeuwin (Julia Percy), which is on the Victorian Heritage Register, VHR S413. . It is historically significant for being a rare artefact that has potential to interpret aspects of Western Victoria’s 19th century steamship trade and Victorian cultural history. The Leeuwin (Julia Percy) is listed on the Victorian Heritage Register as being historically significant ‘as one of only four wrecks of steamships in Victorian waters associated with the western district of Victoria’s coastal steamship trade. Reports of Victoria Steam Navigation Board about the collision on 25th December 1881 between the steamers " Julia Percy" and "Nelson". Letter from Victoria Steam Navigation Board, Melbourne to Frederick Chapman, Master, S.S. "Julia Percy", dated January 12th 1882. reference on letter in left margin "S82/12"flagstaff hill, flagstaff hill –maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, victoria steam navigation board, captain frederick chapman, captain thomas smith, thomas wingate & company, steamer julia percy, steamer leeuwin, steamer nelson, steam ship, warrnambool steam packet company, t. h. ostorne, western steam navigation co., charles cutler

The Ballarat School of Mines was Australia's first School of Mines, which was established in 1870.Large letter book with rough calf spine and corners, green fabric cover, green marbled end papers, and leather spine labels. Sample letters are shown below Melbourne July 20/77 My Dear Maskelyne, The object of this note is to introduce Mr Barnard the Registrar of the School of Mines at Ballarat to you, and to your Department at the museum as a Correspondent. I presume you still collect specimens all over the world, and from time to time exchange with other museums. The Ballarat School of Mines is subsidized by the State, and is not unlikely to become our chief mining school if indeed it is not that already. As it is in the midst of an interesting geological district it may now and again be able to contribute something rare and valuable even to the British Museum, and on the other hand what is valueless to you may be of greatest use to us. You may place implicit confidence in Mr Barnard who has been connected with the School for years, and is an enthusiast in Scientific matters. Very Truly Yours Charles H. Pearson. P.E. Day Esq M.A. London My dear Sir I have the pleasure to inform you that I have this day written to Professor Maskelyns of the British Museum asking his help in the way suggested by Professor Pearson in a not of introduction with which he has favoured me, and copy of which is now enclosed. May I beg you to be so good as to call on Professor Machelyne make arrangement for the shipment of any case or cases of specimens which the may be able and willing to present to the School. Need I add that your prompt attention to this matter will be much esteemed by Yours faithfully W.H. Barnard Registrar Pro tem ballarat school of mines, correspondence, w.h. barnard, barnard

Ballarat Shool of Mines played an important role in training returned World War One servicemen via the Repatriation Vocational Training Scheme. Operating from 1917 to 1922, this scheme offered trades-based training to a large number of returned soldiers, depending on aptitude and level of disability. Many returned soldiers were unprepared for the workforce after demobilisation because of war injuries, or lost study opportunity during the years of their service. The Scheme was designed to give ex-servicemen the skills to find jobs, boost post-war economic recovery and add to social cohesion. It operated from 1917 to 1922. White paper with handwritten script in ink. The rough draft letter relates to free tuition for returned soldiers at the Ballarat School of Mines28.8.1916 Major Lazarus Secretary Returned Soldiers Association Y.M.C.A. Ballarat Dear Sir. On the 25th February last my Council adopted a resolution to the effect that application from returned soldiers for free tuition at this school would be favorably considered. At the Council meeting held on Friday last, the 25th inst., the matter was further discussed and, at Colonel Bolton's suggestion, it was decided that it would be in the best interests of the movement, if application for admission were received through your association. The undermentioned gentlemen were appointed as a sub-committee to receive such application and will be very pleased to interview any soldiers whom you would recommend as trainees. Yours faithfully Joseph A. Day Sub committee:- Col. W.K. Bolton, Mr T. Hurley. W.R. Stephenson, The Principal of the Science School (Mr E. Fenner), and the Principal of the Art School (Mr H.H. Smith)repatriation, repatriation vocational training scheme, ballarat school of mines, world war, world war 1, bolton, colonel bolton, w.k. bolton, joseph day, t. hurley, r. stephenson, fenner, h.h. smith, returned soldiers, returned soldiers association, balllarat ymca, major lazarus, world war one, repatriation

This club became the Ballarat School of Mines Science and Field Naturalists ClubHandwritten rough correspondence concerning reforming the Ballarat School of Mines Science Club- a meeting to be held on 15 May 1915.Sir, It has been suggested that an effort should be made to reform the once popular Science Club, which in past years was connected with the above institution. The purpose of the club would be to meet fortnightly or monthly & discuss papers contributed by members on matters of scientific interest; also to discuss general scientific matters brought up by members. Field days covered [illegible] also be held, for those particularly interested in Zoology, Botany or Geology. If the club were strong, the matter of a small journal could be considered. We should be glad if you would interest yourself in the proposed club, & also enlist the interest of any friends who have inclinations in that direction. With this obhect, a meeting will be held at the School of Mines, on Saturday evening, May 15th, at 8 pm., and we hope for your sympathy [illegible] and attendance. Yours truly, Charles Fenner, convener ballarat school of mines, science and field naturalists club, charles fenner, science club

Eureka is a significant event in Ballarat's History3 page handwritten document 3pm 3 December. Speak up, Mr Speaker ! Ballarat is calling! 100 years have gone by - Celebrations are at hand.. . but lo! there is no speaker 3 O'clock has past and gone, the official party to open the centenary celebrations of Eureka has not arrived. Of course the programme has been changed so often and so much that a little event like this wouldn't even matter. Only Peter Lalor might mind; he's been waiting since 18 to see this anniversary. He's not even cold but my, is he wet! Time 3.15 pm, still no sign of the elusive meeting and commemoration; only a few stalwarts are waiting now... What Rain! Plenty of it but just then a glimpse of brightness appeared under the western sky. Tho' warming up perhaps Peter's cold .... Its' Ballarat, we know , but are you referring to the weather or public spiritedness. Perhaps there have been too many partisan influences in the great Australian event at Ballarat and the tacit official attitude. Very hard for them to eat their cake and give it to us too! 3.30pm The appointed hour has dragged on... the possibility of paying a commemorative respect to a fine, hard thinking flesh and blood builder of Australia and particularily Victoria has lapsed. We wonder whether such things as races, the dogs and beer are worth more nowadays? Oh well got to push on , but we remebered at least Peter!eureka, centenary celebrations, peter lalor

"Mr. J. B. Rankine, the inspector for the Dundas goldfield, entered upon his duties on June 4, 1897. He states that his preliminary examination of the mines in active operation on the field, which was of a hurried nature, revealed in several instances a very unsystematic method of mining, which must have been attended with grave risk to the workmen had it been allowed to continue. The underground workings in one, particular mine which he inspected, and wherein a large number of men were employed, were of such a serious and dangerous nature that immediate steps and measures had to be taken to secure the ground for the safety of the men so employed. Without entering on this occasion into the question of culpability, he desired to place on record that the manager had shown a readiness and willingness to carry out his (the Inspector's) instructions. (West Australian, 21 February 1898)Handwritten letter on folded, lined paper. The letter was written in Norseman and relates to school fees for the Ballarat School of Mines. Norseman Oct 17 98 F.Mmaretll esq Registrar Ballarat School of Mines Sir Yours of the 1st instant to hand and I have much pleasure in forwarding you a cheque for L8.8.0 the account of school fees. Your remarks re telling the Minister are really too funny to be taken seriously. the remind one of kids at School "If you don't give me my marbles ill tell your father" however you have been very patient in the matter + I don;t grumble. Hope school is doing well + maintaining its good name, My kind regards to proff Smith + other enquiring friends Yours very truly J.B. Rankinej.b. rankine, dundas goldfield

Typed PagesTo His Honor Judge Rogers Sir I am glad to see that you are favorable to the establishment of a Mining School for, and in, this Colony and if when established, it should prove to be so valuable an adjunct as [ ? ]institution in Cornwall is to the philosphy of mining generally, the satisfaction uou will derive from teh promonant positino you have taken in the matter will amply repay you its benefactor. The principle of technological teachings is being organised by out great [ ? ] more and more almost daily. A mining school is purely technological in its character and its teachings will tend to make plain many of the obscurities of the presnt systems of mining, and its engineering. I will recollect a very strong hint given by you fro the Bench at Ballarat East over two years since in the cast of Bull v Bunning City which I gave evidence to the effect, "Don't you think that an institution of Engineers would be able to try such a case better than in this court. The question was partly on of technology and would [speak] volumes in its answer if followed into all its [ ? ] and [implications]. I have studued [ ? ] practical perhaps all of the branches which would have to be taught, and studied in a mining school, and shall be most happy in assisting, so far as my limited capacity will allow in this matter. I may add that I hold the first certificate from the committee of Inquiry as established by the Government, for competency as a mining inpector for this Colony, I am Sir your most Obt and humble servant [illegible]ballarat school of mines, merger, amalgamation, establishment, phoenix foundry, letterhead, warrington rogers

Kindly scanned from Ringwood Branch archival collectionTranscript (kindly completed by Ken Briscoe using ChatGPT) RINGWOOD BRANCH COUNTRY WOMEN'S ASSOCIATION INC. February 13, 1946 in the Ringwood Town Hall, the Mayoress, Mrs. H.E. Parker, called the meeting and Ringwood Branch Country Women's Association was formed, and would be in the Yarra Valley Group. Speaker for the day was Mrs. Wray, Group President, Yarra Valley Group. Office bearers elected were: • Mrs. Greenshields (President) • Mrs. Shields (Secretary) • Mrs. Roberts (Treasurer) At the inaugural meeting, 93 ladies joined, and the first general meeting of the Ringwood Branch was held March 7, 1946, and by the end of August the membership grew to 160. In 1946 the joining fee was 4/- and you never attended a meeting unless you wore hat and gloves. The first year, meetings were held in the main Town Hall, then they were transferred to the small hall, which had a creche next door, at the baby health centre, where mothers could leave their little ones, while mum enjoyed the meetings, demonstrations or entertainment. The Branch had a very good Choir, conducted by Mrs. Dorrie Davidson, also a very talented theatrical group. Each birthday they put on excellent stage shows, some beautiful costumes being hired from well-known Melbourne theatrical company. The 1956 Olympic stage show had some well-trained, but out of form, athletes. Highlight of the year was the Annual Ball and two Debutante Balls. New branches were formed in the district, Everard, East Ringwood, Heathmont, South Warrandyte. There was also, Ringwood Younger set, a night branch (later years was renamed Marana). It was then that our membership dropped. As more and more branches were started in the district, Ringwood was then allocated to the newly formed Maroondah Highway Group. Craft classes and demonstrations were of a high standard, with some interesting things being made such as millinery, dressmaking, pottery, etc. In 1960 when Ringwood was made a City, a C.W.A. float was entered in the procession, this was a mammoth task, as hundreds of flowers were made and wired to the float, which was in green and gold C.W.A. colours. The time came when the Town Hall was to be demolished, and we moved to the Church of England Hall, Civic Place, but after a short time, this hall was also demolished. Meetings were then held at Ringwood Library until the library was no longer available. Our last move was to our present meeting room at Lionswood. Today you dress as you wish and membership is $12.00. The Ringwood Branch in 1995 has 2 life members and 21 members. Alice Milner March 15, 1995 As a matter of interest, of those 160 members who joined in the first year, only one active member is left with the Branch

We have three folders catalogued for the Grimshaw name and these will in due course be consolidated/corrected: 1. EDHS_01361 – A.H. Grimshaw of Research, Vic., 1927 2. EDHS_01362 – John Grimshaw of Greensborough, 1862 (Correct name is Josiah Grimshaw) 3. EDHS_01375 – Mr Grimshaw, miner of Kinglake and Caledonian Diggings. (This is believed to be Mr J.L. (Jack) Grimshaw who reportedly discovered the first gold in Kinglake. These folders are made up of copies of pages of research undertaken by Mr Keith Chappel in the 1970s, which is now catalogued as a separate item. EDHS_04448 - Eltham District History, Eltham Road Board, 1856-1871; Research by Keith Chappel https://victoriancollections.net.au/items/5e4a290521ea671e9ccf9661 There is further information from this research concerning a William Grimshaw. Also included as part of EDHS_01375 is a photocopy of page44 from the book "Caledonia Diggings (St Andrews)", Gold Discovery in Victoria, James Flett, 1970, which references No. 2 Creek at the Caledonian Diggings as also been known as Grimshaws. We have a photo of J.L.(Jack) Grimshaw who discovered gold at Kinglake, which is part of the Shire of Eltham Pioneers Photograph Collection (SEPP) SEPP_0056 - Mr. J.L. Grimshaw; the man who found the first gold at Kinglake https://victoriancollections.net.au/items/5a6c158721ea6906ac29bd3c We also have another record of interest involving Aaron Grimshaw, Farmer of Greensborough who was an indentured Trustee of the Wesleyan Chapel in Little Eltham in 1856: EDHS_04610-3-1 - Document, Conveyance of Lot 20 Henry Street, Little Eltham North to Trustees of Wesleyan Chapel, 1856 https://victoriancollections.net.au/items/60f6d644ac5d4de270b83615 The record of Joshia Grimshaw of Greensborough is grim. He was arrested and charged with the murder of John Mitchell at Greensborough, September 24, 1962. Grimshaw was ultimately convicted of manslaughter and sentenced for three years in prison. Newspaper reports of the day show his name as Josiah. Whether he was also known as John is not clear, and whether he is the same as J.L. (Jack) Grimshaw who discovered gold at Kinglake, again is unclear without undertaking further research into the matter. This murder trial was extensively reported in the newspapers and you can find those reports on the National Library of Australia’s Trove https://trove.nla.gov.au/ Some of the reports of interest: TRIAL OF GRIMSHAW FOR MURDER (1862, October 23). The Kyneton Observer (Vic. : 1856 - 1900), p. 3. Retrieved April 21, 2023, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article240899299 THE GREENSBOROUGH MURDER. (1862, September 30). The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), p. 6. Retrieved April 21, 2023, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article5722929 MELBOURNE CRIMINAL SESSIONS. (1862, October 18). The Age (Melbourne, Vic. : 1854 - 1954), p. 6. Retrieved April 21, 2023, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article154967162 CRIMINAL SESSIONS. I (1862, October 18). The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), p. 6. Retrieved April 21, 2023, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article6480408 Folder of information on Mr Grimshaw, Miner, Kinglake and Caledonian Diggingsgrimshaw

National Trust Collection: Bendigo Town Hall A variety of correspondence from July 1971 to February 1978, between The National Trust and Bendigo City Council on various letterheaded correspondence, typed letters and information regarding the restoration of the facade building and internal mural painting. 3084.77a 5 July 1971 to Councilor Oliver with thanks for a tour of the new building 3084.78b 27 July 1971 to Chairman of the National Trust (Vic) regarding comments received the "City Hall" 3084.78c 19 August 1971 between Administrator National Trust (Vic) to Father Stockdale acknowledging no local intention to demolish the Town Hall and preservation options 3084.78d 6 January 1972 National Trust (Vic) file note regarding maintenance and preservation of the building 3084.78e 13 January 1972 National Trust re concerns about the Council's position on the future of the building, its possible uses and tourist attraction 3087.78f 9 June 1972 town Clerk writes to National Trust re its supporting "B" classification of the Bendigo Town Hall 3084.78g 15 June 1972 National Trust memorandum re Bendigo City Hall report 3084.78h 9 October 1972 Town Clerk advises that as alterations and renovations are underway to the City Hall, the Committee Room is not available until completion in February 1973 3084.78i 18 October 1972 National Trust is anxious to know the plans for the alterations concerning the former Council Chamber 3084.78j Town Clerk response to the request for information re renovations to the Council Chambers in the City Hall. Advice is that "Council's intention is to leave the Council Chambers in its present state, including furniture, as we consider it would lose its significance if it were altered in any way" 3084.78k 10 June 1976 Trust's Acting Curator of Decorative Arts writes to Council regarding the mural decorations in the Council Chambers of the Town Hall which are currently flaking and peeling from the walls in certain areas. 3084.78l 8 June 1976 Council responds and "Would appreciate the Trust's assistance regarding the mural decorations. Council is anxious to preserve the murals in their original condition and to achieve this would need some expert advice". 3084.78m 4 February 1977 Trust advises that the condition of the murals was discussed at its recent meeting and "would be glad to know what progress has been made to date towards the restoration of these important murals". 3084.78n Town Clerk advises in response "I regret that I have made no progress regarding the restoration of the murals". 3084.78o 8 February 1978 (2 pages) Mr. J. Jones' concerned about the present state of the Town Hall (murals, replacing the external urns on the parapet) and acknowledges council has allocated additional funds to carry on the restoration work caried out by Council 3084.78p 22 February 1978 Council responds that Mr. Jones' "concerns were reported to the Council's Ordinary meeting on 20 Feb. and it was resolved that the letter be received and your comments noted. Council requested that I thank you for your interest in this matter".

Document. Victorian Alliance letter to Mr. W.J.Campbell J.P. from Francis Wilson general secretary, I arrived home safely, after a very good day in your city. Will send you a list of few subscribers whom I could not get, shortly. With regard to ''DEFEAT'', I will have them dispatched next week. With regard to Mr. Francis coming up in September, I would suggest that you bring it before the Methodist Ministers interested as possible. Memo for Mr Drummond, I have seen Mr. Harris in reference to this suggestion but he does not know Mr. Francis, fears that it would not be satisfactory to the Forest Street Congregation to appoint an unknown man for the evening service. I have therefore asked Mr. Wilson not to make any definite arrangements until we have had a further opportunity of considering the matter. Signed Mr. Campbell.organisation, community, abstinence society

253 p.; 25 cmnon-fictionThere is no other store like David Jones... and there is no other consultant like Sheila Scotter! Known variously as the Kangaroo editor (by Diana Vreeland), the black and white lady from Albert Park, and the Silver Duchess, this is the autobiography, scrapbook-style, of one of Australia's doyennes of style. For Sheila Scotter's seventeenth birthday her parents put on a 'coming out ball' in the United Services Club in Calcutta, where they lived at the time. The teenager wore a pale turquoise silk taffeta ball gown. Sheila no longer remembers what happened to that dress, but she does know that it is responsible for the black-and-white wardrobe that has been her hallmark ever since, with the exception of one occasion and one occasion only. For her seventieth birthday party, close friend John Truscott conned her into wearing red, insisting that the theme for the event was all red. And what did the guests all wear? Black and white! This anecdote lite, stylish, idiosyncratic is typical of the many that make up Sheila Scotter's autobiographical assortment. Most Australian women know Sheila Scotter through her Women's Weekly column 'Sheila Scotter Suggests' which ran between 1975 and 1980 and totalled some 235 instalments. The fact that this column is still vividly remembered 17 years later attests to the sacred place it held in every Australian household. A feminist before the word was invented, Sheila has had a formidable career. Two chapters are devoted to her career in fashion, including her time as the editor-in-chief of Vogue and founding editor of Vogue Living. The art of fundraising is also treated in some depth. In snippets, we hear of her love of cricket (which she once played); we find out how she came to live in Australia in the first place and why she has made Melbourne her home. Not surprisingly, the book reflects the personal contradictoriness of its author/subject on the one hand an aristocrat, on the other a rogue who does not respect rank; blithely mixing innate feminism with blatant coquettishness; outrageous yet scrupulously stylish; in the know yet discrete; courting notoriety while at the same time needing solitude a Like all celebrity autobiographers Sheila reserves her right to privacy while basking in the limelight. But she has used this book to set the record straight on a number of issues, including why she left Vogue, her many romantic involvements, her much-publicised spat with socialite Lillian Frank, and what was wrong with David Jones, to whom she consulted during 1994-95. The book contains the expected wining, dining and partying, as well as the inside story on some recent scandals. Sheila Scotter is glamorous and alluring, a forthright mover and shaker who inspires fear in some, awe and respect in others, and admiration and loyalty in most. No matter what you think of her, you simply cannot ignore her. Friends and enemies alike are awaiting this book with bated breath for one reason: when Sheila Scotter speaks, people listen. Contents Foreword (by Ruth Cracknell, a personal friend) Before I Begin a (explaining the rationale for the book) 1 Thursday's Child (birthdays) 2 Christmases to Remember 3 In Fashion (career in fashion) 4 A Matter of Style (Vogue Living and its influence) 5 Marriage and Other Liaisons 6 A Mixed Salad of Letters (letters, personal and business, from prominent people) 7 Fundraising: Are Committees Really Necessary? 8 Loved Ones Departed (or Why I Envy the Angels) 9 Disappointments and Other Disasters (scandals and inside stories) 10 London, Paris, Sydney, Melbourne (the places she has lived) 11 Not the Last Instalment (a look ahead) Postscript (a tribute to some special men read between the lines) Source: Publishersheila scotter, fashion

Boyd comments on Australian life and culture in the first half of the twentieth century up until 1959. He reflects on changes - is it progress? - from the pastoral to the industrial, briefly on housing and construction, and emphasises US influences in design (especially cars) and politics, and the lingering, conservative influence of the UK. Robin Boyd wrote this article anonymously. He was a member of the 'Round Table', a English based group on imperial and commonwealth matters.Original manuscript of an article published in The Round Table, "The Commonwealth Journal of International Affairs", Vol 50, Issue 159, pp 26-31, 1959.Typewritten, quarto, 6 pagesAnnotations and corrections in pencilaustralian identity, taste, automobile design, they're a weird mob, nino culotta, 1959 australia, cyril pearl, on the beach, so you want to be an australian, sidney nolan, john ely burchard, robin boyd, manuscript

Eulogy by John McArthur t seems trite to say that it is a privilege to be able to speak about Alex’s work in the Church, but having known Alex for over 50 years and our various activities having been inextricably intertwined it is indeed an honour as well as a privelge. I first met Alex in the late 1950s when we were members of the PFA State Council – they were halcyon days for the young people in the church with very strong youth groups in most congregations. Alex was the state Treasurer. John Anderson was the President with Maureen Hancock, the secretary, Maureen, who with many others from that Council are here today. Alex was also very active in his local church at Canterbury in all aspects of its life and witness as we have heard from his children, Barrie and Jo, earlier in this service Alex who had trained as an accountant, applied for and been appointed to a position with the PCV and upon the retirement of his mentor, S. K. Williams, was appointed the Financial Secretary of the Church. When I was appointed as a member of the Trusts Corporation, I was very glad to see that Alec was the secretary – most members were nearly twice my age and it waas comforting to be with an old friend of somewhat similar age. The meetings were reasonably formal as one would expect from a gathering of some of the very senior business men in our State. Alex’s records were immaculate – not only did his agendas have the business arising from the previous meeting but there on the side were a list of matters that in Alex’s opinion had not been satisfactorily finalised over the past year. But one matter has stuck in my memory - only the correspondence that required action was considered, many other letters were left to be formally minuted. This time there was a letter from the Government advising that a building on the south side of Collins Street originally owned by the Free Presbyterian Church in the 1800s was to be placed on the Historic Register and this was our first intimation of the matter. One trustee, a knight of the realm, whose chin was always down on his chest, ( I wondered whether he was asleep or something) raised his head and said “If one just stood still in Collins Street for five minutes they would slap a historic citation on you” and back down went his head. I was not sure what would happen next when I looked at Alex and slowly, that recognisable smile appeared on his face – not really a smile , more like a grin as Barrie and Jo said earlier, one that would appear time and time again over the years at meetings which were meant to be quite formal. Alex had an encyclopaedic memory – for example, ask him about bequest funds, say, the W. S. Godfrey Perpetual Bequest, his answer would be, “Ah yes, donated by the man who founded the Grocery business in Carlton, the capital now would be about 53, 250 dollars, been no call on it for 2 ½ years”. If a new project was thought appropriate and needed funding, he would be able to find a fund or a bequest that, with a little tweaking, could be used to seed the programme. His financial presentations at meetings contained all the information one could want – he would choose his words carefully, and one would sometimes think – get on with it Alex - but his purpose was to make it quite clear what funds were available and what was their correct use. He took this financial acumen into other committees of the church, the Stipend Committee dealing with Ministers’ salaries, the Beneficiary Committee, the superannuation fund for both ministers and lay workers. There are many in the church who have had cause to be grateful for his financial input which added to their well being. But his work was not all with financial matters – as the Financial Secretary for the State, Alex was ex-offficio a member of the Presbytery of Maroondah where he was not the Treasurer and although as an ex officio member he was not expected to take that much part in the Presbytery’s activities – but Alex did, he took part in the strategy and pastoral care committees which showed his depth of concern for others in his church life. But I believe it was around this time that Alex produced some of his greatest work for the church – Church Union, not all Presbyterians wanted to be part of the Uniting Church – so a Statutory Commision was established on a national level, to divide the assets of the Church between those desiring to form part of the Uniting Church and those wanting to remain Presbyterian. Each State produced detailed records and submissions for the Commission – and Victoria was always the first to have its documents to the Commission – although Alex had made it quite clear that he would be with the Uniting Church, his work was meticulous, impartial and assisted greatly the work of the Commission relating to Victoria. And this in addition to his normal day to day work which continued over a period of some four or five years. The inauguration of the Uniting Church did present Alex, and indeed the rest of us, with some challenges. There were the financial records of three churches to be merged, properties to be considered, new community programmes required, new administrative structures to be put in place. Alex took these all in his stride – although after the initial planning, his role was to concentrate on financial matters only, the other activities had to be financed. As the chairperson of the Finance Division and the Resources Commission for a large portion of the early years of the Uniting Church, I was more than pleased to have Alex again by my side, reports were prepared, queries answered, it was just like old times. The Rev. Allan Stuart, now retired and living closer to his family in NSW was one on those young people from the Canterbury congregation – emailed me recently “Alex has been a faithful servant of the Church, at all levels from the National Assembly to the local congregation. But times are changing, and Alex had rightly passed the torch onto others” Allan was right but I also think that words of that great Scottish poet, Robert Louis Stevenson, sum up Alex’s life: “A man is a success when he has lived well, laughed often and loved much. One who has gained the respect of intelligent men and the love of children; who has filled his niche and accomplished his task; who leaves the world better than he found it, whether by work, relationships, one who looked for the best in others and gave the best he had.” To me, that is our friend who we remember today - Alexander Robert Gillespie. BW photo of Alex Gillespie dressed in shirt sleaves and tie, upper body.C&N 11/2/1987, p. 33alex gillespie (29/2/1928–1/9/2009) worked for the presbyterian church as its managing treasurer for many years before then moving to the uniting church as the synod treasurer.

Letter dated August 17th, 1921 from David Langlands Chair of the Sailors and Soldiers Memorial Hall Committee, Wangaratta Branch advising the work has been completed and the memorial tablets and stone in commemoration of those that gave their lives and those who served from the town and district have been erected within the Hall however a further 150 pounds was required to complete the payment and asking for aid in this matter. Photocopy of original letter dated August 17th 1921 with inscription in blue ink below.Jan 12th 2003 secretary Wangaratta RSL I discovered this document in some old papers and thought it may be of interest to you so have photocopied. David Evans Redcamp Moyhurs&sil wangaratta branch, 1921, memorial tablets and stone

96 p. : ill. ; 29 cm.non-fiction"If you own an old house, The Compete Australian Old House Catalogue will save you time, money and effort. Thanks to this book, finding the products, materials, skills and services needed to care for and restore your old house - from the front fence to the chimney pots - is now a simple matter. Ian Evans has collected the names of companies and people who can help you return your house to its original appearance and condition. Some 750 entries list the names of suppliers throughout Australia who specialise in every aspect of building restoration. For the first time, entries include e-mail and website addresses where these are available. Each chapter opens with introductory text which provides concise background information on the subject, drawn from Ian Evans's research into old Australian houses. Practical advice on many aspects of building conservation is combined with authoritative historical information, creating a unique and fascinating blend. The illustrations consist of a selection from old and new building catalogues, together with a wealth of archival and modern photographs. This is a book which belongs in every old house throughout the length and breadth of Australia." - back cover.interior decoration -- australia -- equipment and supplies -- directories., houses and domestic architecture.

Thank-you card given to Australian Nursing Federation (Victorian Branch) staff member Catherine Hutchings by staff at the Bundaberg Branch of the Queensland Nurses Union. In 1993, Victorian Branch staff travelled throughout Queensland, Western Australia and the Northern Territory for a series of meetings on recent events impacting nurses' conditions in Victoria. The meetings were strategically held ahead of the 1993 Federal election to discourage the election of a Coalition government. The election of the Coalition government in Victoria in 1992 had seen the introduction of the Employee Relations Act, which saw the end of the state award system in Victoria. This gave employers greater powers to establish wages and conditions and less power to the Industrial Relations Commission, foreshadowing what would later occur at a Federal level. An article in the Victorian Branch newsletter 'On the Record' from April 1993 describes the 'tour'. Entitled 'Vic. Nurses Spreading the Word in Queensland, Western Australia and the Northern Territory', it explains: "Catherine Huntchin[g]s and Elizabeth Hulme recently spent a week in Queensland informing nurses about the effect of a Liberal Government on nurses. As well, Tracy Austin visited WA to talk to nurses there about life under Kenneyt [sic]. Catherine and Liz held a total of 23 meetings from Cairns to Brisbane, as well as giving media interviews. It was well worth the effort and certainly there was much support given to nurses in Victoria. Perhaps the most interesting issue was that many nurses did not realise that they may find themselves in the same situation if we have a change in Federal Government. In February, Catherine went to the NT to talk to nurses in Darwin, Alice Springs and Katherine and despite some minor hiccoughs (the Health Department banned all the meetings so alternative venues had to be found) the turnout was gratifying - you have to be dedicated to attend a meeting held in a carpark in 32 C heat! Catherine says that the reception she received in both QLD and the NT was superb. "Everyone went out of their way to make us feel very welcome, and to shower us with sympathy over the situation. More important, is the fact that the information was distributed so no matter how the votes go on March 13 [1993, federal election] - they will be informed votes." she said. Catherine, Liz and Tracy extend sincere thanks to all interstate nurses who made their visits a success."Typed card given with flower bouquet. Printed on one side with personalised, typed message 'DEAR CATHERINE, UNITED WE STAND DEVIDED [sic] WE BEG THANKS FOR SPEAKING UP FOR US. FROM B'BERG [Bundaberg] BRANCH Q.N.U. [Queensland Nurses Union]'.nursing, nurses, unionism, solidarity, victoria, queensland, bundaberg, campaigning, 1993 federal election, 1992 victorian election, australian nursing federation, trade unions, politics, queensland nurses union, qnu, anf

Until 1960 there were no telephones in Falls Creek. The only access to a phone was at Rocky Valley Camp where the State Electricity Commission (SEC) had an extensive network to Mount Beauty, Bogong and the other camps such as Clover power station and Howman's Gap. There were test points with a phone beside the road where contact could be made to the office in Mount Beauty. The SEC was unconcerned about Falls Creek, so no power was connected until 1960 when Tom Mitchell aired the matter in parliament. Tom was a keen skier. He applied to the Post Master General who was then responsible for telephones as well as mail. The PMG staff came up from Bright and installed an exchange in Diana Lodge. There were only about 15 lines to a post across the road uphill about 20 metres. It was from here that you could put a line from the building into a box where connections were possible. You had to buy a cable from the disposal store. It needed to have an alloy of copper and steel in the wire similar to what the army had used during the war. If the phone failed the owner would have to find the break in the wire, not an easy task in the heavy snow. Then came the telephone itself. Falls Creek was given old-fashioned sets with a hand wound magneto to ring the bell at the exchange. When the operator answered she could then plug a line into another phone line or the exchange in Bright. In the phone were two dry cell batteries that carried the spoken word to the other phone connected. Trunk lines were expensive then, so each trunk call was timed by the minute. The operator would disconnect you after a minute if you did not reply to her question "are you extending?". These telephones were donated by Julian Newton Brown. Julian's Lodge Arundel was known as Falls Creek 11.These telephones are significant because they illustrate the earliest form of technology available to connect Falls Creek Village to other areas.Telephones constructed of polished wood, brass bell, handles and cabling. Designed to operate through a telephone exchange. They operated on two dry cell batteries.Attached to front of telephone: Instructions on how to make or receive a call.falls creek village, falls creek communicaton

1 - Issue 1 - March 2007 - with photo of the Police Tram (2109) - Welcome message from the CEO Dennis Cliche, Good Friday appeal, Burwood highway works, new sub-stations at Coburg, Royal Park, Brunswick depot, Camberwell depot, East Preston, Essendon, Bundy Clock, Glenhuntly, Kew Depot, Malvern, Southbank,, Safety, events, Lunar Festival .2 - issue 2 - June 2007 - 18 pages, Malvern Depot (a green depot), Paul Matthews profile, trackwork at Glen Huntly and Essendon depots, Depot news, Joyce Barry tribute, Hawthorn depot museum, fund raising. .3 - issue 3 - Octr. 2007 - 16 pages - fund raising - Melbourne city romp, Des Davies retirement, CPR rescue of a collapsed driver, depot news, retirements and a chemical and fire incident on the Vermont South line. .4 - issue 4 - Jan. 2008 - 12 pages - fundraising, family events, depot news, retirements, TramTracker Jake .5 - issue 11 - Winter 2010 - 16 pages - St Kilda Road Superstops, Michel Mason - CEO, Malvern depot centenary, Transformation, new maps on trams, fundraising, the leadership team, depot news, uniforms, South Caulfield Junction upgrade. .6 - 20 pages issue 12, Summer 2010, published soon after Keolis took over operations of Yarra Trams. The first 10 pages, look at Trams on the Fringe, Feedback, Football trams, staff matters, and features a story on page 10 of the Hawthorn Tram Depot museum and Driver Shaun McCarthy wearing the brown uniform in front of tram 1041. Fully Scanned. The second ten pages are reversed (upside down) and titled "Le Pantographer", featuring a Bordeaux tram on the cover. Provides details of Keolis operations such as Lyon, Bordeaux, Lille, Le Mans, Caen, Angers, Dijon and other operations. .7 - issue 6 - Spring 2008 - Meerkats, fleet operations, training, Art Alive, Kew depot - new inspection pits, Long Lay Malvern, Did You Know campaign, and looking for Cricket players - part scanned. .8 - issue 13 - Autumn 2011 - Michel Masson CEO, visit of French Media, Ron Scholten Retirement, photo of Geoff Dean of Camberwell, - part scanned. .9 - issue 5 - June 2008 - Tram works Swanston and Flinders, tram 111, cricket .10 - issue 8 - Autumn 2009 - Good Friday appeal, public transport ombudsman, Malvern centenary, my friend Mike .11 - issue 9 - Spring 2009 - Chris Cairns safety campaign, route 48, Myki, Tramtracker, Jake.Demonstrates Yarra tram staff newslettersEleven issues of Yarra Tram's internal newsletter "The Pantograph", all A4, center stapled. Issues not fully scanned, unless noted.trams, tramways, keolis, yarra trams, fohtd, hawthorn, uniforms, coburg, substation, royal park, burwood highway, fund raising, bundy clock, environment, glenhuntly depot, essendon depot, malvern depot, south caulfield, tram 2109, tram 84, route 48, tram 111, good friday

A group of five men dressed in hats and overcoats look at caged cockatoos. Research by project volunteer, Fiona Collyer: On 25 June 1934, new Victorian Governor, His Excellency Lord Huntingfield and his wife Lady Huntingfield made an official visit to the Melbourne Zoological Gardens in order to grant his patronage to the Royal Zoological and Acclimatisation Society. The zoo director, Mr. Andrew Wilkie, introduced them to the cockatoos in the flight aviary. The Argus newspaper reported the visit in the following morning’s issue: "Birds' Greeting To Governor. Visit to Zoological Gardens. "A Very Important Society." "Cheery shouts of "Hullo!" and requests for drinks greeted His Excellency the Governor (Lord Huntingfield) on one of his official visits yesterday morning. Lady Huntingfield, who accompanied him, was asked loudly for a kiss. They were inspecting the huge cockatoo aviary at the Zoological Gardens after Lord Huntingfield had granted his patronage to the Royal Zoological and Acclimatisation Society. Both obviously enjoyed the democratic experience. It was explained to them that most of the cockatoos had been presented by residents of flats, whose neighbours objected to the noise of the birds, while others were protected birds which had been surrendered. Lord Huntingfield recalled that he had taken two Australian cockatoos to England when he left Australia in his youth. One, a galah, had lived in England for many years." In 1929, the Zoo built a commodious new flight aviary at the cost of several thousand pounds and Zoo director, Mr Andrew Wilkie, sent out an appeal published in newspapers Australia-wide for donations of parrots from all states. Many of the parrot species he wanted were protected and a special permit needed for their capture, however Mr Wilkie guaranteed he would obtain authority from the Fisheries and Game Department and that the cost of transit would be borne by the Zoo. The wanted birds were "Parrots - Black-tailed, Rock Pebbler, King, Superb, Grass (all kinds), Swamp or Ground, Mallee or Ringneck" and "Cockatoo[s] - Black, Pink or Major Mitchell, Gang-Gang". The Zoo asked that the birds be sent in boxes large enough to prevent overcrowding, contain food and water and the Zoo notified on the type and number of birds in transit. All boxes were to be addressed to 'The Zoo, Melbourne'. A letter from a reader appeared in the Weekly Times newspaper's popular "Camp-fire Circle" page for "Young Australians", 11 May 1929: "Dear Pal, I am much interested in your page, especially the nature notes. I have a pet parrot, but I don’t like to see it shut up in a cage, so I am giving it to the Melbourne Zoo. It can whistle 'Pretty Joey' and 'What's the Matter with Father' and is just learning to whistle for the dog... Wishing you and the Camp-fire Circle success." - Murray Holmes (Gorae, Vic.) The fate of this talented parrot is unknown, however in 1932, this young naturist, T Murray Holmes, 1912-1947, collected for the first time a type specimen, blue star sun orchid from Gorae (near Portland, Victoria), and it was named in his honour, Thelymitra holmesii. Murray was described by orchid collector W H Nicholls as "a youthful and energetic orchidologist, who added much to our knowledge of the orchids of south-western Victoria." Murray Holmes enlisted in the army in 1941 and fought in the Middle East before being sent to Java. In 1942 he was captured by the Japanese and became a prisoner of war for three years, working on the notorious Thai-Burma railway. Murray's health was undermined though ill treatment and starvation and he returned to Australia after the war, broken and sick. He died aged 35 in 1947. He was intensely interested in the flora and fauna of the Gorae area to the end. Murray's parents received over 200 tributes of respect for their son - too many to answer personally so they put a notice in the Portland Guardian thanking "all kind friends and relatives for letters, cards, floral tributes and personal expressions of sympathy received in their recent sad bereavement - the lamented death of their loved son, Murray." Andrew Arthur Wellesley Wilkie, 1853-1948, was Director of the Melbourne Zoo from 1923 to 1936 and was associated with the zoo for 70 years. He first worked as a horticultural assistant to Government botanist Baron Ferdinand von Mueller at the Botanical Gardens at the age of 13, along with his older brother David. One of Andrew’s jobs was to capture moths for the National Herbarium. In 1857, a group of prominent Melburnians assembled at St. Patrick’s Hall to form the Zoological Society of Victoria, with the aim of introducing animals and plants from overseas. It was conceived, “For the purposes of science and for that of affording the public the advantages of studying the habits of the animal creation in properly arranged zoological gardens.” The Victorian Government granted 32 acres (13 hectares) of land to the Zoological Society at the southern end of Richmond Paddock on the opposite bank to the Botanical Gardens. (This is where AAMI Stadium and Collingwood Football Club now stand.) In 1861, the Zoological Society of Victoria was renamed The Acclimatisation Society of Victoria. Unfortunately the Yarra River frontage was damp, swampy and subject to flooding, so the animals were briefly housed at the Botanical Gardens until in 1862, the City of Melbourne donated 55 acres (22 hectares) of land at Royal Park for the fledgling zoo. Baron von Mueller secured employment at Royal Park for Andrew and David and they helped to lay out the gardens, plant trees and take care of a collection of deer, pheasants, hares and partridges. Initially the zoo was used for the acclimatisation of animals recovering from the long voyage to Australia and for breeding them for sport. In 1872, the zoo bought two lions, a leopard and a cheetah that had been seized from circus showmen Keith and Phillips when they were unable to pay the bill of butcher Mr T K Bennet of Bourke Street. The first zoo director, Mr. Albert Le Souef, negotiated with captains of ships to buy animals at overseas ports they visited and soon a multitude of exotic species arrived, including a ten-year-old Indian elephant in 1878. In 1923, after being head keeper for some years, Andrew was appointed director of the zoo. By 1933, the zoo had 110 different species of animals, 200 species of birds and 72 species of reptiles under Andrew’s care. He had personally planted all but six trees and laid out the garden beds. As director he lobbied authorities for funds to build more humane enclosures for the animals. In June 1928, Table Talk magazine wrote of Andrew Wilkie: “Up at the Zoo there is a humble gentleman who is a lion among the lions, who knows the proper specific to employ when the boa constrictor has chilblains, and who is a friend and confidant of Queenie the elephant. His fount of zoological lore has never been plumbed. It is bottomless, like his good fellowship and geniality. Every day he may be seen somewhere in the grounds of that growing sanctuary for the strange and arresting fauna and creeping things of the world, and I assure you as one who is privy to his passion that that area and its inhabitants are rarely out of his thoughts.” Andrew retired from the zoo in 1936 at the age of 83 and in 1948 died at his home in Brunswick aged 94. He and his wife Josephine had six children. The Victorian Acclimatisation Society was founded in 1861 by Edward Wilson, 1813-1878, then owner and editor of The Argus newspaper. He said that Australian indigenous animals were practically useless, providing only “a little sport and an occasional meal”. The Society believed that Australia’s plants and animals were vastly inferior to those in Europe. They wanted to introduce and acclimatise to Victoria “all innoxious animals, birds, fishes, insects and vegetables, whether useful or ornamental” for sport and for the table, and to spread indigenous animals and plants from the colony around the world. Their motto was “if it lives, we want it”. The Society was primarily responsible for introducing sparrows, starlings, sambar and hog deer, ostriches, brown trout, blackberries, and carp to the Murray River. They released the European songbirds, thrush and blackbird to quell the homesickness of British settlers. The Society also sent Australian animals like platypus, echidnas, kangaroos and koalas to Europe for scientific and novelty purposes. Thomas Austin, a wealthy sheep farmer of Barwon Park, Winchelsea (property now owned by the National Trust) was a member and in 1859 he introduced hares, blackbirds, thrushes and partridges onto his property. He is probably best known for introducing 24 breeding rabbits onto his estate as game for shooting parties. Thomas quipped, “The introduction of a few rabbits could do little harm and might provide a touch of home, in addition to a spot of hunting." In 2022, genomic data confirmed that Australia’s feral rabbit population is entirely descended from these rabbits. Biological control has brought the rabbit population down from an estimated high of 10 billion rabbits in the 1920s to approximately 200 million today, inhabiting 70% of Australian landmass (5.3 million square kilometres). In 1872, the Acclimatisation Society was renamed The Zoological and Acclimatisation Society of Victoria and they focused on importing exotic animals for display purposes to the zoo. In 1937, the Royal Acclimatisation Society of Victoria was recreated as the Zoological Board of Victoria with a focus on research of native animals threatened with extinction. In an editorial for The Argus newspaper, 16 March 1856, Edward Wilson lamented: "...this country has been shamelessly stolen from the blacks. Had they been like the New Zealanders or the North American Indians, we should have bought their land, and supplied them with the means of living when we took it... In less than twenty years we have nearly swept them off the face of the earth. We have shot them down like dogs. In the guise of friendship we have issued corrosion sublimate in their damper, and consigned whole tribes to the agonies of an excruciating death. We have made them drunkards, and infected them with disease which has rotted the bones of their adults, and made such few children as are born amongst them a sorrow and a torture from the very instant of their birth. We have made them outcasts on their own land, and are rapidly consigning them to entire annihilation. There are but a few of them left, comparatively. This is what we would do for that few. We would feed and clothe every one of them.” [Note: this last sentence is italicized in the original newspaper article text]. Lord Huntingfield, (William Charles Arcedeckne Vanneck) 1883-1969, Governor of Victoria 1934-1939, was a British Conservative Party politician and the first ever Australian-born Governor of an Australian state (although he was always considered British). He was patron of the Royal Zoological and Acclimatisation Society of Victoria and was acting Governor-General for six months during the absence of Lord Gowie in 1938. Lady Huntingfield (née Margaret Eleanor Crosby) 1884-1943, his American-born wife showed great interest in social welfare and the advancement of women and children. She was president of the City Newsboys Society and Patroness of the Girls Friendly Society. In 1937, rose breeder Alister Clark named a yellow hybrid tea rose for her. In 1940, the City of Melbourne opened the Lady Huntingfield Free Kindergarten in North Melbourne, now the Lady Huntingfield Early Learning and Family Services Centre. Lady Huntingfield died in London in 1943 after her house was bombed during a German airstrike. The Lady Huntingfield Memorial Scholarship was established after the City of Melbourne raised £1000 in a public appeal conducted in her memory for students undertaking a Social Work degree at the University of Melbourne. It is awarded annually to this day. The Queen Victoria Hospital named a bed in her honour. References: Prominent Personalities ANDREW WILKIE (1928, June 7). Table Talk (Melbourne, Vic. : 1885 - 1939), p. 15. Retrieved August 29, 2024, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article146562949 BIRDS' GREETING TO GOVERNOR (1934, June 26). The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), p. 6. Retrieved August 19, 2024, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article10950051 Zoo Appealing For Parrots And Cockatoos To Fill Aviary For Children’s Instruction (1929, April 11). The Sun News-Pictorial (Melbourne, Vic. : 1922 - 1954; 1956), p. 31. Retrieved August 23, 2024, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article275757361 LETTERS FROM READERS (1929, May 11). Weekly Times (Melbourne, Vic. : 1869 - 1954), p. 50. Retrieved October 6, 2024, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article223183144 Correspondence. (1929, April 18). Corryong Courier (Vic. : 1894 - 1945), p. 6. Retrieved August 30, 2024, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article269039262 'Edward Wilson (journalist)', Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edward_Wilson_(journalist) 'Thomas Austin (pastoralist)', Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Austin_(pastoralist) 'The Acclimatisation Society was driven by misguided ideals about 'fixing nature' in Australia', ABC News, https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-11-04/acclimatisation-society-introduced-species-history-listen/101588262? utm_source=abc_news_app&utm_medium=content_shared&utm_campaign=abc_news_app&utm_content=safari Touching Canine Devotion. (1942, September 21). Portland Guardian (Vic. : 1876 - 1953), p. 1 (EVENING). Retrieved October 6, 2024, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article64381989 OBITUARY (1947, August 11). Portland Guardian (Vic. : 1876 - 1953), p. 2 (EVENING). Retrieved August 26, 2024, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article64412155 Family Notices (1947, September 11). Portland Guardian (Vic. : 1876 - 1953), p. 2 (EVENING). Retrieved October 10, 2024, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article64412476 'Thelymitra holmesii', Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thelymitra_holmesii THE ABORIGINES. (1856, March 16). The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), p. 4. Retrieved September 28, 2024, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article4833244Photographer notations on slide: "Vice Regal visit to zoo B42".zoos, governors, 1930-1939, cockatoos