Historical information

Presented to Mrs A.M. Foster (husband a director, may have been major shareholder) on occasion of laying of foundation stone at Maffra Sugarbeet Factory in 1897.
Representatives of Frederick Barley, who visited the museum in September 2009 believe they have an identical trowel

Physical description

A silver presentation trowel with handle of unknown white compound, in an oblong case. The case is covered in black leatherette/paper, with green satin lining in the lid and black velvet inner base. Engraved to mark the laying of the foundation stone at the Maffra Sugarbeet Factory in 1897 by Mrs A.M. Foster. Much embellished with hand engraving.

Box edged inside with ruched satin around edges.

Inscriptions & markings

"Presented to Mrs A.M. Foster on the occasion of laying the memorial stone for the Beet Sugar Factory at Maffra on June 19th 1897 by Waring and Howden [Bowden?] builders.