Historical information

Initial court cases for the Western district were held and controlled for some time by Rutledge in Port Fairy. The first courthouse was built around 1854 and was in service until the stone building was built next to it in 1870. These two implements were used until around 1970 when heating was installed in the courthouse. They were decommissioned by Mr Ellis Roberts, Public Works Department Inspector.

Significance

These implements have a strong connection to a public building which has a long association with the town and surrounding area. The courthouse of 1863 was the scene of an infamous murder of Constable O’Boyle in front of the fireplace.

Physical description

Shovel has barley sugar twisted handle with eight sided domed top. It is flared at the bottom to hold the spade which is attached with two metal rivets. Spade contains a number of holes cut into oval shape in centre and has fluted side edges. The tongs consist of two parts held together below a short handle with a metal rivet and two metal discs. Both pieces have decorative mouldings on the handles and remnants of black paint.