Historical information

John Lundy-Clarke grew up in the Kalorama/Mt Dandenong area and later in life (1972-74) began to write a comprehensive history of the area working from an original settlement map in an effort to cover all areas.
The photograph taken c1973 from Ernest Road looks over the site of the Kia-Ora guesthouse which is marked by the oalm tree that can be seen at the front of the flat roof close to the gum tree trunk.
Situated on Barber’s Road, ‘Kia-Ora’ was built in 1912 by George Barber. It was later leased by a Mrs Pemberthy. “Kia-Ora’ was one of four places connected when the telephone was brought into the district in 1912. The other places were ‘Mountjoy’, ‘Cherry Farm’ and ‘Callum House’. ‘Kia-Ora’ was burnt down in 1924.

Physical description

Black and white photograph showing a house with water tank in right foreground and another flat roof centre foreground. There is a handwritten description by John Lundy-Clarke on the reverse.

Inscriptions & markings

View 1973 from corner of Ernest Rd and Outlook Drive Lot 24 Village Settlement looking over the site of “Kia Ora” to the pioneers clearings. The palm tree seen above the flat roof (Rex) on left, is on the exact site of “Kia Ora”. Photo JLC