Historical information

The construction on Lake Kerferd began in 1862 however it wasn't completed until 1874 due to engineering and funding issues. The lake was named after George Briscoe Kerferd (1831–1889) who was responsible for Beechworth's water scheme.

George Briscoe Kerferd was born on 21 January 1831 in Liverpool, England and arrived in Melbourne April 1853. He spent his first years in Australia in Bendigo before settling down in Beechworth as a wine and spirits merchant. He married Ann Martindale on 17th December 1853 at St James Cathedral, Melbourne and between them they had three sons and five daughters. Kerferd began his political and legal career in Beechworth when he was first elected to the Municipal Council in May 1857. Later he would be elected to the Legislative Assembly for the Ovens District in November 1864, and continued to represent the area until February 1886.

Significance

This photograph is historically significant as it provides insight into the water reserves of Victoria. It also demonstrates the political identity of George Briscoe Kerferd and the Beechworth Municipal Council.

Physical description

Sepia rectangular postcard printed on paper

Inscriptions & markings

Obverse:


Reverse:
83-131-1/
Post Card/
Correspondence / Address Only /
BMM2997 / 53 /
[Kodak Australia Stamp]