The Federation of Australian Historical Societies History and Heritage News from around Australia May 2016 No. 41

NewsletterFederation of ustralian Historical Societies Inc. Contents • Editor’s Note...... 1 • From the President...... 1 • Canberra and District Historical Society...... 2 • Historical Society of the Northern Territory ...... 3 • History .....4-7 • Royal Australian Historical Society ...... 8-11 • Royal Historical Society of Queensland...... 12-15 • Royal Historical Society of Victoria...... 16-17 • Royal Western Australian Historical Society...... 18-19 • Tasmanian Historical Research Association...... 20

Editor’s Note From the President Welcome to the revived and for the Arts, Hon Senator Mitch I am delighted to continue the expanded FAHS Newsletter, Fifield, but received a stock excellent work of Esther Davies edited by our Online Outreach answer blaming the Library. We in editing the FAHS Newsletter Officer, Dr Bernadette Flynn. recommend that all societies and disseminating the work There are many issues occupying and their members write to of Australia’s historical society the FAHS at present including him, speak to their local federal movement. the distribution of a survey that member and sign the online is intended to give us a clearer petitions. See the FAHS e-Bulletin, For issue 41, a new format has and more detailed picture of no 149, on our website, for been introduced reflecting the 1,000 history and heritage further information and links. the diversity of approaches to societies across Australia. Please historical and heritage matters make sure that your society fills FAHS has written to the Liberals, and the importance of the it out. Labor and Greens asking for work of regional societies and their policies for the election, community museums. FAHS is Inevitably one matter dominating both generally on Heritage and also proud to expand its digital our attention is the cutbacks at specifically on TROVE. Their presence https://www.facebook. the National Library of Australia responses will be published in a com/FederationAHS/ and that are restricting many services. special edition of the e-Bulletin. provide a forum for emerging Arguably most worrying is the national news and events. impact on TROVE which has We may be heritage but we are revolutionised historical research. not history yet!! Dr Bernadette Flynn, FAHS TROVE will no longer harvest Online Outreach Officer new collections, and ongoing maintenance is uncertain. The Associate Professor Don Garden 1 The FAHS Newsletter | MAY 2016 | No 41 FAHS has written to the Minister President FAHS, President RSHV ,

Canberra and District Historical Society

NURSES AT LEMNOS, 1915: 3rd Australian General Hospital (3AGH) during the Gallipoli campaign. Photo: Patricia Blundell Canberra Women in World War 1 http://www.womenaustralia.info/exhib/cww1

Members of CDHS, along with the Australian war-related activities. They fell into four categories: Women’s Archive Project (AWAP) and many those who organised support for the troops; those friends and supporters, attended the launch, by involved in the conscription referenda campaigns, Gai Brodtmann MHR of the Anzac Grant Project both for and against; women from enemy alien managed by the Society: Canberra Women in World families who were interned at the Molonglo Camp; War 1: Community at Home, Nurses Abroad. Held Aboriginal women whose sons enlisted despite at the Canberra Museum and Gallery the launch the bar against indigenous enlistment. Some of was a highly successful event, chaired by Anne the women from ‘enemy’ families were Australian Buttsworth from AWAP. born, married to men whose families had long been naturalised as British citizens. Gai Brodtmann CDHS Councillor Dr Patricia Clarke prepared the noted the injustice in the treatment of these material on social and political aspects of Canberra families, some of whom had migrated to Australia during World War 1 and the nurses. Society during the mid 19th century gold rushes. members will remember her report at the our June 2015 meeting and articles in the September 2015 Ann Tundern-Smith, from both CDHS and AWAP and March 2016 issues of the Canberra Historical prepared a powerpoint display of images from the Journal. The nurses included three members of the web material which played behind the speakers, Gallagher family who were born in what became providing welcome illustrations of the research. the Federal Capital Territory, six who came to Canberra to nurse either at the military hospital at This project was funded by the Anzac Centenary Duntroon or at Canberra Hospital and three who Local Grants Program through the ACT Federal had family associations. Among them were Patricia Electorates of Canberra and Fraser, awarded to the Blundell who came from Melbourne to nurse at Australian Women’s Archives Project and Canberra Duntroon and Gladys Boon and Amy Bembrick & District Historical Society. who were descendants of the pioneer Southwell family. Julia Ryan, Dr Nikki Francis looked at the women involved in President, CDHS.

2 The FAHS Newsletter | MAY 2016 | No 41 Historical Society of the Northern Territory

OPENING OF GOYDER PARK: Darwin Waterfront’s newest park, Mr Vern O’Brien recognised Goyder Park, commemorates the for 60 years contribution to camp site which South Australian NT as a licenced surveyor Surveyor-General George Woodroffe Goyder established when he arrived on 5 February 1869. The camp became the first permanent European settlement in northern Australia. This was the fifth, and first successful settlement attempt in North Australia which was later renamed Darwin.

The park is a replica of Goyder’s original camp where he and around 128 men camped while they undertook the initial layout, planning and development of Darwin (originally called Palmerston). Many of Darwin city’s streets today are named The Administrator of the after the surveyors in the Goyder’s Camp settlement. Northern Territory, John Hardy Craig Sandy, Surveyor-General of the Northern Territory, said that opens Goyder Park in memory thanks to Goyder’s surveyors, very accurate plans showed of the surveyor who founded exactly where all the structures that made up Goyder’s Camp Darwin(1826-1898) in the early 1870s were located. This led to the idea that the design of the park could reflect founder, stepped ashore,’ Michael on the way this was to be done, the original features of the camp. Wells, Director Heritage Branch but he reported in his diary for said. 6 February, 1869 that ‘Young The raised areas and the Bobby’, one of his best horses, arrangement of seating areas Mr Wells said that by the time had drowned. He also recorded represent the outline of the Goyder’s ship, Moonta, arrived at that ‘my English terrier dog, buildings that made up Goyder’s Darwin Harbour in 1869, the men carelessly left on shore….was Camp. Signs have been installed had learned that Goyder was a found dead on the beach’. that reflect upon daily life in the strict disciplinarian (there was camp, the work of Goyder’s team no swearing when Goyder was ‘This park now represents and the Larrakia perspective. nearby). They had also learned not just a pleasant place to In a talk to the HSNT the most that he was genuinely concerned stop and rest, but a unique interesting aspects identified for their welfare. opportunity to reflect on our were the ‘how and why’ of the unique and complex history. It park design, and the politics of Their leader lived up to his also recognises one of the most its planning and completion. nickname of ‘Little Energy’. He important historical sites in the organised the sinking of a well, Northern Territory’ Mr Wells said. ‘The opening of the Goyder and supervised the men as they Park is timed to celebrate the started to land the livestock Earl James, President HSNT and exact day 147 years ago that by swimming them ashore. extracts from Waterfront News, South Australian Surveyor- Goyder gave strict instructions NT Government General George Goyder, Darwin’s

33 The FAHS Newsletter | MAY 2016 | No 41 3 History Trust South Australia

Three of the SA History SA - A Model for museums managed working with History by the History Trust History SA is an unusual opened the South Australian organisation in Australia: one Maritime Museum in Port that both manages museums and the Migration and of its own and assists the state’s Settlement Museum (Migration many community museums and Museum) just off the North historical societies to manage Terrace cultural precinct. These their collections. openings in 1986 coincided with the 150th anniversary of It was established as the colonial settlement in South History Trust of South Australia Australia. The History Trust following a state government also took over management review of museums on of the Constitutional Museum South Australia Maritime Museum Adelaide’s North Terrace cultural and Birdwood Mill Museum precinct (Edwards report 1981) (National Motor Museum). The specifically to operate social Constitutional Museum (often history museums and to fill the known as Old Parliament House gap in the state’s collecting Museum) has since closed but areas. Other key functions History SA remains the operator include encouraging research of three major and very diverse into and dissemination of South museums: the South Australian Australian history and the Maritime Museum, the Migration collection and conservation of Museum and the National Motor historically significant items (the Museum. A general social history The Migration Museum State History Collection). museum focused on the history of Adelaide was foreshadowed Within a few years of in the Edwards Report and has establishment as a statutory not yet eventuated. It remains an authority the History Trust aspiration of the organisation,

SA HISTORY FESTIVAL: Vir- tual Reality Concert Series, ASO Classic at Adelaide Town Hall. The National Motor Museum

4 The FAHS Newsletter | MAY 2016 | No 41 History Trust South Australia

underpinned by the gradually SA MARITIME MUSEUM: expanding State History Visitors at Wrecked ! Tragedy Collection. in the Southern Seas exhibi- tion As well as managing its own museums a second key function of the Trust is to assist the state’s community museums and encouraging and assisting the work of South Australia’s historical societies.

The History Trust of South Australia Act (1981) specifies a function of the Trust is to ‘accredit or otherwise to evaluate museums’ and to this end the Trust set up the Museums Accreditation and Grants Program (now Community Museums Program [CMP]) in 1982. The program is a standards and accreditation program based around providing a The History Trust assists range of advice, assistance and practical hands-on training to South Australia’s community assist museum to manage their collections and make them accessible. museums and historical

Currently there are 65 museums societies. involved in the CMP. They are spread throughout the state and manage collections in the many tens of thousands community history sector in Other programs that History SA of items including objects, South Australia specifically runs also support history groups archival records and extensive around the collection, and individuals to contribute photographic collections. preservation and interpretation to the South Australian history of moveable cultural heritage. story, particularly the annual About half are branches of the Offering workshops, and History Festival (all of May) National Trust of South Australia, ongoing advice and assistance which encourages the stronger while the remainder are either are important functions of the development of a network of auspiced by local government, CMP, and skills development history interest groups, and by a local historical society or in both history and museum the State History Conference, other community organisation, practice are made available to which brings together local or are separately incorporated. historical societies, museums historians, community museums, They include a handful that has and any groups with an interest professional and academic one or two paid staff members, in South Australian history. historians to explore the state’s but the vast majority are entirely history. volunteer run. The annual South Australian History Fund helps support The CMP is also an umbrella groups and individuals to Amanda James, for a wide range of interactions research, preserve and publish Senior Community History that History SA has with the history. Officer, HTSA

335 The FAHS Newsletter | MAY 2016 | No 41 3 ,

National Trust of South Australia

MARTINDALE HALL, Georgian symmetry and proportions, 19th Century mansion built 1878-1880.

Magnificent heritage icon Martindale Hall at risk

Martindale Hall in the picturesque son, John Bowman and his family left Cumbria for of South Australia is one of Australia’s iconic Australia in 1829 and finally landed in Van Diemen’s nineteenth century mansions. Immortalised in the Land (Tasmania). John’s eldest son (also) Edmund classic 1970s film, Picnic at Hanging Rock, the Hall was just 11 when they left England. In 1838, at faces an uncertain future as the South Australian the age of 20, Edmund was sent from Tasmania government considers selling the property to to investigate prospects in the new settlement of private investors. The National Trust is leading a South Australia. campaign to prevent the Hall being converted into an exclusive luxury resort. The Trust has Impressed by the opportunities of the fledgling recently announced its own proposal for the Hall colony, the family soon established themselves to preserve and promote its heritage and to ensure on pastoral runs north of Adelaide early in the and that it remains in public hands, accessible to 1840s. Their runs included the land, later named all. Martindale, where the Hall would one day be built. Edmund married Elizabeth Hackney in 1854 The story of Martindale Hall really begins in and Edmund Junior was born in 1855. Tragically, Cumbria in northern England, renowned for the Edmund Senior drowned in 1866, when Edmund beauty of the famous Lake District. From at least Bowman Junior was only 11 years old. Despite this the fifteenth century, the Bowman family had loss, the Bowman family prospered in the boom lived in the eastern side of Cumbria, bordering decades of the 1870s and 1880s. Edmund Bowman Westmorland. By the end of the eighteenth Junior spent time at Clare College in Cambridge century, Bowmans were to be found all around this and also visited his ancestral home around Askham area centred on the village of Askham. and Dalemain. It is here that the inspiration for Martindale Hall can be found. Edmund Bowman served as steward on the nearby Dalemain Estate in the late 1700s. Bowman was According to one account, Edmund Junior sought an able manager and much trusted by the Hasell to win the heart of the unmarried Frances Hassel Family who owned and still own the Dalemain of Dalemain, vowing to woo her to Australia estate. Unusually for those times, Bowman was with the promise of a home to rival her own. entrusted with large amounts of money to Undoubtedly, the plans for Martindale Hall, which purchase land and buildings. Edmund Bowman’s Bowman had produced in London by the architect

6 The FAHS Newsletter | MAY 2016 | No 41 National Trust of South Australia

Ebenezer Gregg, bear a strong MARTINDALE HALL resemblance to the Georgian INTERIOR: The entrance hall symmetry and proportions of with staircase Dalemain Estate.

Whatever transpired between Edmund and Frances, he returned to South Australia in 1878 and commenced construction of Martindale Hall the following year. The Hall was completed in 1880 at a cost equivalent to more than $5m today. The Hall and its grounds, featuring a polo field, boating lake, cricket pitch and extensive gardens, were an impressive testament to the success of early Australian pastoralists. However, In 2015 the government received a bid by the end of the 1880s, drought to turn the hall into an exclusive private had brought the wool industry to a point of crisis. After over resort extending themselves in accumulating land holdings and the Hall and 19.5 hectares of land opposition to the proposal, the debt, the Bowmans were forced would be passed to the South Government has not revealed to relinquish Martindale Hall in a Australian Government in trust its intentions. The National Trust fire sale of assets in 1891. for the people of South Australia. has been leading a campaign to keep the Hall for the people William Ranson Mortlock Beside the Hall is a plaque as intended by the Mortlock acquired the property and it which states the intention bequest and in the transfer from remained in the hands of the for the transfer of property. the University. Mortlock family for the next Cast in bronze- so it would be seventy years. The Mortlocks remembered in the future- are The National Trust has submitted also enjoyed prosperous times the following words: its vision for Martindale Hall to at Martindale Hall. John Andrew ‘In the State’s sesquicentenary Government, proposing to create Tennant Mortlock succeeded year, 1986, the University a world class heritage based his father in 1913. In 1948 he gave Martindale Hall to the tourist attraction that utilises married Dorothy Beech, but Government in trust for the the whole site and keeps it sadly, in 1950, he died. people of South Australia, to accessible to all. ensure its preservation as a place In his will Mortlock bequeathed of heritage significance.’ You can find out more about 400 acres of farmland and the the proposal and show your Hall to the For thirty years the Hall has been support by visiting the website and the Libraries Board of South managed as a museum and bed www.nationaltrust.org.au/sa/ Australia, while providing a and breakfast accommodation. martindalehall or emailing life interest in the estate to his In 2014 the government ran an martindalehall@nationaltrustsa. widow Dorothy Mortlock. She expression of interest process org.au also made a number of generous for the future management of bequests. After her death in the Hall and grounds. Since Or spread the word on Facebook 1979 the Hall came under the that process failed to produce a by liking and sharing our page: exclusive management of the new plan for the Hall, its future https://www.facebook.com/ University of Adelaide. However, has been in doubt. Last year sharethelovemartindalehall/​ the university’s plans for using the government received an the Hall as a conference centre unsolicited bid to turn the Hall Dr Darren Peacock, Chief proved unsuccessful. After some into an exclusive private resort. Executive Officer, National Trust negotiation it was resolved that Despite overwhelming public of South Australia

7 11 The FAHS Newsletter | MAY 2016 | No 41 3 ,

Royal Australian Historical Society

HOWE HOUSE, Hawkesbury Regional Museum , built in the late1820s by John Howe.

Hawkesbury Historical Society Collection forms basis of the Hawkesbury Regional Museum

Members of the long-established families along Through volunteer labour, the Museum of the the upper Hawkesbury Valley were well aware that Society was created in this fine building, originally they lived in the first settled area of New South the home of a prominent entrepreneur and chief Wales outside Sydney and Parramatta, aware that constable John Howe in the 1820s and 1830s, and for half a century after 1794 the alluvial soils of the later an inn and a newspaper printery. The Windsor Hawkesbury flood-plain had produced abundant Municipal Council then bought Howe House in wheat, maize and vegetables for the young colony. 1968 at the Society’s request and thenceforward They were aware too that the small eighteenth- the entire house was made available to the Society: century farms and the towns like Windsor and the Hawkesbury District Tourism Association set Richmond established by Governor Macquarie in up an information centre in the wide entry foyer. 1810 remained exceptionally legible: maize still The museum collection expanded to around flourishes today on 30-acre farms as it has for 222 5,000 local items including many of state and years, Ebenezer church passed its bicentenary six national significance, domestic and industrial. All years ago, Greenway’s court-house in Windsor still were donated freely by the community, all were hears local cases. collected, accessioned and displayed by Society members. Much help was given by the Museums’ But an historical society was not mooted until 1947 Association of NSW, including the verification of and it took nine more years for the Hawkesbury the national significance of the collection. Historical Society to be formed, through the advocacy of Doug Bowd, a member of a very old The cellar, which had been full of silt since it family and later the author of the two best-known had been flooded in 1867, was archaeologically books about the district. From 1957 onwards the excavated in 1985 and thereafter used for Society actively solicited significant artefacts from displaying large objects such as the original its members and their wider circle. The first display wooden cross from St Matthew’s Anglican church. of museum objects was at the local Agricultural Detailed submissions, rather than simple requests, Show in 1958 and in 1961 the Society accepted the to Windsor Municipal Council by the Society over lease of the upper storey of an historic building many years achieved good results, with a new from one of its members. covered internal entry to the cellar, and acceptance that the Bicentenial funding for 1988 should be

8 The FAHS Newsletter | MAY 2016 | No 41 Royal Australian Historical Society

focussed on conserving and painting the external façades of Exhibition pays tribute to the buildings of the state-listed Heritage Conservation Area of Hawkesbury Historical Society Thompson Square, including Howe House, the Society’s aboutMINUTES direction OF FIRST MEET for- the year, and Museum. dedicatedING OF HAWKESBURY Society HIS -fund-raising Through the means of the throughTORICAL SOCIETY: a book Mayor store at the Museum,Kim Ford with to museum donate funds In the 1990s what had then curator Rebecca Turnbull become Hawkesbury City Council moved towards establishing a museum and art gallery on a larger site. To this end it purchased the historic hospital site in Windsor in 1998. This proved unsuitable, but a new Library and Regional Art Gallery were built close by. A further submission by the Society in 2003 saw the Council EXHIBITION: Interesting accept a $1.15m grant from Objects: 60 years of the the State Government on a Hawkesbury Historical dollar for dollar arrangement Society. Hand made lace collected by Carol to build a separate Regional Curruthers. Museum on a site immediately behind Howe House and incorporating the old building within the new complex. After protracted negotiations between the Historical Society and the Council, it was agreed that the Society’s collections should form the basis of the new Museum, that the Society should continue to own all the artefacts but that the administration of the Museum be taken over by the Council, which would employ professional staff in the Museum and Art Gallery. to help with the conservation Through the means of the of the Society’s artefacts. Some Memorandum of Agreement, One crucial factor in the Society members continue it has been possible through continued success of the to volunteer to work at the ongoing respect and arrangement between Society Museum within the Council’s commitment to the common and Council has been the program. goals, to achieve co-operation Memorandum of Agreement, that has led to a successful which both partners worked The Regional Museum opened facility benefitting Hawkesbury out before proceeding. It in 2008 and the Historical Historical Society, Hawkesbury provides for the Society’s society holds its monthly City Council and visitors to the representatives to meet with meetings within the modern Hawkesbury Regional Museum. the professional staff to discuss building, while Howe House projects, for the professional has been extensively conserved Director or Curator to attend a and is an integral part of the Professor Ian Jack Society meeting annually to talk visitor’s experience. RAHS Committee Member

9 7 The FAHS Newsletter | MAY 2016 | No 41 3 Royal Australian Historical Society

Parramatta Female Factory - The earliest convict women’s site in Australia.

Areas of the In December 1799 Parramatta’s 1818 and 1821. Although it was log and thatch gaol burnt down definitely a gaol, women being Parramatta Female and was replaced by a stone sent there from the courts as a Factory in need of gaol under the direction of the place of secondary punishment, Reverend Samuel Marsden, it had multiple other purposes. critical conservation, acting as Superintendant of ongoing Public Works. The building It was a house of asylum as maintenance and commenced in 1802 and convict women too sick or infirm sometime in 1803 it was decided to work could find shelter there. heritage informed to add a second storey as a linen The first dedicated women’s renovations include: and woollen manufactory. This health service in the colony was the first female factory but was erected within its walls. It only Joseph Lycett’s painting was the first colonial home for • The Greenway hospital of it remains. Built less than newly arrived convicts, yet to be building (first female health skilfully, it was soon in very poor assigned. Convict women whose service in Australia) condition and far too small for jobs ended, were returned to the accommodation needs of the factory to await further • The Greenway Matron’s convict women. assignment, so it also became quarters, meeting rooms and a labour exchange. Marriage administration rooms The second Parramatta Female fairs were held there making it a Factory was instigated by marriage bureau and the work • A 19th century building on the Governor Macquarie, designed performed designated it a viable third class dining room footprint by Francis Greenway and built manufactory, despite the women by Watkins and Payten, local being described as having, • The second class workshop area Parramatta builders, between ‘no commercial value’. Work • The Walter Liberty Vernon designed building on the footprint of the first class PAINTING, AUGUSTUS workshop area EARLE, 1826: Depiction of the second Female Factory, Parramatta (Image: NLA) • The Governor Gipps compound also known as ‘crime class’

• 1818 exterior walls to the north and south

• 1830’s courtyard walls

• Third class sleeping quarters and workrooms

• Catholic orphanage which later became the Parramatta Girls Home

• Extensive archaeological sites

10 Royal Australian Historical Society

conditions led to the first known, GIPP’S SOLITARY CELL female workers riots in Australia BLOCK: A view of Govenor in 1827. Gipps additions to the Fe- male Factory, built 1838-9 This second Factory is the earliest (Image: The SAG) convict women’s site still in existence in Australia. Besides the building phase of Lachlan Macquarie, Governor Brisbane commissioned the third class additions while Governor Gipps additions included a three storey, solitary cell block and large courtyard. Many parts of the factory remain but need to be teased out of surrounding buildings, extensions and alterations. Enclosure walls 20 feet high, matrons residence, Govenor Gipps three storey hospital, dead house, workrooms, a building for refractory women c1823 and the cell block and large courtyard massive Gipps compound are all extant. In a refurbished building, but from entirely inappropriate and sites of the Parramatta which recycled the original development including two Local Government area with factory stone, are the bell dated high rise residential buildings a particular focus on North 1820 and a Thwaites and Reed scheduled for inside the Parramatta’s heritage and its clock which ordered the convict Governor Gipps compound. To natural and built environment. women’s days. Closed by 1849, accommodate the easy flow of They seek to achieve the creation the factory reopened as the residents it is proposed to put of a master plan that is informed Parramatta Lunatic Asylum and five entries in the currently intact by the site, its current buildings is still a mental health facility to compound walls. After much and narrative as an alternative to this day. pressure from the Female Factory the urban densification proposal Friends and 10,000 signatures by Urban Growth NSW that is Parramatta Female Factory delivered to Parliament, Dr driven by a policy mandate of Friends Inc has developed from Geoff Lee, Local Member of fulfilling housing targets. community response to the Parliament, has given a verbal The MoU has increased the tenuous future of the Factory. account that these two buildings strength of their advocacy. Their group action aims to will be deleted from the Urban NAPRAG is consistent in keeping ensure this internationally Growth design. We still await the issue before local residents, significant site firstly gains written confirmation of this so Government, newspapers and National Heritage Listing, then remain wary. The initial design radio stations. The Parramatta World Heritage Listing. The was for 6,000 units in high rise Female Factory friends continue current Factory replaced the first up to 30 stories to be built in with site monitoring, research, factory and was the model for the immediate area. Continued tours, talks, education activities all eleven succeeding factories. pressure has reduced the unit and events. It predates all but three of the numbers to approximately 4,000. UNESCO world heritage listed It is hoped the combined items. Two large community groups, strength of the two groups will Female Factory Friends and encourage Governments, Local These sites and buildings are North Parramatta Residents State and National to protect, under threat from an Urban Action Group (NPRAG) have preserve and conserve the site Growth plan to erect high rise recently signed a Memorandum for future generations. housing in the factory and of Understanding to work surrounding hospital area. The together to protect and Judith Dunn, threat is not from demolition enhance the historic buildings Councillor, RAHS

11 7 The FAHS Newsletter | MAY 2016 | No 41 3 OQ Royal Historical Society of Queensland Queens Wharf Precinct, Brisbane

The Destination Brisbane Government architect Thomas Consortium is proceeding Pye. with Queensland government –The former Museum later State support with the redevelopment Library building erected in 1878 Government Printing Office, 1887 of the old Government sector on and designed by F.D.G. Stanley. the north bank of the Brisbane –The former Treasury Building River. This location now known built in stages from 1885 to 1928 as the Queens Wharf Brisbane from the designs of architect Precinct runs east from Queen John James Clark. Street and is bounded by Queens Wharf Road, George Street and GEORGE Street: Alice Street. –Government Printing Office completed by builder John Petrie This precinct contains nine in 1887 from the designs of important and heritage listed architect Edwin Evan Smith and The Mansions, 1889 buildings: further extended in 1911. –Harris Terrace, a group of six WILLIAM Street: town houses built in 1866 from –The Commissariat Store built the designs of architect George by convicts in 1829 under the Cowlishaw. This was nearly command of Captain Patrick demolished in 1970. Logan. –The Mansions. Consisting of –The Immigration depot from six two storied town houses it 1866 (now known as National was completed in 1888 from Trust House) designed by Charles the designs of George H.M. Tiffin and further extended in Addison. One town house was 1898. once occupied by Australia’s first Queensland Club, 1884 –The Old Government Printing female surgeon Dr. Lillian Violet Images © Trevor Newman, 2009 Office built in 1874 by John Petrie Cooper. from the designs of architect F.D.G. Stanley. It was the first These structures will be subject building powered by electricity in to direct impact from the Brisbane in 1883. development by way of reduced –The former Land Administration access and traffic disruption as Building built in 1905 by Arthur well as vibration and excavation Midson from the designs of for the foundations of the

QUEENS WHARF : Precinct modeling by Destination Brisbane Consortium.

12 The FAHS Newsletter |MAY 2016 | No 41 Royal Historical Society of Queensland

development. Other important THE COMMISSARIAT STORE: structures which exist in the The headquartersoldest habitable of the precinct include: Royalbuilding Historical in Queensland Society of –The portion of original convict Queensland.and the home que of RHSQ.di dus stone wall in Queens Wharf Road dating from 1826/7. –The retaining wall on William Street from 1889. –Queens Park and associated statues. –The Queens Wharf road air raid shelter from 1942. –The original foundations of the Commandant’s cottage behind the printing building in William Street.

The Royal Historical Society of Queensland is vitally interested in the protection of this important precinct and is maintaining constant contact with representatives The RHSQ is vitally interested in the of the Department of State Development and preservation of the Queens Wharf the Destination Brisbane Consortium. In a letter to Brisbane heritage buildings the Department of State Development in September 2015 the Society through its courtyard be preserved in their years have been remodelled Honorary Secretary Dr Ruth Kerr entirety and not disturbed in any internally with many converted expressed its views that although way by surrounding construction to air conditioned office the proposed development is work. space and other uses such as considered important to the restaurants and coffee outlets. economic future of the City and The Commissariat Store built The Destination Brisbane the enhancement of the north in 1829 is the oldest habitable Consortium already leases the bank of the river it is particularly building in Queensland and is old Treasury Building which is important to preserve and the most significant heritage the current Casino and also the enhance the heritage precinct building in the state. Protection Star Treasury Hotel which has and all structures therein. of pedestrian and vehicle been established in the old Land access arrangements to the Administration building for many The Royal Historical Society of Commissariat Store during and years. Queensland has its headquarters after the casino development in the Commissariat Store at project will enable the The next six years represent a the ‘heart’ of the Queen’s Wharf preservation of the historical and challenging and exciting time for Brisbane Priority Development cultural heritage values of the the precinct and the RHSQ will Area. The Society is vitally building, which include the work be much involved in discussion interested of the convicts in the Moreton with all parties to ensure that in the protection of4 the Bay settlement. the final result will reflect the heritage values of the Queens values of this most historic sector Wharf Brisbane Precinct, and Most of the heritage buildings of Brisbane and enhance the the Commissariat Store in in the precinct are in good attraction of the North bank to particular. It is essential that the condition and appear externally all locals and tourists alike. Commissariat Store building and as they would have on surrounding boundary walls and completion. All of them over the Dean Prangley, President RHSQ

134 The FAHS Newsletter | MAY 2016 | No 41 3 Royal Historical Society of Queensland

The Bolsheviks of Brisbane: The Red Flag Riots, 1919

RED FLAG RIOTS MERIVALE STREET : Cartoon represen- tation of riots, Queensland Police Union Journal, 1919

Standing on the upper floors the first to land at Gallipoli was Poster displaying of the Commissariat Store, the the member for Nundah and the War Precautions home of the Royal Queensland one of the leaders of the ultra- Historical Society, and looking Loyalist Returned Sailors, Soldiers Act, 1914. directly across the Brisbane River and Citizens Loyalty League. past Southbank a discerning A fervent pro-conscriptionist, including the rebellious IWW, viewer can catch glimpses of Sizer used parliamentary debate anarchists and (initially) the the location of one of Australia’s to denounce socialists, largely Bolshevik supporters as well most intriguing events. Now meaning the government under as local activists such as Ernie largely forgotten, except by T. J. Ryan and the new global Lane, Jennie Scott–Griffth and historians concerned with enemy, the Bolsheviks who pacifists in the Women’s Peace radical protest and activity had overthrown the Czar in Army like Margaret Thorp. in World War 1, the Red Flag November 1917. My grandfather, Queensland and South Brisbane riots on Sunday 24 March 1919 Frank Saunders who had studied in particular was the home of were remarkable events which with Rupert Brooke at Kings many radical Russians who came saw the Queensland Police College, Cambridge records in after escaping incarceration Commissioner, William Urquhart his diary that he took part in the in Siberia after the failed 1905 seriously wounded and fifteen nefarious Red Flag riots. revolution. Tom Sergeev (aka Russian residents given up to Artem”) arrived in Brisbane in seven years’ imprisonment Queensland during World War 1911 in these circumstances. He for flying the Red Flag, an act 1 possessed the only socialist returned to Russia in 1917 where prohibited against the War government ever elected in he helped plan the revolution Precautions Act. Australia. Moreover it did not with Lenin. support conscription placing I have to disclose a personal it at odds with the federal Antagonism between the interest in these events as my government under W. M. Empire Loyalists and the various family were deeply involved in Hughes. The state provided a coalitions of the Left was thus the proceedings. My paternal refuge for a variety of national far more pronounced and great uncle, Hubert Sizer, one of and international dissidents prolonged in the northern

14 The FAHS Newsletter | MAY 2016 | No 41 Royal Historical Society of Queensland

state than anywhere else in the zealous Loyalists who contravention of the national the Commonwealth. Hostilities continued after the Armistice with many ex-servicemen deeply resentful that their return did not herald prosperity and good fortune while dissidents felt intimidated by continued state surveillance and persecution. Enmities came to a head on Sunday afternoon of 24 March 1919 when a group of around 350 trade unionists and radicals attempted to march from the Trades Hall in Upper Edward Brisbane on their way to the Domain, the area of public forum where QUT and Old Government House now stand at the end of William Street. Somewhat provocatively they held the banner of the Red Flag, a proscribed emblem under the War Precautions Act. Word soon spread among the Loyalist community. The year before the Sinn Fein green, white and orange flag was banned. By nightfall over 8000 resented the police action. In security regulations. The annual anti – Bolsheviks gathered along the initial melee lasting over two May Day marchers were attacked North Quay spilling over past hours seven mounted police by war veterans. In September Queen Street to the western were shot as well as numerous 1919 the federal government end of William Street containing horses, one sustaining nine ordered groups of Russian the Commissariat Store. Many bullets. In all 19 police were dissidents to be deported from ex-servicemen carried firearms, injured, some by bayonets, Australia to Odessa. Many of bottles and homemade bombs. some seriously by men who had those active in Brisbane in recently seen military action in 1919 died in the purges of They marched across the the Western Front. 1936 -37. Peter Simonoff was Victoria Bridge right near the appointed by Leo Trotsky as Commissariat Store’s riverfront Police could not maintain their the Bolshevik Government’s entrance on Queens Wharf lines as they were overwhelmed first ambassador to Australia, a singing “Keep the Home Fires by the sheer numbers of agitated position that was not recognised Burning” and “Australia Will be protestors who may have by the Commonwealth. There”. Their intention was to wondered what they had fought Alexander Zuzenko undertook destroy the Russian Club over the for and why were detested the important position of river in Merivale Street and attack Bolsheviks allowed to live among Comptroller of Comintern as many Russian dissidents and them. Considerable property activities in the British Empire. their supporters as possible. As was destroyed or looted along It is hard to imagine that the police had time to organise Melbourne Street running Tom Sergeev helped plan their resources to prevent the perpendicular to Merivale Street. the Bolshevik revolution literally warring parties meeting Many Russians were similarly form Merivale Street in South they stood in formation over attacked and injured. Brisbane. the south side of the river. Shots were fired, small bombs went off In the aftermath 15 Russians Emerita Professor, Kay Saunders, and many bottles were hurled by were incarcerated for RSHQ Delegate

15 The FAHS Newsletter | MAY 2016 | No 41 Royal Historical Society Of Victoria

COLLINS STREET 1892 : LITHOGRAPH c. 1840: looking east from its Aboriginal people looking intersection with west along Collins Street Elizabeth Street. towards Market Street.

Remembering Melbourne - A history of Melbourne produced by the RHSV with 33 experts, 75 volunteers and 21 historical societies.

In late 2014 the Royal Historical Society of lost character. Second, the other half of the book Victoria (RHSV) was approached by Queensland would be of Melbourne city streetscapes and Book Depot to partner in a publishing project buildings, arranged on a street by street basis, and modelled on the successful book Lost Brisbane and drawn mostly from the RHSV’s large collection of Surrounding Areas, 1860-1960 (2014) produced images. Third, each suburb or city street would by the Royal Historical Society of Queensland. be introduced by an expert overview, separate This book itself emulated a previous work, Lost from the individual captions under each and every London (2009). The proposed publication that image. Over thirty historians were enlisted pro would contain about 800 captioned images, was bono for this task. an immense task. However, after deliberation an agreement was struck in early 2015, whereby for The fourth innovation was to commission three a modest sum, the RHSV would provide camera introductory chapters by experts in the field, ready art to QBD by mid-2016. again on a pro bono basis. The first would discuss ‘Aboriginal Melbourne’, for a book of photographs A team of six set to work planning the book. It that represents Melbourne from the 1850s would was decided to introduce some innovations over silence the Aboriginal presence, unless it was the approach in the excellent Lost Brisbane book. featured in at least this way. A second chapter, First, half the book would be devoted to suburban ‘Shaping Melbourne’ would explain the materials images and local historical societies would be from which the city was built, their origins and the invited to contribute fifteen captioned images forms and styles into which they were shaped to each illustrating their suburb, and its iconic or create the character of the city. A third chapter,

16 The FAHS Newsletter | MAY 2016 | No 41 Royal Historical Society of Victoria

‘Picturing Melbourne’, would MYER EMPORIUM AND explain the evolving camera BUCKLEY AND NUNN: technology that lay behind all Bourke Street, c. 1930 the images displayed in the book. All three commissions were accepted.

Twenty-one of Melbourne’s key historical societies responded to the invitation to be involved, only one was not able to submit material, due to health concerns of several key members. The response from local societies was extremely enthusiastic, and led to many animated and joyous debates about which fifteen images best captured their local area.

The efficiency with which all societies met the deadline was amazing, and all groups Twenty of Melbourne’s managed to master the digital skills needed to supply camera historical societies contributed ready art and concise captions. This part of the project has been images from their collections to extremely beneficial to relations between societies and their Remembering Melbourne umbrella body, the RHSV. It is likely these good relations will be RHSV will have met over twenty the RHSV and its member continued by exhibitions at the times by the completion of the societies. They will be seen by RHSV using the artwork created project in July 2016 and each funding bodies to be producing for the book. meeting has built on many significant cultural resources. It preparatory hours of selecting will be clear they are digitising Remembering Melbourne and editing. The RHSV image and sharing their collections with reveals the work of the history team had to sift through about a wider audience. And finally movement at its best. It has 50,000 images to make the final they will demonstrate the level of been a magnificent voluntary selection for each of seventeen their interaction and cooperation effort. The introductions have city precincts. Because of the with other like-minded bodies been written by 33 experts, and time demands on the project, to the development of the the captions by 75 volunteers, captioning proceeded alongside whole sector. Melbourne will be several of them students from image selection. showcased and remembered, Deakin University completing but so will the history society outplacements for their BA Some images that were movement! degree. Caption writing can captioned did not make the final take 1-3 hours and there are cut, but work done on these Images from the RHSV Collection approximately 800 of them. un-selected images will enrich (GS-CS-35; NP-0270; PHN- Chapters and introductions of the collection’s database for the 001023) course take longer. All writers future. of chapters, introductions and Emeritus Professor Richard captions will be acknowledged The book will be published, Broome, Vice-President RHSV; co- beside their words. launched and on sale in editor with Judith Smart (FAHS November 2016. The whole Vice President) of Remembering The guiding team of six at the project has and will enhance Melbourne.

17 11 The FAHS Newsletter | MAY 2016 | No 41 3 ,

Royal Western Australian Historical Society

PATRICK TAYLOR COTTAGE: ABC Open, Then and Now Series, Photo: Suzannah Lyons

Albany Historical Society (inc.) www.historicalbany.com.au

Since its inception at the inaugural meeting of Patrick Taylor Cottage: The Cottage is the jewel concerned townspeople on 1 June 1962, several in the Society’s crown. Originally built by John factors have contributed to the success of the Laurence Morley around 1832, it was constructed Albany Historical Society (Inc) (‘the Society’). It of wattle and daub and is the oldest surviving is interesting to note that this intrepid group of dwelling in Western Australia. The original people became its first Volunteers! dwelling had two rooms. The Cottage of today has nine rooms plus laundry and bathroom. Western There are several factors that make the Society Australian Land records for June 1835 show that rather special. Firstly, its registered office is Morley sold the building with its enclosures and situated in Western Australia’s first settlement. sundries at public auction to Patrick Taylor for Albany (originally called ‘Frederickstown’) is £400. gloriously situated on the shores of King George Sound and Princess Royal Harbour and is sheltered Patrick Taylor, a Scot, was brought up by his by the stately Mounts Melville, Clarence and guardian at Kirktonhill, near Montrose. Being Adelaide. young, of good family, considerable means, a keen churchman and a vigorous participant in Secondly, the Society has two venues of public affairs, he may have been persuaded by immeasurable importance to the town (now a an acquaintance, Captain James Stirling, to travel City), Patrick Taylor Cottage (‘the Cottage’) and the to Western Australia at a time when new settlers Albany Convict Gaol (‘the Gaol’). were desperately required. He sailed on the ‘James Pattison’ in 1833 and later married a young lady And thirdly, the Society is fortunate to have had who also sailed on the vessel, Mary Bussell (whose at its helm for many years, Chief Executive Officer, family settled the town of Busselton). Patrick and Andrew Eyden, who is ably supported by the Mary had many children and their descendants 74 volunteers who comprise its President and occupied the Cottage until the 1940s. Executive Committee, the Administration Team and the people of all ages who staff its venues. Society Members, Judith Gleeson and Bonnie (The Society would be unable to function without and Adeline Hicks were instrumental in saving its wonderful Volunteers who have a passionate the Cottage from demolition by the Albany Town interest in - and fondness for - the venues.) Council. The Cottage was later furnished with

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items and artefacts from the 19th ALBANY CONVICT GAOL: Century donated by members of Built 1873-1882. Managed the public. by the Albany Historical Society. The Society first opened the Cottage to the public in 1962. Its Volunteers still open the building daily between the hours of 11.00am and 3.00pm.

Albany Convict Gaol: In 1873, work commenced on the buildings that now comprise the Albany Convict Gaol (‘the Gaol’).

Initially, the intention was to house Imperial Convicts from Britain within its walls. The accommodation included gaoler’s quarters, a convict depot Albany Convict Gaol opened to building, and a timber-lined cell for Aboriginals, as well as female cells, a day room, a kitchen and the public as a museum in 1968. wash-house. There were two separate walled exercise yards for male and female prisoners. bookings from local and Work for the Dole Volunteers: The buildings had solid brick interstate schools. The Society The Society currently has 28 walls on stone foundations, brick also provides group tours for unemployed people on the chimneys and timber joinery, passengers from the many cruise Government ‘Work for the Dole’ roof framing, floors and roof ships visiting Albany. Other Scheme working as Volunteers shingles. The boundary walls interstate and local groups at its venues. 23 of those were built of brick. Additions to make bookings and there is the Volunteers enthusiastically work the Gaol were made between passing trade of daily tourists. in the Cottage gardens. The 1878 and 1882. other 5 Volunteers work at the Historic Photograph Collection: Cottage and the Gaol. In 1967, The Society obtained a The Society holds copyright over management order for the Gaol the 12,000 historic photographs Over recent years, the Society from the Town of Albany and in its Collection. Its Photography has published several books opened the Gaol to the public in Department has catalogued and in-house, which are on sale at its 1968. digitally stored these important venues and are listed on the web relics of the past. site. These include a history of The Gaol is a fascinating part the Gaol and the Cottage. Any photograph in the of Albany’s history14 and is open seven days a week manned by its Collection can be printed on Visit http://www.historicalbany. Volunteers. It draws visitors from request. Various sizes are com.au/ all parts of the world. available for purchase, framed or unframed. Sample framed https://www.facebook.com/ The Society’s Group Tour photographs are displayed for AlbanyHistoricalSociety/ Programme: The Society sale in the Great Hall at the Gaol. has a successful Group Tour The Photography Department Now image: Suzannah Lyons, Programme, offering a Tour also has a range of Greetings ABC Open. Then image courtesy Guide service or self-guided Cards depicting many of the of the Albany Historical Society group tours of the venues. photographs in the Collection. Registered on the WA Education These are also on sale at the Andrew Eyden, CEO, Albany Website, the Society accepts Gaol. Historical Society (inc.)

1914 The FAHS Newsletter | MAY 2016 | No 41 3 Tasmanian Historical Research Association A tribute to Michael Roe THRA historian - Celebratory Issue

Readers who have visited than thirty years that I served Tasmania or know anything on the THRA committee with about Tasmanian historians will Michael, I can seldom remember know of Michael Roe, who has anyone saying a cross word, Michael Roe, Tasmania Historian been a leader in this field since surely some sort of record for a and Life Member of THRA his arrival at the University of committee, and I put it down to Tasmania in 1966. this presence of Michael’s. He has written numerous excellent Born in 1931 in Melbourne, Fortunately for Tasmanians, articles for THRA Papers and and educated at the Caulfield Michael obtained a position in Publications, and as editor I Grammar School (dux of the History Department at the always welcomed them, as so the school in 1948), Michael University of Tasmania, where he little editing was ever needed. attended the University of remained thirty years. He quickly Melbourne, and continued to came to specialise in Tasmanian When Michael retired from study history at Peterhouse at history, and soon joined the the University of Tasmania, the the University of Cambridge. committee of the Tasmanian university published a volume He then completed a PhD Historical Research Association. celebrating his contribution in history at the University He has sat on this committee to Australian history. When of Australia. This led to the from 1966 until 2015 (with a few he retires from THRA, we are publication in 1965 of his years off when he was on study publishing a celebratory issue seminal work, Quest for leave), and has made a huge of Papers and Proceedings, to Authority in Eastern Australia, contribution to the Association, appear in August this year. It 1835–1851. acting as chairman, secretary contains Michael’s latest paper, and many other positions. and the three papers he feels to have been most significant, as Michael has published many His opinion was often sought well as tributes from a number works since 1966: on historical matters, and of people. If anyone would like people seldom questioned his to contribute to this volume, or Keneally and the Tichborne answer, because we all knew order a copy, please contact the cause: A Study in Mid-Victorian that Michael was a fount of secretary via the THRA website. Populism (1974), knowledge on all aspects of http://www.thra.org.au/papers_ Tasmanian history. Not that he guidelines.html Nine Australian Progressives: was a know-all, far from it; on Vitalism in Bourgeois Social the rare occasions that someone Michael has not entirely left Thought, 1890–1960 (1984), did question anything or offer THRA, however. During the past an additional or alternative decade he has become famous Australia, Britain, and Migration, explanation, he was the first to for his minutes of meetings, 1915–1940: A Study of Desperate consider it gravely, and discuss with the highlight his summary Hopes (1995), the question from all aspects. of the papers presented at the meetings. As several speakers The State of Tasmania: Identity at Michael brought to the THRA have said to me, ‘He makes me Federation Time (2001), committee something beyond sound much more intelligent knowledge. He is such a civilised than I did on the night’. Michael An Imperial Disaster: The Wreck person, so far beyond anything is continuing to perform this of George the Third (2006). petty or mean, that no one role, and we all know that when wants to look petty or mean in the President asks if anyone has his presence. Bob Brown and I any corrections, there will never imagined Sir John Franklin had be any, for Michael’s scholarship this ambience, encouraging remains superb. (by their personality, not their words) people to perform at Dr Alison Alexander, editor their best. During the more THRA Papers and Proceedings.

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