£1 . 1 0 . 0 OR INDEPENDENT & NON ALEXANDRA EILDON YEA MARYSVILLE DITION HREE AGES $3 DOLLARS PROFIT PUBLICATION E T BONNIE DOON JAMIESON MANSFIELD 48 P

Mid 1800s to mid 1900s HISTORY NEWSPAPER THE OFFICIAL DISTRICT HISTORY NEWSPAPER

Photographer Lin Cumming Courtesy Sandra Cumming & the State Library of Victoria

A father enjoys a well-earned rest by reading and sharing the Country Edition of the Australasian newspaper with his children. He is seated on a Silver Star Starch Box, whilst he enjoys a pipe of tobacco, a pleasure now denied because of medical concerns. Smoking in Australia is now banned in some public places and especially around children.

Issue 3 - 2012 T HE H ISTORIC T IMES

THE HISTORIC TIMES NEWSPAPER

Welcome to this, the third edition of our Artworkz Heritage Newspaper.

“The Historic Times” is independently published by locals, for locals. We hope that as you read it, you can reflect upon our history and the simpler times.

Our goal is to supply quality historic & educational information, for locals and visitors alike. Our free monthly electronic eSplash For inclusion in our free electronic eSplash magazine and our printed eSplash Mini - café magazine mailing list, please email your No area is favored over another. Representation is edition, also promote our history by using request to: based solely on the level of contributions we freely contributed items received from our receive from each area, and their passion to give community. In fact, most of what appears in [email protected]. back to the community. our newspapers, has also been made freely Artworkz welcome your contributions. available though our projects. Our project is unaffiliated, and unfunded. We are not reliant on benevolent charities, or societies and trusts, in order to exist. Instead, we rely heavily on our own personal giving, and the sales of each OUR CONTRIBUTORS edition. Sales cover around one third of our total costs. Our loyal readers, by their purchase, are contributing a small amount towards our production We thank our contributors. We exist “The Historic Times” is just one of many costs. because you trust us to digitise and return ways that we publish digitised items. We your precious items, and then allow us to make no money from advertising and We aim to supply you with unedited history, share them freely with the community. charge just enough to cover our most through the eyes of those who have gone before us. basic costs. We even factor in a profit At Artworkz, we believe that historic margin for those selling the newspaper. We recognize that history can never be 100 percent items should be shared with the correct and apologise for any errors or omissions community whenever possible. This is We would like to thank the Alexandra, that may occur. We welcome corrections. why we are always eager to give back Eildon & Marysville Standard and the everything that we can, and in a short Yea Chronicle, for printing and I would like to thank all those who have supported timeframe. To this end we have now supporting this publication. In addition, us in the past by purchasing our two earlier editions. published around 6,500 images (cost free) we also thank the following: via our free community projects. We hope that Edition Three meets with your expectations and that you will continue to gain pleasure from perusing the past. We hope this The Artworkz Team Eildon Caravan Park inspires you to continue to contribute. Margaret Nicholas Eildon Newsagency Gabi Nowicki & Nola Evans Eildon Lions Club Alexandra Timber Tramway & Museum Bonnie Doon Community Centre Newspaper Editor Alexandra Traders & Tourism Association Jamieson Historical Society Lawrence Hood Alexandra Visitor Information Centre Mansfield Historical Society [email protected] Alexandra Newsagency & Lotto Images of Yarck & District Murrindindi Library Services Marmalades Café Alexandra Friends of the Library-Bookshop Yea Visitor Information Centre cafe alex Yea Newsagency Note: We have tried to keep the spelling that is Alexandra Rotary Club Yarck General Store & Café used in the transcripts of the newspaper articles as Alexandra Probus Club Marysville Visitor Information Centre it was. This is done to keep the authentic flavour of Colin & Jenny Myers Books at Yarck the article. Eildon Visitor Information Centre The State Library of Victoria Eildon Action The National Library of Australia

P AGE 2 T HE H ISTORIC T IMES

A LEXANDRA

first, consisting of tents and makeshift erections, was O UR C OAT OF A RMS RECOLLECTIONS CHARLES R. LONG 25/5/1896 soon forgotten. In Alexandra, July 1881 Behind the brick shop, forming part of the building, were two rooms; one was a sitting room, in which my father did his writing. This was considerable, as he had his own books to keep. He commenced at this When I returned to Alexandra after my course in time a bootstore, as well as being a bootmaker and training, I found my sister was not at home and the repairer, and he was secretary (honorary as a rule) of cottage was let. The dwelling part of the shop almost all the organizations of the town (the Shire building was occupied by Father, Mother and Alf. A Council, of which he was paid treasurer, not little room at the back of the kitchen was vacated by secretary, the hospital Committee, Cemetery Alf, that I might be accommodated. Trustees, Masonic Lodge, Rechabite Yent, Orange My father’s shop, of wood, like the other buildings in Lodge). The Shire Council was, I think, the only one the street, occupied a good position. It was on the from which he received payment. West side of the main street - Grant - about the Next to the sitting room was a kitchen with a middle of the line of shops. (My sister Louisa was colonial oven set in the chimney and not far away, a born in a room attached to this shop.) The first camp oven. In the latter, at times, my mother, who building he occupied on the site (he had been for a was a good cook, used to make a loaf of bread. few months a few doors towards the Ultima Thule When turned out it resembled a small solid wheel, Creek after his arrival from Enoch's point towards but had an attractive flavour, which I never noticed the end of 1870) had been pulled down by the with baker’s bread. voluntary fire brigade (of which, by the way, he was For many years, when my sister, Sarah Elizabeth, apparatus officer) with the object of arresting the and my brother, Alfred Harry, were growing up, and spread of fire which had started in the street about a I was at home, we lived in a six roomed cottage dozen doors away. We were living in a cottage at standing on nearly an acre of land across the street that time and I remember being startled by the from the gate at the foot of the shop allotment. clanging of a bell, and in waking up, saw the glow of In the ground there were fruit trees planted and grape the fire. As it happened the fire never reached the vines, and in front and around the house, my mother shop. made a garden and took much pride in it. In the beds The next morning there was revealed a higgledy- in front were two almond trees that burst into bloom piggledy collection of what was Long’s shop and very early. For a time a pig was kept, and poultry, a contents next to Dotter’s watchmakers shop, which it dog also, for my father was fond of dogs, but was so ADVANCE AUSTRALIA was expected would have been burnt down. The fire busy with his work and the societies that he could had not reached it. My father moved to another give but little time to them. The Coat of Arms represented on the front building and tried to obtain compensation from the A horizontal bar was provided near the house for me of the Alexandra Shire Hall is an early Insurance societies. I wrote the application, which and my mates. especially the Dotters, who were our version of the Coat of Arms that was would have been strengthened had the fire been next door neighbours. Ted Dotter, who was a little created prior to the ratification of the stopped through the demolition of the shop. They younger than myself, became quite an expert. He official Commonwealth Australian Coat of had, of course, incurred no loss and would pay entered the Postal service at Alexandra. I did not make much progress as a gymnast, but, no doubt, the Arms in 1901. nothing, neither would the Shire Council, nor any exercise was of value, and was a preparation for the The noticeable differences include the property owner, nor was a subscription made to gymnasium work which I was to undertake at the reversing of the Kangaroo and Emu and the compensate him for his willingness to make a sacrifice. Training Institute. rising sun replacing the star. The older shield also presents four symbols Father bought Dotter’s shop and on this site and that Charles R. Long Courtesy Wayne and Jo Miller instead of the six on the final Australian of his own had a brick building erected, which was a version. marked improvement. Others also built with brick, what was really the second stage of the town; the The Shire Hall was built in 1882 and was completed within 7 months from the starting date. Upon completion it drew both admiration and criticism, though now is widely admired for its historic value. Upon completion the building was used as shire offices and a meeting place for the shire as well as community groups such as the Masons. Our Coat of Arms sits proudly high on the front façade of the Shire Hall and welcomes all who pass by. It reminds us of our simple heritage and those that went before us, including our inherent links to the Commonwealth.

An Alexandra bound train. Photograph courtesy Sandra Cumming & State Library Victoria Photographer Lin Cumming

P AGE 3 T HE H ISTORIC T IMES

A LEXANDRA

View of Alexandra from above the Eglinton Cutting. Circled (in the inset image) is the Leckie family homestead, which was lost to fire in the 1950s. Pattie Maie Leckie became a Dame (in her own right) in 1954. She had married Robert Menzies of Jeparit in 1920. He became Prime Minister of Australia in 1939. Robert Menzies was knighted in 1963, Dame Pattie was patron of the Dame Pattie Menzies Centre in Alexandra until her death on the 30th of August, 1995, ages 96.

Courtesy Jeannie Webb

A GROUP OF PEOPLE AT ALEXANDRA

A PICNIC PARTY NEAR ALEXANDRA IN THE 1920S.

Local Alexandra identity Lin Cumming, and a number of other townsmen, would often meet the train at Alexandra Station, where they would then pick up parties of people to take on tours of the district in their private vehicles. This would often include picnics at some of our more outstanding locations, which he would photograph.

It is likely that this group of people is a picnic party, who have come to the district on such a train. The location is unknown, though is likely to be on the Goulburn River near Alexandra.

The Alexandra Railway Station opened in 1909, and finally closed in November 1978.

The parties were picked up at the train station and taken on guided tours much the same as Courtesy Sandra Cumming e n v i s a g e d b y & State Library Victoria entrepreneurial aspirants Photographer Lin Cumming of the current rail trail.

P AGE 4 T HE H ISTORIC T IMES

E AR LY INDUSTRY

THE FELLING OF LARGE TREES

The felling of the larger Rubicon, through Thornton trees in the forest required to Alexandra. At Alexandra, skills that were developed the timber was often further over lifetimes of working dried, treated and cut, before with timber. being transported via train to the major centres where a Rubicon hydro worker Roy housing boom was Heap tells the story of how a occurring. tree of this size was fallen on a ridge above the Upper In this picture, workers are Rubicon Dam power station preparing to cut a giant in the early 1900s, with Mountain Ash, with the unexpected consequences. equipment available to them at the time. The chiefly used As the tree fell, it started tools of that day were the rolling down the steep ridge cross cut saw and the axe, and picking up speed, rolled which were both used to straight towards the Upper great affect. Rubicon Falls power station, it only veering off to one Many pints of blood, sweat side at the last moment, and tears were shed in this sparing the power station. massive achievement in the battle of man versus nature. Timber like this was first In 1939, much of the timber treated at the many timber industry in the local ranges mills purpose-built in the was devastated by fire, with local Ranges. many lives and mills lost.

The timber was often Photographer Charles Kerry transported along the many Powerhouse museum 2011 Timber Tramway lines, with one of these Timber Tramways running from

1892 ALLUVIAL GOLD DIGGINGS

The word Alluvial have dug a shallow describes a type of soil. shaft into the alluvial It can be made up of deposits in search of sand, silt, clay, gravel, alluvial gold. The hand- or other matter, and is powered windlass deposited by flowing enabled buckets of soil water, over years, and rock to be brought decades and centuries. to the surface, and processed. The term "Alluvial Gold" usually refers to Alluvial gold was being gold dust, that is found found in the district in that type of soil. from around 1851. Alluvial gold, is often Much of it was being panned for in beds of found in the waterways, rivers, streams and and this brought great creeks. interest from afar. Diggers flocked to Much of the mining in Redgate Diggings in our district was alluvial search for alluvial gold in nature. The mines in the UT Creek and that stretched along the surrounding waterways. U.T. Creek, for instance, were alluvial Photographer Fred Harvie gold mines. Cline Library On the right, miners

P AGE 5 T HE H ISTORIC T IMES

E AR LY INDUSTRY

PANNING FOR GOLD

Gold panning is the use of waterways, the gold sinks to wide broad pans, to manually the bottom of the pan. sort gold out from amongst other rocks, gravel, dirt and Gold panning was the debris. cheapest and easiest way to pan for gold, though was not A small amount of gravel, a financially viable option for usually from the bottom of a extracting larger deposits of creek or river, is placed under gold. water, and shaken.

As the gold is heavier than all other rocks and minerals Photographer Fred Hardie found in and around Courtesy Cline museum

The Rubicon Lumber & Tramway Company Pty Ltd (Ruoak) at Alexandra in 1910. Courtesy Sandra Cumming & State Library Victoria. Photographer Lin Cumming.

P AGE 6 T HE H ISTORIC T IMES

THE GOLD RUSH

tools. The road lay under our famous “jeweller’s shop,” where feet in the clear moonlight, the very earth seemed white and dusty, between the composed of gold-dust, with withered grass and the tall tree gold gravel for variety. -stems. The air was fresh; the Thousands and tens of heavens brightly azure. The thousands of pounds’ worth of horse was active and powerful, the precious metal had been and took us along at a rapid taken out of a few square feet said the Major. “in your way; pace. here, and no blanks had been but I wish you weren’t given to There was little trouble in drawn in the lottery of pegging A “RUSH.” taking such long walks. Here following the right road, which claims in the immediate have we been sounding ‘boot led to the plains of the Oxley, on vicinity. From The Miner’ Right, and saddle’ all day, and by “ ROLF BOLDREWOOD,” the head-waters of which this We were fortunate in meeting couldn’t get any tidings of you. last-found Eldorado had arisen. at the outset a friend whom we Pen-name of Lend a hand with this cord. Do THOMAS ALEXANDER BROWNE. Had we felt any uncertainty it had known in Ballarat, and, as you want to put anything else would have been quickly he had already taken up a claim in your box ? I’ve packed for removed, for in front, behind, and was employing men to you.” on every side, were wayfarers work it, he very willingly “I’ll see in the morning,” I journeying to the same goal in proffered his services and said. “ Where’s the rush? “ every sort of conveyance advice to us. Following him, we “Where’s the rush? You may drawn by animals of many skirted the great, throbbing well ask that - the biggest thing kinds. hive of eager workers spurred that has happened in Australia on by greed and gain to such yet.” Bullock drays, horse drays, desperate efforts that an “So good as that ?“ I queried American express-wagons, unnatural silence reigned over languidly. hand-carts drawn by men, and the scene. “Good!” shouted the Major. even wheel-barrows propelled We came to a halt near our “Nothing ever heard like it, by sturdy arms were there. friend’s claim, and, pointing out even at Ballarat or Eaglehawk. Women laden with immense a spot, he said, “ You see this is Three ounces, five ounces, ten bundles were dragging young a place where the green-stone ounces to the dish; lumps of children by the hand, or as and the granite meet. It is my gold, no rock, no water, all often, carrying infants in their experience that in such a I had wandered listlessly home shallow sinking.” arms. conjunction there is always one evening from a long day’s “I suppose we must start at Sometimes a drove of cattle, gold, and heavy gold, too.” walk, when I was struck by the daylight. It’s a great nuisance,” I with riders shouting and After pegging out our claim, unwonted appearance of said, “having this thing to do cracking huge whips behind we put up our tent, and made activity displayed by the Major. over again.” them, would come upon the ourselves as comfortable as Our premises had undergone an “You haven’t gone mad, by hurrying crowd, though as a circumstances permitted. alteration. The tent was down, any chance?” said the Major, rule they moved parallel with, At daylight next morning we various articles of furniture taking a light and peering into and at a considerable distance were at work. The sun was not were assuming their well- my face. “But softening of the from, the disturbing concourse high before we had our stage known travelling appearance. brain must be setting in, or you whose physical needs they and windlass up, and were Suddenly I became aware of an would never think of losing an were destined to supply. delving away as if we intended unwonted hum of earnest hour, much less a whole night, The whole movement had the to solve the question of the voices. I began to recognize the when there’s a rush like this appearance of something earth’s central fires. symptoms of the complaint. on. No; we’ve bought a spring- between a pilgrimage and a We were none of us new at It was not the first time that I cart and horse, and are off at fair, so mixed and incongruous the work; and we were all had known a great gold-field once. You’ll have to look did the component parts young and in splendid infected by it. Forms were sharp.” appear. condition. The consequence flitting about in the gathering “You seem in a state of We travelled night and day, was that we went down at such twilight, lanterns were being lit wonderful anticipation, Major,” only allowing ourselves needful a pace that more than one of the in preparation for night work. I made answer. “One would rest and food, and bearing hard parties that were daily arriving Horses were driven up, the think you were totally upon the good horse that stopped, all eager as they were, hobble chains and bells of which unfamiliar with the chances of carried our chattels. On the to wonder at the rapidity with sounded their continuous digging life. Doesn’t it strike sixth day we reached the Oxley, which our beautifully straight chime. A few words from time to you that our ordinary luck will and had a free and and even shaft was boring, as if time caught my ear. in which attend us. All the best claims uninterrupted view of the great with a gigantic auger, towards “the Oxley,” “only a hundred and will be taken up before we get “rush.” It was a strange sight. the bedrock. odd miles,” five ounces to the there, or we shall most We who had seen many gold- We bottomed one afternoon, dish,” “good sinking,” were industriously bottom a fields had never before seen in about a week’s time; and, by increasingly distinct. Before I ‘duffer’ ? However, to please one exactly like this. nightfall, the “field” was aware stopped at the spot which had you, I’ll go.” The auriferous deposit had that Pole and party were so been directly before our own As soon as the moon rose, we been so exceedingly rich in one “dead on the gutter” that every tent door, I was fully aware of set off. Nothing was placed in particular point, of land or cape dish they took out was half gold. the causes of the unwonted the spring-cart but our clothes, which ran into the river that agitation—a “rush “ was on. bedding, simple cooking not a spot of the surface soil You’re a good fellow, Pole,” utensils, and, of course, our was to be seen. This was the * * * * * * * *

P AGE 7 T HE H ISTORIC T IMES

DISTRICT NEWS

A CHINESE CAMP AT NIGHT

It was shortly after 10 o'clock, the narrow crooked lanes were almost deserted, and but for the lights that streamed forth from the shanties at wide intervals, and the fitful glimmer of the lamps in shops and houses, it would have been extremely difficult to pilot one's way through the tortuous winding of the camp. As it was, collisions with Celestial wayfarers were inevitable, and the "yahooings" woke the echoes more than once. Every hotel and place of entertainment was entered. Large numbers of Chinese were found in most of them, but, contrary to the expectation, comparatively few women. In some cribs the dim lights of the lamps were enveloped in dense halos of opium smoke, the atmosphere is almost suffocating. One inveterate lay on a board at one place, oblivious to all objective realities. The features of his parchment face were drawn in and fixed, the hands half clenched and the whole appearance of the man indicated complete subjection to the opium spell. At another, place, a girl, about eighteen years old, was seen in bed sipping some tea preparatory to indulging in the pleasures of the pipe, which lay on the counter beside her. Occasionally, in the street a white object indistinctly seen in the darkness that prevailed, was described. A few THE RABBIT - FRIEND OR FOE? paces would bring the visitor near enough to distinguish that it was a woman "out on her rounds." These The overflow of rabbits into our countryside was a curse from the outset. Though there were unfortunates, it was observed, usually made tracks for always those who were able to find a way to create income from the pesky little blighters! the hotels, where they assuaged their thirst, or gratified During the depression years the rabbit plague was a cruel blessing for the community, offering their taste for "Chinese brandy." Only a few tan-tan many families the opportunity to have red meat on a semi-regular basis. shops were open, but these were crowded with mobs of The photograph above is of a professional trapper with a cart load of rabbits to sell. gamblers. All the grades of "camp society" were to be Not only were they useful for their meat, but their furs were also sought after for such things as found there, from the rag-gatherer with his two or three blankets, footwear, jackets and hats. Rabbit skin glue was another by-product of the rabbit skin "sissepenies." to the sleek and well-fed storekeepers and which was used traditionally to create canvases for painting. "shantlemen" possessed of long purses. Throughout the night's peregrinations not one person was seen under the influence of drink, nor were any very young girls visible FARM AND GARDEN TIPS be cut as well as anywhere near the neighbourhood but opium smoking, the amount of gambling and dallying with women were freely indulged heading in. If all in. One thing, however, was remarkably striking, the PRUNING FRUIT TREES trees are allowed to take their perfect orderliness that prevailed. There were none of the boisterous evidences of debauchery which too frequently natural form as characterised the orgies enacted in more prestigious A SYSTEM of pruning which has received near as possible localities in and near Sandhurst. Altogether, the aspects some favour is to cut back the young growth and not pruned to of Chinese life, under lamplight, was widely different in late spring or early part of summer. In one desired from that in the light of open day. Under the cloak of many cases, and particularly with some shape, much darkness the hideous spectre of immorality stalked forth, varieties of fruit trees, the results seem labour will be and held high carnival, and the old opinion of the social satisfactory. The long growth is stopped and saved. Large, evil which is nurtured and strengthened in the Camp was many short twigs are forced out among the bearing apple more than confirmed. – Bendigo Advertiser. limbs; with straggling growing trees the trees which have result indicates that more compact and been properly Alexandra Times, 2nd October 1875 symmetrical trees will be formed by summer pruned every year Courtesy National Library Australia pruning. Orchard trees are usually planted or two need to have removed only the dead and pruned during the months of June, July, branches and such branches as cross one and August in the vicinity of Sydney and another or in some other way interfere with that varies somewhat in regard to the exact other limbs of the trees. As the tree grows time because of latitude in distant parts of larger and older the spread will become the colonies. A sharp fine saw, knife, or pair greater and small branches will gradually of small pruning shears are the only become unfruitful and should be removed. 4th January 1929 On all such trees a sharp, fine saw is Alexandra & Yea Standard implements required. For small trees up to National Library Australia fifteen feet high, -such as pear and plum- necessary, a coarse saw making too rough pruning shears will be found the quickest and ragged a wound. Make the first cut from method. A step-ladder should be used to the under side of the limb to prevent splitting work on, as the limbs are not strong enough or tearing of the bark, as the branch drops to bear the weight of a man in the centre of off then cut from above, making the cut as the tree without the possibility of breaking nearly perpendicular as possible. After the branches or peeling the bark. Set the step sawing off, trim the edges smooth with a -ladder close to the tree at one side and sharp knife and cover the wound with paint, begin pruning from the lower part, going up using none which contains turpentine.

step by step and drawing towards you all branches which you can reach. Before setting the ladder, one should look the tree The Argus Saturday 12th October 1901 over carefully and decide just what branches Courtesy State Library Victoria should be removed and where they should

P AGE 8 T HE H ISTORIC T IMES

TAGGERTY

Taggerty sports day in 1913. Image courtesy Sandra Cumming & the State Library Victoria. Photographer Lin Cumming

Mount View of Taggerty in the 1900s. Cathedral Image courtesy Sandra Cumming & the State Library Victoria. Photographer Lin Cumming

We hear that sports are to be held at the Cathedral- side Hotel on New Year's Day next, when visitors will have an opportunity to explore the caves in the Cathedral Mount, some of which run for a distance of over 300 feet, a description of which appeared in The Standard newspaper a few years ago, and are well worthy of a visit. Mr. W. Burchell, Junr., has kindly consented to conduct any person through these caves, which he is now fully exploring for the information of those interested.

Alexandra & Yea Standard 13th September 1895 Courtesy National Library Australia

Any information on the existence of these caves and their whereabouts would be greatly appreciated.

P AGE 9 T HE H ISTORIC T IMES

HUTS

Top - A hut in the 1800s, possibly near Marysville. State Library Victoria, Photographer N. J. Caire

Middle left - The Selector’s life. State Library Victoria

Middle right - Rubicon Ranges. Courtesy Lawrence Hood

Bottom left - Lithgow miners hut in the 1800s. National Library Australia

Bottom right - Bark roof hut in Hargraves NSW in the 1800s. National Library Australia

P AGE 10 T HE H ISTORIC T IMES

T HE WOMAN ’S H OME D UTIES

Washing Day Housekeeping was never easy in the old days. Lack of electricity and modern appliances meant everything had to be done by hand. (Left) A woman uses a cast steel iron that was first heated on a log stove or fireplace. Once hot, the iron was quickly used until the heat dissipated. (Above) A woman boils the clothes in a copper sitting over a wood fire, then rinses them in a tub of cold water. Eventually the clean clothes and linen will be hung out to dry. Note the kerosene tin water delivery system pictured on the right of the copper.

A young lady in News South Wales, preparing the dogs for a hunting trip to find food for the family, in the early 1900s. Photographer Angus McNeil

13th September 1929 The Argus National Library Australia

P AGE 11

T HE H ISTORIC T IMES

Victoria.

1889 1889 map.

Courtesy State Library State Library Courtesy District of Anglesey Anglesey of District

P AGE 12 T HE H ISTORIC T IMES

ACHERON

Acheron Breakaway River Bridge, in 1932. Two photographs mounted on board, make up this panorama. Photograph courtesy Dobson Family Collection & Murrindindi Library Services 2011.

The bridge over Goulburn breakaway near Alexandra. The five spans on left of picture were added after one winter 1932 when the river moved approx 150ft. The photo shows the present perilous state of the approach on the left where two of the upstream piles are laid bare and the approach likely to fall in at any time. The original section of the bridge on the right, which served for 12 years with only minor repairs is now shown practically on dry land. Image signed A. M. Wilson Acheron (Vic).

Wood Engravings (image right)

The wood engraving by Carl. Walter of the Acheron River (right) is from 1867. It is not known if this is near the lower or upper sections of the Acheron River, though the absence of large mountains in the background may suggest it was towards the lower end of the river. The amount of water also suggests it may have been between where Taggerty and Acheron townships now stand.

In Wood Engravings, a block of wood was used to create a print of the scene that was being illustrated. In more modern times, metal plates replaced wood.

A man and his dog can be seen on the bottom right of this detailed wood engraving.

Courtesy State Library Victoria & Murrindindi Library Services

Acheron Primary School (SS 1449) pictured circa 1940s. On the 27 Feb 1873 a petition signed by Peter McColl. Thomas Connelly. John Dick. David Moir and Robert Dobson asked that Mrs. Janet McIllwraith's private school - Niagaroon - (on the Niagaroon run) be brought under State control. A roll of 14 boys and 15 girls was forwarded with the petition. Courtesy State Library Victoria & Murrindindi Library Services

P AGE 13 T HE H ISTORIC T IMES

BONNIE DOON

Bonnie Doon Collegian bucket gold dredge. Courtesy Bonnie Doon Community Centre

Dredging was yet another way of extracting gold from soil and rock. The dredge would scoop up large amounts of mud, sludge, gravel and rock, and then it would be processed inside the dredge building. The Bonnie Doon dredge (pictured above) was a medium sized dredge and illustrates how dredges were set up. Dredges generally floated on the water, so that they could move around easily. This enabled them to scoop from different areas. Many old dredges are still visible in Victoria, though possibly the best preserved example of a large gold dredge, is the Eldorado Dredge near Beechworth.

ORANGE BLOSSOMS. Rev. Dr. Marshall. The bride was dressed alike in pretty Eton coats and attendance and a large number of PROWD - MOONEY. attired, in a beautiful cream satin skirts of pastel blue cloth, relieved congratulatory telegrams was ______cloth coat and skirt, trimmed with with brown velvet and Oriental received. Cluny lace, cream silk braid and appliqué and brown beaver hats, A charming, but quiet, wedding took handsome floral appliqué. She also trimmed with brown feathers, tipped The happy couple then took their place in Scots Church, Collins street, wore a handsome cream silk beaver with cream. They, too, wore the gifts departure for Sydney, per express, Melbourne, on March 14, when John picture hat, trimmed with white of the bridegroom, gold bangles. amid hearty congratulations and H. D. Prowd, of "Woodlands," feathers and soft ribbon. showers of confetti, where the Maindample, eldest son of Mr. Wm. Mr. R. Pollock (Melbourne) acted as honeymoon was spent. Prowd, of "Wattle Grove," Bonnie. The bride wore the bridegroom's gift, best man and Mr. G. Fullerton as Doon, was united in the holy bonds a magnificent diamond and pearl grooms man. After the ceremony the The bride's travelling dress was a of matrimony to Muriel Constance, pendant. She was attended by three guests re-assembled at the Winter cream costume, cream hat and white only daughter of Senior-constable bridesmaids, viz, Misses M. Meston Gardens where the reception was fur and muff. James Mooney, of Alexandra. (Albert Park), V. Prowd (Bonnie held and -the usual toasts honored. Doon, sister of bridegroom); and, M. Alexandra & Yea Standard The ceremony was performed by the Kidd (Alexandra). All these were A splendid string band was in Friday 19th of April 1907. Courtesy National Library Australia

Courtesy Bonnie Doon Community Centre Bonnie Doon Protestant Hall. Courtesy Bonnie Doon Community Centre

Bourke’s delivery truck outside the Bourke’s store.

This page was compiled in partnership with P AGE 14 the Bonnie Doon Community Centre. T HE H ISTORIC T IMES

BONNIE DOON

The Junction Hotel (Heffernan’s) in the late 1800’s. Photograph courtesy Bonnie Doon Community Centre

Bonnie Doon Hall in 1939. Photograph courtesy Bonnie Doon Community Centre

Joseph Sartain’s new Saddlery and Harness Maker business, and the Post Office (located on the right) in 1895. Courtesy Bonnie Doon Community Centre

This page was compiled in partnership with P AGE 15 the Bonnie Doon Community Centre. T HE H ISTORIC T IMES

JAMIESON

Photographs courtesy State Library Victoria

Courtesy State Library Victoria

Alexandra & Yea Standard, Friday 27th July 1883 Courtesy National Library Australia

National Library Australia

Woods Point mail coach in 1908. Devil’s Hill, on way to Woods Point in 1864. Courtesy National Library Australia Courtesy National Library Australia

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JAMIESON

Jamieson waterwheel at a gold mine circa 1880. Courtesy National Library Australia 2011

Jamieson waterwheel at a gold mine circa 1880. Courtesy National Library Australia 2011

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MARYSVILLE

Cycling on the road to Marysville in 1904. Photographer Mark Daniel Courtesy State Library Victoria

The Coach from Healesville to Marysville. State Library Victoria

and four seats empty. Based rolling carriage. Marysville on that, it has a massive The coach pictured would Cobb & Co loaded capacity of fourteen likely be travelling across Coach people. Black’s Spur (now known as Today, we would use a small the Black Spur) towards bus to move that many people Marysville and returning then around the district. to Healesville. A coach loaded in such a They would have been This old coach pictured above fashion as the one above had negotiating along some very has “Healesville & to be very careful. These roads steep and dangerous tracks in Marysville” written above the were rough, unsealed, often places. This would have doors in large type. The image deeply rutted and at times included the notorious Devils was most likely taken between almost unpassable. Such a top Elbow, that was located on the the 1880s and 1910s, and heavy coach was prone to Old Coach Road (above the shows how luxury country rolling over and the driver had current sealed road over the travel was conducted during to be attentive at all times. Black Spur). those harder times. In such a situation, those on The image shows ten people top were most at risk of being Courtesy State Library Victoria already loaded onto the coach, thrown off or trapped under a & Kelly Petersen

P AGE 18 T HE H ISTORIC T IMES

MARYSVILLE & FERNSHAW

Image courtesy Rod Falconer Photographer J.P. Campbell

Courtesy State Library Victoria. Monograms by James Waltham Curtiss engraved in January of 1881. These wood engravings were published in The Illustrated Australian news.

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YARCK & CATHKIN

Gordon Kipping in 1929. Courtesy Images of Yarck & District, and Norma Hodson

Halligan’s Garage at Yarck circa 1953. Courtesy Images of Yarck & District William Kipping (standing) & Alma Kubiel in 1930. Courtesy Images of Yarck & District, and Norma Hodson

Yarck Railway Station circa 1950s. Courtesy Bonnie Doon Community Centre 2011

This page was compiled in partnership with P AGE 20 The Images of Yarck and District. T HE H ISTORIC T IMES

Courtesy Margaret Jeffery & John Sharwood

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EILDON

The Argus 1907 11th December Courtesy National Library Australia

Sugarloaf Reservoir. Photograph courtesy Rita Marshall 2011

Sugarloaf Reservoir. Photograph courtesy Rita Marshall 2011

A rock crushing battery working on the Sugarloaf Reservoir at Eildon in 1907. James Arthur of Yea is on the far right. Courtesy Val Arthur 2011

Eildon Sugarloaf Reservoir Spillway in 1939. Photographer J.P. Campbell Courtesy Rod Falconer

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EILDON

An article on the Eildon Sugarloaf Dam Mishap, and another on the State Enquiry. Thursday 8 August 1929, The Argus, National Library Australia.

Construction of the Sugarloaf Reservoir in the mid 1920s. Photograph courtesy Joan Tuckwell & Elvie Thompson 2011

(Above) The Goulburn River in 1916 near where the Sugarloaf Reservoir was later built. This photograph shows a bridge covered by flood waters. Further downstream, the brand new Upper Thornton Concrete Bridge was totally destroyed by the flood. This wooden trestle bridge survived, as did the Gilmores and Rennies bridges further downstream.

Courtesy State Library Victoria 2011

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SEPTEMBER 1912 FLOOD OF THE GOULBURN

The Goulburn Valley stock off the flats onto the higher dependant upon the welfare and now occupied by R. Christie. ground. Those who knew nothing of prosperity of the saw mills on the Deluge the 1870 flood, and had known the Rubicon. So violent was the floods in district only the last few years, when some parts that fence and tramway A DENOUNCED DEPARTMENT. During the week the Alexandra the floods were but moderate and were carried right across the road as Throughout the district everyone is district has witnessed one of the most rose slowly after much warning, had though they were two bits of rope denouncing the Department for not appalling floods known since the no idea of the possibility. They know yarn. It will be some weeks before having provided telephone memorable one in 1870. In some it now. anything can be sent over the lines communication. No end of trouble respect this was more serious for the even if the floods subside at once and and anxiety might have been spared population now is so much denser AN INLAND SEA. they are able to get to work many had there been some means of than it was then. More than that the During Sunday and Monday the immediately, on the embankments. getting messages through. It is to be country is fenced in, hindering valley of the Goulburn for miles was hoped that after the late experience horses, cattle and sheep, that one immense sheet of water. A BIG BRIDGE something will be done to connect otherwise might have drawn back Thornton seems to have suffered CATASTROPHE. Thornton up with Alexandra. from escaping. There is now much most in the modern deluge. Baker’s The greatest and most serious more stock on the land. Hotel, Thornton, was inundated with catastrophe was the sweeping away A GREAT SENSATION. What also increased the terrors of over a foot of water running through of the big bridge on the Goulburn at On Sunday a great sensation was this flood was the rapidity of the rise. the house. The flood trouble was Beaver’s. This is one of the oldest caused in Alexandra when the So few people expected such a flood. accentuated here by the tramway bridges on the river, and though there rumour went abroad that two lads Even those who were warned only embankment blocking the water are not so many dependant on this named Nash and Ryan were laughed. It was not thought that such somewhat, though possibly quite as bridge as there was at one time, surrounded by water on Folke's flat, a rise could take place so rapidly. much damage would have been done before the others were built, it is yet at the foot of the Mount Pleasant But with six and a quarter inches of if the embankment had not been a great loss to those served by it. It is range. They were out rabbiting, and rain at Woods Point, and the solid there. also a great loss because in fine the water coming down suddenly, downpour in the valley of the winter, when the road was good, surrounded them before they knew Rubicon the phenomenal rise is HOUSES FLOODED. many travelled on the north side of where they were and what had easily explained. On Saturday night Payne's store with the dwelling house the river, as it was a more level road happened. This was about 10 a.m. the Goulburn was running a banker on slightly higher ground than and shorter than the one on the They made for what they deemed the on account of the heavy falls at Baker’s and on the other side the sought side, and crossed over to the highest ground, and as the flood Jamieson and Gaffney’s Creek and tramway, escaped to the extent that main road again, by the bridge that is waters closed in upon them, they did the great discharge from the Delatite the water only flowed under the washed away. This collapse was on not know but what the flood would and Big River. Behind this came the house without coming in. The same the verge of causing one of the most entirely envelop them. They were a six and a quarter inch fall at Wood's was the case with the store belonging thrilling sensations in the whole of quarter of a mile from the range of Point. By the time this water reached to W. H. Robinson, the water only this wide spread tragedy. Mr Peel, hills, and swimming was out of the Thornton on Saturday night and flowed under, and the dwelling State school teacher at Eildon, with question owing to the coldness of the Sunday morning the result of the house was on an island. Mrs his wife and Miss Nicholas were water and the fierceness of the cloud burst up in the Rubicon ranges, Robinson’s son, has the water in the standing on the bridge, quite torrential flow. Mr. John Hoban who was down on the Thornton flat with house, that was isolated. Mr H. unmindful of danger. Mrs Nicholas, saw the danger they were in, came to no opportunity of escape. There was Robinson’s house, being on a bank, who was on the bank, saw the bridge Alexandra for assistance. While nothing for it but to spread out all escaped without inundation. Mr sway. She screamed to them to come waiting for help, they saw the water over the country. From Christies Tossol was cut off from all off, and just as they got to safety the rising foot by foot till the height of right down for miles, the country was communication, though the house bridge went. A minute more and the twelve feet was reached, and there an immense sea. The dry was above the flood. three watchers would have gone with was nothing to assure the lads that it anabranches became rivers, rushing it. might not rise another twelve feet. like millraces. Anyone or anything CUT OFF. Mr Hoban reached Alexandra about out on the flat was shut in with the The difficulty in communicating RIVERSDALE BRIDGE. 4 p.m. and a search had to be made swollen river on one side and the with Thornton from Alexandra was The Riversdale bridge had a fairly for a boat. Finally Mr. Ivor anabranches on the other. There was owing to the breaks in the floods and severe test, but from all enquiries McDonald, of Riversdale, who did no escape. As the water rose they the land. There was a big sheet of made it has stood the strain well. not know when he might require his were pressed back yard by yard to water at the foot of Mt Pleasant, then Sensational statements got abroad boat himself, as his homestead was the higher ground, if any existed, and a stretch of land as far as Kennedy’s about the bridge, but apparently surrounded by water, generously lent sometimes men and animals were cut and Gilmore’s, where the flood without foundation. Among the the boat to the rescue party. The boat off from the higher ground in view, waters again stretched out. After that farmers who lost most heavily, so far had to be put in one of Stillman's by some intervening lagoon filled to the road was passable as far as as we can learn, are Messrs Baker coaches, dragged through the flood the brim, or some creek which had Thornton except where culverts were Bros., sheep ; Hayes, sheep, cattle waters at Riversdale, and carried to suddenly started to run and in a few washed out, and as the culverts, in and pigs ; H. Gilmour, cattle and the foot of McKenzie’s hill. Here it minutes was an impassable torrent, many instances, were under water, it pigs ; J. Tossol, cattle;. David Scott, was launched, Harry and Laurie whirling, swirling in its mad flow, to was risky to attempt to cross, as no sheep. Communication was so cut Johnson volunteering to row to the attempt to cross which meant one knew whether the culvert was in off that it was impossible to get any boys, who could be simply seen suicide. its place or not. news through from Thornton on crouching on the ground, awaiting Sheep and cattle were overtaken Monday and Tuesday. either rescue or their doom. The before their owners could get them THE SUBMERGED TRAMWAY. negotiating of this quarter of a mile out. Dazed with fright, stupid in their The recently laid and metalled A PLUCKY RIDE. of water was a task. The boat was a fear, they let the current do with Rubicon Lumber Company Tramway Mr R. Payne rode through at the risk square nosed flat bottomed punt, them what it wished. The destruction from Thornton to Alexandra. has of his life to get help for the men on leaking like a sieve, dangerous of stock has been very great. Some suffered very severely and is badly Taylor's Flat, but could not get back, enough to navigate in calm, smooth who got early warning and from long damaged in many places. This is as he was unable to cross the raging water, but in the swirling currents experience of the district had some very regretful as so many are now torrent at Gilmour's old homestead, flowing in various directions, idea of what was possible, got their

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SEPTEMBER 1912 FLOOD OF THE GOULBURN without great judgement and care on from Stillman, organised strong enough to negotiate with logs, Upper Thornton the part of the brothers Johnson, it rescue parties, and started. Then trussock and fences in all directions, was liable to capsize at any moment. commenced their troubles. It was no when they came to the river itself Not only were the currents a danger use attempting the main road because danger presented itself in a hundred From Our in themselves, but logs, dead sheep they could not possibly get through forms. Immense logs and carcases of Correspondent and cattle came bumping into them. the deep water at the foot of Mount animals were rushing along, borne Then there were the hidden stumps Pleasant. The only possible way out by the maddened stream, the swift against which they were liable to was by U.T. creek, past Peter current a constant menace, the gutsy knock at any moment. When at Kelly’s, over the range to squalls raising big waves, which The recent flood has proved to be length they were near the boys, the McMartin’s, and down the lane to threatened each moment to swamp the most destructive that has current swirled the boat around and the main road. This meant the boat. After a full measure of happened in the Goulburn since the their paddles were useless. Johnson negotiating some awkward gutters. excitement, they reached Popple's memorable flood of 1870. stripped, and went into the freezing Armed with picks and spades for a homestead. Here they were pleased On the Saturday night the river water, and dragged the boat with dig out if necessary, they started. to learn that Popple had two boats, began to rise slowly, and by Sunday strength of a giant to land where the After all kinds of experiences, they and that the cattle, etc., were on high morning it had reached a higher boys were, finally, with the boys and reached Gilmour’s homestead, now ground. The major and Dunne had level than any previous flood for their rabbits, they returned to safety occupied by Mr Robert Christie. then to make their return journey. as over 40 years. Immense logs and at 8.30. It need scarcely be added Here they had to stop. The water was perilous, if not more, than the bridge timber could be seen drifting that the lads were suffering from running like a millrace, the culvert previous trip. It has also to be borne down stream. cold, hunger, exposure and the had been washed out, and even to in mind that the major had married The Upper Thornton bridge was terrors of their experience. Too great cross in the boats was a hazardous only some three or four weeks back, swept away, and all communication praise cannot be bestowed upon the proceeding. Arrangements had been and his bride was anxiously awaiting by road or wire was completely cut brothers Johnson for their made for a lorry to meet them there his return: Such devotion on the part off. Grave fears were entertained for courageous act, as they certainly to convoy the boats some two miles of the major and his bride in the the safety of the people lower down. imperilled their own lives in the further to the nearest spot where the cause of humanity in well worthy the By midnight the water began to rescue of the lads. It is to be hoped men were last seen. Laurie and Harry fullest record. It should be a ground subside, and continued till the that representations will be made to Johnson, the heroes of the previous for widespread congratulation that morning, when it started to rise the proper quarter by those whose night, with Fred Wightman were we have such men to lead our citizen again, and by next morning. it had duty it is to bring such matters under prepared for any undertaking in the forces should they ever be called risen two feet higher than it was on the notice of the Royal Humane way of rescue. Fortunately, at this upon to face a foe in defence of the previous day. At noon it Society. moment a message came along from health and home. commenced to recede rapidly, and it the other side to the effect that Harry is now well within its banks. ANOTHER SENSATION. Wightman, a brother of Fred’s, and J. LOSSES INCALCULABLE. Several families were obliged to Scarcely had the excitement caused Baker had extemporized a boat out As to the loss sustained by the leave their houses. Fortunately, no by the perilous position of the lads of an old pig trough, and at the risk farmers, there is no way at present of lives were lost, but the damage to and their rescue by the Johnson’s of their own lives, had brought computing it, but the constant fencing and crops and the losses in subsided, when a report came in McMartin and Taylor across onto procession of carcases of sheep, stock, between Alexandra and from Thornton that two men were safety from the bank where they had cows, pigs, etc., under Riversdale Darlingford, would be hard to marooned on Taylor’s flats. At first been imprisoned for nearly thirty bridge was a sight truly heart estimate. all kinds of rumours were afloat, and hours. It was a rescue that is likely to rending, for apart from the loss, was All the bridges on the Big river, with no one knew who had begun the linger in the annals and memories of the sad death of those poor animals. the exception of the Darlingford message. The police were then Thornton for many generations, for if bridge, have been swept away. The main road has been badly damaged placed in a difficulty, as they did not Johnson’s Creek can boast its two LESSONS of the FLOOD. in many places, and immense heaps know what relation to place on the brave men in Harry and Laurie One lesson the district has learned is of wreckage have been removed. river. As soon as Rheuban Payne, Johnson, Thornton had two brave the need of telephone Traffic has been restored, and the who had swum his horse across some sons in Harry Wightman and Baker. communication, and that the people residents now await to see what our hard places on the road, and avoided should insist upon such a shire councillors intend doing. others by taking to the hills, arrived, ARTHUR POPPLE in DANGER. convenience and necessity. A second he was able to give to the police a While excitement was at its height lesson is; the need of a boat to be Alexandra & Yea Standard statement upon which they could act. over the peril of Mr Martin and kept in the town in good order and Friday 4th October 1912 All he knew, however, is that the Taylor, word came that Arthur condition for emergencies such as State Library Victoria men were seen on the Sunday, Popple and family, with some this. Valuable time was lost in apparently standing on a fence, but rabbiters, were hemmed in lower getting the information, also in (Below) Upper Thornton Bridge in 1912. courtesy Sandra Cumming he was doubtful if anyone had seen down the Goulburn near Cremona. securing such boats as were to be & State Library Victoria them on the Monday morning. The The senior Constable (E.C. found, which, it must be said, were Photographer Lin Cumming worst fears took possession of many, McCormick) despatched mounted not fit for any man to risk his life in. for the night had been very cold, and Constable Portingale to see in what The flood of 1870 has been. it was thought no one wet and state these people were in. and to remembered and spoken of for 40 hungry could have endured such a take action for their rescue. years ; the flood of 1912 is likely to night on a fence or up in a tree Constable Portingale, after riding be remembered till the new century succumbing to the cold. The cold of over the intervening ranges, found he dawns. It was an awful flood. that night, with the pitiless rain could not get near the place, he then storm, was enough to freeze any rode over to Cathkin to Major Scale. ordinary man to the marrow. As soon The major, with Mr. Andy Dunne, at Alexandra & Yea Standard as the police had reliable once set out in a boat, taking to the 20th September 1912 information, with commendable water at McNabb’s, which stretched State Library Victoria energy they hustled around, secured out over a mile to Popple's. While two boats, engaged two coaches the spread out waters were bad

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TRAWOOL

News and Notes Trawool Wedding Party. Image courtesy Lawrence Hood Trawool Weir

TRAWOOL SCHEME A meeting of the sub-committee appointed at Yea last week to go into matters in connection with the Trawool scheme, was held on Friday night last, the Shire president (Cr G. H. Evans) in the chair. There were also present :-Messrs Dunlop, McDougall, Jas. Fynn, C. Hamilton, and W. Hamilton. The following suggestions unanimously agreed to were handed to us for publication:

That the deputation, to be formed to approach the Premier, protest against the submerging of Yea by the proposed Trawool weir and point out that the residents of Yea are keenly aware that their township and district cannot be excelled as a place of residence or as a locality in which to earn a livelihood and that in many cases, people, who had left the district have only been too glad to return repurchase property and proclaim their betterment; that the climate is one of the best in the world, epidemics of disease being practically scheme scare, there would have been little or no That the Shire council be asked to contribute unknown; that the rainfall is of an even nature and depression and that, consequently, those who have towards the expenses of the executive committee. that droughts are unknown ; that the district, suffered are entitled to compensation. That this committee meet again on Friday, July through which flows the Goulburn River', is 10, at 7 30 p.m. thickly interspersed with permanent springs and That, if the weir is to be gone on with, the Premier streams, which abound with fish, and that the be asked if the Government intends to reserve a From an article in last Saturday's "Argus" we scenery is magnificent; that the business turnover site for a new township, in the vicinity of the extract the following facts about the alternative of Yea is greater and of a sounder character than present one, and establish railway communication sites with Trawool for constructing a weir to serve that of any other township of its size in the State- therewith-this is of the first importance to the the Goulburn Loddon scheme: facts which can be proved by the collection of banks, professional and businessmen, employees returns which are available and that the residents, and laborers, for, if such is the Government's Turning now to the Upper Goulburn storages, the in most cases, have been born in the district and intention, owing to the work to be done and the best known is Trawool. There are several other from their happy situation have looked upon the possibility of retaining a portion, at least, of their sites where large storages could be made. place as their own preserve, and deeply deplore businesses and employment they could remain in Preliminary investigations by the Water Supply the suggested disturbance, which, if carried into the town while the weir is being built and then department show that Trawool and the alternative effect, would inevitably tend to shorten their lives. settle in the new town, otherwise, it would be sites, with their respective estimated capacities, to better for them to look out now for businesses and be as follows: That, in the event of the deputation being told that employment elsewhere, and, the Government the Government may not proceed with the must consider the questions of the construction of Site. Capacity in Acre Feet. building of the weir, the Premier be asked what the weir and the building of a railway, to take the Trawool ...... 1,363,016 consideration the Government propose giving to place of the line to be submerged, as parts of the Killingworth .. ... 816,689 the people for the loss incurred by them, and to same scheme. Cathkin... 70,753 the district, through the uncertainty that existed, Site near Alexandra ... 372,015 and point out the stoppage that already has taken That, for the use of the deputation, statistics in place to transactions in property, the prevention of regard to money spent in public buildings, If Trawool will hold anything like the quantity of outside population coming to settle in the district increase in dwellings and businesses premises, water this estimate provides, its construction and consequent injury to trade generally. municipal matters, Dairy Company's transactions, would solve the whole difficulty of providing, health of district, railway business, postal together with the Murchison weir, the Waranga That, if the weir is not to be gone on with, people business, Savings Banks’, other banks' and Basin, and the summer flow of the river, sufficient want to know how they will be treated in the businesses' turnover and any other statistics water to adequately ensure effective irrigation matter of compensation, for loss of trade, &c., relating to the progress and prosperity of the over the Goulburn-Loddon schemes. Allowing between the time Mr Swinburne was interviewed district, be collected. one third off for evaporation, seepage, and waste, at Trawool up to the present time, it being capable between Trawool and the farms, would leave of proof that since that interview several projected That this committee be appointed a permanent 908,000 acre-feet for delivery in the irrigated improvements, in the shape of buildings, &c., executive committee, and that the committee, fields. Allowing two acre feet to each acre were either abandoned, or held in abeyance till the appointed at the public meeting held on June 20, irrigated, this would provide for the irrigation of uncertainty in regard to the building of the weir 1908. be appointed a permanent general 450,000 acres, in addition to 170,000 acres would be removed - Shire work is being held up committee. possible under existing conditions. On the same at the Dropmore Road, for which the Government basis, the Killingworth site higher up the river had granted £200 and towards which work the That the numbers to form a quorum of each would irrigate 270,000 acres;- Cathkin, 290,000 people whom the road, if constructed, would committee be fixed by a public meeting, and that acres; and the site near Alexandra, 62,000 acres. benefit, had contributed over £70, has been held the executive committee has discretion to deal over, because of the possibility of the lower with all matters is - which may appear to it to be portion of the road being submerged, and the advantageous to the people and not have its Government grant has lapsed - a Fire brigade deliberations limited by any words or formalities Yea Chronicle - 9th July 1908 station and a Band rotunda would have been used in its appointment. That the general Courtesy State Library Victoria erected in the township, and, that the deputation committee be asked to do all it can to assist the considers that had it not been for the Trawool executive committee.

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THORNTON

COLLAPSE OF THE UPPER BRIDGE ON THORNTON ROAD THORNTON

The members of the shire council are In your journal I often look for the just now confronted with several name of Upper Thornton, and I important matters, it must be said, suppose people a hundred miles away which are receiving every attention. from it have never heard, of such a place. I therefore drop you a few lines On Saturday last, a most serious to let your readers know how we are accident befell an engine and two getting on here. trucks when travelling over the In the first place, through the exertions bridge on the main Thornton Road, a of our Board of Advice we have got a few hundred yards beyond Mr. J. new State school erected - a want long Clarke’s homestead. From felt, and for which the residents are information received it appears that very thankful. The attendance is the Rubicon Timber and Tramway remarkably good, considering the distances that some of the children Company’s engine (61/2 tons) was have to come (from three to four miles pushing two heavily laden trucks of in some instances), but to school they sleepers across the bridge and when trudge, no matter what the weather near the Alexandra side one of the may be, which speaks volumes for the lengthy spans suddenly opened out parents, and shown that the Education and collapsed, precipitating the Department have acted wisely in trucks into the opening caused by a erecting schools in these out of the way places. The attendance during the defective truss. The engine, too, winter has attained an average of 95 tipped into the opening, but kept its percent of the total number on the roll position, which enabled its release - not a very bad average, and one I without serious damage. The driver think not to be topped in the entire (Mr McGowan) had a narrow colony. The teacher seems to make the escape. He was warned and jumped school attractive, and not, as in a clear of the engine. majority of instances, disagreeable; for Word was brought to Mr. H,. Wood, children, as a rule, dislike going to school. shire secretary, who immediately The weather has been beautifully fine made Mr Anderson, shire engineer, for the past two or three weeks, but at aware of the facts. The man lost no the time of my writing the rain is time in journeying from Healesville coming down heavily. Previous to the and at once made an inspections. Bridge at main Thornton road. Photographer Lin Cumming rain coming the farmers here were Everything possible has been done to Courtesy Sandra Cumming. State Library Victoria looking very desponding at the settled make means of travelling possible. A appearance of fine weather, for having gang of men were put on and a had a very wet winter it greatly retarded their ploughing operations, trafficable ford made across the which threw them a long way behind river. in the season, and if the weather Lights have been placed across the should come excessively hot for any river and travellers have been lengthened period it would be ruinous notified that the ford lies to the right to the producer. of the beacons. Provisions have been Fishing has commenced here in made for foot passengers. earnest. Catches from 8 to l6 lbs. Motors to Alexandra, via weight are reported. The roads are almost impassable in Healesville, will require to take the any direction you may go here. I think right turn at Taggerty to reach the the outlying districts are very much Upper Goulburn, travellers in the neglected, and I think a few pounds same direction from Alexandra will might be very judiciously expended in find the Taggerty route the best. repairing some of the worst places, for A report of yesterday’s council people often have to go without the meeting, in another column, give full common necessaries of life, through particulars of the situation. the disgraceful roads they have to traverse to obtain them. It is hoped satisfactory arrangements There are very few miners in this will be arrived at and that the work neighorhood at present, but when the of repairing the span will proceed at river subsides mining will be the earliest. commenced again.

Alexandra & Yea Standard Alexandra Times 22nd December 1911 2nd October 1875 Courtesy National Library Australia Courtesy National Library Australia

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MOLESWORTH

Veritas Omnia Vincit We cannot speak in too high terms of the issued for the election of a member of Cobb and Co's coach had a break down (The truth conquers all) pluck and energy displayed by the Yea the Legislative Council for the Eastern eight miles on the Yea side of Tallarook Shire Council in attempting this Province, Mr Anderson having to submit on Wednesday last, whilst going along a The agricultural interests of this district - important work, which is more of a himself to his constituents. Mr Ramsay sideling one of the wheels gave way. notwithstanding the disadvantages of national character than for the limited has declined to accept the Postmaster The coach driver, Johnny, was thrown bad roads and being far from the railway resources of a shire with such a small Generalship, and neither this office nor from his seat and slightly bruised. The are making steady progress. The selec- local revenue from rates as £2,000, that of Solicitor-General will be filled for passengers escaped any injury beyond tors long the river are getting over their besides the bridge is at the extreme end the present. Mr Kerferd has accepted the getting a fright. The driver returned to struggles; their land is now nearly all of the shire. When this bridge was first office of Attorney-General, and Mr J. W. Tallarook, obtained another coach, and paid for, their fencing and clearing proposed it was expected that the Stephen that of a puisne judge of the delivered the mail in Alexandra at the completed, and their cattle, horses, and Alexandra shire - to whom it is actually Supreme Court, and writs have been usual time notwithstanding the mishap. other stock go on increasing in number of more direct benefit than to the people issued for the election of members to fill It is worthy of notice that very few and value; their very personal of Yea - would contribute to its erection ; their seats. accidents occur with Cobb and Co's appearance shows that they are but that shire is in such a state of coaches, although they have some very becoming well-to.do and in easy circum- impecuniosity that they are unable to 'The request made by the disputation rough country to travel over. stances. A gold-field has wonderful render any assistance, being themselves which waited on Mr Gillies last week for attractions, and no doubt now and again in debt. The building of the Molesworth the free conveyance to Melbourne on the A meeting of the Alexandra amateurs some lucky miner hits upon a rich patch; Bridge under these circumstances falls Government railways of members of the was held on Wednesday evening last at but after all, gold got in this way has not heavily upon the ratepayers of Yea, and up-country fire brigades desirous to take Hamea's Corner Hotel. It was decided to the value of those pound notes which it would only be an act of justice if the part in it review of such companies to be hold a performance at Alexandra on have been the reward of slow plodding Government were to contribute at least held on the 25th and 20th May, has been Monday, the 18th inst., and at Gobur on industry. The miner when he accidently two-thirds towards the expense. Whilst granted by the Government, and a sum the 20th, in aid of the funds of the gets a good washing up almost invaria- other districts have had railways, main of money to cover the cost will Alexandra Hospital. As it was bly goes in for a day or two's spree, and roads, and bridges constructed from the accordingly be placed on the additional understood that a local entertainment must visit Melbourne or some have other general revenue, comparatively nothing estimates for the year. The apparatus of was to take place at Yea shortly it was enjoyment by which he gets rid of his has been done for the Upper Valley of the brigades will also be convoyed free considered inadvisable to hold a cash very quickly, with very little to the Goulburn. Nearly all the land within of charge. performance at that place at present. The show for it; but the farmer sends his wife two miles of the river has been taken up. completion of some new scenery of an to market with eggs, butter and cheese, A large sum of money is yearly passing Mr Marshall, late chemist at Gobur, after elaborate and gorgeous description was fowls, &o., and she returns with tea, into the Public Treasury from rents and wandering about the islands of the announced. Mr W. Waltho was elected a sugar, and other necessaries for the other sources in the district, and why Pacific, and visiting New South Wales member of the club, and the meeting house, with a little cash to lay by for the should that assistance which has been so and Queensland, has returned to his old concluded. purchase of another cow or something freely lavished on other less important quarters. His description of life in Fiji is else equally useful. If the farmer has any portions of the colony be denied to the interesting. He had often met King The Diphtheria Committee having wheat or oats to sell he undertakes that Goulburn district? No doubt a proper Cakoban at the bars of the various public incurred considerable liabilities in business himself, and if lie does take an representation of the case to the Minister houses and "shouted " for him, Soda and endeavouring to prevent the spread of extra nobbler on the occasion with the of Roads and Bridges would receive brandy was his favorite beverage, of this fearful disease throughout the friends he meets, next day will find him consideration, and a subsidy at least of which he could swallow any quantity. district, is desirous of having all at the plough, or pushing along at some- two thirds of the expense of building the His general demeanour did not impress liabilities connected therewith thing or another. Money made in this Molesworth Bridge would readily be one with the dignity of royalty, as he had discharged, and will feel obliged by all way has a special value, and is granted. much the appearance of an ordinary bar parties having subscription lists forward- generally well taken care of. Those who swiper. Commerce Mr Marshall ing same to the Hon. See., Mr HI. W. go on in this manner must in time Our remarks about the Molesworth describes as being carried on in a very Alston, on or before the 16th inst. The become independent and far above being Bridge would be incomplete without a unsatisfactory manner, everything being committee is still indebted over £30, and in difficulties. On the other hand, the brief allusion to the contractor, Mr paid for by an order on a merchant, who it is to be hoped that all persons who miner may work harder than the farmer, Millar. This gentleman has become in return would give anything in the have not hitherto subscribed to this and is exposed to more dangers. Often celebrated for building bridges, not shape of goods, or his own paper. Any worthy object will do so at once, as any has he to labor on for years, and scarcely only on the Upper Goulburn but in other person very urgent for specie could have neglect or indifference in this matter will make his " tucker," and when all at once parts of Victoria, also in Tasmania, New it by an allowance of 20 per cent have a tendency to throw cold water he drops into luck, then he begins to Zealand, and New South Wales. One of discount. The island he considers was in upon any future undertaking to assist speculate and spend his money as if he his peculiarities is that he never asks for a more prosperous condition four years those who are unable to protect were a Rothschild, and eventually ends any money until the work is finished, ago than now. Mr Marshall has, after all themselves. where he began - a poor man. The and even then has sometimes to take it as his travels, selected Queensland as the farmer is slow, but sure; the miner re- he can get it. The Thornton Bridge, best place, to settle in, and intends There is still a sum due to Mr Greathead, solves to make a spoon or spoil a horn. which he finished a few weeks ago, is a removing his family there shortly. He and it would be a disgrace to the district Having spent the last 20 years of our life model of perfection, and the fact that it has brought several cases of native if he were not paid his reasonable de- on the goldfields, we have come to the passed the Government Inspector with- productions from the countries he has mand of £25. Home Creek and Merton conclusion that in the end farming is a out the slightest alteration or fault- visited - cloth from the mulberry tree, should in this matter show their gratitude better occupation for making money finding, says much for the builder. The gems, valuable shells, seeds, roots, &c. by subscribing liberally. Those who than mining for gold. We visited the Molesworth Bridge, when completed, He speaks very highly of Queensland as want to secure a valuable property may Molesworth Bridge this week, and were will be the largest structure of the a prosperous place, and considers, that it be reminded that Mr Raphael will sell by much surprised with the magnitude and kind in Victoria, and judging from its will in a few years outstrip Victoria in auction at the Shamrock Hotel, Alexan- importance of the work. Its length is present appearance, it will be for many minerals and general commerce. dra, Mr Kirwan's cottage, and half acre 730ft.; breadth 40ft. The arches, which years a steady monument of Mr Millar's allotment, at 11 o'clock, on Monday have a span of 40ft., are 12ft. above the ability as a contractor. We understand that Cobb and Co. intend next. highest known water-mark of the Goul- running their coaches to Seymour, burn; The piles are driven 17 to 24ft. The The Molesworth Bridge also reflects the instead of 'Tallarook, as hitherto. The entire structure contains 33,000ft. of highest credit on the engineer, Mr Leo. Seymour Shire Council have purchased Alexandra Times timber and 13,000 yards of earthwork. G. Downey, by whom the plans and Mr Sloan's punt, which will be placed on Saturday 9th May 1874. Double beams and double girders, stays, specifications were prepared. Mr the river a little below James's Trawool Courtesy State Library Victoria and crown beams, all of the strongest Downey, although a young man, has hotel, where the coach will cross the material, form a structure that no flood given proof in this bridge and other river. The distance will not be so far as can possibly injure. The total length of works that he has laid out in the district to Tallarook. Should Cobb and Co. make the work, including approaches and for- that he is thoroughly master of his a reduction in their fares, in proportion to mation, is 40 chains. The timber used is profession. the additional charge by railway, we principally red-gum and yellow box. The think few persons will object to the total cost of the work when completed Mr Fraser has resigned his office as change. Tallarook has never been a will be £6,345. The contract time is up Minister of Public Works, and the Hon. favorite place with the people of on the 9th July, before which date the R.S. Anderson has been appointed his Alexandra or Yea. entire job will be finished. successor. A writ has accordingly been

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MOLESWORTH

Molesworth locals with Nicholas James Ridd 4th from Right. Courtesy Les & Margaret Ridd

Part of the Molesworth Dropmore Road near “Nar Darak” in 1929. Traces of the old cutting is still visible. Courtesy Jeannie Webb

GOULBURN RIVER FLOODS. the Eildon Weir or at the offices and the powers that be to release another large penetration of their skulls perhaps their private houses of the State Rivers and volume of water from the Weir. This protesting wives and neighbours may be To the Editor of the Standard. Water Supply Commissioners. This might clearly demonstrates two things - Firstly, capable of impressing upon them the Sir, possibly cause a penetration to the cerebral that those in control have no consideration economic waste their action causes, to say Since writing you on this matter, we grey matter of the useless but dangerous for the cold and hungry stock that are now nothing of the sufferings of stock and the have had clearly demonstrated to us chair warmers who are paid their marooned knee deep in inaccessible ruination of a most important section of another very tragic example of the callous handsome salaries out of the primary places, and secondly, that they have no society, namely, the primary producers. disregard shown for the valley farmers by production they appear so anxious to consideration for the farmers along the Again, I ask. What are we going to do the mental bankrupts controlling the State destroy. river otherwise they would have notified about it? My individual protest cannot Rivers and Water Supply. I ask the very When we think of the appalling losses of them of their intention by other means than accomplish anything, but a determined pertinent question : What are we going to stock and crops caused by the letting out of a vague report in a metropolitan united body of farmers properly organised do about it ? Are we going to sit down like large volumes of water from the Weir newspaper. could accomplish a great deal to relieve a lot of craven cowards and allow these when the river is running high and then If we farmers could only arrange for a few themselves of this menace. consider that the only protest made by the of the dead pigs, stock and poultry people to ruin us, or are we going to show them that we do possess a little fighting sufferers is a little grumbling between drowned in this tragic flood to be Yours etc.. themselves, it makes one wonder whether, deposited upon the trim front lawns of the spirit and show them in a practical way T. REYNOLDS. that we strongly resent their acts. In my as a body, we possess any of what is smart suburban homes of the State Rivers Tiger Flats, Molesworth. last letter I suggested that protest meetings termed in the vernacular "guts,' and Water Supply Commissioners perhaps should be called right along the valley. I According to a daily newspaper of their presence there might bring home to now go further and suggest that a Tuesday, the 4th inst. (while the flood is these individuals some conception of their Alexandra & Yea Standard demonstration of protest be made either at almost at its highest) it is the intention of responsibility, and if this did not cause a Friday 7th December 1934 Courtesy National Library Australia

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OUT OF D ISTRICT NEWS

1848 artwork depicting why emigrants would leave England for the shores of Australia. These reasons are not dissimilar to the reasons that present day immigrants leave their home countries, in the hope of a better life in Australia for them and their families.

1844 artwork depicting dinner on a ship sailing to Australia from England.

In “The Aborigines of Victoria”, R. Brough Smyth reported that the aborigines all knew of the Bunyip, but none had precise ideas of the creature form, covering or habits. Smyth secured the only known sketch of the Bunyip by an aborigine, and reproduced it. The sketch was done in 1848 by a tribesman living on the Murray River in the presence of two witnesses, J.P. Mayne and John Clark.

(The Aborigines of Victoria”, R. Brough Smyth) Extract from Australia’s Great River, R. M. Younger 1860’s style of artwork. The Bush Breakfast by O. Brierly

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MANSFIELD

Mansfield was originally known as 1851 and named Mansfield after Courtesy Mount Battery, and was nothing Mansfield in Nottinghamshire in State Library Victoria more than the area where four mother England. After gold was sheep Runs met (Loyola Run, discovered in the area, settlement Banumum Run, Mount Battery quickly followed, with the Post Run and the Maindample Run). Office opening in Mansfield in Mansfield was first surveyed in 1858.

Mansfield main street circa 1890. Courtesy State Library Victoria

Highett Street Mansfield circa 1909. Courtesy State Library Victoria

The Mansfield Memorial to the three police officers (Constable Lonigan, Constable Scanlon, Sergeant Kennedy) who were slain by the Kelly Gang on October the 26th 1878 at Stringy Bark Creek. Photograph circa 1909 Courtesy State Library Victoria

Wood engraving from the 8th May 1880, of the memorial. Courtesy State Library Victoria

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NARBETHONG

Kookaburra Kangaroo Emu

Ford touring cars outside Narbethong House in the 1920s. Photographer Lin Cumming. Courtesy Sandra Cumming, & State Library Victoria.

Devil’s Elbow on the old coach road, over the Black’s Spur. Photographer John William Lindt. Courtesy John Pitts. John Lindt was a local professional photographer who produced pictures of outstanding merit. He died at the “Hermitage” on the Black’s Spur in 1926, aged 81.

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F ASHION , STYLE, AND ALL THINGS WOM ANLY

1890s drawing of a Gibson Girl Charles Dana Gibson. by Charles Dana Gibson.

Ladies in Gibson styles dresses. National Library Australia

T HE G IBSON G IRL

The Gibson Girl was beauty and behaviour. based on the works of Gibson created a cult-like artist Charles Dana following, through his Gibson, who created a works which became very conceptual idea about popular. His imagery was women and how they used in a broad range of should look and behave, female merchandising, through illustrated pen including on fans, and ink drawings, over a umbrella stands, pillow 20 year period in the late covers, table cloths, and 1800s and early 1900s. much more.

The Gibson Girl was tall, He promoted the Gibson beautiful, slender, yet with Girl as an equal to men, ample bosom, bottom and and often presented her as hips. She had a a fun loving and teasing pronounced S curve shape female companion. to her body, thanks to the swan bill corset. She had a By the start of World War thin neck, and her hair I, the Gibson Girl was was piled high on her falling out of favour, with head. She was well women preferring an educated, confident in all easier dress code that was situations, and portrayed more practical for the as strongly independent. modern times. She was never portrayed as weak, or being a servant to male ideals for how women should be, and not politically active.

Many saw the Gibson Girl as the first standard for

P AGE 33 T HE H ISTORIC T IMES

YEA

A group at Yea circa 1900. Photograph courtesy Ian Borrie

Eureka Stockade Mr. Williams, we are informed, Veteran, hospitalised took an active part. As his name denotes, his forefathers hail from in Yea Gallant Little Wales, but he was born on the Welsh Back Bristol. The veteran has gone out cured A somewhat remarkable cure has and is, as might be expected, loud been effected in the local hospital in his praises of Dr. Lethbridge. within the past few days. An old He is an old miner and intends man (82 years of age) was sent resuming 'prospecting' at once by the Yea Council apparently to and has, as a stimulus, an intense die here. His sufferings were on desire to find a good ' specimen' admission something terrible, and for the kind matron (Mrs. with his advanced years added to Newman) and her worthy them there did not seem a particle husband. More power to him, we of hope of his recovery. And, say. When we saw him, shortly Yea’s second bridge in the early 1900s. indeed, the patient himself after he had taken his bed in the Photograph courtesy Howard & Helen Paix thought his last hours had come, ward, he reminded us of some of and sought for and obtained the the canvassers who had played a Yea Gardens in the 1920s. services of a minister of his prominent part during an Courtesy Shirley Jones & church. As a trifling series of electioneering campaign in State Library Victoria complications we would here America. These individuals never mention that he had three ribs trouble themselves as to the broken on one side, four on the opposition they have to contend other, the lobe of right ear shot with, physically, so long as they away, an arm broken in two return their man. places and never joined properly, and a skull fractured from a blow from the butt of a musket. Alexandra & Yea Standard These were reminiscences of 13th September 1895 the battle of the Eureka Courtesy State Library Victoria Stockade (in 1854), in which

P AGE 34 T HE H ISTORIC T IMES

YEA

Yea from the West. Photograph courtesy Ian Borrie

well-to-do appearance of all, so far as more similar gatherings amongst the station and carried on under a wine PERAMBULATOR dress was concerned, would seem to good folk of Alexandra, whose solid licence since it was built. I am give a strong contradiction to the success I should ever like to hear of. satisfied Mr Oliver will do a good general complaint heard about Mentioning above of course, Yea trade under his new licence, because depression. The ladies looked should not be forgotten. I stayed here the house is well situated and the host I was at the Alexandra Show the charming, and they were very on the Thursday night, driving early and hostess are old residents and have other day and, generally speaking, I gracefully and tastefully attired, and next morning along the old coach very many friends. Some of the pious think the exhibits may be described as all seemed bent upon making high road to Alexandra, my old friend, Mr 'push,’ I believe that is the word used being equal, if not superior, to any holiday. That popular host, Mr Harry Quinlan, J.P., not for the first time, in certain circles - the full meaning of previous efforts in that quarter. The Woods, ran the booth, did a good accompanying me and driving his I which I am not seized of - used all day (Friday) was pretty hot at trade, and deservedly so, for he excellent team. By this pleasant drive their exertions to prevent Mr Oliver Alexandra, although I am told it I dispensed the choicest of liquors, I was enabled to see some old friends getting a licence, but the licensing blew cool at Kilmore - indeed on my amongst other a good things the iced en route, notably Messrs J. magistrates took the commonsense return here at night a cool southerly claret cup, to which I must admit McCormack, J.P., of Molesworth, view of matters and granted the reminded me of the saying about the having paid some attention. I renewed also Mr O'Callaghan, of Cathkin. My licence, which I hope Mr and Mrs wise man carrying his overcoat on a acquaintance with many old friends, old friend, Mr W. Oliver, of Yea, at Oliver may long live to enjoy. fine day. I very much enjoyed my receiving many warm and friendly one time and for many years landlord visit to Alexandra, where the people greetings, which I most heartily of the Commercial, now in the hands once more proved as kind, courteous reciprocated, and I left in the of Mr McGrath, has been granted a 13th December 1894 and hospitable as usual. The show afternoon with a feeling of regret and publican's license for the handsome Kilmore Free Press State Library Victoria was well attended, and the general the strong hope that I would see many brick building close to the railway

High Street Yea from the South, taken from near St Luke’s Church. Photograph courtesy Ian Borrie

P AGE 35 T HE H ISTORIC T IMES

E AR LY T RANSPORT

A punt crossing a river at Sale in the early 1900s. An early cyclist returns from a trip. Sale Historical Society.

Courtesy National Library Australia

Transport in the 1930s, in New South Wales. Photographer Angus McNeil.

A Cobb Coach leaves Melbourne in 1881, possibly heading for our district. 29th January, 1881 The Illustrated Australian. Courtesy National Library Australia.

Tractor with sidecar attachment as envisaged by an intrepid farmer “innovator”. A handy dual purpose vehicle! Photographer Lin Cumming, Courtesy Sandra Cumming & State Library Victoria

P AGE 36 T HE H ISTORIC T IMES

SCHOOL PHOTOGRAPHS

Bonnie Doon Primary School in 1914. Image courtesy Bonnie Doon Community Centre Photograph courtesy Bronwyn Tossol

1955 Photograph courtesy Colin & Jenny Myers

Rubicon No 1 Mill School in 1938. Courtesy Kath Chanter 2011

P AGE 37 T HE H ISTORIC T IMES

LAKE EILDON NATIONAL PARK

Photographer Lin Cumming Courtesy Sandra Cumming MERLO’S HOMESTEAD & State Library Victoria

Death of hearty. now known as Glenhope, is the result Of the family of eleven, ten are alive Mr John Merlo, Senr. In 1867, he came to Alexandra and of his hard toil. and all are held in high esteem, viz., opened up the well known Italian The late Mr Merlo reared a family of Orsula (single), Mary (Mrs Meyers),

Gully claim, at Maintongoon and the eleven, all of whom greatly assisted Dominica (Mrs H. Barrass), Johanna We regret having to chronicle the first to get gold at Growler's Gully. in making Glenhope what it is to- (Mrs Wheeler), Peter John (New passing away of Mr J. Merlo, senr., a At about the same time he worked at day, a compact property. As a Zealand), James S. (Melbourne), J. very old resident of this shire, a the Durham Gully gold fields, which vigneron, he proved years ago, that R. (Warburton), Paul W. gentleman greatly respected by all were very prosperous. He discovered grapes of a particularly fine quality (Warburton), Laurence A. who knew him. He was one of those and opened up the Perseverance could be successfully cultivated in (Melbourne), and Philip D. Joseph men ever seeking some new world to mine, which proved exceptionally the district and each year the demand died a few years ago. conquer and never afraid to risk what rich. Here, gold was taken out from for the luscious fruit grew to such he already had for the benefit of the surface to a depth of 120ft., dimensions that it was impossible to Alexandra & Yea Standard himself or the country in which he paying handsomely the whole way. It supply all orders received. Having 6th December 1912. had made his home. was in this claim that he made his been trained in his early youth to National Library Australia The late Mr Merlo, at the time of his money, and up to a few days of his wine making, grape culture in demise, was one of the very few old death. Mr Merlo spoke of the wealth particular, it was not surprising that residents left in this district. He was a yet to be found in this identical claim he attained such success, and it was native of Vila de Torano, Lombardy, John Merlo was one - if not the very and which he hoped to again see in mainly through the inability to reach Italy, and was 75 years of age, 50 first - wine producer in our district. full work. He next discovered and the market that the area cultivated years having been spent in Victoria. opened up the Sal Ferino mine on the was so limited. Had he seen fit to His parents were people in good ‘He always had hundreds of summit of the Puzzle Ranges, and as select nearer the town, there is no circumstances in Italy, his father hogsheads of wine of various grades much as 7 oz per week were doubt his wine producing business being a wine and spirit merchant. He casked and vaulted, but the continuously won from this claim. would have assumed large was a young man when he first drawback was the inaccessibility to He spoke recently of this claim and proportions. He always had hundreds landed in this State, and resided in any market owing to the distance was emphatic in stating that it would of hogsheads of wine of various Ballarat for a time, where he was from railway communication.” prove a fortune to any energetic grades casked and vaulted, but the successful as a miner, having held person working it properly. Here it drawback was the inaccessibility to shares in the All Comers' G.M. Co. was that Mr Merlo drove a tunnel any market owing to the distance The late J. F. Jackson, of Alexandra, John Merlo was once reported as over 300ft., without any help and at from railway communication. was also a shareholder in the same finding a 5oz (142g) gold nugget in his own expense, in the endeavor to Experts have, when visiting claim and at the same time. Before the Perfect Cure Creek, at what is get a reef. He succeeded and he was Glenhope, spoken highly of the leaving the Golden City he married now known as Fraser National Park. rewarded for his pluck and energy. quality of the product. Miss Mary A. Tuddenham, whose A sign is currently located on the He opened up a reef at the Galatear The deceased gentleman had been in father was a well-to-do farmer in the creek detailing his find. mine and again made money. He was failing health for some time and Ballarat district. This lady is still At today's current prices, this would by this time enabled to select land passed away at the residence of his resident in Alexandra and well and be around $8,500 dollars. and the farm and vineyard, which is daughter, Mrs Meyers.

P AGE 38 T HE H ISTORIC T IMES

RUBICON

A rock Jaw Crusher operating in the Rubicon Ranges circa 1910. Courtesy Sandra Cumming & State Library Victoria Photographer Lin Cumming

Carting wood in the Rubicon Ranges in the early 1900s. Courtesy Sandra Cumming & State Library Victoria Photographer Lin Cumming

Alexandra & Yea Standard Taking time out for a cuppa in the Rubicon Ranges with the ladies circa 1930. 11th October 1912 Courtesy Sandra Cumming & State Library Victoria Photographer Lin Cumming Courtesy National Library Australia

P AGE 39 T HE H ISTORIC T IMES

HIGHLANDS

The 1890 selection of Edward Hepburn at Hughes Creek Dropmore. Present are David Leckie on the left and Thos. Hepburn on the right. Courtesy State Library Victoria Photographer Edward Hepburn

Pete Waddell cutting Hay. Photograph courtesy Jeanie Webb

Leila Minchinton looking south from Dorset Farm. Photograph courtesy Jeanie Webb

P AGE 40 T HE H ISTORIC T IMES

BUXTON

Alexandra & Yea Standard, Friday 15th May 1914 Courtesy National Library Australia

(Top) Mr Day tries his hand at fly fishing at Buxton, Easter 1904. (Middle) Buxton Bridge, Easter 1904. (Bottom) Granite rocks at Buxton, Easter 1904. Photographer Mark Daniel Courtesy State Library Victoria

Alexandra & Yea Standard, Friday 6th September 1907 Courtesy National Library Australia

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ODDS AND ENDS

P RIME OF L IFE THE GREAT AUSTRALIAN DUNNY!

by Henry Lawson

OH, the strength of the toil of those twenty With Job’s own sister and Satan’s aunt— years, with father, and master, and men! good Lord! and the fiend’s own wife - And the clearer brain of the business man, But I’m free of them now, it is no matter who has held his own for ten: how, and I’m in the prime of life. Oh, the glorious freedom from business fears, and the rest from domestic strife! My brothers have turned respectable, and The past is dead, and the future assured, and are steady as men can be: I’m in the prime of life! The youngest and worst is a leading light— and he aims at reforming me! She bore me old, and they kept me old, and But I lend and help, and I’ll fix them up, for they worked me early and late; I can’t but see with a sigh, I carried the loads of my selfish tribe, from That the youngest, who left us a handsome seven to thirty eight: boy, is an older man than I. I slaved with dad, in the dust and heat, that my brothers might enjoy - But it’s “Lord make us thankful” three But I rest to-day in the prime of life, and I’ll times a day, before they eat their fill - They were funny looking always sent the dog in first, for live and die a boy! They can thank the Lord if they like, I say, buildings, that were once a way of there was no flamin' light. And the but I reckon I pay the bill. When the last crop failed, and the stock They feel independent, I’m glad to know, life, dunny seemed to be the place were gone, did the old man’s head go for if all I hear is true, where crawlies liked to hide, but down? My brothers agree that I do no more than I If you couldn't sprint the distance, never ever showed themselves No! he started business, on what was left, in have a right to do. then you really were in strife. They until you sat inside. the produce line in town. were nailed, they were wired, but They sent my brothers to boarding schools, They’ll work in the store while I see the were mostly falling down, There was no such thing as when our way to the front we’d won - world, and I’ll let them share the till - There was one in every yard, in Sorbent, no tissues there at all, just They’d borrow, and borrow, but never had But I sail to-day, for a year away, to go every house, in every town. They squares of well read newspaper, a- aught but contempt for the eldest son. wherever I will: hangin' on the wall. If you had I sail with the woman who waited for me— were given many names, some some friendly neighbours, as My brothers they went to the world away, old sweetheart; and brand new wife - were even funny, but to most of and they left the home in strife. She is handsome and true, and she’s thirty- us, we knew them as the outhouse neighbours sometimes are, you They sowed wild oats in the pride of youth, two—and I’m in the prime of life. or the dunny. I've seen some of could sit and chat to them, if you and they pawned the prime of life. them all gussied up, with painted left the door ajar. They sowed too fast, and they sowed too For Capetown, and London, and Norraway, doors and all, but it really made no When suddenly you got the urge, far; and they came back one by one - for Germany, Holland, and France, difference, they were just a port of You couldn’t tell which is the eldest son For Switzerland, Italy—anywhere—for and down the track you fled, then call. and which is the youngest son. Greece, and for Egypt a glance, of course the magpies were there For India, China, and “strange Japan”, for Now my old man would take a bet, to peck you on your head. Then Oh, I longed for a love that I could not the East with mystery rife - he'd lay an even pound, that you the time there was a wet, the rain it claim, and a breath of the youth denied - I have made enough, and I have my love - never stopped, if you had an But I stuck to the store when the old man and I’m in the prime of life! wouldn't make the dunny with went, and the mater until she died: them turkeys hangin' round. They urgent call, you ran between the had so many uses, these buildings drops. The dunny man came once out the back, you could even hide a week, to these buildings out the E TIQUETTE from mother, so you wouldn't get back, and he would leave an extra the strap. That's why we had good can, if you left for him a zac. cricketers, never mind the bumps, For those of you who've no idea we used the pathway for the what I mean by a zac, then you're Manners - The True Gentleman wicket and the dunny door for too young to have ever had, a stumps. Politeness is benevolence in small things. A true gentleman must regard the rights dunny out the back. and feelings of others, even in matters the most trivial. He respects the individuality Now my old man would sit for Zac was slang for a sixpenny coin of others, just as he wishes others to respect his own. In society he is quiet, easy, hours, the smell would rot your (or sixpence as it was known) unobtrusive, putting on no airs, nor hinting by word or manner that he deems socks, he read the daily back to before decimal currency came into himself better or wiser, or richer than any one about him. front in that good old thunderbox. Australia in 1966 - now 5¢. He never boasts of his achievements, or fishes for compliments by affecting to And if by chance that nature called underrate what he has done. He is distinguished, above all things, by his deep sometime through the night, you Anon insight and sympathy, his quick perception of, and prompt attention to, those small and apparently insignificant things that may cause pleasure or pain to others.

In giving his opinions he does not dogmatize; he listens patiently and respectfully to other men, and, if compelled to dissent from their opinions, acknowledges his fallibility and asserts his own views in such a manner as to command the respect of all who hear him. Frankness and cordiality mark all his intercourse with his fellows, and, however high his station, the humblest man feels instantly at ease in his presence

Extract Rules and usages of the best society in the Australasian colonies. Peoples Publishing Company, Melbourne, 1886.

P AGE 42 T HE H ISTORIC T IMES

RELIGION & VIEWS

Little & Wise come. Sorrow, pain, sickness, III Let us now see what you are my kingdom? Why should not I succeed at last, death, and judgment, will all come to learn of the locusts. You must though I have so often failed?” He did try again. He PROVERBS XXX. 24—2 8. with old age. Happy are they who learn of the locusts to love one succeeded. and conquered his cruel enemies, and got get ready for it before time! Happy another, to keep together, and back his kingdom? Dear children, this king’s name “There be four things which are little upon the earth, are they who, like the ants, take help one another. was Robert Bruce. He got back his kingdom, in but they are exceeding wise: thought for things to come! “The locusts,” says the Bible, Scotland, by copying the spider. “The ants are a people not strong, yet they prepare They are wise boys and girls “have no king, yet go they forth Now I want you to make the spider your pattern their meat in, the summer; who read their Bibles, and learn all of them in hands.” They have about your souls. I want you, like the spider, to “The conies are but a feeble folk, yet make they their many texts by heart. They are wise nobody over them to tell them persevere in sticking to what is good. I should like you houses in the rocks; boys and girls who pray God what to do. They are poor little to determine that you will never give up. I want you to “The locusts have no king, yet go they forth all of every day to give them His Holy Spirit. They are wise weak insects by themselves. One locust alone can do keep on trying not to do what is evil, and trying them by bands; who mind what their parents and teachers tell them, very little. The least boy or girl would kill a locust, if always to do what is good, and pleasing to God. “The spider taketh hold with her hands, and is in and take pains to be good. They are wise who dislike he were to tread on it. It would be dead at once. Ah! dear children, it is a wicked world, I am sorry king’s palaces.” all bad ways, and bad words, and always tell the truth. But the little locusts are so wise that they always to say; and there are many who will try hard to make Such boys and girls are like the little ants. They are keep together. They fly about in such numbers that you wicked, as you grow up. The devil will try hard DEAR CHILDREN, laying up store against time to come. you could not count them, you would think they were to make you forget God. Bad men and women will I should like you all to be very wise. Wisdom is far Dear children, if you have not done so before, I a black cloud. They do not quarrel with one another. tell you there is no need for you to be so good. better than money, or fine clothes, or grand houses, or hope you will begin to do so now. If you have done They help each other. And in this way the locusts are I beg you not to give way. I beseech you to horses or carriages. People who are not wise seldom so I hope you will keep on doing so, and do so more able to do a very great deal. They make the farmers persevere. Keep on praying every day. Keep on get on well. They are seldom happy. My best wish for and more. Do not be like the foolish butterflies. Be and gardeners quite afraid when they are seen reading your Bibles regularly. Keep on regularly any dear boys and girls that I love is, that they may like the ants. Think of time to come, and be wise. coming. They eat up the grass and corn. They strip all going to church on Sunday. Alas! there are many grow up very wise. the leaves off the trees. And this is because they help boys and girls who give up every thing that is good, as But how are we to be wise? some of you will ask. II. But let us now go on, and see what you are to one another. soon as they leave school. While they are at school What are we to do in order to get this wisdom, which learn of the conies. You must learn of the little Dear children, I want you to learn of the little they use their Bibles, and hymn books, and prayer you tell us is such a good thing? conies to have a place of safety to flee to in time of locusts always to love one another, and never to books. When they leave off going to school, they Dear Children, if you would be wise, you must danger. quarrel. You should try to be kind and good-natured leave off using all their books, too. They often get into pray God to make you so. You must ask Him to put “The conies,” says the Bible, “make their houses to other boys and girls. You should make it a rule bad company. They often take up bad ways. They His Holy Spirit in your hearts, and give you wisdom. in the rocks.” The conies are afraid of foxes, and dogs, never to be selfish, - never to be spiteful, - never to get often go idling about all Sunday. They seem to forget This is one thing. and cruel men, who hunt and kill them. They are poor into a passion, - never to fight with one another. Boys all that has been taught them. Alas! this is not Besides this, you must read God’s holy book, the weak things, and are not strong enough to fight, and and girls who do such things are not wise. They are persevering. This is being more foolish than the little Bible. There you will find out what true wisdom is. take care of themselves. So what do they do? They more foolish than the locusts. spider. It is wicked and unwise. There you will see what kind of things wise people make their holes among stones and rocks whenever Dear children, quarrelling is very wicked. It pleases Dear children, there is a glorious house in heaven, do. This is another thing. they can. They go where men cannot dig them out. the devil, for he is always trying to make people where I hope I shall see some of you. There is a And now let me talk to you about the four verses in They go where dogs and foxes cannot follow them. wicked like himself. It does not please God, for God palace there, belonging to Jesus Christ, far finer than the Bible which I have looked at for you. They are And then when they see men, or dogs, or foxes is love. Selfishness and quarrelling are most improper any palace on earth, in which all Jesus Christ’s people verses which tell us about wisdom. I hope they will coming, they run away into these holes, and are safe. in Christian children. They should try to be like Christ. shall live and be happy forever and ever. Dear do you much good. The hare can run much faster than the cony, for it Christ was never selfish, He pleased not Himself. children, I hope I shall see many of you there. There you see that God tells you to learn a lesson has much longer legs. The stag is much bigger than Think what a great deal of good boys and girls But, remember, if you and I are to meet in this of four little creatures,—the ant, the cony, the locust, the cony, and has got fine horns. But the hare and the might do, if they would be like the little locusts, and glorious palace, you must persevere, and take pains and the spider. He seems to say that they are all stag have got no holes to run into. They lie out on the love one another. Think how useful they might be to about your souls. You must pray heartily. You must patterns of wisdom. They are all poor little weak open fields. And so when men come to hunt them their fathers and mothers. They might save them read your Bibles regularly. You must fight against sin things. An ant is a little creeping insect, that with dogs and guns, they are soon caught and killed. much trouble, and help them in many little ways. daily. You must say when bad people entice you to everybody knows. But the little cony has a hiding-place to run to, and in Think what a great deal of money they might collect do wrong, “I will not give up my religion, I will try to A cony is a little creature very like a rabbit. A this way he often escapes. to help the missionaries to the poor heathen. If every please Christ.” Oh! let the little spider be your pattern locust is like a large grasshopper. A spider is a thing Now, dear children, I want you to learn wisdom child in England was to collect sixpence a year, by all your lives. Persevere, and be wise. that the least child need not be afraid of. But God tells from the little conies. I want you to have a place of asking people for farthings to help the missionaries, it And now, dear children, I will finish by asking you you that the ant, the cony, the locust, and the spider safety for your souls. would be a very great sum. Think, above all, what to think of what I have been telling you. I have told are very wise. Come then, dear children, and listen to Your souls have many enemies. You are in danger good boys and girls might do, if they agreed to pray you of four little creatures, which are very wise,—the me, while I tell you something about them. Some of from many things which may do them harm. You for one another, How happy they would soon be! ants,—the conies,—the locusts,—and the spiders. I you are but little now. But here you see it is possible to have each of you a wicked heart within you. Have Such prayers would be heard. have shown you that the ants are a pattern of wisdom, be little and yet wise. you not often found how hard it is to be good? You Dear children, as long as you live, love one because they think of time to come. The conies are a have each a terrible enemy, seeking to ruin you for another. Try to be of one mind. Have nothing to do pattern of wisdom, because they make their houses in I. First of all, what are you to learn of the ants? ever, and take you to hell. That enemy is the devil. with quarrelling and fighting. Hate it, and think it a safe places. The locusts are a pattern of wisdom, You must learn of the little ants to take thought You cannot see him. But he is never far off. You are great sin. You ought to agree together far better than because they help one another. The spiders are a about time to come. each living in a world where there arc many bad the little locusts. They have no king to teach them. pattern of wisdom, because they persevere. Dear “The ants,” says the Bible, “prepare their meat in people, and few good. Dear children, all these things You have a King who has promised His Spirit to children, I want you to be like them. Some of you the summer.” God has made the ants so wise and are against you. teach you, and that King is Christ. Oh! be wise like may possibly never live to be men and women. But thoughtful, that they go about gathering food in the You need the help of one who can keep you safe. the locusts, and love one another. one thing you may be, even now. You may be wise. harvest time. They are not idle in the fine long days, You need a hiding-place for your precious souls. You Be wise, like the ants. Consider these two verses of when the sun shines. They get all the grains of corn need a dear friend, who is able to save you from your IV. And now, last of all, let us see what you are the Bible, and learn them by heart. “Remember thy they can find, and lay them up in their nests. And so evil hearts, from the devil, and from the bad example to learn of the spider. You must learn of the Creator in the days of thy youth.” (Eccles. xii. 1.) when frost and snow come, the ants are not starved. of wicked people. Listen to me, and I will tell you spider, not to give up trying to be good, because of a “Prepare to meet thy God.” (Amos iv. 12.) They lie snug in their nests, and have plenty to eat. about Him. little trouble. Be wise, like the conies. Consider these two verses The butterflies are much prettier to look at than the There is One who is able to keep your souls quite “The spider,” says the Bible, “taketh hold with her of the Bible, and learn them by heart. “Believe in the ants. They have beautiful wings, and make a much safe. His name is Jesus Christ. He is strong enough to hands, and is in king’s palaces.” The spider is a poor Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved.” (Acts xvi. finer show. But the butterflies, poor things, are not so save you, for He is God’s own Son. He is willing to little feeble thing, you all know. But the spider takes 31.) “Thou art my hiding-place thou shalt preserve wise as the ants. They fly about among the flowers, save you, for He came down from heaven and died great pains in making her web. The spider creeps into me from trouble.” (Psalm xxxii. 7.) and enjoy themselves all the summer. They never upon the cross for your sakes. And He loves all grand houses, and climbs to the top of the finest Be wise, like the locusts. Consider these two verses think of gathering food for the winter. But what children. He liked to have them with Him when He rooms. And there she spins her web. There seems no of the Bible, and learn them by heart. “By this shall all happens when the winter comes? The poor butterflies was upon earth. He took them up in His arms and keeping her out. The servants come and brush the men know that ye are My disciples, if ye have love all die, whilst the ants all keep alive. blessed them. web away. The spider sets to work at once and makes one towards another.” (John xiii. 35.) “He that loveth And now, dear Children, I want you each to learn Dear children, those boys and girls are wise who it again new. No insect is so persevering as the spider. not his brother, whom he hath seen, how can he love wisdom of the ants. I want you, like them, to think of put their trust in Jesus Christ, and ask Him to take care She does her work over and over again. She will not God, whom he hath not seen?” (I John iv. 20.) time to come. of their souls. Such boys and girls will be kept safe. give up. Be wise, like the spiders. Consider these words of You have each got within you a soul that will live Jesus Christ loves them. Jesus Christ will not let them I remember a story of a great king who got back the Bible, and learn them by heart. “Ask, and it shall forever. Your body will die some time. Your soul come to harm. He will not allow the devil, or wicked his kingdom by taking example from a spider. Poor he given you: seek, and ye shall find.” (Matt. vii. 7.) never will. And your soul needs thought and care as people, to ruin their souls. Jesus is the true rock for man! He had been driven away from his kingdom, “Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth much as your body. It needs to have its sins pardoned. children to flee to. Boys and girls who trust Him will like David, by wicked rebels. He had tried often to get so easily beset us: and let us run with patience the race It needs grace to make it please God. It needs power be cared for while they live, and go to heaven when his kingdom back. He had fought many battles, but that is set before us, looking unto Jesus.” (Heb. xii. 1, to be good. It needs to have God for its best friend, in they die. Jesus is the true hiding-place. Boys and girls had always been beaten. At last he began to think it 2.) order to be happy. who love Him will be safe and happy. was no use. He would give up, and fight no more. It Dear children, think on these things. This is the And, dear children, the best time for seeking Dear children, I hope you will all try to have your happened at that time that he was laying awake in bed way to be both happy and wise. Never forget what pardon, grace, and the friendship of God, is the time Souls kept safe. Do not put off asking the Lord Jesus very early one summer’s morning, when he saw a God says in the Bible: “Better is a poor and wise of youth. Youth and childhood are your summer. Christ to take care of them. Do not say to yourselves, spider at work. The spider was trying to make a child, than an old and foolish king.” (Eccles. iv. 13.) Now you are strong and well. Now you have plenty “Oh! we shall have plenty of time by and by.” Who thread from one side of the room to the other. Twelve “The wise shall inherit glory.” (Prev. iii. 35.) of time. Now you have few cares and troubles to knows what may happen to you before long. Perhaps times she tried in vain. Twelve times the thread broke, distract you. Now is the best time for laying up food you may be sick and ill. Perhaps you may lose all and she fell to the ground. Twelve times she got up, for your souls. your kind friends, and be left alone. Oh! go and pray and tried again. But she did not give up. She Sermon extract in the mid 1800s by the Reverend J.C. Ah! my beloved children, you must remember that to Jesus now. Be like the wise little conies. Get a safe persevered, and the thirteenth time she succeeded. Ryle, then Rector of Helmingham, winter is before you. Old age is your winter. Your hiding-place for your soul. Now when the king saw that, he said to himself, Suffolk, England and whom later became the first frost, and snow, and rain, and storms, are all yet to “Why should not I persevere too, in trying to get back Bishop of Liverpool.

P AGE 43 T HE H ISTORIC T IMES

WARTIME

The war in Egypt. Courtesy National Library Australia

(Above) Tom Hodson of Molesworth, A.I.F. 1917. (Below) Tom Hodson & friends at Broadmeadows Camp. Photographs courtesy Ian Borrie

Prisoners Preparing the daily stew. Photographer J.P. Campbell Courtesy Rod Falconer

Mansfield Boys in Camp. Photographer J.P. Campbell Courtesy Rod Falconer

P AGE 44 T HE H ISTORIC T IMES

INTERNATIONAL

A MERICAN S ERVICE S TATIONS DURING THE 1 9 2 0 S Images courtesy Margaret Nicholas

Local Alexandra Garages Geo Courtney’s Motors in Grant Street, Alexandra, showing three early petrol bowsers in use.

P AGE 45 T HE H ISTORIC T IMES

- W A N T E D -

If you are able to help us with our research on any of these items below, please contact us at: [email protected]

The above dog tag seems to have been used for a long period of time judging by the wear on the to hole. It is possible that it was worn around the neck of a UTAH employee, maybe for identification purposes.

This location is unknown. Does anyone Does anyone have any information on have any information on where this what this dog tag was used for, and photograph may have been taken? who were issued with them and why? Image courtesy Sandra Cumming & State Library Victoria Contributor Ron Cooper Photographer Lin Cumming The Fraser Award

Alexandra High School

We are looking for a Fraser Award to photograph.

A small leather knotted thong to put SPECIAL around the neck. REQUEST F

Roughly 50mm The Fraser Award was issued to climbing a vertical rope and students from the Alexandra High travelling across a horizontal rope, School, on their week camp. They suspended between two trees etc. had to do a number of things to The award was made from copper attain an award, including lighting by the Art Teacher (Ron Smith) and a fire with one match, hitting an they were lightly peened with a ball This is an unknown district gold mine. Can anyone help us in axe on the same spot twice, point hammer, to create the peened identifying where it was taken and what the mine name was? demonstrate proficiency in a canoe, effect. Courtesy John Sharwood

P AGE 46 T HE H ISTORIC T IMES

ALEXANDRA TIMBER TRAMWAY AND MUSEUM

Rubicon Tramway & Timber Truck. Courtesy Sandra Cumming & State Library of Victoria Photographer Lin Cumming

A picnic party travelling on the Rubicon Tramway Courtesy Sandra Cumming One of the goals of the & State Library of Victoria “Alexandra Timber Tramway” is Photographer Lin Cumming to keep a connection to the forests, particularly the Rubicon, which has been the mainstay of our local logging history for well over 100 years. This story is very relevant as it describes not only the birth of timber tramways in this region, but also what became the “Rubicon Lumber and Tramway Co Pty Ltd”.

The story starts with a report from the “Alexandra and Yea Standard“ from early in 1909 with a concept plan being put to the Council meeting. Robert Skinner and William Oldfield put a proposal to the Shire Council that very quickly led to construction of a tramway down to Clark and Pearce’s No 1 Mill. By the end of 1912, the Lumber Co had built the 2-foot gauge steel rail tramway to Alexandra.

RUBICON TRAMWAY plant. They were prepared to build an up mill would he connected with Alexandra to allow them to put down an electric -to-date tramway, and if the council by telephone. tramway. would grant them permission to place Cr Leckie : What power do you intend Cr Wylie was of the same opinion. the line in the centre of the road, they to use on the tram track? Crs Wightman, Leckie and Findlay would lay down iron rails. If permission Mr Oldfield : Well, we have not favored agitating for a railway; failing Before the council meeting adjourned on was not given, they would have to be decided on that. yet, but in all that a tramway. Monday last. Messrs Skinner and content with the side of the road. There probability it will be electricity. Crs Murray and Findlay moved - That Oldfield, senr. (the latter representing would have to be a deviation over Cr Leckie : I suppose you will be the President and Cr Leckie be deputed his son), two saw millers who intend to McKenzie's Hill. If the firm was granted supplying Alexandra with electric light? to interview the Minister of Railways erect a large saw-milling plant in the permission to erect the tramway, they Mr Oldfield : More than likely. The and urge upon him the necessity of Rubicon forest if they are guaranteed were prepared to commence its mill will be run by electricity, and it was continuing the line from Alexandra on to proper means for conveying the timber construction in about six weeks time, their intention to do likewise with the Thornton, and failing to obtain a from the forest to the railway, waited on and their proposal was to have a tramway, so that the lighting of satisfactory reply to endeavor to obtain a the council for the purpose of tramway capable of carrying 100,000 Alexandra by electricity would not be a promise that a tram line driven by ascertaining what steps were being taken feet of timber per week from their own very large undertaking. electricity be laid down. If possible, in that direction. mill for the first six months, and after Cr Edwards : You are going to introduce arrangements to be made for the Messrs Skinner and Oldfield spoke, the that time 150,000 feet per week, a new industry to the colony, I believe! deputation to interview about the 10th. latter acting as chief spokesman. They irrespective of the large quantities from Mr Oldfield : Yes, we intend to make inst.- Carried. remarked that the timber was in one other mills. The plant, they intended to dress timber. I might also state that it is place and the railway in another, and erect would be better than any yet seen the best timber in the colony, and it has they were there to know the council's in Victoria, but if the tramway was not no equal for flooring. Alexandra & Yea Standard views in connection with the tramway. If built the plant would not be put in. They Cr Murray said he was favorably Friday 5th February 1909 a connection was not made, they could would like to have an answer as soon as impressed with what Messrs Oldfield Courtesy National Library Australia not go on with the erection of their large possible, or not later than a mouth. The and Skinner had said, and he preferred

This page was compiled in partnership with P AGE 47 the Alexandra Timber Tramway and Museum. T HE H ISTORIC T IMES

1900 Advert

P AGE 48