NATIONAL TRUST OF AUSTRALIA Heritage in Trust (ACT) November ISSN 2206-4958 2018 Jefferis (right) and Whelen (left) setting off from the Hotel Canberra on their 300-mile journey. Frontpiece, Vol 3 Around Australia’s Capital: The Jefferis and Whelen Journal Contents You might be surprised to learn that two Hotel Canberra Around Australia’s Capital: The Jefferis and Whelen porters spent their spare time between 1926 and 1932 Journal-Nick Swain p1-3 exploring around the Federal Capital Territory, covering ACT Trust News p4-5 some 2,000 kilometres. They produced a detailed and What’s next - coming up (inc. Heritage Diary) p5-9 well-illustrated manuscript of their travels which they Tours and Events – what’s been happening p9-12 called Around Australia’s Capital and dedicated it to National Trust ACT Heritage Awards p12-13 “The Pioneers of the Federal Capital Territory and their Special tribute to Dianne and Peter Dowling p13-15 descendants”. Many lived in remote parts and offered generous hospitality to Jefferis and Whelen. Heritage Happenings p15-16 This unofficial record is free of bureaucratic constraints and compiled in the British amateur tradition. Despite its journal has been recognised by its inclusion in the ACT Australian origins the journal came to the Canberra and Heritage Register. District Historical Society from England. How this happened remains a mystery. The significance of the Heritage in Trust www.nationaltrust.org.au Page 1 Heritage In Trust November 2018 Who were Jefferis and Whelen? Whelen. They are mostly in manuscript form although George Graham Jefferis was born in Canterbury, England, some parts are more like a scrap book. It consists of in 1895. He attended a charitable school for the poor and typed text, photographs, original watercolour paintings, in 1925 migrated to Australia. In 1926 he was employed detailed drawings, maps and ephemera such as clippings at the Hotel Canberra as a porter and waiter. He was a from brochures, event programs and newspapers and member of the Canberra Artists’ Society and the even race meeting tickets. The journal shows people, journal includes his drawings and paintings of scenes, houses, scenery, fauna, geological features and more. flora and fauna. In 1934 he became the first man in the The journal contains some interesting marginal Federal Capital Territory to be granted a divorce. He died comments. For example, describing events leading up to in Sydney in 1971 aged 75 years. the opening of the Provisional Parliament house, one John Arnold Whelen was born in Cardiff, Wales, on 26 comment reads ‘Melba swore at the band at the February 1914. He and his mother arrived in Canberra in rehearsal and asked if she was supposed to sing to that 1929 where he first worked as a waiter at the Officers’ b….. row. Refused to let her singing be broadcast so they Mess at the Royal Military College, Duntroon, and then hid the microphone in one of the tassels of the as a waiter and porter at the Hotel Canberra from 1929 decorations.’ 1 to 1941. He served in World War II (New Guinea and Borneo). After the war he joined the then Department of External Affairs where he worked until his retirement in 1976. In 1953 he was a foundation member of the Canberra and District Historical Society (CDHS) and served as Secretary, President and editor of the Society's Newsletter. In 1972 he was made a life member. He died in 1996 aged 82 years. Reptilia. Vol 1, p. 48 Volume 1, The Opening Chapters, consists of 11 chapters and an appendix of photographs. The chapters cover the geology of the district, Aboriginal history, place names and their meanings, maps of routes taken, lists of insects and reptiles, mammals, birds and fish collected and sent to the CS&IR and the Institute of Anatomy. There are also Menura Superba (Lyrebird). Vol 3, p. 60 short items on Canberra aviation including Bert Hinkler's visit, the opening of Parliament House, the Foundation Format and content Stone, outdoor sports, hotels and tourism, the Australian The journal comprises three unmatched volumes largely War Memorial and a visit by Japanese naval cadets. prepared by George Jefferis with some chapters by John Heritage in Trust www.nationaltrust.org.au Page 2 Heritage In Trust November 2018 In Volume 2, The First Thousand Miles, the chapters are: Our first action was to digitise each volume at high The Cotter Dam and its surroundings; an account of the resolution to preserve the information before the ascent of Mt. Coree; the Murrumbidgee River; Lake physical volumes inevitably deteriorate further, George; miscellaneous information; and zoological especially the photographs. records. An ACT Heritage Grant was received in 2015 enabling The text includes progress maps, black and white photos, extensive conservation work to be carried out. The coloured paintings, drawings of many insects etc plus bindings have been strengthened, each volume is now detailed listings of their October 1926 to December 1931 stored in a custom-made acid-free archival box and acid- journeys. free tissue has been inserted to protect illustrations. Volume 3, Three Hundred Miles with Note-book and Another grant was received in 2016 to make the journal Camera, is about 90 pages long and in three parts. It more accessible and better-known to the Canberra includes watercolour paintings, black and white community. This allowed us to make 25 high resolution photographs, hand-coloured photographs, and copies to be used for research and at workshops. illustrations of insect specimens collected drawn on This journal is a highly significant resource as an graph paper, some of which are still held at CSIRO. unofficial record of the Federal Capital Territory in the • Part 1, Roads and Tracks, describes in detail a late 1920s. All the people recorded and many of their four-week trip on horseback from Canberra to dwellings are gone as has their lifestyle. Williamsdale, Orroral Valley, Cotter House in Nick Swain Cotter Gap, Rock Valley, Cotter Dam and back, Nick Swain is currently President of the Canberra and including what they saw, who they met and District Historical Society being caught in a snowstorm. Reference • Part 2, Personalities and Places, comprises three chapters titled “In New South Wales”, “In the 1. Volume 1, page 19. Federal Capital Territory” and “Well, I'll get on Editor’s note: Since Nick wrote this article, CDHS has the track”. been awarded a certificate for a Significant Contribution • Part 3, Notes and Records, has three chapters: to Heritage Conservation for its work on these journals. “Derivation of place names”; “Animals and See page 13. birds”; “Bush pictures”. National Trust Desk Diary 2019 This year’s theme: ‘Made in Australia’ $22.50 NT members; $25 non-members, available to buy from the office or at the Xmas Party on 2 Dec. If you would like one or more posted please buy through the web:https://shop.nationaltrust.org.au/ Kaye’s Hut, Rock Valley. Vol 3, p. 33 *As a National Trust member you are eligible for the discount so remember to Conservation of the journal The three volumes were in poor condition. The bindings enter MEMBER10 into the discount field had deteriorated, some of the photographs had decayed at Check Out (we get a percentage of the due to the glue showing through or causing fading and sale through the online shop). others were turning black. The text is typed and in reasonable condition. Heritage in Trust www.nationaltrust.org.au Page 3 Heritage In Trust November 2018 ACT Trust News on-the-job training opportunities. The program allows Undergraduate and PhD students to complete work- AGM and New Council based projects applying the knowledge and skills The President, Chris Wain, tabled his report and developed through their studies in a professional commented on the restructure of the National Trusts of capacity. Projects appeal to students who are studying Australia which is aimed to be more member-oriented. Business, Heritage, Museums and Conservation, Volunteers were thanked and especially acknowledged Architecture or Tourism. for assisting in the move of offices from level 3 to a Alison Wain, Lecturer-Heritage Conservation, smaller one on level 2 in the Griffin Centre. The ability to recommended Will Irving to undertake a project to retain our reference material was most beneficial. review, refresh or create the Trust’s hard copy electronic Chris thanked the Board, Tours and Events Committee documents and associated electronic tools and systems. and the Heritage and Grants Committee, singling out the He is studying Graphic Design and web design and is positive response to Gold Creek Homestead and the being mentored by Bronnagh Norris, who is a member of importance of the Heritage Awards. Office administrator the Trust’s Heritage Committee. Liz McMillan was also thanked. The Trust Needs Your Support The Treasurer’s report was not presented as the auditor Making a donation or a bequest are ways in which requested additional information which delayed the people can support the National Trust (ACT)'s vital work finalization of the report and balance sheet. A special in the conservation of historical and natural places of meeting will be held at the Christmas gathering on significance, education programs and advocacy for Sunday 2 December at Cliftonwood, Yass to have these heritage protection in the ACT. A bequest is a gift of reports accepted and to appoint the auditor. money, assets, shares or personal property. Members or other supporters who wish to provide support should Mary Johnston, Eric Martin and Ian Oliver continue their contact Scott McAlister by sending an email to term on Council. Retiring Councillors Linda Roberts, Scott [email protected] McAlister, John Tucker and Graham Carter were declared re-elected.