Western Port - a short history of early European activity

This is a short account of the early European activity in Western Port.

Western Port Bay was 'discovered' by George Bass  (1) on January 5, 1798. Bass had left Sydney (Port Jackson) on December 3, 1897 with the purpose of discovering whether a strait existed between Tasmania (Van Diemen's land) and the mainland. As we know the Strait did exist and it was named after him. Bass named Western Port thusly as it was the most westerly port that was known at the time - as he wrote in his journal - 
I have named the place, from its relative situation to every other known harbour on the coast, Western Port. It is a large sheet of water branching our into two arms which end in wide flats of several miles in extent, and it was not until we had been here some days that we found it to be formed by an island and to have two outlets to the sea - an eastern and western passage. (2)  The Island he mentioned was Phillip Island, named for Governor Arthur Phillip, the first Governor, who had arrived with the First Fleet in January 1788. (3)

Bass navigated around what was to be called Phillip Island, but did not realise that the land mass that became known as French Island (4), was indeed, also an island. They were also unaware of Port Phillip Bay - I wonder what Western Port would have been called if they were. The journey was a remarkable feat of navigation and enterprise, the party was away for eleven weeks, had eked out the original six weeks of supplies they took with them, they sailed 600 miles of uncharted coast line all in an open boat that was only 28 feet, 7 inches (8.7 metres) long. (5) 

Western Port on the south coast of New South Wales from Mr. Bass' eye sketch, 1798.

National Library of Australia MAP G8991.S12 1798 https://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-2619130509/view 

After Bass, the next official European activity was carried out in the Lady Nelson, under Lieutenant James Grant (6)  - they arrived at Western Port on March 21, 1801. The crew charted the Bay and planted a garden on Churchill Island, the first garden planted in what was to become the state of Victoria. Grant notes in his journal - 
I sowed in it wheat, seeds of different sorts, planted onions and potatoes, with cucumber, pumpkin, and mellon seeds; also threw in several sorts of  apple seeds, and some stones of  plumbs and peaches, together with a few grains of rice and coffee. (7)

The cairn on Churchill Island commemorating Grant's planting of wheat in 1801, erected by the Victorian Farmer's Union in 1968.(8)

Photographer: John T. Collins, taken November 11, 1984. 

State Library of Victoria image H98.250/1690

The Lady Nelson returned in December 1801 under First Lieutenant John Murray (9) and harvested the wheat crop planted by Grant the year before, and on January 5,  1802 they 'discovered' Port Phillip Bay, however did not enter the Bay, instead sailing to King Island. They returned to Western Port a few weeks later and on February 14, became the first European crewed ship to enter Port Philip Bay. (10) 

In April 1802, the French Captain Hamelin in the Naturaliste reached Western Port and circumnavigated  and mapped French Island. Hamelin was part of a French expedition, under the command of Nicolas Thomas Baudin (11),  of the Geographe,  whose mission was to map the Australian coast and undertake scientific studies. (12)

The French interest in this region prompted the British Government to establish, in 1803, a settlement in Port Phillip Bay, at what is now Sorrento, under Lieutenant Governor David Collins (13). In Western Port, enterprising sealers had moved in - seals were hunted for their skins and their oil. Sealers also abducted Aboriginal women, to act a sex slaves and to exploit their hunting knowledge. (14).  

In 1826,  the British sent the Dragon, under the command of Captain Samuel Wright; and the Fly, under the command of Captain F. Wetherall to Western Port, they landed at what is now Rhyll and claimed formal possession on December 3, 1826 and on December 12 they claimed formal possession of a site near Corinella. (15)

Captain Wetherall's 1826 map of Western Port

Image: Western Port Chronology 1798-1839: Exploration to Settlement by Valda Cole 

At Corinella, a settlement was soon established - gardens, roads, wells, buildings including Government House, military barracks, storehouse, hospital, blacksmiths, stables etc - most of the labour was supplied by the 21 convicts. This was a short lived settlement and was abandoned in January 1828. (16)

Monument to the early settlement at Corinella (17) It was unveiled in 1972 on behalf of the South Eastern Historical Association and incorporates some of the original convict bricks. 

Photographer: John T. Collins, taken February 19, 1985 

State Library of Victoria image H94.200/1183

Later on pastoral settlements took place - in 1835 Samuel Anderson and Robert Massie (18) settled on the Bass River.  Moving  around to the Bay,  in 1839 Robert Jamieson and Samuel Rawson settled at the Yallock Station, on the Yallock Creek. Frederick and Charles Manton took up Manton's Old Station in 1840; the Balla Balla run was taken up by Robert Innes Allen in 1839; Thomas Rutherford took up the station (Bourbinandera) based around what was to be known as Rutherford Inlet in 1842; the Lang Waring run was taken up in 1843 by William Willoby. (19)  Later on, from around the 1850s,  all these  large runs were broken up and sold and other European settlers arrived, but that's another story.

French Island an Quail Island are other islands in Western Port and I have written about French Island here and Quail island  here.

Acknowledgement: This post is based on the research of Valda Cole and Keith Bowden, the authors of the following two books -

• Western Port Chronology 1798-1839: exploration to settlement by Valda Cole (Shire of Hastings Historical Society, 1984). The book looks at the European activity at Western Port prior to the establishment of Melbourne. Mrs Cole, O.A.M., is also the author of Western Port: Pioneers and Preachers (Hawthorn Press, 1975), the story of the Anglican Church at Western Port.
• The Western Port Settlement and it leading personalities by Keith Bowden (South Eastern Historical Association, 1970). The book looks at the Western Port settlement at Corinella in 1826. It includes a full list of the 21 prisoners with personal details and has information about many of the military personnel.

Footnotes

(1) George Bass (1771-1803), Australian Dictionary of Biography entry   https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/bass-george-1748

(2) Cole, Valda Western Port Chronology 1798-1839: Exploration to Settlement (Shire of Hastings Historical Society, 1984), p. 3.

(3) Arthur Phillip (1738 - 1814),  Australian Dictionary of Biography entry    https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/phillip-arthur-2549

(4) I have written about the European history of French Island here   https://kooweerupswamphistory.blogspot.com/2020/01/french-island-short-history.html 

(5) Cole, op. cit., chapter 1.

(6) James Grant (1772-1833), Australian Dictionary of Biography entry  https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/grant-james-2117

(7) Cole, op. cit., p. 11.

(8) Inscription - This cairn was erected by the Victorian Farmer`s Union to commemorate the first cultivation of wheat in Victoria by Mr. James Grant in 1801 on this land known as Churchill Island.

The Minister of Agriculture the Hon. G. L. Chandler C.M.G., M.L.C. unveiled this cairn on the 4th day of Nov. 1968

(9) John Murray (1775-1807), Australian Dictionary of Biography entry   https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/murray-john-2496

(10) Cole, op. cit., chapter 4.

(11) Nicolas Thomas Baudin (1754-1803), Australian Dictionary of Biography entry 

 https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/baudin-nicolas-thomas-1753

(12) Cole, op. cit., chapter 5.

(13) David Collins (1756-1810), Australian Dictionary of Biography entry   https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/collins-david-1912

(14) Bowden, Keith The Western Port Settlement and it leading personalities (South Eastern Historical Association, 1970), p. 3.

(15) Bowden, op. cit., chapter 1.

(16) Bowden, op. cit., passim.

(17) The plaque on the cairn. Inscription - This cairn which incorporates original convict made bricks, commemorates the settlement established near here from December 12th 1826 to February 19th 1828 by a party of soldiers and convicts commanded by Captain Samuel Wright. Unveiled on December 10th 1972 by Dr. K. Bowden on behalf of the South Eastern Historical Association and the Shire of Bass.

Photographer: John T. Collins, taken February 19, 1985 

State Library of Victoria image H94.200/1184

(18) Samuel Anderson (1803-1863) and Robert Massie (1809-1890). Read Anderson's obituary in The Argus of August 10, 1863, here.  Read Massie's obituary in the Riverine Grazier of September 30, 1890, see here. The Andersons of Western Port by Thomas Horton and Kenneth Morris (Bass Valley Historical Society, 1983) looks at the life of Samuel Anderson and his brothers Hugh and Thomas.

(19) Settlement dates are from  Pastoral Pioneers of Port Phillip by R.V. Billis and A.S. Kenyon (Stockland Press, 1974). Also The Good Country: Cranbourne Shire by Niel Gunson (Shire of Cranbourne, 1968) has information on these early settlers.

This is a version of a post, which I wrote and researched, which appears on my work blog, Casey Cardinia Links to our Past.

Italian Prisoners from the Koo Wee Rup Prisoner of War Camp

There was an Italian Prisoner of War Camp at Koo Wee Rup which operated from August 1944 until February 1946. I have written about it here. I came across some records of some of the men who were interned at Koo Wee Rup at the National Archives of Australia (NAA). The records are part of Series A7919 - Prisoners of War files, 1939-1945. There must have been other men, but these are all I can find at the moment. 

The NAA also has two digitsed files connected to these Italian Prisoners - 'Service and Casualty Form' (Series MP1103/1), which is generally one page, but may run to two pages. The other file is the  'Report on POW' (Series MP1103/2), which is generally two pages. Examples of both are shown below. I have included the links to these records for each man.

This is Salvatore Allevato's Service and Casualty Form (Series MP1103/1) from the National Archives and it shows where they were captured, date of birth, occupation, next of kin and the locations of their internment in Australia.

Above and below are the Report on POW' (Series MP1103/2) for Salvatore Allevato. The form lists date of birth, occupation, next of kin, height, weight and complexion, place of capture and entry to Australia.

What follows is a copy and paste from the NAA search results and is a list of Italian prisoners who spent time at Koo Wee Rup.

Allevato, Salvatore (Army) PWI 57552 - Born: 18 October 1916, Caccuri Catanzaro Italy - Captured: 22 November 1941, Sollum Libya - Previously interned: 16 December 1941, India - Arrived Australia: HARDY, 16 JANUARY 1944, Melbourne Victoria - Interned: Vakool Victoria - Departed: OTRANTO, 10 January 1947, for Naples Italy. This prisoner of War was transferred to Koo-Wee-Rup, 23 January 1945. Digitsed record Series MP1103/1 here and MP1103/2 here.

Bandini, Gino (Army) PWI 56541 - Born: 23 April 1910, Terranova (Arezzo) - Captured: 27 March 1941, Keren, Eritrea - Previously interned: 4 June 1942, Camp No 14 Pow Camp - Arrived Australia: LURLINE, 16 November 1943, Melbourne - Interned: PWCC V19 Koo Wee Rup - Departed: OTRANTO, 10 January 1947, for Naples Italy. Digitsed record Series MP1103/1 here and MP1103/2 here.

Colliva, Ivan (Army) PW 61224 - Born: 1 September 1920, Modena Italy - Captured: 10 December 1940, Sidi Barrani Libya - Previously interned: 20 January 1941, India - Arrived Australia: MARIPOSA, 26 April 1944, Melbourne - Interned: Koo Wee Rup Victoria - Departed: OTRANTO, 10 January 1947, for Italy. Digitsed record Series MP1103/1 here and MP1103/2 here.

De Angelis, Angelo. PWI 58349 - Born: 25 July 1901, Aquila Italy - Captured: Not known - Previously interned: 22 January 1941, India - Arrived Australia: Not known - Interned: Koo Wee Rup Victoria - Departed: OTRANTO, 10 January 1947, for Italy. Digitsed record Series MP1103/1 here and MP1103/2 here.

De Filippo, also as Defilippo, Mario (Army) PWI 47457 - Born: 14 February 1913, Lucera (Foggia) - Captured: 11 December 1940, Sidi Barrani Egypt - Previously interned: Middle East - Arrived Australia: QUEEN MARY, 16 August 1941, Sydney - Interned: PWCC V19 Koo Wee Rup - Departed: OTRANTO, 10 January 1947, for Naples Italy.  Digitsed record Series MP1103/1 here and MP1103/2 here.

Delfino, Giacomo PWI 58370 (Army) - Born: 7 August 1918, Minervino Bari, Italy - Captured: 9 December 1949, Alam el Nibewa - Previously interned: 4 January 1941, India - Arrived Australia: Not known - Interned: Koo-wee-rup, Victoria - Departed: OTRANTO, 10 January 1947 for Naples, Italy. Digitsed record Series MP1103/1 here and MP1103/2 here.

De Libero, also as Delibero, Giacomo PWI 48044 (Army) - Born: 3 May 1911, Cerreto, Benevento, Italy - Captured: 21 January 1941, Libya - Previously interned: Not known - Arrived Australia: QUEEN MARY, 27 May 1941, Sydney, New South Wales - Interned: Koo-wee-rup, Victoria - Departed: OTRANTO, 10 January 1947 for Naples, Italy.  Digitsed record Series MP1103/1 here and MP1103/2 here.

Dormizzi, Ugo PW 61301 - (Army) - Born: 18 January 1910, Esperia, Frosinoone, Italy - Captured: 11 December 1940, Buq Buq, Egypt - Previously interned: 5 March 1941, India - Arrived Australia: MARIPOSA, 26 January 1944, Melbourne, Victoria - Interned: PWCC V19 KOO WEE RUP- Departed: OTRANTO, 10 January 1947 for Naples, Italy.  Digitsed record Series MP1103/1 here and MP1103/2 here.

Duranti, Argentino (Army) PWI 59051 - Born: 9 August 1912, Candia (Ancona) Italy - Captured: 11 July 1941, Neggio - Previously interned: 4 December 1941, India - Arrived Australia: MARIPOSA, 11 July 1941, Melbourne - Interned: Koo Wee Rup Victoria - Departed: ORONTES, 21 January 1947, for Naples Italy.  Digitsed record Series MP1103/1 here and MP1103/2 here.

Ferrante, Ludovico (Army) PWI 48505 - Born: 1 January 1915, Casoria Napoli - Captured: 22 January 1941, Tobruk Libya - Previously interned: Not known - Arrived Australia: QUEEN MARY, 13 October 1941, Sydney - Interned: Koo Wee Rup 'D' PWCC V19 Victoria - Departed: OTRANTO, 10 January 1947, for Naples Italy.  Digitsed record Series MP1103/1 here and MP1103/2 here.

Franco, Giuseppe (Army) PWI 58453 - Born: 8 April 1914, Roseto Capo Spulico Cosenza Italy - Captured: 8 April 1941, Massaua [Mitsiwa] Eritrea - Previously interned: 17 October 1941, India - Arrived Australia: MARIPOSA, 5 February 1944, Melbourne - Interned: Koo Wee Rup Victoria - Departed: OTRANTO, 10 January 1947, for Naples Italy.  Digitsed record Series MP1103/1 here and MP1103/2 here.    

Franco, Michele (Army) PWI 47466 - Born: 18 February 1920, Carbonara (Bari) Italy - Captured: 10 December 1940, Sidi El Barrani Egypt - Previously interned: Middle East - Arrived Australia: QUEEN MARY, 16 August 1941, Sydney New South Wales - Interned: Koo Wee Rup Victoria - Departed: OTRANTO, 10 January 1947, for Naples Italy.  Digitsed record Series MP1103/1 here and MP1103/2 here.  

Iannitto, Luigi  (Army) PWI 45897 - Born: 2 August 1912, Lentini Italy - Captured: 11 December 1940, Libya - Previously interned: 4 March 1941, Geneifa Egypt - Arrived Australia: QUEEN MARY, 27 May 1941, Sydney - Interned: Koo Wee Rup - Departed: OTRANTO, 10 January 1947, for Italy.  Digitsed record Series MP1103/1 here and MP1103/2 here.

Maffei, Adolfo (Army) PWI 46246 - Born: 25 April 192-, Comano Apuana Italy - Captured: 9 December 1940, Libya - Previously interned: Not known - Arrived Australia: QUEEN MARY, 27 May 1941, Sydney New South Wales - Interned: Koo Wee Rup Victoria - Departed: OTRANTO, 10 January 1947, for Naples Italy.  Digitsed record Series MP1103/1 here and MP1103/2 here.

Mancini, Giuseppe (Army) PWI 62277 - Born: 19 March 1912, Sant'Agata Dei Goti - Captured: 6 February 1941, Agedabia Libya - Previously interned: 22 January 1942, India - Arrived Australia: MT VERNON, 27 April 1944, Melbourne Victoria - Interned: Koo Wee Rup, Victoria - Departed: OTRANTO, 10 January 1947, for Naples Italy.  Digitsed record Series MP1103/1 here and MP1103/2 here.

Michetti, Gabriele (Army) PWI 61507 - Born: 25 April 1920, Bucchianico Italy - Captured: 3 January 1941, Bardia Libya - Previously interned: 18 Febuary 1941, India - Arrived Australia: MARIPOSA, 26 April 1944, Melbourne Victoria - Interned: Koo Wee Rup Victoria - Departed: OTRANTO, 10 January 1947, for Naples Italy.  Digitsed record Series MP1103/1 here and MP1103/2 here.

Pagnanelli, Giuseppe (Army) PWI 61551 - Born: 12 May 1916, Tolle Chieti Italy - Captured: 3 January 1941, Bardia Libya - Previously interned: 22 February 1941, India - Arrived Australia: MARIPOSA, 26 April 1944, Melbourne Victoria - Interned: Koo Wee Rup Victoria - Departed: OTRANTO, 10 January 1947, for Naples Italy.  Digitsed record Series MP1103/1 here and MP1103/2 here.

Pasquero, Dario (Army) PWI 59054 - Born: 1 October 1912, Cavallermaggiore (Cuneo) Italy - Captured: 27 May 1941, east Africa - Previously interned: 1 November 1941, India - Arrived Australia: MARIPOSA, 5 November 1944, Melbourne - Interned: Koo Wee Rup Victoria - Departed: ORONTES, 21 January 1947, for Italy.  Digitsed record Series MP1103/1 here and MP1103/2 here.

Perrone, Angelo (Army) PWI 62451 - Born: 15 April 1916, Messina Italy - Captured: 6 January 1941, Bardia Libya - Previously interned: 19 Febuary 1941, India - Arrived Australia: MT VERNON, 26 April 1944, Melbourne - Interned: Koo Wee Rup - Departed: OTRANTO, 10 January 1947, for Italy.  Digitsed record Series MP1103/1 here and MP1103/2 here.

Raggazzini also as Ragazzini, Antonio (Army) PWI 46569 - Born: 2 December 1916, Casola Val Senior - Captured: 5 February 1941, Libya - Previously interned: Not known - Arrived Australia: QUEEN MARY, 27 May 1941, Sydney - Interned: PWCC V19 Koo Wee Rup - Departed: ORONTES, 21 January 1947, for Naples Italy.  Digitsed record Series MP1103/1 here  and MP1103/2 here.

Sciammarelia also as Sciammarella, Mario (Army) PWI 48323 - Born: 8 December 1916, Paola Cosenza Italy - Captured: 11 December 1940, Libya - Previously interned: Not known - Arrived Australia: QUEEN MARY, 13 October 1941, Sydney New South Wales - Interned: Koo Wee Rup Victoria - Departed: OTRANTO, 10 January 1947, for Naples Italy.  Digitsed record Series MP1103/1 here and MP1103/2 here.

Spurio, Umberto (Army) PWI 63503 - Born: 28 January 1911, Treia Macerata Italy - Captured: 8 May 1941, Passo Falaga Abyssinia - Previously interned: 9 September 1941, India - Arrived Australia: MARIPOSA, 27 April 1944, Melbourne - Interned: Koo Wee Rup Victoria - Departed: ORONTES, 21 January 1947, for Naples Italy.  Digitsed record Series MP1103/1 here and MP1103/2 here.

Valerio, Carmine (Army) PWI 61769 - Born: 18 January 1911 - Captured: 4 January 1941, Bardia, Libya - Previously interned: 20 February 1941, India - Arrived Australia: Not known - Interned: Koo Wee Rup Victoria - Departed: 21 January 1947, for Naples Italy.  Digitsed record Series MP1103/1 here and MP1103/2 here.

Venturato, Albino (Army) PWI 62662 - Born: 20 January 1920, Montebelluna Italy - Captured: 9 December 1940, Sidi El Barrani Libya - Previously interned: 20 January 1941, India - Arrived Australia: MT VERNON, 26 April 1944, Melbourne Victoria - Interned: Koo Wee Rup, Victoria - Departed: OTRANTO, 10 January 1947, for Naples Italy.  Digitsed record Series MP1103/1 here and MP1103/2 here.

Zerbini, Nello (Army) PWI 61843 - Born: 14 June 1919, Bolona Italy - Captured: Alam el Niberra Middle East - Previously interned: 4 January 1941, India - Arrived Australia: Not known - Interned: Koo Wee Rup Victoria - Departed: ORONTES, 21 January 1947, for Naples Italy. Digitsed record Series MP1103/1 here and MP1103/2 here.    

Zuzzaro, Romeo (Army) PWI 63626 - Born: 13 February 1913, Forria, Italy - Captured: 5 January 1941, Bardia, Libya - Previously interned: Not known - Arrived Australia: VERNON CASTLE, 27 April 1944, Melbourne, Victoria - Interned: Koo - Wee- Rup, Victoria - Departed: T S OERANTO, 10 January 1947, for Naples Italy. Digitsed record Series MP1103/1 here and MP1103/2 here.

The 1924 Flood

Here are some reports from the newspapers of the  August 1924 flood. We will start with the report from the local paper, the Koo Wee Rup Sun.

From the Koo Wee Rup Sun, Thursday September 4, 1924 p.2

 

Unprecedented Floods. Kooweerup Swamp area inundated. Farmers suffer heavy loss.

The torrential rain which fell on Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday had the effect of flooding the whole of the Kooweerup Swamp area, and inflicted considerable damage and inconvenience to residents. Old pioneers were unanimous that the present inundation is the worse the district has ever experienced. With the heavy and continuous rains of Monday it was anticipated that the district would have a bad time, as large volumes of water were coming the various drains, and even then many of the low-lying places were flooded. On Tuesday there was no abatement in the rainfall; in fact, it became heavier, and many folk the prepared for the worse and made arrangements to remove belongings out of flood reach. At night Five Mile, Cora Lynn, Cardinia, Dalmore and other localities were practically under water, and the occupants on numerous houses had to wend their way to higher ground or the Kooweerup township.

By Wednesday morning the signs became more ominous, as a number of drains were overflowing. At Kooweerup M’Donalds Drain broke and McGregor’s drain rapidly filled and overflowed, the water rushing with great pace to the township. People living near the drains had to abandon their homes and seek refuge elsewhere. The seriousness of the situation was quickly realized, when large numbers from outlying places came into Kooweerup seeking refuge. Many womenfolk and children caught the train and journeyed to the city, while the men remained to give assistance whenever needed.

The water kept steadily advancing, and early in the morning surrounded the Memorial Hospital. Offers of assistance were quickly made, but the doctor and staff did not accept such until later in the day. Fortunately, there were only several minor cases, and they and the staff were removed to the E.S. and A. Bank, a two-storey building. On Wednesday afternoon several feet of water was in the hospital.

Excitement prevailed in Kooweerup when it was announced that a couple in a house, surrounded by five feet of water, near the Boundary drain refused to leave. The seriousness of the position was pointed out to them, but they remained adamant. It was decided to ask the police to urge them to leave, but they were still obdurate.

Later in the afternoon water was invading most of the business places and many residences and occupiers were kept busy in packing their belongings in a more secure position. A feature of the situation was the splendid spirit of co-operation and help given by the more fortunate residents. They waded in water almost up to their waist, getting women and children to their homes, where all sorts of makeshifts were adopted for the purpose of giving them comfort and lodgings.

Hundreds must have spent a sleepless night, as the water kept rising. As individuals came into the township on horseback, reports of serious losses of crops, cattle, etc., were made, while the damage to the roads and drains will be considerable.

The railway staff exercised caution in regard to the running of trains, employes being kept on the watch, to see that the bridges and lines were kept intact. Consequently trains could not be kept to schedule time. The bridges over various drains were also kept under surveillance by residents.

The mailman to Five Mile reached his destination by vehicle yesterday morning, but had to return on horseback. The mail contractor for the Heath Hill route was unable to reach his destination.At Kooweerup Royal Hotel, Mrs McNamara, wife of the licensee, yesterday morning decided to only take women and children and refused many travelers and men-folk accommodation. Later in the evening the whole of the township was flooded.

A novel feature of the flood was that Mr “Pomp” Colvin rowed a boat right up Station street and as far as Gray’s shop in Rossiter street. The flood reached its zenith about 11p.m., last night, and since that hour the water has been gradually receding. This morning the water is still in a number of shops and houses, and many people are getting about minus boots and socks.

Koo Wee Rup is front page of The Sun News Pictorial. 

Caption: The worst flood in the history of Koo-Wee-Rup has overwhelmed 250 square miles of the surrounding district. Nearly 1000 settlers have been effected, and many families, forced to leave their homes by the rising water, are in a pathetic plight. (1) Taken from the train, this picture shows the flooded area between Dalmore and Koo-Wee-rup. (2) A motor-car on the main road between the two townships. (3) Gray's-store at Dalmore. (4) One of the many homes that have been rendered uninhabitable. (5) The Water Commission’s headquarters at Koo-Wee-rup, surrounded by more water than its officials know what to do with. (6) Deserted and desolate in a mud-colored sea. 

The Sun News Pictorial, August 28, 1924. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-page31190222

The following are reports from The Argus and The Sun News Pictorial

Township Inundated. 100 People Homeless.

Nearly 100 people were driven out of their homes at Koo wee rup as a result of the floods. No accidents were reported, but much damage has been done to property. From the main street, which was reported yesterday afternoon to be covered with water to a depth of several feet, the scene was one of desolation, rows of houses being completely surrounded by water. Here and there fences and trees showed above the water. From information available yesterday, it appears that the township did not suffer so much as the settlers in the surrounding district, where the water rose very quickly early yesterday morning.

Owing to the water entering the Soldiers' Memorial Hospital, the two patients were removed to the English, Scottish, and Australian Bank, and were made comfortable on the top floor. By midday, buildings in the main street were flooded on the ground floors, and business had to be suspended. The occupants were forced to go upstairs, most of the furniture being also removed. A boat was used in the main street to get the people out of their homes. Water was in some of the settler's houses on Tuesday night in the morning it increased alarmingly, and compelled people to find places of safety. Neighbours who had not been affected the floods took in many of the unfortunate settlers and their families and others decided to go to adjacent towns until the waters subsided.

Although definite information is not yet available it is reported that a large amount of stock has been lost in the floods. (The Argus, Thursday, August 28, 1924, see here) 

Water Still Rising

Koo-wee-rup, Wednesday. - For the first time since the cutting of the boundary drain, 20 years ago, the township of Koo-wee-rup has been flooded. The overflowing of the main drain at Cora Lynn has caused all of the country on the east side to be inundated. Several residents in the low-lying parts have left their homes. Station street and Rossiter's street are one foot deep in flood waters, and the Royal Hotel has been flooded. The Monomeith and Caldermeade plains are covered with the overflow from the Lang Lang River. As the waters are rapidly rising, residents expect that many homes will be vacated this evening. (The Argus, Thursday, August 28, 1924, see here)

 

Cora Lynn in flood; the War Memorial is in the centre and the Hall is on the right.

Caption: Settlers in the Koo-wee-rup irrigation area pay 2/ an acre to the State Rivers and Water Supply Commission for flood protection. A photograph is reproduced showing the flood water rushing through the bank.

The Argus, April 5 1924 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article1895861

Properties Submerged

Garfield, Tuesday. - Further heavy rains have caused a flood on the swamp, in the vicinity of the main drain. On the 14 mile road, the paddocks of Messrs Filer, Golding, and Voll are under water. The water is a foot deep in Mrs McLean's house, and Mr. J. Kavanagh's home is surrounded by water. In spite of the efforts of workers the waters crossed the road and the paddocks of Messrs. O'Leary, Leask, and B. Kavanagh are covered. Mr. O'Leary had 10 acres just planted with potatoes. At Vervale, the water rose over the banks of the main drain, and the properties of Messrs. Henwood, McGrath, and Baker are inundated. The Iona school-ground is under water. The flood swept across the farms of Messrs Lennox, Tyrell, and McManis. On the 13-mile road, the pipes were washed away from a new culvert, and the banks of the new subsidiary drain etc were carried away. In the township the shops of Messrs Khan, 
Hourigan, and Isherwood were flooded. The footpaths had to be cut in several places to turn the water from the road to the township flats. The drain through Mr. Jones's farm could not carry the flood, and portion of Garfield Reserve is submerged. Three inches of rain fell in 24 hours. (The Argus, Thursday, August 28, 1924, see here)

The Sun News Pictorial photo feature of the floods.

Caption: "The Gentle rain from Heaven” that Shakespeare wrote about has been referred to in anything but pious and poetic terms by the unfortunate settlers of Koo-wee-rup, who have been flooded out of house and home. The water showed signs of going down yesterday, and a more optimistic spirit predominated in the little township. 1. Mr. A. C. Colvin, an old-time cyclist, helping a damsel in distress. 2. In difficulties. A family leaning their well-nigh submerged home. 3. The kiddies quite enjoyed their trying experiences. 4. These little girls sailed their rakish craft down the main street. 5. Thirsty souls waiting outside the Royal Hotel for something better than water. 6. Willing hands to the rescue.

The Sun News Pictorial, August 29, 1924 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-page31190268

Swamped! Koo-wee-rup. Thousands Lost. Township Isolated.

(Our Special Reporter) Koo-wee-rup, Wednesday,- Flood waters inundated Koo-wee-rup to-day, and made an unromantic Venice of the place, with rowing boats in the main street. Shops and private houses are under water, and the main street has become a swirling stream four feet deep in parts. The whole town is practically cut off from outside communication by seas of water on all sides.

Patients at the local hospital bush nursing centre were hurriedly removed when the water began to rush on the township from the upper reaches of the swamp. Settlers from outlying parts flocked into Koo-wee-rup to-day in drays containing whole families. They got cramped accommodation in the township. In many cases they were forced to leave even this refuge as the water crept ominously up over the doorways. Some of the houses were two feet under.

Had Water in it - Many of the bolder spirits made a last stand in the Royal Hotel, a two-storey brick structure, facing the railway station. But they had to beat a retreat from this fortification when the water swamped in and invaded the whole premises. All the guests spent a damp night in the upstairs rooms.

These floods have given Koo-wee-rup residents a rude shock. With the thousands of pounds spent on drainage schemes they imagined they would be better protected from the flood menace which has been looked upon as a necessary evil, ever since the first settler selected here. The present downpour showed up grievous flaws in the drainage scheme, and settlers flooded out and temporarily homeless, bitterly complain to-night that the State River and Water Supply has let them down badly.

Thousands Lost - Already settlers throughout the 80,000 acres of ordinary fertile Koo-wee-rup swamp land have lost thousands of pounds since Sunday. Many were about to plant potato crops, but will be unable to do so for weeks, and the seed will be ruined. Live stock is also in danger.

Mr. Joseph Lee, of Koo-wee-rup, whose home is on the outskirts of the township between two over-flooded drains had to scramble on to his roof this afternoon and signal for help to rescue his stock. Willing helpers hastened out to his assistance, and tried to persuade him to leave his home. Like other settlers in a similar plight, he refused, saying he himself was in no danger, and had better stay and look after the place. Protecting banks higher up the main drain have been badly weakened by the rush of water, which in some places has completely overflowed them. Once over the embankment the water is free to overrun the low parts of the country for miles.

Crisis at Midnight - Midnight is expected to bring the critical hour. Then residents who have experienced past floods anticipated the water will reach its highest level. Mr Pomp Colvin, a local resident, who in the fishing season runs yachts to Tooradin, enterprisingly brought a dinghy this afternoon into the town, and rescued many marooned families. Later in the day he was called upon to rescue his own family, as the flood water crept unswervingly on.

At Dalmore the full significance of the watery waste is realised. Here miles upon miles of country are under water, and settlers’ homes rise up desolately out of the yellow sea. Water began to trickle through the back door of the Post-office to-night, and the postmistress, who had had a very busy day, was afraid that she might have to leave during night. (The Sun News Pictorial,  Thursday, August 28, 1924, see here) 

Floods in Koo Wee Rup District - The Weekly Times photo feature.

Caption: 1. Riding in for the Mail. 2. Flooded-out families of Messrs. Nestor and Leydens. 3. Cattle Fording Creek at Yallock. 4. Station Street, Koo-wee-rup. 5. Sole Occupants of Koo-wee-rup Hospital. 6. Rescuing Girls from Top of Cowshed. 7. Motor Being Towed out on Main Road, Damore. 8. At Mr E. Johnson's, Koo-wee-rup. 9. Coming in for Stores. 10. Pellissier Bros, Leaving for the Station with Milk.

The Weekly Times, September 6, 1924 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-page23788738

Settlers return to Homes. Position Easier at Koo-Wee-Rup.

Koo-Wee-Rup, Thursday. - Though the Kooweerup township has been submerged in some places to a depth of 3ft., Mr. A. J. Lupson, engineer of the State Rivers and Water Supply Commission, considers that had the bank of the main drain burst at Cora Lynn, as has occurred on previous occasions, the situation would have been much more serious. The damage done is slight compared with previous floods, as only a small acreage is, at this time of the year, under cultivation. Business people suffered slight losses, as timely warning of the approaching danger had been given by the continuous rains of Monday and Tuesday. At 11 o'clock on Wednesday night the flood waters which had inundated the township ceased rising. At that hour all the business places were several inches deep in water. By 7 o'clock this morning the water had fallen 8in., and, as the day advanced, a further drop took place. There is, however, a foot of water in the vicinity of Station and Rossiter's street.

The Dalmore district is still inundated, as there is a large volume of water coming down Kardinia Creek. Many farmers will be losers, as several of them had gone in for early plantings. Much damage has been done to roads in the flooded districts but culverts and bridges have stood the strain well. The soldier settlers in the Monomeith and Caldermeade districts continue to have more than a their shire of misfortune. Most of these men are dairy farmers, and the milk supply has appreciably diminished.

Though it was reported at first that a huge amount of stock had been lost, such has not proved to be the case. A gang of men is busily employed effecting repairs where the landslide and wash-away occurred at Yannathan, on the Strezlecki line. (The Argus, Friday, August 29, 1924, see here)

The opening of the Cardinia Public Hall in 1924

The Cardinia Public Hall was officially opened on Wednesday, December 17, 1924. The report from the Koo Wee Rup Sun of Wednesday December 24, 1924 page 4, is transcribed, below. For more information on the Hall I have written about the community activity which led to the building of the Hall, here and I have written about the original five Trustees, Michael Conroy, Alexander Duff, George Benjamin Beazley, Ernest Gordon Mills and Joseph Gordon Lobb, here. 

The Cardinia Public Hall and the Dandenong Valley Regional Libraries mobile library bus in 1978. At the time the bus stopped at Cardinia every second Thursday 10.15am. to 11.00am.

Koo Wee Rup Sun, May 17, 1978 page 4

Cardinia. Opening of Public Hall.

From the Koo Wee Rup Sun of Wednesday December 24, 1924 page 4.

On Wednesday evening, the 17th inst., an event of more than passing importance took place in Cardinia. It was the official opening of the new Public Hall, which occupies a nice dry position next to the State School. The hall is a spacious building, with a side platform and ladies and gents’ dressing rooms. It was tastefully decorated, for which the ladies deserve great credit. The hall was to have been opened by the Minister of Lands (Hon. A. Downward) and the Government Whip (Mr Groves), but owing to the political situation they were unable to be present. Mr Conroy, chairman of the committee, stated that their members of the State House were unable to be present, but the worthy President of the Cranbourne Shire (Cr Croskell), who had previously been asked to take the chair for the occasion, had been further asked if he would officially open their Public Hall, and he kindly consented to do so. He had much pleasure in introducing to them the President of the Shire (Cr. Croskell)

Cr Croskell stated that he was very pleased to be there that night, which was an auspicious occasion for the district. It must be very gratifying to the committee to have such a fine gathering present, and he hoped on every future occasion the gatherings would be as large. He stated that he had been asked to read apologies from the Prime Minister (Mr Bruce) and Messrs Downward and Groves, who were unable to be present through pressure of further business. He would like to congratulate the people of Cardinia upon the success which had attended their efforts to obtain a Public Hall for Cardinia. He also congratulated them on their foresight in having their public buildings so close together, as in many townships one public building is placed on one corner and another about a mile away. With the public buildings close together it was much easier to get facilities, such as footpaths and drainage. 

The Cardinia Public Hall in 2005.

Image courtesy of Casey Cardinia Remembers,  https://www.caseycardiniaremembers.org.au/, a project of 

the Narre Warren and District Family History Group, nwfhg.org.au

He also congratulated the various committees and especially the chairman (Mr M. Conroy) and the secretary (Mr George Beazley), upon the success which had attended their efforts. The hall is a long felt necessity, and the residents must be gratified upon the consummation of their hopes, and he hoped they would all be long spared to enjoy the social intercourse which would be possible through having such a fine building in which to meet, and it gave him much pleasure in declaring the hall open.

Mr Conroy, in moving a vote of thanks to Cr Croskell, stated that the hall had cost over £600 and over half had been already met. He was sure that both Mr George Beazley and himself did not expect any special credit for anything they had done, as everybody on the committee had worked like Trojans and worked harmoniously to make the building of the hall a success. He asked them all to carry their thanks by acclamation.

A first-class programme was given by Dandenong, Melbourne and local district artists, namely Mesdames Monahan and Debout, Miss Stafford and Messrs Niel McInness, O’Neill, Verey and Hames. At the conclusion of the concert Cr Croskell moved a vote of thanks to the performers for the first-class entertainment they had given that night. He had been asked to specially thank the friends who had come all the way from Dandenong and Devon Meadows at their own expense. He would also like a special vote of thanks to Mrs Monahan, who so capably and efficiently played all the accomplishments for the evening. He asked them to carry the vote of thanks by acclamation.

After the conclusion of the concert the hall was cleared and a large programme of dances was gone through. The dancing was in charge of Mr T. Richards, who rendered his well-known efficient service as M.C.

The Cardinia Public Hall Honour Board in 2005. 

The board was donated by Life Member, Ian Ridgway, December 1, 1984.

Image courtesy of Casey Cardinia Remembers,  https://www.caseycardiniaremembers.org.au/, a project of 

the Narre Warren and District Family History Group, nwfhg.org.au

For more information on the Hall I have written about the community activity which led to the building of the Hall, here and I have written about the original five Trustees, Michael Conroy, Alexander Duff, George Benjamin Beazley, Ernest Gordon Mills and Joseph Gordon Lobb, here.