Showing posts with label Bayles. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bayles. Show all posts

Tuesday, August 22, 2023

Application for a Hotel in Bayles

The Age of December 12, 1930 published the following advertisement of a notice of application for a victualler's licence at Bayles, from Edward Parnell Buckley -


Application for a victualler's licence at Bayles 
The Age, December 12, 1930  http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article203271532


The licensing Court hearing of the application was held on February 10, 1931 and The Argus reported on this hearing - 
Liquour Licence for Bayles. Application Withdrawn.
Application was made to the Licensing Court yesterday by Mr Luke Murphy on behalf of Edward Parnell Buckley for the issue of a victualler's licence at Bayles, a township in the Koo-Wee-Rup district. The Court consisted of Messrs R. Barr (chairman), J. Lock and V. Tanner. Mr Gamble (instructed by Messrs W.B. and O. McCutcheon) opposed the application on behalf of certain residents and ratepayers of the neighbourhood, and Mr. L.J. Murphy opposed on behalf of other residents of the district. Mr. Gamble said that he had a petition opposing the issue, signed by a majority of the ratepayers within a radius of three miles.

Superintendent Ashton submitted a report, in which he said that he did not approve of the issue of the licence. The site was away from the main road, and there were other hotels four miles and a half distant. There were fewer than 100 residents of the township of Bayles. Evidence on behalf of those opposing the application was that there were only 271 adult residents in the area served by the proposed hotel, and that there were only three mixed trains a week to the Bayles railway station.

Mr Luke Murphy and that it was proposed to erect an hotel costing £3,500. There were 3,000 to 4,000 acres under potatoes in the area, and many sportsmen visited the district in the quail season. The chairman said that the amount of trade at the proposed hotel would apparently be microscopical. There had never been a time at which the Court had to be more careful not to encourage purely speculative ventures. Mr Tanner said that no evidence had been submitted to show that a hotel was required. Mr. Luke Murphy withdrew the application. (The Argus, February 11, 1931, see here

So that was the end of a Hotel for Bayles.

Edward Parnell Buckley was born in 1889 in Balnarring to John and Catherine (nee Dore) Buckley. He was the second youngest of their eleven children -  his siblings were David, Elizabeth, Nellie, Mary, Michael, Patrick, John, Thomas, Catherine and Annie, who were born between 1867 to 1892. His father John, died on January 14,  1920 and his obituary in The Advocate notes some interesting facts about his life -
Mr. John Buckley - One of the oldest pioneers of the Mornington Peninsula passed away on Wednesday week in the person of Mr John Buckley, of "Erinslea," Balnarring. The deceased was born in Tipperary, Ireland, 82 years ago, and came to Victoria in the year 1856, settling in Balnarring. A few years after he married a daughter of the late John Dore, "Mt. Ararat,'' Pakenham. Deceased took an active part in all matters relating to the Church. Mass used to be celebrated for a number of years in the deceased's house till St. John's Church was erected.....Deceased took an active part in all public matters. He was a member of the first Roads Board and, of the shire council. The funeral, which took place on Thursday week, was largely attended, the cortege being a mile long. A widow, six sons, and five daughters are left to mourn their loss. (The Advocate, January 31, 1920,  read the full obituary here)


Informative death notice of John Buckley. Interesting for those times that all the 
eleven children survived until adulthood.
The Herald, January 14, 1920 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article242160095

Edward was listed in the 1914 to 1931 Electoral Rolls as a farmer at Balnarring. He died on October 20, 1932, aged only 42 and is buried at the Crib Point Cemetery. It would be interesting to know why he applied  for a victualler's licence at Bayles in 1930, after many years of farming at Balnarring. 


Edward Buckley's death notice

Catherine Buckley  died in 1937 - this is her obituary -
Nonegenarian Passes - Mrs. Catherine Agnes Buckley died at her residence at Balnarring on October 11, aged 92 years. She was an Australian native, having been born at Pakenham. She was one of the pioneers of the Balnarring district, where she settled with her husband, the late Mr. John Buckley, 70 years ago. In spite of her great age, Mrs. Buckley's memory was remarkably retentive and she could relate happenings of many years ago quite clearly. She had a family of 11 children-six sons and five daughters. One son and one daughter predeceased her. One of her sons is Cr. David Buckley, a member of the Flinders Shire Council. Another son, Mr Thomas Buckley, is a stationmaster and is now stationed at Camperdown. The funeral took place in the Crib Point Cemetery on October 13. There was a large gathering of mourners at the grave, many old friends travelling long distances to be present. Many beautiful wreaths were placed on the coffin. Requiem Mass was celebrated at the Balnarring R.C. Church by the Rev. Fr. Fitzpatrick, who also read the burial service. (Frankston and Somerville Standard, October 22, 1937, read the full obituary, here)

The Dore family - John (c.1808 - 1895) his wife Betty (nee Elizabeth O'Connor, c. 1808 - 1876) and their children Edward, Thomas, Patrick and Ellen had arrived in Melbourne in September 1841; six more children were born after their arrival.  In 1844, John Dore and Michael Hennessey took up the Mount Ararat Run at Nar Nar Goon of 1,900 acres. The partnership existed until 1855. Hennessey then moved to Dandenong and built the Bridge Hotel and later took over the Eumemmerring Hotel. In the 1860s, Dore purchased the 640 acre Mt Ararat pre-emptive right. He later purchased another 387 acres and his son Thomas 300 acres so they held a total of 1,300 acres. The property was later bisected by the railway line when it was built in 1877. ( Source - From Bullock Tracks to Bitumen: a brief history of the Shire of Berwick  published by the Historical Society of the Berwick Shire, 1962)

Monday, December 5, 2022

Bayles Football Club - a poem

The Koo Wee Rup Sun of May 14, 1925 published this poem by Master A. Murdoch about the players of the Bayles Football Club. I am guessing that the poet was Archibald William Murdoch, the son of George Petrie Murdoch, who had the store at Bayles.  Archie was born 1909, and so would have been about 16 at the time - young enough to be called 'Master' and old enough to write the poem. George Murdoch also had the store at Cora Lynn from 1907 until 1922, read about this here. The poem is transcribed below.


Bayles Football Club poem 
Koo Wee Rup Sun May 14, 1925 p.3


Bayles Football Club by Master A. Murdoch

They are Black and White Magpies,
The king of all birds;
Some come from the factory-
They live on the curds.
There's Jeffers and Stewart and Murdoch and Kane; 
They never are beaten; they all come again.
And there's Tommy O'Brien and Bromeo Fred,
And Taylor, the butcher, to carve up the dead;
Harker, the captain, an old hand at the game,
Who never gets beaten or never goes lame.
There's butchers and bakers and shopkeepers, too
They're footballers all and they know what to do.
But what about Smithy and Dan Cunningham?
They're as good as the day they came out of the pram.
There's great big Bert Griffo, who works on a farm;
He's that big and hefty, he'll come to no harm.
There's poor old Bill Wise, the man with the watch;
They say he's too fat, but that is all bosh.
But what about O'Brien and Sage?
If Bayles get beaten they'll get in a rage, 
And if anyone tries to sneak into the plot,
Les Egan, on Charger, will run down the lot.
Look out! Here comes Egan with one of his rushes;
The men are all gasping, the ladies all blushes.
And there's Egans and Linehams, who plow in the furrow,
And by all that is holy we'll down Korumburra.

Thursday, December 30, 2021

Koo Wee Rup to Strzelecki Railway line

The railway line which used to run from Koo Wee Rup to Strzelecki opened officially on June 29, 1922. At the time it was known as the Koo Wee Rup to McDonald’s Track Railway. McDonald’s Track had been surveyed between 1860 and 1862 by George McDonald. It ran between what is now called Lang Lang to Poowong, over Mt Worth to Morwell, with the aim of providing a stock route through to Sale. The Gippsland Railway line through to Sale was completed in 1879 and early McDonald’s Track settlers, especially those around Poowong, soon began to agitate for a railway line to help ease their transport problems through the densely forested, damp hills as the 32 kilometres (20 miles) of track between Poowong and Drouin took over a days travel and all goods and produce were carted on pack horses or drays (1).

Various routes for a railway line were suggested including one from Drouin to Welshpool via McDonalds Track (2) or Drouin to Poowong (3) or Monomeith to Warragul (4). The Great Southern Railway line to Port Albert via Koo Wee Rup, Leongatha and Foster was opened in 1892, by-passing Poowong. The opening of this line coupled with the draining of the Koo Wee Rup Swamp saw fresh demands from the McDonald Track settlers and the Swamp settlers for a new line. The Swamp was a large producer of dairy products and vegetables and there was also a growing sand mining industry. In 1912 a new Railway line was proposed from Koo Wee Rup to McDonalds Track via areas of the Koo Wee Rup Swamp.

Much of the following information comes from Steam to Strzelecki : the Koo-Wee-Rup to McDonald’s Track Railway by Merilyn Ramsay. Published by the Australian Railway Historical Society in 1991. It is out of print, but well worth tracking down if you are interested in Railway history or Gippsland history.


The Koo Wee Rup to McDonald's Track Railway Construction Bill 
receives assent from the Governor.
The Herald October 12, 1914 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article242295595

The Koo Wee Rup to McDonalds Track Railway Construction Act was proclaimed on October 12, 1914 (5)  and construction began on August 4, 1915 (6).


A description of the route of the railway line
Weekly Times, October 17 1914 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article121115533

Construction of the line was slowed by the re-allocation of resources during the First World War and didn’t resume with any pace until 1919. Construction was carried out in three stages. The Swamp area from Koo Wee Rup to Heath Hill, the foothills area of Heath Hill to Triholm and the mountain area from Triholm to Strzelecki. The finished line was 30¾ miles in length, as the article above, tells us.  Unfortunately for the people of Poowong they were bypassed once again.


Timetable July 1922
Koo Wee Rup Sun, July 20, 1922.

The first timetable had three trains per week carrying both passengers and goods, Monday, Wednesday and Fridays, see timetable, above.  The official opening of the line was as we said June 29, 1922 but the line was in use earlier. The Bayles Station commenced limited operation over a year earlier on February 10, 1921 and Catani had opened for limited operations from May 1921 (7).  The opening of the Bayles Railway Station was the catalyst for the opening of a General Store in the town, which was opened by George Murdoch in January 1921. George also owned the Cora Lynn Store and he initially employed Thomas Keys as his manager at Bayles (8). The Argus of March 9, 1922 also reported that the construction of the Koo-wee-rup to McDonald Track line is sufficiently advanced to enable the railway construction branch to haul goods in truckloads (minimum weight three tons) to or from the following stations:  Bayles, Catani, Yannathan, Heath Hill, Athlone, Warneet, and Topiram. Goods will be earned at owner's risk, and as construction work permits (9).  Merilyn Ramsay writes that Topiram was known as Warneet during construction, but named Topiram when opened for traffic.  Triholm was known as Topiram during construction, but changed to Triholm when the line opened for traffic (10).

Limited operations commenced on the line before the official opening.

The Koo Wee Rup Sun of April 20, 1922 reported on the revenue already gathered from the soon to be officially opened railway line - Interesting figures. The revenue derived from the M'Donald Track to Kooweerup railway line, which is not yet completed, amounted to £844 last month. The inward and outward tonnage reached 1615 tons. At the Kooweerup station the revenue for the month of March last year totalled £1261, but for the corresponding month this year it almost doubled the figures, being £2400. Goods amounted to £954, passengers £277, parcels £125 and live stock £44. Although the department reaps such a revenue, the present station is totally unsuitable for the conducting of business and an eyesore to the township, and it is about time the commissioners gave practical consideration to the erecting of a new building.


Revenue from the railway line, before it was officially opened.
Koo Wee Rup Sun April 20, 1922 p.4

This brings us to the names selected for the Stations. The Age reported on the origins of the names. Bayles was names after Frederick Bayles, I have written about him here; Catani was named for Carlo Catani, Chief Engineer of the Public Works Department.  I have an entire blog devoted to Carlo, here


The origin of the names of the Stations

The use of the name Catani, was suggested by the Koo Wee Rup Pioneers' Association and George Clowser, of the Public Works Department, as the article below, attests. I have written about George Clowser, here.


 The suggestion that a railway station be named after Carlo Catani.


The opening ceremony took place  on June 29, 1922, at Strzelecki. The official opening was performed by the Minister for Railways, Samuel Barnes. Lady Mackey, the wife of the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, Sir John Mackey, cut the ribbon. The first train to leave Koo Wee Rup for the ceremony carried over 300 passengers from stations along the line (11).


Some of the crowd at the opening ceremony.
Weekly Times July 8, 1922 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article222803430 


Lady Mackey cuts the ribbon at the opening ceremony.


Samuel Barnes, Minister for Railways at the opening ceremony.



The steam engine on the turntable at Strzelecki on opening day, June 29, 1922.
Image: Koo Wee Rup Swamp Historical Society courtesy Mary Holmes.


These are the stations and sidings on the line, starting from Koo Wee Rup, with the dates of official operation from Steam to Strzelecki (12) -
Plowrights Siding - June 1, 1926 to May 12, 1931 (I have written about and have photographs of the Plowright Brother's sand mine operation, here)
Water Washed Sand Siding - March 9, 1926 to May 5,1931
Bayles Station - June 29, 1922 to February 4, 1959
Catani Station - June 29, 1922 to April 25, 1950
Yannathan Station - June 29, 1922 to April 25, 1950
Heath Hill Station - June 29, 1922 to August 7, 1941.
Athlone Quarry Siding - October 1922 to 1925
Athlone Station - June 29, 1922 to August 7, 1941.
Topiram Station - June 29, 1922 to August 7, 1941.
Triholm Station - June 29, 1922 to August 7, 1941.
Strzelecki Station - June 29, 1922 to November 24, 1930.


A short report of Plowright Brothers' sand washing operation, which was serviced 
by a  siding which opened June 1, 1926. Mr Clapp referred to in the report was Harold Clapp (1875-1952) Chairman of the Victorian Railways.
Koo Wee Rup Sun, April 12 1926


The train at Bayles.
Image: Bayles Fauna Park Collection.

Almost as soon as the line opened there were complaints about the lack of services on the line. In August 1923 it was reported that at the meeting of Yannathan branch V.F.U., -
a report was received from Mr. Barnes, Minister for Railways, re deputation's request for a daily service to be run from Strezlecki to Koo-wee-rup. — Request refused on advice of Railways Commissioners. This report led to a long discussion regarding the unsatisfactory way the present service met the requirements of the district. Mr. Warren considered the present service did not suit more than 10 per cent, of the population along the line. To help dairymen to get their milk to town it was absolutely useless. Mr. Wildes considered that the requirements of the district would be met if a daily motor rail service was run from Koo-wee-rup as far as Yannathan.

Mr. Bennett said he thought they should go further than just taking steps to get their milk daily to town. Statistics had been gathered quite recently showing there were about 2000 dairy cows between Bayles station and Yannathan station, which proved conclusively that this small area was a compact block lending itself admirably to the dairying industry
(13).

As you can see from the dates of operation, above, the service to Strzelecki lasted less than 8 years; and to Athlone, Topiram, Triholm and Heath Hill less than 20 years. The line between Triholm and Yannathan was dismantled in 1942 (14)


Dismantling of part of the  railway line
Koo Wee Rup Sun September 3, 1942

The passenger service closed in August 1941 (15), but the line continued to carry goods such as livestock and milk, until it was closed completely in 1959. It was a short-lived railway line.  You can still see some remnants of the line. Steam to Strzelecki describes what was still visible in 1991 when the book was published. The Bayles Fauna Reserve  has a small Museum with some photos of the line, including the one above and the first two, below.


Bayles Railway Station, taken 6/10/1956 on an  
81 RM (280 HP rail motor) on Australian Railway Historical Society tour
Image: Koo Wee Rup Swamp Historical Society, courtesy of A.R.H.S Archives. 


The train leaving Yannathan Station, Easter 1940, on the way to Bayles.
Image: Bayles Fauna Park Collection.


Catani Railway Station
Image: Koo Wee Rup Swamp Historical Society


Topiram Platform viewed from North Side. Photographer: Weston Langford
Image 114891 taken January 17, 1984  https://www.westonlangford.com/


Triholm Looking towards Koo Wee Rup. Photographer: Weston Langford
Image 114890 taken January 17, 1984  https://www.westonlangford.com/


A view of station ground at Strzelecki, 1920s. Photographer: Ted Staff.
Annotations on verso identifying sites: No. 1 Station Yard -- 2. Office -- 3. Daws (?) Portable -- 4. Scales Portable - 5. You can just see a little of my camp -- 6. Macf's Place near Store. Dotted line is the railway line.
State Library of Victoria Image  H2017.79/141 http://handle.slv.vic.gov.au/10381/4157908


Footnotes
(1) Hartnell, Ross Pack Tracks to Pastures: a history of Poowong District (Poowong Centenary Committee, 1974
(2) Drouin to Welshpool - The Age, April 15, 1880, see here.
(3) Drouin to Poowong - The Age, August 23, 1890, see here.
(4) Monomeith to Warragul - the Leader, August 30, 1890, see here. Article also has a general discussion of Gippsland railways and a map of potential lines.
(5) Ramsay, Merilyn Steam to Strzelecki : the Koo-Wee-Rup to McDonald’s Track Railway (Australian Railway Historical Society, 1991) p. 22
(6) Ramsay, op. cit., p. 29.
(7) Date of Bayles Station comes from Mickle Memories of Koo Wee Rup: for young and old, v.1 by Dave Mickle (The Author, 1983) p. 75. He quotes the Koo Wee Rup Sun, but I have checked the originals from February 1921 and can't find a reference. Marilyn Ramsay quotes the same date and her source is the Koo Wee Rup Sun. Marilyn Ramsay also writes (p. 47) that Railways Weekly Notices refer to Bayles and Catani being open during construction on 21 May 1921, and Heath Hill and Topriam on 7 March 1922. The Argus of June 23, 1921 reported the fact that Bayles and Catani were open for limited use - see below.

Notification that Bayles and Catani Stations were partially open for business

(8) The Bayles store opened in January 1921. - I have written more about it here,  but this is the short version - I checked back through the Koo Wee Rup Suns and the earliest ad I found for the "Yallock General Store" owned by George Murdoch, was January 1921. George Murdoch also had the Cora Lynn Store, which he opened in 1907. Bayles was managed initially by Thomas Keys. In January 1922 it was advertised as the Bayles General Store and Thomas was no longer the manager, but George Murdoch himself, had taken over. I was confused initially because I didn't know whether the Yallock Store was actually in the old town of Yallock or the 'new' Yallock, centred around the Bayles Railway Station. I did however, check the Shire of Cranbourne Rate books and they confirm that Murdoch's store was actually in Bayles not Yallock. He is first mentioned as owning the land in the 1920/21 Rate books.


First advertisement for the Yallock General Store from the 
Koo Wee Rup Sun of January 20, 1921. The store was later renamed the Bayles General Store.


Yallock Store is now called the Bayles Store.
Koo Wee Rup Sun January 26, 1922

(9) The Argus, March 9, 1922, see here.
(10) Ramsay, op. cit., p. 133.
(11) Reports of the opening - Weekly Times July 8, 1922, see here;  The Age, June 30, 1922, see here.
(12) Ramsay, op. cit., p. 133.
(13) Farmers' Advocate, August 3 1923, see here.
(14) Koo Wee Rup Sun September 3, 1942
(15) Ramsay, op. cit., p. 106


A version of this post, which I wrote and researched, has appeared in the Koo Wee Rup Swamp Historical Society newsletter, The Koo Wee Rup Blackfish newsletter and on my work blog, Casey Cardinia Links to our past.

Thursday, December 9, 2021

Frederick Bayles (1884-1915)

The area where the town of Bayles is now located was originally known as Yallock, however when the Strzelecki Railway line was opened in  June 1922, the station for the Yallock settlement was called Bayles, after Frederick Bayles. Frederick was the first member of the Railway Construction Branch to be killed in World War One (1). 

Frederick enlisted in the A.I.F, 7th Battalion, on August 20. 1914 and he was a bugler.  He was 30 years old, single, of the Church of England faith and his occupation was listed as a Clerk in Government Service. His address on enlistment was 64 Hoddle Street in Abbotsford. Frederick was 5 feet, 7 inches in height; 11 stone 4 pounds in weight and had blue eyes and fair hair. His next of kin was his brother George Bayles of 6 Watery Lane, Merton Park in London. Frederick embarked on the Hororata on October 19, 1914 and less than seven months later was killed in action at Gallipoli, on May 8,  1915 (2). 


Frederick's oath on enlistment. 
National Archives of Australia www.naa.gov.au  First Australian Imperial Force Personnel Dossiers, 1914-1920


The HMAT Horoarta - Frederick embarked in this ship October 19, 1914.
This photo was taken in 1916 at Port Melbourne at another send-off of soldiers.
Photographer: J.E. Barnes. State Library of Victoria Image H40762

Frederick’s brother, Corporal George Bayles of the 1/5 London Field Coy., Royal Engineers (3) was, as we said,  his next of kin on his enlistment form. Frederick’s Attestation file has copies of various letters sent between the Army and George who enquired about his brother’s personal effects and any wages that Frederick might be owed. There is no information as to whether George received any of Frederick’s personal effects, he was, however, sent the Memorial Plaque, the Memorial Scroll and three medals - the British War medal, the Victory medal and the 1914/15 Star medal (4). 

From the Commonwealth War Graves Commission website at www.cwgc.org we know that Frederick has his name on the Helles Memorial in Turkey which serves a memorial to the Commonwealth service men who died on the Gallipoli Peninsula and have no known grave or were buried at sea. This site lists Frederick’s parents as John and Louisa Bayles of Battersea in London.


The Helles Memorial, in Turkey, where Frederick's name is listed. 
Image: Commonwealth War Graves Commission  https://www.flickr.com/photos/cwgc/7682751484/

Frederick was the youngest child of John and Louisa (nee Torr) Bayles. He was born on January 11, 1884 and attended Gideon Road School in Battersea. John was a Stone-mason. Frederick's siblings were -  Louisa  (born 1869), Annie (1871), Eleanor (1873), Arthur (1875), Alice (1877), George (1882) and then Frederick. The first four children were born in Wokingham, Berkshire, the same town where John and Louisa were married. The last three were born in Battersea, London. In the 1881 English Census the family lived at 8 Ashbury Road, Battersea. In the 1891 and 1901 Census they were at 59 Tyneham Road, Battersea. In this Census, Frederick was listed as Clerk. In the 1911 Census, Fred is living with his brother, George at 20 Shelton Road, Merton Park, Surrey. Also living there was George's wife Nellie and their two children - George, aged 5 and 3 year old Violet Nellie. In 1911, Fred's occupation was a Commercial traveller (5). 

Frederick arrived in Melbourne on the Norseman in August 1913 (6).  He was then employed by the Victorian Railways as a Clerk. Then a year after he arrived, he enlisted with the Australian Imperial Force and by the following May, he was dead. You would have to surmise that he had made a big impact on his fellow workers because seven years later, they honoured him by naming the Bayles Railway Station after him. The name soon spread to the small settlement surrounding the Station (7) thus the town is a memorial to Frederick and, in a sense, his fellow soldiers who were killed during the First World War.

Frederick's Roll of Honor circular (8) was completed by his sister-in-law, Nellie Bayles, the mother of little George and little Violet. Her own husband, George, was also Killed In Action, on September 21, 1917. He is buried at the Dozinghem Military Cemetery in Belgium (9).


Frederick's Roll of Honor circular, at the Australian War Memorial, was completed 
by his sister-in-law, Nellie Bayles.


Footnotes
(1) The Great Southern Advocate, July 6, 1922, see here.
(3) A letter from George in Frederick's file (see above) says he belonged to the 1/5 London Field Coy., Royal Engineers, but his Commonwealth War Graves Commission entry said George belonged to the Royal Engineers, 511th Field Coy.
(4) See Footnote 2.
(5) This information comes from various databases on Ancestry, including the English Census collection, Marriage records and School records.
(6) Unassisted Passenger list, 1852-1923 at the Public Records Office of Victoria www.prov.vic.gov.au
(7) According to the Cranbourne Shire Rate Books, by 1923-1924, the name had spread to the small settlement surrounding the Station.

Sunday, May 28, 2017

Back-to Bayles, February 25, 1967

The Koo Wee Rup Sun of March 1, 1967 had a full report on the ‘Back-to’ Bayles held 50 years ago. It is transcribed below.


Caption from top photograph: Violet Kimber, travelled all the way from Mildura for the "Back-to Bayles. She is seen with her daughter, Mrs. Dulcie Jukes of Fawkner Caption from second photo: Back to Bayles after 40
years are Mr. and Mrs. F. Secomb of Dandenong (right) with their son Fred of Heathmont and
daughter. Freda (Mrs. Bissett) of Benalla.

Many Re-unions at Bayles ‘Back-to’ Celebrations
Last Saturday, February 25th was a memorable day in the history of Bayles when the first ever ‘Back-to’ was held, with hundreds of people present during the whole of the day. An estimated one thousand people were catered for over the day, which commenced with a roll call at the school and climaxed with a barbecue and dance at night. President of the ‘Back-to’ committee, Ray Fechner, said the day had been a fantastic success. He paid tribute to the hard working committee, headed by secretary, Vic Walker, for their great work in preparing for the day.

ROLL CALL
At 10.30 a.m., the proceedings were opened by Mr. L. J. Cochrane, M.L.A. who welcomed all the visitors, and his wish of ‘get around and meet your old friends’ was hardly necessary, as on all sides were happy greetings and re-unions. Ray Fechner started off calling the roll, which included many well known district names. A former teacher at the school, Alan Cairns of Loch continued, assisted by the present teacher, Gary Robbins, with 370 names being read out on the roll. Dressed for the part in true school-boy style was a former pupil, Keith Ridgway of Kooweerup, complete with cap, short pants and school bag. Morning tea was served at the school before visitors moved over to the hall, the focal point for the day's events.
  
ATTRACTIONS FOR YOUNG AND OLD
Bayles took on a really festive air for the celebrations with coloured bunting erected in the Main Street. Picnic tables and seats were set out in the park, pony, donkey and camel rides proved very popular with the youngsters. Hilarious entertainment was provided with the ‘catch a greasy pig’ contest and pillow fights on a slippery pole. A demonstration by the Bayles Fire Brigade with teams taking part in target practice brought its share of excitement.
  
DOG COMPETITION
A highlight of the day was a dog competition organised by well known dog fanciers, Mr. and Mrs. K. A. Boxshall of Bayles. Sections for pedigree dogs as well as novelty events for the best dustbin fossicker, best ball chaser etc. proved most entertaining and a real delight to the children. Mrs. Boxshall judged the pedigree events and Mr. R. Toogood assisted her with judging the novelty sections. Trophies were awarded to the winners.

WELCOME TO VISITORS
During the afternoon, Mr. Ray Fechner extended a welcome to all and called on a former resident, Cr. P. B. Fechner, who said what a pleasure it was to attend such a wonderful day. He congratulated the ‘Back-to’ committee for their splendid job - an all in effort, calling for the co-operation of each one. He said that he was pleased to see so many elderly people present, including some of the earlier settlers.

MEMORIAL PLAQUE PRESENTED
The Shire President, Cr W. Thwaites, joined in welcoming the visitors, but his special duty was in presenting the Bayles Hall Committee, with a memorial plaque, in memory of the late Daly Ridgway recently deceased, who had been secretary of the hall committee for a period of 34 years. He called for a minutes silence for the late Mr Ridgway who had been Bayles’ main citizen.

PRESENTATION TO FIRE BRIGADE CAPTAIN
As a token of appreciation for his twenty two years service to the Bayles Fire Brigade, as Captain, Sam McKay was presented with a silver tray and set of crystal glasses. Cr Thwaites made mention of the fact that the first Captain of the Brigade, Gordon Potter was present. He was the Captain for one year, and ever since then Sam McKay has held the position. Mr. McKay expressed his appreciation for the gesture.

OLD RESIDENTS PRESENT
The ‘Back-to’ committee felt especially pleased and honoured to welcome some of the districts oldest residents. These included, 95-year-old, George Murdoch of Carnegie, who was the oldest visitor present; an early Yallock settler, Mr. H. J. Boxshall; 90-year-old Harvey Games of Lang Lang; Jim Ridgway of Lang Lang; Fred Secomb of Dandenong; Albert Kuhnell of Ivanhoe and Bumpa Gee of Kooweerup were amongst the older people who joined in the days celebration and had a wealth of stories to tell of the early days at Bayles.

RETURNED AFTER 40 YEARS
Mr and Mrs Fred Secomb of Dandenong who were present with their son, Fred, of Heathmont and daughter Freda (Mrs K. Bissett of Benalla), left Bayles forty years ago in August 1927. Their children attended the Five Mile School, which has since been closed down. Mr Secomb, Snr said he saw the Bayles railway line go through.

FIRST BAKERS SHOP
One of the happiest reunions took place between Albert Kuhnell of Ivanhoe and Bumpa Gee. Mr Kuhnell who left Bayles 42 years ago in 1925 built the first bakers shop in Bayles in 1919, when George Murdoch, ran the local store. Business was brisk in those days as the rail line went through the town to Catani. Bumpa Gee brought the bread across from Garfield before Mr Kuhnell commenced baking, and then worked with him for a short time. Mr Kuhnell sold out to Mrs Owens. His two sons Robert (Rosanna) and William (Heidelberg West) accompanied Mr Kuhnell ‘Back to Bayles’.

TRAVELLED THE LONGEST DISTANCE
Visitor all the way from Mildura, Mrs Harry Harker (nee Violet Kimber) travelled the longest distance to the re-union. Old-timers recalled her husband, the late Harry Harker, a former League footballer with Melbourne and renowned for his stab kicking. He also played in local teams including Nar Nar Goon and Garfield.
  
BARBECUE AND DANCE
Hundreds stayed on for the monster barbecue at which 250 lbs of chops and sausages were consumed, the barbecues were setup outside the hall. An estimated 600-700 people attended the gala dance held in the hall to climax the day's activities with Ray Fechner as the M.C. The dance band included well known locals Bumpa Gee and Bill Huntingford.
  
MISS BAYLES
During the evening, a panel of three judges, Mesdames M. Thwaites, K. Burton and E. McKenzie, selected Miss Bayles from the very large crowd of dancers. The choice was Miss Joy Gibbons, with other finalists being Val Ridgway, Norma Tierney and Lynette Barker.



At the 'Back to Bayles' held February 25, 1967.
Photo: Koo-Wee-Rup Swamp Historical Society

Space does not permit the publication of all who attended but some of the visitors who returned are mentioned below. Mrs I. Smethurst, Frankston; Alma Feild, Dandenong; Mrs Jean Footit, William Footit, Dandenong; Ray Maddock, Dandenong; Mrs M. B. O'Connell, Dandenong; Mrs J. M. Watson, Huntingdale; Mrs S. Rouse, Mt. Waverley; Mrs J. Kitchin, Burwood; N. A. Bethune, Mrs Bethune, Altona; Bob Jarred, Olive Jarred, Paynesville; C. Flewin, Moorabbin; Alan Cairns and family, Loch; S. Flewin, Moorabbin; G. McKay, Yallourn; Lyn Barker, Moe; D. Maunder, Dandenong; Ron Finck, Bentleigh; F. Stronach; Bob Wheatley, Tooradin; E. Kuhnell, West Heidelberg; G. L. Williams, Mitcham; J. J. Williams, Mitcham; N. V. Smythe, W. Smythe, Balwyn; D. Davies, N. Davies, Fairfield; E. Hickmott, Berwick; W. G. and Mrs Black, Korumburra; F. N. Secomb, Heathmont; Mrs K. Bissett (nee Freda Secomb), Benalla; Mr and Mrs Fred Secomb, Dandenong; G. V. Carroll, East St Kilda; L. Armstrong, Stanhope; Mrs E. Evans, Stanhope; Mrs N. Goldsworthy (nee Quigley) Yallourn; J. Rees (Quigley), Kerang; W. McCallum (nee Wilma Harker); F. M. Harker, Casterton; B. Quigley, Morwell; Mary Sanders, (Murdoch) Coburg; Arthur Murdoch, Ormond; A. Richardson, Lang Lang, (Scanlon's Drain, 1916); V. Knight, Dandenong, L. Knight; K. Quigley, Pakenham South; Bob Hampton, Zeta Hampton, Dandenong; L. M. Clapperton; Mrs E. Jenkins, (Eva Bethune), Maribyrnong; Harry Taylor, Mrs H. Taylor, Upwey; Mr and Mrs G. Barnes; G. Potter; H. Flewin; C. Flewin, Dandenong North; Moya Cameron, E. Keilor; A. Kuhnell, Ivanhoe; R. Kuhnell, M. Kuhnell, Rosanna; S. Gill; D. Louder, Morwell; Hughie Murdoch, Narre Warren; R. Cutler, Fred Cutler, Eagle Point; H. Gudgin, Nar Nar Goon; Stephens family, Laverton, Braybrook; Alison Nicholson, Hawthorn; MoIIie Pouris, Pascoe Vale; L. J. and Mrs Allen, Melbourne; Mrs A. Casey, Drouin West; W. Garnham, E. Bentleigh. Dulcie Jukes, nee Harker, Fawkner; Arthur Jukes, Fawkner; L. H. Finck, Girgarre; M. McGhee; D. J. McGhee, Oakleigh; R. W. Maisey and daughter Val Rodgers of Bunyip; N. Williams, Oakleigh; T. McClure, Bunyip; S. Collyer, Isabelle Collyer (nee Games); L. Robbins (nee Dalrymple) Kyabram; R. J. Norman, M. Norman, Forest Hill; L. Colliver, Tynong; Dave Harker, Warragul; S. V. Colliver; E. Geddes, Forest Hill; Bill and Mary Marshall, Dandenong; Jean Mitchell (Murdoch); Lily Bertram (Murdoch), Lilydale; E. Wildes, Oakleigh; Ron Hayward, Noble Park; Joan Hughes (Hansom), Elsternwick; B. Cox, Highett; E. B. Henry, Mountain View; A. Wildes, Oakleigh; J. G. Roden, Fawkner; T. Boyle of Toorak; Adele Turner; R. B. Birrell, E. Malvern; F. Saunders, Coburg; Goonan family, Seaford; Gloria Kane, Newborough East; K. Garnar, Dandenong; S. Mitchell, Glenhuntley; Tony Pellissier, Snr; Les Huntingford, Thornbury; R. E. Peck, Frankston; A. Feild, Carrum Downs; L. Huntingford, Thornbury; Jack Gray, Bub Gray (Feild) Modella; Vin and Mary Doherty, Thorpdale; E. J. Cox, Dandenong; C. Weaver, Tecoma; H. vandersloot, Pakenham; J. Coleman, Heathmont; Nellie Rowley, Spotswood, Arch Murdoch, Hughesdale; Tom O'Brien, Glenrowan; Rene Games, Highett; Bill and Joyce Archdall, Springvale; J. and L. Schramm, Tatura; J. J. O'Neill, Dandenong; Vin Cartwright, Thornbury; Bill Woodman, Korumburra; J. McKenzie, Moe; Mr and Mrs Bill Gray, Dandenong; Gallasch family; Cliff Cartwright; Kevin and Valmai Morton, (Sommers), Glen Iris; Peter Johnson, Yanakie; V. Cochrane, Wal Cochrane; Mrs Mills (Sylvia Henwood), Mt Waverley.