The 1934 flood on the Koo Wee Rup Swamp - report from The Argus of December 6, 1934

This report of the 1934 flood was in The Argus of December 6, 1934 (see here.) The reports from The Argus of  December 3, can be read here and from December 4 & 5, here.  There are photographs of the flood here, here and here.

The Argus, Thursday, December 6, 1934, see here.

DR. SHIELDS VISITS STRICKEN DISTRICTS

PROGRESS AT KOO-WEE-RUP

400 MEN CLEARING TOWNSHIP

2,000 Carcases Floated to Sea

Hundreds of dead cattle and sheep, ruined asparagus and potato crops, grazing lands covered with slime, bridges and plantations swept away, mud inches thick in houses, and business almost at a stand-still in the main street these are some of the impressions received by the Minister in Charge of Sustenance (Dr. Shields) when he visited Koo-wee-rup yesterday. "The trail of ruin left by the floods presented a terrible scene," he said. "It was difficult to believe that such devastation was possible."

Dr. Shields, who was accompanied by the secretary of the department (Mr. F. W. Frawley), went first to Bunyip, where he discussed the position with the municipal authorities. He found that 150 families were in distress, but they were all receiving, clothing, and shelter. Dr. Shields arranged for men to be employed cleaning out the houses and for the disposal of 200 head of dead stock.

Flood waters in the Bunyip River had caused great damage to bridges, Dr. Shields said. Banks 12ft. in height at either end of the bridge on the Nar-nar-goon road had been scoured away, leaving the bridge isolated in the middle of the torrent. Foundations around the piles of the Bunyip railway bridge had been washed away, making it unsafe for trains. Farm land near by was reappearing as the waters subsided. Many stories of bravery had been told. Two men had crawled across the flooded railway lines
with school children who had been cut off from the town on their backs.

At Bayles, Monomeith, and Lang Lang Dr. Shields found that the damage was less extensive. At Koo-wee-rup the flood had receded, and the town was free from water. Houses had been hosed out, and were drying before the return of their owners. Progress was so good tht it was expected the women and children, who were being given shelter in Dandenong, would be able to return by Saturday morning. About 400 men were cleaning shops and houses and removing dead stock.

"More than 2,000 carcases including cows sheep pigs goats and poultry have already been disposed of," he continued. "The carcases have been thrown into the main canal and floated down to Westernport. There are still about 1,000 dead animals in the district but some of these will have to be buried.

Feast for Sharks
The party was told that the carcases would be devoured readily by sharks which were plentiful in the northern end of Westernport. One resident said that they were so numerous that fishermen were afraid to put out in small craft. Countless hundreds of chickens and fowls have been destroyed by the floods. Only the dogs seem to have escaped. These are ravenously hungry and fight for scraps of food when it is thrown to them.

Water Supply in Danger
Serious difficulty had arisen over the town 's water supply Dr Shields said. The pump in the water tower on the main canal was three feet under water and could not be operated. Arrangements were being made to send two railway trucks with drinking water to-day. Supplies of firewood would also be sent as they were running short. All in need had received clothing and fresh food. Men on relief work rates would receive their first pay on Saturday by which time the stores would again be open. Dr Shields said that it was useless for other men to come to the town seeking work. All who were needed had been engaged and any who arrived would be ejected by the police.

Rates on Flooded land
Dr Shields said that a valuable asparagus crops which were worth £80 an acre had been ruined by the flood waters. The municipal valuation was £20 an acre and a rate of 4/3 in the £1 was imposed. Potato crops had been dug since the waters had receded and almost all were ruined. One farmer had lost 120 acres of potatoes As the yield was about six tons an acre and the product worth between £8 and £10 a ton the extent of the losses could be realised.

"The main canal at Koo wee rup which has always been regarded as safe against erosion because of the vegetation along its banks is showing signs of erosion." Dr Shields continued, "Siltation is occurring and in one place there is between 10 and 12 feet of sand."

The chairman of the State Rivers and Water Supply Commission (Mr R. H. Horsfield) estimated yesterday that the damage to the commissions works in the Koo wee rup district amounted to £5,000. One bridge, he said, over a large canal had been lifted bodily by the flood and deposited on a farm some distance away.

The 1934 flood on the Koo Wee Rup Swamp - reports from The Argus of December 4 & 5, 1934

These reports of the 1934 flood were in The Argus of December 4 & 5, 1934. The report from The Argus of December 3, can be read here and from December 6, here. There are photographs of the flood here, here and here.

The Argus, Tuesday, December 4, 1934, see here.

VAST DAMAGE IN WAKE OF FLOODS

THOUSANDS OF VICTIMS STILL HOMELESS

RELIEF TRAIN REACHES KOO-WEE-RUP

REHABILITATION OF TOWNSHIP BEGINS

Leaving in their wake scenes of desolation unprecedented in the history of the State, flood waters in all the stricken areas began to recede yesterday. Five thousand people are still homeless, and most of them are likely to remain so for some days. 

Upon the arrival of the relief train at Koo-wee-rup yesterday, immediate arrangements were made by the Minister in Charge of Sustenance (Dr. Shields) on behalf of the Government for the rehabilitation of the township and the surrounding district, following the disastrous flood which rendered the inhabitants homeless on Sunday. 

Incalculable damage has been done in the township of Koo-wee-rup and to hundreds of farms, and the work of reconstruction will take several months. The women and children have taken refuge at Dandenong and other centres, and it is the Government's wish that they should remain away from Koo-wee-rup until conditions are again normal.

HOMELESS MEN ENLISTED TO CLEAN UP TOWNSHIP

BY OUR SPECIAL REPORTER

Within half an hour of the arrival of the relief train at 1.35 p.m. yesterday the Minister for Public Assistance (Dr. Shields) had surveyed the flooded town ship of Koo-wee-rup by using a rowing boat and a motor-car. He then made arrangements for sustenance to be provided for the 4,000 flood victims in the town and district, and put into immediate operation a plan of reconstruction.

After having expressed sincere admiration for the fortitude and cheerfulness of the people, Dr. Shields assured the crowd of about 200 who had remained on the railway station or on the roofs of houses, and the privileged few who occupied the upper floors of the hotel and the bank - the only two-story buildings in the town - that the Government of Victoria would accept responsibility for the repair of damage done by flood water. The question of compensating settlers for the loss of their live stock and crops and the contents of their homes would receive the most sympathetic consideration of the Cabinet. The first work to be done was the removal of the carcases of the thousands of dead cattle, horses, sheep, pigs, and poultry. That had been begun already. The carcases would be dragged to the main canal, floated down on rafts to Westernport Bay, where they would be cut up and deposited in the sea.

Men to Clean Up Own Town

Dr. Shields said that all the homeless men in the district had been enlisted by his department as relief workers. They would be paid wages to clean up the town. More than 60 were at work already that afternoon, and another 150 men who had been rescued and taken to Dandenong, would be brought back by an early train to-day and given work. Until the debris was removed and the sanitation and water supply restored, it would be better that the women and children, who had been provided with food and shelter in Dandenong and elsewhere, should stay away. All the fit men would be brought back to prepare for the return of their families, and when conditions in the town were normal, with the shops stocked with food supplies and clothing, the population would be permitted to return. In the meantime the Government asked all but authorised relief workers to stay away. The families of the relief workers would be returned to their homes at the expense of the Government. In the meantime everyone in the district would be supplied with food, and those in special need with clothing. Relief workers would not receive their wages until the shops reopened. Dr. Shields said that many men and women from the adjoining towns and farms, particularly the fishermen from Tooradin, who had navigated their boats

through the floods, had rendered great assistance to their unfortunate neighbours. The flood had brought forth the best Australian qualities of prompt action, unselfishness, and help to others.

Canvas Town for Relief Workers

The relief train which brought Dr. Shields and the chairman of the State Rivers and Water Commission (Mr. R. H. Horsfield), with Dr. Paul Rowan, of the Health Commission, and other relief officials, was the first to reach the railway station since Friday.

The train brought food supplies for three days, and some clothing. Another train was sent last night with 100 tents, blankets, hydrants for hosing the houses and streets, and other plant for cleaning operations. Most of the relief workers slept last night in the goods shed at the railway station. A canvas town will spring up to-day, and the men will remain under canvas until the immediate work of reconstruction is complete.

Dr. Shields decided that school should not be opened before the Christmas holidays. Provision will be made for pupils to sit for their merit certificates and scholarships at other schools. 

It was officially announced last night that the Health Commission had declared all shops and dwellings in Koo-wee-rup unfit for habitation until they had been cleaned and disinfected. Owners or occupiers will be informed when they may be occupied again. Prompt measures have been taken by the police to protect the town against people who may come there seeking free sustenance during the period of reconstruction.

On every hand there were expressions of thankfulness that the flood came in the early hours of Saturday, when many people were awake and able to raise the alarm. Senior-constable Whiteside, who, assisted by recruits from the police depot and scores of volunteers from Tooradin and elsewhere, led the rescue work, said that had the flood arrived in the middle of the night the death roll would have amounted to hundreds. Of the 600 inhabit ants of the town of Koo-wee-rup and about 3,500 settled on farms on the reclaimed swamp. Senior-constable Whiteside said that all had been accounted for except an unknown elderly man who had been camped near the main canal. It was believed that he was washed away after having refused to heed the warning that the flood was coming.

The Government will supply chaff for surviving cattle marooned on hills which are still surrounded by flood.

Telephone communication with Koo-wee-rup has been restored. The first motor-car to reach Koo-wee-rup contained the chief linesman from Lang Lang (Mr. J. Cuneen) and his two assistants Messrs D. Donaldson and J. Dixon. They drove for more than two miles through flood waters by the device of taking off the radiator fan, pulling rubber caps over the distributer, the oil intake, and other parts, and driving with the engine submerged. Water at one stage was 4 inches above the floor of the car. From the railway station they were taken across to the town by boat. The water was still 5 feet deep in the post office but the post mistress (Mrs Hamilton) remained in the town and yesterday afternoon she sorted the mails again. The telephone exchange is still submerged.

"Merged Into One Great Flood"

After an inspection of the whole Koo-wee-rup area yesterday accompanied by his district engineer (Mr Lupson) and the engineer of the Shire of Cranbourne (Mr Cockroft) the chairman of the State Rivers and Water Commission (Mr R. H. Horsfield) said that the rapidity with which the waters were draining after the catastrophe demonstrated that the drainage system although unable to cope with an unprecedented flood was more than enough for ordinary floods. Six rivers and creeks and all their tributaries over an area of 500 square miles had brought down the torrents from a deluge varying from 10 to 12 inches of rain in a few days. All the waters had merged into one great flood and had been thrown with unparalleled swiftness on to an area of about 100,000 acres. The drainage system could not cope with that. The banks could be repaired with little cost.

The Argus, Tuesday, December 4, 1934, see here.

TALES OF TRAGEDY 

AND HEROISM

From Our Special Representatives

KOO-WEE-RUP, Tuesday. - Fire brought a new terror to flood-stricken Koo-wee-rup early today, when the home of Mr A. J. Gilchrist, carrier, suddenly went up in flames and was burnt to the water level. Hundreds of homeless townspeople camped at the railway station looked on, powerless to fight the 30ft flames which cast a lurid light on the flooded streets. The fire began when several blankets laid out in front of the house to dry caught alight.Mr Gilchrist was alone in the house. His wife and children are among the refugees in Dandenong. They had already lost most of their belongings, including a truck and car. On Saturday, Mr Gilchrist was nearly drowned while heading a rescue party on horseback.

KOO-WEE-RUP, Tuesday.- The streets of Koo-wee-rup are now free of water, but surrounding paddocks are still submerged. Rooms are being hosed out bodies of dead animals removed, and debris and litter cleared away. About 150 men have been enlisted for the work. The Johnson and McMillan families, and their eight children, sought refuge on Saturday in the rafters of Johnson's house. All 12 persons lay on one mattress strung across the rafters, until they were rescued yesterday afternoon. They were practically without food for two days.

Wrecked by Cattle
The house of Mr Stanley, editor of the shire newspaper, at Koo-wee-rup was wrecked when a herd of terror-stricken cattle broke in and smashed furniture and china. The first car to make a complete journey to the Koo-wee-rup swamp area thus morning was The Herald car, which travelled by way of Tooradin,Lang Lang, Koo-wee-rup township and Pakenham. Miles of road and fences have been destroyed. Paddocks are strewn with dead stock. Starving chickens are perched in dozens on farmhouse roofs. A swarm of bees was seen clinging to a branch above flooded hives.

Hardly a house on the swamp is inhabited. The only sign of life among the ruined crops and pastures are a few mobs of lost cattle, and here and there knots of homeless persons surveying the remains of their farms.

The Argus, Tuesday, December 4, 1934, see here.

POTATO CROPS

DAMAGE BY FLOODS

12,000 ACRES DESTROYED

SERIOUS SHORTAGE FEARED

Melbourne potato merchants said yesterday that floods in the Koo-wee-rup and Trafalgar districts and other low-lying potato-growing areas in Gippsland had destroyed 11,000 to 12,000 acres of potato crops representing a loss of from 40,000 to 50,000 tons of potatoes. As the crops in these areas have been under water for some days a merchant considered that no potatoes would be obtained from Koo-wee-rup.

The flood occurred at a time when growers would be unable to obtain seed for replanting he added. The areas affected supplied the bulk of the potatoes for Melbourne in the first five months of the year and Melbourne consumers would have to rely upon supplies grown in the Western district and in the Gippsland hill country. It is feared that there will be a temporary shortage of potatoes in the immediate future because growers in the Brighton district are unable to dig their crops. Owing to scant supplies in the market yesterday prices increased 20/ to 30/ a ton. Brighton Carmens were quoted at £10 to £11 and prime old season's redsoil potatoes at £7 to £7/1 a ton.

 The Argus, Wednesday, December 5, 1934,  see here.

BUSINESS AT STANDSTILL AT KOO-WEE-RUP

200 MEN CLEANING TOWN

KOO-WEE-RUP, Tuesday. - About 200 men were engaged to-day cleaning out business premises and houses. Business is at a standstill, and shops will not be allowed to reopen until passed by the

Health Commission. The houses are uninhabitable.

DANDENONG, Tuesday. - All the men refugees from the flooded areas of Koo-wee-rup, who had been cared for in the Scout Hall, Dandenong, returned to Koo-wee-rup this morning to help in the work of reconstruction. Several more refugees were brought to Dandenong last night and given clothing and food. One man, who had not removed his rubber waders since Friday night, was in a serious condition, and he was admitted to a private hospital.

The special committee of men and women appointed to carry out relief work in Dandenong gave splendid service in administering relief to sufferers at the Scout Hall. The Colonial Gas Association installed several gas-stoves to provide hot food and drinks to the refugees. After the men victims returned to Koo-wee-rup this morning a quantity of surplus clothing and foodstuffs in the Scout Hall was sent to Bunyip for distribution among sufferers in that area.

The 1934 flood on the Koo Wee Rup Swamp - report from The Argus of December 3, 1934

This report of the 1934 flood was in The Argus of Monday, December 3, 1934 (see here.) The reports from The Argus of December 4 & 5, can be read here and from December 6, here. There are photographs of the flood here, here and here.

The Argus, Monday, December 3, 1934, see here.

TOLL OF DISASTROUS FLOODS

MANY DEAD; THOUSANDS HOMELESS

DESOLATION IN GIPPSLAND

KOO-WEE-RUP TOWNSHIP EVACUATED

YARRA CAUSES UNPRECEDENTED DAMAGE

Many lives were lost and thousands of persons were rendered homeless during the week-end in the most disastrous floods ever known in Victoria. Damage done to property is beyond calculation. 

Koo-wee-rup township was overwhelmed when flood waters burst the main channels through the swamp and inundated 20 square miles of closely settled farming country. Six persons were drowned, and about 2,000 persons are homeless. The township was evacuated, four relief trains carrying refugees to various centres. Many persons clung to the roofs of their homes for hours before they were rescued.

In many other parts of Gippsland the flood waters rose, rolling over farm lands, submerging homes, and bringing desolation and distress to hundreds of homes. 

Countless deeds of heroism were performed in rescuing the victims of the floods. A party of fishermen from Lakes Entrance, with police, rowed for miles in swiftly flowing, debris-filled water in the Moe and Trafalgar districts, and saved many lives.

Distress scarcely less acute was suffered in the metropolitan area. At Chelsea 1,500 persons are homeless. About 600 women and children were rescued in boats and lorries. Many of the residents affected were aged or ill.

The River Yarra rose to unprecedented levels and caused untold damage to property. At Warrandyte 40 houses had to be vacated. About 300 persons at Richmond and residents at many other suburbs along the river had to leave their homes.

RESIDENTS OF KOO-WEE-RUP SPEND NIGHT ON ROOFS

Feared That Six Lives Were Lost

TOWN EVACUATED; SPECIAL TRAINS FOR VICTIMS

(By Our Special Reporter.)

Bursting the main drainage channels through the Koo-wee-rup Swamp, flood waters from the hill country to the north Inundated about 20 square miles of closely settled farming country on Saturday morning and flooded the township of Koo-wee-rup. Six persons have been drowned and 2,000 others are homeless. The water rose at the rate of about 1ft. a minute.

The township has been evacuated, and four relief trains sent from Melbourne have carried the residents away from the flooded area. Several hundreds were taken to Dandenong, and others went to other areas of safety, some even to Melbourne where they were quartered. The flood is the most disastrous that has occurred in the district.

Two men, both thought to be farmers, were drowned near Bunyip. They were Councillor John Dowd, formerly president of the Berwick Shire, and a man whose, name was Jolly. George Wilson, of Iona who was drowned near Garfield. The body of a man named Williams was recovered at Garfield yesterday morning by Constable Jordan. The body of John Samwell, aged about 55 years, sustenance worker, was seen by Mr John Hickey being carried by the flood waters toward the main drain in the Koo-wee-rup Swamp. Mr Hickey, who is aged 70 years, was rescued after he had clung to a tree for 28 hours. Gordon Nash, aged 14 years, of Tonimbuk, was drowned in Diamond Creek.

Following heavy rain, which fell during Friday night, there was about 3 inches of water in the streets of the town at 8 a.m. on Saturday. The water rose so rapidly that in three-quarters of an hour its depth had increased to 7ft., and the residents of Koo-wee-rup were trapped almost without warning. It continued to rise until every single-story house was covered, and only the roofs of two-story buildings remained above water by early afternoon. As the waters rose the towns-people removed their furniture to the lofts
of their homes, but their efforts to save their property were futile, and few of them are known to have escaped with more than their lives. They had to rush from their houses and climb to the roofs, where they had to cling for hours before they could be rescued. Many of them had harrowing experiences. A large number were able to reach the station platform, where there was comparative safety, before the water became too deep for them to wade. Here they built rafts from logs and gathered boats with which they rescued as many people as possible.

The residents of Dandenong have provided clothing and shelter for more than 200 people who have been brought to them. At Dandenong refugees have been billeted with many of the residents of the town, and in the Armitage Scout Hall. Many others are in private hospitals, some of them suffering seriously from shock, exposure, and immersion. Very few of the rescued persons escaped without suffering lacerations and abrasions during the battering they received from the flood waters while on the roofs of their houses. Many families have become separated, and parents who are safely accommodated do not know whether their children are alive.

Small Girl's Escape
At 7.30 a.m. on Saturday a small girl walked out of her house on to the road where the water was a foot deep. She walked 200 yards to the railway station to give an alarm. When she reached the station the water was up to her neck. In some places the water soon rose to a depth of 30ft., covering the house-tops of settlers on the swamp and wrecking their homes. According to farmers, horses and cattle were carried by the floods toward Westernport Bay. Thousands of cattle and sheep were drowned. In Koo-wee-rup dead cows were swept into the houses.

One of the main channels draining the swamp is at Cora Lynn, the other is at Yallock Creek, two miles away. As the water rose drains broke and the flood swept over the country. The waters are spreading toward Lang Lang. Dairy farmers on the swamp, many of whom have up to 100 head of cattle, have lost all their animals. Potato fields have been ruined.

Food and Blankets for Homeless.
Blankets, bread, and tinned meat were rushed to Dandenong by the State Relief Committee. Residents of the town, however, rose to the occasion magnificently and provided shelter, food, and clothing for the sufferers. Half-naked men and women who have arrived are to be given every possible care. There was about a foot of water in the main street of the township late last night. Cuts have been made in the rail way embankment, which has prevented the escape of water to the bay, and the flood is now running down to the sea.

Water Infested With Snakes
Saturday night was a night of terror for the persons marooned on the housetops. The waters were infested with hundreds of swimming snakes, which tried to reach the roofs. The stranded persons had to fight them off with sticks as well as try to keep themselves above the level of the flood.

Koo-wee-rup Hospital was flooded to a depth of 7ft within a few minutes, and the patients, some of whom were seriously ill, were trapped before they could be moved. Mr Clarence Renner, who had undergone an operation for appendicitis a few hours beforehand, was in bed, and unable to help himself. His father, who was on the railway platform, waded and swam through the swirling water to the hospital, and climbed on to the roof, where with the the assistance of Mr Gannon, he cut a hole in the galvanised iron and pulled his boy to safety up through the hole. Aided by others who came to the rescue, the 10 remaining patients in the wards were taken out in the same manner.

Heroism and Fortitude
Mrs Mary Ann Bolleman, aged 59 years another patient held a baby in her arms above the water for 15 hours with the water surging above her neck before they were rescued. Mrs A. Adams and her baby which was born only the night before were being pulled out when the child was dropped into the water. She grasped the child's clothing frantically and saved it from drifting away. Both were raised through the opening to safety. Joseph Lee an elderly man was caught unawares by the water while in an open paddock but after being swept for some distance was able to scramble to safety on the roof of a shed. He was joined by another man. After remaining on the roof for several hours with the water surging round them, Lee's companion, whose name is not known, was carried away and drowned, but Lee remained there for 30 hours and was in a state of collapse when rescued. He was placed in Murray House private hospital, at Dandenong, where is is suffering from shock and exposure. His condition is serious. Mr. J. F. Brewer chemist of Koo-wee-rup, with his wife and two children, were caught almost unawares. Seizing a few clothes hurriedly they climbed to the top of the shop, where they stayed for several hours before they could be taken off.

The residents of Dandenong made a magnificent response to appeals to accommodate the refugees. The day before Koo-wee-rup was evacuated they had been engaged in rescuing persons and property from any houses in their own district which had been flooded. On Saturday night only straw mattresses and blankets were available for the victims, many of whom were dressed only in their night clothes. Last night every woman had been provided with a bed in the homes of residents of the town. The men slept in the Scout Hall, but under much better conditions. Admirable co-operation by the townspeople enabled sufficient food to be obtained for them.

Many Refugees at Garfield
A report from Garfield last night stated that hundreds of people are homeless there and were taking refuge in the Mechanics' institute and the hotel. Rescues were effected by police from barns and isolated houses. Mr. Patrick Brennan a resident of the town has been missing since Friday night, and as his horse and jinker have been found fears are felt for his safety.

The telephone operator at the Koo-wee-rup post-office remained on duty at the switchboard until the water entered his office and washed the switchboard away.

Drowned While Asleep
George Wilson an old-age pensioner of Iona near Garfield, was found dead in his hut, which adjoins the main drain It is believed that he was drowned while asleep. Gordon Nash, aged 14 years of Tonimbuk was drowned in Diamond Creek. His body was swept downstream and disappeared.

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)

Koo Wee Rup North State School flooded

The Koo Wee Rup North State School, No. 3198, opened on July 7, 1894. It was located on the corner of  Five Mile Road and Main Drain Road.  This School was originally called Koo Wee Rup South and changed its name to Koo Wee Rup North and unofficially called Five Mile School. The school parents voted for the school to close in November 1959 and the children were sent to Pakenham Consolidated School. Five Mile was the last school to join or ‘consolidate’ with the Consolidated School which had officially opened in May 1951. (1)

Koo Wee Rup North, showing school, Mechanics' Institute (Hall) and 

recreation reserve location. This section of Main Drain Road is now called Fechner Road.

Detail from Koo-Wee-Rup, County of Mornington Department of Crown Lands and Survey, 1939.

State Library of Victoria http://handle.slv.vic.gov.au/10381/104366

Here are some accounts of the school being flooded and the ineffectual action of the Education Department to solve this problem.

June 1911 - The water is running through the windows of the Koo-Wee-Rup North State school. The same article also notes - The Keast-hall, a new building at Cora Lynn, which was to have been officially opened last night, has about 3ft. of water in it. (The Argus,  June 14, 1911, see here) 

June 1911 - The settlers at Kooweerup have ample cause for righteous indignation at the incapacity which the Public Works department has shown in dealing with the drainage of the swamp. Although large sums of money have been spent in making a clear run to the sea for the Bunyip River and Tarago Creek, which cause the periodic floods to which the flats are subject, the outlet provided yet falls far short of requirements. The consequence is severe financial loss, if not ruin, to a deserving body of small holders, many of whom were induced to buy Kooweerup land on the understanding that it was reclaimed.  (The Leader, June 24, 1911, see here)  

Koo Wee Rup North in flood in 1911 - the school in the centre and the Methodist Church, erected 1909 (2), is on the right.

The Leader, June 24, 1911 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/198161960

November 1913 -  The 5 Mile school and teacher's residence was flooded on the 14th inst. Although the Government promised a couple of years ago to take steps to prevent a flood, nothing has been done except to take levels and to import a sand-dredge, which I understand is hopelessly bogged in the mud of the Lang Lang river. (South Bourke and Mornington Journal, November 20, 1913, see here) 

June 1914 - Good progress is being made with the renovating and remodelling of the State School by the contractors, Messrs Parsons and Weller, whose contract price is £530. The school, which is being temporarily conducted in the hall, has an average attendance of 50 scholars, the teacher, Mr Wilson, having two assistants. The school has been removed about three chains from its old site, with the ostensible purpose of raising the elevation on account of floods, but the floor is not an inch above the level of the old school. Mr Keast, M.L.A., referred to this matter when at Five Mile on Friday, and said that if representations were made to to him it was not too late to alter the location of the building. The proposed school will have ample accommodation, which is in painful contrast to the Kooweerup school, where 73 children are housed in a building 34ft x 23ft, with less air space than the regulations of the department provide for.  (Lang Lang Guardian, June 24, 1914, see here) 

June 1914 - A School below flood level - Good progress is being made with the erection of a new school at Five Mile, the contract price being £530. During the flood in 1911, caused by the overflow of the Kooweerup Canal, there was two feet of water in the school, and a request was made that the floor should be raised above flood level. The new school, however, is being erected on the same site, and the floor elevation is the same as that of the old school. Mr. Keast, M.L.A., is inquiring into the matter.

(The Age, June 27, 1914, see here) 

July 1914 - The five-mile school and teacher's residence, which was recently removed by the Education department about a couple of chains, has, as was generally expected been flooded by the recent rains and unless the school is raised to the level of the road it will always be liable to be flooded after heavy rain. There are large quantities of sand, brought down by the flood about 3 years ago, lying on both banks of the canal, partly covered with grass and ti-tree, which might be used for filling up the site. (South Bourke and Mornington Journal, July 23, 1914, see here) 

Koo Wee Rup North School, 1927

Image: Koo Wee Rup Swamp Historical Society

September 1918 - The head teacher of the Five Mile School, Mr Donald, had to get out on Wednesday and wade waist deep, carrying his family to safety. All their furniture, etc., had to be hung up out of the flood fiend's grip. The water was a foot deep in the school, which was closed for the remainder of the week. This building is situated in a position particularly liable to flood, for every freshet in the Five Mile drain causes inconvenience. During the two years of the present teacher's regime he has suffered no less than 23 floodings, a record that must surely reach the limit of exasperation. The structure was removed about 100 yards some time ago, to evade or try to minimise the risk, but without any relief. The Five Mile Hall also suffered a visitation, as usual. A ball was to have been held on Wednesday night, but by that time there was a foot of water inside, and the waters danced the "flood glide" at their own pleasure. The ball was postponed to Tuesday of this week. (Koo Wee Rup Sun, September 11, 1918, see here)

Koo Wee Rup North School Residence, 1927

Image: Koo Wee Rup Swamp Historical Society

The teacher, Mr Donald who suffered the 23 floods, was John Robert Donald, who was born in August 1874 and began his teaching career with the Education Department in 1892. He was appointed to Koo Wee Rup North on January 1, 1916, having previously been at Brookside, near Bright. He was transferred from  Koo Wee Rup North  in April 1919 and in the 1921 Electoral Roll was living at 146 Gatehouse Street, Parkville. John had married Clara Cecilia Powell in 1903, they had three children Robert Stewart (born 1905-1992), Nancy Mavis (1908-1992 Mrs Raymond Kitson) and Charles Douglas (1910-1979). Robert and Charles both served in the Army in World War Two. Clara has a short term of employment at the Education Department as the sewing mistress at Brookside and Koo Wee Rup North, and her appointment ended when John left the Koo Wee Rup North School.  John died in 1962, aged 87 and Clara in 1949, aged 67. They were both cremated at Springvale Botanical Cemetery. (3).

Called Koo Wee Rup South, this is actually the Koo Wee Rup North (Five Mile) School 

in the 1937 flood. 

The Australasian, October 23, 1937. https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/141810942

Koo Wee Rup North Hall, 1927

Image: Koo Wee Rup Swamp Historical Society

The Koo Wee Rup North Hall was built in 1910 or 1911. In November 1910 the Shire of Cranbourne received correspondence from Public Health department, submitting plans and specifications regarding proposed public hall at the Five-mile, Kooweerup. The first mention I could find of the use of the hall was in June 1911, but it was most likely opened earlier than that. (4) It has been demolished, maybe in the 1980s. 

Footnotes

(1) More information here https://kooweerupswamphistory.blogspot.com/2018/06/early-swamp-schools.html  and https://kooweerupswamphistory.blogspot.com/2022/10/state-primary-schools-called-koo-wee-rup.html

(2) The Age May 10, 1909, see here, notes A new Methodist Church is to be erected at Five Mile.

(3) John Robert Donald - Public Records Office of Victoria Teacher records (1863-1959) Series 13579;  Indexes to the Victorian Births, Deaths and Marriages; Electoral Rolls on Ancestry; Springvale Botanical Cemetery  https://smct.org.au/our-locations/about-springvale-botanical-cemetery ; WW2 Nominal Rolls https://nominal-rolls.dva.gov.au/ww2

(4) The Argus, June 15, 1910, see here - A new public hall is to be erected at Five mile.  

South Bourke & Mornington Journal, November 10, 1910, see here - Shire of Cranbourne received correspondence from Public Health department, submitting plans and specifications regarding proposed public hall at the Five-mile, Kooweerup. 

The Argus, June 29, 1911, see here, - A public meeting will be held at the Five-mile Hall to consider the best means of preventing a recurrence of the recent floods on the swamp. Messrs W.S. Keast and A. Downward, M.L.A.'s, will address the gathering. 

A report of the meeting can be read  in The Age, June 30, 1911, here.

Koo Wee Rup Fallen Soldiers' Memorial Hospital evacuated in the December 1934 flood

The worst flood in the history of Koo Wee Rup occurred on December 1, 1934 and the Fallen Soldiers' Memorial Hospital had to be evacuated. I was hoping that the local paper, the Koo Wee Rup Sun, which was published weekly, would have had an account of this,  however they did not produce an issue until December 20, 1934. As they reported -
It is rather late for us to have anything to say in regard to the ruinous flood which occurred on the 1st inst., and which day no doubt in the future will be known as “Watery Saturday." We, like all others in the township, came in for more than our share of Adam's ale. The plant was inundated in over 4ft of water; type was carried by the strong current out of open doors, and hardly a dry sheet of paper was available after the bottled-up waters had receded sufficiently on the 3rd inst. to regain admittance. Being prisoners on the roof of the Premises for over 16 hours, one did not care about writing “Sun Spots” (1). 

However, there was this report in The Argus about the evacuation of the Hospital
Koo-wee-rup Hospital was flooded to a depth of 7ft within a few minutes, and the patients, some of whom were seriously ill, were trapped before they could be moved. Mr Clarence Renner, who had undergone an operation for appendicitis a few hours beforehand, was in bed, and unable to help himself. His father, who was on the railway platform, waded and swam through the swirling water to the hospital, and climbed on to the roof, where with the assistance of Mr Gannon, he cut a hole in the galvanised iron and pulled his boy to safety up through the hole. Aided by others who came to the rescue, the 10 remaining patients in the wards were taken out in the same manner.
Heroism and Fortitude
Mrs Mary Ann Bolleman, aged 59 years, another patient, held a baby in her arms above the water for 15 hours with the water surging above her neck before they were rescued. Mrs A. Adams and her baby which was born only the night before were being pulled out when the child was dropped into the water. She grasped the child's clothing frantically and saved it from drifting away. Both were raised through the opening to safety. (2). 

Fallen Soldiers' Memorial Hospital in a flood; must be the 1924 as in 1929, an enclosed verandah was erected around the original building. 

Image: Koo Wee Rup Swamp Historical Society 

The report mentions four people by name and I thought we would look at who they were.

Clarence Fenner
Clarence's surname was listed as Renner in The Argus report, but listed as Clarence Fenner in a Morwell Advertiser report (3) about the evacuation. As I cannot find any reference anywhere to a Clarence Renner, I believe this is actually Clarence Charles Fenner, born February 6, 1919 to Charles Stanley Victor and Esther (nee Burden) Fenner in Frankston, so he would have been about 15 during the flood (4). 

Charles was listed in the Electoral Roll as a contractor and the family were living in Frankston, when Clarence was born. They then spent a few years in Morwell in the early to mid 1920s, where perhaps Charles was employed on State Electricity Commission projects such as the construction of the Yallourn Power Station. The family then moved around various Melbourne suburbs, until the early 1940s when they lived at 30 Sutton Grove in Richmond. Clarence, or Clarrie, as he was called, had three older brothers - Harold, who worked for the Brighton Gasworks Company and tragically died in 1927 when he fell 30 feet whilst constructing a new gasometer; and Stanley and Frank (5). 

Clarrie, whose occupation was a driver, married Evelyn Smith in 1937 and enlisted in the Army in June 1940 and was discharged in October 1945. From the 1960s, the Electoral Rolls show the family was living at 1 Biran Court, in Reservoir. Clarence died March 6, 1999 and is buried at Fawkner Cemetery with his son Brian (1947-2013). His wife Evelyn who died in 1980 is buried in the adjoining grave with their son Stanley (1939-1963) (6). 

Why was Clarrie having an operation at the Koo Wee Rup Hospital in 1934 when, according to the Electoral Rolls, his parents were living in the suburbs of Melbourne? The doctor in Koo Wee Rup was Dr Alan Hewitt and in Lang Lang, Dr Sydney Appleford, so the family may have had a connection to either doctor or there was possibly a family member in the town, who could have visited him, but I don't the reason. I wonder how many times during his life, Clarrie told people the exciting story of being evacuated through the roof at the Koo Wee Rup Hospital? It was very fortunate that Charles Renner and Mr Gannon had the nous and the ability to cut a whole in the roof to enable the rescue of the patients. 

Mr Gannon
Helped Mr Fenner rescue his son through the roof. I can’t find a Gannon listed on the Electoral Rolls in the area during this time, so he remains a mystery.

Mrs Mary Ann Bolleman

Mrs Bolleman, known as Madge, held a baby for 15 hours. We do not know who the baby was.
Mary Ann was born in Glengarry in 1874, the only child Agabus and Sarah (nee McAuley) Barden (7). Agabus, died on August 12, 1903 as a result of an accident whilst riding his horse. Sarah died the next year on July 1, 1904 and she was buried with her husband at the Traralgon Cemetery. 

The death notice of Agabus Barden

Gippsland Farmer's Journal, August 18, 1903 

https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/264475283/29600346

The obituary of Sarah Barden

Gippsland Farmer's Journal July 5, 1904 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article264512746

On July 10, 1904, just over a week after her mother died, Mary Ann married fellow Gippslander,  George Henry James Bolleman.  The ceremony was conducted by the Methodist Minister in Morwell. They had the following children -

· Melchoir Francois Albert, known as Francis or Frank, born in 1908 in South Melbourne. He died in Dandenong in 1986, aged 74.
· Marie Agnes. Born in 1910, in Foster; married Maxwell Timmins in 1929 and she died in Drouin in 1954, aged 44.
· Florence Mary. Born in 1912 in Leongatha; married Albert Herbert in 1929 and she died in Melbourne in 1946, aged 35.
George Bolleman died in 1918, aged 37 in Pound Creek (near Inverloch), leaving Mary Ann to raise her three young children alone. (8). 

 

Obituary for George Bolleman, Mary Ann’s husband

Powlett Express November 8, 1918 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article130666138

Death notice for George Bolleman, Mary Ann’s husband

Great Southern Star December 6, 1918 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article89256304

According to the Electoral Rolls, Mary Ann continued to live in Pound Creek after her husband's death and later at Leongatha. In 1934, she was living in Station Street, Koo Wee Rup. Her two daughters and their husbands were also living in Koo Wee Rup in 1934; son-in-law Maxwell Timmins was a labourer and son-in-law, Albert Herbert a railway employee. Mary Anne was still in Koo Wee Rup in 1937. In the 1942 to 1949 Electoral Rolls she, her son Francis, her daughter Marie, and son-in-law Maxwell, were living in Tooradin (9). 

Mary Anne died at Berrybank, near Lismore (Victoria) on December 29, 1951. It would be interesting to know why she was living there at that time. Her son Francis, was listed as the informant, and his address was Dandenong. Mary Ann was buried in the Lismore Cemetery (10). As with Clarence, I wonder how many times Mary Ann told the story of her rescue from the flood and how she bravely and kindly saved the life of the little baby by keeping them out of the water for fifteen hours. She may well have been too modest to tell anyone. 

Mrs A. Adams and her baby
This took some detective work to work out who this was. I found Albert and Annie (nee Davies) Adams listed in the 1934 Electoral Roll at Dalmore. His occupation was a farmer, so I thought it was a good chance that this was the right family. I put their name into Trove to see what I could find and  discovered this death notice of their son, John Thomas, who sadly died in 1951, aged 25.

Death notice of John Adams

Dandenong Journal, September 19, 1951http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article222354800

The death notice lists John's siblings as - Brenda who married Vivian Powell in 1943; Charlie; Oliver, who enlisted in the Army in 1943 and his birth date is February 15, 1924 (11). The last child listed is Toby, who was at Tooradin North State School in 1946, as the report, below tells us.

Toby Adams at Tooradin North State School

Dandenong Journal, July 3, 1946  http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article214794288

The book Tooradin: 125 years of coastal history has a section on local families including the Adams family. Albert Adams served in World War One, and took up a Soldier Settlement farm on Manks Road in 1921. The book lists his children as Brenda, Charlie, Oliver, John and James (Toby). There is also a list of the students of the Tooradin North School and James Percy Adams started in 1939. Given that children started school at around the age of five, that means he was born around 1934, so I felt he would be a likely candidate for the little flood baby (12). 

 I looked on some family trees on Ancestry.com and one lists James Percy Adams, son of Albert and Annie, born at Koo Wee Rup, November 20, 1934. Which means he was ten days old on the day of the flood, which doesn't fit in with The Argus story, of him being born the day before, but it was confusing times, so it is not surprising the dates are a bit inconsistent. The family tree lists his death date of April 28, 2021.

 
Given all this, I believe that the Mrs A. Adams referred to in the article is Mrs Annie Adams of Manks Road, Dalmore and her little baby who was dropped in the water was James, also known as Toby. You can hardly image the horror and panic Mrs Adams must have felt in those few seconds before she regained a hold on her baby. 

Albert Adams passed away December 7, 1956, aged 65 years old and Annie on September 29, 1984 aged 90. They are buried at Cranbourne Cemetery (13). Again, I wonder how often Annie Adams and her son Toby, told the story of their dramatic and in the case of young Toby, his very lucky rescue from the December 1934 flood.

 
Footnotes
(1) The Koo Wee Rup Sun, December 20 1934, p. 4
(2) The Argus, December 3, 1934, see here.

(3) Morwell Advertiser, December 6, 1934, see here.

(4) Indexes to the Victorian Births, Deaths and Marriages; Date of Birth from World War Two Nominal Rolls, see here.

(5) Electoral Rolls on Ancestry.com; Indexes to the Victorian Births, Deaths and Marriages and Tasmanian Archives. Clarrie's brothers -  Harold (1902-1927) was the product  of Esther's first marriage to Robert James Stevenson, but he used the Fenner surname. Then Stanley (1913-1969) and Frank (1915-1982) and Clarrie were the sons of Charles Fenner. The eldest three were born in Tasmania.  Charles Fenner died April 1953, aged 65 and Esther died March 1963, aged 84 - they are buried at Springvale Cemetery. 

Harold Fenner's tragic accident

Morwell Advertiser, May 13, 1927 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article65924805

(6) Indexes to the Victorian Births, Deaths and Marriages, World War Two Nominal Rolls, see here; Fawkner Cemetery is part of the Greater metropolitan Cemeteries Trust and their records are on-line https://www.gmct.com.au/deceased

(7) Information from Mary Anne's marriage certificate.

(8) Indexes to the Victorian Births, Deaths and Marriages and Mary Anne's marriage certificate.

(9) Electoral Rolls on Ancestry.com

(10) Death Certificate of Mary Ann Bollerman.

(11) Indexes to the Victorian Births, Deaths and Marriages, World War Two Nominal Rolls, see here.

(12) Tooradin: 125 years of coastal history - Blind Bight, Cannon's Creek, Sherwood, Tooradin North, Warneet 1875-2000 State school No. 1503 compiled by John Wells and the 'Tooradin Celebrates Together 125 Years of Education Committee' published in 2001.

(13) Cranbourne Cemetery information - http://www.ozgenonline.com/~vic_cem/cranbourne/cranbourneaf_data.htm