What happened in Koo Wee Rup in 1925

This is a look at what happened in Koo Wee Rup and surrounds 100 years ago in 1925.

February 1925 - Dr Andrews leaves and Dr Hewitt arrives

Departure of Dr Andrews. A host of friends throughout the Kooweerup district will learn with keen regret the contemplated departure of Dr Lyell Andrews, who has sold his practise and is shortly proceeding to England to undergo a further course of training. During the short time he has been here he has increased his popularity by taking an active interest in public matters affecting the welfare of the district. Being a keen athlete,  he took a prominent part in football and tennis, and was ever ready to assist any particular form of sport along, In his profession as a medical practitioner he earned the unbounded confidence and admiration of all with whom he associated, his skill, courtesy and kindly disposition being appreciated by his numerous patients. He will leave here at the end of the month, but at present does not know when he will take his departure for England. He intends to pursue a certain line of study with the object of becoming a specialist. His successor will be Dr A.B. Hewitt, who was a fellow student with  Dr Andrews at University. The latter has high opinions of the qualifications of Dr Hewett  and predicts he will win a high place in the regards of the people of the district, where at University the new medico was  popular sport  especially in pedestrian events. Dr Hewitt is to be married next Saturday in Melbourne to Miss Mann, and we extend to the couple a cordial welcome. to the district and trust their future will be filled with joy and happiness. 

(Koo Wee Rup Sun, February 5, 1925, p. 1)

Dr Alan Hewitt practiced in Koo Wee Rup until 1963; his son  Dr John worked in Koo Wee Rup from 1951 until 1955 and another son, Dr Ian, commenced practice in the town in 1955 and retired in 1995. (1)

The wedding photo of Miss Vera Mann, who married Dr Alan Hewitt on 

February 7, 1925.  They then made their home at Koo Wee Rup.

A full report of the wedding and this image from Table Talk, May 21 1925, 

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article146556960

March 1925 - Wee Wee Rup or Koo Wee Rup?
Last week four motor cars laden with turf devotees blew into Kooweerup and desired to be informed where the racecourse was. When informed that there was nothing on, they were astonished. They said the races had been advertised to eventuate at Kooweerup, and though some practical joke had been played. On perusing several newspapers it was discovered the venue for the race meeting was Wee-Wee-Rup. It was more than Wee-Wee-Rough for the party.
(Koo Wee Rup Sun, March 12, 1925, p. 4)

Wee Wee Rup is near Cohuna, close to the Murray River.

April 1925 - New Lock-up for Koo Wee Rup

While building operations are a sign of the progress of a township, it must be queried whether the erection of a lock-up comes within that category. Nevertheless it a necessary adjunct to meet the social conditions of society. Our civilisation is such that there are numbers who refuse to conform with the laws society says are needed for its protection and safety, and there must exist an abode where delinquents should be retained with the object of paying the penalty for their misbehaviour. This week a lock-up was erected at the Kooweerup Police Station. Perhaps to some this will be unwelcome news. In the past offenders have had to be taken to the Lang Lang lock-up, which meant a strain on their financial position, for the usual custom had been to not only inflict a fine, but the costs of an exhilarating "joy ride" by car had to be met. There is also another side with regard to the elimination of the use of the car, in that the individual who "looks upon the wine when it is red" will have more money to satisfy his craving. Others, again, may act more discretely, as no doubt owing to the cost and trouble of getting to Lang Lang, only worse and most abusive cases were apprehended, but now with better facilities, the police will not be handicapped in discharging their duties. So far we have not heard when the opening ceremony of this new residence is to take place.
(Koo Wee Rup Sun, April 9, 1925, p. 4)

The Lock-up is now located at the Koo Wee Rup Swamp Historical Society Museum in Rossiter Road.

Photo taken in 2010.

April 1925 - Street Lighting

With the approach of the winter season it is most opportune to point out the unsatisfactory condition of the street lighting in Kooweerup Township. The Cranbourne Shire Council has gone to the expense of  erecting a number of lamps, and also endeavoured to get a lamplighter, but without success. The Kooweerup Progress Association's efforts in the same direction has also proved abortive. So the position has reached  a climax. Some practical solution out of the difficulty  is imperative. The amount on the council estimate for lamp lighting is £45, but this is not sufficient inducement,  as all mantles etc., has also to be found. It has been suggested that to have the effulgent rays at night a higher amount should be offered, and that business people ought to contribute something towards that end. It is most urgent that something should be done immediately to obviate pedestrians' difficulty in negotiating the streets at night.

(Koo Wee Rup Sun, April 16, 1925, p. 4)

April 1925 - an interesting tale of some adventurous lads

Boy Stowaways. Discovered at Koo Wee Rup.
Last Saturday afternoon a porter, while attending to a coal train which had arrived at the Kooweerup station, received a surprise by discovering four boy stowaways. The porter had occasion to put some sheep skins in a truck, and this action led to the juveniles being captured. The names of the lads, as given to the police are –
FRANK BORHAM, 22 Ross street, South Melbourne, 12 years.
FRANK GRANT, 124 Barkley street, Carlton, 14 years.
WILLIAM KENDLE, Best street, Reservoir, Preston, 13 years.
ALLAN LEWIS, 522 Drummond street, Carlton, 14 years.

It appears it is the custom of city newsboys to form parties and to sojourn in the country. To them it is a change and relaxation from the rush and bustle of their avocation. This part was composed of five youngsters, who left Melbourne a fortnight ago and went to Glen Forbes. One lad must have acted as cashier, as the others state they had given their money to him. On Friday they desired a return home, but the lad with the money, they allege, left them. They awaited their opportunity and at 4 p.m. on Friday got on to a coal train, attached to which was one truck carrying sheep skins.

Right from the start misfortune dogged their movements. First, they were penniless, and only had one pound of butter to eat between them; secondly, a serious accident befell young Borham. The boy, in attempting to board the train, had three fingers of his right hand badly crushed by the buffers. Another lad (Grant) had a narrow escape, as the buffer just caught the top of his third finger; thirdly, they experienced a cold, frosty night. However, despite these facts, they showed stoical fortitude by remaining “in smoke” until found at Kooweerup.

When the discovery was made, Constable Whiteside was informed and he took charge of the lads. Borham was immediately taken to Dr. Hewitt, who stated the fingers would have to be removed. He dressed the wounds, and the lad was sent to Melbourne, where the police met him and took the sufferer to the Children’s Hospital. Constable Whiteside then sent messages to the addresses which were given, and pending instructions from their guardians they were taken care of by a local resident. On Monday Lewis’ father arrived and took him back, and on Tuesday the two remaining boys were sent home.
The painful and trying experience will leave no doubt and indelible impression on the memories of the party.
(Koo Wee Rup Sun, April 30, 1925, p. 3)

May 1925 - Motor Car Burnt

About 5.30 a.m. last Saturday Mr Bergin noticed a fire at the back of the residence of Mr W. Loveday, Rossiter street, Kooweerup, and he was suspicious that it was too early an hour for rubbish to be destroyed and went to investigate. To his amazement he found the flames were consuming a Durant motor car, and he quickly aroused the owner. After removing the vehicle from the shed and with a supply of sand they were quickly able to subdue the flames. The body of the car was destroyed bur the engine and tyres were practically unscathed. At the time of the fire there were three gallons of petrol in the tank of the car, but fortunately the flames did not reach it. The car was insured.

(Koo Wee Rup Sun, May 14, 1925, p. 3)

June 1925 - Modella Hall opens

The greatest event of 1925 - the opening of the Modella Hall

Koo Wee Rup Sun, May 7, 1925, p. 1

In the presence of a large assemblage the newly constructed hall was officially opened by Mr. Paterson, M.H.R., who spoke of the fine public spirit displayed by Mr. Camp, a returned soldier, in purchasing the land and giving it to the public of Modella for the purpose of constructing a hall. Mr. Camp, aided by Mr. Gardiner, another returned soldier, then constructed the building. Messrs. Groves and Walters, M.L. A.'s, also spoke. (The Argus, June 12, 1925, see here)  

An Age report of June 8, 1925, see here, noted that the debt on the hall is about £275. The 1925 hall burnt down in  November 1976;  the new hall was opened on April 20, 1979 by Arthur Dawson (a member of the Modella Hall Committee), and assisted by Athol Camp. (2)

June 1925 - a Narrow Escape

Last Saturday, three children standing in the entrance to Mr H.V. Mills garage in Rossiter street, Kooweerup, had narrow escapes from serious injury. Mr V. Mills was endeavouring to drive  a car into the garage and in doing so had to avoid another vehicle, when he suddenly found the children in his way. To evade them he was compelled to run his car into the front wall of then building, with the result that a big plate glass window at the offices of Messrs Witham and Kavanagh was smashed. The car just touched one of the children. Children have been repeatedly warned not to play near the entrance to the garage, as it is a dangerous spot.

(Koo Wee Rup Sun, June 18, 1925, p. 4)

July 1925 - The state of the drains in Bayles

Bayles Drainage - Dr Appleyard, health officer, reported at the last meeting of the Cranbourne Shire Council as follows:-"Acting on verbal instructions from the President (C. Croskell), I inspected the premises and drains  of Sage and Co's butter factory, Bayles, on the 9th June, accompanied by the engineer (Mr Dowden). From the factory a narrow rough concrete drain  passes to No. 4 drain, and a pipe drain carried the effluent underneath the Bayles-Cora Lynn road. The concrete drain stops short of the canal bank, ending near the bridge, in a foetid slimy marsh, which overflows into the canal. The effluent was milky, greasy and contained fragments of  cheese and casein. The canal bank, where the flow has become stagnant, the grease film must form a medium particularly favorable to the  growth of micro-organism, pathogmic and otherwise. The drainage is, in my opinion, a palpable nuisance which the council should require the proprietors to abate, and is also in my opinion, a grave menace to health." - Messrs Sage and Co. were given one month to abate the nuisance.

(Koo Wee Rup Sun, July 9, 1925, p. 4)

July 1925 - Music Examination results

The following pupils of Miss Jessie Johnson, L.L.C.M., A.L.C.M., of Kooweerup, were successful at the examinations held in June last - Primary First-class Pass - Ada Lancaster, Joyce Mills. Pass - Norma Games, Myrtle Games. Elementary Honors - Annie Lonergan. First-class Pass - Elna Patullo. Pass - Jean Lyall. Intermediate First-class Pass - Marjorie Leamon, Madge McCraw. Adv. Intermediate Honors - Catherine Hester. Adv. Senior Honors - Dorris Johnson. 

(Koo Wee Rup Sun, July 23, 1925, p. 4)

In October, Miss Johnson, suffered an unfortunate accident - 

On Wednesday, October 7th. an accident befel Miss Jessie Johnson, of Kooweerup, at the Lang Lang Mechanics' Hall.  Miss Johnson, who is a music teacher, went to Lang Lang to give lessons to several pupils. She desired to move a piano into a more convenient position, and in doing so the instrument toppled over and came down on her foot, which was badly crushed. A workman near by came to her rescue and she was removed next door, where the foot was bathed. Despite her injury, Miss Johnson attended to her duties and later had the injury attended to by Dr Hewitt at the Kooweerup Hospital, where she had to remain for several days. She is now making rapid improvement towards recovery.

(Koo Wee Rup Sun, Thursday, October 15, 1925, p. 4) 

Jessie, born in 1904 was the sixth and last child of Joseph Spencer Johnson and his wife Jessie Isbister. Her siblings were Walter, James, Alexander, Irene and Joseph.  The family moved to The Grange, in Koo Wee Rup in 1922, having previously lived on McDonalds Drain Road. Jessie  first advertised in the Koo Wee Rup Sun in April 1922, offering piano lessons.  Jessie married Leslie Einsiedel in 1932. Her sister Irene had married Andrew Charles ('Froggy') Colvin in 1914. The Johnsons sold The Grange in 1947/1948. Jessie (the mother)  died in February 1933 and Joseph in June 1952. Les Einsedel, a talented cyclist and footballer, died in 1971 and Jessie in 1995, and they are buried at the Cranbourne Cemetery.  They had one daughter Dorothy. (3)

July 1925 - Koo Wee Rup North receives a telephone service

The Rt. Hon. S.M. Bruce has received advice from the Deputy Postmaster-General, Melbourne...that the erection of a telephone line  to Kooweerup North has been completed, and a telephone office for the receipt and transmission of telegrams and for public conversations was established there in charge of the postmaster on the 27th inst.

(Koo Wee Rup Sun, July 30, 1925, p. 4)

August 1925 - The founder of the Royal Hotel in Koo Wee Rup, Mr Denis McNamara passed away.

Keen and widespread was the regret in Koo Wee Rup and district when it became known on July 27th that Mr. Denis McNamara, of the Royal Hotel, Koo Wee Rup had succumbed to his illness, in his sixty-first year. The deceased gentleman had enjoyed good health until about 12 months ago when he suffered an attack of pleurisy, from which he never recovered. Two visits were made to Brisbane in the hope of regaining his strength, but the effect of the visits was not lasting; the heart had been considerably weakened, and cardiac failure was the cause of his death. 

Born in County Clare, Ireland in 1864, Mr. McNamara was a young man when he came to Victoria. He engaged in business in Melbourne before coming to Koo Wee Rup in 1891, where he opened a store. In 1901 he returned to Melbourne, and was in turn the licensee of the Carlton Club Hotel, the United States, the Albury hotels. In 1902 he married a Miss Mary Ann Manney, from his home country, and had as family May (Sister Denise, O'Neill College) and Frank. He suffered an early bereavement in the loss of his young wife. Returning to Koo Wee Rup in 1904, he bought O'Riordan's store, which he successfully conducted. In 1908 he married Miss Alice Morris, his bereaved wife, and later took out the first licence in Koo Wee Rup, building the substantial Royal Hotel. 

He was esteemed by all who knew him. His kindly smile, his cheerful word, and his open-handed generosity were enjoyed by many. He was a prominent member of the Irish National Foresters, Carlton branch, which on his return to Koo Wee Rup, presented him with a group photo of members. He was closely identified with every progressive local activity, and contributed in no small measure to its success. He was president of the St. Patrick's Day sports and the football club, and was a member of the church, the hospital, and the recreation reserve committees. He was attended in his last illness by the Revs. T. O'Callaghan and L. C. Hartnett. The latter celebrated the Requiem Mass. The funeral, one of the largest seen in the district, was representative of every class and creed. Pakenham Cemetery was the place of burial. The Rev. L. C. Hartnett, assisted by the Revs. T. O'Callaghan and M. Keenan, officiated at the grave. With the bereaved wife there is left to mourn their sad loss his children—May (Sister Denise, Garden Vale) and Frank, Alice, Jack, Margaret and Colleen; his brothers, Pat (Koo Wee Rup) and John (Limerick, Ireland), and his sister Mary (Scariff, Ireland). R.I.P.

(The Advocate, August 20, 1925, see here)

 Royal Hotel, built for Denis McNamara, in the December 1934 flood

August 1925 - Train leaves before time - Passengers exciting chase

Five passengers on a special football train from Koo wee up to Korumburra on Saturday afternoon wore left behind at Nyora because the train left 10 minutes before the scheduled time of departure. According to reports received by the Railways Commissioners, the train arrived at Nyora at 1.20 p.m., and it was due to leave in 1.45 p.m. It is stated that owing to an official despatching the train without authority from the station master in charge, the train left at 1.35 p.m., leaving five passengers on the platform. As no other means of transport was available, these passengers were placed in a light engine, which set off in pursuit of the train. The special was delayed for 20 minutes at Loch to permit the light engine to catch up. The incident will be the subject of a departmental inquiry. 

(The Argus, August 25, 1925, see here)

October 1925 - Cycling honours

In cycling circles the Warrnambool to Melbourne road race, which took place last Saturday, is regarded as one of the world's classic sporting events. The distance is 165 miles, and 175 competitors from all over Australia and New Zealand took part. E. Williamson (Richmond), on 60 min., was first, with "Pomp" Colvin (Kooweerup), 52 min., second. H.K. Smith (W.A.) secured the fastest time, clipping the distance off in 7 hrs, 25 min. and 1 sec., and just beat J. Beasley (Fitzroy) by a tyre. Beasley put up a world record for 100 miles, his time being 4 hrs. 18  min. 3 secs. Colvin also won the veterans' prize, for the first rider to finish who completed the distance within a time limit and was a competitor in the same race prior to 1912. E.A. George (Bayles), appropriated the "Globe" Cup, for returned soldiers, won by getting 9th position. B. Griffiths (Bayles) 42 min., got 16th position. Percy Osborn (Bayles), scratch, again had bad luck, as he had bicycle trouble, while W. Stephens (Kooweerup), who only recently took up racing, also finished the course, but had the unenviable experience to ride 70 miles on his own.

(Koo Wee Rup Sun, Thursday, October 15, 1925, p. 3) 

As a matter of interest, in 1926 this race was won by Les Einsiedel, who married Miss Jessie Johnson, the music teacher (see above) in 1932. (4)

October 1925  - Fire destroys shops in Koo Wee Rup

At about 4.15am last Thursday a number of persons were rudely awakened by an alarm of fire, and on investigating received a shock when they found that the block of wooden buildings in Rossiter street, Koo Wee Rup, occupied by Mr D. Thomson (butcher), Mrs M. Porter (fruiterer), and Mrs J. Byron (small goods) were on fire. It was at once seen that the task of fighting the flames was a hopeless one, but efforts were made with three fire extinguishers to subdue the conflagration, but the fire had too great a hold for these instruments to be of any use. They, however, are credited with the saving of an adjoining brick shop, owned by Mr F. Ellis (draper). Realising the  buildings were doomed, the fire fighters set about rescuing furniture, etc., from the burning  buildings, and through their hard-working efforts articles were saved from both Mrs Potter's shop and residence. They then formed a buck brigade and paid attention to the neighbouring buildings. It was fortunate that a strong wind blew in a south-easterly direction, as the large corner store, belonging to Mr A.W. Stephens, would have been in great jeopardy. Mr Ellis' brick shop was only a few feet from Mrs Potter's  at the north end of the conflagration and the fire fighters had to anxiously watch the verandah and wood  work, and played water thereon, but the direction of the wind happily protected these premises 

How the fire originated is not known,. It appears the first person to become acquainted with the outbreak was Mr Thomson. he states that he was asleep at the time and was awakened either by the noise of the flames or someone calling out. On awakening, the fire had penetrated into his room. He immediately raised an alarm, and aroused the Potter family. Mr Thomson did not have time to save anything; Mrs Byron, who does not reside on the premises, also lost everything; while Mrs Potter with assistance was able to rescue some of her furniture and a few bicycles. The buildings were owned by Mr D. Thompson and Mr W. Mills, and were partly covered by insurance. the fire broke the telephone wires in front of the buildings and interrupted the service to subscribers in  that portion of the township until Wednesday, when the department had promptly repaired same. Mrs Byron's stock was  partly covered by insurance, and Mrs Potter's stock and furniture was also insured.

(Koo Wee Rup Sun, Thursday, October 15, 1925, p. 4) 

Rossiter Road, 1923. 

The shops which burnt down, are I believe, on the left just past the second wagon.

November 1925 -  Asparagus season

Now in the middle of the asparagus season, Mr Roxborough's farm [at Vervale] is  a scene of activity. Four men are constantly employed tending the crop, and when matured extra hands are engaged for cutting, trimming, washing and packing. The harvest, commencing in September, lasts until late December. The original nine acres planted has been extended and about 30 acres are now under cultivation. An average of over half a ton per day is despatched to the metropolis, the bulk being consigned to canning factories, while the balance is retailed to leading hotels, cafes and shops.

(Koo Wee Rup Sun, November 26, 1925, p. 4)

November 1925 - The Dalmore Hall was officially opened on November 27, 1925

Read the full report from the Koo Wee Rup Sun, here.
The Shire President (Cr McCulloch) in declaring the hall opened complimented the workers in their success. It was only fitting that Dalmore, which is one of the finest places in southern Victoria, should have such an edifice. It would be a place where young and old would meet for social and educational functions, and it should be instrumental in enriching their lives in very way. He wished the committee and the people every success in their venture. (Koo Wee Rup Sun, December 3, 1925, p. 2)

Footnotes

(1) See more about Hospitals and Doctors in Koo Wee Rup here  https://kooweerupswamphistory.blogspot.com/2014/08/medical-matters-at-koo-wee-rup.html

(2) New hall information from https://www.caseycardiniaremembers.org.au/modella-hall/

(3) Johnson information - Indexes to the Victorian Births, Deaths and Marriages; advertisements in the Koo Wee Rup Sun; Cranbourne Shire Rate Books; Irene Colvin's obituary Koo Wee Rup Sun, 24/1/1968 and Les Einsedel obituary Koo Wee Rup Sun, 1/9/1971.

(4) Les Einsedel obituary Koo Wee Rup Sun, 1/9/1971.

Aeroplane VH-UMG makes a forced landing at Koo Wee Rup, December 1933

On December 14, 1933 an aeroplane, Tasman VH-UMG, was forced to land in a paddock at Koo Wee Rup, due to high winds. The Sun News-Pictorial of December 15, 1933 reported on the incident -

TASMANIAN AIR LINER IS FORCED DOWN BY STORM. 

Lands in Heavy Rain at Koo-wee-rup; Plane Undamaged And None Hurt

By a Special Correspondent

Koo-Wee-Rup, Thursday. - Driven back by a storm over Bass Strait on its flight from Melbourne to Tasmania today, the air liner, Tasman, with two pilots and a boy passenger, was forced to land in heavy rain at Koo-wee-rup at 1 p.m.

No damage was done to the liner and the pilot landed so adroitly that not even the boy passenger suffered the slightest effect. Rain fell all the afternoon, compelling the liner to remain overnight. The landing was made in a large sheep paddock, owned by Mr. P. Einsedel. Residents heard the engines of the liner, which was invisible behind thick, low clouds, droning for 30 minutes while the pilot searched for a landing place. The liner left Melbourne at 9.30 a.m. The pilot said he had travelled 250 miles since passing over Koo-wee-rup at 10 a.m. on the outward flight. (1)

The next day the Sun News-Pictorial gave an update of the story -
The Hart air-liner, Tasman, which was forced to descend on Thursday at Koo-wee-rup, after endeavoring to fly from Melbourne to Tasmania during the gale, took off yesterday at 7 am. without assistance, and returned to the aerodrome at North  Essendon. The aeroplane left again for Launceston at 9.10 a.m. with four passengers, including the boy who was the original passenger, and arrived at Launceston at 1 p.m. (2)

Tasman, VH-UMG, forced landing at Koo Wee Rup, December 14, 1933

Sun News-Pictorial, December 15, 1933 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article276126272

The Koo Wee Rup Sun of December 21, 1933 had this report  -

55 Miles an hour gale

Heavy rain and a southerly gale which reached a velocity of 55 miles an hour caused much damage last Thursday. Huge seas - the largest remembered - ran in Port Phillip Bay. In many Melbourne suburbs trees and boardings were blown down, and streets were flooded. In the country the rain done more damage to crops and will delay harvesting. At Kooweerup 154 points of rain from fell 9.00 a.m. Thursday to 9 a.m. Friday. For the second time within a few weeks the pilots of aeroplanes carrying mails and passengers across Bass Strait deemed it inadvisable to make the crossing. On Thursday one landed at Kooweerup on Mr C. Einsedel's property. The plane was tethered by Mr T. Burton, of the Kooweerup Motor Garage, and the following morning journeyed back to Melbourne. (3)

The plane landing at Koo Wee Rup

Koo Wee Rup Sun, December 21, 1933 p.4

VH-UMG, the air liner, was owned at the time of the incident by Hart Aircraft, and had previously been owned by Australian National Airways. A correspondent to The Age, by name of B. Clayton, wrote in March 1931 - 

Australian National Airways Ltd have five planes in operation at present, the names and registration letters of which are as follow:- Southern Moon, VH-UMI; Southern Sky, VH-UMH; Southern Cloud, VH-UMS; Southern Star, VH-UMG; Southern Sun, VH-UNA. The Southern Cross (VH-USL) will be put into commission at a later date. They can each accommodate ten passengers, but the usual number is eight or nine. The machines cost £9000 each. (4)  

In February 1933, Australian National Airways were in liquidation and their planes and other infrastructure were advertised for sale by tender, including VH-UMG. (5) It was sold to Hart Aircraft Service who were based at Essendon Airport. They changed the name of the plane from Southern Star to Tasman. Hart Aircraft operated the Bass Strait service from 1933-1934. VH-UMG crashed at Mascot Airport in November 1936 and was written off. (6) You can read about Hart Aircraft in the Tasmanian Aviation Historical Society article by C. Byrne, here  

Australian National Airways invites tenders for VH-UMG and other planes

The Age, February 27, 1933 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article205516637

VH-UMG, the plane which landed at Koo Wee Rup, in happier times

Image: https://www.baaa-acro.com/crash/crash-avro-618-ten-sydney

Hart Aircraft Service, Essendon Airport, 1930s.

The plane on the left is VH-UMH.

Early view Essendon Airport. Photographer: Raymond W. Garrett.

State Library of Victoria Image H98.129/12

Footnotes

(1) Sun News-Pictorial, December 15, 1933, see here.

(2) Sun News-Pictorial, December 16, 1933, see here.

(3) Koo Wee Rup Sun, December 21, 1933 p.4

(4) The Age, March 13, 1931, see here. 

(5) The Age, February 27, 1933, see here. 

(6) https://tahs.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/TAHS-2022.006-Hart-Aircraft-Services.pdf 

Sand Train Derailment at Koo Wee Rup, August 1979

On Tuesday, August 28, 1979 a sand train was derailed at Koo Wee Rup - this is the report from the Cranbourne Sun, Tuesday September 4, 1979, p. 6

Train Derailed at Koo-Wee-Rup

The reason why five railway bogie wagons loaded with sand came off their tracks when being diverted from the railways main line outside the Koo-wee-rup Station last Tuesday evening is not yet known.

The derailment, which occurred at 5.45.pm on Tuesday evening, has caused considerable damage to the railways permanent way and Station Master, Mr Ray Brown, feels it will be about a week until everything is ship-shape again.

Commuters using the Yarram line were quickly transported wither by bus or taxi. Taxis were more practicable for transporting the passengers whose destination was Dandenong, as only a handful of people were involved and the Yarram line was completely operational again within one and a half hours.

The Koo-wee-rup Police assisted railways employees in diverting traffic across a temporary cross over at the east end of the railway platform, until the road was cleared. “Each bogie wagon, with its load weighed 75 tons, so the task of getting them back on the tracks was not an easy one,” said Station Master Brown. 

 An emergency derailment crew from Melbourne, assisted by two mobile cranes, finally were successful in re-positioning the wagons. An exact estimate of the damage is not yet available, but it was extensive. Members of the Railways Traffic and Ways and Works Branches are still trying to determine the cause of the derailment.

Train derailed at Koo Wee Rup

Cranbourne Sun, Tuesday September 4, 1979, p. 6

Train derailed at Koo Wee Rup - Because of the bogie wagons weight, they sank quickly into the ground when derailed and workmen had a tough job getting them back on the tracks.

Cranbourne Sun, Tuesday September 4, 1979, p. 6

Train derailed at Koo Wee Rup - Two mobile cranes assisted the emergency crew in re-positioning the bogie wagons.

Cranbourne Sun, Tuesday September 4, 1979, p. 6

What happened in Koo Wee Rup in 1924

This is a look at what happened in Koo Wee Rup and surrounds, 100 years ago, in 1924, as reported in the newspapers.

Excitement at the Koo Wee Rup Railway Station!
An uncommon sight – Excitement was caused at the Kooweerup railway station on Tuesday evening on the arrival of the 6.20 Melbourne train, when a woman was found lying face downward on the floor of a second-class carriage. The attention of the stationmaster was drawn to the matter, and on inquiries being made it was found that her destination was Kooweerup. Evidently, she had been imbibing too freely, as the remains of a bottle of wine was found on the seat. Considerable difficulty was experienced in having her removed to the ladies waiting room, and later she was taken away in a motor car. (Koo Wee Rup Sun, February 28, 1924, page 3)

Mr Johnson meets with an accident - 
On Tuesday, February 12th, Mr. H.G. Johnson, of Cora Lynn, met with a painful accident. He was engaged feeding a bull, and on putting his arm through a fence to attend to the feed box the animal dashed at him and made a nasty wound in his left arm, and also considerably bruised his shoulder. Mrs. Johnson rendered first aid, after which the sufferer was brought into the Kooweerup Hospital, where an operation was performed by Dr Andrews. The patient is making a good recovery and hopes to leave the institution on Saturday next. Mr. Johnson speaks eulogistically of the medical and nursing treatment received, and says people do not fully realize what an asset the institution is to the district. It is, he says, one that should have the support of every resident. (Koo Wee Rup Sun, February 28, 1924, page 4)

The deplorable state of Manks Road
Mank's Road (?) – Whoever is responsible for the care and upkeep of Mank’s road have nothing to exult over. It is in a wretched and deplorable condition, and the authorities are deserving of the most severest censure for allowing it to drift into such a state. It is impassable, and farmers are anxious as to how they will manage during the winter months. It is heart breaking for the producer, after undergoing great expense in purchasing land, paying exorbitant rates, and putting in arduous labor, to find himself in the “slough of despond” through being unable to get his products to market. Its present condition is a disgrace, but language will be inadequate to express its position when winter comes unless something is done at once. We trust that the Tooradin representatives of the Cranbourne Shire Council will be seized with the urgency of having this road attended to at once. (Koo Wee Rup Sun, April 10, 1924, page 4)

In April there was a report of a case of bigamy, with a local connection -
Mrs. S. McKay of Kooweerup was charged before Mr. W. Cole, J.P., at the Lang Lang Court on Monday with alleged bigamy. She was remanded to appear at the City Court on Tuesday next. Bail was granted to the amount of £100 - self £50 and another surety of £50. (Koo Wee Rup Sun, April 24, 1924, page 4)

The Argus reported on the next hearing held on May 23 –
Married Four Times - Bigamy Charge Withdrawn - Elizabeth Ellen Butler, alias Forbes, alias O'Brien, was charged before the City Court yesterday with having on November 25, 1918, being married to Henry Butler, gone through the form of marriage with Edward William O'Brien, her former husband, Henry Butler, being then alive. The Bench comprised Mr. R. Knight, P.M., and Messrs T. O'Callaghan, C. R. Smithwick, and W. H. Curtis, J.P. 's. Sergeant Stephens said that at the time the accused married Butler, in August, 1908, she was a widow. The prosecution had been unable to find any person who had seen Butler since his separation from the accused, and consequently he asked that the charge be withdrawn. The police could not say whether Butler was dead or alive. The accused believed that Butler was dead when she married a man named O'Brien. When she found that Butler was not dead she left O'Brien and married again. She was now Mrs. McKay. The charge was withdrawn. (The Argus, May 21, 1924, see here)

In July, the Koo Wee Rup Sun published a follow-up report, which gave Mrs McKay's point of view –
Ambiguous – Mrs. S. McKay, of Five Mile, who was only recently acquitted on a charge of bigamy at the Melbourne court, desires to state that the report which appeared in the press was ambiguous and left an impression detrimental to herself. She states she was a widow when she married Butler, and alleges that owing to rough treatment received she had to turn him out of the home, which belonged to her. She afterward heard that Butler died in a New South Wales sanitorium. (Koo Wee Rup Sun, July 17, 1924, page 5)

  
In May, local baby Eileen May Moylan, of Bayles was selected as one of the 18 Victorian babies in the Empire Baby Quest. The Herald explained –
The first stage of the Empire Baby Quest, which "The Herald" is conducting on behalf of the British Empire Exhibition authorities, has been completed by the selection of 18 competitors from each State. The names of the Victorian 18 selected from 1372 entrants, are given below. These will be among the 108, from all over Australia, to go before the Federal judging committee, which will select 18 to represent Australia against the rest of the Empire…. [The article lists the names of the 18 children]….Professor H. J. A. Berry of Melbourne University, was chairman of the judging committee, and was assisted in the medical work of judging by three specialists. All the doctors remarked on the high physical standard of the competitors. The 20 or so in each class , who reached the final judging were classed as 100 per cent fit, and the Victorian 18 are all practically perfect and far above British or American standards. The artists on the judging committee were Mr. James MacDonald, portraitist, and Miss M. Butler George, sculptress. The woman's point of view in judging baby perfection was expressed by Sister Peck, matron in charge of the Baby Health Training centre, and Mrs. Whyte. (The Herald, May 10, 1924, see here) 

Baby Eileen Moylan, of Bayles, an entrant in the Empire Baby Quest

The Herald, April 11, 1924 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article244225204

In June, the Koo Wee Rup Sun reported on the dangers of darning - 
On Thursday morning last Mrs. J. Macain, of Kooweerup, while attending to domestic duties, had the misfortune to run a darning needle into her right hand. She was conveyed to Dandenong, where under X-rays, the needle was discovered deeply imbedded in the flesh. She had to undergo an operation to have it extracted, and it is pleasing to record she is making satisfactory progress. Only the previous week Mrs. G. Follett, of Kooweerup, met with a similar accident, and had to go to Dandenong. She is also making rapid recovery. (Koo Wee Rup Sun, June 5, 1924, page 4)

The on-going saga of the Koo Wee Rup-Pakenham Road
Koo Wee Rup–Pakenham Road – A correspondent in Saturday’s “Age” directs attention to the incompleted portion of the above road. It is only a small strip of road, a few chains long, but it is almost impassable, and would only cost about £700 to finish. The action of the board in leaving the road in such a state is inconceivable, especially after spending thousands of pounds in making the thoroughfare up to this point. It is tantamount to making a strong chain with one weak link in the centre – the whole thing being thereby made useless. (Koo Wee Rup Sun, August 21, 1924, page 4)

Fallen Soldiers' Memorial Hospital, Station Street, 1924 flood.

Koo Wee Rup Swamp Historical Society image

 

In August there was widespread flooding in the State and Koo Wee Rup was hard hit – this is the report from the Sun News Pictorial. 
Swamped! Koo-wee-rup – Thousands Lost - Township Isolated. - 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. 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.

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-woo-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.

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, August 28, 1924, see here). There are more accounts of this flood, here.

An unusual arrest took place in the town in November -
Alleged Bogus Clergyman. Arrested at Koo-Wee-Rup. A man who, it is alleged, had made arrangements to preach at the Methodist Church at Kooweerup yesterday, was arrested on Friday night by Senior Detective R. P. Brennan on a charge of larceny. The man, who gave his name as James Haslam, 28 years, clerk, was remanded at Lang Lang court on Saturday on a charge of having stolen a suit of clothes, valued at £11 11/, from Frank Stuart. He will appear at the City Court on Tuesday when a further remand to St. Kilda will be asked for. In his possession the police found a suit of clothes, a wristlet watch, a safety razor and complete outfit of clerical clothes, including bishop's gaiters. It is alleged by the police that the man is identical with a Rev. Donald Harvey, who boarded during last October at St. Kilda. It is also alleged that he arranged to preach at the Kooweerup Methodist Church yesterday. Six weeks ago it is stated that he preached a sermon at the Baptist Church Hawthorn. Haslam was arrested at a farm house at Catani, eight miles from Kooweerup, where he had been working. (The Age, November 24, 1924, see here)  Haslam, who had a previous conviction for larceny and false pretences was sentenced to nine months in gaol.

James Haslam, arrested at Koo Wee Rup

Public Records Office of  Victoria -  (VPRS515) - VPRS 515/P0000, 

Central Register for Male Prisoners 37230 - 37713 (1924-1925)

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

Cr. Croskell stated that he was very pleased to be there that night, which was an auspicious occasion for the district. It must be very gratifying to the committee to have such a fine gathering present, and he hoped on every future occasion the gatherings would be as large.... He would like to congratulate the people of Cardinia upon the success which had attended their efforts to obtain a Public Hall for Cardinia. He also congratulated them on their foresight in having their public buildings so close together, as in many townships one public building is placed on one corner and another about a mile away. With the public buildings close together it was much easier to get facilities, such as footpaths and drainage. He also congratulated the various committee and especially the chairman (Mr. M. Conroy) and the secretary (Mr. George Beazley), upon the success which had attended their efforts. The hall is a long felt necessity, and the residents must be gratified upon the consummation of their hopes, and he hoped they would all be long spared to enjoy the social intercourse which would be possible through having such a fine building in which to meet, and it gave him much pleasure in declaring the hall open.

Mr. Conroy, in moving a vote of thanks to Cr. Croskell, stated that the hall had cost over £600 and over half had been already met. A first-class programme was given by Dandenong, Melbourne and local district artists… After the conclusion of the concert the hall was cleared and a large programme of dances was gone through. The dancing was in charge of Mr. T. Richards, who rendered his well-known efficient service as M.C. (Koo Wee Rup Sun, December 24, 1924 page 4) You can read the full report, 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 

What happened in Koo Wee Rup in 1923

This is a look at what happened in Koo Wee Rup and surrounds, 100 years ago, in 1923, as reported in the newspapers, mainly the Koo Wee Rup Sun.  One of the  main events in the town was the opening of the Soldiers Memorial Hospital on May 23, 1923, but I will look at that in more detail in another post. The new towns of Bayles and Catani had been established the year before with the opening of the Strzelecki Railway (also called McDonald's Track railway) line in June 1922 (see here)  and there are some reports about their development. 

In February there was a report on prizes given for elocution at Sunday School  – Recently the Kooweerup Methodist missionary (Mr J.G. Carmichael) donated prizes for the best rendition of the Ten Commandments, and the prizes have been awarded to the following Sunday school scholars: - Master Garnet and Maggie Gilchrist, Five Mile; Master Marshall and Elise Armstrong, Yannathan; Master Ian and Jean McDonald, Cora Lynn. (Koo Wee Rup Sun, February 1, 1923 p. 4)

Kooweerup State School report from February - The attendance at the school now numbers 103. At the December examinations Kathleen Hyland (12 years and two months), Alma Follett, Mattie Preston, John McNamara (12 years and four months), Robert Preston (12 years), and Robert Mills were awarded merit certificates, Shelia Johnston was successful in winning a Government  scholarship, entitling her to four years’ instruction  at a registered secondary school. This pupil is the third member of the family who has been successful at the scholarship examinations held during the past three years. This record speaks highly of the ability of the local teaching staff. (Koo Wee Rup Sun, February 8, 1923 p. 4)

The Masonic Temple at Koo Wee Rup, as it was originally built in 1923

Image courtesy of Graeme Elso

The Koo Wee Rup Masonic Temple was built in 1923. In March it was reported that - The Contractor for the Kooweerup Masonic Temple, Mr Sly, is now putting on the final touches and expects to complete his task in about a week. The temple will be a very convenient and comfortable edifice for members of the craft to hold meetings in. (Koo Wee Rup Sun, March 1, 1923 p. 4)

In May there was this report of the dedication of the Temple and the establishment of the Koo Wee Rup Lodge - The Kooweerup Masonic Hall was dedicated by the Most Wor. Bro.  F.T. Hickford, assisted by Bro. W.P.Bice, D.G.M., and other Grand Lodge officers on Monday afternoon. After the dedication a Lodge, No. 323, to be known as the Kooweerup lodge was consecrated by the G.L. officers. The officers of the new lodge are – W.M. Wor. Bro W.Eason; S.W., Bro. W.E. Mills; J.D., Bro. J.D. Preston; Chaplain, Bro. C. Wadsley; treasurer, Bro. W. Jeffery; secretary,  Bro. F.C. Ellis; D.C.W., Bro W.K. Paterson; S.D., Bro. E. Bowden; J.D., Bro. A.P. Coburn; organist, Bro. T. Wood; S.G., Bro A.C. Colvin; stewards, Bros W.S. Smith, H.D. Mills, S.H. Mills, G.Wain; Tyler, Bro. W.J. Mallcott. Fifteen brethren constituted the foundation members and the lodge opened with 32 members. The hall cost £1500. (Koo Wee Rup Sun, May 3, 1923, p. 1)

Fishing news in March - A party of anglers from Yallock on Wednesday, February 28^th, visited Tooradin, and skippered by Mr. T. Kernot in his comfortable and fast 40ft motor boat, caught 532 fish. This is considered to be a record for this part of the bay for line fishing. (Koo Wee Rup Sun, March 8, 1923, p. 4)

Also in March, the council upset at carcasses being thrown in the Bay - At the Cranbourne Shire Council meeting  on Saturday a letter was read from Dr. Appleford, drawing attention to the fact that skinned carcasses were being thrown into the Bay. Cr Wildes referred to this as a “filthy practice,” and persons caught doing it should be severely dealt with. He had heard of carcasses going as far as Hastings. (Koo Wee Rup Sun, March 8 1923, p. 4)

A report on the impact of the Strzelecki Railway line on railway towns such as Garfield,  as  local farmers could now take their produce to Bayles, Catani and Yannathan - Garfield: The Kooweerup-McDonald's track railway is making its presence felt in many towns along the main Gippsland line. Traffic and business which for years past has gone to these towns is now diverted to the new outlet, and townships with good business openings are springing up along the new railway. Land values have advanced considerably, and range from £40 to £50 per acre. (The Age, March 10, 1923, see here)

March saw a new street lamp in the town, near the Catholic Church - New Street Lamp – The Cranbourne Shire Council on Wednesday erected a new street lamp at the corner of Station street – opposite the R.C. Church, Kooweerup. This will be found to be very convenient to vehicular traffic. (Koo Wee Rup Sun, March 22, 1923 p. 4)

Complaint about the Railway Station in May- From the standpoint of health, the railway station at Kooweerup should be condemned. While totally unsuitable and inadequate to give the facilities required, it is costing the department a good sum of money owing to the members of the staff being compelled to relinquish duty through ill-health. At the present time the stationmaster (Mr Smith) and a porter are absent through illness. And just before Mr Argall, late stationmaster, was transferred to the relieving staff he had to knock off through indisposition. Evidence of this character is sufficient to demonstrate the unhygienic character of the building and should stir the authorities to make a move to have an up to date station erected. (Koo Wee Rup Sun, May 3, 1923 p.  4)

May also saw this amusing story about the local police stuck in the mud in Western Port Bay -
Sandbank that wasn’t - It seemed a perfectly firm, white sandbank, gleaming attractively in the sunlight. Really, it was only a sandy film covering a quagmire lying in wait for unwary feet. Detective McGuffie and Constable Orgill, on their way from Lang Lang to the McLeod Penal Settlement on French Island recently were villainously misled.

When at low tide, their boat grounded a quarter of a mile from the island jetty, they decided to walk along the innocent looking sandbank to the shore. Bare-legged, they started from the stranded dinghy. Their feet were at once sucked in by the treacherous black mud. Step by step they floundered on, every pace leaving them deeper in the smelly mire. Whilst deep in the mud, McGuffie struggled along on his hands and knees, wearing his boots on his hands. Constable Orgill was doing even more primitive, eel-like contortions with his body. He seemed to be trying to swim.

Then the island convicts, who had been enjoying the fun from the jetty, brought ropes and planks to their aid. One of McGuffie’s most assiduous helpers proved to be a man who had McGuffie to thank for his long term of imprisonment. Both enjoyed the joke. Both must have a fine sense of humour. McGuffie was going to the island to investigate a suspicious fire outbreak among the penal settlement buildings. From his interrogation of three men further developments are expected. 

(Koo Wee Rup Sun, May 10, 1923 p. 3)

Catani Railway Station

Koo Wee Rup Swamp Historical Society image

A report of the growth of the new town of Catani, which developed around the new railway station -
Catani – The nucleus of a rising township is being laid at Catani. The district is being fastly developed by an industrial class of men and women, who are out to build homes for themselves and children, and the prospects of the near future will portray a hive of prosperous and happy people. Mr Bush, of Caldermeade, has opened a fine grocer’s shop, well stocked with the necessary requirements of the district, and Mr Currie, of Yannathan, has control of the post office and newsagency. The local station promises to become the most important on the Strezlecki line. Miss Silverthorn has charge of the State school, and is doing splendid work among the children. (Koo Wee Rup Sun, May 31, 1923, p. 1)

Bad roads - Bayles – Farmers here are keenly feeling the effects of the bad roads. Many of the thoroughfares are in such a shocking state that it is impossible to cart produce to the station. The road in front of the station has been in a deplorable condition of late, and on Friday last residents, tired of waiting for the authorities to help them, formed themselves into a working bee, and despite unfavorable weather conditions did good work in effecting improvement to the road. (Koo Wee Rup Sun, July 26, 1923, p. 4)

Bad footpaths  - The footpath in front of the Kooweerup Hospital is in a deplorable condition and something should be done to put it in  a trafficable state, at once. It is nothing but a quagmire, and pedestrians are put to a great amount of inconvenience in endeavoring to reach the hospital. Now that the hospital is open, and with the Catholic Church adjoining, the path is largely used. To attempt to reach this hospital at night is a wretched experience, as one has to wade in mud and water up to the ankles. We hope such a condition of affairs will be speedily remedied. ( Koo Wee Rup Sun, August 2, 1923, p. 4)

Flooding occured in October - here are reports from The Argus and the Koo Wee Rup Sun -
A seven inch rainfall during the past five days has caused one of the most disastrous floods in the history of the Kooweerup settlement. Scores of setters have been compelled to leave their homes, and thousands of pounds'worth of damage has been done to growing crops. After continual rains on Thursday and Friday, the main canal into which the waters of the Bunyip and Tarago rivers flow commenced to rise rapidly until an early hour on Saturday morning, when the 20 ft. summer level gauge on the Junction-bridge disappeared beneath the yellow flood. The water continued to rise to the decking of the bridge, five feet above the gauge, carrying away the bank on the north side, leaving the bridge suspended across the stream in a dangerous condition. The sheet piling around the edge of the 15-mile-bridge was carried away, and the structure is likely to collapse. All other bridges were submerged, and until the water recedes the damage cannot be estimated. The flood poured over the high levee banks on either side below the Iona State school, and spread over miles of cultivated farms, and residents had to abandon their homes, leaving stock, poultry and pigs to fend for themselves. Cattle could be seen standing with their heads thrust above the water on Cora Lynn farms; many of the smaller animals were drowned. The flood rose to the height of six feet in the Cora Lynn cheese factory, and the mechanics' hall. State school and convent are isolated in an inland sea. Water flowed over the levee banks to a depth of four feet for a distance of four miles, and there is a grave danger of these giving way and causing further disaster.

Throughout Iona many thousands of acres of potatoes, oats and other crops have disappeared under water, and will be utterly ruined. The main roads along either side of the canal have been damaged beyond repair, and bridges over subsidiary drains are in a state of collapse. (The Argus, October 15, 1923, see here)

On Sunday there was great commotion in the township of Kooweerup, when it was learnt that the banks of the main canal and Boundary drain had overflowed, and several families in the township were placed in an awkward predicament. The whole of the northern part of the township was under water, owing to the Boundary drain breaking in several places. Messrs J. and O. Colvin and D. McCracken’s residences were surrounded by flood waters three feet deep, the former two families being removed by the aid of a rowing boat. Families in other houses, although isolated, remained in their homes and anxiously kept vigil, and were naturally quite relieved when the water began to subside on Sunday night. 

On Sunday motor cars were kept busy plying people to the various points of vantage, but they could not get far. Proceeding along Rossiter’s road to the South Coast road, cars had to go through a quarter-mile of water 18 inches deep near Mr J. Byron’s property. Mr W. Johnson’s farm, on the opposite side of the road, was completely inundated, the water on the South Coast road reaching the top rail of the fence. On the south side of Coast road the land was covered with water for miles. Mr W. De Vries’ slaughter yards, in this vicinity, was inundated, and the owner had a trying time in rescuing employees, the water being up to his waist. (Koo Wee Rup Sun, October 18, 1923, p. 1)

Mr O'Riordan buys a truck - O’Riordan’s  general store, Kooweerup, is keeping abreast with the times and has purchased a motor truck for the conveyance of goods to clients. The truck is of a very neat design, and is capable of carrying a large load. (Koo Wee Rup Sun, November 15, 1923, p. 6)

Bayles Butter Factory, c. 1923

Image courtesy of Bayles Fauna Reserve.

In December there was a report on the new town of Bayles -

Bayles – the newly formed tennis club is putting plenty of ginger into its endeavors, and already a new court is rapidly approaching completion. The new bicycle track on the Recreation Reserve is expected to be finished by the end of the week, the Cranbourne Council’s grader having been secured to put the finishing touches on. The track is 20ft wide, and when completed will be second to none for many miles around.

Mr G. Einsedel, of Melbourne, is at present loading up to 20 trucks of sand per week, and hopes to be shortly railing away 100 tons per day. Our newly formed township is growing daily, and is going to be “some” place before many more moons. Another drapery establishment will be open for business within a short time, and all the business people speak well of their present turnover and have great hope for the future of Bayles.

One of the most notable features of trade at present is the great amount of business being transacted at Messrs Sage and Co.’s [butter] factory. The firm has two motor lorries continually bringing in cream and milk, besides a very great number of clients who bring in their own produce. (Koo Wee Rup Sun, December 6, 1923, p. 6)

News from Koo Wee Rup and Bayles in December -
Koo Wee Rup - Mr. W. Cole, who recently retired from the police force was entertained at a social and presented with a wallet of notes. Mrs. Cole was presented with a case of cutlery. Mr. Cole was appointed to the charge of the Tooradin police district 33 years ago, and during that time has seen what in those days was a tea-tree swamp change into one of the most prosperous farming districts in the State. Several new buildings are in course of erection, including a fine brick edifice for the Bank of Victoria. The Koo-wee-rup Choral Society has given several successful entertainments in various parts of the district. The Memorial Hospital has been taxed to its utmost capacity during the last few weeks, and an extra nurse has been engaged. The Bayles Cycle Club's road races were won by Messrs. G. Harker and P. Osborn. A new track has been formed on the recreation reserve. (The Argus,  December 13, 1923, see here)