Rythdale - the origin of the name

Rythdale is a locality towards the western end of the Koo Wee Rup Swamp. It is a small pocket of land bordered on three sides by Pakenham South; on the south by Koo Wee Rup North and also partially on the west by Cardinia. It was a Soldier Settlement area - Soldier's Road in Rythdale is a reminder of this fact. The properties which were sub-divided by the Closer Settlement Board to create this Soldier Settlement area were known as McGregor's and Hagelthorn's. McGregor's of 2,208 acres was divided into 37 blocks with an average size of 60 acres and Hagelthorn's of 1,560 acres, had 14 blocks with the average size of 111 acres (1).

The new settlers needed a school and on November 10, 1924 McGregor's Estate School, No. 4231 opened in a room of a house. It later moved to a house until the new hall opened in  February 1927 and the school relocated there. The school closed in September 1951 and the pupils moved to Pakenham Consolidated School.  In December 1970, the Council Building Inspector ordered the Rythdale Hall to be demolished. (2). 

The name of the area changed in 1926 to Rythdale and on September 30, 1926, the name of the school was also changed (3).  There seems to be some mystery as to where the name came from, Les Blake in his Place Names of Victoria (4) book says it is apparently a coined word and this is repeated in Look to the Rising Sun: a history of Cardinia and District (5).

However, I came across this article (reproduced below) about James Cuming's estate, Rythdale in the South Bourke & Mornington Journal of January 27, 1909, and this is clearly the source of the name of the town.

 The Rythdale Estate: Koo Wee Rup Swamp

A visit was paid a few weeks ago to the above estate, and, as affording an example of what can be done with apparently irreclaimable wastes, may be of some interest to readers. This estate, comprising some 1,600 acres, was bought five years ago by Mr Jas. Cuming, jun. of the firm of Messers Cuming, Smith & Co. It was then overgrown with ti-tree and "tussocks," and in winter the most part under water, and, only about 50 acres cleared. Mr Cuming was, however, fortunate in securing the services of a very able and capable manager in Mr. Ed. Wright, formerly of the Goulburn district, a gentleman of wide experience and dogged pluck, and under his supervision this property has been transformed from a wilderness into one of the most cultivated and up-to date farming and grazing estates in this State. 

It is divided into 23 paddocks, containing six dams with three windmills on different portions of it. At the time of visiting, the reapers and binders were in full swing, and some 16 hands busily employed. Besides the large produce enterprise Mr Cuming makes a speciality of pedigree Ayrshire stock and Clydesdale draught horses. The dairy herd is composed of 15 pedigree Ayrshire cows, 10 pedigree calves and two pedigree Ayrshire bulls. All these cows are prize winners at different shows in the State; several at the Royal Agricultural Show; and only lately one young bull was sold for 32 guineas and resold immediately for 50 guineas, winning at the last Royal Agricultural Show in a class of 40 yearling bulls. 

 Cora, a typical example of the Ayrshire females in the herd of Mr. J. Cuming, jun., 

of Rythdale Stud Farm, Pakenham. 

Leader December 18, 1909 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/197074981#

The Clydesdale draught stock are a splendid collection, some prize winners and one champion, including a beautiful Clydesdale stallion. There is also a small select stud flock of 1000 Leicester sheep; grazing for fattening purposes. Close to the homestead a new tank has been sunk, 19ft. x 17ft., capable of holding 40,000gal.; a silo, carrying 60 tons of ensilage; milking sheds, 15 stalls with three loose boxes and feed-room; separating-room; men's-room; boxes for stallions and bulls; stables for 20 horses; and two large sheds each being capable of receiving 200 tons of hay. 

All work such as chaff, wood cutting, &c. is done on the estate. There has of course been a large outlay in reclaiming this land, but it clearly shows what enterprise can do, and too much praise cannot be given to Mr Cuming for the example he has set, and Mr. Wright for the work he has done. The monthly wages alone average from £50 to £80. The cream from the dairy herd is sent weekly to Melbourne; the cow test is carefully kept every week and milk weighed, each cow making from 10 to 13lbs of butter per week. 

The article finishes off with Mr Cuming's other interests - a farm at Shady Creek, also large manure manufactory at Yarraville, an acid and tar manufactory and, saw mills at Warburton, where alone he has £40,000 in the last two years (8).

It was, of course, the manure and acid and tar manufactories at Yarraville which enabled Mr Cuming to finance his agricultural pursuits. James Cuming (1861-1920) was the son of James and Elizabeth (also known as Betsy, nee Smith) Cuming. James senior and his brother-in-law, George Smith and a Melbourne merchant, Charles Campbell, purchased Robert Smith's acid works in Yarraville in 1872. James was born in 1835 in Aberdeen, Scotland (as were Smith and Campbell) and undertook a farrier's apprenticeship. In the 1850s the Cuming family migrated to New Brunswick in Canada (9).

James senior moved from Canada across the border to Portland in Maine (where James junior was born), before migrating with Betsy and the children to Victoria in 1862. He established a forge and with the money he saved was able to buy the acid works in partnership. The business was called Cuming Smith & Co. James was self taught in Chemistry, studying it at night at the Melbourne Public Library and thus had scientific knowledge and more importantly drive and energy (10).  The Company expanded, took over a bone mill (bones were used to make fertilizer) and then moved into the superphosphate business.

In 1897, Cuming Smith & Co. combined with Felton, Grimwade & Co.'s acid and chemical works at Port Melbourne and James junior became the General Manager of the Company (11). Around the time James Cuming purchased Rythdale, Cuming, Smith & Co. was the largest and oldest manufacturers of manures and acids in Australasia (12) and their plant occupied 14 acres at Yarraville (13) and in the busy season employed over 600 men (14).

James junior did not have to study Chemistry in the Public Library after work like his father. He and his three brothers were educated at Melbourne Grammar School and James undertook further study in industrial chemistry (15). Such was his interest in Chemistry that in 1923, three years after his death, the James Cuming Memorial Chemistry building was presented to the University of Melbourne by Cuming, Smith & Co., in his memory (16). 

A delightful informal photograph of James Cuming, junior, and his wife Alice (nee Fehon) and their children - Alice, Henry, baby 'Mac', Will and Jack. 

Image: John Lack's A History of Footscray (Hargreen Publishing 1991) p. 173.

The first record of James Cuming junior owning land on the Koo Wee Rup Swamp was in the 1903 Shire of Berwick Rate books where he is listed as owning  557 acres, being Lots 4a and 4b, Parish of Pakenham and 282 acres, being part Lots 65a and 66a, Parish of Nar Nar Goon (17). Lots 4a and 4b were bounded by Cardinia Road on the west, Watson Road on the north, Toomuc Creek on the east and Wenn Road on the south. The Lots in the Nar Nar Goon Parish were on the east side of Toomuc Creek, south of Watson Road (in fact they were originally owned by G. Watson) and west of Koo Wee Rup-Pakenham Road. The locality of Rythdale is located right in the middle of his holdings that were situated on the east of Toomuc Creek. 

Part of James Cuming's Dispersal sale advertisement, October 1912. 

The entire advertisement is reproduced in Footnote 18.

The Age October 22, 1912 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/203318494

The first reference to Rythdale as the name of Cuming's property is in December 1905 (19). He was not in the area for long as he had a clearing sale in October 1912 where he disposed of his livestock, plant and equipment as well as 640 acres. The sale advertisement said that he had already sold the homestead block (20).  There are references in the newspaper of Frederick Hagelthorn owning Rythdale from around 1916 until 1920 (21). In 1918 the Berwick Shire Rate Books list Hagelthorn's holdings as 993 acres - Lots 64a, 64b, 65a, 66a and 93, Parish of Pakenham; 251 acres Lot 95, Parish of Nar Nar Goon and 232 acres Lots 90 and 97, Parish of Nar Nar Goon - a total of 1,476 acres. 

Hagelthorn was a Stock and Station agent as well as a member of the Legislative Council from 1907 until 1919. In his Parliamentary career, he championed farming interests and steered bills dealing with closer settlement, railways, water distribution and education through the ponderous deliberations of the Legislative Council whose members objected to his barn-storming tactics (22). One hundred years down the track this interest in Closer Settlement and selling some of his land to the Closer Settlement Board would seem like a conflict of interest.

I firmly believe that the small town of Rythdale took its name from Cuming's property, later owned by Frederick Hagelthorn. James Cuming had died in 1920, but it is more than possible that it was Hagelthorn who suggested the name of Rythdale for the new town.

What is the origin of the name Rythdale? It does not appear in the Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Placenames (23).  However, there was a house in Moseley, a suburb of Birmingham, in England called Rythdale. I found the following references in the Birmingham Daily Post on Newpapers.com, an Ancestry.com add-on. The database includes English, Scottish, Irish, American and Canadian papers but the Birmingham Daily Post provided the only results on the name apart from twenthieth century references to the local town. The earliest report came from 1873. 

The first mention I could find of Rythdale was this advertisement for a servant in 1873. 

Birmingham Daily Post October 22, 1873

Death notice of Eleanor Howes of Rythdale, Moseley

Birmingham Daily Post  19 November 19, 1886, 

Advertising Rythdale for lease

Birmingham Daily Post  February 16, 1888.

Sale of Rythdale, Park Street, Moseley

Birmingham Daily Post February 16, 1895 

There were two other references I found to Rythdale which are closer to home. There was a property at Byaduk, south of Hamilton in Victoria called Rythdale. It was owned by Thomas Harper. His daughter Selina married Albert Brand in October 1899 (see notice, below) and his sixth daughter, Annie married Archibald Forsyth in September 1902 (24).

Marriage of Selina Harper, of Rythdale, Byaduk.

Hamilton Spectator, November 11, 1899 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/226135418

The other reference to a Rythdale I found was that of the Reverend Rythdale Richards. He was an Evangelist who, in April 1890, held services in Hastings and Dromana with Miss Gilbert, the talented lady Evangelist (25).  I have no other information about him, but it is a curious and unusual given name.

The Reverend Rythdale Richard preaches at Dromana.

Mornington Standard, April 26 1890 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/page/6393233

I cannot connect James Cuming junior or his wife Alice Fehon, whom he married in 1885 (26), to Rythdale in Moseley, Rythdale in Byaduk or the Reverend Rythdale Richards, so as yet I do not know why Cuming called his property Rythdale.   However, it was a name that had been used before Rythdale the town on the Koo Wee Rup Swamp came into existence and Cuming's use of the name for his property is clearly the source of the name of the town.

Trove list

I have created a list of articles on Trove on James Cuming and Rythdale, access it here.

Footnotes

(1) Gunson, Niel  The Good Country: Cranbourne Shire (Cheshire, 1968). p. 273.

(2) Williams, Eileen & Beard, Jewel  Look to the Rising Sun: a history of Cardinia and District including Rythdale and Pakenham South (Back to Cardinia Committee, 1984) 

Vision and Realisation: a centenary history of State Education in Victoria, edited by L.J. Blake. (Education Department of Victoria, 1973)

Look to the Rising Sun has two photos of Rythdale School pupils - one from 1929 the other from 1935 and also a full list of students. 

Demolition of the Rythdale Hall

Koo Wee Rup Sun December 2, 1970 p. 10

(3) Williams & Beard, op. cit., p. 64.

(4) Blake, Les  Place Names of Victoria (Rigby, 1977), p. 232.

(5) Written by Eileen Williams and Jewel Beard, see footnote 2.

(6) James Cuming (1861-1920). Read his entry, written by John Lack, in the Australian Dictionary of Biography, here.

(7) South Bourke & Mornington Journal January 27, 1909, see here.

(8) South Bourke & Mornington Journal January 27, 1909, see here.

(9) Information about James Cuming senior comes from 

Lack, John  A History of Footscray (Hargreen Publishing 1991)

Cuming, James  James Cuming: an autobiography. Edited by John Lack and M. A. Cuming (City of Footscray Historical Society, 1987)

Footscray's first 100 years: the story of a great Australian City (City of Footscray, 1959)

(10) Information in this paragraph as per Footnote 9. The quote about James Cuming's drive and energy is from John Lack's History of Footscray, p. 93.

(11) James Cuming's entry, wrtten by John Lack, in the Australian Dictionary of Biography, here.

(12) Ovens  & Murray Advertiser, September 2, 1905, see here.

(13) The Leader, September 16 1905, see here.

(14) Healesville & Yarra Glen Guardian September 23, 1905, see here.

(15) As per Footnote 11.

(16) See my Trove list, here, for reports of the opening.

(17) Shire of Berwick Rate Books, available at Casey Cardinia Libraries.

(18) James Cuming's Dispersal sale advertisement from The Age, October 22, 1912, see also here.

(19) Weekly Times December 23, 1905, see here.

(20) The Age October 22, 1912, see here. Sale advertisement reproduced in Footnote 18.

(21) See my Trove list, here, for reports.

(22) Frederick Hagelthorn (1864-1943), read his entry, written by J. W. Graham, in the Australian Dictionary of Biography, here.

(23) Ekwall, Eilert The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Place-names (Oxford University Press, 1951)

(24) Annie Harper's wedding report was in the Hamilton Spectator of September 23, 1902, see here.

(25)  Mornington Standard, April 19, 1890 see here and Mornington Standard, April 26, 1890, see here.

(26) James Cuming married Alice Fehon on February 3, 1885 at St John's Church in Footscray. She was the daughter of William Meeke Fehon (1834-1911), read his Australian Dictionary of Biography entry, here. James and Alice had six children - William (b. 1885), James (1887-1888), Henry (1888), James (1890), Alice (1894) and Marianus (1902). 

Marriage of James Cuming and Alice Fehon, 1885

Footscray Independent, February 7, 1885 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article73246780

Koo Wee Rup Electric Light & Power Company

The Koo Wee Rup Sun of Thursday, July 21, 1927 reported that one of the outstanding events in the history of Kooweerup took place last Thursday evening, when for the first time the township was illuminated by electricity…. Immediately all lights in houses and shops were tested, and then the populace paraded the streets to examine the latest system of lighting, and the distinction was most marked, and high appreciation was heard on all sides of the comfort and convenience now enjoyed…..The light was used for the first time in the Memorial Hall on Saturday night, at Colvin's Pictures, and on Wednesday night it was utilised to drive a new biograph plant and a Brunswick Panatrope. On Monday evening the opening ball of the Wattle Theatre was resplendent with the light being thrown from many 300 candle-power lamps (1). 

The power was supplied by the Kooweerup Electric Light & Power Company and the official ‘switch on’ took place on Friday, July 22. The State Electricity Commission was established in 1921 and the Koo Wee Rup Progress association had written to them and asked for the current to be installed here. As a result, an officer of the commission was sent to make a report, and after investigations it was learned that they had very little chance of getting electricity. However, the officer said, “Why not get one of your own” (2).  They were supplied with all the details and the Kooweerup Electric Light & Power company was formed.

The Koo Wee Rup Electric Light & Power Company Power House, built in 1927 and closed in 1935.

Koo Wee Rup Swamp Historical Society photo

A power house was built behind Colvin’s garage in Station Street and a 35 horse-power, Ruston and Hornsby engine was installed while the alternator, which is of Swedish manufacture, was supplied by Thomas and Co., Melbourne (3).  David Mickle was in charge of the power house. 

On Friday, July 22 the plant was officially opened by the local M.L.A., Mr Arthur Walter and Mr. D. Mickle then started the engine, and Mrs Sluiter, who was presented with a pair of silver scissors, cut a ribbon in front of the switchboard and turned on the light (4). 

Refreshments were then served in the Memorial Hall, where a number of speeches were made – many outlining the benefits of electricity. Mr Walter said With power at their disposal, it may be instrumental in the creation of local industries. …. The introduction of electricity gives facilities which transform the social and domestic life in the homes in a wonderful way. Having the power, the womenfolk are able to have it connected to irons and stoves, and in other ways it helps to eradicate cares and worries. It is very essential to homelife and makes life worthwhile…. Towns with electricity must progress faster than town not supplied. It is also a factor in making country life brighter and attractive and helps to prevent the drift from the country to the city…. The attractions and pleasures which abounded in the cities were very strong, and every step taken to counteract same should be commended (5). 

Mr Paterson, Chairman of the Kooweerup Electric Light & Power company also spoke of the benefit to women. The electricity supply was not constant and the Company had researched what would be the best days for turning on the current for ironing etc., and the secretary would make a canvass with the object of finding the most convenient days (6).

Dave Mickle, the man in charge of the power house who was later a local historian wrote that Initially the supply of single phase 230-460 V electricity was available daily  from 4.00pm until midnight, except that on Tuesday the start was 2pm. That was because at that time, housewives’ routine was washing Monday and ironing Tuesday (7).  Later, the power was also available between 6.00am and 8.00am (8). 

Dave Mickle also wrote that in July 1934 Bill Axford and I continued to operate the power house to 4 am during test Matches for our consumers who had electric radio sets.  We did not complain as overtime pay was two and sixpence per hour….Most listeners said it was worth it to hear Bradman make 306 out of the Australia total of 506 last night (9). People in Koo Wee Rup who had battery operated radios were also catered for as David Mickle said they had forty wireless batteries on charge for the coming test (10). 

Power comes to Koo Wee Rup, via Tynong and Cora Lynn

The Argus, August 2, 1935  https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/11753936

Continuous S.E.C power was switched on in in Koo Wee Rup on August 1, 1935 from a linewhich came across from Tynong, via Cora Lynn (11).  Parts of Cora Lynn also had power at this time – but not my grandparents place on Murray Road, they had to wait until 1955 until electricity arrived.

With the power house at Koo Wee Rup closed, Dave Mickle took up a job as a linesman at the S.E.C and in November a new State Electricity Commission office and showroom opened in Station Street. Lang Lang, who had not had access to any power, got S.E.C power on September 2, 1935. One thousand people were estimated to have attended the celebrations which included a bonfire, fireworks and  a wheel barrow derby in the Main Street (12). 

Footnotes
(1) Koo Wee Rup Sun of July 21, 1927 - article transcribed in full below.
(2) Koo Wee Rup Sun of July 28, 1927 - article transcribed in full below.
(3) Koo Wee Rup Sun of July 28, 1927 

(4) Koo Wee Rup Sun of July 28, 1927. Mrs Sluiter was the wife of the Secretary of the Kooweerup Electric Light & Power Company, C. J. Sluiter. There are two men named Cornelius John Sluiter in the 1926 Electoral Roll. One is a hairdresser and the other a carpenter. There is also an Anna Sluiter and a May Louisa Sluiter, presumably the wives of the men. 

Mr Sluiter's advert in the Koo Wee Rup Sun August 11, 1927

(5) Koo Wee Rup Sun of July 28, 1927.

(6) Koo Wee Rup Sun of July 28, 1927.

(7) Mickle, David  Mickle Memories of Koo Wee Rup - for young and old  (The Author, 1983), p. 93.

(8) Mickle, David More Mickle Memories of Koo Wee Rup (The Author, 1987), p.84.

(9) Mickle More Mickle Memories of Koo Wee Rup, op. cit., p.94

(10) Mickle More Mickle Memories of Koo Wee Rup, op. cit., p.94

(11) The Argus, August 2, 1935, see here.

(12) Mickle More Mickle Memories of Koo Wee Rup, op. cit., p. 111 and The Argus, September 4, 1935, see here.

Here are the two reports from the Koo Wee Rup Sun - transcribed in full.

Kooweerup illuminated by electricity.

Koo Wee Rup Sun July 21, 1927

One of the outstanding events in the history of Kooweerup took place last Thursday evening, when for the first time the township was illuminated by electricity. The current was switched on for the purpose of giving it a trial, and it was found to be very satisfactory. It was announced that the following night the township would be again served with the current and the populace was agog with excitement. Owing to a small defect which had not been remedied, the light was not switched on until 6.45 pm. Residents were excited awaiting the current to come through, and in many houses the switch was turned on in anticipation. Members of families unaware of the fact received a fright when the light blazed forth and wondered what had happened. Immediately all lights in houses and shops were tested, and then the populace paraded the streets to examine the latest system of lighting, and the distinction was most marked, and high appreciation was heard on all sides of the comfort and convenience now enjoyed. Instead of unlighted streets and oil lamps in shops we now have the effulgent rays of electricity to "lighten our darkness.”

In the shops and halls the difference is specially noticed. Instead of filling lamps with oil, indulging in pumping operations, etc., all that is now required is to press a button and darkness is chased away. The simplicity and convenience will also be appreciated by housewives for ironing and other duties. Owners of cars and wireless sets also express satisfaction, as batteries can now be charged locally, excising long delay and expense locally, excising long delay and expense of awaiting  the return of same from the city.

Persons not yet served with the current are envious of the facilities which others enjoy, and it will not be long before every house in Kooweerup will be  connected. The installation of electricity here is the dawn of a new era, and it is likely now that power is accessible, that it may be the means of factories coming into existence, and thereby creating more work and wealth.

The light was used for the first time in the Memorial Hall on Saturday night, at Colvin's Pictures, and on Wednesday night it was utilised to drive a new biograph plant and a Brunswick Panatrope. On Monday evening the opening ball of the Wattle Theatre was resplendent with the light being thrown from many 300 candle-power lamps.

The official opening of the electrical Plant is expected to be performed by Mr Walter, M.L.A., tomorrow (Friday) afternoon.

Kooweerup Electric Light & Power company. Plant officially opened.

Koo Wee Rup Sun July 28, 1927

The progress of science within very recent times suggests that Shakespeare's Prospero has returned to our globe and is busily engaged ordering Caliban, and Ariel to minister to human needs and help in restoring the Golden Age. Science is the modern Prospero. In March last the two hundredth anniversary of the death of Newton took place, and the world of science fittingly commemorated his brilliant services. But if this great man could revisit us and make acquaintance with the miracles' wrought, what feeling of amazement would be his. What would he think on seeing strange powers flooding his bedroom with light, warming his bath, carrying, him without aid of horses through the streets, bringing messages to him and sending them from him to the other side of the world in a few moments, speaking to him on the telephone and the wireless and crowning all by carrying him through the air at incredible speed? Science has recreated the world, given to the intellect of the race a new power and taught mankind that greater wonders will presently unveil themselves. It has made the world an immensely more interesting place and brightened the life of millions.

Last Friday, July 22nd, was an eventful day in the annals of Kooweerup, the occasion being the official opening of the power house to supply electric current for light and power. Before giving details of the function, a brief account of the history of electricity will not be out of place. The introduction of electricity into the service of man dates back about 90 years. The first practical electric telegraph was tried in 1838, the first submarine cable laid in 1850, and the homely electric bell was made a year later. The commercial introduction of both, the telephone and electric light took place no longer than 1878. Practical electric tramways made their initial appearance in 1883, and motors began to be used industrially about 1886. Wireless telegraphy was known about 1894; the electric tramway was installed by Siemens, of Berlin, in 1882. 

The story of the development of the electric incandescent lamp is one of the romances of electrical engineering. In 1878 the need for a domestic lamp was urgent, and after many, experiments the problem was solved by Swan in England and Edison in America, independently, and at practically the same time in 1879. To Michael Faraday more than to any other of the pioneers of electricity are electrical engineers indebted, and, indeed, the whole world is indebted for the discoveries upon which the advances of modern times and the inventions of recent years are based. The chief discoveries which he made in electro-magnetism, the foundation principles of all transformers and of all dynamos, were made in the autumn of 1831. The rapid development of  electricity is stupendous. Before 1880 there was not in Great Britain a single house lighted. To-day almost every town is illuminated by this method. In 1883 there were only two tramway lines open, to-day the undertakings have  a total capital of about £100,000,000.

Although weather was inclement there was a good attendance of shareholders of the Kooweerup Electric Light Co. on Friday afternoon at the power house, which is situated at the back of Mr A. C. Colvin's garage. The plant, and walls of the building were gaily decorated in red, white and blue and Union Jacks.

The chairman of directors (Mr W. Paterson) said they had met for purpose of officially, opening the Plant, which ceremony would be performed by Mr Walter, M.L.A. He added the switch would be turned on by Mrs C. J. Sluiter, after which refreshments would be served at the Memorial Hall,  where brief speeches would be delivered.

Mr. D. Mickle then started the engine, and Mrs Sluiter, who was presented with a pair of silver scissors, cut a ribbon in front of the switchboard and turned on the light. Mr Walter,  M.L.A., said he was very pleased to be present and  to have the honor of officially declaring the plant open. He would have more to say later at the Memorial Hall.

On arrival at the hall, Mr. A. C. Colvin entertained the company, while, refreshments were being served, with music from his new Panatrope. The first toast was "The King," proposed by Mr Paterson which was duly honored. Mr Walter then proposed "The Kooweerup Electric Light and Power Company". He said that he was personally delighted to know that Kooweerup was now enjoying the same facilities as the City. For such to be done it was a sure sign of local progress. With power at their disposal, it may be instrumental in the creation of local industries. He remembered being in Western Australia in Kalgoorlie in 1901 when that town was lit up and it was a revelation to notice the progress that was made. The introduction of electricity gives facilities which transform the social and domestic life in the homes in a wonderful way. Having the power, the womenfolk are able to have it connected to irons and stoves, and in other ways it helps to eradicate cares and worries. It is very essential to homelife and makes life worthwhile.

For street lighting it is also essential. Towns with electricity must progress faster than town not supplied. It is also a factor in making country life brighter and attractive and helps to prevent the drift from the country to the city.

He was hopeful that the public would co-operate and give support to the project in every way. There was any amount of room for extension. Given support, that time is not too far distant when the benefits they enjoyed should be extended for miles around, and farmers would be utilising power in the management of their farms, and in lighting their homes. It was also a factor in making picture theatres more attractive. Their children must have the same facilities as the city.  The attractions and pleasures which abounded in the cities were very strong, and every step taken to counteract same should be commended. He congratulated the company on its enterprise and hoped expectations would be realised. It had done something towards developing the town and he wished shareholders every success in their venture.

Mr Paterson, replying, said they had only invited shareholders and their wives to the ceremony, as they had shown their confidence in the scheme. He said the idea of having the township illuminated by electricity was first mooted by the Kooweerup and District Progress Association about two years ago. The association wrote to the Electricity Commission and asked for the current to be installed here. As a result, an officer of the commission was sent to make a report, and after investigations it was learned that they had very little chance of getting electricity. However, the officer said, “Why not get one of your own.” They were supplied with estimates and all details. From this it was apparent that it would be a success, and it was decided to form a company. Then the hard work started. They had to get the consent of the Postal and Railway departments, and also the Electricity Commission. Then it was decided to appoint an engineer. Much time and energy was expanded in getting the most up-to-date plant as possible, and when this was done they did their best to push on with the work.

A long delay occurred, and people were anxious as when operations would begin, but they had no conception of the difficulties which faced directors. They wanted to give the best service to the people, and they also wanted them to understand that the service was a business proposition. They wanted to know what would be the best days for turning on the current for ironing etc., and the secretary would make a canvass with the object of finding the most convenient days. He thanked all for their help in trying to make the scheme a success.

He had received a wire apologising for the absence of a representative from Ruston and Hornsby, which firm had supplied the engine. However, they had present Mr Sinclair, the contractor for the installation of the wires and meters, and they were agreed that he had carried out his work thoroughly. He was pleased and proud that the light was now on, and also for the assistance of shareholders, whose support had enabled them to carry on.

Cr G. R. Burhop said he was glad to have the opportunity of expressing appreciation on behalf of the shareholders. He was pleased that the chairman had acknowledged the work of the Kooweerup Progress Association. Although it was only a small body, yet it had accomplished much for the progress of the town and district. He first acquired property in Kooweerup 31 years ago, and at that time there were only eight or nine buildings here, and one had to then wade through mud up to the knees. He had watched Kooweerup grow. This was the first town in the shire to be lighted with electricity, and it showed they were a progressive people. Although they had differences of opinion in regard to many matters, yet no progress could be made without agitation and giving vent to their convictions. He was glad they had been enabled to erect the plant, and he hoped that those who are able will not be backward in taking up shares and contribute towards having a full-time service for light and power. He did not expect to draw dividends. His aim in taking shares was to help forward the scheme, as he realised it would be a benefit to the town. He was strongly of the opinion that Kooweerup should have a water supply, and he had made a move in that direction. His experience of the various Government departments was that they waited until the people had taken up various schemes and made a success, and then they stepped in and took them over. It was the duty of the commissions of departments to create a want, and not wait for the people to take them up. He congratulated the people of Kooweerup on having electricity installed.

Mr J. Sluiter, in a brief address, referred to the work of the contractors. Messrs Ruston and Hornsby had supplied one of the best engines obtainable, and their engineer had carried out his work in a very satisfactory manner in erecting the

Plant. The consulting engineer (Mr Coleman) had looked after interest in a thorough manner, while Messrs Thomas and Co. had suppled them with the best alternator. Mr Sinclair was a good workman and had given excellent service in erecting poles and doing the wiring, etc. He paid a tribute to the services of Mr McArthur. It was this gentleman, he said, who urged them to carry on the scheme. He had spent many nights with him, and he had supplied all the facts and went into every detail of the scheme, and it was due to the advice which he tendered that the company was formed. Mr McArthur was a director but owing to a difference as to the class of engine which should be installed, he resigned. He had done great work for the company. After getting all the facts he had placed them before Mr Millard, and both agreed that it was a good thing, and they then went on with the formation of the company.

Mr Sinclair, on behalf of the various contractors and official, briefly returned thanks for the kindly remarks passed. The engine which is 35 horse-power, was purchased from the firm of Ruston and Hornsby, while the alternator, which is of Swedish manufacture, was supplied by Thomas and Co., Melbourne. The power house is in charge of Mr Dave Mickle, who is receiving instructions from an engineer from Ruston and Hornsby. The names of the directors are – Messrs W. Paterson (chairman), A.C. Colvin, W. Jeffrey, A.E. Millard and C.J. Sluiter (secretary).

Petrol tanker goes up in flames at Vervale - 1967

This dramatic truck fire occured in early February 1967. The J-Model Bedford was delivering fuel to Aub Goodman's farm on Pitt Road in Vervale and it just caught on fire. There were two 44 gallon drums of petrol on the back, which went up first, then the two tanks of diesel caught fire. The driver, Bill McCutcheon of Nar Nar Goon, escaped without injury. The truck was owned by I.A. Williams of Koo Wee Rup. Photos were taken by my uncle, Jim Rouse and my Dad, Frank Rouse. I found the report in the Koo Wee Rup Sun of February 8, 1967 of the incident.

Koo Wee Rup Sun, February 8 1967.

Image: Jim Rouse or Frank Rouse

Image: Jim Rouse or Frank Rouse

Image: Jim Rouse or Frank Rouse

Image: Jim Rouse or Frank Rouse

Image: Jim Rouse or Frank Rouse

 

Jabez James and Maria Ann Goldsmith

Jabez James operated a beer house, on the south side of Cannibal Creek, in what is now North Garfield, from 1866. He had an eventful life with what appears to be little success on either a personal or financial level. This is the story of James and the mother of his children, Maria Goldsmith (some of which is fact and some of which is conjecture or educated guesses)

Jabez was born in England around 1823 and he arrived in Victoria on the Ameer in March 1852 (1). Also on the ship was a man listed as A. Goldsmith. The two men had their occupation listed as labourer. Two years later in July 1854, 20-year-old Mary Ann (also called Maria) Goldsmith and her 18-year-old sister Elizabeth arrived in Melbourne on the Ontario. Maria and her sister were born in Kent, were domestic servants and a note on the shipping record says that Maria was engaged by Mrs Woodruff of Brunswick and Elizabeth by Mrs Bathurst of Heidelberg (2).

Somehow, Maria met Jabez, perhaps through his shipmate, Mr A. Goldsmith. What we do know is that in December 1855 Maria gave birth in North Melbourne, to a baby girl whom she named Agnes Maria. Agnes’ birth certificate states that the father was John William Goldsmith, a blacksmith, born in Kent and the mother was Maria nee Richards (3). However, when Agnes married James Charles Bowden in 1873 her marriage certificate lists her surname as Janes and her father as Jabez Janes.  Her 1891 death record lists her maiden name as Janes. I suspect that Jabez was the real father and that Maria ‘created’ a husband to cover the fact that the baby was born illegitimate, a stigma in those days (4).

Six more children (5) followed -

• Clara Jane (1857-1928) Clara’s surname at birth was Goldsmith, her birth was registered in Melbourne and the father listed as unknown. Clara’s surname when she married Charles Roberts in 1874 was listed as Janes and Jabez is listed as her father on her death certificate.
• James George (born and died 1859). Registered at birth and death as Janes. Place of registration was Melbourne.
• Harry William (1861-1942) His birth was registered twice - under Goldsmith and under Janes. Place of registration was Melbourne. He married Mary Morrow in 1894. His marriage and death registrations were under Janes. His death certificate lists his birthplace as Labertouche Creek.
• Caroline (1863- death date unknown) Surname at birth was Goldsmith, birth was registered at Williamstown and the father listed as unknown. I have no other information about her.
• Alfred Walter (1865-1947) Surname at birth was Goldsmith, father listed as unknown, birth registered at Melbourne. Married Marguerite Barry in 1891. His marriage and death registrations were under Janes.
• Emily Sarah (1867-1933) Birth registered under Janes at Emerald Hill (South Melbourne). Married Johan Erik Johanneson in 1887.

Jabez and Maria never married each other which given the stigma, as I said before, of having children out of wedlock was unusual. Possible reasons are that he was already married in England or she was actually married to John William Goldsmith and they separated and she then took up with Jabez (in which case the shipping record I found belongs to another Mary Ann Goldsmith). I don’t know, but I feel that he had already married in England.

Back to Jabez. His various interactions with the legal system were reported in the newspapers.  The first we hear of him is in January 1859 when there was a report in The Argus about his insolvency. His occupation was listed as a carter and his address was North Melbourne (6). Jabez’s estate was placed under sequestration which meant a Trustee was appointed to take charge of his estate, liquidate assets, and settle any debts. In the August the court approved of the plan of distribution to settle his debts (7).   Two years later in April 1861 his estate was placed under sequestration again (8). This time his occupation was listed as mail contractor and his address was Big Hill, which was a mining town south of Bendigo. He was discharged from the second insolvency in September 1862 (9).

Jabez's application for a publican's license for his property at Labertouche Creek.

The Age December 7, 1864 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/page/18275719

In December 1864, Jabez Janes advertised of his intention to apply to the Dandenong Magistrates Court for a publican’s licence for a house situated at Labertouche Creek, Gippsland Road. The premises were described as being constructed of lath and plaster, containing two sitting rooms, four bedrooms exclusive of those required by my family and it was to be known as the Diggers’ Rest (10). He describes himself as a storekeeper (see above) so was he already operating a store at Labertouche Creek  and he wished to change it to a Hotel? It appears he wasn’t granted the licence as he applied again in July 1865, this time to the Berwick Magistrates court for the same licence for Diggers’ Rest (11).  Labertouche Creek is north of Longwarry and runs into the Tarago River. It is interesting that his son, William Harry, born in 1861, believed he was born at Labertouche Creek, even though the family (or at least Jabez) were at Big Hill in 1860/1861 (12).

In September 1865, Jabez was charged with careless driving in Collins Street injuring a woman named Margaret Bell (13). He was fined £10, appealed the decision, but the appeal was rejected (14).

Report of Jabez's reckless driving on August 29, 1865.

The Argus September 23, 1865 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/5785965

In January 1866, Jabez was back in the newspapers again in the reports of an Inquest on the body of a man whose name is unknown, who was found dead in the bush, near the Wombat Creek, on the Gipps Land road. Jabez James, a publican, whilst engaged looking for a horse, saw the body of the deceased lying near a waterhole.…The jury, in the absence of any direct evidence to show how the deceased met with his death, returned a verdict of found dead in the bush (15).

In December 1866 the following public notice appeared in The Argus -
I, JABEZ JANES, now residing at Cannibal Creek, do hereby give notice, that it is my Intention to apply to the justices sitting at the Court of Petty Sessions, to be holden at Berwick on the 4th day of January next, for a CERTIFICATE authorising the issue of a BEER LICENCE in my house, of five rooms finished and others partly built, situated at Cannibal Creek, and unlicensed. Dated 15th day of December 1866  (16). The location of his hotel was on the south side of Cannibal Creek, in the vicinity of Bassed Road, and was later the site of the Pig & Whistle Hotel (17). 

Jabez's application for a beer licence at his premises at Cannibal Creek.

The Argus December 21 1866 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/5781709

However, less than a year later Jabez became insolvent again. This was reported in The Argus in September 1867 - Causes of insolvency - Falling-off in business in consequence of Government changing the line of road between Cannibal and Shady Creeks, seizure of goods under execution, and losses by illness and by fire. Liabilities, £258 4s; assets, £66; deficiency, £192 4s (18). Jabez was discharged from the insolvency in February 1868. His insolvency must have resulted in his losing his licence to operate the hotel as in February 1870 he again applied to the Court at Berwick for a licence for a beer house at his property at Cannibal Creek (19).

Report of Jabez's insolvency

The Argus September 21, 1867 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/5778563

In July 1870, he was charged with rape and remanded. At a hearing in the September he was discharged, as the Crown declined to go on with the case (20).

Later in 1870, Jabez was once more before the court, this time the Williamstown court. Here is the report from The Argus of November 4, 1870. Mary Ann Goldsmith summoned Jabez Janes, a beer-seller at Cannibal's Creek, near Dandenong, for deserting his family. This was a distressing case. Both parties were advanced in life, and it appears that they had cohabited for a great number of years, and that the woman had borne him five children. The eldest was 15, and the youngest was three years old. Complainant stated that she left Cannibal's Creek on the 14th September, and brought the children to Williamstown, the defendant having left her and the children without support. Since their stay in Williamstown they had been getting relief from the Ladies' Benevolent Society. Janes admitted that the children were his, and that the complainant was their mother. He was unable to work through bad health, but he was willing to take charge of the two little boys, and a friend of his would provide for the youngest child. Their mother, however, refused to let them go. The Bench ordered the defendant to pay 20s. per week for the children's support and find one good surety in £20 for the payment of the money. As the man had neither money nor friends to assist him, he was sent to gaol (21).

The report says that there were five children, the eldest 15 which was the age of Agnes, which gives some weight to my theory that Jabez was actually her father. It also suggests that their daughter, Caroline, had also died young, as if she were still alive there would have been six children.

The final newspaper report that I can find relating to Jabez was in September 1871, in the Williamstown Chronicle -   Jabez Janes was summoned to show cause why the recognizance entered into by him on the 18th January in the sum of £20 to pay £1 weekly to the clerk of petty sessions, Williamstown, for the support of his illegitimate children, should not be adjudged forfeited and estreated. The arrears to the 2nd September amounted to £6. The Bench agreed to adjourn the case for fourteen days, to give the defendant an opportunity of paying the money in that time (22).

Jabez either could not or did not take the 'opportunity' of paying the money he owed Maria for the support of his children as in December 1871 he was charged on warrant with deserting the family. This is the last we hear of Jabez. 

Victorian Police Gazette December 5, 1871. The Victorian Police Gazette is on Ancestry.

Maria died at only 42 years of age on August 7, 1874 at the Benevolent Asylum in North Melbourne. Her death certificate lists her surname as Janes, said she was a domestic servant, widow with five children, was born in Kent and had been in Australia for 20 years. It also lists her father as Charles and her mother’s name as Maria (23). It would have been devastating for the children to lose their mother, who obviously did all she could to keep her family together in the days when employment opportunities for women with children were scare, child care was non-existent, there was no supporting parents benefit and no financial report from the father. I really hope that the children had happy lives. I have found death notices for three of the children and Clara’s death notice said that she was a loved mother; Harry was a loved husband and father and Alfred a loved husband, father, and fond uncle (24).

I cannot find a death record for Jabez, but if the statement on Maria’s death certificate is correct, he had already passed away by 1874.  

Trove List - I have created a list of articles on Jabez Janes on Trove, you can access it here.

Footnotes

(1) Shipping record in on Find My Past. His date of birth is taken from his age listed in the Victorian Police Gazette December 5, 1871. 

(2) Shipping record, which includes the information about the future employers,  is from Ancestry.

(3) This information comes from Agnes' birth certificate.

(4) Indexes to the Victorian Births, Deaths and Marriages https://www.bdm.vic.gov.au/research-and-family-history/search-your-family-history

(5) Indexes to the Victorian Births, Deaths and Marriages https://www.bdm.vic.gov.au/research-and-family-history/search-your-family-history

(6) The Argus January 15, 1859, see here.

(7) The Argus, August 12, 1859, see here.

(8) The Argus, April 29, 1861, see here.

(9) The Herald, September 16, 1862, see here.

(10) The Age, December 7, 1864, see here.

(11) The Argus, July 15 1865, see here.

(12) Indexes to the Victorian Births, Deaths and Marriages 

(13) Her name is also listed as Margaret or Mrs Hill, but I think Bell is the correct surname. See my Trove list for reports on the incident.

(14) The Leader, October 14, 1865, see here.

(15) The Leader, January 20, 1866, see here. There is also a report in the South Bourke Standard, January 19, 1866, see here 

(16) The Argus December 21 1866, see here.  

(17) From Bullock Tracks to Bitumen: a brief history of the Shire of Berwick (Historical Society of Berwick Shire, 1962) p. 18.

Here's a map I drew years agao showing the location of the Pig & Whistle Inn, which was on the same site as Jabez Jane's establishment.

(18) The Argus September 21, 1867 see here. I have written about the new line of the road, here.

(19) Release from Insolvency The Age February 14, 1868, see here. Re-application for licence The Age February 26, 1870, see here. 

(20) See my Trove list, here, for reports on the rape Court cases.

(21) The Argus November 4, 1870, see here.

(22) Williamstown Chronicle, September 23, 1871, see here.

(23) Death certicate of Maria. It said she was 42 years old which means she was born in 1832, not 1834 if you take the fact she was 20 when she arrived in 1854.

(24) Clara's death notice Williamstown Chronicle,  December 1, 1928, see here. Harry's death notice The Age August 13, 1942, see here.  Alfred's death notice The Age September 25, 1947, see here.

A visit to Koo Wee Rup in 1886 - part 1

In May 1886 The Leader newspaper had a two-part report of a visit to the Koo Wee Rup area. This was before the construction of the Main Drain. The article mentions Duncan McGregor and Frederick Peers. In March 1875 Duncan MacGregor (1835-1916) and Frederick Peers (1843-1896) purchased parts of the Great Swamp run, previously leased by John Mickle, John Bakewell and William Lyall. MacGregor purchased 3,871 acres and Peers 426 acres, in present day Dalmore (which was named after MacGregor’s property) (1). MacGregor was instrumental in establishing the Koo Wee Rup Drainage Committee which, from 1876, constructed channels to take the water from the Cardinia Creek and the Toomuc Creek to Western Port Bay at Moody’s Inlet (2).

Part one of the report appeared in The Leader on May 8, 1886, it is transcribed below and you can read it on Trove, here. Part two, appeared in The Leader on May 15, 1886, it is transcribed here, and you can read it on Trove, here.

A VISIT TO KOO-WEE-RUP

[By our Agricultural Reporter]

It is really surprising now little is known by the general public about the Koo-wee-rup swamp. A vague idea is entertained by most that good land is to be found there, but the difficulties in the way of draining and clearing are supposed to be so great that the work must be done either by Government or large capitalists. The swamp certainly has an uninviting look, for on the undrained portion of it the tall ti-tree, in many places 20 feet in height, now stretches for miles without a break that the eye can discern, and the no less troublesome looking reeds give evidence of the boggy nature of the ground. One can scarcely wonder then, that when the tide of selection was in flood keen practical men passed it by in disgust and tried their fortunes in the great forest and hazel scrub of Gippsland. It seemed utterly impossible to obtain a footing in the swamp, the green appearance of the scrub on top and the moisture underneath apparently precluded all idea of fire being made the clearing agent; and as it is the watershed of a large tract of rangy country, several permanent creeks running through and spreading their waters over it in flood time, it was thought that enormous difficulties existed in regard to drainage, and the confining of flood waters to their proper channels.

Seeing the waters of so many creeks spread out over such a large tract of country, one would conclude that the natural fall was insufficient, and, therefore, the making of drains would not only be useless but mischievous by allowing the sea water to flow back and inundate the swamp. The fallacy of this is apparent when it becomes known that a fall of something like 80 feet exists in 20 miles, and the visitor, whose idea is that the swamp is a sink which cannot be drained, will have his illusion dispelled by a walk along the embankment of any one of the main drains running south and emptying into an inlet of the sea. The rush of water and the scour which has taken place since the drains wore formed will convince the most sceptical of the facilities for drainage. 

Were it not for a mistaken idea of the difficulties and expenditure necessary to cope successfully with this land it would long ere this have taken up, and instead of the greater portion being as now a mere unsightly waste it would be peopled by scores of thriving families. To reclaim it all that is necessary is a co-operative system of drainage amongst the settlers. Had the entire swamp been taken up in blocks of not larger than 200 acres, and the selectors combined to effect the drainage, it is not too much to say that Koo-wee-rup, instead of being almost impenetrable, would now be one of the most prosperous and productive districts in the colony.

The soil is magnificent, the decomposed vegetable matter and ashes of centuries having accumulated and formed a rich black mould, more like a well-rotted manure heap in appearance than anything else. Such soil should be capable of producing heavy yields of almost any kind of crop, and that it is so has been amply demonstrated by the crops grown on the cleared portions of the land secured by a few adventurous spirits. The growing of crops on the reclaimed portion has not, however, got beyond the experimental stage, for the simple reason that the roads are so bad that it is impossible to get a large quantity of produce to market, hence attention is chiefly directed to the sowing of grass and fattening of stock.

When thoroughly drained — and the sooner this is set about the better — this state of things will no longer exist, for as the ground becomes consolidated with traffic, its capacity to carry heavy loads will be increased, and there will be a prospect of getting the produce to a railway station with a greater degree of comfort, and a less expenditure of vocal exercise of a profane nature than at present.

A large portion of the swamp was offered for sale some years ago, but purchasers were only found for a part, and as care was not taken to prevent any one purchaser acquiring a right to more than one block the portions alienated from the Crown are held by a few settlers in large blocks. The land was sold subject to a drainage fee of 5s. per acre, to be paid to the shire council, and by whom the work of draining was to be carried out. The sum named being considered too small, the council refused to have anything to do with it; therefore, the purchasers formed themselves into a drainage committee, and submitted a plan to the Government which had been approved of by the shire council. This was accepted, and the drainage fee exacted from the purchasers was handed over to the committee, and the work of draining proceeded with. It was, however, found that further calls were necessary, and the work actually performed cost the purchasers 15s. 6d. per acre.

The work carried out by the Koo Wee Rup Swamp Drainage Committee, from 1876.

From Swampland to Farmland by David Roberts, Rural Water Commission, 1985.

In addition to this the more energetic of the landowners, notably Messrs. Peers and M'Gregor, have expended large sums in draining and clearing their land, and the experience gained will be of great practical value to those who follow their example. The difficulties in the way of settlement on the swamps are not so great as might be imagined by looking at the country and compare favorably with those to be met with in the much-vaunted hazel scrub of Gippsland. The expense of preparing the swamp land for the reception of grass seed is undoubtedly greater than in the hazel scrub country, which as a rule can cut for 10s. per acre, but in the latter case the big timber remains and is likely to do so for some generations to come, whereas in the swamp there is no timber which cannot be uprooted by a team of bullocks.

Anyone who has had practical experience in grubbing big trees knows the easiest portion of the work consists in getting the tree down; it is the after labour of cutting up and burning off which takes time. True, the big trees are not, as a rule, taken out, but a certain percentage of smaller ones must be extracted before the land is fit for the plough, and this in addition to ringing and scrub cutting, necessitates considerable expenditure. Then limbs from the large trees are constantly falling and destroying crops, this giving a great deal of extra labor to pick up. A Koo-wee-rup there is good evidence to prove that the cost of drawing and eradicating the scrub will be from £5 to £10 per acre, and when the land is once cleared there is but little further trouble with it. Sometimes the scrub may sprout but as a rule it does not, and a paddock properly cleared presents a beautiful open appearance which contrasts very favorably with the so-called clearing of timbered land.

So little was known of the proper way to cope with the scrub that mistakes were made by those who first attempted to clear, but with the experience gained, the remaining portion, can be reclaimed at a less cost per acre than has hitherto been paid. Several different kinds of scrub are found in the swamp, but two species of ti-tree predominate. These are locally known as white and black ti-tree respectively, the black variety being much harder to get rid of than the white. Hundreds of acres are covered with tall reeds, the roots of which apparently go to a great depth, as they extend deeper than any of the drains hitherto constructed. This renders them somewhat difficult to get rid of, but as stock readily eat them when they sprout after being burned, they are not looked upon as a great nuisance.

Studded over the swamp are numerous small rises or islands (3), the soil of which is composed almost entirely of sand differing widely from the surrounding portions. After the swamp has been drained these will form splendid sites for the erection of homesteads, as they are always dry; and care should be taken in surveying to leave at least one on each block if possible. The soil of the swamp, judging by appearances, is second to none in the colony and is evidently the accumulation of ages.

In cutting the drains on the reclaimed portion, at a depth of 3 feet from the surface, extensive beds of ashes and old slumps are found which go to prove that a growth of scrub existed at a former period which was burned, and over which the present soil has accumulated. At a still greater depth — 5 feet from the surface — are found other, though not so extensive beds of ashes which give evidence of still more ancient fires. Where there is such a mixture of ashes and decomposed vegetable matter the productive qualities of the soil ought to be enormous, and some decisive steps should be taken to admit of its being worked.

It is positively disgraceful that such splendid soil is allowed to continue in its present unsightly and unproductive state, and the Government should have a proper survey made with a view to draining the swamp, and either selling or leasing it to those who would cultivate it, and thus considerably add to the common wealth. Some time ago a party of surveyors did visit it, and partly laid off the route of a main drain or canal, but with the wisdom and foresight for which the Survey department is sometimes remarkable they were sent so late in the season that they were flooded out and had to abandon the undertaking and have since evinced no inclination to resume it. The proposed route of the Great Southern railway runs through a portion of the swamp, and, when constructed, will materially assist in draining it.

Of those who have purchased land a few have been energetic, and the work of reclamation is being vigorously proceeded with, but others are holding back in the hope of being benefited by whatever scheme is carried out by Government. This has been the cause of putting those who have tried to drain and clear to a greater expense than would otherwise have been the case had all joined in one co-operative scheme. The entire fringe of the swamp has been selected, but, as already said, the swamp proper has been taken up by only a few, the portion reclaimed being about 10,000. In the next letter a detailed account will be given of the work performed by these as well as the experience gained as to the best way of eradicating the scrub.

(The Leader on May 8, 1886, see here.)

Part two of this report, appeared in The Leader on May 15, 1886, it is transcribed here, and you can read it on Trove, here.

(1) Gunson, Neil The Good Country: Cranbourne Shire (Cheshire, 1968), p. 125

(2) Roberts, David  From Swampland to farmland: a history of the Koo-Wee-Rup Flood Protection  District (Rural water Commission of Victorua, 1985), p. 9 -10.

(3) Read more about these sand hills, here.