Italian Prisoners from the Koo Wee Rup Prisoner of War Camp

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The 1924 Flood

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Township Inundated. 100 People Homeless.

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

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

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

Water Still Rising

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

 

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

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

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

Properties Submerged

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

The Sun News Pictorial photo feature of the floods.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The opening of the Cardinia Public Hall in 1924

The Cardinia Public Hall was officially opened on Wednesday, December 17, 1924. This is the report from the Koo Wee Rup Sun, Wednesday December 24, 1924 page 4.

The Cardinia Public Hall in 2005.

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

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

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. Mr Conroy, chairman of the committee, stated that their members of the State House were unable to be present, but the worthy President of the Cranbourne Shire (Cr Croskell), who had previously been asked to take the chair for the occasion, had been further asked if he would officially open their Public Hall, and he kindly consented to do so. He had much pleasure in introducing to them the President of the Shire (Cr. Croskell)

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

The Cardinia Public Hall and the Dandenong Valley Regional Libraries mobile library bus in 1978. 

At the time the bus stopped at Cardinia every second Thursday 10.15am. to 11.00am.

Koo Wee Rup Sun, May 17, 1978 page 4

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. He was sure that both Mr George Beazley and himself did not expect any special credit for anything they had done, as everybody on the committee had worked like Trojans and worked harmoniously to make the building of the hall a success. He asked them all to carry their thanks by acclamation.

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

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

The Cardinia Public Hall Honour Board in 2005. 

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

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

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

The Great Yannathan Fires of 1898

I came across this obituary of Robert Gardiner, of Yannathan, who died on January 11, 1939 at the age of 83. It's an interesting obituary and I was taken by this  comment -  In the great Yannathan fires of 1897, which raged for months, he at first thought he was ruined, but wonderful grass grew in the denuded country that he was able to farm successfully. The report notes the fire were in 1897, but all the reports I could find were from  February 1898. Below are some reports of  1898 bushfires at Yannathan and from the broader Shire of Cranbourne. 

Obituary of Robert Gardiner

The Age, January 14, 1939 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article205965071

There were also bad fires in other parts of Victoria during this time, caused by days of hot weather and a dry January. The Government Astronomer, Pietro Baracchi (1851-1926) was interviewed by The Argus on February 1, 1898  (see here) and he has this to say about the weather situation - "Hot and smoky weather is not unusual in February. An unbroken succession of so many hot days is unusual. Coming after such a fearfully hot and excessively dry January, it makes the conditions very much worse than they usually are. As showing what an exceptional month this January has been, it may be mentioned that only 30 points of rain fell in Melbourne, against an average of about 1½in. for all past years." An inch of rain is 100 points, thus the average rain for January is 150 points, and only 30 points had fallen.

The Gippsland Fires. Great damage around Cranbourne. A fire 20 miles long by 20 miles broad.

Cranbourne, Monday - On Friday, Saturday and Sunday a dreadful bush fire raged in this district, and did considerable damage to stock, grass, fencing, orchards and crops. The fire started this side of Somerville township, and, with a strong southerly wind, travelled into Cranbourne a distance of about 20 miles.  The blaze was also 12 miles in width. 

The following is a list, of the heaviest sufferers by this fire, which is the largest that has ever been heard of or seen here since Black Thursday:- Mr. Taylor, Sherwood Park - Loss: 15 miles of fencing, 2000 acres of grass and a large number of sheep.- Mr. Sam Staughton, M.L.A., Coolebah - Loss: - About 1400 acres of grass and a lot of fencing. Mr. J. Staughton - Loss: 1000 acres of grass, fencing and a large number of sheep. Mr. R. Ker - Loss: Grass, fencing and lot of 2 feet firewood. Several smaller farmers were also large losers in having all their fencing and grass totally burnt out, including Mr. David Craig, Mr. T. Meade, Mr. Waller, Mr. Barton, Mr. D. Robinson, Mr. Ted. Gray, Mr. Abrahams, Mr. J. G. Hudson, storekeeper, Cranbourne; Mr. P. Peterson, Mr. Thos. Peterson, Mrs. Poole, Mr. Perridge, Mr. Moscript, Mr. Ridley, manager of the English, Scottish and Australian Bank, North Melbourne; Mr. F. Hardy and others too numerous to mention.

The fire, after passing through the racecourse reserve, swept with lightning-like rapidity towards the township, crossing the Frankston-road, 2 chains wide, in a leap, and but for the timely assistance of Messrs. Duff, Downs, M'Leod, Meade, Rev. Colin Robertson, Constable Dwyer and a lot of other willing helpers, the residences of Messrs. Reid and Wilson would have been destroyed. The fire got into short grass here, and after about four hours' hard fighting was got under. The only sufferers in the township were:- Messrs. Thos. Downs - Loss: 2-roomed house full of hay. Mr. P. Peterson - Loss: A

slaughterhouse and fencing. Messrs. J. Taylor and Reid and Mrs. Tucker: Grass and fencing.

A watch was kept over the township all Saturday night, but nothing further happened. A lot of the farmers, thoroughly overcome by smoke und heat and over exertion, have had to take to their beds. Large fires are still burning round the township, and the damage done totals some thousands of pounds, Mr. Taylor, of Sherwood Park, being the largest sufferer. (The Age, Tuesday, February 1, 1898, see here)

Fires near Cranbourne.

Cranbourne, Tuesday - A large bush fire broke out on Saturday at Lang Lang East and did considerable damage, travelling for about 5 miles to Yannathan. Mr. Bell, of Lang Lang East, lost a lot of fencing and a large area of grass, so did Mr. John and Mr. James Smethurst, of Yannathan. After several hours fighting the fire was got under. On Sunday, at St. Germains Station, near Cranbourne, a large quantity of fencing and about 300 acres of grass were burnt. Mr. William Griffiths, manager for Mr. S. Staughton, M.L.A., of Coolbah Estate, has been a heavy loser by the fire here, having lost a flock of turkeys valued at £20. The birds were all roasted. Mr. Griffiths also had a very narrow escape of his life, being caught in the flames on horseback whilst trying to rescue some sheep, which he successfully accomplished. His horse was singed of all its hair and badly burnt. There is a water famine in Cranbourne. Nearly all the tanks are dry, and the residents are only depending on a few wells, the water of which is brackish. (The Age, Wednesday,  February 2, 1898, see here)

  

Church burnt at Heifer Creek. Damage at Lang Lang and Yannathan
Cranbourne, Wednesday - Amongst other parts of the district the township of Lang Lang was the scene of a conflagration which nearly destroyed the butter factory and stores there. The fire broke out in a heavy belt of timber and scrub just west of the factory, and the flames rose to a dreadful height, coming within a few feet of the building, which was only saved by the united efforts of the employes and townsfolk. Had the factory gone the entire township must have been consumed. The station master's residence narrowly escaped destruction, the fire running right up to it.

At Heath Hill on Tuesday night the farm of Mr. Patrick M'Grath was the scene of a dreadful fire, which destroyed his stack sheds, large quantities of grass and fencing. Flames are still to be seen in that direction. At Red Bluff, near Lang Lang, Mr. Le Rostu's [Le Roux] farm was attacked, and some grass and fencing were destroyed. Last night Mr. J. S. Stewart, of Woodleigh, lost everything. Mr. R. Scott, of Rockwah, saved his homestead, but lost its surroundings. Fires are still burning around Yannathan. The destruction there covers thousands of acres of grass and miles of fencing. It is
stated that all the country between Yannathan and Longwarry is ablaze. The church at Heifer Creek was destroyed by the fires. (The Age, Thursday, February 3, 1898, see here)

In the Cranbourne District. General Destruction. 

Cranbourne, Wednesday - Some large strips of country have been burnt out on the Yallambie Estate, north of the Great Southern line, and Mr W. T. Duff has sustained a big loss in having fencing and grass destroyed. All that portion between the Gippsland and Great Southern lines, known as South Pakenham and Cardinia, which is on the western fringe of the Koo-wee-rup Swamp, has been in imminent danger from the fires burning in the swamp, and the closely settled dairying district of Clyde, between the swamp and Cranbourne, would be swept right out, should the wind bring the fires on from the swamp, and already there have been a number of out-breaks, which fortunately have been promptly checked. The swamp scrub consists mostly of ti tree but beneath this is a layer of peat varying from 18in. to several feet deep, and once ignited it burns for weeks. From a burning mass of this terrible stifling smoke is now being emitted. The village settlers are having a most trying time. Both from the direction of Narre Warren and Berwick, Cranbourne is threatened with fires, and Mr Beaver Hall, of Glady's-park, has already lost a valuable extent of glass and fencing. 

The fires from Koo-wee-rup Drouin, and Longwarry have extended right on to the closely settled dairy farms of Yannathan and on Saturday and Sunday they raged furiously, destroying pastures and fencing on farm after farm. Mr Ritchie lost everything, except his home, and some valuable horses were most terribly burned, and had to be destroyed. At Mr. William Bell's, a magnificent farm of 640 acres has been completely burnt out, and every stick of fencing is gone. Councillor John Smethurst, president of the Cranbourne Shire, lost 400 acres of grass, and fencing. Mr. James Smethurst, his brother, likewise lost 400 acres, and fencing at Blackwood At his home there was the greatest possible difficulty in fighting off the fire, the pine trees and picket fence around the garden being consumed, and the house was only just saved. Mr Samuel Smethurst likewise had to fight to save his homestead, the fire burning right up to the doors. Messrs Joseph and William Burnside had 640 acres of grass and fencing burned, the last-named farmer being reduced to a very critical state from the exhaustion of two days' battling with the flames. A huge portion of Mr. James Greaves's farm was similarly burnt, also fencing. 

Mr. A. Woodman, whose property is situated on the Yallock Creek, between Koo-wee-rup and Yannathan, is also a heavy loser by the fire, and Mr. Carson, of Yannathan also experienced a big loss. At Heath Hill last night, a furious outbreak occurred, jeopardising the whole of the farms in that portion of the district. Prompt assistance alone saved the places, but Mr. P.W. McGrath lost his haystacks, outhouses, grass fencing, and stock-yards. Mr George Gray, in the same locality, suffered heavily, and Mr. A. E. Glover's house had to be watched all night to save it from the burning trees, which were falling in every direction, Protector's Plains were one big blaze, and the fires are still burning with fierceness in this locality. The loss all through Yannathan and Heath Hill must be very large. 

A terrible fire broke out in the ti tree and scrub adjacent to Lang Lang township, and for a few hours the inhabitants experienced a sultry and most uncomfortable time of it. Between Lang Lang, and all the way to Grantville, the country has been burnt for miles and miles. Councillor Le Roux, of the Cranbourne shire, lost a very large quantity of grass, and some miles of fencing. Mr R.C. Scott, of Woodleigh, a well-known grazier, is another of the burnt-out victims. (The Argus, Friday, February 4, 1898, see here)

Damage at Lang Lang and Yannathan.

Cranbourne, Wednesday - Amongst other parts of the district the township of Lang Lang was the scene of a conflagration which nearly destroyed the butter factory and stores there. The fire broke out in a heavy belt of timber and scrub just west of the factory, and the flames rose to a dreadful height, coming within a few feet of the building, which was only saved by the united efforts of the employes and townsfolk. Had the factory gone the entire township must have been consumed. The station master's residence narrowly escaped destruction, the fire running right up to it. (The Leader, Saturday, February 5, 1898, see here)

Yallock Village Settlement Burnt.

Cranbourne, Saturday - Further extensive damages from the fires have occurred at Lang Lang Messrs Addison, Foster, Ridgway, and many of the selectors in that locality have lost everything, saving their homes with the greatest difficult. Another fire broke out near the Lang Lang township, and the Church of England, Mechanics' Institute, market buildings &c., were all in danger of complete destruction. The townsfolk had a terrible fight for their property. Last night an outbreak occurred at the Yallock Village Settlement, and before any resistance could be offered the residences of Messrs Orford, Izard, Titherly, T. Pretty, and several others were completely destroyed, and the whole settlement swept clean of grass, fencing and gardens. The fire spread on to on Messrs. Glasscock Bros. Forest paddock, near Yannathan, and here the whole of the South Yannathan country was seriously menaced, and but for the united exertions of a large body of the local farmers, who turned out with water tanks and combated the flames, the homesteads of Messrs. Rinding, Cousen and Ridgway would have been swept clear. Mr John Smethurst, of Yannathan, who goes in extensively for bee farming lost a colony of bees and hives, valued at over £100, during the fires. At the Cranbourne Council to day, the engineer reported that a large number of culverts and bridges had been destroyed in the shire by the fires. It will entail a very large outlay to replace them. (The Argus, Monday February 7, 1898, see here)

Yallock Village Settlement Destroyed.
Cranbourne, Saturday - On Friday night another big fire was discovered raging at the Yallock village settlement, on the cast side of the Yallock Creek, near Monomeith. In an incredibly short space of time the whole place was one great blaze, and four houses and their contents were completely demolished, whilst the settlement was burnt out in the most disastrous manner. Fully 20 families have lost their fencing and improvements and their gardens. Extending from thence the fires crossed on to Mr. Glasscock's property, at Monomeith, where a very large acreage was destroyed before the fire was got under control. Had it not been for assistance from Yannathan this fire would have proved one of the most severe in the district, but the farmers now being better organised were able to offer a more capable resistance, and their united efforts undoubtedly saved many more Yannathan farms from being ravaged by the flumes. Fires still continue to do great damage around Lang Lang. 

At Cranbourne shire council meeting it was stated to-day that a large number of culverts and bridges were destroyed by fires at Langwarrin, Sherwood and various other portions of the Yallock riding, and these will entail considerable expense to repair. (The Age, Monday, February 7, 1898, see here)

How fires originate.

Cranbourne. Monday - At Cranbourne court to-day, John and Alexander Ritchie, two young farmers, of Yannathan, were charged with lighting fires which endangered adjoining property on the 15th January. Both pleaded guilty to having committal a technical offence, and explained in defence that they lighted the fires to protect their own property from a fire which was burning close at hand in the Kooweerup Swamp. They were each fined £3, with 15s. costs. George Ritchie their father, was then charged with igniting a fire on the. 29th ult. The evidence proved that Ritchie was seen lighting the scrub at the back of his house, and that this fire spread, burning out among others Messrs. Bell, John H. Smethurst and James Smethurst, and inflicting very considerable damage in the neighborhood. The defendant pleaded not guilty, but was fined £3, and 12s. costs. (The Age, Tuesday, February 22, 1898, see here)

Koo Wee Rup North State School flooded

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(The Age, June 27, 1914, see here) 

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

Koo Wee Rup North School, 1927

Image: Koo Wee Rup Swamp Historical Society

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

Koo Wee Rup North School Residence, 1927

Image: Koo Wee Rup Swamp Historical Society

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

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

in the 1937 flood. 

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

Koo Wee Rup North Hall, 1927

Image: Koo Wee Rup Swamp Historical Society

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

Footnotes

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Batty's Island and Thomas Batty (c. 1802 -1885)

Batty's Island is an area of land on the northern edge of the Koo Wee Rup Swamp, south-east of Tynong and south-west of Garfield. It was actually an island surrounded by water before the Koo Wee Rup Swamp was drained, the main work of which took place between 1889 and 1893 (1). It is named after Thomas Batty, the original selector. Thomas was born Yorkshire in c.1802, married Nancy Buchanan in 1837; they had one daughter, Julia, who married Horace Nelson in 1869. I have more details about the life of Thomas and his family towards the end of this post.

*click on image to enlarge* Batty Island, Lot 18, clearly shown on this 1887 Parish of Bunyip map.  Both Tynong Railway Station and Garfield Railway Station (then called Hope Town) are marked on the map. The land to the right of  Batty Island was that belonging to Cyrus Mason, whom I have written about here. It was previously owned by William McKeone, whom I have written about here. 

Detail of Bunyip, County of Mornington, photo-lithographed at the Department of Crown Lands and Survey, Melbourne, by J. Noone 10. 5. 87. [1887] State Library of Victoria Image http://handle.slv.vic.gov.au/10381/204488

The first we find of Thomas Batty in the newspapers was in The Age, December 20, 1872 when the following notice appeared -  Land Act 1869 - Schedule of Applications to be considered by the Local Land Board, at  Cranbourne, on Monday, 23rd December, 1872, at ten a.m. and amongst the 22 applications was this one - Thomas Batty, parish of Nar Nar Goon, area 300a. Description: South of M'Keon's, the island.  (2). Despite the discrepancy in the size of the land, it was only 173 acres, the fact that it was described as 'the island' confirms which land it was. 

Thomas Batty's land application for 'the island'

The Age, December 20 1872, https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/199378245

I presume that Thomas was successful in 1872, however there was another report in February 1877 for applications under the Land Act - and under Applications for leases under Section 20 approved was this Thomas Batty, Nar-nar-Goon, 173a 3r 4p. (3) Whether Thomas was successful in 1872 or 1877, I cannot confirm, but he certainly occupied the land and had purchased it by October 1883 (4)

*click on image to enlarge* After the Parish of Koo Wee Rup East was established, Batty Island became lot 40a of this new parish.  I have annotated this 1907 map and Batty Island is marked with an asterisk, located north of Lone Pine Road and east of Eleven Mile Road and surrounded by the Koo Wee Rup Swamp sub-divisions.

Detail of Koo-Wee-Rup, County of Mornington, photo-lithographed at the Department of Lands and Survey, Melbourne, by T. F. McGauran, 1907. State Library of Victoria http://handle.slv.vic.gov.au/10381/104853  

Thomas died suddenly on the property on July 28, 1885 at the age of 83. An inquest was held the next day, conducted by John Startup, J.P. Evidence was given by his wife, called in the document Nancy Batty; Charlotte William, who may have been a house-keeper or carer and William Joseph Thompson, the police constable who examined the body. The inquest determined that Thomas had died of natural causes. (5) He was buried at Boroondara Cemetery, in the same grave as three of his grandchildren, who died as infants (more of whom later). He left an estate of  £911. (6)

There is an amusing anecdote about Thomas and Nancy Batty. His neighbour from late 1876 was Cyrus Mason, an artist and the founder of the Buonarotti Club in 1883, a professional artists' organisation. (7) Mason hosted many artists and musicians on his property, Woodyats, and one of them Louis Lavater, shared his memories of one visit - 

 I remember that there was a dear old couple who lived on an island in the swamp, who received a letter from a Melbourne solicitor stating that they had been left a small sum of money. The old woman, who was aged 84 years - four years older than her husband - was keenly conscious of her husband's youthfulness, and it was with the greatest reluctance that she allowed him to go to Melbourne to arrange a settlement with the solicitor. She used to tell us that every time she thought of her husband among 'those Melbourne hussies' she had a 'paroxum.' Her stern disapproval of our bathing in the swamp apparently caused her a few more 'paroxums,' for she used to come down and seize our clothes and stalk away with them in righteous indignation. (8)

After the death of Thomas Batty the property was sold, however the name Batty Island stuck and we can find references to it up the 1940s.  Here are three examples - 

Shire of Berwick Council meeting report

South Bourke & Mornington Journal, October 23, 1901   https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/70047876

Shire of Berwick Council meeting report

South Bourke & Mornington Journal, June 11 1914 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/66185466

Account of  a journey to Gippsland by the Rev. G. Cox. 

Bairnsdale Advertiser, January 7 1941 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/269452166

We will now look at the subsequent owners of Batty Island. The information is from the Shire of Berwick rate books which  lists the names of the owners and their occupations; the years are the first appearance in the Rate Books, but the sale transaction may have taken place some months previously. 

1886/1887 - Henry Nelson, Publican. I can't find a connection to Horace Nelson, Thomas' son-in-law, but I feel there must be one. Interestingly, the next owner, John Geraghty also a Publican, paid the rates of the property for the last two years of Nelson's ownership, so there must also be some connection between the two, but I have no information about that and no other information about Henry Nelson.

The description of Henry Nelson's entry in the 1886/1887 Shire of Berwick rate books - 173 acres, Battys Island, Tynong.

1890/1891 - John Geraghty, publican. At one time he held the licence of the Inkerman Hotel, East St Kilda, then the Malvern Vale Hotel in Malvern, then the Commercial Hotel, Prahran and finally the  Sir Robert Peel Hotel in Peel Street, Windsor. That was where he died in September 1897, aged 50 years of age. (9)

1896/1897 - Mary Bennett, Hotel keeper. Yet another publican, but I have no other details about her.

1898/1899 - Hugh Bullen, Gentleman. Hugh died in August 1905 at his home in Mary Street, Hawthorn, at the age of 68. He  was a bachelor and left his estate to his seven siblings. Hugh had previously lived at Wooleen, in Northcote, off High Street, between Harold and Hutton Streets, where he operated a stone quarry. (10)

1902/1903 - William Pitt, Architect. When William Pitt (1855-1918) purchased this land he also acquired other parcels of land and was listed as owning 634 acres in total. Pitt was responsible for a number of high profile Melbourne buildings - the Princess Theatre, Federal Hotel (now known as the Windsor Hotel), the Rialto and the Olderfleet buildings and the St Kilda Town Hall. He was also a member of the Victorian Parliament from 1891 to 1910. (11)

1920/1921- Peter Gleeson, a land owner from Tynong. He purchased the entire 634 acres from William Pitt's estate in March 1921. By June 1922 the Gleeson family land holdings in the Iona Riding were itemised as - Mary, Peter and Joseph owning 190 acres; John, James and Florence the 634 acres including Batty Island and Thomas, Francis and Anne owning 160 acres. The Gleesons had land in the area from 1899/1900 with  Thomas and Mrs W. Gleeson being the first ones  listed in the rate books. Early on, their address was listed as Melbourne - the 1903 Electoral Roll has Thomas at Ingles Street, Port Melbourne and his occupation as a contractor. Not sure of the Gleeson family tree, but Thomas, who died in 1937, was the husband of Anne. (12)

There is an interesting account which connects the Gleeson to the Pitts.  Mr C.P. Pitt mention in the article is Charles Pavey Pitt, William's brother, who possibly managed the farm for him  - this was in the South Bourke and Mornington Journal in July 1902 -

The saying there is nothing new under the sun has been daily exemplified during the past century. The wildest imaginations of Jules Verne have become accomplished facts. Hitherto the difficulties confronting the would-be selector of swamp lands, in the way of clearing and subsidence, has to a great extent prevented a wish for these fertile spots. During the first days of settlement at Kooweerup the possibility of rolling down the "impenetrable" titree was advocated as feasable by the " Age " special reporter. The honor of practical demonstration belongs to Mr. T. Gleeson, and his invention is now working at Batty's Island under the direction of Mr. C.P. Pitt. The machine consists of an old donkey engine boiler provided with a centre axle, which supports a frame work and top roller, the latter fitted with broad flanges forming a steering apparatus or guide for the wire rope by which it is hauled to and fro. The total weight of the roller is three tons. The motive power being provided by an 8-horse power engine. In 7 weeks Mr. Pitt has rolled 130 acres. The machine does excellent work, lowering the soft peaty land some 18 inches by the first operation, and a large portion of the land has been rolled a second time and further consolidated to the extent of 6 inches. The land as rolled is being sown down down in grass, and will form an ideal dairy farm, splendid shelter being available on both sides of the flat. (13)

Who was Thomas Batty? His death certificate says he was born in Yorkshire and lists his occupation as a miner. This is confirmed by the 1851 Census, which gives his town of birth as Holmfirth, Yorkshire. He married on December 10, 1837 at Oldham in Manchester; he was listed as a widower. On the wedding certificate his wife was named as Nancy Buchanan. In 1843, their daughter Julia Ann was born in Stalybridge, Lancashire. This is the town the family were living in on Census night in 1851 - Thomas, 45 years old; Nancy 47 years old and Julia 8 years old.  (14)

In the 1861 Census, Thomas was not listed, he had already migrated to Australia, I believe around 1852, most likely to join the thousands of other hopefuls on the gold fields. However eighteen year Julia, was listed in Stalybridge with her 57 year old mother - whose name was listed as Agnes. I believe they arrived in Melbourne in July 1864. On September 25, 1869, Julia married Horace Nelson, with the service conducted by a Congregational Minister at Neptune Street, St Kilda. Horace was 34 years old, born in London to Robert and Mary (nee Crighton) Nelson, he was a 'Reader for the press' which I believe is a proof reader. On the marriage certificate, Julia was listed as 26 and her father Thomas as a gold miner. Her mother was listed as Agnes Buchanan. (15)

Julia and Horace had seven children - 

Florence Eleanor Lawton Nelson (born 1871, and died aged 10 months the same year)

Aubrey Joscelin Nelson (b. 1872, married Isabel Baudinet in 1900 and died in 1953)

Robert Nelson (a twin, b. 1874, and died at 2 days old)

James Nelson (a twin, b. 1874, and died at 2 days old)

Horace Julian Nelson (b. 1875, married Rose Whittey in 1916, and died in 1958)

Constance Gertude Nelson (b. 1877 and died in 1966, did not marry)

Beatrice Arabella Juliet Crighton Nelson (b.1880, married Spicer Carlton in 1909 and died in 1937)  (16)

Nancy/Agnes died on August 20, 1890. Her death certificate lists her name as Agnes, her place of death at 317 Punt Road, Richmond, which was the address of her daughter and son-in-law and she was buried in the family grave at Boroondara Cemetery with Thomas and their little grandchildren - Florence, Robert and James. Horace died July 26, 1893, aged 60 years of age and he is also buried in the family grave with his children and in-laws. Julia died April 2, 1929 at her daughter Beatrice's house in Renown Street, Coburg and she is buried at Fawkner Cemetery. (17)

Trove list - I have created a list of articles connected to Batty Island, Thomas Batty and family and the other owners, access it here.

Footnotes

(1) http://carlocatani.blogspot.com/2018/10/koo-wee-rup-swamp.html 

(2) The Age, December 20 1872, see here.

(3) South Bourke and Mornington Journal, February 28, 1877, see here.

(4) On the diagram below, which is the Batty property  - it tells you that it is Lot 40a; 173 acres, 2 roods and 29 perches and the numbers  4.10.83 show the date that the land became freehold i.e Batty was no longer leasing the property from the Crown, he had paid for it - October 4, 1883

Detail of Koo-Wee-Rup, County of Mornington, photo-lithographed at the Department of Lands and Survey, Melbourne, by T. F. McGauran, 1907. State Library of Victoria http://handle.slv.vic.gov.au/10381/104853  

(5) Inquest at the Public Records Office of Victoria, access it here https://prov.vic.gov.au/archive/4E16068F-F1BD-11E9-AE98-BBBD3FA716B0?image=1

(6) The Herald, October 29, 1885, see here.

(7) https://kooweerupswamphistory.blogspot.com/2023/10/cyrus-mason-buonarotti-club-and.html

(8) The Argus, August 10, 1929, see here.

(9) See my Trove list, here,  for the hotel ownership and his death notice

(10) See my Trove list, here, for his death notice and other articles. The location of the property is from Sands & McDougall's Melbourne and suburban directory.

(11) William Pitt, entry in the Australian Dictionary of Biography written by Dian Langmore - https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/pitt-william-8058

(12) See my Trove list, here.

(13) The Argus, August 10, 1929, see here.

(14) Victorian Death certificate; the marriage certificate is on Ancestry.com  - Manchester, England, Church of England Marriages and Banns, 1754-1930; the Census records from England list birthplace, age  are are available on Ancestry.com

(15) Thomas' arrival in Victoria - his 1885 death certificate notes he had been in Australia 33 years, which makes it 1852. Arrival of  Agnes and Julia in Victoria - Agnes 1890 death certificate notes she had been in Victoria for 26 years which makes it 1864. This is (almost) confirmed by an entry in a shipping record available on Ancestry.com  - Victoria, Australia, Assisted and Unassisted Passenger Lists, 1839-1923 - the Southern Empire arrived in July 1864 and amongst the passengers were 22 year old Julia Batty and a Nancy Batty, listed as a 33 year old widow. Despite this age and marital status discrepancy, I am sure this is our Julia and Nancy.

(16) Julia's children - Indexes to the Births, Deaths and Marriages and personal notices in the newspapers.

(17) Victorian death certificate of Agnes; Boroondara Cemetery website   https://boroondaracemetery.com.au/ ; personal notices in the newspapers.