The opening of the Dalmore Public Hall in 1925

The Public Hall at Dalmore was officially on Friday, November 27, 1925.

The opening of the Dalmore Hall

Koo Wee Rup Sun, November 26, 1925, p. 1

It was to have been opened by the Prime Minister, the Right Honorable S.M. Bruce, who was also the local parliamentarian, being the member for Flinders. As it was, he couldn't make it due to the death of the Queen Mother, or Queen Alexandra, widow of George VII, and mother of George V, who died on November 20, 1925.

The Dalmore Hall in 2017

Image: Stewart Chambers. Pakenham Gazette April 27, 2017

The Dalmore Hall eventually fell into disrepair and disuse and was sold off by the few remaining members of the Dalmore Hall Trust in 2017. It was restored and is now a private home.

The original plan of the Dalmore Hall, as sent to the Department of Public Health, along with all the specifications on October 15, 1925.

Public Records Office of Victoria VPRS 7882/P0001, 1087

The Koo Wee Rup Sun of December 3, 1925, p.2 had this extensive report on the opening of the Dalmore Hall. I have added some information in the footnotes about some of the people mentioned, in the article. 

Dalmore Public Hall. Opening ceremony

About six years ago Mr A. Cochrane (1) recognized the great potentialities and possibilities of the Dalmore district, and in keeping with such faith mooted the idea that a public hall should be erected as a rendezvous for social and educational functions. He realised that the young life of a community should be provided with all the essential social attractions to counteract the influence of life and gaiety of the city, and if such were not catered for, then the dull and drab existence would only bring discontentment and unrest, and conditions would be unbearable and young folk will flow to where the environments could be tolerated and enjoyed

Mr Cochrane conveyed his suggestion to Mr H.R. Boyd (2), who immediately took the matter up with enthusiasm. It was a most ambitious scheme, and they were fully cognisant that it would entail much hard work before their object would be achieved. It has been said that the only road to success is to make the attempt, so the matter was brought under the notice of other persons, with the result that four years ago a trust was formed comprising Messrs A. Cochrane, E. Mills, T. Wood, S. Christie, W. Hardy, J. Hardy senr., and H.R. Boyd. (3)

These gentlemen set to work with a will, collectors were appointed, and all sorts of functions devised to further the scheme. The response to their appeals were most liberal, and about 12 months ago it was resolved that the time was opportune to have the edifice erected. Land was purchased on the south side of the railway line, adjoining the State school, and Mr R.M. King (4) was instructed to draw up plans. When tenders were received the trustees decided to give Mr A.F. Boote (5), of Dandenong, the contract. 

Tenders invited for the Dalmore Hall, from the Architect, R.M. King.

The Age, July 29, 1925 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article155796659

The building is a large and commodious structure, and cost £1000. On entering the building ladies and gentlemen’s dressing rooms are on each side of a passage which leads to the main hall. This hall is 72ft by 29ft 8in.,and has two side entrances. At the back are a kitchen and supper room. For the purpose of concerts and lectures there is a removable stage. Special attention has been given to the floor, which alone cost £220. It is composed of New Zealand kauri, and has been laid down to make it eminently suitable for dancing. Having the edifice erected, it was decided to have a committee in control, and a few weeks ago officers were elected, with Mr E. Mills as president and Mr H. Boyd, hon. Secretary.

Last Friday evening the hall was an auspicious occasion, as it was officially opened by holding a concert and dance. The Prime Minister (Hon. S.M. Bruce) and the Minister for Lands (Hon. A. Downward) both had promised to attend, but owing to the death of the Queen Mother the sent apologies for their absence and regretted being unable to be present. The night was ideal for such a function, and there was an over-crowded attendance, all the surrounding districts being represented.

Mr E. Mills presided, and after apologizing for the absence of Mr Bruce and Mr Downward referred to the method which had been adopted in raising money towards the erection of the hall. They had collected £500, and another £500 had been raised by persons signing a joint and several loans. He eulogised the splendid spirit which all residents had exhibited in co-operating to achieve success, and specially mentioned Messrs A. Cochrane and H. Boyd for the untiring efforts they had put forth.

Cr. G.R. Burhop (6) tendered congratulations to the public on having such a beautiful hall, and hoped many pleasant evenings would be spent there.

Mr A. Cochrane expressed great pleasure in being present, especially as he had initiated the movement towards having the building erected and wished the institution every success.

The Shire President (Cr McCulloch (7)) in declaring the hall opened complimented the workers in their success. It was only fitting that Dalmore, which is one of the finest places in southern Victoria, should have such an edifice. It would be a place where young and old would meet for social and educational functions, and it should be instrumental in enriching their lives in very way. He wished the committee and the people every success in their venture.

The following musical programme was then rendered, the items being greatly appreciated, and numerous encores were responded to:- Overture McAlpin Bros’ orchestra; song, Miss Wilson; recitation, Miss Dodd; song, Miss Hunter; song and dance, Miss Crocker; instrumental quartette, McAlpin Bros’ orchestra; song, Mrs Williams; banjo solo, Mr Higham; song, Miss Gallagher; Highland dancing, Misses Evans and Ross; song, Mrs Williams; recitation, Miss Dodd; Highland dancing, Misses Evans and Ross; instrumental quartette, McAlpin Bros’ orchestra; song, Miss Hunter; song, Miss Gallagher; comic song, Mr Edgley; song, Miss Wilson; song and dance, Miss Crocker; comic song, Mr Higham.

At the conclusion of the concert Cr M. Bennett (8) moved a comprehensive vote of thanks be accorded to the performers and workers. This was seconded by Cr Taylor (9), and carried by acclamation.

On behalf of the committee, Mr E. Mills thanked Mr and Mrs Boyd for donating a beautifully framed picture of the Prince of Wales, which is be hung on the walls.

Supper was then served in a large marquee, and indefatigable body of workers, under the direction of Mrs S. Christie (10), attending to the wants of the patrons.

Dancing was afterwards kept going till the early hours of the morning to delectable music provided by the St. Kilda Melody Merchants.

The committee are deeply indebted to Mr J. Hardy, senr., who has lent his piano to the hall until another is purchased, also for a loan to purchase Gloria lights.

The committee, and especially the hon. secretary (Mr H.R. Boyd), must be congratulated on the harmonious way in which everything in connection with the ceremony passed off.

................................................................................

A new kitchen was added in 1954; it was a 15 feet by 14 feet room with a skillion roof, at the back of the original kitchen. The original kitchen wall was removed to give more floor space, as the plan notes.

The Kitchen extension plan from April 1954.

Public Records Office of Victoria VPRS 7882/P0001, 1087

A function was held at the Hall in September 1954 and the Dandenong Journal reported that - 

the whole gathering was in rapturous praise of the Dalmore Hall committee for the excellent job they had done with the extensions and renovations to the Hall. The building has been lengthened and lined, new ceiling erected, new kitchen built and the hall brightly painted throughout; also the floor prepared for dancing in such manner that the hall will be the envy of all who attend in future. (Dandenong Journal, September 15, 1954, see here)

Footnotes

(1) Alexander Fleming Cochrane, involved in the Dalmore Progress Association and agitated to have a school opened in Dalmore (it opened in August 1920). He was listed in the Electoral Rolls at Dalmore from 1914 until 1924. His occupation was a clerk.  His wife was  Alice Maud Cochrane (nee Smith). By 1931 they were living in Bentleigh. Alexander died in 1959, aged 83.

The Age, November 20, 1959, p.23 from newspapers.com

(2) Harold Reginald Boyd, farmer, lived at Dalmore, with his wife Charlotte (nee Doherty) from around 1922 until the 1940s, he had a Soldier Settlement block. He appealed against the SRWSC valuation of the farm in 1940, you can read about this and his farm in the Dandenong Journal, February 21, 1940, here. He moved to Dandenong in the 1940s, and operated a hardware shop. Harold died in 1963, aged 67.

(3) Other Trust members - 

E. Mills - this is W.E. Mills, listed in the 1927 article, below, as leaving the district. There is a William Ernest Mills, a farmer, at Koo Wee Rup and later Dalmore, but according to the Electoral Rolls, he didn't appear to leave the district. Can't confirm who this is at the moment

South Bourke & Mornington Journal July 21, 1927 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article214588792

                                                                                                                                                              

T. Wood - Thomas Cuddeford Wood, listed in the 1924 and 1927 Electoral Rolls as a farmer of Dalmore. He later moved to Dandenong, where he died at the age of 71, and you can read his obituary in the Dandenong Journal of  November 12, 1952 here. To be honest the Electoral Rolls seem to have a Thomas Cuddeford Wood senior and junior, so I can't really confirm which one was the Trustee. 

S. Christie - Samuel Kerr Christie, a farmer of Dalmore. Listed in the Electoral Rolls in the area from 1914 (had previously been at Stratford) to 1928. He married Evelyn Rebecca Hazlett in 1912. Samuel died in 1933, aged 50

Dandenong Journal, February 16, 1933 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article201299372

W. Hardy and J. Hardy senr., I presume these are William John Hardy, senior and junior, listed in the Electoral rolls at Dalmore as farmers. The Hardy family were pioneers of the district. Embling and Emily (nee Gregory) Harding settled in 1853 at Dandenong and then moved to Clyde in 1856 - Hardy Road is named for the family. They had five children, some of whose children moved to Dalmore. There are many Hardys and I am not sure how these two fit it. A John William Hardy died in 1940, aged 85 - the son of Embling and Emily Harding.  There was also a William John Hardy who died in 1937, aged 51; he was the son of John and Sophia (nee Cadd) Hardy and thus a grandson of Embling and Emily Harding. More information on the Hardy family on the Clyde History website - https://www.earlyhistory4clydevic.com/html/0404hardy.html 

(4)  R.M. King - the Architect, of the Royal Bank Chambers, Melbourne.  Ray Maurice King had a 62 year career and died in 1956, aged 85.

The Argus, August 3, 1956 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article71649880

(5)  A.S. Boote - the builder (incorrectly listed in the article as A. F. Boote). Alfred Stanley Boote, builder and contractor of Dandenong. He died in 1961 aged 68.

South Bourke & Mornington Journal, July 8, 1956 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article214584956

(6) G.R. Burhop - George Randall Burhop, Cranbourne Shire Councillor from 1924 until 1941.

(7) McCulloch, David Stewart, Cranbourne Shire Councillor from 1923 until 1928; 1929-1930.

(8) Cr Bennett - Matthew Bennett 

https://kooweerupswamphistory.blogspot.com/2020/01/matthew-bennett-farmer-and-mla.html

(9) Cr Taylor - Joseph Taylor - Cranbourne Shire Councillor from 1924 until 1949.

 Information about the Councillors is from - The Good Country: Cranbourne Shire by Niel Gunson (Cheshire, 1968)

(10) Mrs S. Christie nee Evelyn Rebecca Hazlett, the wife of Hall Trustee Samuel Christie in footnote 3. Evelyn died in 1960, aged 82.

What happened in Koo Wee Rup in 1925

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

February 1925 - Dr Andrews leaves and Dr Hewitt arrives

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

April 1925 - New Lock-up for Koo Wee Rup

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

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

Photo taken in 2010.

April 1925 - Street Lighting

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

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

April 1925 - an interesting tale of some adventurous lads

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

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

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

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

May 1925 - Motor Car Burnt

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

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

June 1925 - Modella Hall opens

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

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

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

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

June 1925 - a Narrow Escape

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

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

July 1925 - The state of the drains in Bayles

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

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

July 1925 - Music Examination results

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

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

In October, Miss Johnson, suffered an unfortunate accident - 

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

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

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

July 1925 - Koo Wee Rup North receives a telephone service

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

August 1925 - Train leaves before time - Passengers exciting chase

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

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

October 1925 - Cycling honours

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

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

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

October 1925  - Fire destroys shops in Koo Wee Rup

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

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

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

Rossiter Road, 1923. 

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

November 1925 -  Asparagus season

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

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

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

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

Footnotes

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

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

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

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

What happened in Garfield in 1925

 This is a look at what happened in Garfield and surrounds 100 years ago in 1925.

January 1925 - the year started with this tragic incident on Saturday, January 10th  

At Garfield North, George Brew, aged 12 years, was fatally shot by his cousin, John Brew, aged 14 years. George Brew was sent on a message to his aunt's house. While there John told him of a Winchester repeating rifle, which belonged to a visitor from Melbourne. John brought the rifle out from the house, and in some unknown way it was discharged. George was shot in the back of the ear. He was hurried to Warragul Hospital, but died soon after admittance. Much sympathy is felt for both families, who are pioneers of the district. 

(The Argus, January 16, 1925, see here) 

The formal findings of the Coroner into this sad event were - Albert George Henry Brew died at Warragul  from a bullet wound in the head, from a pea rifle, and I find that the pea rifle was accidentally discharged whilst in the hands of John Aloysius Brew, no blame being attachable to anyone. (1)

Death notice for young George.

The Argus, January 21, 1925 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article2028802

January 1925 - This interesting look at Tynong was written by 12 year-old, Jean Chilcott, to Aunt Connie, the editor of the children's pages in the Weekly Times. 

Dear Aunt Connie -  This is my first letter to you. I will take for my subject Our District. Tynong is 42 miles from Melbourne. Tynong is a very small township. There are two grocers, two butchers, two fruit shops, two blacksmiths, one draper, and one dressmaker's shop, and also one post-office. The school is about a quarter of a mile from the township. Our teacher is Mr Giles. There are about 50 children going to Tynong school. Our school is called the State School. The number is 2854. We are about three-quarters of a mile from the station. I am 12 years old, and in the sixth grade at school. 

(Weekly Times, January 31, 1925, see here)

February 1925 - Apples exported 

Heavy crops of well conditioned apples are being gathered in the Nar-Nar-Goon, Bunyip, and Tynong districts. Prices are satisfactory for apples and pears. Last week 6000 cases were despatched from the Pakenham station, 4000 of which left by the steamer Mooltan on February 17 for the British markets. 

(Weekly Times, February 28, 1925, see here)

Shipment of  40,125 cases of apples from Victoria including Garfield

Weekly Times, February 17, 1923 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article223856734

April 1925 - Racing at Garfield and Cora Lynn

Special Train for Garfield - In connection with the Garfield races on Tuesday; a special train will leave Flinders street station at 10 am., leaving on return at 5.10 p.m. Owners and jockeys must obtain coupons, as no refunds will be made. The club has announced that two gold mounted riding whips will be presented - one to the rider of the winner of the 14.2 Pony Race, and one to the most successful jockey at the meeting.

Cora Lynn Weights - Mr. W. Cahill's weights for the Cora Lynn pony races, to be held on Easter Monday, April 13, appear to-day. Owners are notified that they should make early application to the Railways department for horse-boxes, which should be sent to the Tynong railway station. A special train will leave Flinders street at about 9 o'clock, on the morning of the races. 

(The Argus, April 4, 1925, see here)

April 1925 -  Miss Peverill leaves Garfield North School

Miss Peverill, head teacher of Garfield North State school, was farewelled by residents, prior to her departure, and presented with a leather bound writing case, a silver jewel case from the tennis club, and a case of perfume and other gifts, from the scholars. 

(The Age, April 20, 1925, see here) 

Charlotte Elizabeth Peverill had been at the school since September 1921; after Garfield she taught at Tungamah until June 1927, when she resigned from the Education Department. She had to resign as she married William Costigan and married women were not  allowed to continue teaching. In fact it wasn't until the Teaching Service (Married Women) Act of 1956 was passed which made it possible for women teachers to remain on permanent staff when they married. (2)

May 1925 -  A peculiar accident

A lad named Frederick Gross, aged 17 years, of Garfield, met with a peculiar accident which was attended with fatal results, while fishing on Sunday. He tripped and fell while walking through the bush, and his head came in contact with a log. The boy returned home, and after taking several fits he was removed to a private hospital at Bunyip, where he died on Monday. 

(Koo Wee Rup Sun, May 14, 1925, p. 4.)

May 1925 - The Main Drain silts up

Berwick shire council has passed a resolution to close the roads during certain winter months against sand carting, but it is powerless to prevent sand coming into the shire. The main canal is in a fair way to become obliterated with thousands of tons of this material, which is silting up year after year. Already through the Vervale and Cora Lynn districts it has reduced the carrying capacity of the waterway to less than half, and the danger of flooding has increased proportionately. 

(The Age, May 27, 1925, see here)

The Main Drain near Walkers Drain, between Cora Lynn and Iona, in 1939, when siltation was still a problem.

State Rivers & Water Supply Commission photograph

May 1925 -   A Priest farewelled and a Priest welcomed at the Iona Parish

At the Columba Hall, Iona, on Tuesday, 19th inst., the parishioners assembled to say farewell to the Rev. Fr. M. T. Keenan, who was recently transferred to Balaclava, and to welcome his successor, the Rev Fr. O'Callaghan, A well-organised concert by the pupils of Iona and Cora Lynn Convent schools, was greatly appreciated. Two little girls from the Cora Lynn Convent, and two from Iona, presented Fr.Keenan a set of stainless cutlery and carvers, and a tea-set was presented to Fr. O'Callaghan.... [After various speeches] The shire president, Cr. J. G. Dore, then presented Fr. Keenan with an Australian oak roll top desk, an Australian oak chair, suitably inscribed, an easy chair and down cushion, an American clock with silver plate inscription and a handsome wallet. 

(The Advocate, May 28, 1925, see here)

May 1925 - A lucky escape

For two nights, John Noble, of Garfield North, was pinned beneath a dray which had capsized in going over rough country.  The horse freed itself, but in its exertions kicked Noble in the head. The imprisoned man had to dig himself out with a small stick. The skin was worn off both hands in his efforts to extricate himself. He finally found his way to a neighbor's place in an exhausted condition, and is now recovering from the effects of his trying ordeal. 

(The Sun News-Pictorial, June 1, 1925, see here)

June 1925 - Modella Hall opens

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

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

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

An Age report of June 8, 1925, see here, noted that the debt on the hall is about £275. The 1925 hall burnt down in  November 1976;  the new hall was opened on April 20, 1979 by Arthur Dawson (a member of the Modella Hall Committee), and assisted by Athol Camp. (3)

July 1925 - The route of the 100 mile cycle race is announced

The annual cycle traders' 100-mile road race, one of the most important events of the season, is claiming attention of the organisers and officials. Early this week the route followed on previous years was inspected by officials of the association, and though in the main the course will be the same again this year, owing to the bad state of portions of the road to Drouin and farther along the old Gippsland road, that part of the route has been eliminated. The following is the course which will be followed: Starting at Kelly's Hotel Oakleigh, along the Dandenong road to Cranbourne and Tooradin, thence to

Bayles, Cora Lynn, Iona, and Longwarry (one of the principal checking stations), and along the Princes' Highway, to Bunyip, Garfield, Tynong, Nar-nar-goon, Pakenham, Berwick, Narre Warren, and Hallam; on striking Dandenong there will be a direct return to the starting point. Feeding stations at convenient distances have been arranged. 

(The Argus, July 4, 1925, see here) 

The race was held on August 15 and 1930 riders participated. The winner was C.M.F. Shillito of the Coburg Club in four hours, 56 minutes. (4)

The start of the 100 mile cycle race. 

Three of the men pictured, Hubert Opperman, Ern Bainbridge and Percy Osborn (who was from Bayles) participated in the 1928 Tour de France cycle race.

The Sun News-Pictorial, August 17, 1925 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article277183735

August 1925 - Another lucky escape 

Garfield -  Frank Harris, an old League footballer, met with a severe accident on Saturday. He was falling a tree when it fell back on him and broke his leg at the thigh. Notwithstanding that the bone was protruding, the unfortunate man crawled half a mile through the bush to obtain assistance. 

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

September 1925 - New Presbyterian Minister 

The Rev R.G. Butler has been inducted into the charge of the Presbyterian Church, and will have charge of the districts of Garfield, lona, Cora Lynn, Bunyip and Longwarry. Mr and Mrs Butler were given a welcome social after the service. 

(The Argus, September 8, 1925, see here)

September 1925 - Young Patrick thrown from his horse

Patrick Quigley, 15 years, son of Mr. Martin Quigley, of Cora Lynn, whilst riding a young, restive horse was thrown and injured. He is an inmate of a private hospital, but his condition is not serious. 

(The Advocate, September 17, 1925, see here)

September 1925 - Burglary at the Hotel

At an early hour on Monday morning the Iona Hotel [at Garfield] was entered by burglars, and the cash register, together with a hospital collection box, rifled. About 4 a.m. the licensee was disturbed by a noise in front of the house, but on investigating  failed to locate the origin. At  a later hour on opening the bar door, he was surprised to find a railway service lamp and a steel jemmy on the counter. An examination of the cash register proved that £1 in small silver had been removed and the hospital collection box broken open. It is evident that the thieves were disturbed as the shelves, lined with cigarettes, cigars and spirits, were left untouched. 

(Koo Wee Rup Sun, September 25, 1925. p. 4.)

November 1925 - Presbyterian Church fund raiser

From a queen competition and other sources the adherents of the Presbyterian Church raised 3/0, which effort was considered very satisfactory. The queens were Miss Ferguson (Cora Lynn), 1 ; Miss Barker (Garfield), 2 ; Miss Leithhead (lona), 3; Miss Wilson (Bunyip), 4. The crowning of the successful queen took place at a crowded concert in the Garfield Theatre on Thursday night. 

(The Argus, November 9, 1925, see here)

November 1925 -  Asparagus season

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

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

Footnotes 

(1) Inquest into George's death - Public Records Office of Victoria can be read here

https://prov.vic.gov.au/archive/81CF4D39-F1B2-11E9-AE98-917DA13A0E73?image=1

(2) Charlotte Peverill's teaching record - Public Records Office of Victoria 

https://prov.vic.gov.au/archive/3D7FF25D-F7E4-11E9-AE98-DD3948FEC58C?image=249  

Information about the Teaching Service (Married Women) Act of 1956 from Vision and Realisation: a centenary history of State Education in Victoria, edited by L.J. Blake. (Education Department of Victoria, 1973), v. 1.

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

(4) Sporting Globe, August 15, 1925, see here.

Cardinia Hall - the original Trustees

The Cardinia Hall was opened on December 17, 1924, you can read an account here. I have written about the community activity which led to the building of the Hall, here.  In this post we will now look at the five original Trustees - Michael Conroy, Alexander Duff, George Benjamin Beazley, Ernest Gordon Mills and Joseph Gordon Lobb. The first three men - Messrs Conroy, Duff and Beazley -  are names synonymous with Cardinia.

Michael  Conroy

Michael, born in Bungaree in 1876, married Ruby Elizabeth Thornell of Somerville on November 11, 1915.  They settled on their property Corofin, Ballarto Road in Cardinia and raised their family of seven children - Elizabeth Bridget (1916-1920), James William (1917), John Patrick (1919), Michael Mark (1920), Brendan Ignatius (1921) Bernice Mary (1922) and Phoebe (1925).  Michael was involved with the Football Club, the School Committee and the Hall Committee. Michael and Ruby retired to Somerville in 1948.  Michael died July 1956, aged 79 and Ruby died August 1973, aged 87. They are buried at Cranbourne Cemetery.  Their son Michael spent his life in Cardinia and his wife Joan, who turned 100 in 2024, had the honour of cutting the Cardinia Hall Birthday cake, along with 90-year old Ian Ridgway, at the Centenary Celebrations. (1)

Wedding report of Michael Conroy and Ruby Thornell

Mornington Standard November 27, 1915. 

Read the full report here http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article70073953

Alexander Duff

Alexander, was a descendant of the Reverend Alexander Duff (1824-1890), the first Presbyterian Minister in the area. The Reverend Alexander had married Annie Tucker in Belfast, Ireland and they had eight children, three of whom settled on farms in the Cardinia area. The name Alexander was used for one of the sons, a grandson and a great grandson. Which one was the Hall Trustee? Son Alexander (1869-1941) married Mary Irwin in 1899. He was a Cranbourne Councillor from 1930 until 1936,  and a keen cricketer. Alexander and Mary had three sons, the eldest being Alexander William who was born in 1900, and who died in 1987. Either of those are the right age to be a Trustee, even though Alexander William would only have been just 21 when he was appointed, so I believe the older Alexander (1869-1941) would be more likely the original  Trustee. (2)

The obituary of Alexander Duff (1869-1941)

Dandenong Journal, October 8, 1941. 

Read the full report here http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article214605386

George Benjamin Beazley

George was a descendent of Henry and Susanah (nee Lineham) Beazley. Her parents, James and Charlotte (nee Ridgway) Lineham had taken up land in Cardinia in 1878; earlier still, in 1854 had taken up land at Clyde. Henry and Susanah had numerous children including George Henry, born in Cheltenham in 1874. George and two of his brothers, Fred and Sam, farmed at Cardinia. George married Jane Williams in 1911 and they had three children. The Beazleys were all involved in community life in Cardinia, including the School, the Church and the Hall. George and his family left Cardinia in 1937 and moved to Cockatoo. He died in 1965, aged 87, Jane had died in 1943, aged 65. (3)

The Beazley's leave Cardinia

 Dandenong Journal, April 1, 1937. 

Read the full report here  http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article200679647

The other two Trustees were Ernest Gordon Mills and Joseph Gordon Lobb.

 
Ernest Gordon Mills
It appears from the Electoral Rolls that Ernest Mills was only in Cardinia from 1919 until around 1925. He had previously lived in Woodleigh and Wonthaggi. He married Eliza Azenath Hutton in 1913,  and  they had three children – Harry (born 1913), William (1914) and Clara (1920). Sadly little Clara, born at Cardinia, died only six weeks later, at only 6 weeks of age. Ernest and  Eliza farmed on 40 acres.

Harry and William commenced at the Cardinia School in 1919; however, by 1925 the Mills' farm was sold and they were living back in Wonthaggi, where Ernest was a fruiterer. He died in Wonthaggi, aged 70, in 1955 and Eliza died in 1965, aged 77. 

The only other thing I can tell you about the family was that in 1945, Harry, then 31, was charged with murder of his wife, Linda Marion Mills, with whom he had two children aged 3½ and one year old. They were living at Wonthaggi, and his occupation was a coal miner. There was evidence given at the Inquest that he had a 'friendship' in the previous four years with 20 year old Elizabeth Mary Grayden of Phillip Island and he had asked his wife for a divorce;  his father gave evidence about the gun and his mother also have evidence as Harry called her first after the shooting and, and as she lived only three doors down, she was quickly on the scene. Harry gave various versions of the event, including at one stage blaming his 3½ year-old daughter, saying she had pulled the trigger whilst he was cleaning the loaded gun which he had put down for a short time. 

In the end he settled on this explanation - he was greatly in love with Betty Grayden. He knew his wife would not divorce him. The situation with his wife became such that they could hardly bear to be in each other's company... "I don't know what came over me; I must have gone mad. I put a bullet in the chamber and was working the bolt back and forwards to test the ejector. I saw my wife coming down the yard, something came over me, the gun went off and I saw my wife fall down."

He was charged with murder, however the Jury found him guilty of manslaughter and sentenced him to ten years in gaol.  I have nothing good to say about this man, especially as he cravenly tried to blame his little daughter.  It would be interesting to know how many past scholars of the Cardinia School have been charged with murder, but that’s a story for another day. (4)

Death notice of little Clara Mills

The Age, April 3, 1920  http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article203707608

Joseph Gordon Lobb 

The fifth Trustee was Joseph Gordon Lobb, on whose land the Hall was built. Joseph was born in South Australia in 1885 and married Rose Alice Burgess in 1911 at Hill End, in Victoria. Rose had a daughter in 1908, Marjory Grace, and after her marriage had four more daughters - Hughina Margaret (1912),  Doris Anne (1914), Rosamond Alice (1916) and Pearl May was born in 1924 whilst they were living at Cardinia. Joseph served in the First A.I.F - enlisted July 1917, embarked for overseas service December 1917 and Returned to Australia December 1918.  Joseph and Rose had been on a dairy farm in Clayton Road, Notting Hill before they arrived in Cardinia and took up their 67 acres around 1920 - which was the year that three of their daughters, Marjorie, Hughina and Doris commenced at the school and a year later their fourth daughter Rosamund also started at the school. 

Joseph Lobb took up community life in Cardinia with gusto – he was a Hall Trustee, chairman of the school committee, on the Board of Management of the Presbyterian church, as a Returned Soldier he addressed the school children on Armistice Day and chaired the Arbour Day celebrations. However it appears the marriage did not last and by 1931 Joseph was living at Hill End and Rose was living in Oakleigh. In 1948, Joseph married Margaret Scouller. Joseph died in 1973, aged 87 and Rose died in 1967, aged 78. (5)

Wedding report of Joseph Lobb and Rose Burgess

Narracan Shire Advocate, July 19 1911 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article256443038

To read a report on the opening of the Cardinia Hall, click here. To read about the community activity which led to the building of the Hall, click here. 

Acknowledgment - Look to the Rising sun: Back to Cardinia 1984 - a history of Cardinia and District, including Rythdale and Pakenham South, by  Eileen Williams and Jewell Beard. (Published by the Back to Cardinia Committee, 1984) provided very useful information on the lives of Michael Conroy, Alexander Duff and George Beazley. 

Footnotes

(1) Conroy information sources - Indexes to the Victorian Births, Deaths and Marriages; Wedding report of Michael Conroy and Ruby Thornell in the Mornington Standard November 27, 1915, see here; Look to the Rising Sun (see Acknowledgment).

(2) Duff information sources -  I have written about the Reverend Alexander Duff at the bottom of this post -  https://kooweerupswamphistory.blogspot.com/2021/12/cardinia-tree-plantation-in-honor-of.html;  Indexes to the Victorian Births, Deaths and Marriages; Look to the Rising Sun (see Acknowledgment); Alexander Duff obituary - Dandenong Journal, October 8, 1941, see here. 

(3) Beazley information sources - Indexes to the Victorian Births, Deaths and Marriages; Look to the Rising Sun (see Acknowledgment); report of the Beazley family leaving Cardinia  for Cockatoo - Dandenong Journal, April 1, 1937, see here. 

(4) Mills family information - Indexes to the Victorian Births, Deaths and Marriages; Look to the Rising Sun (see Acknowledgment); Electoral Rolls on Ancestry.com; Shire of Cranbourne Rate Books; Clara Mills death notice The Age, April 3, 1920, see here. Mills murder case -  The Herald, March 22, 1945, see here; Inquest report - The Herald, May 1, 1945, see here;  The Age, July 20, 1945, see here; The Sun News Pictorial, August 17, 1945, see here.

(5) Lobb family information - Genealogy SA - https://www.genealogysa.org.au/ ;  Indexes to the Victorian Births, Deaths and Marriages; Wedding report of Joseph Lobb and Rose Burgess, Narracan Shire Advocate, July 19 1911, see here;  Joseph's First Australian Imperial Force Personnel Dossier at the National Archives of Australia; Electoral Rolls on Ancestry.com; Shire of Cranbourne Rate Books; Look to the Rising Sun (see Acknowledgment); Some of Joseph's activities in Cardinia - South Bourke & Mornington Journal, October 14, 1926, see here; Dandenong Journal, November 17, 1927, see here; Dandenong Journal, March 29, 1928, see here; Dandenong Journal, July 19, 1928, see here; The Argus, August 20, 1928, see here; Dandenong Journal, April 11, 1929, see here; Dandenong Journal, February 6, 1930, see here.

Cardinia Hall - the very early days

The Cardinia Hall was opened 100 years ago on December 17, 1924. You can read a report here. There was a function held at the hall on November 23, 2024 to celebrate the Centenary, which in spite of the very hot weather, was attended by over 120 people. Some of the locals spoke of their memories of events held at the Hall and the role it played in the local community. I also gave a short talk on the early history of the Hall which is the basis of this post. The original Trustees were Michael Conroy, Alexander Duff, George Benjamin Beazley, Ernest Gordon Mills and Joseph Gordon Lobb, and I have written about them, here.

The Cardinia Hall, taken November 23, 2024 at the Centenary Celebrations.

Image: Heather Arnold

I looked at the three Cardinia Hall files at the Public Records Office of Victoria (PROV) and I paid to have two of the files digitised, and you can look at them online - 

VPRS 242/P0000, C72699 Cardinia Hall Site Correspondence, view it here;  

VPRS 5714/P0000/14893, 496 Cardinia Hall Site Trustees, view it here; 

and VPRS 7882/P0001, 1142 Cardinia Public Hall Building files. 

My other source was Look to the Rising sun: Back to Cardinia 1984 - a history of Cardinia and District, including Rythdale and Pakenham South, by  Eileen Williams and Jewell Beard. (Published by the Back to Cardinia Committee, 1984)

As noted in Look to the Rising Sun the first hall in Cardinia was built about 1880 in Bould Road, the same road where the original Cardinia Primary school operated from 1874 until 1906. The current school opened 1911. The Bould Road Hall  building was used until 1914, when it was sold and this left the town without a hall, and thus in 1921 a public meeting was held with the view to establish a new hall. (1)

What I found from the files at the PROV was that on July 29,1921  Henry Whitmore (2) of Connewarre, Cardinia, Secretary of the Cardinia Hall wrote a letter  to the Public Works Department  - 

Sir, At a representative meeting of the residents of this district, a site on which to erect a hall, offered by C. E. Osborne, Esq. (3) was accepted. Five Trustee for the proposed hall were also appointed at the meeting their names being Mr Conroy, Mr Lobb, Mr A. Duff, Mr E.G. Mills, Mr G. Beazley....... (4)

The first page of Mr Whitmore's letter from July 29, 1921.

 Public Records Office of Victoria VPRS 242/P0000, C72699 Cardinia Hall Site Correspondence

The map that was sent to the Public Works Department  showing the proposed site of the Hall on Mr Osborne's land. 

Public Records Office of Victoria VPRS 242/P0000, C72699 Cardinia Hall Site Correspondence

However on July 6, 1921, a few weeks before Mr Whitmore's  letter, Cardinia farmer, Joseph Lobb had written a letter to the Closer Settlement Board (CSB) asking if they would raise any objection to -

me having a general store opened on a site facing Ballarto Road near the School Ground on Block 71C Homestead Moxon's Land.....or of a site being given for the purpose of erecting a Public Hall or Tennis Court. The position is one of the most suitable for the purpose that can be found in the district..... (5)

The CSB was happy for both a store and or a hall and on August 22, 1921 Joseph wrote again that -

I propose to give a site of 1/3rd or ½ an acre as may be required, adjourning the School Ground on the west and having a frontage of  66ft to Ballarto Road. He also wrote that there would be  a public meeting held on August 26 to discuss the adoption of the proposed site. (6) 

Consequently on August 31, 1921 Mr Whitmore wrote another letter to the Department of Lands and Survey telling them that it had been decided at a public meeting to build the hall on Mr Lobb’s land rather than Mr Osborne’s. Mr Whitmore had also written earlier saying that they wished to apply for moneys from the sale of the old hall. (7)

Joseph Lobb's correspondence with the Close Settlement Board.

Public Records Office of Victoria VPRS 5714/P0000/14893, 496 Cardinia Hall Site Trustees

The map sent to the Department of Lands and Survey showing the 'new' Hall site 

next to the Cardinia School.

Public Records Office of Victoria VPRS 7882/P0001, 1142 Cardinia Public Hall Building files.

The surveyed site of the Cardinia Hall drawn up by J.R. MacDonald April 26, 1924.

Public Records Office of Victoria VPRS 5714/P0000/14893, 496 Cardinia Hall Site Trustees

A year later on August 22, 1922, the hall site of 2 roods was excised from Mr Lobb’s 67 acres and sold to the Trustees for £9/16/6. (8)

Sale of the Hall site to the Trustees in August 1922

Public Records Office of Victoria VPRS 5714/P0000/14893, 496 Cardinia Hall Site Trustees

After the land was acquired the  real work started with fund raising for the new hall and as reported in Look to the Rising Sun, tenders were called in March 1924 for the erection of the hall and Mr Sykes’ tender of £496 was accepted, plus £17 for painting. (9)  The specifications of the Hall were sent to Public Health Department in June 1924 (10) and the Hall was then opened on December 17, 1924, as mentioned before.

The original plan of the Cardinia Hall, in the specifications sent to the Public Health Department, dated June 25, 1924.

Public Records Office of Victoria VPRS 7882/P0001, 1142 Cardinia Public Hall Building files.

The Supper Room was added to the Cardinia Hall in 1927.

Application to erect a supper room at the Cardinia Hall on January 15, 1927.

Public Records Office of Victoria VPRS 7882/P0001, 1142 Cardinia Public Hall Building files.

The Supper Room plan

Public Records Office of Victoria VPRS 7882/P0001, 1142 Cardinia Public Hall Building files.

1927 is where we will leave the Cardinia Hall and 100 years since it first opened in 1924 still plays a role in the  life of the Cardinia community.  To read an account of the opening ceremony from December 17, 1924, click here; to read about the five original Trustees, Michael Conroy, Alexander Duff, George Benjamin Beazley, Ernest Gordon Mills and Joseph Gordon Lobb, click here.

Footnotes

(1) Information in this paragraph from Look to the Rising sun: Back to Cardinia 1984 - a history of Cardinia and District, including Rythdale and Pakenham South, by  Eileen Williams and Jewell Beard. (Published by the Back to Cardinia Committee, 1984) and Vision and Realisation: a centenary history of State Education in Victoria, v. 3, edited by L.J. Blake.  Published by the Education Department of Victoria, 1973.

(2) Henry Francis Whitmore, Connewarre, Cardinia. His entry in the Electoral Rolls said he lived at Dalmore, with his wife Doris Margaret. Doris was the daughter of  Walter Duff (1855 - 1925) and his wife Eva Sharp. Walter was the son of the Reverend Alexander Duff - I have written about the Reverend Alexander Duff at the bottom of this post  https://kooweerupswamphistory.blogspot.com/2021/12/cardinia-tree-plantation-in-honor-of.html and thus Doris was the niece of original Trustee, Alexander Duff.  In 1927, the Electoral Rolls show they were living at Natya, which is east of Ouyen and southwest of Mildura. Henry died in 1959 aged 58 and Doris in 1973, aged 85.

(3) C. E. Osborne - the Shire of Cranbourne Rate Books list Harry and Ernest Osborne owning 423 acres, Allotments 21 to 32, Parish of Koo Wee Rup at Cardinia in 1921. Ernest Charles Osborne, the son of  James and Esther (nee Houston) Osborne died March 25, 1926 and his death notice, see below, notes that he was from Kergunyah, Cardinia, aged 52 and that his death was the result of wounds received during the War. A notice about his estate notes his occupation as a Solicitor. 

Ernest's death notice.

The Argus, March 27, 1926 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article3742355 

 Ernest Osborne's bequest

The Argus, October 21, 1926 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article3816415

The other owner of the property, would be his brother Harry Houston Osborne, listed in Ernest's will. So the only other mystery is Ernest's War service. Harry served in the Fifth Victorian Mounted Rifles in the Boer War (see here) but I can't see Ernest listed, nor is he listed at the National Archives or the Australian War Memorial. I suspect he may have enlisted in England - there is a Corporal Ernest Charles Osborne listed on Ancestry.com in the UK, World War I Service Medal and Award Rolls, 1914-1920 database, but there is no other information about him. However, in 1917 twenty-five trees were planted at the Cardinia State School, in honor of the boys of this district who have responded nobly to the country's call and one was for Ernest and he is also on the Honor Board. You can read about this here  https://kooweerupswamphistory.blogspot.com/2021/12/cardinia-tree-plantation-in-honor-of.html

(4) Public Records Office of Victoria VPRS 242/P0000, C72699 Cardinia Hall Site Correspondence

(5) Public Records Office of Victoria VPRS 5714/P0000/14893, 496 Cardinia Hall Site Trustees

(6) Ibid

(7) Public Records Office of Victoria VPRS 242/P0000, C72699 Cardinia Hall Site Correspondence

(8) Public Records Office of Victoria VPRS 5714/P0000/14893, 496 Cardinia Hall Site Trustees

(9) Look to the Rising Sun - see footnote 1.

(10) Public Records Office of Victoria VPRS 7882/P0001, 1142 Cardinia Public Hall Building files.