An Acrostic History of Koo Wee Rup Swamp

This is an eclectic look at some themes from the history of the Koo Wee Rup Swamp and the first letter of each theme spells a seasonal greeting. This was published in the December 2025 Blackfish, the Koo Wee Rup Township newsletter.  I did a previous one in 2016 for the Blackfish, read it here; and for the Garfield Spectator in 2017, read it here.

M is for Main Drain.
The Chief Engineer of the Public Works Department, William Thwaites (1853 – 1907) surveyed the Koo Wee Rup Swamp in 1887 and his report recommended the construction of the Bunyip Main Drain from where it entered the Swamp in the north, to Western Port Bay and a number of smaller side drains. A tender for works was advertised in 1889. In spite of strikes, floods and bad weather by March, 1893, the private contractors had constructed the 16 miles of the drain from the Bay to the south of Bunyip and the Public Works Department considered the Swamp was now dry enough for settlement. At one time over 500 men were employed and all the work was done by hand, using axes, shovels, mattocks and wheel barrow. It has flooded many times and, in fact, this was expected from the start as the drain was constructed with dimensions to merely facilitate the removal of flood waters and thus permit the use of land between floods. The Roads such as Five Mile Road, Seven Mile Road etc were named because they are five miles and seven miles long the Main Drain from the Bay.

Iona - looking to the south side of the Main Drain.

Image: Berwick Pakenham Historical Society 

E is for Electricity.

Electric power was first supplied in Koo Wee Rup by the Koo Wee Rup Electric Light & Power Company and the official ‘switch on’ took place on Friday, July 22, 1927. The State Electricity Commission was established in 1921 and the Koo Wee Rup Progress association had written to them and asked for the current to be installed here. As a result, an officer of the commission was sent to make a report, and after investigations it was learned that they had very little chance of getting electricity. However, the officer said, “Why not get one of your own.” They were supplied with all the details and the Koo Wee Rup Electric Light & Power company was formed. Dave Mickle, the man in charge of the power house and who was later a local historian, wrote that Initially the supply of single phase 230-460 V electricity was available daily from 4.00pm until midnight, except that on Tuesday the start was 2.00pm. That was because at that time, housewives’ routine was washing Monday and ironing Tuesday. Later, the power was also available between 6.00am and 8.00am. Continuous S.E.C power was switched on in Koo Wee Rup on August 1, 1935 from a line which came across from Tynong, via Cora Lynn.

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

Image: Koo Wee Rup Swamp Historical Society

R is for Royal Automobile Club of Victoria (RACV)

Tooradin was the birthplace of the Royal Automobile Club of Victoria in 1903. Susan Priestley, in her book The Crown of the road: the story of the RACV, tells us of the formation of the RACV - On a fine weekend late in September 1903, a dozen of Melbourne's more prominent wheelmen, who were also proud owners of the new motorized cycles, took their machines on a very pleasant outing to the flat reaches of Tooradin on Westernport Bay...The outing was reported in the Australian Cyclist... and the next issue of the journal featured a prominent article on the very singular lack of a motor club in Melbourne. The writer of the article was probably Sydney Day, described by Mrs Priestley as a printer by trade but a cyclist and cycling writer at heart. Mrs Priestley says that he was one of the three like-minded friends who claimed to have hatched plans for a motoring club while on that trip to Tooradin. The other members of the trio were James Coleman (manager of a Cycle business) and Henry (Harry) Barton James, advertising manager of Dunlop Pneumatic Tyre Company.

R is for Roads
The Western Port Road started at Dandenong and traversed the old Shire of Cranbourne from Cranbourne to Tooradin to Tobin Yallock (the original Lang Lang township). This section is now known as the South Gippsland Highway. There was a report on the state of the Western Port Road in the Leader newspaper of September 19, 1874.
A coach (Cobb's) leaves the Star Hotel from Dandenong every morning in week days. There is a very good metalled road from thence to the flourishing post town of Cranbourne - 9 miles - but the remainder of the road from the latter place here is simply execrable. Some portions of it are even worse than execrable, for they are, in this season of the year, and the three months just passed, absolutely dangerous, and do anything but credit to the road surveyor's department. After leaving Cranbourne, there is a couple or three miles of fairly metalled road, but after that (and this passage I pen for the especial benefit of the above department) come the counterparts of the Great Dismal Swamp, and the Valley of the Shadow of Death. One spot in particular, called Frenchman's Hole, or Flat-bottomed Creek, is highly dangerous to a stranger. The mails are carried over this beautiful spot twice a week, on horseback, and no doubt the man who carries them could give a much more graphic account of this picturesque route than myself. Be that as it may, the traffic on it is much on the increase, and I consider it shameful neglect on the part of the post-office authorities not to organise a better system of mail delivery for this district; and the sooner they let us have three deliveries a week instead of two the better for our convenience and their reputation.

Frenchman’s Hole was near Lang Lang and according to Dr Niel Gunson, the local historian, a Frenchman had tried to cross the two miles of the flat land but he disappeared down a hole, covered with water and only his hat was ever discovered or so the legend goes.

Y is for Youngsters – that is Babies
The Victorian Baby Health Centres Association was established in 1918 and Health Centres were established all over Victoria. The first Centres in this area were Garfield and Bunyip, both operating by 1936; Lang Lang was opened by 1938 and Koo Wee Rup in 1946. The annual report of the Victorian Baby Health Centres Association for 1946/1947 had the following statistics for Cranbourne and Koo Wee Rup - they both had about the same number of individual babies treated (40 for Cranbourne and 42 for Koo Wee Rup) and yet Cranbourne's total baby attendance was 586 and Koo Wee Rup's was 276. Thus Cranbourne mothers had an average of 14 visits per baby compared to Koo Wee Rup's 6 per baby - it's hard to know why - were Cranbourne babies more sickly or did more of the mothers live in the town and not on farms and it was easier to attend or did the Infant Welfare Centre Sister encourage more visits? Baby Health Centres were a valuable and free service for mothers where they received professional advice and information about looking after their babies.

C is for Cheese and Milk Factories
By 1895 there were 174 factories and 284 creameries in Victoria, including a number in the Koo Wee Rup Swamp area. Up until the 1930s the area could sustain several factories for a number of reasons. Firstly, dairy cattle numbers were at their peak in the 1920; it is estimated that the Koo Wee Rup Swamp had 12,000 dairy cattle at this time. Secondly, most farmers were still using horse and cart for transport, so local factories were necessary. Lastly, the factories had slightly different purposes. For instance, whole milk was received at Iona and Cora Lynn, whilst farms with a separator could deposit cream at Drouin, Lang Lang or Bayles. At Iona, a Creamery run by the Fresh Food and Frozen Storage Company, was opened in 1897 and by 1900 it had 50 suppliers. The Creamery operated until around 1907. In 1906, the Drouin Co-Operative Butter Factory (D.C.B.F.) established a factory in Iona on the corner of Little Road and the Main Drain. It closed in October 1928 and was demolished in 1930. The Cora Lynn Cheese factory opened in November 1911. The factory was remodelled and extended in 1932, partially to compensate for Iona closing down; in that year the factory had around 500 regular suppliers. It was closed in the late 1940s/early 1950s. The D.C.B.F took over the Bayles Butter Factory in 1944, which had been established in 1922. It was re-built and enlarged in 1966 and operated until January 1980. Yallock Southern Creamery, which was situated on the corner of the Yallock Creek and the No.5 Yallock Drain Road (which was thus also known as Creamery Road) opened in 1897, closed in 1898, re-opened 1899 and eventually sold to the owners of the Lang Lang Butter Factory. A Yannathan Butter Factory was established in the early 1900s and was purchased by Ivan Stedman at the same he purchased the Lang Lang Factory. The plants from both factories were dismantled and re-assembled at Lang Lang. Factory Road, off Heads Road, is all that is left to remind us of the Yannathan Butter Factory.

Bayles Milk Factory, 1943.

Image: Bayles Fauna Reserve collection.

H is for Hares
William Lyall (1821-1888), the owner of Harewood, on the South Gippsland Highway at Koo Wee Rup was an enthusiastic member of the Acclimatisation Society which was established in Victoria on February 25, 1861. The object of this Society was the introduction, acclimatisation, and domestication of all innoxious animals, birds, fishes insects, and vegetables, whether useful or ornamental ; the perfection, propagation and hybridisation of races newly introduced or already domesticated;  the spread of indigenous animals, &c. from parts of the colonies where they are already known, to other localities where they are not known.

William Lyall introduced many species to his property, Harewood, including deer, partridges, pheasants and hares. There was a thread of letters to the editor of The Argus in August 1873, about the last mentioned animal, the hare, and who was first responsible for its introduction to Victoria - the Acclimatisation Society or William Lyall. This is the letter from William Lyall on the subject, published on August 22, 1873 -

"Honour to whom Honour is due" Sir, - Referring to Mr. Godfrey's letter in this day's Argus, I beg to say that I imported hares, pheasants, and partridges long before the Acclimatisation Society had an existence, and that the county of Mornington and a great part of the Western district of this colony are stocked with hares from Harewood.

In fact, so proud was the Lyall family of introducing the hare to Victoria that William's daughter, Margaret, wrote to The Argus in June 1937, 64 years after her father did, also noting the Lyall role in this matter -
Sir, - In her letter on "Horsemen and Hounds" in 'The Argus" of Saturday, June 12, Mrs M. L. Drought is mistaken in thinking that Mr Godfrey was the first to bring hares into Victoria as my father, the late William Lyall released hares on his property at Western Port in the year 1858. Mr Lyall was also a member of the Victorian Acclimatisation Society. The station property was named Harewood from that date. Yours &c, Margaret M. Timms, Warragul, June 14.

William Lyall 

Image: Gunson, Niel The Good Country: Cranbourne Shire (Cheshire, 1968)

R is for Racehorse - In the 1860s and 1870s there was a racehorse named Koo-wee-rup, owned initially by Dr Leslie Ogilby Patterson of St Kilda. Here are some reports of his races. Koo-wee-rup, was entered in the Maiden Plate on the first day of the Victoria Racing Club’s Spring Meeting, in November 1868. A report of the race described Koo-wee-rup, like the majority of Touchstone’s progeny, appeared small and weedy. In the end, Palmerston won the race with Koo-wee-rup, who threw his rider directly the flag fell, bringing up the rear.

In March 1869, Koo-wee-rup was entered in the Helter Skelter Stakes of the Victorian Racing Club’s Autumn Meeting, which he won in a canter by half a dozen lengths. The horse was then sold to Mr Clarke for £41. Mr Clarke entered Koo-wee-rup in the District Plate in the Woodstock Races in May 1869, which he won. In November 1870, Koo-wee-rup was entered in the Footscray Plate on Derby Day. His Royal Highness, The Duke of Edinburgh (Queen Victoria’s son) was in attendance on the day. Koo-wee-rup came in second. In late November 1871 at the Ballarat Turf Club Spring meeting Koo-wee-rup was one of five starters in the Scurry Stakes, which he won with ease. However he was later disqualified, as being underweight as his jockey was found to be 4 pounds underweight at the after-race weigh-in

The final mention I could find of Koo-wee-rup was at the Croxton Park Race meeting on Boxing Day, 1871. The horse was entered in the Selling race, where he didn't place, and later at the same meeting entered in the Flying Handicap, a one mile race. Six of the ten horses that entered the race started, with Koo-wee-rup a favourite. He started well, but had a fall and broke his leg, so it was a sad end for our racehorse.

I is for Italian Prisoner of War Camp.
This camp opened on October 21, 1944. It was located on Main Drain Road, near the corner of Backhouses Road. The actual Camp was only 7¼ acres and it was leased from Leslie Einseidel for just over £10 per annum and he could still use the rest of the farm for cattle grazing. The camp had one officer and ten ‘other ranks’ and 88 POWs, including one who was a medical orderly. There were three sleeping huts, two kitchen buildings, two of which doubled as a mess room; a separate mess room; a store room and two buildings housing latrines. For transport, there was a one ton van and two 30cwt trucks to transport prisoners to and from work.

The Prisoners were employed by the Department of Commerce and Agriculture and they were paid 1/3d per day, plus they were provided with all equipment, blankets, clothing, food etc. The prisoners came from the Murchison Camp and had a medical and dental examination before they were ‘allotted’ to local farmers to provide labour. Local contractors would provide perishable foodstuffs and appropriate arrangements were made with the local church authorities for the spiritual welfare of prisoners. Most other arrangements e.g. financial appear to have been dealt with at Murchison. In February 1946 the camp was dismantled and the buildings sold.

S is for Snakes. Two snake tales -
From the Koo Wee Rup Sun of February 5, 1931 - Mr M. Murton, while engaged on Mr W. Goble's farm, Kooweerup, last Thursday felt a sharp sting on the arm, but went on with his task. Later he found his arm beginning to swell and punctures from a snake bite were found. Immediately a ligature was applied and the usual measures taken to counteract the poison, after which he was conveyed to the surgery of Dr. Hewitt. Mr Murton quickly recovered from the effect of the bite.

From The Argus of March18, 1933 - Koo Wee Rup - For several weeks a resident of the district has found that bread left in a box outside his house by the baker has been nibbled and he has blamed mice for it. But when a tramp was passing the box today he saw the tail of a snake protruding from it. He crept towards the box and found that the snake was eating the bread. He killed the snake.

T is for Trains
The Great Southern Railway line commenced construction on January 2, 1887 and was opened to Korumburra on June 2, 1891, and by January 13, 1892 went all the way to Port Albert. The section from Dandenong to Tooradin was relatively easy and was officially opened to the public on October 1, 1888. The stations in this section were at Lyndhurst, Cranbourne, Clyde and Tooradin. The Koo Wee Rup Swamp proved to be impediment to the building of the line. The excavation of the Main Drain to drain the Swamp did not start until 1889 and was not completed until 1893, so the rail contractors were essentially working in an undrained swamp. As noted by Railway historian, Keith Bowden at Koo Wee Rup - four separate bridges were necessary in every mile of embankment to allow for the escape of swamp and flood waters. Each of these bridges was one hundred yards long and contained seventy-two piles. To get timber to this site Falkingham [the contractor] tried bullocks but they sank almost out of sight in the mud....he was then forced to proceed very slowly, carrying his bridge timbers on his locomotive along approach embankments, and so build each bridge as he came to the site. It was impossible to build bridges in advance. The bridge crossing the main drain in the swamp had 137 eleven-foot openings, to allow for the escape of heavy flood waters. The Stations from Tooradin on the Koo Wee Rup Swamp were Dalmore, Koo Wee Rup, Monomeith, Caldermeade and Lang Lang.

Falkingham began carrying passengers between Tooradin and Koo Wee Rup on August 19, 1889. In February 1890, the service to Lang Lang was established. The South Gippsland Railway line now stops at Cranbourne, after services ceased in the 1990s.

A trestle bridge over the Koo Wee Rup Swamp

Image: The Great Southern Railway: the illustrated history of the building of the line in South Gippsland  by Keith Macrae Bowden (Australian Railway Historical Association, 1970)

 
M is for Mechanics’ Institute.
The public hall opened in Koo Wee Rup on April 8, 1903. It was located between the Presbyterian Church and the Historical Society in Rossiter Road. In 1912 the Hall became a Mechanics’ Institute in order for it to access government grants. In the nineteenth century the term ‘mechanic’ meant artisan or working man. Mechanics’ Institutes generally had a library, and may have offered lectures, discussions or classes. Bayles was another local town which had a Mechanics’ Institute. This was located in the Bayles Hall which had been re-located from Yallock and officially opened in January 1932. The Tooradin Mechanics' Institute was built in 1882, burnt down in 1937 and the existing Hall was opened in 1938. The old Cora Lynn hall was also originally a Mechanics’ Institute.

The Koo Wee Rup hall was of weather board and it was extended in 1919. The brick front and other rooms were added in 1925 and it was renamed the Memorial Hall to honour the First World War soldiers. The Hall was demolished in 2002 and plaque on the fence marks its location.

The Koo Wee Rup Hall, c. 1920

Koo Wee Rup Swamp Historical Society image

A is for Asparagus.

Over ninety percent of Australian asparagus is grown on the Koo Wee Rup Swamp. The first commercial grower in Victoria was Thomas Roxburgh, at his farm Cheriton Park, on the corner of Fallon Road and Simpson Road at Vervale. The farm was locally known as Roxburgh Park and was 350 acres. Thomas Roxburgh did not personally work on the farm, he employed a farm manager and by 1927 it was reported he had planted 100 acres of asparagus, and his farm was one of the most lucrative farms on the Kooweerup Swamp area, as a ready sale is found for the product at £1 per box. The rich, peaty soil is particularly adapted for the production of the plant, which grows to perfection. By 1932, the farm had 120 acres under asparagus and in the cutting season 20 to 25 men are employed every day. Most of the asparagus was canned by either the Gartside cannery at Dingley or the Rosella Preserving Company or A.J.C. (Australasian Jam Company).

During the Second World War, the Roxburgh farm had the Australian Women’s Land Army women working on the property, as well as some of the men from the Italian Prisoner of War camp. Cheriton Park was sold in 1947 to A.J.C and by that time it had 125 acres of asparagus under production.

S is for Stormy Weather.
From The Age, May 12, 1928 - Cyclone at Bayles. Roof carried half a mile. Butter Factory workers terrified. At 12.30 p.m. today some men working in a butter and cheese factory owned by Sage and Co. Pty. Ltd, Melbourne, heard an extraordinary noise, which appeared to be caused by a sudden roar of wind, ending in a thunderclap. They rushed out of the factory, and as they did so the roof seemed to be lifted bodily and was swept away at a terrific speed. Later on the greater portion of the tin roof, measuring 60 feet by 20 feet, was found half a mile away. The cyclone was awe inspiring, and struck terror into the hearts of those who witnessed it. The men working in the factory were not injured, and after finding out where the rest of the roof had landed they returned to work. The machinery was not damaged. The weather had been fine up to the time of the cyclone, but after that it rained heavily.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Yannathan State School Reunion 1964

This is an account of a reunion, held on November 28, 1964,  of pupils who attended Yannathan State School, No. 2422.  It is an interesting list of names and surprisingly for the time includes the women's maiden names and married names and, as it also has a few snippets of Yannathan history, it is a valuable source of family and local history. The article was published in the Koo Wee Rup Sun of December 2, 1964 and has been transcribed, below.

The Yannathan State School reunion, 1964.

Koo Wee Rup Sun, December 2, 1964. p. 1.

Big crowd enjoy reunion at Yannathan

Every pioneer family who selected land in the Yannathan area was represented by one or more of their children at a get-together of ex-pupils at the at the Yannathan State School last Saturday afternoon.

The re-union was held for pupils who had attended the school in the 1900 to 1914 period. Over 150 former pupils and friends attended the occasion coming from many areas as far away as N.S.W.

The oldest scholar was Mr Joe Smethurst of Melbourne who is 84 and attended the school 77 years ago.

Original school buildings

The school building was built 88 years ago in 1876 and except for a few new windows the present school is the original building. It was originally built near the site of the present Yannathan store and moved to its present site about 1890.

Beautifully cut, trim lawns and gardens provided a delightful setting for the occasion. The school and grounds had been prepared by the head teacher, Mr Palmer, assisted by Peter Aldrick.

After the picnic lunch, old pupils who had not seen each other for years swapped yarns and recalled incidences from their old school days at Yannathan. So busy were the old friends chatting together that there was hardly time for any formal speeches, however a former pupil, Mr Norman Ridgway of Yea, moved a vote of thanks to the organisers on behalf of all the visitors. This was seconded by Mr Harry Smethurst of Athlone.

Old timers recalled how pupils came many miles to attend the Yannathan School, some walking from Bayles and Yallock, while others rode ponies from Monomeith and Caldermeade. In its hey day there were 62 pupils on the roll at the school and many at the re-union expressed amazement at how they ever fitted into the tiny school.

Her father opened the first Yannathan store

One of the ex-pupils at the afternoon was Mrs Liddle of East Malvern, formerly Vida Nelson, whose father, the late William Nelson, opened the first general store in Yannathan in the 1870s, on the site where the present store stands today.

The first mail run

Another visitor, Mr Norman Ridgway of Yea is the brother of Walter Ridgway who delivered the first mail run in the Yannathan district. Travelling by horse and jinker the mail came from Monomeith to the Yannathan Post Office and onto Heath Hill.

Another old timer at the re-union was Mrs Willis of Oakleigh, formerly Annie Smethurst, aged 79. The youngest pupil at the afternoon was Mrs Howlett of Glenroy, formerly Crissie McKay. The oldest mother at the gathering was 86 year old Mrs Mark Ridgway of Frankston who was presented with a gift by Mr Norman Ridgway. To conclude the re-union afternoon tea was provided by the Yannathan Mothers Club, followed by the singing of Old Lang Syne.

Amongst old scholars present were: Elsie Anderson (Mrs Stewart, Sandringham); Annie Orchard (Mrs Bateson, Archies Creek); George Beer (Blackburn); Ted Cozens (Monomeith); Millie Casey (Mrs Chandler, Dandenong); Bert Coates (Mathoura, N.S.W); Eardley Coates (Koo Wee Rup); Jessie Coates (Mrs Wadsley, Koo Wee Rup); Ruth Carson (Mrs Clarke, Templestowe); Dorothy Carson (Mrs Adeney, Sandingham); Les Edey (Yarram); Claude Einsiedel (Koo Wee Rup); Vic Lineham (Deniliquin); Ruby Lineham (Yannathan); Elsie McCraw (Mrs Greaves, Croydon); Gladys McCraw (Mrs Greaves, Kyabram); Ethel McKay (Mrs Wilson, Box Hill); Maggie McKay (Mrs Bowman, Glen Alvie); Myrtle McKay (Mrs Grayson, Ashburton); Pearl McKay (Mrs Trewin, Archies Creek); Chrissie McKay (Mrs Howlett, Glenroy); Claude McKay (Glen Alvie); Edie Matthews (Mrs E. Dwyer, Koo Wee Rup); Frank McCraw (Yannathan); Dorothy McLeod (Mrs Head, Yannathan);  Harry Hawkins (Warragul); Jessie Hawkins (Mrs Collins, Warragul); Marjorie Hawkins (Mrs Rhodes, Warragul); Maud Leeson (Mrs Crispin, Kew); Alf Leeson (Lang Lang); Ted Leeson (Longwarry); John Orchard (Inverloch); Rich Orchard (Almurta); Dave Orchard (Glen Alvie); Mavis Patullo (Mrs M.McCraw, Yannathan); Silvia Patullo (Mrs Greaves, Bairnsdale); Norman Ridgway (Yea); Vera Ridgway (Frankston); Tom Hatty (Yannathan); Ruby Stephens (Mrs Thompson, Bayles); Vida Nelson (Mrs Liddle, East Malvern); Joe Smethurst (Melbourne); Annie Smethurst (Mrs Willis, Oakleigh); Herb Smethurst (Blackburn); Harry Smethurst (Athlone); Myrtle Smethurst (Caulfield); Clarrie Smethurst (Mlebourne); Nita Smethurst (Mrs Gardiner, Mooroolbark); Jessie Wright (Mrs Luke, Mornington); Nellie Wright (Mrs McFadgen, Moorabbin); Alice Wright (Mrs Pither, McKinnon); George Wright (Shepparton East); Arthur Wright (Shepparton East); Dick Wakenshaw (Cora Lynn).

This first appeared on my work blog, Casey Cardinia Links to our Past.

Christmas Celebrations in the 1940s from the Bunyip and Garfield Express

The Bunyip and Garfield Express from 1938 to 1948 is now digitised on Trove, thanks to the effort and sponsorship of the Bunyip Historical Society. The following are reports from this paper about local Christmas celebrations, including a report of the result of a Christmas raffle, with what are now rather unusual prizes. I compiled this for the December 2025 issue of the Garfield Spectator.

Christmas 1944 at Tynong North
On 20th December a break-up concert was given by the pupils, and was greatly enjoyed by the large crowd that attended. A novel touch was put to the evening when Father Xmas made his entrance, and really did come down the chimney. A lot of work had been put into making a special chimney by one of the parents. There was great excitement among the children when he rang a bullock bell, so everyone would know of his arrival. But as he took so long to put in an appearance, Mr Sheldon, the head teacher, had to go to his assistance and found 'Santa' had got hooked up by the beard.

The children were delighted by the nice books, hankys and sweets, which Father Christmas handed to them off the beautiful decorated Xmas tree. Further excitement was in store when an enormous plum pudding was cut, and each child found a threepence in their slice. Two very nice books were presented from the teacher to Betty Abreheart and Ron Cooper for good conduct during the past four years. A most enjoyable evening came to a close, when the ladies of the committee served soft drinks, sandwiches and cakes. 

(Bunyip and Garfield Express, January 19, 1945, see here)  

Christmas 1945 at Bunyip
There was a pre-war atmosphere surrounding the Christmas Party arranged by the Bunyip Mothers' Club in the hall on December 18th, and the children had a wonderful time. Miss Lennox's pupils presented a delightful little programme, one of its charms being the complete unselfconsciousness of the young performers. "Jingle Bells" was the signal for the eagerly awaited arrival of Father Christmas, who was soon surrounded by little ones anxious to make known their wishes, many of which were realised later in the evening.

The Christmas Tree in the centre of the hall, with its branches laden with treasures was, of course, the centre of attraction, and when Father Christmas distributed the attractive gifts the children's joy was complete. Pre-school toddlers were not forgotten, and each received a present from the magic branches. There were gifts, also for the teachers, Misses Lennox, Robertson and Mr. C. J. Rootsey.

In acknowledgment of her active leadership Mrs. Hemming, president of the club, was presented with a gift of Carlton ware from her fellow members - a tribute well merited. Mr. Rootsey expressed sincere appreciation of the excellent service rendered by the 'Mothers' Club to the school. Their support was invaluable. He also thanked the members of the school committee for their keen interest in its welfare. Mr. Else was retiring after 18 years unselfish service and he thought that must constitute a record hard to beat. He wished one and all the compliments of the season.

Merit certificates were afterwards presented to the successful scholars by Mrs. Hemming amidst applause – Yvonne Chapman, Reg Caudrey and Ken Russell. Awards books provided by the Mothers' Club were also handed to the following scholars, head of their respective grades: 8th Grade, Ken Russell; 7th grade, David Rootsey; 6th, Betty Jackson; 5th, Shirley Brown; 4th, Valerie Jones; 3rd, Mina Johnson; 2nd, Ron Ruff; 1st, Francis Rye.

The children afterwards sat down to a bountiful supper, with all manner of dainties, on the prettily decorated tables. Sweeps wrapped in cellophane were handed to each child as they left the tables. Supper was also provided for adults, a big undertaking, but there were still cakes for sale at the close of the evening. Altogether it was a very festive 
gathering and one that should bring back very happy recollections for many years to come. 

(Bunyip and Garfield Express, January 11, 1946, see here)

Raffle results in aid of the Presbytery ay Iona.

Bunyip and Garfield Express, January 11, 1946 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article282205103

 
Christmas 1945 at Iona
Results of Iona Competition for Christmas. Following list contains the prize winners in the Christmas hamper competition in aid of Presbytery building fund lona, (1) Christmas Ham, J. Savage, jnr., Kooweerup; (2) Fat Lamb, Gerdne Schmutter, Kooweerup; (3) 10 lbs. Coffee, N. Phayer, Bunyip; (4) Side of Lamb, Pauline O'Connor, Cora Lynn; (5) Bag of Sugar, M. Fitzgerald, lona; (6) Pair of Roosters, Mrs. Frost, Kerr St., Fitzroy (7) Pair Drakelings, Mary Cunningham, Nar Nar Goon; (8) Fat Lamb, Pat. Ruston, Kooweerup; (9) Christmas Cake, Mrs. A. Fahey, Cora Lynn; (10) Pair Drakelings, Kevin Reidy, Tynong; (11) 10lb Kraft Cheese, Mrs.Grantley, Kooweerup; (12) Pair of Roosters, Mrs. W. Barnes, Garfield; (13) Goose, Mr. A. Pisa, Bunyip; (14) 2 Canteen Orders, Mrs. M. Whelan, Garfield; (15) 6 tins Assorted Fruit, S. M. Breheny, lona; (16) 6 tins Jam, Mr. F. Clancy, Bunyip; (17) Christmas Cake, Mrs. E. Dwyer, Catani; (18) Bag of Flour, Maureen Shade, Cora Lynn.

(Bunyip and Garfield Express, January 11, 1946, see here) 

Christmas 1945 at Tynong
Christmas Festivities. The Children spent a very merry time at the Christmas party, which featured a very decorative tree, adorned with fascinating gifts. A very bright concert, organised by Mrs. Stidwell and Mrs. Taylor preceded the distribution of presents by Santa Claus to some 80 juveniles. Gifts were also presented to Mr. McLenehan, Miss Cunningham, Mrs. Taylor and Mrs. Stidwell. 

Merit certificates were won by Pat McLean and Ron Whilk, while prizes for Dux of school went to Ian Parker and Pat McLean. Terry Bennet won the prize for best attendance among the boys, while Margaret Ryan, Nola Mosley and Judith McLenehan tied for the same honor in the girls. Best writer was Roma Regnier and best speller Ron Whilks, while Tony Fitzgerald was the most improved scholar.

The supper was a gay affair, all children donning caps, and the table was laden with choice dainties, decorations being green fern and red balloons. The happy function, over which Mr. Riches presided, was a credit to the Mothers' Club, and a real joy to the children. 
(Bunyip and Garfield Express, January 18, 1946, see here)

Christmas 1946 at Iona
Christmas Night Dance at Iona – There was an excellent attendance at the Christmas night dance in Columba Hall, Iona, and a very friendly and care-free atmosphere prevailed. The music was very good and the floor in great order. Miss Beryl Heyfron, of Garfield, proved the most popular girl and received an attractive silver comport. Miss Peggy Kavanagh was a close second. Miss Heyfron and Ray Maybury were the winners of the Monte Carlo. Mr. J. Fallon and Mrs. W. Fallon were the leading players when the euchre tournament ended. The ladies provided a wonderful supper and the annual dance was freely conceded to be the most sociable and successful yet held. The proceeds were entirely satisfactory as a profit of £37/1/- resulted.
(Bunyip and Garfield Express, January 10, 1947, see here) 

Christmas 1947 at Garfield
Garfield State School Christmas Treat - On Wednesday afternoon, Dec. 17th a splendid afternoon treat was prepared, and carried out by the Mother's Club. Although the afternoon was very hot and sultry, it did not stop any of the fun. Under a big tree, trestle tables were put up, and drinks and ice cream were served by an energetic band of workers. There seemed to be an unlimited quantity of these much loved commodities, and mothers and children alike were treated well.

The highlight of the afternoon was the arrival of Father Christmas in a horse drawn decorated float! As he came into view the children cheered loudly, and were highly excited. They all behaved well though, and looked as brown as berries most of them, and were really a beautiful band of children. The first gifts to be distributed by Father Christmas were trumpets and little hats, and in less than three minutes the air was filled with a din such as the Garfield school grounds have not heard for many years. Everyone was friendly and happy; mothers and tiny tots with big eyes, seeing life for the first time.

A vote of thanks was passed to Father Christmas, by the Head Master, Mr. C. Fisher, after Santa had performed the big task of presenting every child present with a gift from the well laden Christmas Tree. It was a wonderful afternoon, and reflects great credit on Garfield's Mothers' Club, and all who were present.
(Bunyip and Garfield Express, December 26, 1947, see here)  

Christmas 1947 at Garfield
Rain restricted activities at the Garfield Christmas Eve Carnival, but it was a good natured and happy crowd that thronged the streets in the evening. Before the shops opened on the morning of Christmas eve, the main street was decorated with the branches of gum leaves, and so early the whole town presented a festive appearance. The greenery was brought in by Messrs. J. Jolly and J. Tutton – a voluntary effort much appreciated by the local townspeople.

At night the main street was lit up with colored electric lights in festoons across the street, and the crowd passing to and fro along the street, reminded many of Bourke street on the old Friday night. Although no band turned up, a piano was playing merry tunes under the shelter of a verandah in the street while Mr. Kendall played popular numbers on his accordion.

The best decorated bicycle competition, judged by Mr. Shreeve, was won by Margaret Scealy. The raffia shopping basket, made and decorated by Mr. W. Walker, of Garfield, was won by Mrs. Edney.
(Bunyip and Garfield Express,  January 16, 1948, see here) 

RAAF Plane damaged in forced landing at Iona

On April 27, 1934 a Royal Australian Air Force Moth was damaged after a forced landing in a paddock at Iona. The pilot Squadron-Leader E. Daley and the observer Flight-Lieutenant J. Swift escaped injury. Here are some reports of the incident.

Caption:  A picture of the Royal Australian Air Force Moth, showing the damage which occurred when it made a forced descent in a paddock at lona, Gippsland, yesterday afternoon. It was going to Lake Reeve to assist in salvaging the seaplane which made a forced landing there recently. The occupants were unhurt.

The Herald, April 27, 1934 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article243253316

The Argus newspaper of April 27, 1934 had the following report -
'Plane Damaged in Forced Landing. Air force Men Escape - One wing and the undercarriage were damaged, and the propeller was smashed, when a Moth aeroplane made a forced landing in a paddock about half a mile from the Iona post-office, at 11.30 a.m. yesterday. The pilot (Squadron-Leader Daley) and the observer (Flight-Lieutenant Swift) escaped injury. The aeroplane was being flown from Point Cooke to Seaspray, where a seaplane was damaged a fortnight ago, when the pilot lost his bearings in the clouds, and decided to land in the paddock. Two aeroplanes from Point Cooke later took the pilot and his companion back to Point Cooke, but the damaged machine will not be carried in for repairs until to-day. (The Argus, April 27, 1934 see here)

The Sun News-Pictorial of April 27, 1934 published this report -
Plane lands in Paddock. Damage To Air Force Machine. Occupants Unhurt - Royal Air Force Moth was damaged yesterday afternoon when it made a forced landing through engine trouble in a ploughed paddock at Iona, Gippsland. Two officers in the plane escaped injury. The plane was on its way to Lake Reeve, Gippsland Lakes, to assist in the salvaging of the seaplane that made a forced landing in the lake and contained Squadron-Leader Daley and Flight-Lieutenant Swift. The two airmen were brought back to Point Cook in two planes sent to the scene of the mishap. A motor tender reached the plane last night, which will be dismantled and brought back to Point Cook. (Sun News-Pictorial, April 27, 1934 see here)

Caption: Dismantled at Iona, Gippsland, where it made a forced landing on Thursday, this R.A.A.F. Moth plane was taken back to Point Cook by a motor tender yesterday. The photograph was taken at Dandenong.

The Sun News-Pictorial, April 28, 1934 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article276359452 

The incident was also reported in interstate newspapers and some of these had extra information, not published in the Victorian papers, such as this report from the Brisbane Courier Mail -

Plane crashes in Fog. Air Force Pilots' Escape - An R.A.A.F. Moth 'plane, from the Point Cook Training School, made a forced landing in a heavy fog in a ploughed field at Iona, near Bunyip, Gippsland, to-day. The 'plane was badly damaged, but the two pilots, Squadron-Leader E. Daly and Flight Lieutenant J. Swift, were not hurt. According to eye-witnesses, the machine seemed to circle around as if the pilots were looking for a landing ground. Suddenly the 'plane dived to the ground and crashed with a terrific roar, in a rough paddock. The propeller was smashed, the lower wing was crumpled, and the undercarriage was completely wrecked. A light tender was sent from Point Cook to transport the damaged machine back to the aerodrome. The machine was on its way to Lake Reeve, near Sale, where the crew of the Southampton supermarine flying boat, which was forced down a fortnight ago, has dismantled it for transport to Point Cook. (Brisbane Courier Mail, April 27, 1934, see here)

Who were the two pilots involved in the incident? 

Squadron-Leader E. Daley was possibly Edward Alfred Daley, born January 23, 1901, enlisted July 1928, retired in 1961 with the rank of Air Commander. His file at the National Archives of Australia is not digitised but there is a summary of his service here. 

I believe Flight-Lieutenant J. Swift was John Joseph Swift, born in England on March 24, 1885, enlisted in the RAAF in July 1921, became a Flight-Lieutenant in July 1928, rose to the rank of Wing Commander and retired from the RAAF in 1946. You can read his service file at the National Archives of Australia, here. 

I found 14 reports of the incident all up - four of them, as referenced above in the Victorian newspapers; eight from Queensland newspapers - the one from the Brisbane Courier Mail is transcribed above and  the following seven articles  - Cairns Post, April 27, 1934, see here; Mackay Daily Mercury, April 27, 1934, see here; Rockhampton Morning Bulletin, April 27, 1934, see here; Charters Towers Northern Miner, April 27, 1934, see here; Townsville Daily Bulletin, April 27, 1934, see here; Bundaberg Daily News and Mail, April 27, 1934, see here; Ipswich Queensland Times, April 27, 1934, see here. There were two reports in the New South Wales papers -  Sydney Daily Telegraph, April 27, 1934, see here; Murwillumbah Tweed Daily, April 27, 1934, see here.

Stormy Weather

Here are some reports, from one hundred or so years ago, of fierce storms on the Koo Wee Rup Swamp and surrounding Shire of Berwick and Shire of Cranbourne

Longwarry and Yannathan - February 1885
A very heavy storm is reported to have passed over Longwarry, Yannathan and Poowong on Tuesday last. The afternoon train from Melbourne caught the full force of the storm shortly after leaving Longwarry, the rain descending by the bucket. The guard of the train states that he never before saw such heavy rain, which he thought would break in the top of the van. It is said that seven inches fell in twenty minutes, but this statement is very doubtful. Some idea may however be imagined of the downpour when we state that the rails were several inches under water in less than half an hour.
(Warragul Guardian, February 19, 1885, see here)

Pakenham - October 1892
Tuesday's storm in the country. A hurricane storm passed over the township on Tuesday, and residents here of 40 years' standing never remember such a storm. Fences were laid flat, and trees by the hundreds were broken and uprooted in all directions. Many houses were damaged by the roofs being blown off. Great anxiety was felt for Robertson's Gembrook coach. Happily the driver and horses returned after having an exceedingly rough trip, and it was a miracle that they escaped from the falling timber.
(The Argus, October 13, 1892, see here)

Berwick - September 1898
A terrific storm. Damage by wind, hail and lightning. One of the severest storms experienced for years passed over the colony on Saturday, and left wreckage in its track from Portland to Gabo Island.... Forty-four points of rain were registered in the city, but in some of the country districts the downpour was much heavier. At Berwick 118 points fell. Vivid lightning, with loud thunder, accompanied the downpour, and although in the city the lightning had no very serious effect, houses were damaged and many trees were splintered. At the telegraph office, according to the statements of some of the employes, a blinding flash of lightning travelled from one end of the room to the other, almost paralysing one of the messengers with fear, and setting the switch board rattling like the noise of exploding crackers. The office was immediately "cut off" and no business could be done for nearly an hour.
(The Age, September 19, 1898 see here)

Pakenham - January 1902
Remarkable Dust storm. The whole State affected. Damage to property.  The heavy gale which raged throughout Tuesday night swept over the greater part of the state, and caused considerable damage in many places, principally in the unroofing of houses, blowing down of light buildings, and the destruction of orchards and gardens. The dust-storms were the worst experienced for a very long time, and extraordinary effects are reported from various places in the country. At Pakenham - The orchards suffered very severely. At Toomuc Valley orchard and also at Mr. Hatfield's, the ground is covered with fruit. It is estimated there are 2,000 to 3,000 cases of fruit blown off the trees at these orchards alone. It will be a total loss.
(The Argus, January 23, 1902, see here)

Pakenham - February 1903
The weather last week was very unseasonable, and terminated on Saturday in a violent n.w. hurricane, carrying clouds of dust, and finally a welcome downpour of muddy rain fell, registering 90 points.
(South Bourke & Mornington Journal, February 18, 1903, see here)

Gembrook - March 1903
Cyclonic in places. Sharp downpour of rain. A terrific storm occurred this afternoon, and great damage was done by a cyclone half a mile wide. In its course trees were blown down, roofs torn off houses, sheds and outbuildings destroyed. The roads on the track of the cyclone are all blocked with fallen trees. It is still raining. More than one inch has been recorded.
(The Age, March 4, 1903, see here)

Pakenham and Koo Wee Rup - February 1905
Gale at Pakenham. Last night a heavy storm passed over here. The wind blew furiously, and 106 points of rain fell. At Koo-wee-rup South* a regular cyclone passed over the place. At the state school two outhouses were blown over and smashed to pieces, and a bedroom window was blown from the head master's house into the school yard. Some of the weatherboards were also torn off. The school is in an exposed position.
(The Argus, February 13, 1905, see here).

There was a follow-up report to the article above -
State School needing repair. During a storm on February 11, the outhouses at the Koo-wee-rup South state school, together with a window in the residence of the school-master, were demolished. Though close on six weeks as a lapse, the remains of the at houses are still lying as they fell, and the window in the residents simply as a few boards nailed over it. A large number of children are attending the school (the attendance to-day being 72). Church service is also held in the building.

(The Argus, March 24, 1905, see here.)

Nar Nar Goon - September 1907

Struck by Lightning. Marvellous escapes. During the storm on Monday afternoon Mr and Mrs H.W. Startup, of Nar-Nar-Goon, a workman named R. Jones, and an infant son of Mr. and Mrs. Startup had a narrow escape from instant death. Mr. Startup was engaged shearing his sheep in a shed on his premises, Jones assisting in the work. Mrs. Startup, with the child in her arms, was watching the men at work. The lady had just passed through a small gate, when a flash of lightning struck the end of the shed

and completely shattered it. The gate Mrs. Startup had just passed through was also shattered. The shears were knocked out of Jones's hands and throw some distance. Mrs. Startup and the two men were all thrown to the ground. Mrs Startup sustained a rather severe shock, but was otherwise unhurt, while the child was uninjured. Mr. Startup had his hair singed, and was somewhat burned down the left side. He was still in bed yesterday. Jones was also injured about the legs.

(The Argus, September 26, 1907, see here)

Koo Wee Rup - December 1912
A terrific storm struck this district at 10.30 on Monday night and lasted about 20 minutes. The rain came down in torrents and the wind made houses shake, but not much damage was done to buildings. The weather we are getting is like that of two years ago, when a wet summer followed by a wet winter caused a heavy flood here and brought down a lot of sand, which is now lying in large heaps on the banks of the canal. It would make a splendid top dressing for our roads. The road on east aide of canal between Denham's road and Commercial road badly wants sanding.

(South Bourke and Mornington Journal, December 12, 1912, see here)

Yannathan - February 1915
A Severe Storm. Man struck by Lightning. On Saturday afternoon last a storm of unprecedented violence swept across the district, and was particularly severe at Yannathan. All day the weather had been threatening, and thunder showers which visited other parts of the district left this locality untouched. But at about 4 o'clock, while about 30 ladies and gentlemen were witnessing a cricket match in Mr Stewart's paddock between the Lang Lang and Yannathan teams, a densely black cloud, lit up constantly by vivid flashes of lightning, was seen approaching from the south-west. When the first drops of rain fell players and spectators left the field for the shelter of the Mechanics' Hall, and while there the storm burst, and for about ten minutes the elements were in almost indescribable tumult. A hurricane blew jinkers about the hall yard, and everything in the shape of boxes and loose timber was lifted by its violence. Then something in the nature of a cloud-burst descended, and rain and pieces of ice fell in such density that looking across towards the Union Church, only a shadowy outline of the building could, be seen, and the hall yard was soon under water. Deafening peals of thunder and constant flames of lightning combined with the downpour, and twice the crash of a falling tree was heard. The door of the church being opened, all made a dash from the hall and entered, but were drenched in doing so. As suddenly as it broke, the storm abated, and very little rain fell during the remainder of the afternoon.

At Yallock the storm was also very severe. Mr Bourke, of Monomeith Park, registered 68 points of rain But, strange to state, practically no rain fell at Lang Lang, while along the coast the storm was of exceptional severity. Near Mr Pearson's it did some damage by washing away the road formation. The hurricane appears to have divided itself into two channels, one sweeping across Cranbourne, Clyde and the Swamp, and culminating at Yannathan in the severest storm ever known there, while the other portion followed a track along the coast.

During the afternoon we regret to state that a young man named Dan Cameron, 17 years of age, employed by Mr W. H. Gardiner, of Yannathan, was struck by lightning and killed instantly. He had been employed off and on by Mr Gardiner for some years past and for the past eight or nine months had been at work constantly at his place. He was out in the paddock, and between 4 and 5 p.m. he was evidently caught in the storm, and found shelter under a tree - a very dangerous situation during the occurrence of lightning. While there he was struck by a lightning flash,and it is thought that death must have been instantaneous, because his hand was found placed behind his back, a favorite attitude of the deceased. The tree under which he had been standing was shattered to pieces and deceased's clothing was torn to shreds, down his breast being a distinct impress of the tree beneath which he was standing. The parents of the deceased, who reside at Beaconsfield, were communicated with, and the interment took place in the Berwick cemetery.

The same afternoon four sheep belonging to LeRoux Bros, at the Red Bluff were struck by lightning and killed.
(Lang Lang Guardian, February 24, 1915, see here)

Yallock - October 1917
During a violent thunder-storm on Sunday afternoon, Mr J. Orchard, of Yallock, had the misfortune to have a horse struck with lightning, and the animal was killed instantly.
(Lang Lang Guardian, October 17, 1917, see here)

Clyde - June 1919
Squally, stormy weather was experienced here during the week-end. On Sunday at about 7.30, the strong N E wind which had been blowing all day increased to a hurricane, and travelling in a south westerly direction, and for a width of about 3 chains carried everything before it. Limbs of trees were seen lying in all directions, and the iron roof of Mr Hunter's barn was lifted bodily, and some of the iron sheets was carried for a distance of 100 yards.
(South Bourke & Mornington Journal, June 19, 1919, see here)

Bayles - May 1928
Cyclone at Bayles. Roof carried half a mile. Butter Factory workers terrified. At 12.30 p.m. to day some men working in a butter and cheese factory owned by Sage and Co. Pty. Ltd, Melbourne, heard an extraordinary noise, which appeared to be caused by a sudden roar of wind, ending in a thunderclap. They rushed out of the factory, and as they did so the roof seemed to be lifted bodily and was swept away at a terrific speed. Later on the greater portion of the tin roof, measuring 60 feet by 20 feet, was found half a mile away. The cyclone was awe inspiring, and struck terror into the hearts of those who witnessed it. The men working in the factory were not injured, and after finding out where the rest of the roof had landed they returned to work. The machinery was not damaged. The weather had been fine up to the time of the cyclone, but after that it rained heavily.
(The Age, May 12, 1928, see here)

Bayles and Cora Lynn - May 1928
Cyclone causes damage. Shortly after midday on Friday a cyclone, travelling from the coast, passed through Bayles in the direction of Cora Lynn, a few miles from Koo-wee-rup, leaving wreckage in its trail. The roof of Sage and Co.'s butter factory lifted off, and portion carried in the air for half a mile. Stables, in, which horses were feeding, were swept away, haystacks and telegraph poles blown down. The horses in the stable were not harmed.
(Weekly Times, May 19, 1928, see here)

Yannathan - July 1931

Thunder Storm at Yannathan.  A thunderstorm, accompanied by heavy rain and hail, passed over the district. Acres of low-lying funds are flooded and drains over flowing. Farming operations are suspended.

(The Age, July 28, 1931, see here)

Bayles - January 1935

A recent severe storm passed over Bayles, when 12 inches of rain fell, and two stooks of hay in the paddock of Mr. W. Fink were fired. 

(Dandenong Journal, January 24, 1935, see here)

Cora Lynn - February 1937

Goldbag Killed. Struck by Lightning. During the heavy thunderstorm last night, Goldbag, who was Windbag's first foal, was killed by lightning in a paddock at Cora Lynn, Gippsland. The same flash killed another horse who had been grazing with Goldbag. Goldbag was an aged gelding from Mystic Light. He had been spelling at Cora Lynn, and was to have been brought to Melbourne next week to commence training. [Wingbag won the 1925 Melbourne Cup]

(Hobart Mercury, February 20, 1937, see here.)

We will finish up with not only a storm but an earth tremor - the town of Cardinia is spelt as Kardinia in this report.

Tooradin and Cardinia - August 1935
Storm at Tooradin. Earth Tremors reported. Flood danger imminent. About 8 p.m. on Saturday a violent electrical storm at Tooradin was heralded by two distinct earth tremors. During the earlier part of the evening what is described by local residents as an eerie light was visible in the sky to the southward, extending over Bass Strait. At 8 p.m. Mr. J. Conroy, farmer, of Kardinia, seven miles from Tooradin, was sitting at home with one foot on the chimney ledge when he felt the chimney distinctly sway. Doors and windows throughout the house rattled, and about ten minutes after the tremor had subsided the thunder storm broke. Heavy peals of thunder shook the house, and heavy rain set in, which continued throughout the night.

At Tooradin the earth tremor was also reported by Mr. D. M. Henderson and Mr. McFarlane, the local station master. It was followed almost immediately by the breaking of the thunder storm. The storm was the most severe experienced in the district for a number of years. The thunder was particularly violent and the lightning of an unusual type. It appeared in the form of a centre of fire, gradually widening laterally until the whole vicinity was illuminated.

Torrential rain fell for about twenty minutes, and then steadied to a downpour, which continued through the night. The storm worked southward, and appeared to lose its intensity over Bass Strait. Rain fell intermittently throughout yesterday, and it was still raining at 6 p.m. Should this continue throughout to-night flood conditions will be imminent. The "canal" and local main drains are already running bankers and cannot accommodate any further falls.

No damage is reported from the earth tremor, which was felt over a wide area. Some settlers in outlying portions report two distinct shocks.
(The Age, August 5, 1935, see here)

Footnote
* You may find it hard to believe but Koo Wee Rup South was actually Koo Wee Rup North. There have been five primary schools called Koo Wee Rup and ironically the original Koo Wee Rup State School, No.2629, was actually called Yallock, until 1903 when it was changed to Koo Wee Rup. The Cora Lynn State School, No. 3502, was known as Koo Wee Rup Central when it opened in January 1907 and changed its named to Cora Lynn in September of that year. The Modella State School, No.3456, was known as Koo Wee Rup East when it opened in January 1904. The Koo Wee Rup North State School, No.3198, at Five Mile, was initially called Koo Wee Rup South when it opened in July 1894. Finally, the Iona State School, No. 3201, was originally known as Koo Wee Rup North. (Source https://kooweerupswamphistory.blogspot.com/2022/10/state-primary-schools-called-koo-wee-rup.html)


This is an expanded version of  a post which I researched and which appeared on my work blog, Casey Cardinia Links to our Past

Cova Cottage, Tooradin

Cova Cottage, a cafe and store, was opened in 1947 or 1948 by Florence and Bill Williams. It was located on the  South Gippsland Highway, on the corner of Mickle Street, in Tooradin. (1)

     Cova Cottage. Photographer: Neil Smith

        Image: Cranbourne Shire Historical Society collection, donated by Roderick Smith

Florence especially had a long connection to Tooradin. Florence Victoria McCarthy was born in Zeehan in Tasmania on December 30, 1900 to Francis George McCarthy and Annie (nee Ellis), who had married in 1881. There were ten children in all and Florence was the second youngest. Two older brothers Francis Claude (known as Claude), born in 1882 and Leon Charles, born in 1887 were also connected to Tooradin.   At some time the family moved to Victoria. In the 1913 Electoral Roll, Francis, a blacksmith; Annie and Claude, a carpenter were listed at Dandenong. In the 1917 Electoral Rolls son Leon, also a carpenter, was also living at Dandeong. In April 1915, Annie passed away at the age of 56 and around 1918 Francis and presumably Florence were living at Tooradin;  Claude later also moved to the town. (2)

In 1922, Claude and Leon built St Peter's Catholic Church in Tooradin, which was opened on December 3, 1922 by the Archbishop of Melbourne, Dr Mannix. The Church was designed by ecclesiastical architect, Augustus Andrew Fritsch.  St Peter's at Tooradin later closed and the building was moved to St Peter's College in Cranbourne in 2003 where it is used as a Chapel. (3)  Claude lived in Tooradin until his death in May 1943 and during this time built, amongst other buildings, the Stella Maris Guesthouse in 1924 for James Dudley Singleton. (4) 

Florence's father died in August 1944 and this is part of his obituary from the Dandenong Journal -
Passing of Old Tooradin Identity - The Passing of "Daddy" F.C. McCarthy of Tooradin, last Wednesday, at Caritas Christi Hospice, Kew, removes a highly esteemed, and popular identity of the angling fraternity at Tooradin. For the past quarter-of-a-century the late Mr. McCarthy keenly pursued his sport, angling for the elusive bream at Tooradin. Prior to coming to Victoria, he was a mining ’smith at Zeehan (Tas.). Of his five sons and five daughters, two sons, Claude, and Leon, predeceased him within the year. His-wife passed away in 1915. (5)

When she was 22, Florence married 25 year old William Anthony Williams on December 1, 1923. They were married at the Church built by her brothers, St Peter's at Tooradin. The Advocate reported on the wedding -
The first marriage in the new church of St. Peter's has just been solemnised, when Miss Florence McCarthy, of Tooradin, has joined in holy matrimony with Mr. W. Williams, of Murtoa. Rev. L. McCarthy, M S.C., cousin of the bride, came over from Sydney, N.S.W., to perform the ceremony. (6)

Florence McCarthy marries Bill Williams, December 1, 1923.

Image: Tooradin: 125 years of coastal history, p. 35. (see footnote 4 for full citation)

William was the son of  Robert John Williams and Rose Mallon and was born in Melbourne in 1898. At the time of his marriage he was a railway employee and his address was Murtoa. Florence's address was Tooardin and her occupation was a shop assistant.  It would be interesting to know how they met. They had only one child, nineteen years after their marriage, and their daughter Mary, sadly only survived one day, and passed away on September 30, 1942. (7)

At some time it seems William, known as Bill, left the Railways as in 1928 they were living in Tooradin and his occupation was a carrier. In the 1931 Electoral Rolls Bill and Florence were living in Kinkora Road, Hawthorn and his occupation was a Grocer, the same as it was in 1939 and 1946 when they were living in Whitehorse Road, Box Hill. (8)

It was in 1939 that they purchased the land where the Cova Cottage was built, or to be correct it was Florence who purchased the land. In spite of the fact that the Electoral Rolls have her occupation as 'home duties' she was actually a pastry cook and the Cranbourne Shire Rate Books list her address as the Bright Way Delicatessen, Whitehorse Road, Box Hill. Due to the building material shortage and a man power supply during World War Two, the Williams were not able to build Cova Cottage until the War ended, and thus they seemed to have remained living in Box Hill until 1947. (9)

Cova Cottage soon proved popular with the locals and the tourists. The first mention I can find of it in the newspapers was this report from the Dandenong Journal in May 1948. The Guest House the snippet, below, refers to is the Stella Maris Guesthouse, built by Florence's brother Claude. 

Cova Cottage well patronised.

Dandenong Journal, May 5 1948 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article214581237 

Two years later, in October 1950,  the Dandenong Journal could report the good news  that Cova Cottage was doubling in size and modernising  to handle the public. 

Cova Cottage extensions

Dandenong Journal, October 18, 1950 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article219304588 

In May 1959, Florence applied to the Cranbourne Shire Council to have the footpath in front of Cova Cottage constructed and a bicycle rack erected.

Bicycle rack to be erected outside Cova Cottage
Koo Wee Rup Sun, May 13 1959 p. 6.

In August 1950, Bill (incorrectly called Jimmy in the Dandenong Journal article below) rescued seven-year old Robert Gibson, from drowning in Tooradin.

Bill Williams rescues a child

Dandenong Journal, August 30, 1950 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article219303547

Child Rescued From Tooradin Spillway - When Robert Gibson, a little 7-year-old visitor to Tooradin, fell into the Spillway at high tide on Monday afternoon, Mr. Jimmy Williams, proprietor of “Cova Cottage” Cafe, dived in fully clothed and rescued the little fellow just in time.

Bobby, who comes from Bentleigh, wandered over to the spillway while his parents were having afternoon tea. A little girl who was with him rushed back to the cafe with the news that he had fallen in. Mr. Williams immediately rushed across from his cafe and dived in just as the little lad was being sucked into the rushing current. He brought him back to the shore, where a rope was thrown to him. Mrs. Arnold Osborne applied artificial respiration, and the lad, rolled up in blankets, was hurried to the D. & D. Hospital. He came through his ordeal with nothing worse than bad shock.

This is Mr. Williams’ second rescue at this spot, as he previously pulled a dazed truck-driver from the water when his truck went over the cause way into the water. (10)

Other facts about Cova Cottage - they were the first applicants to have the telephone connected in Tooradin, this was in July 1948;  and they also supplied catering for functions and hosted events such as Shower Teas. (11). I am not sure how long the Williams operated  Cova Cottage. The 1963 and the 1972 Electoral Rolls list Florence and Bill at 'Main Highway' Tooradin, with his occupation as Grocer and hers as home duties.

Bill died on June 30, 1975 and his obituary from the Koo Wee Rup Sun, records his extensive community involvement (however makes no mention of his wife, Florence) -
Tooradin lost a loyal and valuable citizen in Bill Williams - With the death of Bill Williams on 30 June, Tooradin lost a loyal and valuable citizen. The Guard of Honour by the Fire Brigade, was a fitting tribute. For his services and work in this aspect of community service, he was awarded the Queen’s medal, which came to hand after his death. In this sphere, Bill had served the community for over 20 years and was largely responsible for the present buildings, fire engine and equipment, and more recently the billiard table and other recreational facilities for the youth of the village, in whom he was extremely interested.

The large crowd at the church and funeral, was probably one of the most representative gatherings seen in Tooradin – this too was fitting, for it wasn’t only to the Fire Brigade that Bill had given constant and tenacious service. He had worked for many causes – if help was needed, his was available, and, if he believed in the cause the opposition was secondary. A trustee of Rutter Park Memorial Park Land, member of the Foreshore Committee, the hall trust and the representative of the St Vincent de Paul Society in this area.

He had taught swimming in the village and had been commended for saving the life of one child in the dangerous floodgates, and with the help of a friend, had walked the District from end to end and started the football club in Tooradin when he recognised such need.

He had been a prominent member of the Tooradin Men’s Club, which had its meeting at the ‘Palais de Danse’ attached to the Tooradin Hotel in days gone past. Bill could talk at length, and did, on all aspects of the growth of Tooradin, as he had records and experiences of worth, which he was happy to share.

He had been, for 50 years, part of the village in so many aspects – Cova Cottage, which he had built during the war years, when he saw the needs of a tea house. Materials were scarce and the obtaining of these was a big problem (if one felt strongly about the illegalities of the ‘black market’ as he did) – for he was a man of strong principles and honour. Before he had a small general store where Peddle’s Milk Bar now operates.

As a Justice of the Peace, he had helped and counselled many; particularly the young, and, whilst aggressive in defence of what he believed in, his patience, kindness and generosity (which he hid under a self conscious shyness) was without bounds and his gratitude of a kindness or a courtesy was overwhelming and sincere

His coffin bearers were fellow Knights of the Southern Cross, a distinguished order of Catholic laymen, to which Bill had the honour to belong. Five priests, including past Parish Priests, came very long distances to have the privilege of paying their tributes at a con-celebrated Mass. It was fitting that he should have been buried from the Church, where his had been the first marriage over 52 years ago – a church he had personally cared for over so many years. (12)

I have limited information on Florence's activities after her husband's death, but she died 25 years after him on April 1, 2001, aged 100 years old. At the time of her death she was living at the Nursing Home in Koo Wee Rup.  Florence and Bill are buried at the Box Hill Cemetery with their little daughter, Mary. Also in the grave is 23 year old William Blakeley who died in May 1942; he was the nephew of Bill, the son of his sister Rose. (13)

I also have limited information on Cova Cottage after the Williams. In 1977 it was owned by Sue Dow and her daughter Ann. They were featured in the Koo Wee Rup Sun in the November, and had been in the shop for nine months. (14)

Sue Dow and daughter Ann, at Cova Cottage.

Koo Wee Rup Sun, November 16, 1977, p. 15

Now here is a mystery - this was the photograph of Cova Cottage in the Koo Wee Rup Sun in November 1977. It is quite different from the original Cova Cottage erected in the 1940s.

Cova Cottage advertisement

Koo Wee Rup Sun, November 16, 1977, p. 13

However, this photograph below was taken in 1982 and is part of the National Archives of Australia collection. I presume the building shown in the advertisement, above, was a new building erected next to the original Cova Cottage. The original Cova Cottage had now been demolished and new shops erected. 

Cova Cottage, 1982

National Archives of Australia image B583, 3/1982

If you have any information about Cova Cottage, especially after the Florence and Bill left,  please let me know in the comments.

Footnotes
(1) It's hard to tell when it was built, but the 1946/1947 Shire of Cranborne Rate books, still have the Williams' address as Box Hill; the 1947/1948 Rate Books have their address as Tooradin and that they have a 4-roomed weatherboard residence.  The 1948/1948 Rate Books list a 4-roomed weatherboard residence and cafe.
(2) Family information from Tasmanian Archives and the Tasmanian Names List - https://libraries.tas.gov.au/slat/#search Electoral Rolls are on Ancestry.com and Francis McCarthy's death notice, see below.

The Argus, August 24, 1944 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article11357914

(3) The Advocate, December 7, 1922, see here. Augustus Andrew Fritsch obituary - The Sun New-Pictorial, June  10, 1933, see here.
(4) Claude McCarthy obituary - Dandenong Journal, May 19, 1943, see here; Tooradin: 125 years of coastal history - Blind Bight, Cannon's Creek, Sherwood, Tooradin North, Warneet 1875-2000 State school No. 1503 compiled by John Wells and the 'Tooradin Celebrates Together 125 Years of Education Committee' (The Committee, 2001)  p. 95.

(5) Dandenong Journal, August 30, 1944, see here.
(6) Marriage Certificate; The Advocate, January 17, 1924, see here.
(7) Marriage Certificate. Index to Victorian Births, Deaths and Marriages; head stone at Box Hill Cemetery

Williams Family Grave at Box Hills Cemetery.

Image: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/123946746/florence-victoria-williams

(8) Electoral Rolls on Ancestry.com

(9) Shire of Cranbourne Rate Books; Electoral Rolls on Ancestry.com; Bill's obituary in the Koo Wee Rup Sun, July 16, 1975, p. 7.
(10) Dandenong Journal, August 30, 1950, see here. 

(11) Dandenong Journal, July  21, 1948, see here, Dandenong Journal, June 8, 1949, see here; Koo Wee Rup Sun, November 9, 1960, p. 5

Koo Wee Rup Sun, November 9, 1960, p. 5

(12) Koo Wee Rup Sun, July 16, 1975, p. 7
(13) See Footnote 7; Tooradin: 125 years of coastal history  op.cit p. 35.
(14) Koo Wee Rup Sun, November 16, 1977, p. 15