World War One Soldiers and a Nurse with connections to French Island

French Island is not part of any Local Government area, nor is it part of the Koo Wee Rup Swamp, but you can see it from the Swamp, so that is reason enough to write about it. I have written a history of French Island, here. 

French Island Honour Board, in the War Memorial Hall

Image: Heather Arnold

This post looks at World War soldiers and a Nurse with connections to French Island. I have included  their Service Number (SN) so you can look up their full service record at the National Archives of Australia www.naa.gov.au

Most of these  people are listed on the French Island Honour Board, located at the French Island War Memorial Hall. There may be more who should be in this list, feel free to let me know. The main towns on French Island are Tankerton and Fairhaven.

This article from the Powlett Express said that there were 19 men 

who had enlisted by 1916

Powlett Express February 25 1916   http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article130662774

Bayford, Hugh Staynes (SN 1878) Hugh was 25 years old when he enlisted on February 7 1916. His next of kin was his mother, Sarah Bayford, who lived in Moreland. According to the Electoral Rolls Hugh had been  a farmer on French Island since 1909. Hugh was Wounded in Action on three occasions, including sustaining a gun shot wound to his right eye and Returned to Australia on November 8, 1918.

Bennetts, Albert Edward (SN 7029)  Albert enlisted on January 25, 1916 at the age of 34. He was a farmer from Fairhaven, had been born in Aldinga in South Australia and his next of kin was his brother, Ernest, who also lived at Fairhaven.  Albert Returned to Australia on June 2, 1919 and according to the Electoral Rolls returned to living on French Island.

Bond, Frederick William (SN 585)  Frederick was a 28 year old miner when he enlisted on September 5, 1914 at Rosebery Park in New South Wales. His next of kin was his father, James Bond, of French Island and after he passed way his mother Emma of North Fitzroy became the next of kin. Corporal Bond was Killed in Action at Gallipoli on April 27, 1915. His Roll of Honour Circular at the Australian War Memorial says that Frederick attended Perseverance School No. 3261 on French Island. His will left everything to his sister, Kathleen Sisson, of Tankerton. 

Report of the death of Corporal Bond

The Argus June 8, 1915   http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article1522685

Chapman, Albert Claude (SN 2790) A.C Chapman is listed on the Honour Board and there is an Albert Claude Chapman on the Electoral Roll at Fairhaven in 1918, occupation farmer so I presume they are the same people, however I cannot actually link Albert to French Island through any information in his service record. Albert enlisted on November 30, 1916 aged 32, his occupation was warehouseman, his address on enlistment was Hawthorn. Albert was born in England and his next of kin was his father who lived in London. Albert Returned to Australia January 25, 1919.

Chilcott, Frank William Leslie  (SN 5673) Frank enlisted on February 7, 1916 aged 24, he was a farmer. His next of kin was his mother, Margaret Chilcott, of French Island. Frank Returned to Australia on June 12, 1919.

Collinson, John Henry (SN Depot)   J. Henry Collinson is listed on the Honour Board and  the Electoral Roll lists a John Henry Collinson at Fairhaven from 1918 until 1927. I presume this is the same John Henry Collinson who enlisted on May 22 1915 at the age of 21. He was an electrician and his next of kin was his mother, Harriet, of  Hull in Yorkshire. John was discharged as unfit for military service on July 5, 1915 due to overlapping toes, the first toe on both feet overlap the big toe was the note on his record.

Collinson, Wilfred (SN 2210)  Wilfred was born in Hull, in Yorkshire in England, as was John, above, so I believe they were brothers. Wilfred enlisted at age of 19 on November 16, 1914. He was an Engineer and his father was his next of kin and he also lived in Hull. Wilfred Returned to Australia on April, 10 1919.There are two letters in Wilfred's file from Mrs Jean Harrop, Long View,  Tankerton  one dated May 26, 1919 and the other dated June 5 1919 (see below) asking for information about Wilfred. In one letter she writes I am intensely interested and would like correct information. The response was that they didn't have an official report on Collinson but if they did they would communicate with his next of kin, his father. I wonder who Mrs Harrop was? She was also connected to Alfred Pocock, below.

Letter from Mrs Jean Harrop enquiring about the well being of Wilfred Collinson.

National Archives of Australia www.naa.gov.au

First Australian Imperial Force Personnel Dossiers, 1914-1920

Cremin, J  The Honour Roll lists a J. Cremin and according to the National Archives there were only two Cremins who enlisted - John Francis Cremin (SN 593) and a Samuel Cremin (SN 369). There was however, a James Stuart Cremen (SN 838) who also enlisted. So if we eliminate Samuel then we are left with John and James. I think we can eliminate James Stuart Cremen as he was born, worked (as a crockery packer) and enlisted in Sydney, the surname spelling is irrelevant as I have seen lots of incorrect surnames on Honour Boards. That leaves us with John Francis Cremin (SN 593) John  was born in Scotland, his next of kin was his mother who lived in London. He enlisted on April 16, 1915 at Broadmeadows at the age of 21 and he was a Clerk. John married Ada May Lambourne in May 1917 when he was in England. John Returned to Australia on June 16, 1919 and the couple are listed in the Electoral Rolls in the 1920s as living in Prahran. Is John the J. Cremin listed on the Honour Roll? I can find nothing that connects him to French Island, but I feel that he's the most likely candidate,  but happy to be proven wrong.

Cuttriss, John  (SN 1135)  John was a 27 year old motor boatman of Fairhaven when he enlisted at the age of 27 on March 6, 1916. His next of kin was his father, Alfred, of Inverloch.  John Returned to Australia January 10, 1918 and was discharged on medical  grounds in August 1918, due to a gun shot wound to the right elbow. John was granted a Soldier Settlement farm, you can read his file on the Battle to farm website, here.

Edhouse, Charles Edward (SN 333a)  Charles was a 21 year old farm hand when he enlisted on April 24, 1916. His next of kin was his mother, who lived in England.  His address on the Embarkation Roll was care of R. De La Haye, Fairhaven, French Island. Charles Returned to Australia July 9, 1919.

Gillings, Robert (SN 19847)  Robert was a 22 year old labourer, from French Island,  and he enlisted on November 23, 1915. Robert's next of kin was his father who lived in England. Robert married 19 year old Clare Maude Baxter in England on April 29, 1917. He Returned to Australia on February 19, 1919.

Griffiths, Ivor (SN 5377) Ivor was born in Wales and he enlisted on January 15, 1916 aged 24. He was a farmer from Tankerton and his next of kin was his sister, who lived in Cardiff. Ivor Returned to Australia December 12, 1918.

Haward, Martin Francis (SN 17859) Martin  enlisted on April 3, 1917, he was a 24 year old telephone mechanic. His next of kin was his father, Herbert Robertson Haward, of Tankerton. Martin Returned to Australia June 16, 1919. Martin had some connection to Footscray as he is listed in the Footscray Independent in the list of local recruits. Martin was born in Collingwood, his parents Herbert and Annie are in the Electoral Roll at French Island from 1909 and he gave his address as Tankerton on enlistment, but he did enlist in Footscray, so I presume he was working and living in the area, which would make sense as he was telephone mechanic and there was probably not much call for that on French Island. His next of kin later changed to his wife, Helena, and she lived in Paisley Street in Footscray. They married in 1917, obviously after his enlistment.

Martin listed as a local recruit in Footscray

Footscray Independent February 10, 1917 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/74256014

Hill, James (SN 2782) - see below under Charles Williams.

Iliff, George Robert (SN 1734) George enlisted on May 20, 1915, he was a 22 year old labourer. He served overseas but suffered a number of bouts of disease and Returned to Australia on October 17, 1916 and was medically discharged in April 1917.
Iliff, Joseph Ludwig (SN 6334) Joseph was a 29 year old farm labourer when he enlisted on October 25, 1916. He Returned to Australia August 8, 1919.
Iliff, William Charles (SN 1137) William enlisted at the age of 24 on July 28 1915. He Returned to Australia April 8, 1919. William was granted a Soldier Settlement farm after his return on Eight Mile Road at Nar Nar Goon - you can read about this on the Battle to Farm website here.
George, Joseph and William were brothers and their next of kin was their mother, Bertha, of Tankerton. Their father, Joseph, had died in 1905.

Leppke, William. William Leppke is listed on Discovering Anzacs website as having enlisted in 1915 when he was living on French Island. His official record has not been digitised and is part of the National Archives Series 'Applications to enlist in the Australian Imperial Force' which covers 'records for those individuals who applied to enlist in the Australian Imperial Force, and were either rejected, discharged while still in training, or went on to serve within Australia only [usually as depot troops or camp guards]. The most common reason for rejection is on medical grounds'. So apart from the fact that he was 28 years old and born in East Prussia, that's all I know about him. 

Lovie, William Wallace (SN 14077) William enlisted on February 1, 1916 at the age of 21. He was from Fairhaven, a farmer,  and his next of kin was his father John Francis Taylor Lovie, also of Fairhaven. He Returned to Australia on June 2, 1919.

William returned to French Island after the War, he wrote this letter from his property Bonnie Doon, in 1923.

National Archives of Australia www.naa.gov.au

First Australian Imperial Force Personnel Dossiers, 1914-1920

Maddaford, Alfred (SN 2035) Alfred enlisted on July 28, 1915 at the age of 26, he was a farmer. He was discharged on medical grounds in June 1916 as he had 'chronic epilepsy'
Maddaford, Richard James (SN 2949) Richard enlisted at the age of 28 on February 18, 1916 and his occupation was farm labourer. He was Killed in Action in France on April 24 1918. There was an article about his death in the Powlett Express, see below.
Richard and Alfred both had their sister Lily (sometimes spelt Lillie) as their next of kin. When Alfred enlisted her address was Ballarat (where they were born) but when Richard enlisted her address was Tankerton. However according to the Electoral Roll, in 1909 Richard and Lily were both on French Island and in 1912 Richard and Alfred were both living on French Island and Lily had moved back to Ballarat, but was obviously back on the Island by 1916.

Report on the death of Private Richard Maddaford

Powlett Express June 7 1918    http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article130665657

Meade, Frederick John (SN 4730) Frederick was born in Cranbourne and was a 36 year old labourer and a widower and he enlisted on February 23, 1916. His address on the Embarkation roll is French Island and his next of kin was a friend, Miss Maggie D'Arth of Stony Point.  He was discharged on medical grounds in May 1916 due to multiple fistulas which caused an abscess. Frederick married Maggie and they had three children, Charles, Frederick and Vera and are listed on the Electoral Rolls at French Island, until at least 1936.

Nicholls, Richard Wilfred (SN 4154) Richard was only 18 when he enlisted on October 26, 1915. He was a farm labourer and had been born in Swansea in England.  His next of kin was his father, who lived in England and his address was c/o his friend, Miss Nellie Bond, of  Sproxton, Tankerton. Nellie was the sister of Frederick Bond, listed above, who was killed at Gallipoli and the sister-in-law to Ernest Sisson (see below). Richard was awarded the Military Medal and Returned to Australia on January 18, 1919. Richard married Violet Laura Cooper on July 10, 1917 when he was in England. 

Pocock, Alfred James William (SN 6883)  Alfred  enlisted at the age of  18 on February 12, 1917. He was born in England, occupation was farming labourer and his next of kin was his father of The Grange in Dandenong (although his Embarkation record says his father lived in View Street, Mont Albert) Alfred went overseas and was wounded in action in May 1918 (gun shot wound arm and left thigh) and he Returned to Australia on January 22, 1920. We can connect Albert to French Island as his enlistment paper  has his address as c/o Mrs Harrop, Tankerton, French Island, the  same Mrs Harrop who wrote two letters enquiring after the well being of Wilfred Collinson (see above) - in fact it's the same writing so she must have filled out Alfred's application form.

From Alfred Pocock's enlistment papers

National Archives of Australia www.naa.gov.au   

First Australian Imperial Force Personnel Dossiers, 1914-1920

Ratford, John (SN 2982) John enlisted on February 5, 1916. He was a 22 year old labourer. John Returned to Australia on March 5, 1919. John was granted as Soldier Settlement on French Island, you can read his file on the Battle to Farm website, here.
Ratford, William John (SN 1493) William enlisted on August 24, 1914 at the age of 23. He was a farmer. On August 2, 1915 William received a gun shot wound to his femur and he Returned to Australia on December 4, 1915 and was medically discharged on April 11, 1916. William was also granted a Soldier Settlement farm, read his file here.
John and William are the sons of John and Mary Eliza (nee Roberts) Ratford of Tankerton.

There is an interesting account of  a cricket match between French Island and Tooradin in the Mornington Standard of May 17, 1919, which mentions the return of John Ratford to the team after an absence of three years at a more strenuous game. You can read the full article here.

Report on John Ratford's return to the French Island Cricket team

Mornington Standard May 17, 1919    http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article65852539

Ross, Clara Louisa.  Matron Ross was born on French Island and she enlisted in the Australian Army Nursing Service on November 4, 1914. She was 40 years old and had over 21 years of nursing experience. She had trained at the Melbourne Hospital and had also worked at the Women's and Infectious Diseases Hospitals, as well as being the Matron at the Ararat Hospital.  Matron Ross served in Egypt and France and was awarded the Order of the British Empire medal (O.B.E) on June 3, 1919 in recognition of valuable services rendered in connection with the War. Clara also received the Royal Red Cross Decoration, 1st Class 'in recognition of her valuable services in connection with the War' on June 21, 1918. Clara Returned to Australia on August 22, 1919. Clara was the daughter of Alexander and Margaret (nee Ashenden) Ross and she died in Melbourne in 1953, aged 78.

Report on Matron Ross' award

The Sydney Sun September 15, 1918  http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article221419852

Sisson, Ernest William  (SN 6641) Ernest enlisted on February 17, 1916 at the age of 31. He was a farmer and a widower. Ernest had married Kathleen Bond in 1914 and she passed away in  April 1915 at the age of 26. Kathleen was the daughter of James and Emma (nee Witts) Bond and the sister of Frederick Bond, listed above. Ernest remarried when he was in England to Evaline Gillins and he Returned to Australia on May 12, 1918. Ernest was Medically Discharged on August 14, 1918, suffering from 'Myelogenenus Leukaemia.'  Ernest and Evaline are listed in the Electoral Rolls at Tankerton until at least 1954.

Thompson, William (SN 61937) William was 23 when he enlisted on December 17, 1917. He was a 23 year old farmer and his next of kin was his father, Joseph, of Tankerton. He embarked from Melbourne on October 5, 1918, arrived at Cape Town in South Africa in early November, where he was in hospital with the measles and then Returned to Australia on December 4, 1918.

Toebelmann, Arnold (SN 613) Arnold was born on French Island and he enlisted on March 25, 1916 at the age of 19. He was a nursery hand. He was the son of  Johann and Amelia Toebelmann of Moorooduc. Because Arnold's father was born in Germany,  but was naturalised, it appears he had to get a reference from the local Council, to prove he was a fit and loyal subject. Arnold was Killed in Action in Belgium on October 4, 1917

Arnold's reference from the Shire of Frankston and Hastings.

National Archives of Australia www.naa.gov.au

First Australian Imperial Force Personnel Dossiers, 1914-1920

Walden, Charles William (SN 20362) Charles was a 23 years farm labourer when he enlisted on September 1, 1915. Charles got married when he was overseas in April 1919 and Returned to Australia on July 23, 1919. His wife's name was listed as Minnie Maria Walden, so did he marry a cousin or was it just a coincidence that they had the same surname?
Walden, Henry (SN 6137) Henry enlisted on March 8, 1916 at the age of 21, he was also a farm labourer. He served overseas and sustained a gun shot wound to his right thigh on August 23, 1918 and Returned to Australia December 12, 1918.
Charles was born in Cheshire in England and Henry in Barry Island in Wales and they were the sons of Charles William and Caroline Florence Walden of Tankerton. 

Williams, Charles (SN 5782) Charles enlisted on February 17, 1916, he was a 24 year old farmhand from Tankerton. He was born in London and his next of kin was his mother, Mary, who lived in London. Charles was Wounded in Action (gun shot wound, right thigh) on December 22, 1916, which required his leg to amputated and he passed away on January 12, 1917. There is a Statuary Declaration in his military file signed on September 11, 1916, where Charles states that his real name is James Hill, not Charles Williams. His Roll of Honour Circular at the Australian War Memorial, completed by his mother,  is under his real name and it says he came to Australia when he was 21 years old and that he was 28 when he died, which doesn't tally with his age on enlistment. It would be interesting to know why he enlisted under  a false name.

Yeomans, J The French Island Honour Board lists a J. Yeomans, not sure who this is. Possibilities are - 

Joseph Yeomans (SN 332)

John William Yeomans (SN Depot)

Lieutenant Julian Clyde Yeoman

James Yeoman (SN Depot)

James Yeoman (SN 1696) 

Captain John Stanhope Yeoman. 

I cannot connect any of them to French Island.

This memorial is outside the War Memorial Hall at Tankerton. It lists the Great War Soldiers on the left and the World War Two soldiers and one Boer War soldier, J. Christopherson, on the right. 

Image: Heather Arnold

The Boer War soldier - J. Christopherson is John Arnold Christopherson ( 1835-1927). He was a French Island resident - from, I believe around 1893, and had previously been a school teacher in Collingwood and Richmond. John was an officer in the Victorian Volunteer Force and the Second Battalion of Militia Rifles and retired from his commission (he attained the rank of Major) in December 1888. He was also in the Victorian Rifle Association, involved with the School Cadet Force, but he never served in the Boer War in South Africa. He was always referred to as Major Christopherson, so perhaps that's why it was assumed he served there. I will write about him one day, in the meanwhile, I have created  a short list of articles on him on Trove, here. 

A version of this story, which I wrote and researched,  appears on my work blog, Casey Cardinia Commemorates: Our War Years 

Unveiling of the Cardinia State School Honor Roll and Machine Gun

The Koo Wee Rup Sun of May 4 1922 had a report of the unveiling of the Honor Board and the Machine Gun War Trophy at the Cardinia State School which took place on Anzac Day in 1922. It is transcribed below.

The Honor Board has 30 names divided into Scholars and Residents - there are 16 scholars and 14 residents. The Scholars are - R. Bennett, R. Byrnes, L. Dow, A. Duff, T. Duff, G.W. Haw, M. Haw, A.S Henry, A. Hill, J.A. Lecky, M. Lecky, H. Lindsay, W. Murphy, A. Patterson, B. Smith and P.J Wenn. The Residents are S.G. Allars, W.S. Allars, C. Andrews, T.S. Bell, J.P. Conroy, R. Duggan,  G.  Hobart, A Moxon, G.Moxon, E.C. Osborne, A.N. Prior, W.R. Reeves, H. Smith, A. Wall.

On Arbor Day, July 6, 1917 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. There were trees planted for 25 soldiers that day. Counting the Memorial trees and the Honor Board 35 men with a connection to Cardinia were honoured, with 20 Soldiers being honoured twice - on the Board and with a tree. I have written about these 35 men, here. The Honor Board is still at the school, but I don't know what happened to the machine gun.

Cardinia State School Honor Board

Image courtesy of Casey Cardinia Remembers website  http://www.caseycardiniaremembers.org.au/

This is the transcription of the Koo Wee Rup Sun article from May 4, 1922, p. 2.

Cardinia - Unveiling of Honor Board and Machine Gun

The ceremony of unveiling the honor board and machine gun in the Cardinia State School took place on Anzac Day, in the presence of very large gathering. Mr W. Duff, J.P., presided.

The proceedings were opened by singing the hymn, “God of Ages” and by a prayer by the Rev. Matthews.

Captain Marriott, an Anzac, said that it was with mixed feelings he was there to say a few words in regard to the gallant First Division and to what took place seven years ago, just as the sun was rising over the Straits of the Dardenelles. After vividly illustrating the brave deeds done by the Australians and the severe task they had to undertake in landing on Gallipoli, he considered the people of Australia should indeed be proud of their men, and honor those who had made the supreme sacrifice. He hoped the people would not forget the “month of appeal” which was now being made by the Returned Soldiers’ League for funds to assist soldiers out of employment. The State branches of the league were endeavouring to put the men in permanent work, and were not out to help the wasters or the men who would not work. There was, however, a number of men who had never had a fair opportunity, and it is hoped by this appeal to obtain money to start works which will not only be of national benefit, but will afford such men regular employment.

The “Recessional” hymn was then sung.

The Rev. Uren said they had assembled to do honor to the memory of the fallen men who had participated in one of the most glorious feats of arms recorded in history. They learned of the splendid failure of the charge of the Light Brigade, and they were there that day to do honor to the memory of men who were as famous as the gallant horsemen of the Light Brigade and also to commemorate a failure as magnificent as that charge. In honouring the Australians they should not, however, forget their intrepid comrades in arms, and also honor the New Zealanders and other gallant troops who went to death and glory in Gallipoli. The word “Anzac” has been indelibly engraved in the heart and mind of the Australian nation. They reverenced these Anzacs, who fought for our sake, for duty’s sake and the Empire’s sake, and they honoured the men who had made the supreme sacrifice, and who thus wrote with their own hearts’ blood the first page of Australian history.

 The Hon. A Downward, M.L.A.,said the people would that day see on the honor roll the names of those who went from this district to take part in the world’s greatest war – a war that was full of menance to the British Empire. In 1916 it was almost despaired of to check the German Army, and while it is not claimed that Australia won the war, military experts say that the troops from the British dominons, numbering three-quarters of a million, turned the tide; and, in drawing attention to the Australians’ heroic deeds, he emphasised that the people could not do too much for the retured men, nor could they honor too much those who had fallen. Their hearts went out in deepest sympathy to the relatives of those who had made the supreme sacrifice, but it was some consolation to know that such sacrifices had not been made in vain, as these brave men suceeded in retaining for the people of Australia this great and splendid country. In regard to soldier settlers, he considered that it was impossible for many of them to pull through, as the price of the land to be paid was too high. This price would have to be written down, as was done some years ago in the irrigation districts, in order to give these settlers every opportunity to make good. Australia required settlement in the country, and it was recognised that the returned men had  a right to expect treatment which would enable them to have  a chance to succeed as settlers in the land which they had helped to save from the enemy. He was very pleased to unveil the honort roll and the machine gun.

Cr Croskell, in honoring the men who fought, said that the next war would be the “commercial war,” and that Australia’s only way to combat it was to educate and train the boys and girls to the responsibilities confronting them. Other countries were using every effort to turn out goods and put them on Australian markets, and unless Australia uses every endeavour to successfully compete, a serious state of affairs will arise. The boys and girls were not yet old enough to understand the causes of unemployment, but he asked them to do their best and not shirk their lessons, and so do their part and help to put Australia in line with other countries, and so be  a credit to the men who had died for them in the Great War.

Cr Hill, in referring to the bravery of the Australians, said that Anzac Day was an epoch making day, as it marked the birth of the Australian nation, and was the event of events which subsequently transpired on Gallipoli. The men had behaved gloriously and stood up to the best traditions of the British race.One thing, however, he felt should be done by Australia in fulfillment of  a right to her honored dead – an unknown British warrior was buried in the Cenotaph in London – and he thought it only just that one of Australia’s warriors should be brought across the seas and buried in Australia. He also thought that Anzac Day should be observed religiously as a day of thanksgiving. In reference to the honor roll, the district had responded splendidly to the call, and that of the 30 who enlisted 11 had made the supreme sacrifice, and that in regard to the machine gun it was somewhat significant that it was captured at Villiers Brettoneaux on 25^th April 1918, exactly four years ago. He asked the boys and girls when they looked on this emblem of destruction to treasure the names of those who fought and died for them, and to strive and pray that war should never again occur.

Cr Mills expressed pleasure at seeing the large number of people present to do honor to the Anzacs.The patriotism of the people in the Cardinia district was unsurpassed. The number who had enlisted in comparison with the population of the district was very high, whilst no effort was spared to raise funds to provide comforts to the soldiers. He paid a high tribute to the bravery of the Australians. When the first contigent left these shores in 1914 it occurred to him that the same fearless spirit of their forefathers, who must have had hearts of iron, in coming here to open up and make Australia what it is to-day, still lived in the younger generation.

Mr A.E. King then sounded The Last Post.

After refreshments were partaken of, the Union  Jack was saluted by the scholars and a vote of thanks, moved by Mr Lobb, seconded by Mr Conroy, to the speakers and all those who had assisted was unanimously carried. The proceedings were brought to a close by the singing of the National Anthem.

I have written about the men on the Honor Board, here.

What happened in Koo Wee Rup in 1922

 This is a look back 100 years at what happened in Koo Wee Rup and surrounds in 1922.

In February 1922, Mr Gray of the firm Barhop and Gray, commission agents, received a surprise on opening his office, as he found that all his cheques had been destroyed…..It happened that on closing the office on Saturday, Mr Gray placed the cheques in a cigar box, and on Tuesday when he examined the box he found that a hole had been gnawed through the top and the contents, cheques etc torn into hundreds of pieces The mischief makers in this instance were mice. (Koo Wee Rup Sun February 2, 1922)

The state of local roads was the subject of a complaint in April – a correspondent to the Koo Wee Rup Sun complained about the bad state of Denhams and Naughtons Road. Repairs are urgently needed, and if not attended to before winter sets in they will be in a dangerous and disgraceful condition. The work involves very little expense, as the metal and sand has been heaped alongside the roads since 1914. The metal should not be put there to act as an ornament. If the Council do not intend to use it, then for what purpose was it put there? (Koo Wee Rup Sun, April 13, 1922) Eight years does seem a long time for a road repair, even allowing for the fact that for half that time the War was on.

This wasn’t the only complaint about roads – this one is about the South Gippsland Highway – We have received several complaints re the bad conditions of the main coast road from Koo wee Rup to Tooradin. Loose metal, projecting metal, holes and ruts are much in evidence and those using the road are loud in their denunciation of the state of the state of disrepair in which they find it. To travel along this road is a most unpleasant experience, and it is hoped that the authorities will take the matter in hand and give attention immediately. (Koo Wee Rup Sun June 15, 1922)

The Koo Wee Rup Sun of April 27 had a lovely report on gardens in Koo Wee Rup - A walk along Rossiter road, Kooweerup, reveals a number of fine gardens which are at present presenting a picturesque appearance. There is a large variety of blooms of various shades, and the care and attention given by the owners redounds to their credit, especially when consideration is given to the fact that many difficulties have to be overcome and they are not blessed with a water supply.

Picturesque gardens in Rossiter Road.

Koo Wee Rup Sun April 27, 1922

Also from the Koo Wee Rup Sun of April 27 comes this report - We are pleased to be able to state that Mr. A.W. Giles is now restored to health and is back at his home, Mank’s road, Koo Wee Rup. His homecoming caused a surprise to his family, as they were not acquainted that he was returning. It appears that a bed was required for a patient, and Mr Giles said he was well enough to leave. He took the train to Pakenham, and from there walked home.

Mr Giles is restored to health

Koo Wee Rup Sun April 27, 1922

The Koo Wee Rup Sun of May 18 reported that the Bayles Milk Factory opened on May 15. It was operated by Sage & Co. P/L

Opening of Bayles Milk Factory

Koo Wee Rup Sun, May 11 1922

On June 29, 1922 the railway line which used to run from Koo Wee Rup to Strzelecki officially opened. The Stations were at Bayles, Catani, Yannathan, Heath Hill, Athlone, Topiram, Triholm and Strzelecki. I have written a history of this line, here.

The last day of June in 1922 was very cold and The Argus reported on the unexpected snow falls throughout the State - Bitterly cold weather was again experienced throughout the State yesterday, and heavy falls of snow occurred at many places. The minimum temperature recorded at the Weather Bureau was 32.7 deg. early in the morning, and the maximum reading was 46.0 deg. at about 3 o'clock in the afternoon..... Snow fell at - Bunyip, Pakenham (only fall remembered by residents for 40 years), Mount Cannibal (near Garfield), Nar Nar Goon (first for 30 years),Tooradin, Koo-wee-rup (first time on record). (The Argus, July 1,1922, see here).
32.7 degrees Fahrenheit is about 0 degrees Celsius and 46 degrees is about 8 degrees.

On July 29, 1922 there was a public meeting held at Koo Wee Rup and a motion was passed to relocate the Cranbourne Shire Offices to a more central position, i.e. from Cranbourne to Koo Wee Rup. There were various reports in the Koo Wee Rup Sun over the next few months on this issue, but in the end they stayed at Cranbourne.

The Advocate of October 5, 1922 (see here) had some interesting local news -
Representatives from the parishes of Lang Lang, Kooweerup and Nar-Nar-Goon and Iona recently met and decided to purchase a four-cylinder Buick car for use of the priests and the Sisters. The necessity of the action has been apparent for some time, owing to the distance the priests have to travel. The sisters from Iona, who also teach at the convent school at Cora Lynn, invariably depend on the neighbours to take them to school, but the parish car will suffice for all purposes.

Andrew Colvin's Pictures at the Mechanics' Institute

Koo Wee Rup Sun, October 5 1922

The October 25, 1922 edition on Everyones magazine, which covered the Movie and Picture Theatre industry in Australia, had a short report on Mr Colvin of Koo Wee Rup Kooweerup (Vic.). - Mr. Colvin, of this town, is a pushful exhibitor. He shows only one night per week, and uses Pathe machine and Universal set. Besides the picture game, Mr. Colvin owns a motor garage, and is interested in several other enterprises in the town. Occasionally he exhibits at the little townships of Tooradin and Yallock. Andrew Colvin showed films at the Mechanics’ Institute Hall (which later became the Memorial Hall). (Everyones magazine, see here.)

We will finish this report off with this rather topical advertisement which appeared in the Koo Wee Rup Sun in November and December. Madame Corona was working remotely even in 1922.

Koo Wee Rup Sun November 2, 1922

Mechanics' Institute - Pioneers' Hall - at Iona

The Mechanics' Institute, later called the Pioneers' Hall, at Iona was opened on April 26, 1895 by the Minister of Mines, Mr Foster, who was also in charge of the Village Settlements. He was accompanied by Mr Hancock, M.L.A., Mr Prendergast, M.L. A., Mr Crook, M.L.C., William Davidson, Inspector-General of Public Works and James Thomas, Chief Steward of Village Settlements (1). 

The opening of the Mechanics' Institute at the local village settlement, Iona.

The Herald, April 27, 1895. See full report here https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/241095610

The community had been agitating for a Hall for a while and it was reported that it was at a meeting with Public Works Department Engineer, Carlo Catani, in June 1894 that a motion was passed at the meeting that it was desirable to establish a Mechanics' Institute and Free Library on the settlement, the cost not to exceed £75, to be raised by monthly voluntary subscriptions. Mr Catani promised to recommend that the Government should supply the timber for the purpose, the cost of same to be refunded by monthly deductions from the wages of the men who are willing to support the project. Mr Catani also promised to give £1 1s., towards the funds, a statement which was received with cheers (2). Carlo Catani was well loved and respected on the Koo Wee Rup Swamp and in 1923, George Clowser, Secretary for Public Works, presented a portrait of Carlo to the Iona Pioneer's Association and it resided in the Hall. I have written about this Portrait here. 

The land for the Hall was gazetted on August 13, 1894, as a site for a Mechanics' Institute at Koo Wee Rup East, as the area was known then (3). 

Site reserved for the Iona Mechanics' Institute

Victoria Government Gazette Auguust 17, 1894, p. 3382

 https://gazette.slv.vic.gov.au/images/1894/V/general/106.pdf

The building was located on the north side of the Main Drain, just east of  St Joseph's Catholic Church and  Presbytery, which was on the corner of Fourteen Mile Road. It was on land owned by David Fitzpatrick, Lot 4, Section B, Parish of Koo Wee Rup East.

The Iona Mechanics' Institute / Pioneers' Hall site is circled in red. St Joseph's Catholic Church complex, on the north side of the Main Drain, and on the corner of Fourteen Mile Road, is circled in green. 

As you can see the Hall site has a reference 'See Margin' where there is a further plan, 

which is shown below. 

Koo Wee Rup East Parish Plan, State Library of Victoria http://handle.slv.vic.gov.au/10381/104853 

Detail of Iona Mechanics' Institute site on Lot 4, Section B, Parish of Koo Wee Rup East.

Koo Wee Rup East Parish Plan, State Library of Victoria http://handle.slv.vic.gov.au/10381/104853 

I have seen references in the newspapers to the building being referred to as the Mechanics' Institute until at least November 1917,and then for a few years it was called the Iona Hall. I believe the name Pioneers' Hall is associated with the Iona Pioneers Association which was formed at  a meeting held October 11, 1919. The Association was for those who had worked on the drains and were here at the first land ballot (4). As you can see by the article below they were a group with a good sense of their place in history, as they had an historic picture taken outside the old Hall, Iona.

Report of the formation of the Iona Pioneer's Association

Bunyip & Garfield Express, Friday October 17, 1919, p. 2

The historic photos taken October 19, were to be made available at a social evening at the Iona Hall on November 28, 1919.  The report in the Bunyip & Garfield Express lists the pioneers in the photographs. 

Report of the historic photo taken of the Iona Pioneers in October 1919

(Names are transcribed in Footnote 5)

Bunyip & Garfield Express, October 28, 1919, p. 2

The Pioneers' Association photograph, taken October 19, 1919.

Image:  The Call of the Bunyip: history of Bunyip, Iona & Tonimbuk, 1847-1990 by Denise Nest 

(Bunyip History Committee, 1990), p. 15.

The building was still called the Iona Hall as late as December 1921 (6) and the first reference I can find of the use of the name  Pioneers' Hall is in February 1922 when it was reported that a contract had been let to Mr J. Grummich for additions, etc, to the Pioneers' Hall - the amount of the tender was  £410 (7). 

The Advocate reported on the Hall in May 1922 and talks about the role of the Iona Pioneer's Association in the refurbishment and extension of the Hall, and thus it would seem the Hall was renamed (either formally or informally) in honor of the work of the Association and the pioneers of the area. 

This is The Advocate's report - The Pioneers' Hall, which has been completely neglected for years past, has undergone a complete transformation and it is somewhat difficult now to identify the old building with the present imposing edifice. In the early days of the swamp the Government provided a very small piece of land for recreation purposes, and miserly assisted the pioneers in erecting some sort of a building for the purpose of holding meetings. The building until recently in evidence in one of the richest places in Victoria has sustained the storms for almost 30 years, and whilst other halls were erected in the adjacent townships, substantially assisted by Iona, their own hall was neglected. Some six months ago Mr.Peter Grummich, secretary of the Pioneers, convened a public meeting,at which five new trustees were appointed who also are guarantors. They succeeded in obtaining £500 from the London Bank, Garfield, and immediately prepared plans, etc., for additions and renovations. Mr. J Grummich was the successful tenderer, and the committee are highly gratified at the splendid work performed by the contractor. A new light will be installed during the week, and the hall will be opened about 11th inst. All the money has been spent, apart from work computed at £100 done by the local residents.(8). 

The Age of May 2, 1922 reported that the Hall opening took place on May 13 by Mr. F. Groves, M.L. A. It also said that the old hall was originally built by the settlers on the swamp. Messr J. Dowd and J. Curtain donated portions of their property to the committee for the extension (9). 

Pioneers' Hall, Iona. 

The Advocate November 16, 1922 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-page20363246

What happened to the Hall? I did ask my Dad about the hall a few years ago. Dad, Frank Rouse, was born at Cora Lynn in 1933 and lived all his life there - Cora Lynn is three miles from Iona - and not only did he not remember it, in spite of the fact that his memory was very good at the time I asked, but he said words to the effect - why would I know anything about Iona! The last reference I can find to the Hall was in November 1935, so we know it was there then. It was possibly demolished in the 1940s, but that is only  a guess.

New Trustees at the Pioneer hall in 1935.

The Age November 21, 1935 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/203891471

The Iona Pioneers' Hall Committee in 1922. 

Back row - left to right - W. Kraft, J. Dowd, W. Browne and C. Grummich. 

Front row seated - R. Grummich, O. Kavanagh and C.J. Donald.

The Advocate November 16, 1922 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-page20363246

Trove list 

I have created a  short list of articles on Trove, connected to the Hall, access it here.

Footnotes

(1) The role of the Steward of Village Settlements was to keep the plans of village settlements and note thereon all applications for the land received and granted. They have also to supervise the occupation of the village community allotments, and see that the conditions are complied with (Horsham Times, November 18, 1893, see here.)

(2) The Argus, June 26, 1894, see here.

(3) I am indebted to Jim Lowden, Life Member of the Mechanics' Institutes of Victoria for alerting me to this gazettal. I would not have looked under Koo Wee Rup East for the land gazettal otherwise. 

(4) Bunyip & Garfield Express, Friday October 17, 1919, p. 2

(5) Iona Pioneers - L. Olsen, T. Sheehan, P. Crudden, J. Gunnelson, J. Curtain, J. Mannix, W. Browne, H. Bennett, E. Fielder, J. Jewer,  A. Wild, L. Olssen, J. Fitzpatrick, J. Featherstone, H. Voll, W. Kimber, J. Berry, Mr Dawes, W.G. Kraft, M. Brown, M. Murphy, J. Milligan, P. Grummisch, T. Strafford, E. Head, R. Power, W. Williams, W. Maybury, M.McNamara, J. Fitzgerald, J. Lawless, F. Rohl, P. Goulding, P. Creely, Hon. D.L. McNamara, M.L.C., J. Donald, J. Kavanagh, O. Kavanagh, M. Gaghin, J. Walsh, J. Bockholdt, T. Jones, T. M'Guire.

(6) The Argus, December 1, 1921, see here.

(7) The Advocate, February 16, 1922, see here and February 23, 1922, see here.

(8) The Advocate, May 4 1922, see here.

(9) The Age, May 2, 1922, see here

What happened in Garfield in 1922

 This is a look back 100 years at what happened in Garfield and surrounds in 1922. 

The year started on a sad note with a report in February of a death -  Man’s lonely death - While looking for a cow at Garfield, Mr. R. James found the dead body of a man lying on an unused road near the 14-mile. The body was that of Mr. Patrick Hanna, who until recently had been employed by Mr. Stacey, of Bunyip. Hanna was more than 50 years old, and had been a resident of the district for many years. (The Argus February 20, 1922, see here)

There was news about the Garfield State School. In April it was reported that Miss Lindsay, who has been first assistant at the Garfield school for 4½ years, has retired. She was entertained at a social, and presented with a silver and oak tray from the scholars, and a silver biscuit trough from the parents. Her successor is Miss Honig.  Owing to the crowded state of the Garfield school, an agitation is on foot to obtain increased accommodation. The agitation paid off as, in November, the Public Works Department accepted the tender of Mr. J. Saville for additions to the school. The contract price was £540. In June it was reported that Miss D. Chappell has been appointed to the staff of Garfield school, to fill the vacancy caused by the transfer of Miss McKinnon to Yarragon. (The Age, April 25, 1922, see here; The Argus June 1, 1922, see here and The Argus, November 8, 1922, see here)

While we are on the subject of local schools The Argus reported in September that before her departure from Tynong Miss Giles, sewing mistress at the State school was presented with a gold wristlet watch by parents and residents, and with a leather suit-case by the pupils. Also in the September a concert was held at Garfield North, in aid of the piano fund of the School. (The Argus September 7, 1922, see here and The Argus, September 26, 1922, see here)

In May, a fancy dress ball was held in the Nar Nar Goon Memorial Hall by the Cora Lynn branch of the Returned Soldiers' league, The proceeds from the ball went towards the new library at Cora Lynn. The Library would have been in the Hall. (The Argus, May 2, 1922, see here)

In May there was also a report in The Age about criminal activity in the local area. These cases were heard at the Bunyip Court - For stealing a blanket from the clothes line at the Iona Hotel, Garfield, a young man named John Gilbert Drum was sentenced to ten days imprisonment. Arthur Wilson received fourteen days for stealing a hat and overcoat from a motor car at Cora Lynn on Easter Monday night. A young married man named Flynn was fined £20 for being in unlawful possession of a bag of sugar, alleged to have been stolen from the Tynong railway station. The accused denied the charge, and said the bag of sugar was given to him by the assistant at the station for some potatoes. S. Synot was fined £2 for allowing a cow to wander on to the railway at Tynong, and Jos. Hart £5 for using obscene language at Bunyip on 18th inst. (The Age, May 2, 1922, see here)

In November there was more criminal activity at Garfield when it was reported that - a large show window in the lockup shop of Mr J. W. Betts, bootmaker, was shattered on Wednesday night. A pair of men's boots is missing. The police are following a clue. (The Argus, November 11, 1922, see here)

The Pioneers' Hall at Iona (which was the public hall) opened in 1895 and was enlarged and renovated in 1922. In May, the Catholic newspaper, The Advocate,  reported - The Pioneers' Hall, which has been completely neglected for years past, has undergone a complete transformation and it is somewhat difficult now to identify the old building with the present imposing edifice. In the early days of the swamp the Government provided a very small piece of land for recreation purposes, and miserly assisted the pioneers in erecting some sort of a building for the purpose of holding meetings. The building until recently in evidence in one of the richest places in Victoria has sustained the storms for almost 30 years, and whilst other halls were erected in the adjacent townships, substantially assisted by Iona, their own hall was neglected. Some six months ago Mr.Peter Grummich, secretary of the Pioneers [Association], convened a public meeting,at which five new trustees were appointed who also are guarantors. They succeeded in obtaining £500 from the London Bank, Garfield, and immediately prepared plans, etc., for additions and renovations. Mr. J Grummich was the successful tenderer, and the committee are highly gratified at the splendid work performed by the contractor. A new light will be installed during the week, and the hall will be opened about 11th inst. All the money has been spent, apart from work computed at £100 done by the local residents.(The Advocate, May 4, 1922, see here).  

The Age of May 2, 1922  (see here) reported that the Hall opening took place on May 13 by Mr. F. Groves, M.L. A. It also said that the old hall was originally built by the settlers on the swamp. Messr J. Dowd and J. Curtain donated portions of their property to the committee for the extension.
The Hall was on the north side of the Main Drain, east of St Joseph's Catholic Church. I have written about the Hall, here.

The last day of June in 1922 was very cold and The Argus reported with unexpected snow falls throughout the State - Bitterly cold weather was again experienced throughout the State yesterday, and heavy falls of snow occurred at many places. The minimum temperature recorded at the Weather Bureau was 32.7 deg. early in the morning, and the maximum reading was 46.0 deg. at about 3 o'clock in the afternoon..... Snow fell at - Bunyip, Pakenham (only fall remembered by residents for 40 years), Mount Cannibal (near Garfield), Nar Nar Goon (first for 30 years), Tooradin, Koo-wee-rup (first time on record) (The Argus, July 1, 1922, see here).
32.7 degrees Fahrenheit is about 0 degrees Celsius and 46 degrees is about 8 degrees. 

The Advocate of October 5, 1922 (see here) had some interesting local news - Representatives from the parishes of Lang Lang, Kooweerup and Nar-Nar-Goon and Iona recently met and decided to purchase a four-cylinder Buick car for use of the priests and the Sisters. The necessity of the action has been apparent for some time, owing to the distance the priests have to travel. The sisters from Iona, who also teach at the convent school at Cora Lynn, invariably depend on the neighbours to take them to school, but the parish car will suffice for all purposes.

The Convent at Iona. I wonder if that is the new Buick car purchased for use of the Priest and the Sisters?

The Advocate November 16, 1922 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-page20363246

The same paper also reported on the Garfield Recreation Reserve - The committee of the Garfield Recreation Reserve is to be congratulated for the improvements effected on the grounds. A few years ago it was completely neglected, but at a public meeting new trustees were appointed, who are responsible for collecting over £400 and spending same on improvements, with the result that two semi-final football matches have been played on the ground by visiting teams, with a possibility of a grand final. (The Advocate, October 5, 1922, see here)

Eggs were a staple diet in Hospitals in years past and they relied on the public to donate eggs. Local schools donated eggs to Hospitals and in October 1922 it was reported that Garfield State school had donated 300 eggs to the Warragul Hospital. The same report had a list of how many eggs had been donated in 1921 and Garfield State School had sent 720. Overall local schools had donated 18, 682 eggs in 1921. the eggs were preserved with Ovo, apparently a well known egg preservative. (West Gippsland Gazette, October 10, 1922, see here)

The Argus of November 11, 1922 (see here) had this news about the telephone exchange - Farmers on the Swamp are making arrangements for telephone connection with Garfield. The deputy postmaster-general is being petitioned to allow the telephone exchange to remain open to 8.pm. daily. There was also this weather and crop report in the same edition - During October nearly 4in. of rain fell, and the record for November is 206 points. Owing to floods farmers on the Six-Mile Drain have had to replant potato crops. - Cherry yields promise to be good. Loquats are a complete failure. Large consignments of asparagus are sent weekly from Garfield to a Melbourne jam company.
Four inches of rain is 100 mls. There are 100 points of rain to the inch.

Court cases between Sarah Hansen and Thomas Stacey of Bunyip.

On December 6, 1889 Thomas Stacey took over the Railway Hotel at Bunyip from  Sarah Hansen, even though she still retained ownership of the property. It was a unhappy relationship as in the next five years they were involved in multiple legal cases with each other.  

The Railway Hotel, Bunyip, c. 1905 - the source of the contention 

between Mrs Hansen and Mr Stacey.

Museums Victoria https://collections.museumsvictoria.com.au/items/795791

The Railway Hotel was started in the late 1870s by William Hobson who married Sarah (nee McKernon) in March 1879. After William died, Sarah continued to operate the Hotel on her own. She married Christian Hansen in 1885. She sold the business (but not the property) to Thomas Stacey in 1889. He operated the Hotel until his death in January 1928 at the age of 77. Sarah  died in October 1913, aged 73. Sarah had four children to William Dethmore before she married William Hobson. Her daughter Christina Dethmore is involved in two of the cases. I have more details on the hotel and the family here.

Here are some newspaper reports about these legal cases between Sarah Hansen and Thomas Stacey.

From the Warragul Guardian, August 12, 1892 (see here)

Warragul County Court, 

Wednesday, 10th August, 1892

(Before His Honor Judge Worthington)

Libel Action -Damages £3. 

Thomas Stacey, hotelkeeper, Bunyip v. Sarah Hansen, claim for £49 for alleged libel contained in a letter addressed by defendant to Sergeant. Hillard, of Warragul. Mr. James Gray appeared for the complainant, and Mr. D. Wilkie defended. The alleged libel was contained in a letter from the defendant to Sergeant Hillard as follows:-
" Dear Sir--I must call your attention to Stacey's hotel, at Bunyip, last Tuesday week. There were two drunken men in and out the place during Tuesday. The night before last and last night we could not sleep for noise there all night. I hear there is going to be a dance there to-night. There seems to be an open house there day and night. I have got the Church of England minister staying with me, and I think it is time their conduct was seen into, as there are drunken women and men singing all night. I think it would be wise to send some one in plain clothes. By doing so you will oblige, as it is my property, and I must have it seen to."

Mr. Gray submitted that the language was too strong to be privileged. The relations between the parties had been strained for some time. The defendant lived 200 yards from the plaintiff's hotel, and the allegations in the letter were perfectly foundationless. 

Mr. Wilkie pointed out that he had received two summonses (Nos. 93 and 94), and as the former had not been filed, he was at a loss to know on which the complainant was proceeding. He contended the letter was a privileged communication, that it was written without malice, and in the public interest. The point raised by Mr. Wilkie respecting the two summonses was argued at length, and was finally overruled, his honor merely asking down the grounds of Mr. Wilkie's objection - two summonses had been served in the case, No. 93 was served some days previous to No. 94. That at the time No. 94 was served no notice of discontinuance had been given in the action, and that therefore the second summons (No. 94) was invalid, and on that ground he applied to have the summons set aside and struck out.

Robert Hillard, sergeant of police, stationed at Warragul, was then called. Mr. Gray,: Do you produce any document? Mr. Wilkie: I thought that any communication sent to witness was privileged. His Honor allowed the question with the understanding that the witness could consider it privileged if he chose. Witness (continuing): Had had notice to produce a letter. Did not feel he could very well object to produce the letter (letter put in.) On receipt of the letter he sent it to Constable Trainor, of Longwarry. Mrs. Hansen had called at his (witness') office. She said that her daughter had written the letter for her, and that she had not written it, or words to that effect.

Constable Trainor enquired into the complaints contained in the letter. To Mr. Wilkie: It was not the practice for the police to disclose the name of an informer. It would be an improper thing for a constable to show the letter to anyone. It was confidential. Constable Trainor went on the evening of the 3rd July. Anthony Joseph Trainor, stationed at Longwarry, said that on receipt of the letter from Sergeant Hillard he went to Bunyip to make enquiries.

Mr. Wilkie submitted that the witness should not state the result of his enquiries. Mr. Gray: If there was no foundation for the expressions in the letter, and they were proved to be groundless then the expressions were libellous. Mr. Gray (to witness): What was the result of your enquiries? Mr. Wilkie: I object. His Honor upheld the objection. 

Witness (continuing) said: I saw Mrs. Hansen on the 3rd of July. Went the same evening that he received the letter. Mr. Wilkie again objected, contending that the conversation between the defendant and witness had no right to be disclosed, otherwise people would be afraid to complain to the police. His Honor held that the evidence was permissible. Witness said that when he called upon the defendant she said that the contents of the letter were quite true. There had been two drunken men in knocking about on the Sunday in and out of the hotel, and that she saw Stacey pushing them about. He witness) asked who they were. She replied, "Two men in the employ of Stacey. Their conduct was very bad, singing at all hours of the night. There were drunken women too. She heard them singing going home at night in a dray, and thought one of the women was a boarder at the hotel, or she only heard so. The minister complained about the noise during the night; it was time it was put a stop to"

He (witness) said- "why did you not tell me ?" She replied that a stranger would be best, I was too well known. Defendant's husband came in and said he had not noticed any misconduct at the hotel, and asked who had been reporting it? Witness replied "Mrs. Hanson has been reporting it. He replied, "She has no right to complain or write letters, it had nothing to do with her." The defendant had made previous complaints. He (witness) said, " It is strange you are always making complaints about the hotel. I cannot find anyone else in the township that sees anything wrong. You must have some motive in saying so." Defendant replied, " Yes, I have a motive. The place is not half insured; it is my property. They promised to insure for £400 when they took it from me, and have not done so. If is only insured for £200, and they might burn it down any time."

To Mr. Wilkie: Knew the rule in the police force, and that they should not reveal an informants name. He did not reveal the name, and did not show the letter to anyone. Could not say how Mr. Gray got the letter. Never saw it after sending it back to Sergeant Hillard. Told Stacey there was a complaint about his hotel, and who had complained, and what the complaints were. He had no reason to complain about the hotel. Heard Stacey had been fined for Sunday trading. Was not annoyed about the letter himself.  Never told Stacey that the words were actionable. Mrs. Hansen did not say she did not want to make a charge.

Thomas Stacey, the plaintiff, was licensee of a hotel at Bunyip. Had purchased the place from Mrs. Hansen two years ago, and been in the premises ever since. Heard about the letter. There was not one truth in the statements made by Mrs. Hansen. Had been on bad terms from two months after he took possession of the house. On one occasion had put a man out of the hotel. She said that he (witness) had insulted her and summoned him at the Drouin Court, when the case was dismissed with costs.

To Mr. Wilkie: Did not now where Mr. Gray got the letter from. He had bought the hotel. Did not pay any money down. Mrs. Hansen lent him money. Had executed a mortgage to Mrs Hansen and was a tenant of hers in the meantime. Had agreed to rebuild the premises at an outlay of £450. Did not as a rule serve people on a Sunday. Admitted that a woman was dressed in men's clothes at the hotel and singing. To Mr. Gray: From what Constable Trainor had told him he came to see Mr. Gray. There were no drunken women on the place.

David Evans, storekeeper in Bunyip, said he did not hear any noise about the date mentioned. Knew that Mrs. Hansen disapproved of the way the house was conducted, but could not remember what she had said. Harold Nixon, Church of England minister as Bunyip. Remembered living at Mrs. Hansen's at the beginning of July. Never complained to Mrs. Hansen about Stacey's hotel. Did not remember any noise. It was not true that he complained about a noise to Mrs. Hansen. To Mr. Wilkie: Had said on coming down to breakfast one morning " what was that noise in the street last night."

George Farrow, selector, lived five or six chains from the hotel. Never complained about the hotel. Did not take any notice what Mrs. Hansen had said to him. Did not expect to be brought up as a witness. No one spoke to him about this case. Had heard Mrs. Hansen say that Stacey would be out of the place in three months, and that she could not see what kept him there, but she did not say that she would hunt him out. He had said that Mrs. Hansen was worth leaving alone. He did not want to be mixed up in a neighbor's quarrel. Never spoke to Mrs. Hansen about this case.

This concluded the base for the plaintiff. Mr. Wilkie submitted that there was no case. No proof had been adduced that Mrs. Hansen had written the letter containing the alleged libel. He contended that the letter did not contain any allegation of a breach of the Licensing Act, it was a general complaint, and it was hard to see how plaintiffs business or credit could be affected. His own evidence had shown that names of informants should not be disclosed to the public; and it was well known that defendant had an interest in the property and had a right to complain. There was no evidence of malice, or of a vindictive motive, and on the other hand plaintiff had been allowed absurdly easy terms to pay for the property. And a complaint made to an officer of police of alleged misconduct should be treated as privileged. Sergeant Hillard had said that the letter should not have been shown to any one.

At this stage the court adjourned for lunch, on resuming - His Honor: said that there was not a case for a jury, but he held that some of the evidence went to show that defendant desired to get complainant out of the hotel. He would therefore hear the defence.

Mr. Wilkie was at some loss what to answer. According to his view there was actually no evidence of a libel.His Honor thought there was, and he therefore asked for the defence. Mr. Wilkie contended that it His Honor held that malice had been proved, his evidence could not alter that belief.

Christina Detmore, daughter of the defendant, said she wrote the letter. The letter was written on July 1st. The night before she heard noises at the hotel, principally singing. Knew that it came from Stacey's hotel. The Rev. Mr.Nixon said on that morning that he had heard noises in the night. Her mother told her to send a note to Mr. Hilliard about the noise the night before: Wrote the letter about 9.30 on Saturday morning. Her mother did not tell her what to write, nor did she see what was, written or was aware of the contents, as the letter was written hurriedly. Previous to this time she had seen drunken men about the place, and had heard singing at night.

To Mr. Gray:- Wrote a good many of her mother's letters but not all. Was quite positive that she did not tell her mother what was in the letter until afterwards. Hardly remembered the contents of the letter until she saw it in the summons. There were no houses between their's and Stacey's. Never told anyone that they had a few pounds as well as Stacey and would fight him. She wrote the letter without her mother knowing anything about it. To Mr. Wilkie: She told her mother about a portion of the letter.

Sarah Hansen, the defendant, said she remembered the 1st July. Heard a noise that night after 12. It came from Stacey's. Her daughter's evidence was correct. She told her daughter to write to Sergeant Hillard, as she could not rest at night. She did not know what had been written until she got the summons. Had sold the place to Stacey, but could get no satisfaction. She was always insulted. When asked to insure the place he treated her in a most vulgar manner. Had told Constable Trainor that the place was not insured and therefore was in danger. To Mr. Gray: This was not the first libel action she had been concerned in. Her daughter only told her a portion of the letter. Was sent to trial for perjury on one occasion. To Mr Wilkie: The charge of perjury was dismissed.

In closing the case for the defence Mr.Wilkie remarked that he must repeat what he had previously stated - that there was no case - and held that the mother could not be held responsible for what her daughter had written. His Honor had admitted that the communication was a privileged one, therefore the plaintiff must prove a strong case in order to secure a verdict. It had not been shown how the letter had been made public. Sergeant Hillard had stated that it should have been confidential, and Constable Trainor denied showing it to anyone. Mr. Gray contended that if Mrs. Hansen said she did not know what was written in the letter she told a lie, as she must have been aware of the contents. The letter was full of innuendos of a libelous nature. The statements had been made broadcast, and there was no attempt to deny them.

His Honor held that the letter was defamatory, but that it was privileged being addressed to the police. The complainant was a debtor and did not keep his covenants; but the defendant had not gone the right way about. He gave a verdict for £3, costs to be taxed.

Warragul Court House, where Sarah Hansen and Thomas Stacey 

conducted some of their legal battles.

Warragul Court House, Smith St. Photographer: John T. Collins. Photo taken March 8, 1971.

State Library of Victoria Image H98.251/2439

From the Narracan Shire Advocate, November 26, 1892, see here.

    

Slandering a young woman.

Claim for  £250 Damages

She recovers £60.

Action at Warragul.

At the adjourned sitting of the Warragul County Court on Friday, before His Honor Judge Hamilton, a young unmarried woman of ladylike appearance, about 22 years of age, named Christina Dethmore, brought an action to recover, a sum ot £250 from Thomas and Ann Stacey, hotelkeepers at Bunyip, for alleged slander, based on the circulation of the report that the plaintiff had had two children. Mr. Johnston (instructed by Mr. Wilkie) appeared for plaintiff, and Mr. Lyons (of the firm of Lyons and

Turner) defended.

Mr. Johnston, in opening the case said the action was being brought for slander uttered by one of the defendants - Mrs. Stacey, wife of Thomas Stacey, hotelkeeper, Bunyip. The plaintiff, Miss Dethmore, was the daughter of Mrs. Hansen, her step-father being Mr. Hansen, Mrs. Hansen's second husband. The Hansens were also hotelkeepers up to three years ago, when they sold their hotel at the Bunyip to the Staceys - the defendants in the case. Ill-feeling arose subsequently between the Hansens and the Staceys, and Mrs. Stacey had chosen to vent her spite on the daughter - Miss Dethmore - by circulating the baseless slanders which were the subject matter in the case. He did not know what the defence would be - no defence of justification, at any rate, had been filed, and he would therefore ask His Honor to call on defendant's counsel for the defence. Mr. Lyons said the defence was one of not guilty - that the defendants did not utter the slander, and that there was no publication.

Esther Johnson, unmarried woman, engaged in the service of Mr. and Mrs. Stacey in August last, was then called and said: She left their employ after being there a month. The same day as she entered their service Mrs. Stacey said that the plaintiff was the mother of two children. She also said the Hansens were bad people and advised witness not to have anything to do with them. At this time witness knew nothing of the plaintiff or the Hansen family she subsequently repeated the allegations on several occasions. On one of these occasions Mrs. Stacey and witness were standing on the verandah of the hotel when the plaintiff passed and Mrs. Stacey remarked, "You would never think to look at her that she was the mother of three kids" Witness left Mrs. Stacey's employ shortly afterwards.

Cross-examined by Mr. Lyons: Mrs. Stacey had always treated witness well. She had never previously ever heard anything of the Hansens or the plaintiff. Witness did not tell Mr. Stacey at Longwarry  station, that she was dragged into the case and wished she was out of it.

Annie Roberts, married woman, said her husband carried on a bakery business at Bloomfield. She knew Mrs. Stacey and was on one occasion standing on the verandah of the Hotel with her when Miss Dethmore passed. Witness remarked to Mrs. Stacey that Miss Dethmore was rather proud and Mrs. Stacey replied that she had nothing to be proud of and that she had had a child which her mother was keeping.  Cross-examined: Witness was still on friendly terms with Mrs. Stacey. 

Amy Roberts, daughter of the last witness, said she was in Mrs. Stacey's employ within the past 12 months. Mrs. Stacey told witness that Miss Dethmore had had two children and that her mother was keeping them in Melbourne. Annie Cain, married woman, not at present living with her husband, said she was at Mrs. Stacey's hotel on the 10th of June last and stayed there one night. Mrs Stacey asked witness if she knew Mrs. Hansen and witness answered "No" Mrs. Stacey then said that Mrs. Hansen's daughter was the mother of two children and that one of them was in Melbourne and that when Mrs. Hansen went to Melbourne she frequently went to see the child.

Plaintiff was then called and said she was engaged to be married. She first heard of the slanders on or about the 6th of August. Cross-examined by Mr. Lyons: The first witness heard of the slanders was from Mrs. Cain who said "I have heard about all the kids you have had and what you did with them." This was the case for the plaintiff.

Mr. Lyons then opened the defence briefly and called the defendant, Mrs. Stacey, who said that she advised Esther Johnson not to have anything to do with the Hansen family as they were not on friendly terms. She did not say that plaintiff was the mother of two children but that she had heard that she had had a child. Witness did not remember mentioning anything in the matter to Amy Roberts, and did not have the conversation alleged with Mrs. Cain. 

Cross-examined by Mr. Johnston. Witness's husband in July brought an action for slander against Mrs. Hansen and won the case. Mr Johnston: Who was your solicitor in the action? Defendant: Mr. Gray. Mr. Johnston: Just so - that is quite enough to account for you winning the case.

Mr. Lyons then addressed his Honor and agreed that whatever might have been said by Mrs. Stacey to the witnesses who were at that time in her employ, was privileged, and was said as a warning out of regard of their moral welfare. The same might be said in regard to Mrs Roberts, who was spoken to by Mrs. Stacey, as she was the mother of the girl in her employ and was entitled to know it. The whole affair was only tittle tattle among neighbours and consequently was not a case in which heavy damages should be given. There was no evidence whatever against the husband, he had done nothing whatever to circulate the report, and therefore it would be hard, make him liable in any serious degree. The plaintiff had not been in any way ignored in the eyes of her friends or neighbors and having regard to all the circumstances of the case very small damages would suffice to rehabilitate the character of the plaintiff.

Mr. Johnston said he could not find any mitigating circumstance in the conduct of the defence. He ridiculed Mrs. Stacey's professed concern for the moral welfare of the servants in her employ and asked for substantial damages.

His Honor said that in his opinion the slander was a false and foul calumny on the reputation of the plaintiff and that she was entitled to such damages as would show that the court considered she had been grossly wronged. He, however, was not disposed to give exorbitant damages because it might mean ruin to the husband who, although legally responsible for his wife's torts, had done nothing to spread the reports. A verdict would therefore he given for the plaintiff with £60 damages and costs.

Gooddy's of Grattan Street. A bill from Gooddy's was the cause of a legal case between Sarah Hansen and George Stacey (see below)

Green Ginger Wine bottle label, 1873. State Library of Victoria http://handle.slv.vic.gov.au/10381/54322

From the Narracan Shire Advocate, May 6 1893, see here.

Peculiar Perjury Case 

A considerable amount of public interest was manifested in a case heard at the Warragul Police Court before Messrs. D. Connor and P. J. Smith, Js.P., on Tuesday, when Sarah Hansen preferred a charge of wilful and corrupt perjury against George Stacey. The proceedings arose out of an action heard at the Warragul County Court in November last, when Mrs. Hansen sought to recover a sum of money from Stacey for certain empty bottles and cases which he was alleged to have neglected to return to L. Gooddy and Co., aerated water manufacturers, Melbourne according to agreement, and with which she was consequently charged, as the order for the stuff was sent through her as the owner of the Railway Hotel Bunyip, of which Stacey was the licensee. The evidence on that occasion was very conflicting, and the judge dismissed the case.

Mrs. Hansen subsequently determined to proceed against Stacey for perjury and on the 20th of April last swore an information in which she alleged that Stacey committed wilful and corrupt perjury by stating that "he never received from the said Sarah Hansen any cases, lemonade, or ginger ale, except 5 or 6 dozen mixed cordials, lemonade and squash." Mr. Gray, at very short notice, appeared for Mrs. Hansen, and Mr. S. Lyons (Melbourne) defended. 

Mr. Gray gave a lucid explanation of the informants case, as set forth in the following evidence, and then called Mrs. Hansen, who said: I am the wife of Christian Hansen, residing at Bunyip. I recollect the 6th December, 1889, on which date Stacey purchased my business and took over my house - the Railway Hotel, Bunyip. He took over the portion that was left of the stock. Some time prior to this -about a fortnight or three weeks - he asked me to get him a supply of lemonade and ginger ale and other cordials. I promised to do so, and did so. The order was complied with and tbe things were delivered at the house two days after he took possession. About 8 or 9 months after this - when he paid me for the things - I asked him if he had sent back the empty bottles and cases to the firm I got them from, and he said "Yes" 

An account of all the goods he received was drawn up and sent to Stacey. I asked him for the receipt of all the empties that had been returned to Gooddy. He said "I have the receipt in the house and will give it to you when I find it" I had at this time paid the account for the lemonade and other drinks to Gooddy and Co - the amount being £3 2s. This was the stuff which was delivered to Stacey, and it was in reference to this account that Stacey said he had returned the empty bottles and cases in which the

stuff was sent. The items contained in the book (produced) were read over to Stacey and were agreed to by him except one or two items. He wanted to take out the item for £3 2s. from among the other items and asked for a separate account for it. I said "I will not have my books interfered with and refused."

He then paid me the whole of his account, including the £3 2s. About 12 months after I told Stacey he had deceived me as he had not returned the empty bottles and cases to Gooddy and Co. I told him I had received a notice from the firm in the matter and he told me I could go and do the best I could. I was compelled to pay for the empties myself, prior to which I had received a County Court summons from Gooddy and Co., and on telling Stacey this he said, "Hook it and do the best you can" I then paid the amount claimed by Gooddy, and costs. Subsequent to this I made a demand for the amount from Stacey, and he refused to pay. 

I then sued him in the Warragul County Court. I gave evidence when the case was heard at the County Court, and Stacey gave evidence too. He said that he had never had the empty bottles and cases referred to. He said he had had nothing but 5 or 6 dozen of mixed cordials and squash, and that he had never received the bottles and cases she sued him for. 

After some corroborative evidence had been given, Mr. Lyons called the defendant, who said: I am a publican at Bunyip, and was defendant in the case, Hansen v. Stacey, on the 17th of November. I remember Mrs. Hansen's bill being shown to me. I never swore I had never received any goods from Gooddy through Mrs. Hansen. I did not say I had never received 22 dozen of aerated waters from Mrs. Hansen. I said I had got some stuff through Mrs. Hansen from Gooddy, but that I could not remember the quantity. I then produced the bill, and showed where I had paid for the stuff. The contents of the bill of the staff received by me from Gooddy was not read over to me. I cannot read. When I said I only received 4 or 5 dozen of stuff I referred to the aerated water I had taken over from Mrs. Hansen when taking possession. Gooddy's stuff came in afterwards. When I paid the account to Mrs. Hansen I understood I had paid Gooddy's bill, as that was one of the items in Mrs. Hansen's account.

Cross-examined by Mr. Gray: When settling up with Mrs. Hansen the items were read over to me by Mrs. Shields. After I took possession of the hotel I received some stuff from Gooddy, but could not say the quantity. It was a good lot, and I thought I had paid for it in the bill I settled with Mrs. Hansen. I don't remember Mrs. Hansen coming to me in reference to the demand for the return of the empties. I returned the empties to Gooddy. I never told Mrs. Hansen that I would produce a receipt for the empties. I did not send the empties back myself. I told my man to do so, but I don't remember whether he did so.

At this stage the Bench intimated that they intended to dismiss the case. The charge was a very serious one, and they did not consider that there was sufficient corroboration to justify them in arriving at the conclusion that a prima facie case had been made out.

The Supreme Court in Melbourne, where Thomas Stacey took action 

against Sarah Hansen in December 1894.

Law courts, Melbourne, c. 1888-1890. Stata Library of Victoria Image H7942

From The Argus, December 11 1894, see here

Action under a Mortgage.

Exercise of power of sale

In the Supreme Court yesterday, Mr. Justice A'Beckett decided on action brought by Thomas Stacey against Sarah Hansen, to restrain the defendant from exercising the power of sale contained in a mortgage deed. Mr Mitchell, instructed by Messrs Lyons and Turner, appeared for the plaintiff, and Mr Bryant, instructed by Mr J. E. Dixon, for the defendant. 

The plaintiff by his statement of claim stated that in October, 1889, he possessed certain property in the parish of Bunyip, county of Mornington, and in Collingwood, and mortgaged it to the defendant to secure the repayment of £725 and interest. He covenanted in the mortgage deed to insure against fire in the name of the mortgagee, but no amount was specified. There was no express covenant for repairs. It was provided that the plaintiff should be entitled to continue the security for a further term of five years upon giving certain notices. The plaintiff did insure against fire in the name of the mortgagee, and kept the buildings and improvements in repair, and made no default in payment of principal or interest.

In February, 1894, he gave notice to the defendant of his desire to continue the security for the further term of five years, but the defendant refused to do so, on the ground that there had been breaches of covenants to insure and repair, and she notified that unless the principal and interest were paid within a month she would at once proceed to exercise her power of sale. The plaintiff asked for an injunction to restrain the sale, and a declaration that he had not disentitled himself to the extension of  the mortgage. The defence was that by a memorandum of agreement contemporaneous with the mortgage the plaintiff agreed to rebuild a certain hotel which had been burnt down, and to insure the new building for £450, and also the buildings on the other land for their full insurable value. The plaintiff, it was alleged, failed to effect the insurance for £450, or to keep the buildings in proper repair, and was disentitled from obtaining a renewal of the mortgage.

Mr Justice A'Beckett held that there had been no breach of the covenant to repair, but that there had been a breach of the covenant to insure to the full insurable value. The agreement to insure the hotel for £450, however could not be construed as a covenant under the mortgage, and the plaintiff was never properly called upon to perform the covenant to insure contained in the mortgage. Then the defendant had failed in the notice which she gave of her intention to exercise the power of sale, to state which covenant was said to have been broken, and the question arose whether this was rendered the notice bad. His Honour considered that it did. 

Where the covenants were numerous it was quite possible for the mortgagor unconsciously to overlook one of them, and it seemed a reasonable interpretation to put upon the act that where a mortgagee was about to take such an extreme measure as to sell for the non-observance of a covenant, and where the mortgagor might avoid the consequences of that breach by remedying it within a month, the mortgagee was bound to state precisely the covenant which he alleged to have been broken. Judgment would therefore be entered for the plaintiff, with costs.