Koalas at Yannathan and on the Koo Wee Rup Swamp

This post looks at references to koalas at Yannathan and more broadly on the Koo Wee Rup Swamp.   

In May 1891, Cyrus Mason wrote a letter to The Age newspaper, about a Surveying party who in the 1860s were forced to eat koalas to survive   - 

Surveyors are again at work where Mr. Surveyor W. S. Urquhart traversed 44 years since named the area south of his line "Koo-wee-rup " and wrote "deep water " upon his splendid plan (No. 2) of the traverse of the country between Melbourne and the Bunyip River. Some 30 years back Mr. (Sir Graham) Berry and others sent a surveyor and party to explore and report upon the Koo-wee-rup country with a view to their private use. They started from Lyall's, at Western Port, pushed their way on the south side, were reduced to starvation, only kept alive by eating native bears, until they reached the Bunyip River, when the strongest of the party managed to reach the hotel on the main road and obtained food, this investigation ending in some pencil markings upon the map in the Crown lands department.(1).

You can read more about Cyrus Mason, of  Woodyats, Tynong, here.

The South Bourke & Mornington Journal of June 8, 1887 published an article of a trip from Berwick to Yannathan. The route taken was the Berwick-Clyde Road, the South Gippsland Highway, through Cranbourne, then through Monomeith and to Yannathan. In the article, the unnamed writer said that Yannathan was 'swarming' with koalas or bears as they were called -

At Yannathan my business was completed and left me a day to look about the locality. The place swarms with "bears.'' In nearly every other tree they are to be seen. The name "bear" quite intimidates the "new chum," but no need of fear, for they are truly harmless beasts living on the gum leaves, and I am told are rapidly killing the gum trees as effectually as if they had been "rung" (2).

Six years later there was another account of koalas at Yannathan, this one painting a far bleaker picture of their numbers. This was a letter published in the Weekly Times on July 1, 1893, addressed to Uncle Ben the editor of the children's section.
A Bear. — Yannathan.
Dear Uncle Ben,
This is my first letter to you. I am going to tell you a story about a bear. One morning early about three o'clock when my sisters were in bed they heard something scratching. They thought at first that it was the rats, but soon they knew that it was too loud for them. They looked down towards the window where the noise came from. Seeing a shadow like a man's hand, they got out of bed, went to the window and looked out. Then they saw a bear which had climbed up the wall and was trying to hold onto the window, but could not. Mother, who was in another room, heard them laughing. She asked what was the matter, and they told her, so she got up and went outside, and took the bear off the window and put him on the ground. In the morning when we got up it was in a pear tree in the garden. The bears that are about here are quite harmless. They are very scarce, but when we first came into Yannathan there was a great number.
I remain, your affectionate niece, Sarah Aitken, aged eleven years and eight months (3).

The Koala or 'Australian Bear'

Australian Bear, c. 1880-1890. State Library of Victoria Image H29682/3

The cause of the decline in koala numbers in Yannathan can be attributed, mainly, to habitat loss due to the clearing of land for farming. Dr Niel Gunson in his book The Good Country: Cranbourne Shire writes that early settlement in the Yannathan district started on the western boundary in 1875 and by 1878 all the dense forest country had been selected (4). Clearing at Yannathan began as soon as the settlers could undertake the work, it has been said of this thick bush country (paperbark, tea tree, blackwood, silver wattle, musk tree and clematis) that 'when cleared it proved to be the best land in Gippsland' (5).

This interesting article about fauna on the Koo Wee Rup Swamp in 1894/1895 comes from a column in The Argus of September 12, 1934 called Nature Notes and Queries by Alec H. Chisholm. Mr Chisholm also notes land clearing as the reason koalas and lyre birds disappeared from the Koo Wee Rup Swamp.

Koalas at Koo-wee-rup

Stating that he has been very interested in the discussion on koalas' food trees, E.A.B. (St. Kilda) recalls that in the years 1894-95 he was camped at the Koo-wee-rup swamp and saw many koalas in swamp gums there. The trees were on a narrow ridge parallel with and about 20 chains east of the main drain, and the ridge was entirely surrounded by real swamp and tea-tree. A young koala taken to camp would climb tea-trees and black-woods, but would not feed there, although he throve on leaves from the swamp gums. That young bear was kept for about three months, and was never seen to drink. The writer wonders, therefore, if the moisture in leaves is sufficient for them. It is added that the swamp gum ridge was cleared for cultivation and the koalas disappeared. In the clearing of the eastern end of Koo-wee-rup many lyrebirds must have been destroyed. (6).

The koala was also killed for 'sport'. There was a report in March 1882 about a fishing and hunting trip to the Bass [River] district which mentioned the amount of sport they were going to have! Ducks, swan, hare, native bears, 'possoms and fish were to be got without the least exertion (7). Given that the koala was also called the 'Australian sloth' it is no wonder that they could be got without the least exertion.

Koalas did however, sometimes fight back. This report is from May 1904 -

A boy, aged 10, named Stanley Anderson, living at Lang Lang, noticed a native bear in a tree, and climbing up to it attempted to catch it by the ears. The bear made an attack on young Anderson, tearing his left arm very badly, and also making its teeth meet in his thumb. (8) 

The koala was also a component of the fur trade, not, however, the high-end garment segment of the market. This is part of a report from 1880 - Another numerous marsupial is the native bear, or Australian sloth, possessing a short matted wool, and a thick pelt unamenable to softening influences. These inoffensive creatures are most tenacious of life, and when they are killed, sorely test the patience of the skinner. The best of the skins are made into carriage rugs, but the majority are only fit for mats (9).

The 'Australian Native Bear' was considered cute enough to feature in this postcard from c. 1908, even if some people still thought they were only fit to become a mat.

Australian Native Bear. Study by Muir. State Library of Victoria Image H42748/12

In Victoria, koalas gained some protection in December 1898, when they were deemed to be native game and thus protected (10). This gave them year round protection, though this was objected to by the Fur Buyers' Association who thought koalas should only have protection for part of the year. As a matter of interest in 1899 the Fur Buyers' Association spokesman, Mr Coles said that last year on the London market a total of 176,000 skins were offered. New South Wales sent 134,000 and Victoria and Queensland 51, 600. This showed that there was not such a slaughter going on here as there was in New South Wales (11). The Government did not alter the year round protection for koalas and in 1938 strengthened their protection by including injuring and molesting the animals as well as destroying them within the scope of the bill (12).

Of course protection from slaughter did not protect the koala from habitat loss, and one solution for this was to re-locate koalas from one area to another such as in the 1930s from French Island to Quail Island. You can read about this here. Quail Island is at the northern end of Western Port Bay. It also appears from the following two reports from the Dandenong Journal in the 1940s  that some koalas were moved to Tooradin 

Tooradin - The ever-popular teddy bears (koalas) are now on view about the foreshore and surrounding gums. Apparently they are enjoying a brief sojourn at “the Port” preliminary to their retirement for the tourist season and from the small boy menace which by regrettable past experience they have learnt to avoid. (13)

Native Bears in the Manna gums at Tooradin are a popular feature to tourist bus passengers making a stop over for teas. When fires and disease affected the feeding trees at Chinamen [sic] Island in Westernport, the Fisheries and Game Dept, released a fair number of bears on this locality, hence their numbers. (14)

To finish off - it appears that boys were often blamed for the decline in koala numbers. In a 1931 report about transferring koalas from Phillip Island and  French Island to Quail Island and Chinaman Island -

It was considered useless to attempt to form colonies on the mainland until boys with pea-rifles learned to leave the koalas alone and other persons learned not to take them as pets. (15).

Footnotes

(1) The Age, May 23 1891, see here.
(2) South Bourke & Mornington Journal, June 8, 1887, see here.
(3) Weekly Times July 1, 1893, see here.
(4) Gunson, Niel The Good Country: Cranbourne Shire (Cheshire, 1968), p. 112.
(5) Gunson, op. cit., p. 114
(6) South Bourke & Mornington Journal, March 15 1882, see here.

(7) The Argus, September 21, 1934, see here.

(8) Great Southern Advocate, May 12 1904, see here. 
(9) The Argus, December 9 1880, see here.
(10) Victoria Government Gazette, December 9, 1898, p. 4238, http://gazette.slv.vic.gov.au/images/1898/V/general/109.pdf
(11) The Herald, July 11 1899, see here. The Fur Buyers' Association was also referred to as the Furred Skin Buyers' Association (The Herald, July 3, 1899, see here) I am not sure which is correct, and it doesn't really matter now, 120 years later, however I do like to be historically accurate.
(12) The Argus, December 14, 1938, see here.

(13) Dandenong Journal, November 10, 1943, see here.

(14) Dandenong Journal, November 24, 1948, see here.

(15) The Argus, May 9, 1931, see here.

A version of this post, which I wrote and researched first appeared on my work blog, Casey Cardinia Links to our Past.

Snakes Tales

These are accounts of close encounters with snakes on and around the Koo Wee Rup Swamp. Just remember, killing snakes is now illegal and most of the snake bite remedies mentioned here are no longer recommended. Having said that, all the people in this post survived, so something must have worked. Chloride of Lime was applied in one of these cases; it was injected. An article in the Korumburra Great Southern Advocate of December 20, 1894 (see here) on the topic and had this advice - No one in the country should be without his bottle of lime, and his hyperdermic syringe ready at hand. 

Snake-bite at Tooradin
On Monday a case of snake-bite occurred at Tooradin to a man named Gliffen. He was stalking some ducks, and while creeping through the undergrowth and ferns, he was met by a black snake of large dimensions. Instead of scurrying away, as this species generally does, it gave fight, and fastened on to the man's arm. Gliffen immediately asked a companion to help him to cut a piece of the, flesh away, and then rode to Dandenong, where Dr. Hodgson completed the cure, and next day Gliffen was able to return home. (The Argus, February 10, 1892, see here)

Snake-bite at Garfield

Silas Harris, 23 year of age, laborer, was bitten on the little finger of the right hand by a snake at Garfield this afternoon. He was cutting wood, and stooped down to pick up a piece when the snake bit him. Harris pluckily cut off the finger with the axe. He was then brought into the Melbourne Hospital, where Dr Grove administered stimulants, and dressed the finger. Harris was then able to leave the hospital. The snake was of the tiger species, and was killed by Harris. (The Herald, May 2, 1901, see here)

The cool headed Nellie Costello.
Iona - On Friday last considerable excitement was caused in the settlement by a case of snake-bite, and only for the plucky behavior of the young sufferer it is highly probable fatal consequences would have ensued. It appears that Nellie Costello, aged 14, daughter of a settler on the main drain, on the above date was sent down the paddock to drive some cows out of a crop of maize, and whilst performing this duty she trod upon a snake which turned and bit her just above the knee, she immediately formed a ligature with her handkerchief and made her way home, and requested her mother to take the carving knife and cut the piece out. Mrs. Crudden, a neighbour, performed the operation and the patient was conveyed with all speed to Bunyip, when shortly after arrival Dr. Cowan arrived in answer to a telephone message, and later on pronounced the patient out of danger. (South Bourke & Mornington Journal, January 29, 1902, see here)

Tiger Snake’s Bite. Young Man’s Escape.
A young man, named Thomas Kennedy, had a narrow escape from losing his life this week through being bitten by a tiger snake whilst engaged hewing timber on Mrs Smethurst’s farm at Yannathan, Gippsland. Kennedy was in the act of turning over a log, when a tiger snake, which had been hidden under it, seized and bit the thumb of his left hand. So tenacious was the grip of the reptile's fangs that all efforts to shake it off were futile, so Kennedy promptly seized his axe and chopped the snake in two. Using his pocket-knife, he then made a series of incisions all around the bite, and sucked the wound. Next he tied several ligatures about his hand and arm and hurried to the farm, where, securing a vehicle, he drove to Drouin, a journey of fourteen miles, and consulted Dr Cowan. Kennedy was by this time in a very drowsy state, which signified that the poison had affected him. Restorative measures were quickly and successfully administered. 

An antidote was then injected into Kennedy's veins, and after about 36 hours' suspense, during which time all manner of methods were resorted to in order to prevent the patient from falling into a dangerous sleep, the patient was pronounced out of danger. The young man then left for his home at Muckleford, where he will have to remain for some days until his lacerated hand is healed up, and the effects of the shock and medicine have passed away. (The Herald, October 25, 1902, see here)

[There are two other accounts of this story and in both he is called Timothy, not Thomas  and Mrs Smithers is listed as Mrs A.E. Smethurst, which I believe is correct. One account also said he came from Gembrook, so his return home to Muckleford may actually have been Macclesfield. These points aside, it's still a great story. Other reports The Age, October 27, 1902, see here; Weekly Times, November 1, 1902, see here]

Dangerous snakes of Victoria, indicated by Professor McCoy.

Printed by John Ferres, Government Printer, for the Education Department, Melbourne, Victoria, 1877.

State Library of Victoria Image H99.24/1-2 http://handle.slv.vic.gov.au/10381/459295

Bitten by a black snake

A man named Stephen Collins engaged as bullock driver at Nar Nar Goon was bitten on the left leg below the knee, by a large black snake about midday today. He was conveyed in an unconscious state to Berwick a distance of about fourteen miles. where he was attended by Mr Alex. Bennie, M.B., who used strychnine, calcium chloride and potassium permanganate. The patient regained consciousness during the afternoon, and is now convalescent. (The Argus, October 14, 1904, see here)

A Seven-foot Snake

Dandenong - Snakes are being discovered in large numbers this season, and numerous snake-bites are recorded. One day last week Mr. J. Hardy, of Tooradin, while at Heath Hill killed a black snake, and on opening it found it contained no fewer than 30 young, several inches in length. On Friday while Mr. T. H. Grant, of Toomuc Valley Orchard, was returning from Somerville he saw a large black snake with red sides on the Frankston-road. He killed the snake, which was 4ft. 6in. in length. Thinking it looked bulky, he dissected it, and discovered 16 young ones, about 6in. long, and alive. Mr. Grant took six of the young ones home with him, and has preserved them in spirits. On Monday Mr. Innis, a ganger on the Gippsland railway, killed a large carpet snake on the line, near the Frankston-road gate. The reptile measured 7ft. 3in. This is the largest snake seen in this district for the last 40 years, and it is believed to have been brought from a northern district in a railway truck. (The Argus, January 25, 1905, see here)

Snake-bite
Yannathan - About 7 o'clock on Friday a young woman named Lily Mannix, in the employ of Councillor Cameron, of "Fassifern," was bitten on the finger by a snake. She was taken to the Yannathan Store, where Mrs. W. R. Currie rendered first aid, and injected chloride of lime. The patient was then driven to Lang Lang and attended to by Dr. Harkness, and is now out of danger. (The Argus, June 3, 1907, see here)

The Snake Season. Harvesting Experience
Pakenham - A resident of McDonnell’s Drain, Iona, named W. Webster, was working a reaper and binder on a flax crop at South Pakenham on Friday. Hearing a squeal he stopped the machine, and found that he had cut three legs and the tail off a hare, the balance of the animal could not be found. Later, he had occasion to tighten a nut under the machine, and there being very little room he had to be on his back. While in this position he suddenly felt something cold on his throat, and found that a snake was crawling over his neck. As the head of the reptile was disappearing through the spokes of the wheel he caught it by the tail, but was forced to let it go as it turned to bite him. It then got away. (The Argus, November 30, 1909, see here)
[McDonnells Drain is actually McDonalds Drain and it isn't at Iona, it is at Pakenham South/Koo Wee Rup North.]

Divine help

On Saturday last a man named Horace George Iles, of Narnargoon, was bitten by a snake. He probably owes his life to the first aid assistance of Rev. Father Connellan, of Iona, as when he was taken subsequently to a doctor at Pakenham, he was in a very critical state, and the Doctor had all he could do to save his life. He has since recovered. (South Bourke and Mornington Journal, January 23, 1913, see here)

Snake at Clyde

On Wednesday afternoon at Clyde two boys named Greg Hardy and Arthur Hall, while rabbiting, hunted a rabbit into a small, burrow about 4 feet long. One of the boys poked a stick into one end while the other boy watched for the rabbit. To the lads' surprise a large black snake crept out. The boys ran half a mile to a neighbour, who with a gun killed the snake. (Bunyip Free Press, February 19, 1914, see here)

Cow swallows Snake

Mr P. Einsiedel, of Monomeith, recently had a singular experience.  He purchased a cow at a high figure, and some time afterwards the animal died without any apparent reason. A post mortem which was held revealed the fact that there was a snake about 18 inches long in her lung; having evidently been swallowed by the cow. (Lang Lang Guardian, April 25, 1917, see here)

Cow swallows snake.

Lang Lang Guardian April 25, 1917 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article119514347

Copperheads plentiful

Garfield - Owing to the dry spell, snakes of the copper head variety have been more plentiful in the district than they have been for years. (The Age, February 26, 1923, see here)

A Dangerous Plaything. Child Bitten by Snake

Garfield - Edith Jackson, aged 6 years, was bitten by a snake on the calf of the leg whilst playing with other children on a farm at Iona, on Saturday. It appears that the children were amusing themselves with the reptile, when it attacked the little girl and struck her on the leg. Several young men who were playing cricket nearby applied first-aid measures, and motored the child to Bunyip for medical treatment. She is now out of danger. (The Age, January 1, 1924, see here)

Child Bitten by Snake
Garfield - The daughter of Mr. Young was bitten by a snake on Saturday evening. After first aid had been applied the child was taken to the Bunyip private hospital. She is now out of danger. (The Age, March 2, 1926, see here)

Snake Bite and Compensation. Employer’s Liability 

Though the amount involved was small, a case under the Workers' Compensation Act that came before Judge Winneke last week was of particular interest to employers of labor, as indicating to some extent their liabilities under the act. William Ernest Humble, of Garfield, laborer, was employed by David McLennan, of Catani, farmer. On 25th November last he was removing sheaves of hay in a paddock, when he was bitten on the little finger of the right hand by a snake. As a result he was incapacitated for four weeks, and he made a claim under the Workers' Compensation Act for £8. The facts were admitted and the amount of damage was admitted if it could be proved that claimant was entitled to damages. His Honor said in his opinion the snake bite was directly caused by applicant's employment. He was picking up sheaves of hay presumably with his hands. This was necessary in the performance of his work. It rendered him liable to snake bite. Therefore he would make an order for £8 compensation, with costs to be fixed. (West Gippsland Gazette, July 5, 1927, see here)  [This case was also reported on in The Age, June 17, 1926, see here]

Bitten by Snake at Five Mile

Mr J. O'Brien, employed by the State Rivers and Water Supply Commission at Five Mile, was bitten by  a snake on Monday. After receiving first-aid he was conveyed to Kooweerup, where he received attention from Dr Hewitt. He has now recovered from the effects of the injury. (Koo Wee Rup Sun, November 3, 1927, p.4).

A narrow escape at Bayles

Mr J. Kane had a narrow escape from being bitten by a snake at Bayles on Thursday last. He sat down on a log to have a rest, when he felt something soft and got a surprise when he found that he was also sitting on a snake. He leapt forward and the reptile endeavoured to escape, but Mr Kane quickly despatched it. It is surmised that Mr Kane had the snake pinioned by the head, which prevented it from biting. Snakes are very plentiful and within the past fortnight a dozen have been killed in the Kooweerup township.  (Koo Wee Rup Sun, November 3, 1927, p.4).

Snake Disturbed in Hay

Frank Creber whilst removing some hay on his brother's farm at Caldermeade was bitten by a brown snake. He was taken into Lang Lang for treatment, and subsequently recovered. (The Age, August 25, 1928, see here)

Wound Scarified by Motorists
Albert Chapman an employee of Mr C. Cam, farmer of Lang Lang East, was bitten on the leg by a brown snake 3ft 6in in length. He killed the snake, tied a ligature above the wound, and rode four miles into Lang Lang to a doctor. Before he reached the doctor he met some motorists who had a snake bite outfit. They scarified the wound, and Chapman is now out of danger. (The Argus, January 15, 1929, see here)

Snake at Railway Station

Last Thursday evening a commotion was caused at the Kooweerup Railway Station by the appearance of a brown snake about 3ft. long on the platform. The reptile had the audacity to make its appearance from under the Strezlecki line office, but on seeing a number of people about found a hole in the wall of the ladies waiting room and quickly made its exit. One young fellow rushed into the office for a cricket bat, with the intention of displaying a Jackson stroke, but the reptile disappeared with the rapidity of a ball despatched by Larwood  (Koo Wee Rup Sun, February 14, 1929, p. 2)  

Note: Jackson stroke - presumably named for Archie Jackson, described as a a stylish and elegant batsman, with a genius for timing and placement and who faced Harold Larwood, the English bowler, in the 1928/29 Test series. Jackson sadly died in Brisbane in 1933, aged only 23 years of age, of tuberculosis. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Archie_Jackson]

Youth Bitten by Snake at Caldermeade
Arthur Stevens, aged 19 years, employed by Mr. W. Parker, of Caldermeade, was stooking hay yesterday when he was bitten on the ankle by a tiger snake. He killed the snake and scarified the wound. He was then driven into Lang Lang for medical treatment. He appears to be out of danger. This is the second time he had been bitten by a snake. (The Argus, December 31, 1930, see here)

Bitten by Snake
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 quicky recovered form the effect of the bite.              (Koo Wee Rup Sun, February 5, 1931, p.1)

Bitten by Snake at Garfield North

While lighting a fire at Garfield North, Mr Ron Towt was bitten on the left wrist by a snake last Tuesday week. His father (Mr E. Towt) scarified the wound and applied a ligature. Beyond suffering the discomforts of a swollen arm, he felt no ill-effect.     

(Koo Wee Rup Sun, October 15, 1931, p. 1)

Snake Caught Eating Bread
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. (The Argus, March 18, 1933, see here)

George survived a bite from a  five-feet tiger-snake - see story below.

The Herald, March 26, 1934  http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article243321692

Brothers' Courage    

Snakebite Sequel - Night ride

White, and shaking after a wild night ride of nearly 50 miles, George Wells, 20, of Lang Lang, who was bitten by a five-foot tiger-snake yesterday afternoon, told in the Melbourne Hospital today a story

of brotherly pluck and bush fortitude, which reflects the resource of a family used to dealing with such dangers. His elder brother, Jack, 24, was bitten by a tiger-snake only 12 days ago, and the brothers have had many encounters with the species. George Well's life was probably saved by the swift action of his 15-year-old brother, Don, who chopped off his brother's finger with an axe.

"CUT IT OFF"

"I was cutting ferns a mile and a half from the farm at Grantville, near Lang Lang, where two of my brothers and I have been 'baching,"' said Wells. Don and Jack Hemingway, of Alphington, were with me. I walked away from them into a nearly dry creek, and was chopping with the axe at the roots of a nice maiden-hair fern when I put my hand into the roots to loosen it, and immediately felt a sharp bite.

"I pulled away my hand, and a tiger-snake five feet long came with it. I shook it off, yelled to the others, and ran towards them. "'Cut it off,' I said to Don, handing him the axe, and laying my finger - the forefinger of the left hand - on a log.

"DIDN'T SAY WORD"

"He didn't say a word, but went white and clenched his teeth. He raised the axe, and did a good clean job. Then he fell to the grass, sobbing. Meanwhile, Hemingway had taken the lace out of my shoe and tied a ligature around my finger. "I set off at a run for the farm, leaving the others well behind. My father and a friend, who were on a visit from Melbourne, saw me coming, just about 'all out.' Dad's friend, Mr Bob Harvey, of Northcote, cut some rope and tied another ligature on the arm, which went

numb. "They put me into a farm truck and took me to Lang Lang. "Mr Harvey made me sing songs on

the way to keep my spirits up.

BROTHER BITTEN

'We had not gone far before the engine began to give out. Just then a service car came along, and I was transferred to it, and taken to Dr Appleford's at Lang Lang. There the truck caught me up, and I was sent in it to Melbourne. "On the way the battery gave out and we came on to Melbourne without lights.

There I was put into a relative's car and taken to the Melbourne Hospital." 

George, Don and Jack Wells were digging with mattocks on Wednesday week when Jack was bitten by a small tiger-snake. For a few moments his finger, like his brother's, was in jeopardy, for the

brothers debated whether to cut it off with a mattock. Jack decided the question for himself, however, cutting the finger with a razor-blade, and applying a ligature, with no subsequent ill-effects. After his harrowing task, Don Wells became very ill, and is still feeling the shock. (The Herald, March 26, 1934, see here)

Just In Case

Although Dr. A. B. Hewitt said that he had not seen a case of tiger snake bite in the district for 17 years, he recommended that a supply of tiger snake anti-venene be obtained by the council and made available if necessary. He made this recommendation, he added, because Cr. Greaves had informed him that there were some "tigers” up in the Cranbourne end of the shire. They were mostly black, brown, and copperheads down in the swamp. Cr. H. Kirkham said that he had not seen a tiger snake in his end of the shire in 40 years but he believed they had been seen in the country behind the Cranbourne racecourse.

Dr. Hewitt said that as a rule people did not know what kind of snake had bitten them, but even if a person had not been bitten by a tiger, the anti-venene would not hurt them. If they had, then, it would be practically a life-saver. Council decided to make the purchase and leave the distribution to the doctor. (Dandenong Journal, March 11, 1942, see here)

Dropped live snakes in solicitor's office. “Mischief” Charge Fails.
A man who had terrified a solicitor's stenographer by releasing six live snakes in her office was acquitted in the Criminal Court yesterday. A bottle of "pickled" snakes was an exhibit in the case. William Connelly, 53, farmer, of Lang Lang, was charged with assaulting Miss Gwendolyn May Gilchrist, stenographer, of Hill St, Thornbury, by throwing six venomous snakes at her feet, thereby putting her in fear of injury, and doing an unlawful act tending to cause, or effect, a public mischief by releasing live snakes in the office of A. L. C. Flint and Marrie, solicitors, of Queen st. Accused pleaded not guilty to both charges, and after a short retirement the jury found him not guilty. He was discharged.

Connelly said that the snakes were harmless, as he had "milked" them for venom on the way to Flint's office. They would not hurt a two year-old child. The Crown alleged that Connelly had gone to the office of Messrs A. L. C. Flint and Marrie, solicitors, on December 6 last after a land sale had fallen through. He had paid a deposit of £100 and the solicitors had deducted £6/6/ costs, returning the balance to accused. Apparently accused did not like having the £6/6/ deducted. Gwendolyn May Gilchrist, stenographer, said that when accused called at the office she told him that Mr Flint was not in. He said he wanted to leave a parcel in Mr Flint's room. Witness then asked him to leave the parcel in her room.

"You had better see what I am putting in Mr Flint's room," replied accused. He then took a package from a gladstone bag, and six snakes fell to the floor. Witness ran into another room, and accused then left the office. "I had a small attack of hysterics," added the witness. Accused, in evidence, said he brought the six snakes to the city in an oatmeal bag. At Flinders Street station he put the snakes in a wash basin and extracted venom from four of the snakes. The other two were too young to have venom. He took every precaution against hurting Miss Gilchrist. He intended to frighten Mr Flint and to bring up the scandal of land sales. Accused said he found the snakes in the bush and kept them, as they would probably have died because the swamps were drying up. He fed the two big copperheads and four little ones for about three months. They were very quiet around his camp and were around when he and his family were having their meals.

Accused then related an incident of a visitor having a cup of tea at his place while the snakes were hanging around. "I could see by the look on his face that he wasn't comfortable, so I put the snakes in a biscuit tin so that he could enjoy his cup of tea," added accused. "My dog got on well with the snakes," Connelly said. "I could coil a copperhead around the dog's neck and the dog would not worry about it."
Mr W. S. Sproule, KC, prosecuted, and accused conducted his own defence. (The Argus, August 26, 1947, see here)

Native cats or Quolls in the West Gippsland area and beyond

I came across this snippet in the book Early Days of Berwick (1), first published in 1948. It was referring to farming areas around Berwick - The native cats were a pest amongst the poultry but they appeared to contract some form of epidemic and they died out and now appear totally extinct (2). What are native cats? They are a type of quoll, a carnivorous marsupial - the Eastern Quoll - Dasyurus viverrinus - and were described by a writer as - the colour of native cats varies greatly. I have seen them practically all black, except for the characteristic white spots, but in others the colour has been grey, brown, bluey-grey, yellow, and a mixture of the above colours, but always with the white spots (3). They are about 60 cm in length, including the tail. Eastern Quolls are considered to be nearly extinct on the Australian mainland, but still exist in Tasmania (4).

Quolls or 'Native Cats'

Wild cats, c. 1880s. State Library of Victoria Image H29681/2

http://handle.slv.vic.gov.au/10381/320551

I did a search on Trove to find any references to quolls in the West Gippsland region in newspapers. The first report came from October 1872. This was a sad account of a farmer, named Wilhelm Tinzmann, of Dandenong, who committed suicide in October 1872 by drinking strychnine. He had legally obtained the poison from a local chemist to kill 'native cats'. Thirty four year old Wilhelm had been suffering from great pain in the head and had been desponding of late (5).

In April 1880, there was a report on the activities of the Acclimatisation Society, later called the Zoological and Acclimatisation Society, who had released Californian Quail into Victoria and they reported that it has succeeded wherever the scrub, as at Gembrook, is sufficiently dense to enable it to escape from its numerous enemies, in the shape of hawks and native cats (6). The activities of this Society were reported on regularly and in another report from April 1886, the Society was sent one white native cat, from Mr Staughton, near Pakenham to add to their collection (7).

In October 1884 there were various reports about the tragic death of eleven year old Edward Williams of Tynong who died after having been bitten by a snake. Edward had put his hand into a hollow log, in which he thought a native cat lay concealed, only to find that it actually contained a four foot tiger snake (8). This happened at eight o'clock in the morning and shortly afterwards he began to feel the deadly effects of the poison, and his father, alarmed at the lad's appearance, hurried with him to the railway station, and took him to the Alfred Hospital. The boy was quite insensible when admitted, at about two p.m., and was evidently dying. He expired very shortly after admission (9).

In 1899, the West Gippsland Gazette reported this story, which took place at an un-named location in Gippsland - A boy, son of a selector climbed a high white gum after a magpie's nest, but slipped from a bough, and, falling, just managed to catch a limb, from which he hung by his hands. After making repeated efforts to draw himself up he abandoned the endeavour as hopeless, and remained hanging, calling for help all the time. When he had been in this position for about a minute, a native-cat crept along the limb and smelt at his fingers. It then bit them. The boy shrieked at the animal, but it took no notice, and set deliberately to work to eat his hand. After the third bite, the youngster let go; and fell to the ground, breaking a rib and stunning himself in the fall. When he recovered consciousness, the cat had descended the tree, probably with the intention of resuming its meal if conditions were favorable. But the boy left (10). 

A story was published in 1907 about life on the Koo Wee Rup Swamp, shortly after the Village Settlements were established in 1893. The story outlines the trials and tribulations faced by the settler and his family including the native cats killed the fowls.... and a vagrant kangaroo dog stole the baby out of the gin case cradle, and only dropped it after a two mile chase through the ti-tree (11). The last part  is particularly interesting given what happened to Lindy and Michael Chamberlain's baby, Azaria, in 1980.

This story was published 1912, but took place some time before and is a perfect example of why rabbit traps are now illegal - A mate and I were rabbiting in the Beaconsfield district, Victoria, and in one week we bagged [trapped] four sheep, one native cat, two opossums, one water-rat, one flying squirrel, one curlew, two magpie larks, and several hares. In addition, to these we also trapped a farmer's pet wallaby and our own fox-terrier dog. The animals that made the most noise were the hares, which screamed like terrified women. Native cats, as a rule, quickly tore themselves away, leaving behind a bunch of fur, and perhaps portion of a leg. Probably the week's trapping was even more varied, because several ot our traps had entirely disappeared — chains, pegs, and all. On another occasion we trapped a bull-frog (12).

The Australasian from August 1940 published this memory - "In the early 'nineties," writes Mr. A. H. McKibbin (Croydon), "I lived at Lyndhurst, near Dandenong. Immediately opposite our home was a primeval area of redgum bush which was a great stronghold of the native cats. These animals were a serious menace to our poultry, and some mornings I picked up as many as a dozen dead fowls resulting from carelessness in not closing the hen house door as tightly as it should have been shut. My father's method of dealing with these spotted terrors was kerosene case box traps with a drop door set on an internal trigger with bait attached. If the trap was sprung then without doubt the marauder was inside (13).

The Eastern Quoll

The spotted Opossum, 1789. Engraver: Peter Mazell.

State Library of Victoria Image 30328102131546/16. http://handle.slv.vic.gov.au/10381/320121

The articles also talk about various urban locations where these quolls were found. This report is from 1910 -  the common native cat was until a few years ago very plentiful. In the early eighties it was not an uncommon occurrence to capture one or more of these creatures in the old Museum work-shops in the University grounds. The old stone fences around Coburg afforded good shelter, and here they were commonly hunted with terriers. In 1902 a female and two half-grown young ones were trapped by an old inmate of the Immigrants' Home on St. Kilda road (14) and brought to the Museum. In Victoria of recent years it has become so rare that it will soon be numbered with the animals of the past (15).  In 1926 a small colony was reported at Ivanhoe - the journalist from The Herald described them thus with its brownish coat, spotted and mottled with white, the native cat is almost a handsome creature (16). As late as 1956 there was  an isolated colony in one of the wilder parts of Studley Park; and every now and again the body of one is brought into the Museum after being dazzled and knocked over by a car at night on Studley Park rd, or the Yarra Boulevard (17). 

As we have seen, the 'native cat' was not very popular with the early settlers, primarily because they attacked poultry. The quoll would kill multiple chickens in one session, unlike the fox [which] will usually take a fowl and depart, but the native cat is apt to kill a dozen or more before calling it a night (18). Because of this farmers seemed to have engaged in an all-out war against the quoll - they used poison, guns, traps - both rabbit traps and native cat traps - after which the captured animals were either shot or beaten to death. As quolls lived in hollow logs they were sometimes burnt to death if the timber was being burnt and if they escaped from the burning logs they were killed by waiting dogs (19). Interestingly, quolls were not killed for their fur, even though fur from all types of animals, both native and introduced species, was used extensively in the nineteenth century for garments (20). The skins were never valuable; in fact, it was such an unpleasant job skinning them that few men bothered about the skins at all (21).

A simple Native Cat trap

This illustration, plus full instructions on how to make the trap appeared in the

Weekly Times of January 14, 1899. https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/221149342#

How prolific were the quolls? A writer to The Australasian from Gembrook on 1905 said - Throughout the county of Mornington (22) the cats disappeared about 24 years ago, when there was about a rabbit to the square mile in it. At that point and previously, there were about 50 cats to the square mile. Now I believe you could not find one. So far as I can remember the grasshopper plague, then the rabbit one, came soon after the disappearance of the cats (23). There was a theory that rabbits may have been responsible for the decline of the quolls and this was both raised and dismissed by a correspondent to The Australasian in 1918 - The mystery regarding the almost total extinction of the native cat, along with the native bear, has been the subject of controversy in this column for many years past. Yet no one has suggested a theory that can be regarded as satisfactory. The suggestion that it was due to the cats swallowing the fur of the rabbits was frivolous. In Gippsland, for instance, the native cats had practically disappeared before the appearance of the rabbit. The latter pest was extremely scarce before '98. Regardless of this fact, there are still people who persist in the nonsensical theory that rabbits were the sole cause (24).

The theory mentioned in the Early days of Berwick that they died of some form of epidemic is also supported by some writers - Despite the war waged against them by men, women, and children in the sparsely settled areas, the native cats seemed to hold their own, but a strange disease broke out amongst them and so many were wiped out that they never recovered from the epidemic (25). In 1940, Mr McKibbon, who shared his memories of the quolls at Lyndhurst also wrote that Epidemics of disease at the close of last century and first years of the present one probably quite unconnected with the rabbit were responsible for the disappearance of native cats, and naturally the increase of the rabbit was facilitated with the removal of this little marsupial carnivore, which previously destroyed large numbers of the young bunnies (26).

In 2014 the Australian Journal of Zoology published a research paper by David Peacock (Biosecurity SA, Primary Industries and Regions South Australia) and Ian Abbott (Science and Conservation Diviosn, Department of Parks and Wildlife, Western Australia) called When the ‘native cat’ would ‘plague’: historical hyperabundance in the quoll (Marsupialia : Dasyuridae) and an assessment of the role of disease, cats and foxes in its curtailment (27). This is the abstract - From an extensive review of historical material, primarily newspaper accounts, we collated >2700 accounts of quolls. We discovered 36 accounts that demonstrate the propensity for quolls to become hyperabundant. The geographical distribution of accounts implies that most refer to Dasyurus viverrinus...More than 110 accounts demonstrate that disease/parasite epizootics occurred in south-eastern Australia, commencing on mainland Australia possibly in the goldfields region of Victoria in the 1850s, or in south-eastern South Australia and south-western Victoria in the mid to late 1860s, and implicate these as the initial primary factor in the regional extirpation of Australia’s quolls. The loss of D. viverrinus populations in south-eastern Australia was reportedly from population abundances and densities that were sporadically extraordinarily high, hence their loss appears more pronounced than previously suspected. Accounts describing the widespread, rapid and major loss of quolls suggest the possible involvement of several pathogens. Ectoparasites such as Uropsylla tasmanica and ticks appear to be described in detail in some accounts. A few others state comortality of Felis catus and Canis lupus familiaris, suggestive of a disease of either or both of these species, such as Canine Distemper Virus, a morbillivirus with a propensity to be non-host specific, that may have caused the decline of the quolls, perhaps vectored by the reported ectoparasites.... Read the full report, here.

The researchers conclude - We emphasise that disease should receive as much focus as the conventional explanatory factors of predation and habitat loss. It would appear then that the book Early Days of Berwick which suggested in 1948 that the native cat appeared to contract some form of epidemic presented a plausible explanation for the demise of the quoll.

Trove list
I have created a list on Trove on articles relating to the 'native cat' in the West Gippsland region and beyond, access it here.

Footnotes
(1) Early Days of Berwick and its surrounding districts: Beaconsfield, Upper Beaconsfield, Harkaway, Narre Warren and Narre Warren North (Berwick Pakenham Historical Society), 3rd edition.
(2) Early Days of Berwick, op. cit., p. 18.
(3) The Queenslander, June 15, 1938, see here.
(4) Department of Environment and Heritage Quolls of Australia fact sheet, see here
(5) The Argus, October 9, 1872, see here.
(6) The Australasian, April 24, 1880, see here.
(7) The Argus, April 21, 1886, see here.
(8) The Age, October 24, 1884, see here.
(9) Geelong Advertiser, October 20, 1884, see here. The Leader of October 25, 1884 also has an account of the tragic story, see here.
(10) West Gippsland Gazette, February 7, 1899, see here.
(11) Mudgee Guardian, January 31, 1907, see here.
(12) Sydney Mail, December 18, 1912, see here.
(13) The Australasian, August 24, 1940, see here.
(14) The Immigrants Home, read about it here on the eMelbourne.
(15) The Argus, October 4, 1910, see here.
(16) The Herald, April 15, 1926, see here.
(17) The Argus, June 16, 1956, see here.
(18) The Queenslander, June 15, 1938, see here.
(19) The Queenslander, June 15, 1938, see here.
(20) I have written about a furrier, Mrs Mary Jane Gardner and the many types of fur she used in her business in my Victoria's Past: Rescued and Retold blog, here.
(21) The Queenslander, June 15, 1938, see here.
(22) County of Mornington - For Land Administration purposes Victoria was divided into Counties and then into Parishes – all of the City of Casey and nearly all of the Cardinia Shire is in the County of Mornington. Some of the Cardinia Shire north of Emerald, may be County of Evelyn. The Mornington Peninsula, Bass Coast and Phillip Island are also part of the County of Mornington. You can see a map here.
(23) The Australasian, July 29 1905, see here.
(24) The Australasian, April 13, 1918, see here.
(25) The Queenslander, June 15, 1938, see here.
(26) The Australasian, August 24, 1940, see here.
(27) Read the full research paper, here.

A version of this post, which I wrote and researched, has appeared on my work blog, Casey Cardinia Links to our Past.

Koo Wee Rup Swamp - where birds and beast gather to elect a King

This interesting, but sort of weird, story was published in the Weekly Times of January 12, 1895. It is called False Friends and True and was written by E. Marcus Collick.  I came across it when I was looking for evidence of Lyrebirds on the Koo Wee Rup Swamp (see here)  The fictional story is about a group of birds and animals who have come together to elect their King and they meet on the Koo Wee Rup Swamp (hence my interest). The last King, the Koala, says they have even begun to drain our dear old Koo-wee-rup, the place where our kings have been elected from time immemorial. It's a bit violent  at the end as they go into battle against their enemy, the fishes. Sadly, the Lyrebird, which I am rather fond of, is portrayed as duplicitous and a 'false friend'.   You can see the story on Trove, here.

False Friends and True.

By E. Marcus Collick.

I tell you the Kangaroo is the rightful king of Australia, argued the Opossum.

Prove it, answered the Lyre-bird.

With the greatest of pleasure, returned the Opossum,  first of all, the Kangaroo is the largest and strongest of Australian animals, to say nothing of being the best mannered. Why! just look at the graceful hop.

Like the proverbial cat-on-hot-bricks, snapped the Lyre bird.

And think how fond men are of Kangaroo tail soup, murmured the timid little Wallaby.

Well! all I can say is that I would rather be a biped, than a half and half sort of creature, said the Lyre-bird,  It would simply be a disgrace to Australia to have for a king a creature who might be called anything between a biped and a quadruped.

That's just it, piped the Opossum,  that is his great recommendation, for, besides being the best natured fellow on earth, he is perfectly original. Now tell me, please, what other country can boast of an animal at all like the Kangaroo?

Well! perhaps not, said the Lyre-bird, but originality is not always a charm. I for one don't see that the Kangaroo is anything to be compared to the Emu. Such a retiring, aristocratic bird, advocating women's rights, too. 

New-fangled bosh, growled the Opossum. Women's rights, indeed. The Kangaroo has too much sense to uphold such nonsense.

What is all this? said a deep voice. The trio looked up quickly. and were surprised to see the very gentleman whom they had been discussing.

Oh, Mr Kangaroo, gushed the Lyre-bird, blushingly,  your friend Mr Opossum has just been saying that the Emu has the best right to the sovereignty of Australia. I for one do not agree with him.

Is that so? answered the Kangaroo, casting a look that meant mischief at the modest little Opossum. The talk about friendship, he continued, it seems to me that it is only a guise for the intrigues of interested and politic persons. Allow me, Mrs Lyre-bird, to assist you to a good place, the election is about to begin.

This conversation took place at the Koo-wee-rup Swamp, in the south of Victoria, where the birds and beasts had gathered together to elect a king. The two candidates were the Emu and the Kangaroo, and, as the latter was a very sociable fellow, it was thought that the question of succession would be easily settled.

The performance was about to begin. A general rush towards the place of election began; and here were soon assembled all our Australian birds and beasts - old enemies looking askance at each other out of the corners of their eyes, for by the rules of the place they were forced to be neutral.

An old and hoary-headed native bear was assisted to the chair, followed by a general burst of applause, for this was their last king, forced through old age to resign his position.

My friends, began this individual with emotion, this hearty token of affection is very pleasing to me. I have been your king for many, many years, long before the white men entered our country, spoiling all our hills and valleys with the abominations they call towns. Why, pointing with his paw,  they have even begun to drain our dear old Koo-wee-rup, the place where our kings have been elected from time immemorial (groans.) Ah, he proceeded, well do I remember the time when the only human beings were blacks, and I used to have sweet young piccaninny soup everyday. But things were all spoilt by the whites, because they frightened all the blacks away, and the white piccaninny did not make nice soup - too tough.

Well, my friends, to return to business, I wish you to choose between these two candidates - the Kangaroo and the Emu. Both of these gentlemen are highly respected by me; so put it to the vote!

Then began that commotion which usually attends on such an important performance, each creature endeavoring to drop his vote into the box first. During the fuss the Lyre-bird found time to steal to the side of the Emu, and say It is well seen whom His Majesty the Bear would prefer to succeed him; of course, he only mentions the Kangaroo out of politeness. I think your claim is indisputable.

You traitoress, sneered the Black Snake, who was stealthily creeping past,  I heard what you said to the Kangaroo; so you can just look out for your eggs this year.

When the votes were counted, it was found that the Kangaroo had a large majority; and, after the Emu had solemnly sighed, and exclaimed, Just my luck! the successful candidate made a speech which ended with - And now, dear friends, as you have seen fit to elect me king, I think that we should first subdue that impudent family which has lately separated from us - the fishes.

The successful upholders of the Kangaroo now began to flock round him to offer him their congratulations; among them came the Lyrebird, who said Oh, Mr Kangaroo, of course, we all knew that you would be successful. I am delighted to see you made a parent of this happy multitude.

Thank you, Mrs. Lyre-Bird, answered  the Kangaroo. I am deeply indebted to you for the way in which you have canvassed for me. (He had been informed of this by herself.)

Humph barked the Dingo, a parent of this happy multitude, indeed, it's not apparent to me how he could that!

I am so very glad at your success, murmured the opossum, timidly.

I think I can do without your congratulations, answered the Kangaroo, with more sincerity than politeness.

Oh, please believe that I am sincere, said the poor little Opossum, but the Kangaroo had turned and was talking to the Porcupine.

Some days afterwards the campaign began against the fishes, who had mustered in the Murray for the purpose of election also. Many indecisive battles were fought, but at last the Kangaroo concocted a simple plan which promised success. This was to have a net drawn around a shallow corner of the river, drive a few stragglers into this and attack them, and when the main army, which was in the neighbourhood, rushed down to rescue the net was to be drawn up suddenly above the level of the water. Thus the whole army would be imprisoned, to be slaughtered at leisure.

The post of honor and of danger - that of  drawing up the net at the right moment - had been allotted by the Kangaroo to the Lyre-bird as a reward for services rendered. So Mrs Lyre-bird took up her position on a log jetting out into the stream, and all went well until, when the fishes made their downward rush, and danger seemed imminent, she showed her true colors, grew frightened, dropped the cord into the river and flew away.

The Opossum, happening to glance that way, saw the danger, and without a thought of the way he had been treated, plunged into the stream, seized the cord, and regaining the log, succeeded, by an immense effort, in drawing up the net at the right moment.

The campaign was over; and, tired with his efforts, the Opossum was dolefully trudging homeward, when he heard steps behind him. On turning, he was surprised to see the kangaroo hastening towards him, in a series of graceful hops.

My friend, said the Kangaroo, with emotion, will you ever forgive me?

Oh! there is nothing to forgive, returned the happy Opossum.

You thought I did not notice you, continued the Kangaroo, but I did. Your unselfishness gained our victory, and I know now who was the false friend, and who the true. We must be friends for ever.

The Opossum unhesitatingly agreed, and they shook paws on it.