Floods and fires in the 1920s and 1930s

The 1920s and 1930s were a time of floods for Koo Wee Rup with major floods in October 1923, August 1924, December 1934, April /May 1935 and October 1937. The August 1924 flood saw two feet of water through the town. The December 1934 floods were devastating, with about six feet of water through the town. The 1935 floods largely affected the surrounding area, rather than the Koo Wee Rup township; for instance, there was two feet of water through the Public Hall at Cora Lynn (it was located in the Recreation Reserve). The 1937 flood once again saw water about two feet deep through the town (1).

It wasn’t just the damage in the towns to houses, but the damage to the surrounding farms with the loss of crops, livestock, fences etc. This is from a report in The Argus of December 6, 1934 - Hundreds of dead cattle and sheep, ruined asparagus and potato crops, grazing lands covered with slime, bridges and plantations swept away, mud inches thick in houses, and business almost at a stand-still in the main street these are some of the impressions received by the Minister in Charge of Sustenance (Dr.Shields) when he visited Koo Wee Rup yesterday…..More than 2,000 carcases including cows, sheep, pigs, goats and poultry have already been disposed of. The carcases have been thrown into the main canal and floated down to Westernport. There are still about 1,000 dead animals in the district but some of these will have to be buried. Once in the Bay the carcasses were devoured by sharks, which were apparently numerous. 

The 1920s and 1930s was also a time of fires and there are many reports of houses and other buildings burning down. This fire situation was exacerbated by the lack of Fire Brigades and an inadequate water supply. Reports of fires in the newspapers often ended with comments such as - As there is no fire fighting apparatus in the town, the blaze could not be checked....Residents who were awakened by the crackling of the flames, which at times shot twenty feet into the air, did what they could, but little could be saved…..the fire quickly gutted the building, while townspeople looked on helplessly without any water supply, with which to combat it (2).

It wasn’t until the 1940s that local Fire Brigades were formed. For instance, Lang Lang in August 1942, Bunyip in October 1942, Koo Wee Rup in November 1943, Bayles in February 1944 and Tooradin in March 1945 (3).

The following are some examples of fires in the local area, including shops, houses, two Halls and two Coffee Palaces (a Coffee Palace originally provided accommodation and meals, like a Hotel, but did not have a liquor licence). 

Koo Wee Rup Sun, Thursday, October 15, 1925 - At about 4.15am last Thursday a number of persons were rudely awakened by an alarm of fire, and on investigating received a shock when they found that the block of wooden buildings in Rossiter street, Koo Wee Rup, occupied by Mr D. Thomson (butcher), Mrs M. Porter (fruiterer), and Mrs J. Byron (small goods) were on fire. It was at once seen that the task of fighting the flames was a hopeless one, but efforts were made with three fire extinguishers to subdue the conflagration, but the fire had too great a hold for these instruments to be of any use. They, however, are credited with the saving of an adjoining brick shop, owned by Mr F. Ellis (draper)…How the fire originated is not known…Mr Thomson did not have time to save anything; Mrs Byron, who does not reside on the premises, also lost everything; while Mrs Potter with assistance was able to rescue some of her furniture and a few bicycles. 

The Age, May 13, 1927 - A disastrous fire occurred on Scanlon's drain, Bayles, last night, an eight-roomed house and contents being entirely destroyed. The tenant, Mr. E. Carter, was the only occupant, the family being away in Melbourne. Mr. Carter retired early and was awakened by the noise of an explosion. He was caught in the centre of the house by a wall of flame and fighting his way through the blinding smoke succeeded in reaching a window, by which he got outside. He had his right hand and arm severely burnt and was singed about the head and face. The house was owned by Mr. D. Duff. Mr Carter lost furniture, clothing, jewellery and valuables valued at £700. 

The Argus April 9, 1929 - A six-roomed house, occupied by Mr. Herbert Smethurst, of Monomeith, was, with the contents, destroyed by fire this morning. Mr. Smethurst had taken milk to the railway station, and his wife was engaged at the front of the house, when she smelt something burning, but, thinking that it was some rubbish, took no notice for a time. When she went to look later the kitchen was in flames, and nothing could be done to save the house. 

Koo Wee Rup Sun, Thursday, June 4, 1931 - Early on Monday morning last, one of the oldest residences in Koo Wee Rup, known as the Koo Wee Rup Coffee Palace, was totally destroyed by fire. It was a 10-roomed wooden building, and was erected by the late Mr O’Riordan, and for several years past has been leased to Mr B. Healy. The first notification of the fire was received by Mr Healy, who was awakened from sleep. He just had time to arouse other members of the family, who escaped with only the clothes they had on. Quickly other persons arrived at the scene, but they were unable to rescue any of the furniture, and to save the building was a hopeless task. A hose belonging to the Shire Council was secured, but difficulty and loss of time was experienced in connecting same to water main….The whole building was demolished in about 25 minutes. 

Dandenong Journal, Thursday, May 4, 1933 - Lang Lang - At 4.30 a.m. on Tuesday, neighbors were aroused by crackling, when it was discovered that the Palace Hotel was in flames. This structure, erected fully 40 years ago, burned rapidly, and the main building was completely destroyed. Fortunately no one was injured, and the wind carried the sparks well away from the two adjacent houses. A commercial traveller, Mr. Houghton, of Melbourne, who was staying overnight, had to scramble down a side verandah post for safety. He lost a coat, vest, a gold watch and chain, and some papers and cheques. The building and stock are partly covered by insurance. From the ashes, it is hoped that, Phoenix-like, a modern structure will arise. Meanwhile Lang Lang has joined the dry area. 

Palace Hotel, Lang Lang, destroyed by fire May 2, 1933. 

The Hotel was originally near the Railway Station. It was rebuilt on McDonalds Track.

Image: Lang Lang & District Historical Society.

The Age, April 29, 1936 - One of the oldest landmarks in Lang Lang, the Railway Coffee Palace (4), owned by Mrs. Jane Pickett, was destroyed in a spectacular early morning fire. The cause was unknown. Mr. Robert Parsons, a boarder at the house, was awakened about 4.30 a.m. by smoke, and found that the main part of the building, comprising the dining room and the kitchen, was ablaze. He quickly awakened the other boarders and the lessees of the coffee palace, Mr. and Mrs. J. Parks, and family. Most of the boarders saved their possessions. Fine work against a fierce blaze was done by Mr. Maynard, who managed to save a little furniture and a few bed clothes. Mr. and Mrs. Parks and family lost all their furniture and nearly all their clothes. Mrs. Parks' personal effects were insured for a small sum. Mrs. Pickett had the building insured. Fortunately, there was no breeze, and this saved the adjoining property. An electric light pole caught fire and the town was temporarily deprived of light. The building, which consisted of about twelve rooms, was completely gutted in about forty minutes, only the chimneys being left standing. Mrs. Parks has been lessee of the coffee palace for approximately eighteen months. Residents who were awakened by the crackling of the flames, which at times shot twenty feet into the air, did what they could, but little could be saved. 

The Age, April 16, 1937 - The Garfield Public hall and contents were totally destroyed by fire at an early hour this Morning. The previous night the hall was used for a social evening, and when the place was locked up for the night everything was apparently safe. The outbreak occurred at about 1.30 a.m., how the fire originated is a mystery. When residents arrived on the scene it was impossible to save anything. The building was insured for £400, and contents for £100. Read more on the Garfield Hall, here.

Weekly Times, June 19, 1937 -Three thousand books, forming one of the most comprehensive country libraries in Victoria, were burnt in a fire which destroyed the 75-year-old Tooradin Mechanics' Institute building. Blazing fiercely when first discovered at 4.30 am., the fire quickly gutted the building, while townspeople looked on helplessly without any water supply, with which to combat it. Insured for £1000, the building contained the library, a hall and supper room. All the furniture, including a piano, was destroyed. At midnight, when members of the local table tennis club left the hall, everything appeared to be safe. Koo Wee Rup police are investigating the fire, the cause of which is unknown. As the institute was 50 yards from the nearest building, other premises were not endangered. 

Tooradin Mechanics' Institute and Library, destroyed by fire June 15, 1937.

Image: Tooradin 125 years of Coastal History, published 2001.

These accounts of fire are all unfortunate events, none of which thankfully resulted in a loss of life, but perhaps the most unfortunate example I could find was that of Mr Gilchrist, who suffered from a flood and a fire.

The Argus,  December 5, 1934 - After having lost most of his large herd of cows in the flood, Mr. A. J. Gilchrist, dairy farmer, of Koo Wee Rup, lost his house by fire yesterday. Yesterday Mr. Gilchrist began to clean his home, which is near the township. He lit a large fire in the kitchen and placed clothing, blankets, and rugs to dry in front of it. He and other members of his family then left to search for survivors of the herd of cows. When they returned they found the house in flames. Yesterday afternoon Mr. Gilchrist and his family went to Dandenong, where they will stay with friends. The Herald of December 4, 1934 had a similar report but also said hundreds of homeless townspeople camped at the railway station looked on, powerless to fight the 30ft flames which cast a lurid light on the flooded streets.

Trove list - All the  articles, plus some others, are on my Trove list. Access it here. The only exception are the two articles from the Koo Wee Rup Sun, which is not on Trove apart from a few months of 1918.

Footnotes
(1) If you want to read a good history of the drainage of the Koo Wee Rup Swamp then read this - From Swampland to Farmland: a history of the Koo Wee Rup Flood Protection District by David Roberts. (Rural Water Commission, 1985)
(2) Quotes from The Herald, June 1, 1931, see here; The Age, April 29, 1936, see here; Weekly Times, June 19, 1937, see here.

(3) Fire Brigades -  Lang Lang - Dandenong Journal, August 12, 1942, see here;  Bunyip - Call of the Bunyip: history of Bunyip, Iona and Tonimbuk, 1847-1990 by Denise Nest (Bunyip History Committee, 1990), p. 82;  Koo Wee Rup - I have written about the early years of the Koo Wee Rup Brigade, here; Bayles - Dandenong Journal, February 9, 1944, see here;  Tooradin - Dandenong Journal, March 21, 1945, see here.

(4) Lang Lang Coffee Palace - I was under the impression that the original Coffee Palace was remodelled and extended to form the Palace Hotel, which as we know burnt down in 1933. I am unsure what this Coffee Palace was - were there two in town?  This is what I wrote when I put this post up - but Peter Hayden, Secretary of the Lang Lang & District Historical Society has cleared up the matter in an email he sent me on August 3, 2021 -

1. The Palace Hotel was originally a single storey building (c early 1890's) that operated as a Coffee Palace. The hotel at that time was the Lang Lang hotel run by John Flintoft, and the Coffee Palace was run by his wife Mary. In 1898 they extended the Coffee Palace and obtained a liquor licence and renamed it the Palace Hotel. The Lang Lang Hotel was then sold to Mr. James Sharp.
2. The railway Coffee Palace was built by the Picketts at about the same time to cover the need for accommodation for non-drinking travellers. It was located on the corner of Mains Street (Westernport Road) and Roseberry Street, opposite The Park.
3. There was also another coffee palace in town for many years, I am unable to determine yet the exact dates. It was called the Lang Lang Coffee Palace and was located in Station Street, beside the Butter Factory.  It must have closed some time before 1919 as the building became the home and surgery of Dr. and Mrs. Appleford when they came to town in 1919.

Yallock Outfall Scheme Completed - an article by W.T. Griffiths

The Yallock Outfall Scheme and the construction of the Spillway at Cora Lynn were the last major engineering works undertaken on the drainage of the Koo Wee Rup Swamp. This work was the subject of an article, Yallock Outfall Scheme Completed written by W.T. Griffiths, Dip. C.E., E.W.S., Executive Engineer, in the January 1966 edition of AQUA, the official journal of the State Rivers and Water Supply Commission.  I have transcribed it, below. The article appeared on pages 114-119 and included two photographs (one reproduced) and two plans (both reproduced). 

Yallock Outfall Scheme Completed

By W.T. Griffiths, Dip. C.E., E.W.S., Executive Engineer.

AQUA: official journal of the State Rivers & Water Supply Commission January 1966

In February, 1963 the issuing of the final certificate to the contractors who constructed the spillway ford between Koo Wee Rup Main Canal and the Yallock Outfall signified the effective completion of the Yallock Outfall Scheme.

This project was conceived after the disastrous 1934 floods to protect both the township of Koo Wee Rup and the areas of rural land along the Koo Wee Rup Main Canal from occasional flooding following heavy rain.

The Commissioners Koo Wee Rup Flood Protection District contains about 100,000 acres of land and extends from the head of Western Port Bay to the Main Gippsland Railway line. It is situated about 35 miles south-east of Melbourne.

Once known as the “Great Swamp” this area was so frequently inundated that it was practically useless. It was a hindrance to the development of Gippsland as it acted as a barrier to communication.

Reclamation works first started in 1885 (1) under the direction of the Swamp Board and later under the Public Works Department.

In 1912, following floods which demonstrated the inadequacy of the works, the Government directed the State Rivers and Water Supply Commission to prepare plans and estimates for improving the scheme, and this led to the Lower Koo Wee Rup Flood Protection District of 56,500 acres being constituted by the commission in 1917.

For a more comprehensive history of the Koo Wee Rup Flood Protection District up to the end of 1934, readers are referred to “Swamp Reclamation in Victoria, 1935” by L.R. East, C.B.E, M.C. E., M.I.C. E., F.ASCE., M.I.E. Aust. At this stage, State reclamation works had converted these swamp lands into a highly productive farming community with a population of 3, 500 persons.

In November, 1934 the Commission submitted a Schedule of Works for Government approval among which was a item of $200,000 (2) for flood protection in the Lower Koo Wee Rup and Cardinia Flood Protection Districts, as they were known before amalgamation into the Koo Wee Rup Flood Protection District in 1962.

Only a few days after the submission of this schedule, a disastrous flood swept through the area causing very severe losses the 40,000 cusec flood discharge from the Bunyip River being nearly four times as great as any flow previously recorded.

The Commission, realising the need for further protective works, secured grants from Unemployment Relief and Commonwealth funds to begin carrying out the most urgent works affecting the Cardinia area.

Flood Relief
The preparation of a scheme of flood relief for the Yallock end of the lower Koo Wee Rup District presented a much more difficult problem, but after extensive investigations, a detailed proposal was prepared and estimated to cost $295, 000.

It was emphasised by the Commission that, even with an expenditure of this order, complete protection could not be provided to all lands in the District in the event of a flood of similar dimensions to that of 1934.

These protective works for the Lower Koo Wee Rup District – known as the Yallock Outfall Scheme – provided for levee banks to form a narrow floodway alongside the main canal in which overflows from the canal would be contained in all but the most exceptional floods. From this floodway water would be led to the Yallock Creek and thence to Western Port Bay.

Locality plan. 'Site of works' refers to the location of the Spillway at Cora Lynn.

AQUA: official journal of the State Rivers & Water Supply Commission January 1966, p. 115

Because of the complex flood problem in this area and the contentious nature of the works the Commission recommended to the Royal Commission on Water Supply, then sitting, that its proposals should be examined by an independent expert. The Royal Commission agreed to this and Mr. E.G. Lupson, M.I.C.E., was appointed for this purpose. In his report of July, 1937, he substantially concurred with the Commission’s proposals. In a joint report submitted to the Government, the Commission, the Victorian Railways and Mr Ritchie recommended the construction of the Yallock Outfall Scheme at the estimated cost of $400, 000 and that the scheme should be considered as a State project.

Earthworks for the banks of the Yallock Outfall commenced late in 1939, but due to the war and its aftermath, progress was slow and they were not completed from Western Port Bay to the Main Canal at Cora Lynn until the 1956-57 financial year.

Meanwhile, at the request of landowners, whose properties would be affected by the proposed floodway alongside the Main Canal, the Commission attended a meeting of these landowners at Cora Lynn on December 4, 1953. In addition to requesting the Commission expediate the scheme, the landowners suggested the construction of a short spillway just upstream of Cora Lynn to divert floodwaters, in excess of the Main Canal’s capacity below that point, to the Yallock Outfall. Such a spillway would remove the necessity of using approximately 275 acres of farmland for the floodway.

The Commission examined this suggestion in detail and, having found it to be practicable adopted it as part of the proposed work in July 1960 (3). 

Tests
Model tests were carried out at the Commission’s Hydraulic Experimental Station at Werribee to determine the type and size of spillway which would be required to split the flow accurately in the Main Canal at Cora Lynn, leaving only the safe flow of 4,000 cusecs to continue on down the Main Canal to Western Port Bay.

The design was thus based on diverting, to the Yallock Outfall, 10,000 cusecs out of a possible 14,000 cusecs flood in the Main Canal, and continuing to provide road access along the south-eastern bank of the Main Canal.

Cross Sections of the Ford and the Yallock Outloo (Figures 1 & 2)

 AQUA: official journal of the State Rivers & Water Supply Commission, January 1966, p. 118

Consideration was given to enlarging the Main Canal above Cora Lynn to 14,000 cusecs but no further action was taken because it was found that the Canal was enlarging itself by erosion. Arising from this, the short section of channel connecting the Main Canal to the Yallock Outfall has been excavated to take only 6, 000 cusecs although there is enough room between its banks for excavation to the ultimate 10, 000 cusecs capacity. (See Fig. 2, above.) An interesting fact noticed during the model tests for the side spillway was that, for lengths of spillway exceeding 200 feet, there was no significant increase in discharge.

View of spillway from south, showing the 'hump' in the Main Canal' to direct water over the ford.

AQUA: official journal of the State Rivers & Water Supply Commission, January 1966, p. 116

Some way had to be found to divert the surplus flow in the Main Canal over the spillway. This problem was solved by providing an earthen hump in the opposite bank [which would direct the] water (4) over the spillway. The final overall length of the spillway – which was also designed as a ford – was approximately 400 feet, the extra length being due in part to the approach grades and to an increase in effective length as a result of the hump mentioned above.

Contract
On May 16, 1962 the contract for the construction of the ford between the Yallock Outfall and the Koo Wee Rup Main Canal was sealed, Janus Constructions Pty Ltd being the contractor

Protracted wet weather, together with unsatisfactory blue clay which was encountered made it necessary to excavate 3 to 5 feet extra depth of cut to enable a satisfactory subgrade to be constructed.

During compaction of the ford bank, some of the sand filling from one sandpit caused considerable trouble because it had a high moisture content and contained sufficient fine particles of clay to make the fill spongy under compaction. This material had to be removed and replaced with an evenly graded sand fill. (See Fig 1., above.) The ford was surfaced with a  high quality asphalt pavement as concrete would have been too costly and inflexible.

Following competition of the contract for the ford, the Commission awarded a contract for the installation of flashing warning lights at the approaches to the ford to Glorad Engineering Services Pty. Ltd. These lights, designed after liaison with the Shire of Berwick and the Traffic Commission, commence operation when the Main Canal rises to 3 inches below ford level.

Shortly after the lights commence operating, the District staff close the gates at each end of the ford and traffic is thus detoured.

From the completion of these works to the present time there has been no major flood flow in the Main Canal. There have been only 11 occasions when small flows passed over the ford, and on each occasion the warning light system worked satisfactorily.

In conclusion, it is interesting to note that the granite beaching used on the downstream apron of the ford and which was obtained from a quarry at Tynong North, is reputed to be the same granite as that used in the Shrine of Remembrance.

This photo (which was a slide) was taken by my Dad, Frank Rouse, in November 1971, during a flood. You can clearly see the grantite beaching, as described above. This is my brother Michael, he's in the Yallock Outfall and we are looking towards the Main Drain or Main Canal as Mr Griffiths calls it in his article.

This is the spillway at Cora Lynn, taken November 13, 2004. The Main Drain or Canal is on the right and the water is flowing across the spillway to the Yallock Outfall Drain on the left.

The spillway was modified sometime after this photo was taken, maybe around 2010 and there is now a pipe under the ford, which diverts water to the Outfall. 

Image:  Heather Arnold

Footnotes

(1) Drainage works commenced in 1889, not 1885.

(2) In spite of the fact that this article was published in January 1966, before we  converted to Decimal Currency on February 14, 1966 all amounts of money are referred to in dollars rather than pounds.

(3) I only have  a photocopy of a photocopy and the last sentences in the two columns on page 117 are illegible. I believe the date os July 1960, but I may be wrong.

(4) As per footnote 3 - I assume this is correct - bank [which would direct the] water - but cannot read the words between bank and water. 

Rythdale - the origin of the name

Rythdale is a locality towards the western end of the Koo Wee Rup Swamp. It is a small pocket of land bordered on three sides by Pakenham South; on the south by Koo Wee Rup North and also partially on the west by Cardinia. It was a Soldier Settlement area - Soldier's Road in Rythdale is a reminder of this fact. The properties which were sub-divided by the Closer Settlement Board to create this Soldier Settlement area were known as McGregor's and Hagelthorn's. McGregor's of 2,208 acres was divided into 37 blocks with an average size of 60 acres and Hagelthorn's of 1,560 acres, had 14 blocks with the average size of 111 acres (1).

The new settlers needed a school and on November 10, 1924 McGregor's Estate School, No. 4231 opened in a room of a house. It later moved to a house until the new hall opened in  February 1927 and the school relocated there. The school closed in September 1951 and the pupils moved to Pakenham Consolidated School.  In December 1970, the Council Building Inspector ordered the Rythdale Hall to be demolished. (2). 

The name of the area changed in 1926 to Rythdale and on September 30, 1926, the name of the school was also changed (3).  There seems to be some mystery as to where the name came from, Les Blake in his Place Names of Victoria (4) book says it is apparently a coined word and this is repeated in Look to the Rising Sun: a history of Cardinia and District (5).

However, I came across this article (reproduced below) about James Cuming's estate, Rythdale in the South Bourke & Mornington Journal of January 27, 1909, and this is clearly the source of the name of the town.

 The Rythdale Estate: Koo Wee Rup Swamp

A visit was paid a few weeks ago to the above estate, and, as affording an example of what can be done with apparently irreclaimable wastes, may be of some interest to readers. This estate, comprising some 1,600 acres, was bought five years ago by Mr Jas. Cuming, jun. of the firm of Messers Cuming, Smith & Co. It was then overgrown with ti-tree and "tussocks," and in winter the most part under water, and, only about 50 acres cleared. Mr Cuming was, however, fortunate in securing the services of a very able and capable manager in Mr. Ed. Wright, formerly of the Goulburn district, a gentleman of wide experience and dogged pluck, and under his supervision this property has been transformed from a wilderness into one of the most cultivated and up-to date farming and grazing estates in this State. 

It is divided into 23 paddocks, containing six dams with three windmills on different portions of it. At the time of visiting, the reapers and binders were in full swing, and some 16 hands busily employed. Besides the large produce enterprise Mr Cuming makes a speciality of pedigree Ayrshire stock and Clydesdale draught horses. The dairy herd is composed of 15 pedigree Ayrshire cows, 10 pedigree calves and two pedigree Ayrshire bulls. All these cows are prize winners at different shows in the State; several at the Royal Agricultural Show; and only lately one young bull was sold for 32 guineas and resold immediately for 50 guineas, winning at the last Royal Agricultural Show in a class of 40 yearling bulls. 

 Cora, a typical example of the Ayrshire females in the herd of Mr. J. Cuming, jun., 

of Rythdale Stud Farm, Pakenham. 

Leader December 18, 1909 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/197074981#

The Clydesdale draught stock are a splendid collection, some prize winners and one champion, including a beautiful Clydesdale stallion. There is also a small select stud flock of 1000 Leicester sheep; grazing for fattening purposes. Close to the homestead a new tank has been sunk, 19ft. x 17ft., capable of holding 40,000gal.; a silo, carrying 60 tons of ensilage; milking sheds, 15 stalls with three loose boxes and feed-room; separating-room; men's-room; boxes for stallions and bulls; stables for 20 horses; and two large sheds each being capable of receiving 200 tons of hay. 

All work such as chaff, wood cutting, &c. is done on the estate. There has of course been a large outlay in reclaiming this land, but it clearly shows what enterprise can do, and too much praise cannot be given to Mr Cuming for the example he has set, and Mr. Wright for the work he has done. The monthly wages alone average from £50 to £80. The cream from the dairy herd is sent weekly to Melbourne; the cow test is carefully kept every week and milk weighed, each cow making from 10 to 13lbs of butter per week. 

The article finishes off with Mr Cuming's other interests - a farm at Shady Creek, also large manure manufactory at Yarraville, an acid and tar manufactory and, saw mills at Warburton, where alone he has £40,000 in the last two years (8).

It was, of course, the manure and acid and tar manufactories at Yarraville which enabled Mr Cuming to finance his agricultural pursuits. James Cuming (1861-1920) was the son of James and Elizabeth (also known as Betsy, nee Smith) Cuming. James senior and his brother-in-law, George Smith and a Melbourne merchant, Charles Campbell, purchased Robert Smith's acid works in Yarraville in 1872. James was born in 1835 in Aberdeen, Scotland (as were Smith and Campbell) and undertook a farrier's apprenticeship. In the 1850s the Cuming family migrated to New Brunswick in Canada (9).

James senior moved from Canada across the border to Portland in Maine (where James junior was born), before migrating with Betsy and the children to Victoria in 1862. He established a forge and with the money he saved was able to buy the acid works in partnership. The business was called Cuming Smith & Co. James was self taught in Chemistry, studying it at night at the Melbourne Public Library and thus had scientific knowledge and more importantly drive and energy (10).  The Company expanded, took over a bone mill (bones were used to make fertilizer) and then moved into the superphosphate business.

In 1897, Cuming Smith & Co. combined with Felton, Grimwade & Co.'s acid and chemical works at Port Melbourne and James junior became the General Manager of the Company (11). Around the time James Cuming purchased Rythdale, Cuming, Smith & Co. was the largest and oldest manufacturers of manures and acids in Australasia (12) and their plant occupied 14 acres at Yarraville (13) and in the busy season employed over 600 men (14).

James junior did not have to study Chemistry in the Public Library after work like his father. He and his three brothers were educated at Melbourne Grammar School and James undertook further study in industrial chemistry (15). Such was his interest in Chemistry that in 1923, three years after his death, the James Cuming Memorial Chemistry building was presented to the University of Melbourne by Cuming, Smith & Co., in his memory (16). 

A delightful informal photograph of James Cuming, junior, and his wife Alice (nee Fehon) and their children - Alice, Henry, baby 'Mac', Will and Jack. 

Image: John Lack's A History of Footscray (Hargreen Publishing 1991) p. 173.

The first record of James Cuming junior owning land on the Koo Wee Rup Swamp was in the 1903 Shire of Berwick Rate books where he is listed as owning  557 acres, being Lots 4a and 4b, Parish of Pakenham and 282 acres, being part Lots 65a and 66a, Parish of Nar Nar Goon (17). Lots 4a and 4b were bounded by Cardinia Road on the west, Watson Road on the north, Toomuc Creek on the east and Wenn Road on the south. The Lots in the Nar Nar Goon Parish were on the east side of Toomuc Creek, south of Watson Road (in fact they were originally owned by G. Watson) and west of Koo Wee Rup-Pakenham Road. The locality of Rythdale is located right in the middle of his holdings that were situated on the east of Toomuc Creek. 

Part of James Cuming's Dispersal sale advertisement, October 1912. 

The entire advertisement is reproduced in Footnote 18.

The Age October 22, 1912 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/203318494

The first reference to Rythdale as the name of Cuming's property is in December 1905 (19). He was not in the area for long as he had a clearing sale in October 1912 where he disposed of his livestock, plant and equipment as well as 640 acres. The sale advertisement said that he had already sold the homestead block (20).  There are references in the newspaper of Frederick Hagelthorn owning Rythdale from around 1916 until 1920 (21). In 1918 the Berwick Shire Rate Books list Hagelthorn's holdings as 993 acres - Lots 64a, 64b, 65a, 66a and 93, Parish of Pakenham; 251 acres Lot 95, Parish of Nar Nar Goon and 232 acres Lots 90 and 97, Parish of Nar Nar Goon - a total of 1,476 acres. 

Hagelthorn was a Stock and Station agent as well as a member of the Legislative Council from 1907 until 1919. In his Parliamentary career, he championed farming interests and steered bills dealing with closer settlement, railways, water distribution and education through the ponderous deliberations of the Legislative Council whose members objected to his barn-storming tactics (22). One hundred years down the track this interest in Closer Settlement and selling some of his land to the Closer Settlement Board would seem like a conflict of interest.

I firmly believe that the small town of Rythdale took its name from Cuming's property, later owned by Frederick Hagelthorn. James Cuming had died in 1920, but it is more than possible that it was Hagelthorn who suggested the name of Rythdale for the new town.

What is the origin of the name Rythdale? It does not appear in the Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Placenames (23).  However, there was a house in Moseley, a suburb of Birmingham, in England called Rythdale. I found the following references in the Birmingham Daily Post on Newpapers.com, an Ancestry.com add-on. The database includes English, Scottish, Irish, American and Canadian papers but the Birmingham Daily Post provided the only results on the name apart from twenthieth century references to the local town. The earliest report came from 1873. 

The first mention I could find of Rythdale was this advertisement for a servant in 1873. 

Birmingham Daily Post October 22, 1873

Death notice of Eleanor Howes of Rythdale, Moseley

Birmingham Daily Post  19 November 19, 1886, 

Advertising Rythdale for lease

Birmingham Daily Post  February 16, 1888.

Sale of Rythdale, Park Street, Moseley

Birmingham Daily Post February 16, 1895 

There were two other references I found to Rythdale which are closer to home. There was a property at Byaduk, south of Hamilton in Victoria called Rythdale. It was owned by Thomas Harper. His daughter Selina married Albert Brand in October 1899 (see notice, below) and his sixth daughter, Annie married Archibald Forsyth in September 1902 (24).

Marriage of Selina Harper, of Rythdale, Byaduk.

Hamilton Spectator, November 11, 1899 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/226135418

The other reference to a Rythdale I found was that of the Reverend Rythdale Richards. He was an Evangelist who, in April 1890, held services in Hastings and Dromana with Miss Gilbert, the talented lady Evangelist (25).  I have no other information about him, but it is a curious and unusual given name.

The Reverend Rythdale Richard preaches at Dromana.

Mornington Standard, April 26 1890 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/page/6393233

I cannot connect James Cuming junior or his wife Alice Fehon, whom he married in 1885 (26), to Rythdale in Moseley, Rythdale in Byaduk or the Reverend Rythdale Richards, so as yet I do not know why Cuming called his property Rythdale.   However, it was a name that had been used before Rythdale the town on the Koo Wee Rup Swamp came into existence and Cuming's use of the name for his property is clearly the source of the name of the town.

Trove list

I have created a list of articles on Trove on James Cuming and Rythdale, access it here.

Footnotes

(1) Gunson, Niel  The Good Country: Cranbourne Shire (Cheshire, 1968). p. 273.

(2) Williams, Eileen & Beard, Jewel  Look to the Rising Sun: a history of Cardinia and District including Rythdale and Pakenham South (Back to Cardinia Committee, 1984) 

Vision and Realisation: a centenary history of State Education in Victoria, edited by L.J. Blake. (Education Department of Victoria, 1973)

Look to the Rising Sun has two photos of Rythdale School pupils - one from 1929 the other from 1935 and also a full list of students. 

Demolition of the Rythdale Hall

Koo Wee Rup Sun December 2, 1970 p. 10

(3) Williams & Beard, op. cit., p. 64.

(4) Blake, Les  Place Names of Victoria (Rigby, 1977), p. 232.

(5) Written by Eileen Williams and Jewel Beard, see footnote 2.

(6) James Cuming (1861-1920). Read his entry, written by John Lack, in the Australian Dictionary of Biography, here.

(7) South Bourke & Mornington Journal January 27, 1909, see here.

(8) South Bourke & Mornington Journal January 27, 1909, see here.

(9) Information about James Cuming senior comes from 

Lack, John  A History of Footscray (Hargreen Publishing 1991)

Cuming, James  James Cuming: an autobiography. Edited by John Lack and M. A. Cuming (City of Footscray Historical Society, 1987)

Footscray's first 100 years: the story of a great Australian City (City of Footscray, 1959)

(10) Information in this paragraph as per Footnote 9. The quote about James Cuming's drive and energy is from John Lack's History of Footscray, p. 93.

(11) James Cuming's entry, wrtten by John Lack, in the Australian Dictionary of Biography, here.

(12) Ovens  & Murray Advertiser, September 2, 1905, see here.

(13) The Leader, September 16 1905, see here.

(14) Healesville & Yarra Glen Guardian September 23, 1905, see here.

(15) As per Footnote 11.

(16) See my Trove list, here, for reports of the opening.

(17) Shire of Berwick Rate Books, available at Casey Cardinia Libraries.

(18) James Cuming's Dispersal sale advertisement from The Age, October 22, 1912, see also here.

(19) Weekly Times December 23, 1905, see here.

(20) The Age October 22, 1912, see here. Sale advertisement reproduced in Footnote 18.

(21) See my Trove list, here, for reports.

(22) Frederick Hagelthorn (1864-1943), read his entry, written by J. W. Graham, in the Australian Dictionary of Biography, here.

(23) Ekwall, Eilert The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Place-names (Oxford University Press, 1951)

(24) Annie Harper's wedding report was in the Hamilton Spectator of September 23, 1902, see here.

(25)  Mornington Standard, April 19, 1890 see here and Mornington Standard, April 26, 1890, see here.

(26) James Cuming married Alice Fehon on February 3, 1885 at St John's Church in Footscray. She was the daughter of William Meeke Fehon (1834-1911), read his Australian Dictionary of Biography entry, here. James and Alice had six children - William (b. 1885), James (1887-1888), Henry (1888), James (1890), Alice (1894) and Marianus (1902). 

Marriage of James Cuming and Alice Fehon, 1885

Footscray Independent, February 7, 1885 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article73246780

Koo Wee Rup Electric Light & Power Company

The Koo Wee Rup Sun of Thursday, July 21, 1927 reported that one of the outstanding events in the history of Kooweerup took place last Thursday evening, when for the first time the township was illuminated by electricity…. Immediately all lights in houses and shops were tested, and then the populace paraded the streets to examine the latest system of lighting, and the distinction was most marked, and high appreciation was heard on all sides of the comfort and convenience now enjoyed…..The light was used for the first time in the Memorial Hall on Saturday night, at Colvin's Pictures, and on Wednesday night it was utilised to drive a new biograph plant and a Brunswick Panatrope. On Monday evening the opening ball of the Wattle Theatre was resplendent with the light being thrown from many 300 candle-power lamps (1). 

The power was supplied by the Kooweerup Electric Light & Power Company and the official ‘switch on’ took place on Friday, July 22. The State Electricity Commission was established in 1921 and the Koo Wee Rup Progress association had written to them and asked for the current to be installed here. As a result, an officer of the commission was sent to make a report, and after investigations it was learned that they had very little chance of getting electricity. However, the officer said, “Why not get one of your own” (2).  They were supplied with all the details and the Kooweerup Electric Light & Power company was formed.

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

Koo Wee Rup Swamp Historical Society photo

A power house was built behind Colvin’s garage in Station Street and a 35 horse-power, Ruston and Hornsby engine was installed while the alternator, which is of Swedish manufacture, was supplied by Thomas and Co., Melbourne (3).  David Mickle was in charge of the power house. 

On Friday, July 22 the plant was officially opened by the local M.L.A., Mr Arthur Walter and Mr. D. Mickle then started the engine, and Mrs Sluiter, who was presented with a pair of silver scissors, cut a ribbon in front of the switchboard and turned on the light (4). 

Refreshments were then served in the Memorial Hall, where a number of speeches were made – many outlining the benefits of electricity. Mr Walter said With power at their disposal, it may be instrumental in the creation of local industries. …. The introduction of electricity gives facilities which transform the social and domestic life in the homes in a wonderful way. Having the power, the womenfolk are able to have it connected to irons and stoves, and in other ways it helps to eradicate cares and worries. It is very essential to homelife and makes life worthwhile…. Towns with electricity must progress faster than town not supplied. It is also a factor in making country life brighter and attractive and helps to prevent the drift from the country to the city…. The attractions and pleasures which abounded in the cities were very strong, and every step taken to counteract same should be commended (5). 

Mr Paterson, Chairman of the Kooweerup Electric Light & Power company also spoke of the benefit to women. The electricity supply was not constant and the Company had researched what would be the best days for turning on the current for ironing etc., and the secretary would make a canvass with the object of finding the most convenient days (6).

Dave Mickle, the man in charge of the power house who was later a local historian wrote that Initially the supply of single phase 230-460 V electricity was available daily  from 4.00pm until midnight, except that on Tuesday the start was 2pm. That was because at that time, housewives’ routine was washing Monday and ironing Tuesday (7).  Later, the power was also available between 6.00am and 8.00am (8). 

Dave Mickle also wrote that in July 1934 Bill Axford and I continued to operate the power house to 4 am during test Matches for our consumers who had electric radio sets.  We did not complain as overtime pay was two and sixpence per hour….Most listeners said it was worth it to hear Bradman make 306 out of the Australia total of 506 last night (9). People in Koo Wee Rup who had battery operated radios were also catered for as David Mickle said they had forty wireless batteries on charge for the coming test (10). 

Power comes to Koo Wee Rup, via Tynong and Cora Lynn

The Argus, August 2, 1935  https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/11753936

Continuous S.E.C power was switched on in in Koo Wee Rup on August 1, 1935 from a linewhich came across from Tynong, via Cora Lynn (11).  Parts of Cora Lynn also had power at this time – but not my grandparents place on Murray Road, they had to wait until 1955 until electricity arrived.

With the power house at Koo Wee Rup closed, Dave Mickle took up a job as a linesman at the S.E.C and in November a new State Electricity Commission office and showroom opened in Station Street. Lang Lang, who had not had access to any power, got S.E.C power on September 2, 1935. One thousand people were estimated to have attended the celebrations which included a bonfire, fireworks and  a wheel barrow derby in the Main Street (12). 

Footnotes
(1) Koo Wee Rup Sun of July 21, 1927 - article transcribed in full below.
(2) Koo Wee Rup Sun of July 28, 1927 - article transcribed in full below.
(3) Koo Wee Rup Sun of July 28, 1927 

(4) Koo Wee Rup Sun of July 28, 1927. Mrs Sluiter was the wife of the Secretary of the Kooweerup Electric Light & Power Company, C. J. Sluiter. There are two men named Cornelius John Sluiter in the 1926 Electoral Roll. One is a hairdresser and the other a carpenter. There is also an Anna Sluiter and a May Louisa Sluiter, presumably the wives of the men. 

Mr Sluiter's advert in the Koo Wee Rup Sun August 11, 1927

(5) Koo Wee Rup Sun of July 28, 1927.

(6) Koo Wee Rup Sun of July 28, 1927.

(7) Mickle, David  Mickle Memories of Koo Wee Rup - for young and old  (The Author, 1983), p. 93.

(8) Mickle, David More Mickle Memories of Koo Wee Rup (The Author, 1987), p.84.

(9) Mickle More Mickle Memories of Koo Wee Rup, op. cit., p.94

(10) Mickle More Mickle Memories of Koo Wee Rup, op. cit., p.94

(11) The Argus, August 2, 1935, see here.

(12) Mickle More Mickle Memories of Koo Wee Rup, op. cit., p. 111 and The Argus, September 4, 1935, see here.

Here are the two reports from the Koo Wee Rup Sun - transcribed in full.

Kooweerup illuminated by electricity.

Koo Wee Rup Sun July 21, 1927

One of the outstanding events in the history of Kooweerup took place last Thursday evening, when for the first time the township was illuminated by electricity. The current was switched on for the purpose of giving it a trial, and it was found to be very satisfactory. It was announced that the following night the township would be again served with the current and the populace was agog with excitement. Owing to a small defect which had not been remedied, the light was not switched on until 6.45 pm. Residents were excited awaiting the current to come through, and in many houses the switch was turned on in anticipation. Members of families unaware of the fact received a fright when the light blazed forth and wondered what had happened. Immediately all lights in houses and shops were tested, and then the populace paraded the streets to examine the latest system of lighting, and the distinction was most marked, and high appreciation was heard on all sides of the comfort and convenience now enjoyed. Instead of unlighted streets and oil lamps in shops we now have the effulgent rays of electricity to "lighten our darkness.”

In the shops and halls the difference is specially noticed. Instead of filling lamps with oil, indulging in pumping operations, etc., all that is now required is to press a button and darkness is chased away. The simplicity and convenience will also be appreciated by housewives for ironing and other duties. Owners of cars and wireless sets also express satisfaction, as batteries can now be charged locally, excising long delay and expense locally, excising long delay and expense of awaiting  the return of same from the city.

Persons not yet served with the current are envious of the facilities which others enjoy, and it will not be long before every house in Kooweerup will be  connected. The installation of electricity here is the dawn of a new era, and it is likely now that power is accessible, that it may be the means of factories coming into existence, and thereby creating more work and wealth.

The light was used for the first time in the Memorial Hall on Saturday night, at Colvin's Pictures, and on Wednesday night it was utilised to drive a new biograph plant and a Brunswick Panatrope. On Monday evening the opening ball of the Wattle Theatre was resplendent with the light being thrown from many 300 candle-power lamps.

The official opening of the electrical Plant is expected to be performed by Mr Walter, M.L.A., tomorrow (Friday) afternoon.

Kooweerup Electric Light & Power company. Plant officially opened.

Koo Wee Rup Sun July 28, 1927

The progress of science within very recent times suggests that Shakespeare's Prospero has returned to our globe and is busily engaged ordering Caliban, and Ariel to minister to human needs and help in restoring the Golden Age. Science is the modern Prospero. In March last the two hundredth anniversary of the death of Newton took place, and the world of science fittingly commemorated his brilliant services. But if this great man could revisit us and make acquaintance with the miracles' wrought, what feeling of amazement would be his. What would he think on seeing strange powers flooding his bedroom with light, warming his bath, carrying, him without aid of horses through the streets, bringing messages to him and sending them from him to the other side of the world in a few moments, speaking to him on the telephone and the wireless and crowning all by carrying him through the air at incredible speed? Science has recreated the world, given to the intellect of the race a new power and taught mankind that greater wonders will presently unveil themselves. It has made the world an immensely more interesting place and brightened the life of millions.

Last Friday, July 22nd, was an eventful day in the annals of Kooweerup, the occasion being the official opening of the power house to supply electric current for light and power. Before giving details of the function, a brief account of the history of electricity will not be out of place. The introduction of electricity into the service of man dates back about 90 years. The first practical electric telegraph was tried in 1838, the first submarine cable laid in 1850, and the homely electric bell was made a year later. The commercial introduction of both, the telephone and electric light took place no longer than 1878. Practical electric tramways made their initial appearance in 1883, and motors began to be used industrially about 1886. Wireless telegraphy was known about 1894; the electric tramway was installed by Siemens, of Berlin, in 1882. 

The story of the development of the electric incandescent lamp is one of the romances of electrical engineering. In 1878 the need for a domestic lamp was urgent, and after many, experiments the problem was solved by Swan in England and Edison in America, independently, and at practically the same time in 1879. To Michael Faraday more than to any other of the pioneers of electricity are electrical engineers indebted, and, indeed, the whole world is indebted for the discoveries upon which the advances of modern times and the inventions of recent years are based. The chief discoveries which he made in electro-magnetism, the foundation principles of all transformers and of all dynamos, were made in the autumn of 1831. The rapid development of  electricity is stupendous. Before 1880 there was not in Great Britain a single house lighted. To-day almost every town is illuminated by this method. In 1883 there were only two tramway lines open, to-day the undertakings have  a total capital of about £100,000,000.

Although weather was inclement there was a good attendance of shareholders of the Kooweerup Electric Light Co. on Friday afternoon at the power house, which is situated at the back of Mr A. C. Colvin's garage. The plant, and walls of the building were gaily decorated in red, white and blue and Union Jacks.

The chairman of directors (Mr W. Paterson) said they had met for purpose of officially, opening the Plant, which ceremony would be performed by Mr Walter, M.L.A. He added the switch would be turned on by Mrs C. J. Sluiter, after which refreshments would be served at the Memorial Hall,  where brief speeches would be delivered.

Mr. D. Mickle then started the engine, and Mrs Sluiter, who was presented with a pair of silver scissors, cut a ribbon in front of the switchboard and turned on the light. Mr Walter,  M.L.A., said he was very pleased to be present and  to have the honor of officially declaring the plant open. He would have more to say later at the Memorial Hall.

On arrival at the hall, Mr. A. C. Colvin entertained the company, while, refreshments were being served, with music from his new Panatrope. The first toast was "The King," proposed by Mr Paterson which was duly honored. Mr Walter then proposed "The Kooweerup Electric Light and Power Company". He said that he was personally delighted to know that Kooweerup was now enjoying the same facilities as the City. For such to be done it was a sure sign of local progress. With power at their disposal, it may be instrumental in the creation of local industries. He remembered being in Western Australia in Kalgoorlie in 1901 when that town was lit up and it was a revelation to notice the progress that was made. The introduction of electricity gives facilities which transform the social and domestic life in the homes in a wonderful way. Having the power, the womenfolk are able to have it connected to irons and stoves, and in other ways it helps to eradicate cares and worries. It is very essential to homelife and makes life worthwhile.

For street lighting it is also essential. Towns with electricity must progress faster than town not supplied. It is also a factor in making country life brighter and attractive and helps to prevent the drift from the country to the city.

He was hopeful that the public would co-operate and give support to the project in every way. There was any amount of room for extension. Given support, that time is not too far distant when the benefits they enjoyed should be extended for miles around, and farmers would be utilising power in the management of their farms, and in lighting their homes. It was also a factor in making picture theatres more attractive. Their children must have the same facilities as the city.  The attractions and pleasures which abounded in the cities were very strong, and every step taken to counteract same should be commended. He congratulated the company on its enterprise and hoped expectations would be realised. It had done something towards developing the town and he wished shareholders every success in their venture.

Mr Paterson, replying, said they had only invited shareholders and their wives to the ceremony, as they had shown their confidence in the scheme. He said the idea of having the township illuminated by electricity was first mooted by the Kooweerup and District Progress Association about two years ago. The association wrote to the Electricity Commission and asked for the current to be installed here. As a result, an officer of the commission was sent to make a report, and after investigations it was learned that they had very little chance of getting electricity. However, the officer said, “Why not get one of your own.” They were supplied with estimates and all details. From this it was apparent that it would be a success, and it was decided to form a company. Then the hard work started. They had to get the consent of the Postal and Railway departments, and also the Electricity Commission. Then it was decided to appoint an engineer. Much time and energy was expanded in getting the most up-to-date plant as possible, and when this was done they did their best to push on with the work.

A long delay occurred, and people were anxious as when operations would begin, but they had no conception of the difficulties which faced directors. They wanted to give the best service to the people, and they also wanted them to understand that the service was a business proposition. They wanted to know what would be the best days for turning on the current for ironing etc., and the secretary would make a canvass with the object of finding the most convenient days. He thanked all for their help in trying to make the scheme a success.

He had received a wire apologising for the absence of a representative from Ruston and Hornsby, which firm had supplied the engine. However, they had present Mr Sinclair, the contractor for the installation of the wires and meters, and they were agreed that he had carried out his work thoroughly. He was pleased and proud that the light was now on, and also for the assistance of shareholders, whose support had enabled them to carry on.

Cr G. R. Burhop said he was glad to have the opportunity of expressing appreciation on behalf of the shareholders. He was pleased that the chairman had acknowledged the work of the Kooweerup Progress Association. Although it was only a small body, yet it had accomplished much for the progress of the town and district. He first acquired property in Kooweerup 31 years ago, and at that time there were only eight or nine buildings here, and one had to then wade through mud up to the knees. He had watched Kooweerup grow. This was the first town in the shire to be lighted with electricity, and it showed they were a progressive people. Although they had differences of opinion in regard to many matters, yet no progress could be made without agitation and giving vent to their convictions. He was glad they had been enabled to erect the plant, and he hoped that those who are able will not be backward in taking up shares and contribute towards having a full-time service for light and power. He did not expect to draw dividends. His aim in taking shares was to help forward the scheme, as he realised it would be a benefit to the town. He was strongly of the opinion that Kooweerup should have a water supply, and he had made a move in that direction. His experience of the various Government departments was that they waited until the people had taken up various schemes and made a success, and then they stepped in and took them over. It was the duty of the commissions of departments to create a want, and not wait for the people to take them up. He congratulated the people of Kooweerup on having electricity installed.

Mr J. Sluiter, in a brief address, referred to the work of the contractors. Messrs Ruston and Hornsby had supplied one of the best engines obtainable, and their engineer had carried out his work in a very satisfactory manner in erecting the

Plant. The consulting engineer (Mr Coleman) had looked after interest in a thorough manner, while Messrs Thomas and Co. had suppled them with the best alternator. Mr Sinclair was a good workman and had given excellent service in erecting poles and doing the wiring, etc. He paid a tribute to the services of Mr McArthur. It was this gentleman, he said, who urged them to carry on the scheme. He had spent many nights with him, and he had supplied all the facts and went into every detail of the scheme, and it was due to the advice which he tendered that the company was formed. Mr McArthur was a director but owing to a difference as to the class of engine which should be installed, he resigned. He had done great work for the company. After getting all the facts he had placed them before Mr Millard, and both agreed that it was a good thing, and they then went on with the formation of the company.

Mr Sinclair, on behalf of the various contractors and official, briefly returned thanks for the kindly remarks passed. The engine which is 35 horse-power, was purchased from the firm of Ruston and Hornsby, while the alternator, which is of Swedish manufacture, was supplied by Thomas and Co., Melbourne. The power house is in charge of Mr Dave Mickle, who is receiving instructions from an engineer from Ruston and Hornsby. The names of the directors are – Messrs W. Paterson (chairman), A.C. Colvin, W. Jeffrey, A.E. Millard and C.J. Sluiter (secretary).

Petrol tanker goes up in flames at Vervale - 1967

This dramatic truck fire occured in early February 1967. The J-Model Bedford was delivering fuel to Aub Goodman's farm on Pitt Road in Vervale and it just caught on fire. There were two 44 gallon drums of petrol on the back, which went up first, then the two tanks of diesel caught fire. The driver, Bill McCutcheon of Nar Nar Goon, escaped without injury. The truck was owned by I.A. Williams of Koo Wee Rup. Photos were taken by my uncle, Jim Rouse and my Dad, Frank Rouse. I found the report in the Koo Wee Rup Sun of February 8, 1967 of the incident.

Koo Wee Rup Sun, February 8 1967.

Image: Jim Rouse or Frank Rouse

Image: Jim Rouse or Frank Rouse

Image: Jim Rouse or Frank Rouse

Image: Jim Rouse or Frank Rouse

Image: Jim Rouse or Frank Rouse

 

Jabez James and Maria Ann Goldsmith

Jabez James operated a beer house, on the south side of Cannibal Creek, in what is now North Garfield, from 1866. He had an eventful life with what appears to be little success on either a personal or financial level. This is the story of James and the mother of his children, Maria Goldsmith (some of which is fact and some of which is conjecture or educated guesses)

Jabez was born in England around 1823 and he arrived in Victoria on the Ameer in March 1852 (1). Also on the ship was a man listed as A. Goldsmith. The two men had their occupation listed as labourer. Two years later in July 1854, 20-year-old Mary Ann (also called Maria) Goldsmith and her 18-year-old sister Elizabeth arrived in Melbourne on the Ontario. Maria and her sister were born in Kent, were domestic servants and a note on the shipping record says that Maria was engaged by Mrs Woodruff of Brunswick and Elizabeth by Mrs Bathurst of Heidelberg (2).

Somehow, Maria met Jabez, perhaps through his shipmate, Mr A. Goldsmith. What we do know is that in December 1855 Maria gave birth in North Melbourne, to a baby girl whom she named Agnes Maria. Agnes’ birth certificate states that the father was John William Goldsmith, a blacksmith, born in Kent and the mother was Maria nee Richards (3). However, when Agnes married James Charles Bowden in 1873 her marriage certificate lists her surname as Janes and her father as Jabez Janes.  Her 1891 death record lists her maiden name as Janes. I suspect that Jabez was the real father and that Maria ‘created’ a husband to cover the fact that the baby was born illegitimate, a stigma in those days (4).

Six more children (5) followed -

• Clara Jane (1857-1928) Clara’s surname at birth was Goldsmith, her birth was registered in Melbourne and the father listed as unknown. Clara’s surname when she married Charles Roberts in 1874 was listed as Janes and Jabez is listed as her father on her death certificate.
• James George (born and died 1859). Registered at birth and death as Janes. Place of registration was Melbourne.
• Harry William (1861-1942) His birth was registered twice - under Goldsmith and under Janes. Place of registration was Melbourne. He married Mary Morrow in 1894. His marriage and death registrations were under Janes. His death certificate lists his birthplace as Labertouche Creek.
• Caroline (1863- death date unknown) Surname at birth was Goldsmith, birth was registered at Williamstown and the father listed as unknown. I have no other information about her.
• Alfred Walter (1865-1947) Surname at birth was Goldsmith, father listed as unknown, birth registered at Melbourne. Married Marguerite Barry in 1891. His marriage and death registrations were under Janes.
• Emily Sarah (1867-1933) Birth registered under Janes at Emerald Hill (South Melbourne). Married Johan Erik Johanneson in 1887.

Jabez and Maria never married each other which given the stigma, as I said before, of having children out of wedlock was unusual. Possible reasons are that he was already married in England or she was actually married to John William Goldsmith and they separated and she then took up with Jabez (in which case the shipping record I found belongs to another Mary Ann Goldsmith). I don’t know, but I feel that he had already married in England.

Back to Jabez. His various interactions with the legal system were reported in the newspapers.  The first we hear of him is in January 1859 when there was a report in The Argus about his insolvency. His occupation was listed as a carter and his address was North Melbourne (6). Jabez’s estate was placed under sequestration which meant a Trustee was appointed to take charge of his estate, liquidate assets, and settle any debts. In the August the court approved of the plan of distribution to settle his debts (7).   Two years later in April 1861 his estate was placed under sequestration again (8). This time his occupation was listed as mail contractor and his address was Big Hill, which was a mining town south of Bendigo. He was discharged from the second insolvency in September 1862 (9).

Jabez's application for a publican's license for his property at Labertouche Creek.

The Age December 7, 1864 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/page/18275719

In December 1864, Jabez Janes advertised of his intention to apply to the Dandenong Magistrates Court for a publican’s licence for a house situated at Labertouche Creek, Gippsland Road. The premises were described as being constructed of lath and plaster, containing two sitting rooms, four bedrooms exclusive of those required by my family and it was to be known as the Diggers’ Rest (10). He describes himself as a storekeeper (see above) so was he already operating a store at Labertouche Creek  and he wished to change it to a Hotel? It appears he wasn’t granted the licence as he applied again in July 1865, this time to the Berwick Magistrates court for the same licence for Diggers’ Rest (11).  Labertouche Creek is north of Longwarry and runs into the Tarago River. It is interesting that his son, William Harry, born in 1861, believed he was born at Labertouche Creek, even though the family (or at least Jabez) were at Big Hill in 1860/1861 (12).

In September 1865, Jabez was charged with careless driving in Collins Street injuring a woman named Margaret Bell (13). He was fined £10, appealed the decision, but the appeal was rejected (14).

Report of Jabez's reckless driving on August 29, 1865.

The Argus September 23, 1865 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/5785965

In January 1866, Jabez was back in the newspapers again in the reports of an Inquest on the body of a man whose name is unknown, who was found dead in the bush, near the Wombat Creek, on the Gipps Land road. Jabez James, a publican, whilst engaged looking for a horse, saw the body of the deceased lying near a waterhole.…The jury, in the absence of any direct evidence to show how the deceased met with his death, returned a verdict of found dead in the bush (15).

In December 1866 the following public notice appeared in The Argus -
I, JABEZ JANES, now residing at Cannibal Creek, do hereby give notice, that it is my Intention to apply to the justices sitting at the Court of Petty Sessions, to be holden at Berwick on the 4th day of January next, for a CERTIFICATE authorising the issue of a BEER LICENCE in my house, of five rooms finished and others partly built, situated at Cannibal Creek, and unlicensed. Dated 15th day of December 1866  (16). The location of his hotel was on the south side of Cannibal Creek, in the vicinity of Bassed Road, and was later the site of the Pig & Whistle Hotel (17). 

Jabez's application for a beer licence at his premises at Cannibal Creek.

The Argus December 21 1866 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/5781709

However, less than a year later Jabez became insolvent again. This was reported in The Argus in September 1867 - Causes of insolvency - Falling-off in business in consequence of Government changing the line of road between Cannibal and Shady Creeks, seizure of goods under execution, and losses by illness and by fire. Liabilities, £258 4s; assets, £66; deficiency, £192 4s (18). Jabez was discharged from the insolvency in February 1868. His insolvency must have resulted in his losing his licence to operate the hotel as in February 1870 he again applied to the Court at Berwick for a licence for a beer house at his property at Cannibal Creek (19).

Report of Jabez's insolvency

The Argus September 21, 1867 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/5778563

In July 1870, he was charged with rape and remanded. At a hearing in the September he was discharged, as the Crown declined to go on with the case (20).

Later in 1870, Jabez was once more before the court, this time the Williamstown court. Here is the report from The Argus of November 4, 1870. Mary Ann Goldsmith summoned Jabez Janes, a beer-seller at Cannibal's Creek, near Dandenong, for deserting his family. This was a distressing case. Both parties were advanced in life, and it appears that they had cohabited for a great number of years, and that the woman had borne him five children. The eldest was 15, and the youngest was three years old. Complainant stated that she left Cannibal's Creek on the 14th September, and brought the children to Williamstown, the defendant having left her and the children without support. Since their stay in Williamstown they had been getting relief from the Ladies' Benevolent Society. Janes admitted that the children were his, and that the complainant was their mother. He was unable to work through bad health, but he was willing to take charge of the two little boys, and a friend of his would provide for the youngest child. Their mother, however, refused to let them go. The Bench ordered the defendant to pay 20s. per week for the children's support and find one good surety in £20 for the payment of the money. As the man had neither money nor friends to assist him, he was sent to gaol (21).

The report says that there were five children, the eldest 15 which was the age of Agnes, which gives some weight to my theory that Jabez was actually her father. It also suggests that their daughter, Caroline, had also died young, as if she were still alive there would have been six children.

The final newspaper report that I can find relating to Jabez was in September 1871, in the Williamstown Chronicle -   Jabez Janes was summoned to show cause why the recognizance entered into by him on the 18th January in the sum of £20 to pay £1 weekly to the clerk of petty sessions, Williamstown, for the support of his illegitimate children, should not be adjudged forfeited and estreated. The arrears to the 2nd September amounted to £6. The Bench agreed to adjourn the case for fourteen days, to give the defendant an opportunity of paying the money in that time (22).

Jabez either could not or did not take the 'opportunity' of paying the money he owed Maria for the support of his children as in December 1871 he was charged on warrant with deserting the family. This is the last we hear of Jabez. 

Victorian Police Gazette December 5, 1871. The Victorian Police Gazette is on Ancestry.

Maria died at only 42 years of age on August 7, 1874 at the Benevolent Asylum in North Melbourne. Her death certificate lists her surname as Janes, said she was a domestic servant, widow with five children, was born in Kent and had been in Australia for 20 years. It also lists her father as Charles and her mother’s name as Maria (23). It would have been devastating for the children to lose their mother, who obviously did all she could to keep her family together in the days when employment opportunities for women with children were scare, child care was non-existent, there was no supporting parents benefit and no financial report from the father. I really hope that the children had happy lives. I have found death notices for three of the children and Clara’s death notice said that she was a loved mother; Harry was a loved husband and father and Alfred a loved husband, father, and fond uncle (24).

I cannot find a death record for Jabez, but if the statement on Maria’s death certificate is correct, he had already passed away by 1874.  

Trove List - I have created a list of articles on Jabez Janes on Trove, you can access it here.

Footnotes

(1) Shipping record in on Find My Past. His date of birth is taken from his age listed in the Victorian Police Gazette December 5, 1871. 

(2) Shipping record, which includes the information about the future employers,  is from Ancestry.

(3) This information comes from Agnes' birth certificate.

(4) Indexes to the Victorian Births, Deaths and Marriages https://www.bdm.vic.gov.au/research-and-family-history/search-your-family-history

(5) Indexes to the Victorian Births, Deaths and Marriages https://www.bdm.vic.gov.au/research-and-family-history/search-your-family-history

(6) The Argus January 15, 1859, see here.

(7) The Argus, August 12, 1859, see here.

(8) The Argus, April 29, 1861, see here.

(9) The Herald, September 16, 1862, see here.

(10) The Age, December 7, 1864, see here.

(11) The Argus, July 15 1865, see here.

(12) Indexes to the Victorian Births, Deaths and Marriages 

(13) Her name is also listed as Margaret or Mrs Hill, but I think Bell is the correct surname. See my Trove list for reports on the incident.

(14) The Leader, October 14, 1865, see here.

(15) The Leader, January 20, 1866, see here. There is also a report in the South Bourke Standard, January 19, 1866, see here 

(16) The Argus December 21 1866, see here.  

(17) From Bullock Tracks to Bitumen: a brief history of the Shire of Berwick (Historical Society of Berwick Shire, 1962) p. 18.

Here's a map I drew years agao showing the location of the Pig & Whistle Inn, which was on the same site as Jabez Jane's establishment.

(18) The Argus September 21, 1867 see here. I have written about the new line of the road, here.

(19) Release from Insolvency The Age February 14, 1868, see here. Re-application for licence The Age February 26, 1870, see here. 

(20) See my Trove list, here, for reports on the rape Court cases.

(21) The Argus November 4, 1870, see here.

(22) Williamstown Chronicle, September 23, 1871, see here.

(23) Death certicate of Maria. It said she was 42 years old which means she was born in 1832, not 1834 if you take the fact she was 20 when she arrived in 1854.

(24) Clara's death notice Williamstown Chronicle,  December 1, 1928, see here. Harry's death notice The Age August 13, 1942, see here.  Alfred's death notice The Age September 25, 1947, see here.