Monday, January 23, 2023

Richard Beuhne's Bee Farm at Garfield

The Leader newspaper of September 3, 1893 had an article on bee keeping in Garfield which also gave some interesting insights into the development of the town, described as a little wayside hamlet which as yet gives no promise of future greatness.  It is reproduced below. The interview was with R. Beuhne, who was Frederick Richard Beuhne, known as Richard.

Richard Beuhne

Richard applied to be naturalised in August 1914 and his application papers tell us that he was born in Dresden, Saxony, in Germany on January 11, 1859 and arrived in Victoria on September 22, 1880, when he was 21 years old. His occupation was an Apiarist, and he had lived at Garfield for 15 years and then at Tooborac for 19 years. Richard married Annie Maxwell in 1883, and they had a son Claude Ralph born in 1887 and a daughter Hilda Bertha Rhoda, born 1891 (1). There is more information about the family in footnote 1.

The first mention of Richard that I can find in the Shire of Berwick Rate books was in 1884 where he is listed as owning 226 acres, Crown Allotment 71, Parish of Bunyip.  CA 71 fronted what is now called the Princes Highway and was on the west side of North Garfield Road. He sold the land in 1896 to Ernest Thompson and moved to Tooborac.  


Parish Plan of Bunyip - the township of Garfield on the railway line is bottom, centre. Crown Allotment 71, owned by Frederick Richard Beuhne, is north of the town on the Gippsland Road or Princes Highway.
Click on image to enlarge.
See the full Parish Plan at the State Library of Victoria http://handle.slv.vic.gov.au/10381/112025

Mr Beuhne died on June 24, 1933 and an obituary in The Argus tells us something more of his life including the fact that he worked at the Department of Agriculture as their apiculturist and was editor of the Australian Bee Journal -
Mr. F. R. Beuhne, secretary of the Victorian Apiarists' Association, which has just finished its annual conference in Melbourne, was found dead in his room at the Victoria Palace, Little Collins street, on Saturday morning. Apparently he had had a heart seizure. Mr. Beuhne, who was aged 70 years, was one of Australia's leading authorities on bees. He had been a member of the Victorian Apiarists' Association for 41 years. His term as secretary began about six years ago, on his retirement from the office of apiculturist to the Department of Agriculture. Mr. Beuhne's first association with the department was as consultant on apiculture. In that capacity he did most valuable work, and when the industry grew to one of importance he was appointed a full-time officer. His two text books on beekeeping and honey flora are much valued by apiarists in Australia and overseas. Mr. Beuhne had been editor of the "Australian Bee Journal'' since its inception. He was the Victorian Apiarists' Association delegate to the Chamber of Agriculture, and was the judge of honey at the Royal Show. He was also a member of the Field Naturalists' Club (2).

The State Library of Victoria has three books or booklets by Richard Beuhne - Bee-keeping foul brood in bees and transferring bees (8 pages, published 1913); Bee-keeping (12 pages, 1913)  and Honey flora of Victoria (148 pages, 1922). There is also another book by Richard,  Bee-keeping in Victoria, published 1916 of 128 pages.  There was an updated edition of this book in 1925 of which the chief feature of the new edition is the information contained in chapters which deal with the heating of honey, clarifying and refining, and pollen. The type of honey-heater advocated has been proved, after considerable experience, to be an ideal apparatus for clearing the honey of the minute, particles of wax and pollen grains which it is impossible to strain out in the clarifying of the honey for market by ordinary means. It possesses the merits of being both simple to operate and compact in design (3) It appears that Richard invented his own honey-heater, an example of which is shown below.


Beuhne honey-heater made by Pender Brothers Limited, 1931. 
Powerhouse Museum collection https://collection.maas.museum/object/228403


The Herald also had an obituary and this tells us other aspects of his life. It's a lovely tribute -
After having left a conference of members of the Victorian Apiarists Association last night, Mr F. R. Beuhne, one of the foremost of Australian bee experts, died suddenly last night. He was found dead, only this morning, in his room at the Victoria Palace, Little Collins Street, fully dressed, having apparently died from a heart attack. Mr Beuhne came to Australia as a young man, and was for 41 years a member of the Apiarists Association. He was appointed apiculturist of the Department of Agriculture. Some years ago, when he was due for retirement at the age of 65, he was asked to stay on for another year. After retiring, he was appointed secretary to the association. Mr Beuhne was editor of the Australian Bee Journal, and was a delegate from the Association to the Chamber of Agriculture. He was a member of the Forest League and a judge in honey contests at the Royal Show. Mr Beuhne has left a widow, a son and a married daughter. "His death is the greatest loss the Association could have," said the president (Mr M. Morgan) today, "Mr Beuhne brought it from financial difficulty to some degree of prosperity. He always did his best, sometimes to his own disadvantage, to assist the bee industry." (4). 

Richard Beuhne was a foundation member of Victorian Apiarists Association and at their June 1939 conference plans were revealed for a memorial to him - 
members were informed that all arrangements had been finalised for the proposed memorial to the late Mr. F. R. Beuhne. The memorial is to be in the form of a plantation of trees and by arrangement with the Country Roads Board, which has agreed to co-operate by doing the planting and caring for the trees, the site is to be on the Hume Highway between Kilmore and the turn-off to Heathcote. As the late Mr. Beuhne was a lover of trees the memorial seems to be a very fitting one. The planting is to take place in the near future (5). 

In August 1939, the Kilmore Free Press provided this report of the tree planting ceremony to honour Richard Beuhne, the first tree being planted by his son, Claude - 
On 11th August, a short ceremony took place at the planting of a number of trees, at which district apiarists and representatives of the Apiarists' Association, the Country Roads Board, the Forestry Department and the Department of Agriculture were present. Mr. Wills, President of the Victorian Apiarists' Association, welcomed all present and said the idea behind the plantation was the commemorating of the life of the late Mr. Beuhne. Later it was proposed to erect a cairn with a copperplate inscription indicating what he had done for the bee-keeping industry...The first tree was planted by Mr. Claude Beuhne (6). 

No doubt due to the War, it was actually a decade later on June 24, 1949 that the Memorial Cairn was unveiled by the  President of  the Victorian Apiarists' Association, Mr G. Loft, in the presence of 100 people, including Claude. (7). 


Plaque on Frederick Richard Beuhne's cairn, near Kilmore.
Photographer: Kent Watson. Source Monument Australia

Richard's brother Karl Richard Beuhne also migrated to Australia. Born in Brockwitz, Saxony, Germany on May 18,1855, he arrived in Australia on May 9, 1890, at the age of 35. Karl was naturalised in 1926, when he was 71. After his arrival he settled in North Garfield, where he was a market gardener. He married Maria Theresa Josefa Borrmann (also Saxony born) in 1896 (or that's the year the marriage was registered) and they had four children, all born in North Garfield - Alfa Toni (1892-1899), Friedrich Hans (1896), Otto Kurt (1898) and Rosie Dora (1905). He died on October 30, 1938 at the West Gippsland Hospital in Warragul (8). For some reason, even though Karl was at North Garfield from 1890, he doesn't appear in the Shire of Berwick Rate books until the 1929/1930 year, when he is listed as owning 4 acres, Cannibal Creek Frontage, Parish of Bunyip. 


Informative death notice of Karl Beuhne. His brother was Professor Beuhne of Dresden; 


Report of Karl Beuhne's death. 

This is the article on Mr Beuhne's Bee Farm from The Leader of September 2, 1893 (see here)

BEE FARMING AT GARFIELD
By our Agricultural Reporter

The little wayside hamlet of Garfield is one of those places which has sprung into existence since the main trunk railway line to Gippsland was built. It is distant 40 miles from Melbourne and overlooks the Kooweerup Swamp, that extensive tract of reed beds and morass which is now being reclaimed by the State. The township of Garfield is still in the embryo stage, and as yet gives no promise of future greatness. Most of the land hereabouts was selected 10 or 12 years ago, and a farming population settled on it, who proceeded to turn it to profitable account in the usual way by ringing, clearing, cultivating and stock keeping.

The advancement of the district has certainly not been assisted by the operations of the land syndicates, who during the "boom" purchased from the original selectors several thousand acres of land with a frontage to the railway line and in the vicinity of the railway station. This land is now lying idle and absolutely unproductive, while the owners are still holding on in the hope of settlement being attracted some day, thus giving them a chance to dispose of it at something approaching the prices paid for it to the original settlers. As the land was bought at prices varying from £18 to £25 per acres, this hope is not likely to be realised for some time to come. 

The soil for the most part cannot be called rich, except narrow strips in some of the with a growth of heath and coarse sedgy grasses. The timber is not of good character, and its principal use hitherto has been for firewood, of which large quantities used to be sent to Melbourne; but since the unemployed have been engaged at the work of wood cutting most of the residents of the district have found out that it does not pay to enter into competition with them, consequently sending firewood to Melbourne from Garfield has been practically abandoned.

  

Richard Beuhne's farm.
The Leader, December 9, 1893 - see Footnote 9

The main Gippsland road runs through the district and the principal stream is the Cannibal Creek, a tributary of the Bunyip River. Several of the farms some distance back from the station are fairly well improved, and in a couple of instances beekeeping engages a good deal of attention. Nowadays, when so many people are anxious to get on to the land and engage in some occupation that will prove profitable, beekeeping is an industry which should receive more attention than has hitherto been given it.

It must, however, be admitted that only comparatively few persons are fitted by nature for the occupation, but amongst those who have made it a success is Mr. R. Beuhne, whose farm is situated about 1½ mile from the Garfield station and on the Gippsland-road. Mr. Beuhne selected land here about 11 years ago, and is now the holder of 220 acres. About 30 acres have been thoroughly cleared, a comfortable house erected, an orchard established and other improvements, carried out, but attention is mainly devoted to beekeeping. This is generally considered one of the small things of a farm, but Mr. Beuhne has found it profitable enough to justify him in almost exclusively depending on it; indeed, he is of opinion that if carried on anything like an extensive scale it does not go well with any industry except poultry keeping, as during the busy season all other work must be neglected in order to attend to the bees.


Richard Beuhne offers lessons in bee keeping.

From a small beginning Mr. Beuhne gradually increased the number of his colonies until now he has 136 to control, and the many duties connected with them keeps him fully employed. Indeed, the work in connection with so many hives, when pursued scientifically, is almost endless, but at the same time it is light and highly interesting to any one who really cares for the occupation. If the beekeeper is not really interested in the pursuit and does not follow it for love of the work he will never make it a success, and it is better to direct his attention to some other business. If, on the other hand, attention to all the details of the industry is a pleasure, beekeeping becomes a profitable undertaking in any district that is adapted for the pursuit. 

Some localities are much better adapted for beekeeping than others on account of the climate, the greater profusion of honey producing trees, shrubs and flowers. The Garfield district is not specially suitable, the varieties of eucalypts with which it is timbered being principally those known as stringy bark and peppermint, whereas the box and white gum blossoms secrete most honey, while the flavor of the article is also superior. In the gullies and swampy places also a good deal of ti-tree grows, from the blossoms of which honey of a peculiar character is obtained. It possesses a distinct flavor of its own, and, strange to say, cannot be extracted from the comb by the centrifugal extractor. The closeness with which it adheres to the sides of the cells seems to indicate that it partakes somewhat of the character of gum, though persons who are in the habit of using it declare that they prefer it to any other kind of honey. The taste for it, however, requires to be educated, and its general popularity is never likely to rival that of honey obtained from box or white gum blossom. On account of its non-extracting peculiarity small section frames have to be used in the hives during the period, when the ti-tree is in bloom, while at other times, the ordinary large frames are placed in the boxes.


Richard Beuhne working with his bees.
The Leader, December 9, 1893 - see Footnote 9

Mr. Beuhne uses hives of the Langstroth principle, but the boxes are two inches shorter than the regulation size. He has made them all himself, being an amateur carpenter of no mean skill, and most of the appliances used in their manufacture have also been supplied by his ingenuity. A small circular saw, made out of a piece of a broken hand saw, has been set in a neat frame and worked by a treadle. With this the laths used in the frames of the hives are quickly sawn, and an appliance for boring holes, also worked by foot power, has been provided. Each hive is made exactly the same size so that the parts are interchangeable and he is thus able to work amongst the bees with that confidence which is absolutely necessary if success id to achieved in dealing with these remarkable insects.

In dealing with his bees, Mr. Beuhne in general follows out the practice adopted by the majority of skilled apiarians in attending to the thousand and one particulars involved in beekeeping, and which could not be fully described in anything short of the limits of a book; but he is also experimenting, and there is a possibility of his experiments proving successful, and having an important bearing upon the future of the industry. For instance, he thinks there is a possibility of breeding out the swarming impulse, which causes so much trouble during the season. He points out that it is just as natural for hens to sit as for bees to swarm, yet the desire to hatch has been almost entirely overcome, by breeders in connection with certain breeds of fowls. 

Of course bees are more difficult to control, but by selection and management much may be done. He would select queens, from stock that experience had shown displayed comparatively, little disposition to swarm, and by mating her very late in the season a beginning leading to the desired end would be made. In order to secure the fertilisation, advantage would be taken of a favorable day when the drone bees were likely to fly, and by giving them a little stimulating feed liberating the queen shortly afterwards the desired end would be accomplished.

A careful attention to the laws of selection having the definite object in view of producing non-swarming bees, and following out the lines indicated, would he thinks, eventually result in the apiarian being able to control the impulse as the progeny of queens fertilised late in the season evince less disposition to swarm than those mated early. Mr. Beuhne has at various times grown patches of buck wheat as pasture for the bees, but, as a rule, the insects have to depend for stores on what nature provides. Wattles and acacias, as well as different kinds of heaths, blossom well in the district, but, unfortunately, the flowering season is too early to be of much benefit to the bees, and the blossoms in most instances have disappeared by the time they are most wanted. Just at present the prickly mimosa and pink and white heaths are in full bloom, but the bees are not to be tempted out during the present unsettled weather, and consequently the stores of honey which the flowers contain cannot be utilised.

Mr. Beuhne is now engaged in the endeavor to solve the problem of how to prevent the crystallisation of honey during the winter months. It is well known that the best and purest honey crystallises in cold weather, and this has a prejudicial effect upon its sale, more particularly if it has been put up in glass jars. It frequently happens that the crystallisation is only partial, and while one portion of the contents of a jar assumes the consistency of lard, the remainder is liquid. This causes many persons to think that the honey has been adulterated, and accordingly they decline to buy. The honey does not deteriorate in quality by becoming crystallised; indeed, not a few who know the difference consider that it is improved thereby; but its sale to the general public is undoubtedly affected, hence the necessity for preventing crystallisation if possible. Mr. Beuhne, by a process which he has invented, but which is yet a secret, believes that he can not only prevent any honey from crystallising, but can also treat that which has already become crystallised in such a way that it will ever afterwards remain liquid. If the process, after being thoroughly tested, is the success which he claims, it will have the effect of increasing the local sales of honey, and will be of immense importance if an export trade is established on anything like an extensive scale, as no doubt it will be some day. A press which he has constructed for obtaining wax is very simple and useful, and with it he can obtain just as good wax from old black combs as from now unstained comb.


Richard Beuhne working with his bees.
The Leader, December 9, 1893 - see Footnote 9

 With regard to the profits to be derived from beekeeping, it must be remembered that this district is not a good one for bees, consequently results obtained here are likely to be greatly exceeded in other and more suitable localities. Last year, which was a bad one, Mr. Beuhne obtained only an average of 30 lb. of honey from each hive; the previous season he obtained over 50 lb., and his best record was 80 lb per hive. There is certainly nothing startling in these returns, but, taking one year with another, say 60 lb. of honey, worth at least 4½d. per lb., can be got from each hive, and this is certainly not an excessive estimate, then the gross return per hive amounts to £1.

Mr. Beuhne would advise all who think of going in for bee culture to begin on a small scale and gradually work up. Although much information may be gleaned from books, practical experience must be gained, and this will be less costly when pursued in connection with a few hives than when the care of a large number is attempted by one who has had no previous knowledge of the business. If possibly an opportunity should be sought of getting employment with a practical aparian for at least 12 months, and thus gain the benefit of his experience. Even after such an opportunity to gain knowledge it is necessary to make haste slowly, as there is always something to learn or some unexpected difficulty to overcome. Perseverance, however, will eventually be crowned with success, and the industry offers a means of making a fair livelihood to those who have a taste for beekeeping; and if this industry is combined with poultry farming, the owner of a small block of land ought to make not only a good living, but to ultimately realise a handsome competence.


Trove list: I have created a short list of newspaper articles connected to Frederick Richard Beuhne, his time at Garfield and his other activities. Access it here.

Footnotes
(1) Naturalisation papers at the National Archives of Australia www.naa.gov.au Family information from Indexes to the Victorian Births, Deaths and Marriages and family notices in the newspapers. Annie died January 13, 1941, aged 76. Their son, Claude married Irene Florence Bognuda in 1923. They were divorced in 1933 on the grounds of her desertion. They had one child, Elaine. He remarried in 1936 to Irene Richardson and he died in 1959.  Hilda (known as Flossie)  married William Murray Winzar in 1924. She died in 1943, aged only 52. They had three children - Dorothy, Gordon and Freada.


Annie Beuhne's death notice
The Argus, January 14, 1941 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article8150821

Claude's divorce
The Argus November 20, 1933 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article11712728

Death notice of Flossie Winzar

(2) The Argus, June 26 1933, see here.
(3) Australasian, November 28, 1925, see here
(4) The Herald, June 24, 1933, see here.
(5) Kilmore Free Press, June 22, 1939, see here
(6) Kilmore Free Press, August 24, 1939, see here.
(7) Read the full report of the unveiling in the Kilmore Free Press, June 30 1949, see here.
(8) Naturalisation papers at the National Archives of Australia www.naa.gov.au  and the  Indexes to the Victorian Births, Deaths and Marriages.
(9) The illustrations are from The Leader December 9, 1893, see here. The newspaper incorrectly stated that these illustrations were of Mr M'Farlane's farm at Lyndhurst. There was a correction in The Leader of December 16, 1893, see here, In last week's Leader a full page illustration of "Bee Farming," the central picture in which is a representation of Mr. Beuhne's apiary, was inadvertently described as Mr. M'Farlane's. The mistake occurred through our reporter having visited both the apiaries named, and his description of Mr. M'Farlane'a place at Lyndhurst was attached in error to the drawings taken by our artist on the establishment of Mr. Beuhne, at Garfield, about 40 miles from Melbourne, on the Gippsland railway.


A version of this post, which I wrote and researched, appears on my work blog, Casey Cardinia Links to our Past. This is an expanded and updated version of that post. 

Sunday, January 15, 2023

Koo Wee Rup Red Cross members 1943-1944

This is from the Treasurer's Book of the Koo Wee Red Cross unit. It lists the 261 men and women who were members in 1943-1944.  The population of the town was around 1,000 people, so a large proportion were members. The treasurer was Mrs Margaret Robertson and it is her lovely hand writing, you see here.   Membership was 2 shillings, so this totalled  £26/2/0. 

These images are courtesy of Don Jewell, a long serving member of the now defunct Koo Wee Rup unit. The names are transcribed below the four images. 

Don has also supplied the following information on the Koo Wee Rup Red Cross - It was formed on July 7, 2015. Koo-Wee-Rup Red Cross operated for the duration of the First World War, and then closed down  ‐ only to become active again during the Second World War. Once again it closed down, only to be revived in 1962 ‐ and we celebrated our Golden Jubilee (and "third incarnation!") in 2002 According to Red Cross records, the first Secretary (in 1914‐15) was a Mrs. C.M. Jack (although she is later listed as Miss C.M. Jack)   From 1916 to 1919, Mrs. J.A. Morrison was President, Miss C.M. Jack was  Secretary and Mrs. M. Hamilton, the Treasurer.  





List of members
1. Mrs Robertson
2. Mrs E. Taylor
3. Mrs Harder
4. Mrs Mackin
5. Mrs Ford
6. Mrs Brewer
7. Mrs Winters
8. Mrs Williams
9. Mrs Whiteside
10. Mrs Cochrane
11. Mrs Riggall
12. Mrs Grantley
13. Mrs Mortimer Snr
14. Mrs L. Mortimer
15. Mrs Righetti
16. Mrs J. H. Simpson
17. Miss Cougle
18. Miss McNamara
19. Mrs Reid
20. Mrs C. Eindisdel
21. Mrs Vick
22. Mr Vick
23. Mrs Clarke
24. Mrs Bourke
25. Mrs Lewis
26. Mrs Isbister
27. Mrs McLeod
28. Mrs Honeychurch
29. Mrs Dick Snr
30. Miss Blair
31. Mr. J. Robertson
32. Mr E. Taylor
33. Mrs T. Groves
34. Miss June Groves
35. Mrs Holley
36. Mrs E. Child
37. Miss Nellie Child
38. Mrs G. Dixon
39. Mr Livesley
40. Mr W. Freeman
41. Mrs Colvin
42. Mrs Bath Snr
43. Mrs Pollock
44. Miss A. Burhop
45. Mrs Burhop Snr
46. Mrs A. Ellert  [Ellett]
47. Miss Cahill
48. Miss M. Wadsley
49. Mr Mcleod
50. Mr W. O'Connor
51. Mrs J.N. Bethune
52. Mrs A. Brand
53. Miss J. Plowright
54. Mr M. Barravecchio
55. Miss L. Johnson
56. Mr J. Perry
57. Mrs Mortinson
58. Mrs C.A. Mills
59. Mr J. Bertonsallo  [Bertoncello]
60. Mr J. Knight
61. Mrs Murnane
62. Mrs J. Coutes
63. Mr J. O'Riordan
64. Mrs Plowright
65. Mr L. Plowright
66. Mrs Hubbard
67. Mrs Daniher
68. Mrs D. G. O'Hehir
69. Mr J. George
70. Mrs J. Hall
71. Miss D. Walsh
72. Miss McInnes
73. Mrs N. Bath
74. Mrs J. Clark
75. Mrs Broadbent
76. Mr. B. Darlington
77. Mr R. McGregor
78. Mr W. Henry
79. Mrs Don Crameri
80. Mr W. McDonald
81. Mrs E. Cochrane
82. Mr E. Wadsley
83. Mrs E. Wadsley
84. Mr Harder
85. Mrs W. Orgill
86. Mrs Groves Snr
87. Mrs A. Sheilds
88  Mr Myall
89. Miss Gilbert
90. Mrs Mickle
91. Mrs S. Stagg
92. Mr N. Beckham
93. Mr H. Snodwill [an unusual name - should it be Sandwell, Snowsill?]
94. Mr B. Bossetti  [Rossetti]
95. Mr F. W. Heffernan
96. Mrs W. Perkins
97. Mr G. Farraro [Ferrero]
98. Mr Keith Lineham
99. Mr M. Costa
100. Mrs P. W. Nestor
101. Mrs R. V. Kirwin
102. Mr C. Beasso  [maybe Biaso or Biasi]
103. Mrs H. Griffiths
104. Mrs Cuff
105. Mr Gaburri
106. Mrs J. Leontini
107. Mr V. Saluna
108. Mrs Milner
109. Mrs J. Colvin
110. Mr A.J. Harding
111. Mr E. Glasscock
112. Mrs E. Glasscock
113. Mr P. Amoir  [Amore or Amor]
114. Mr A. Agosta
115. Miss Joyce Duggan
116. Mr S. Coulthard
117. Mrs Heffernan
118. Mr Day
119. Mrs Preston
120. Mrs McMillan
121. Mrs A. Johnson
122. Mrs Caldwell
123. Mrs W. Johnson
124. Mrs M. Keighery 
125. Mrs C. Brown
126. Mrs A. Burton
127. Mr C. Mazetta
128. Mrs D. Nichols
129. Mrs D. Cochrane
130. Mr Anderson
131. Mr Mick Zullala
132. Mr P. Einsiedel  Snr
133. Mr Pepper
134. Mr Belfer
135. Mr G. Zuccala
136. Mrs W. Koochew
137. Mr Cramerai [Crameri]
138. Mrs Jennings
139. Miss D. Jennings
140. Mrs Hewitt
141. Mrs J. Mann
142. Mr Ray Groves
143. Mr L. Plowright
144. Mrs McKenzie
145. Mrs Lawrence
146. Mrs J. L. O'Riordan
147. Mrs Colvin  Snr
148. Mrs P. Walsh
149. Mr A. Wilson
150. Mr W. McGree
151. Mrs McDermott
152. Mrs Peterson
153. Mrs Brazil
154. Mrs R. Biggar
155. Mr W. Sweeney
156. Mrs Miles
157. Mrs E. Mallcoth  [Mallcott]
158. Mrs J. Hester
159. Mrs W. Mahoney
160. Mrs Sauer
161. Mr McKenzie
162. Mr Whiteman
163. Mr Dug Amis  [Doug Amis]
164. Mr R. Turtin  [Turton]
165. Mr Don Johnson
166. Mr K. Hobson
167. Mr A Geipels, Dalmore  [maybe Goepel or Giebels]
168. Mr E. Rossetti
169. Mr Trayford
170. Mrs R. Schmutter
171. Mr Terry O'Brien
172. Mrs J. Morden
173. Mrs E. Johnson
174. Mr Johnson
175. Mr A.L. Green
176. Mr Graham
177. Mrs Rodbur
178. Mrs Scott
179. Mrs Ray Mills
180. Mrs Nicholson
181. Mrs Brooke  Snr
182. Mrs F. Brooke
183. Miss A. Gibbons
184. Mrs A. Colvin
185. Mrs Barnes
186. Mr Vito Cassete  [Caserta]
187. Mr Crawford 
188. Mrs Ruston
189. Mrs Neale
190. Mr Watson
191. Mrs Hansen
192. Mr Dick Florance
193. Mr G. De Bama  [Giordano De Bona]
194. Mrs Henry
195. Mr Schmutter
196. Gregarie Agasta  [Gregorio Agosta]
197. Mr Doherty
198. Miss Huntingford
199. Miss M. McFarlane
200. Mrs Humphries
201. Mrs Levey
202. Mr McKenzie
203. Mrs Jack Bartlett
204. Dr. A.B. Hewitt
205. Mr Paul Craemeria [Crameri]
206. Miss C. Ferguson
207. Mrs English
208. Mrs Gray
209. Mrs L. Child
210. Mrs Maddern
211. Mrs M. C. Moore
212. Mrs C. Courtney
213. Mr Minoghue  [Minogue]
214. Miss N. Monk
215. Mr R. Livingston
216. Mr M. Aidone
217. Mr Hallett
218. Mrs W. Benston
219. Miss Arnold
220. Mr Taylor / Dentist
221. Mrs Pitten
222. Mr F. Hodgson
223. Mrs Nelson
224. Mr G. Milner
225. Mrs Shaw
226. Mrs Turton
227. Miss Sweeney
228. Mr Levey
229. Mrs S. Levey
230. Mr L. Cochrane
231. Miss Joan Wadsley
232. Mrs W. Marshall
233. Mr Scott
234. Mr A. Child
235. Mr Cahill
236. Mrs W. Taylor
237. Mrs Biglan
238. Mrs Bethune Snr
239. Mrs A. Bethune
240. Mrs J. Spencer
241. Mr Ford
242. Miss M. Barnes
243. Mrs Loveday Snr
244. Mrs R. Gray
245. Miss M. Hamilton
246. Mrs A. J. Gilchrist
247. Mr Cougle
248. Mrs C. Gleeson
249. Mr H. J. Kirwin
250. Mr E. Williams
251. Mrs W. Gilchrist
252. Miss A. Gilchrist
253. Mrs T. Burton
254. Mrs Gane
255. Michel Riggall
256. Mrs Len Wilson
257. Mrs Graydon
258. Mrs Fred Shaw
259. Miss Hallett
260. Miss J.G. Duff
261. Miss Darlington

261 members @ 2/- =  £26: 2: 0.

Friday, January 13, 2023

Motoring trip around the Koo Wee Rup Swamp in 1929

Take a motoring  trip around the Koo Wee Rup Swamp in 1929. From The Herald, July 18, 1929, see here

Herald Tourist Bureau
Circuit of Koo-Wee-Rup Swamp
Day Outing of many attractions
(By our Special Motor Writer)

Though most tourists to Lang Lang and San Remo now travel by way of Pakenham and Koo-wee-rup on splendidly surfaced roads, much more attractive country is seen when the route followed is the old though fairly rough road from Dandenong to Lang Lang by way of Cranbourne and Tooradin.

The two roads combined provide an excellent triangular route for a one-day outing, and, though two or three short stretches of road in the hills near Cranbourne will be greasy after rain, the full route is passable in all weathers, and will be improved each week by the reconstruction now in progress.

Dandenong, 19. 6 miles from Melbourne, by the Prince's Highway, is the starting point for the tour. Setting the speedometer at zero at the Shire Hall, the town baths are passed first on the left, then the road to Frankston on the right, and at 1.0 mile speedometer reading turn right from the Prince's Highway, where a finger post directs to Cranbourne. 

Watch the level crossing at 1.1. then follow the good asphalt road. Unfortunately it does not last for long. At 2.3 cross the Eumemmering Creek, where new irrigation works are being finalised; another creek bridge at 2.5, pass a road on the left at 3.1, and the main road becomes an earth formation at 3.2.

THROUGH BELTS OF BUSH
To here the country traversed is fairly flat and devoted mainly to grazing. Go left at the fork at 3.9, where a sign shows right to Lyndhurst and rolling country is entered crossed by belts of bush.Use care at 6.8. where the clay surface is tricky, if wet, and again on more clay at 7.3. Beyond the cross roads at 7.5 very fine pastoral country is entered, a feature being the splendid plantations of trees, which form windbreaks to the different holdings.

 The road is pot-holed for a fairly long distance from here, but the side tracks will be found good. Another cross road is passed at 8.7, then Cranbourne railway station on the right. Cross the rail at 8.8, then follow the very pot-holed road through Cranbourne (two hotels) to the junction with the Clyde-Frankston road at 9.7. Keep straight on at the junction, the road entering scrub and bracken-covered country, while the first view of the distant Strezlecki ranges is obtained directly ahead.

MOUNTAIN TEA-TREE
Some sand pits are passed on the left, then a narrow gauge rail crossed, at 10.7, in a belt of the mountain tea-tree. At 11.3 there is a road on the right to Hastings, followed by a short patch of slippery road, then some new road construction works, where the road is unfinished and slippery. This going ends at 12.9 and at 13.1 a metal road begins, though in places the side tracks will be found more comfortable.

Five-Ways Junction is reached at 13.7, and at 13.9 (the fifth road) go half left, a finger post directing ahead to Devon Meadows and Cannons Creek. The road continues from there in fairly good condition, through gums and ti-tree, to the creek at 15.9, then through bracken country to an irrigtion bridge at 16.8. Pass the former Sherwood Hotel at 17.0. and fairly open farming country will be entered.

VIEW OF THE RANGES
Watch the turn over the creek at 18.0, and at 18.4 a splendid view will be obtained on the left of the Gippsland Ranges, snow-capped at this season. At 18. 6 the first head-water of Western Port is skirted, Tooradin P.O. is passed at 18. 7, then Tooradin Hotel, where a road runs left to the station, while a long railed bridge leads ahead over a picturesque inlet. Generally this is filled with a fleet of fishing craft and private yachts, and, eliminating the mangroves, has somewhat the appearance of a Norfolk Broad estuary.

The road enters particularly dense scrub at 19.5 - mainly Captain Cook ti-tree, though there are frequent growths of native cherry and white-blossomed shrubs. At 21.0 keep on where a road runs left to Dalmore. and thereafter keep Western Port on the right, the road running across flats, grown with mangrove and pierced at intervals with by creeks and salt water Inlets. These bridges are at 21.6. 22.1 (watch). 22.2, 22.4. 23.3, 23.4. and the road between them is specially well surfaced. This section of very flat country makes the distant ranges very noticeable, and they form a blue horizon on three sides.

DONKEYS GRAZING
At 24.0 keep on at the junction (left to Koo-Wee-Rup), and pass through splendid grazing country, here an occasional donkey may be seen grazing contentedly in a herd of cattle, or with lamb-companioned sheep.

 At 25.6 a splendid road comes in on the left from Pakenham. This is the natural turning point for the route described, but for those who desire to see it there exists, three miles further on, and after passing a bridge under construction and crossing the Yalock Creek, probably the finest hawthorn hedge in the State. It is in splendid trim; now it is bearing a profuse growth of scarlet haws, and is three miles long. It ends in kangaroo wattle just before Lang Lang, where a cross road leads left to Drouin and right to Nyora by the South Gippsland Road, or to San Remo, Wonthaggi and Corinella.

Returning to 25.6 turn into the road to Pakenham. Right to the Prince's Highway this will be found to be excellently surfaced in all weathers. It leads first to a junction, at 26.8, where turn sharp right, then cross the rails at 26.9. turning sharp left, without entering Koo-Wee-Rup, where a finger post shows ahead to Bayles, Bunyip and Warragul and left to Pakenham.

MANY BRIDGES
There is a road on the right at 27.1, then a bridge at 27.5, followed immediately by a road on the right, a second bridge, then a cross road, and finally a big double bridge. Again, at 27.7 there is a road left, then another bridge, and a finger post to Pakenham, Pass the cross roads at 28.7 and another cross road at 30.8. To here the road skirts the Koo-Wee-Rup swamp, and is bordered by an earth works, with occasional private bridges as entrances to farms.

At 31.8 passed a road on the right, turn left over bridge, then turn right, leaving another road on the left. At 32.9 use caution in making the fairly sharp left turn, for a big unprotected ditch borders the road ahead. Pass a cross roads next and at the junction, at 33.9, turn left, pass Pakenham station, then cross the railway line and Pakenham East post office will be reached at 36.6.

Continuing on, Pakenham Junction will be reached at 37.2. where first keep on, then turn half left into the Prince's Highway. From there the road is splendid back to Dandenong (reached in 16.8 miles, or 54.0 miles total speedometer reading.

Progressive readings for this section are: — Officer (41.2), Beaconfield and Cardinia Creek (42), Berwick (45.5), Narre Warren (47.9) and Eumemmering Creek (52.3).

Friday, December 30, 2022

What happened in Koo Wee Rup in 1923

This is a look at what happened in Koo Wee Rup and surrounds, 100 years ago, in 1923, as reported in the newspapers, mainly the Koo Wee Rup Sun.  One of the  main events in the town was the opening of the Soldiers Memorial Hospital on May 23, 1923, but I will look at that in more detail in another post. The new towns of Bayles and Catani had been established the year before with the opening of the Strzelecki Railway (also called McDonald's Track railway) line in June 1922 (see here)  and there are some reports about their development. 

In February there was a report on prizes given for elocution at Sunday School  – Recently the Kooweerup Methodist missionary (Mr J.G. Carmichael) donated prizes for the best rendition of the Ten Commandments, and the prizes have been awarded to the following Sunday school scholars: - Master Garnet and Maggie Gilchrist, Five Mile; Master Marshall and Elise Armstrong, Yannathan; Master Ian and Jean McDonald, Cora Lynn. (Koo Wee Rup Sun, February 1, 1923 p. 4)

Kooweerup State School report from February - The attendance at the school now numbers 103. At the December examinations Kathleen Hyland (12 years and two months), Alma Follett, Mattie Preston, John McNamara (12 years and four months), Robert Preston (12 years), and Robert Mills were awarded merit certificates, Shelia Johnston was successful in winning a Government  scholarship, entitling her to four years’ instruction  at a registered secondary school. This pupil is the third member of the family who has been successful at the scholarship examinations held during the past three years. This record speaks highly of the ability of the local teaching staff. (Koo Wee Rup Sun, February 8, 1923 p. 4)


The Masonic Temple at Koo Wee Rup, as it was originally built in 1923
Image courtesy of Graeme Elso

The Koo Wee Rup Masonic Temple was built in 1923. In March it was reported that - The Contractor for the Kooweerup Masonic Temple, Mr Sly, is now putting on the final touches and expects to complete his task in about a week. The temple will be a very convenient and comfortable edifice for members of the craft to hold meetings in. (Koo Wee Rup Sun, March 1, 1923 p. 4)

In May there was this report of the dedication of the Temple and the establishment of the Koo Wee Rup Lodge - The Kooweerup Masonic Hall was dedicated by the Most Wor. Bro.  F.T. Hickford, assisted by Bro. W.P.Bice, D.G.M., and other Grand Lodge officers on Monday afternoon. After the dedication a Lodge, No. 323, to be known as the Kooweerup lodge was consecrated by the G.L. officers. The officers of the new lodge are – W.M. Wor. Bro W.Eason; S.W., Bro. W.E. Mills; J.D., Bro. J.D. Preston; Chaplain, Bro. C. Wadsley; treasurer, Bro. W. Jeffery; secretary,  Bro. F.C. Ellis; D.C.W., Bro W.K. Paterson; S.D., Bro. E. Bowden; J.D., Bro. A.P. Coburn; organist, Bro. T. Wood; S.G., Bro A.C. Colvin; stewards, Bros W.S. Smith, H.D. Mills, S.H. Mills, G.Wain; Tyler, Bro. W.J. Mallcott. Fifteen brethren constituted the foundation members and the lodge opened with 32 members. The hall cost £1500. (Koo Wee Rup Sun, May 3, 1923, p. 1)

Fishing news in March - A party of anglers from Yallock on Wednesday, February 28th, visited Tooradin, and skippered by Mr. T. Kernot in his comfortable and fast 40ft motor boat, caught 532 fish. This is considered to be a record for this part of the bay for line fishing. (Koo Wee Rup Sun, March 8, 1923, p. 4)

Also in March, the council upset at carcasses being thrown in the Bay - At the Cranbourne Shire Council meeting  on Saturday a letter was read from Dr. Appleford, drawing attention to the fact that skinned carcasses were being thrown into the Bay. Cr Wildes referred to this as a “filthy practice,” and persons caught doing it should be severely dealt with. He had heard of carcasses going as far as Hastings. (Koo Wee Rup Sun, March 8 1923, p. 4)

A report on the impact of the Strzelecki Railway line on railway towns such as Garfield,  as  local farmers could now take their produce to Bayles, Catani and Yannathan - Garfield: The Kooweerup-McDonald's track railway is making its presence felt in many towns along the main Gippsland line. Traffic and business which for years past has gone to these towns is now diverted to the new outlet, and townships with good business openings are springing up along the new railway. Land values have advanced considerably, and range from £40 to £50 per acre. (The Age, March 10, 1923, see here)

March saw a new street lamp in the town, near the Catholic Church - New Street Lamp – The Cranbourne Shire Council on Wednesday erected a new street lamp at the corner of Station street – opposite the R.C. Church, Kooweerup. This will be found to be very convenient to vehicular traffic. (Koo Wee Rup Sun, March 22, 1923 p. 4)

Complaint about the Railway Station in May- From the standpoint of health, the railway station at Kooweerup should be condemned. While totally unsuitable and inadequate to give the facilities required, it is costing the department a good sum of money owing to the members of the staff being compelled to relinquish duty through ill-health. At the present time the stationmaster (Mr Smith) and a porter are absent through illness. And just before Mr Argall, late stationmaster, was transferred to the relieving staff he had to knock off through indisposition. Evidence of this character is sufficient to demonstrate the unhygienic character of the building and should stir the authorities to make a move to have an up to date station erected. (Koo Wee Rup Sun, May 3, 1923 p.  4)

May also saw this amusing story about the local police stuck in the mud in Western Port Bay -
Sandbank that wasn’t - It seemed a perfectly firm, white sandbank, gleaming attractively in the sunlight. Really, it was only a sandy film covering a quagmire lying in wait for unwary feet. Detective McGuffie and Constable Orgill, on their way from Lang Lang to the McLeod Penal Settlement on French Island recently were villainously misled.

When at low tide, their boat grounded a quarter of a mile from the island jetty, they decided to walk along the innocent looking sandbank to the shore. Bare-legged, they started from the stranded dinghy. Their feet were at once sucked in by the treacherous black mud. Step by step they floundered on, every pace leaving them deeper in the smelly mire. Whilst deep in the mud, McGuffie struggled along on his hands and knees, wearing his boots on his hands. Constable Orgill was doing even more primitive, eel-like contortions with his body. He seemed to be trying to swim.

Then the island convicts, who had been enjoying the fun from the jetty, brought ropes and planks to their aid. One of McGuffie’s most assiduous helpers proved to be a man who had McGuffie to thank for his long term of imprisonment. Both enjoyed the joke. Both must have a fine sense of humour. McGuffie was going to the island to investigate a suspicious fire outbreak among the penal settlement buildings. From his interrogation of three men further developments are expected
(Koo Wee Rup Sun, May 10, 1923 p. 3)


Catani Railway Station
Koo Wee Rup Swamp Historical Society image

A report of the growth of the new town of Catani, which developed around the new railway station -
Catani – The nucleus of a rising township is being laid at Catani. The district is being fastly developed by an industrial class of men and women, who are out to build homes for themselves and children, and the prospects of the near future will portray a hive of prosperous and happy people. Mr Bush, of Caldermeade, has opened a fine grocer’s shop, well stocked with the necessary requirements of the district, and Mr Currie, of Yannathan, has control of the post office and newsagency. The local station promises to become the most important on the Strezlecki line. Miss Silverthorn has charge of the State school, and is doing splendid work among the children. (Koo Wee Rup Sun, May 31, 1923, p. 1)

Bad roads - Bayles – Farmers here are keenly feeling the effects of the bad roads. Many of the thoroughfares are in such a shocking state that it is impossible to cart produce to the station. The road in front of the station has been in a deplorable condition of late, and on Friday last residents, tired of waiting for the authorities to help them, formed themselves into a working bee, and despite unfavorable weather conditions did good work in effecting improvement to the road. (Koo Wee Rup Sun, July 26, 1923, p. 4)

Bad footpaths  - The footpath in front of the Kooweerup Hospital is in a deplorable condition and something should be done to put it in  a trafficable state, at once. It is nothing but a quagmire, and pedestrians are put to a great amount of inconvenience in endeavoring to reach the hospital. Now that the hospital is open, and with the Catholic Church adjoining, the path is largely used. To attempt to reach this hospital at night is a wretched experience, as one has to wade in mud and water up to the ankles. We hope such a condition of affairs will be speedily remedied. ( Koo Wee Rup Sun, August 2, 1923, p. 4)

Flooding occured in October - here are reports from The Argus and the Koo Wee Rup Sun -
A seven inch rainfall during the past five days has caused one of the most disastrous floods in the history of the Kooweerup settlement. Scores of setters have been compelled to leave their homes, and thousands of pounds'worth of damage has been done to growing crops. After continual rains on Thursday and Friday, the main canal into which the waters of the Bunyip and Tarago rivers flow commenced to rise rapidly until an early hour on Saturday morning, when the 20 ft. summer level gauge on the Junction-bridge disappeared beneath the yellow flood. The water continued to rise to the decking of the bridge, five feet above the gauge, carrying away the bank on the north side, leaving the bridge suspended across the stream in a dangerous condition. The sheet piling around the edge of the 15-mile-bridge was carried away, and the structure is likely to collapse. All other bridges were submerged, and until the water recedes the damage cannot be estimated. The flood poured over the high levee banks on either side below the Iona State school, and spread over miles of cultivated farms, and residents had to abandon their homes, leaving stock, poultry and pigs to fend for themselves. Cattle could be seen standing with their heads thrust above the water on Cora Lynn farms; many of the smaller animals were drowned. The flood rose to the height of six feet in the Cora Lynn cheese factory, and the mechanics' hall. State school and convent are isolated in an inland sea. Water flowed over the levee banks to a depth of four feet for a distance of four miles, and there is a grave danger of these giving way and causing further disaster.

Throughout Iona many thousands of acres of potatoes, oats and other crops have disappeared under water, and will be utterly ruined. The main roads along either side of the canal have been damaged beyond repair, and bridges over subsidiary drains are in a state of collapse.
(The Argus, October 15, 1923, see here)

On Sunday there was great commotion in the township of Kooweerup, when it was learnt that the banks of the main canal and Boundary drain had overflowed, and several families in the township were placed in an awkward predicament. The whole of the northern part of the township was under water, owing to the Boundary drain breaking in several places. Messrs J. and O. Colvin and D. McCracken’s residences were surrounded by flood waters three feet deep, the former two families being removed by the aid of a rowing boat. Families in other houses, although isolated, remained in their homes and anxiously kept vigil, and were naturally quite relieved when the water began to subside on Sunday night. 

On Sunday motor cars were kept busy plying people to the various points of vantage, but they could not get far. Proceeding along Rossiter’s road to the South Coast road, cars had to go through a quarter-mile of water 18 inches deep near Mr J. Byron’s property. Mr W. Johnson’s farm, on the opposite side of the road, was completely inundated, the water on the South Coast road reaching the top rail of the fence. On the south side of Coast road the land was covered with water for miles. Mr W. De Vries’ slaughter yards, in this vicinity, was inundated, and the owner had a trying time in rescuing employees, the water being up to his waist(Koo Wee Rup Sun, October 18, 1923, p. 1)

Mr O'Riordan buys a truck - O’Riordan’s  general store, Kooweerup, is keeping abreast with the times and has purchased a motor truck for the conveyance of goods to clients. The truck is of a very neat design, and is capable of carrying a large load. (Koo Wee Rup Sun, November 15, 1923, p. 6)


Bayles Butter Factory, c. 1923
Image courtesy of Bayles Fauna Reserve.

In December there was a report on the new town of Bayles -
Bayles – the newly formed tennis club is putting plenty of ginger into its endeavors, and already a new court is rapidly approaching completion. The new bicycle track on the Recreation Reserve is expected to be finished by the end of the week, the Cranbourne Council’s grader having been secured to put the finishing touches on. The track is 20ft wide, and when completed will be second to none for many miles around.

Mr G. Einsedel, of Melbourne, is at present loading up to 20 trucks of sand per week, and hopes to be shortly railing away 100 tons per day. Our newly formed township is growing daily, and is going to be “some” place before many more moons. Another drapery establishment will be open for business within a short time, and all the business people speak well of their present turnover and have great hope for the future of Bayles.

One of the most notable features of trade at present is the great amount of business being transacted at Messrs Sage and Co.’s
[butter] factory. The firm has two motor lorries continually bringing in cream and milk, besides a very great number of clients who bring in their own produce. (Koo Wee Rup Sun, December 6, 1923, p. 6)

News from Koo Wee Rup and Bayles in December -
Koo Wee Rup - Mr. W. Cole, who recently retired from the police force was entertained at a social and presented with a wallet of notes. Mrs. Cole was presented with a case of cutlery. Mr. Cole was appointed to the charge of the Tooradin police district 33 years ago, and during that time has seen what in those days was a tea-tree swamp change into one of the most prosperous farming districts in the State. Several new buildings are in course of erection, including a fine brick edifice for the Bank of Victoria. The Koo-wee-rup Choral Society has given several successful entertainments in various parts of the district. The Memorial Hospital has been taxed to its utmost capacity during the last few weeks, and an extra nurse has been engaged. The Bayles Cycle Club's road races were won by Messrs. G. Harker and P. Osborn. A new track has been formed on the recreation reserve. (The Argus,  December 13, 1923, see here)

What happened in Garfield in 1923

This is a look back at what happened in Garfield, and surrounds, 100 years ago, in 1923, as reported in the newspapers. 

In February 1923, there was a complaint about progress of the works at the Garfield School - Several months ago tenders were let for additions to the local State school, and it was the intention of the Education department to have the work done during the Christmas vacation. For some unexplained reason the contract was not started. The department will now be put to the expense of hiring the local hall while the necessary additions are effected. (The Age, February 2, 1923, see here)

In the same month there was this report about the hooligan element in the town - It is the intention of the Garfield Traders' Association to urge on the Commissioner of Police the necessity of a constable being permanently stationed in the town. Since the withdrawal of the constable the hooligan element has been much in evidence. The breaking of shop windows has seemingly become a pastime. Other more serious offences have necessitated the service of the police and black trackers from Dandenong. During the potato digging season many undesirable characters visit the district. (West Gippsland Gazette,  February 6, 1923, see here)

A Sheaf-tossing prize was donated by Martin O'Donohue, the owner of the Iona Hotel at Garfield - Mr M. Donohue, of Garfield, has generously donated a valuable gold medal for the sheaf-tossing competition to be held at Garfield on 17th March. The event will be for the championship of Gippsland. (The Advocate, February 15, 1923, see here)


View of the Goods Shed at the Railway station in 1920. The Garfield Hall is in the background.
Berwick Pakenham Historical Society photograph

There was insufficient room at the Garfield Railway Station in February  - Great dissatisfaction is expressed at the lack of accommodation at the goods yard of the railway station. The existing platform is hardly sufficient to accommodate four trucks, whereon facilities for loading 14 or 15 trucks are required. Produce awaiting consignment is dumped on the ground for hundreds of yards up and down the line, where it remains for days before it can be loaded. (The Age,  February 15, 1923, see here.)

There were reports about bush fires in February and March - 
After a week of rising temperatures the climax was reached on Thursday, when 102 deg. was registered. Bush fires, driven by a hot north wind, sprang up in all directions, and a fire travelling south-easterly from North Garfield seriously threatened the buildings on the racecourse and the outskirts of Bunyip township. Fortunately a change in the wind to the west diverted the course of the fire. (The Age, February 24, 1923, see here)

A bush fire broke out about three miles north of Garfield, and, aided by a strong wind, it travelled with great rapidity towards the town. It swept through the properties of Messrs. Brennan, Robertson, Parish Bros.,and Dawes. Mr. Dawes' homestead had a narrow escape, the flames being checked within a few yards of the house. Beyond burning some hundreds of acres of scrub and short lengths of fencing, no damage resulted. Another scrub fire is burning between Garfield and Tynong. (The Argus, March 28, 1923, see here)

There was a follow-up report the next day - Smoke from bush fires is enveloping the town. Mr. H. Brew had his sheds, stables, and harness destroyed. A second fire destroyed all of Parish Bros' fencing on the Sale road, and three rows of apple trees were ruined. Mr. H. P. Hill lost a considerable amount of fencing, 150 passion fruit vines in full bearing, and several rows of apple trees. The corner of Mr. Limmer's house was burnt, and his orchard suffered severely. (The Argus, March 29, 1923, see here)

In March, there was good fishing to be had - Garfield - Good catches of blackfish are reported by parties visiting the Diamond and Back creeks. (The Age, March 1, 1923,  see here)

A farming report from March - Farmers in the Garfield district have this year gone in for cultivating field carrots on extensive lines. As from 30 to 40 tons an acre is produced, and the price generally runs from £2 to £3/10/ a ton, the crop should be very profitable. (The Weekly Times, March 10, 1923, see here)

In March there was a report about the impact of the new railway line to Strzelecki (also called the McDonald's Track railway), which had officially in June 1922, as  local farmers could now take their produce to Bayles, Catani and Yannathan.   I have written about the railway line, hereGarfield - The Kooweerup-McDonald's track railway is making its presence felt in many towns along the main Gippsland line. Traffic and business which for years past has gone to these towns is now diverted to the new outlet, and townships with good business openings are springing up along the new railway. Land values have advanced considerably, and range from £40 to £50 per acre. (The Age,  March 10, 1923, see here)

A fund-raiser for the Recreation Reserve - Garfield Carnival was brought to a successful conclusion on Saturday evening, the queen competition realising over £190. Miss Linda Reidy was the leading queen, followed by Miss Rita Brennan. The crowning ceremony took place in Garfield Hall, in the presence of a record gathering. The promoters of the carnival expect to raise £300. All of this amount is to be spent on improving Garfield Recreation Reserve. (The Argus, April 3, 1923, see here)

Good news in April - extended telephone time and the possibility of a policeman in the town - As the result of a deputation to the Deputy Postmaster General, the Garfield telephone exchange is to remain open until 8 p.m. daily. - The police authorities are endeavouring to obtain a house in Garfield to be used as a police station. Should their efforts be successful, a married constable will be placed in charge, and the station made independent of Bunyip. (The Argus, April 7, 1923, see here)

And some bad news - Garfield - Seed oats planted for fodder crop have failed to germinate during the past two months owing to the excessively dry season. Kangaroos, driven in from the hills to the north owing to the scarcity of feed, are destroying maize crops at North Garfield (The Age,  April 12, 1923, see here)

The Burnley Brass Band, paid a visit to the area at Easter -  Following its usual custom, the Burnley Brass Band, under the conductorship of Mr. W. J. Stove, journeyed to Gippsland during the Easter holidays, and supplied the music for several functions in the Garfield district. Arriving in Garfield on Good Friday evening, the band played selections in the township for two hours, and, despite the cold weather, the programme was heard by a large number of people. The Queen Carnival sports was attended on Saturday afternoon, while in the same evening the members travelled to Cora Lynn, where the annual dance was in progress in the local hall. The latest dance music was rendered by the band. On Sunday afternoon and evening special programmes were submitted to the Cora Lynn residents, and much appreciated by them. The collection taken up at the latter recital was handed to the Cora Lynn sports committee to assist any local object it may decide upon. A programme at the annual sports on Easter Monday concluded the trip, and the band arrived home on Tuesday, well pleased with their holiday. (Richmond Guardian, April 14, 1923, see here)

A complaint about the condition of the local roads - Garfield - The roads in this district are in a dreadful condition, particularly the 13 and 14 mile roads from lona and Vervale to Garfield. The local council has called tenders for metalling, but the contract was let too late to alleviate the position this year. The roads approaching the towns of Bayles and Catani, on the McDonald's track railway, are almost impassable. (The Age, August 4, 1923, see here)

Bush-fires at the start of the year and floods in October - At Garfield North, Cannibal Creek over-flowed, and the adjoining flats were converted into a lake. When going to school on Friday morning the teacher had to be carried across the creek. No scholars put in an appearance. During the morning the flood increased. The teacher remained a prisoner in her school until the arrival of a cart enabled her to recross the flooded creek. (The Argus, October 15, 1923, see here)

A seven inch rainfall during the past five days has caused one of the most disastrous floods in the history of the Kooweerup settlement. Scores of setters have been compelled to leave their homes, and thousands of pounds worth of damage has been done to growing crops. After continual rains on Thursday and Friday, the main canal into which the waters of the Bunyip and Tarago rivers flow 
commenced to rise rapidly until an early hour on Saturday morning, when the 20 ft. summer level gauge on the Junction-bridge disappeared beneath the yellow flood. The water continued to rise to the decking of the bridge, five feet above the gauge, carrying away the bank on the north side, leaving the bridge suspended across the stream in a dangerous condition. The sheet piling around the edge of the 15-mile-bridge was carried away, and the structure is likely to collapse. All other bridges were submerged, and until the water recedes the damage cannot be estimated. The flood poured over the high levee banks on either side below the Iona State school, and spread over miles of cultivated farms, and residents had to abandon their homes, leaving stock, poultry and pigs to fend for themselves. Cattle could be seen standing with their heads thrust above the water on Cora Lynn farms; many of the smaller animals were drowned. The flood rose to the height of six feet in the Cora Lynn cheese factory, and the mechanics' hall. State school and convent are isolated in an inland sea. Water flowed over the levee banks to a depth of four feet for a distance of four miles, and there is a grave danger of these giving way and causing further disaster.

Throughout Iona many thousands of acres of potatoes, oats and other crops have disappeared under water, and will be utterly ruined. The main roads along either side of the canal have been damaged beyond repair, and bridges over subsidiary drains are in a state of collapse
. (The Argus, October 15, 1923, see here)


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

In November and December a Queen Carnival was held to pay off the Pioneers' Hall, at Iona, I have written about the Hall, here.   Iona - To liquidate a debt of £450 on the Pioneers' Hall, a queen carnival was decided on some months ago, was successfully terminated on the 16th inst. Miss Madge Dowd represented lona; Miss Lila Gardner, Garfield; and Miss Alma Roberts, Bunyip. It was not until the last week that the carnival was taken seriously, and then action commenced in earnest. A bazaar was held in the hall, and the tug-of-war of stick-pulling was responsible for a packed house every night. The concert by Kooweerup artists eclipsed any previous entertainment. A feature of the affair was the support each queen received during the bazaar, but the lona organisation was perfect, thanks to the secretaries, Misses L. Kavanagh and H. Bennett. The crowning of the successful queen was splendidly carried out. The voting was:—Miss Madge Dowd, Iona, £191/1/4, 45, 856 votes; Miss Lila Gardner, Garfield, £139/1/9, 33,381 votes; Miss Alma Roberts, Bunyip, £95/1/11, 22,823 votes. As the major portion of the money was received during the last week, the result is regarded as highly satisfactory. Each queen was presented with a gold bangle. Miss E. Sullivan and Renie Maddigan acted as maids of honour, and Miss Frances Sullivan and Miss Lizzie Dowd train-bearers, for the successful queen, and Christopher Cooney as cushion-bearer. (The Advocate, December 6, 1923, see here)



The photograph of Carlo Catani which George Clowser presented
to the Iona Hall Committee.
My original photo of this portrait was enhanced by Paul Caine.

In December, George Clowser, Public Works Department paymaster, presented a portrait of the late Carlo Catani, Public Works Department Engineer, to the Iona Pioneers' Association. The portrait is now at the Berwick Pakenham Historical Society Museum. I have written about the portrait here and George Clowser, here. - At the annual banquet of the Pioneers' Association of Iona an enlarged  framed photograph of the late Mr Catani was presented to the hall committee by Mr G. Clowser, secretary for public works, who was formerly pay-master of the settlement when the swamp was first opened up, and Mr Catani was the engineer. Mr O. Kavanagh (president) accepted the gift on behalf on the committee. (The Argus, December 1, 1923, see here)  

Tuesday, December 6, 2022

Bayles General Store

The General Store at Bayles opened in January 1921, and the proprietor was George Petrie Murdoch Junior (1872-1972).  George also had the general store at Cora Lynn, which he opened in 1907 and operated  until 1922. You can read about George Murdoch and the Cora Lynn store, here

When I say the Bayles store opened in January 1921, that is actually the first advertisement that I found for it, and it was called the Yallock General Store. I was confused initially because I didn't know whether the Yallock Store referred to in the advert was actually in the 'old' settlement of Yallock or the 'new' Yallock, centred around the Bayles Railway Station. However, the Shire of Cranbourne Rate books  confirm that Murdoch's store was actually in Bayles ('new Yallock') not 'old' Yallock. George Murdoch is first mentioned as owning the land in the 1920/21 Rate books.

I was also confused as to why George would have opened his store in January 1921 when the Koo Wee Rup to Strzelecki Railway line, of which Bayles was the first station from Koo Wee Rup, wasn't officially opened until June 29, 1922. I knew that Bayles, as such did not exist before the railway line, it was the Railway Station closest to Yallock settlement.  However,  the railway stations were opened earlier for limited transport of goods (not passengers), whilst construction work was still going on. In the case of Bayles, it was February 1921  so that would have bought traffic to his store; the next stop down the line was Catani and it was opened for limited operations from May 1921. I have written about the Strzelecki Railway line, here, and about Frederick Bayles, the namesake of the town, here


First advertisement for George Murdoch's store at Bayles (then known as Yallock)
Koo Wee Rup Sun January 20, 1921, p. 1.

When the store opened in January 1921, Thomas Keys was the manager. However, as you can see by the advertisement, below, a year later he was no longer involved and George himself was operating the store and it had been renamed the Bayles General Store.


The store is now called the Bayles Store and Thomas Keys is no longer connected to the business.
Koo Wee Rup Sun, January 26, 1922, p. 3

By 1925, George was assisted in the store by his son Allan and daughter Mary Jane (according to their occupations in the Electoral rolls). In March 1927, the business was sold to Mr E. H. Kean, but George Murdoch retained ownership of the building (and had other properties in Bayles) until at least 1950.  The Electoral rolls tell us that E.H. Kean was Edmund Herbert Kean and his wife, was Helen May Kean. 


The Bayles Store is taken over by Mr Kean, and this advertisement shows the 
huge range of stock available at the store. 
Koo Wee Rup Sun, March 3, 1927, p. 4


Short advertorial advising the change of ownership of the store. 
Koo Wee Rup Sun, March 3, 1927, p. 4

Edmund and Helen Kean were at the Bayles Store until July 1936 when they sold to D.J. Cole, who previously had a business in Daylesford. The departure of the Keans from Bayles was much regretted as they were most desirable residents, as the Dandenong Journal told us. The Keans moved to Parkdale, where they had a store and later to Isabella Street, Mentone, where the Electoral rolls list Edmund's return to his occupation of mechanic.


The Keans leave Bayles.
Dandenong Journal, July 2, 1936  http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article214740179

The new owner of the Bayles store was David James Cole. Also living there was his son Keith and his daughter-in-law, Joyce, as well as Joyce's sister Gwen Hoarth.   


Mr Cole takes over the Bayles Store as a going concern.
Koo Wee Rup Sun, July 9 1936, p. 1


Mr Cole's first advertisement.
Koo Wee Rup Sun, July 9, 1936 p. 4

David Cole had the store until June 1943. The Dandenong Journal of June 30, 1943 (see here), published a lovely report of the farewell function-
Farewell To Popular Bayles Storekeeper
The monthly euchre party and dance run by the Bayles Red Cross attracted a bumper house on 16th. inst., owing to the occasion being taken to express the district’s appreciation to Mr. D. J. Cole, Mr. and Mrs. Keith Cole and Miss Gwen Hoarth before they left the district. The euchre tournament attracted a large number of competitors, and Mrs. P. Wildes carried off the honors. Rogers' orchestra provided a happy evening for dancers, while Mr. Gordon Potter in his usual capable manner, acted as MC. During an interval Mr. Potter, in inviting the guests to a seat of honor, said it was a happy thought on the part of the local Red Cross to invite the Cole family to the function.

Cr. L. J. Cochrane referred to the generous support always given by the Cole family to all social and patriotic functions and for any cause for the benefit of the district. Mr. Cole came to Bayles in 1936 when district affairs were at a low ebb, but by his energy and industry, built up a prosperous business, and people were grateful for the many kindnesses extended to them. Miss Gwen Hoarth had for two years proved herself efficient and courteous in the conduct of postal and switch-board duties.

Mr. Cole has one son (Laurie) in the AIF., the youngest member of the family, Colin, is serving in the RAN., while Mr. Keith Cole is about to enter the RAAF. Cr. Cochrane concluded by wishing the guests long life, health and happiness wherever they may go. Mr. Cole, senr. thanked the speakers for their kind remarks and the Red Cross for the invitation to be present. He was sorry to be severing his connection with district affairs, he said, but Keith’s desire to enter the services caused him to make his decision. Mr. Keith Cole, in his usual happy style returned thanks on behalf of himself, his wife and sister-in-law. For they are “Jolly Good Fellows” brought a happy event to a close. As usual the ladies provided a dainty supper.

Laurie, Colin and Keith all returned home safely from the War. 

Mr Cole sells business to Mr Griffiths
Koo Wee Rup Sun June 10, 1943, p.4


From June 1, 1943, Mr A.J. Griffiths took over the store. I have not discovered his given names.  He was only there for three years but in that time the Dandenong Journal (1) reported that in 
February 1944 - Mr A. J. Griffiths advised that at a meeting of citizens at Bayles it was resolved, in view of the serious, menace of fire to the town and property in that area to form a bush fire brigade. Mr. J. G. Potter is captain, Messrs. E. Epps and S. McKay, lieutenants; and Mr. A. J. Griffiths secretary.
In September 1944, he sang the beautiful hymn, "Thine forever, God of love'' at the wedding of Peggy Hodgson to William Pearse, in the Koo Wee Rup Anglican Church, and also sang at their reception.
In October 1945, it was reported that a permit has been granted to A. J. Griffiths to erect a bulk food store at Bayies, at a cost of £450.
In January 1946 he unsuccessfully stood for Council.

Mr Griffiths was clearly a man who involved himself in the community life of Bayles. In June 1946, the store was taken over by S. & S. King - Stanley and Shirley Bonnaville King. 


Mr Griffiths last advertisement in the Koo Wee Rup Sun
Koo Wee Rup Sun June 5, 1946, p. 2


The first advertisement for the Kings in the Koo Wee Rup Sun
Koo Wee Rup Sun June 12, 1946, p. 4

Stanley and Shirley King were in the Electoral rolls at Bayles in 1954, but the 1958 roll, saw them living in Seaford, where his occupation is a grocer. Interestingly, the 1954 roll lists both Shirley and Stanley as 'general merchants' - married women rarely had an occupation specified, no matter how much the worked in the family business or on the family farm, they were usually just listed as 'home duties' 

What do we know about Stanley and Shirley? They were married 1940 at the Holy Trinity Church of England in Kew, and their wedding was reported in The Australasian of August 17, 1940. Shirley was the daughter of Cr and Mrs H.F. Mogg, the Mayor and Mayoress of Kew and Stanley the son of Mr and Mrs H.E. King of Bourke Road, East Malvern. Stanley died in May 1965, aged 54, at their home in Kananook Avenue, Seaford, and his death notice in The Age of May 17, 1965 lists three children, Robin, Clive and Mark. Shirley died in 1982, aged 71. 


The wedding of Shirley Mogg to Stanley King. 
From left - the bride and bridegroom, Mrs B.V. Mogg, Miss I. King and Miss Mary Shaw. 
The Australasian, August 17, 1940 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article142142165


The report of the wedding.
The Australasian, August 17, 1940 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article142142169

We will leave the Bayles Store with the Kings; however nearly 102 years after George Murdoch established the Store, it is still going strong.

Footnote
Sources for the information about Mr Griffiths
Dandenong Journal, February 9, 1944, see here
Dandenong Journal, September 13, 1944, see here.
Dandenong Journal, October 10 1945, see here
Dandenong Journal, January 16, 1946, see here.

Monday, December 5, 2022

Bayles Football Club - a poem

The Koo Wee Rup Sun of May 14, 1925 published this poem by Master A. Murdoch about the players of the Bayles Football Club. I am guessing that the poet was Archibald William Murdoch, the son of George Petrie Murdoch, who had the store at Bayles.  Archie was born 1909, and so would have been about 16 at the time - young enough to be called 'Master' and old enough to write the poem. George Murdoch also had the store at Cora Lynn from 1907 until 1922, read about this here. The poem is transcribed below.


Bayles Football Club poem 
Koo Wee Rup Sun May 14, 1925 p.3


Bayles Football Club by Master A. Murdoch

They are Black and White Magpies,
The king of all birds;
Some come from the factory-
They live on the curds.
There's Jeffers and Stewart and Murdoch and Kane; 
They never are beaten; they all come again.
And there's Tommy O'Brien and Bromeo Fred,
And Taylor, the butcher, to carve up the dead;
Harker, the captain, an old hand at the game,
Who never gets beaten or never goes lame.
There's butchers and bakers and shopkeepers, too
They're footballers all and they know what to do.
But what about Smithy and Dan Cunningham?
They're as good as the day they came out of the pram.
There's great big Bert Griffo, who works on a farm;
He's that big and hefty, he'll come to no harm.
There's poor old Bill Wise, the man with the watch;
They say he's too fat, but that is all bosh.
But what about O'Brien and Sage?
If Bayles get beaten they'll get in a rage, 
And if anyone tries to sneak into the plot,
Les Egan, on Charger, will run down the lot.
Look out! Here comes Egan with one of his rushes;
The men are all gasping, the ladies all blushes.
And there's Egans and Linehams, who plow in the furrow,
And by all that is holy we'll down Korumburra.