Shire of Berwick Offices in Pakenham

The Berwick Road District was established on September 29, 1862, and the Road Board formed at a meeting held the same year on November 14. The Board met at the Border Hotel/Berwick Inn at Berwick. (1) In 1865 purpose  built offices were erected at the top of the hill, near Bain Street, in High Street, Berwick, on land donated by Robert Bain, the owner of  the Hotel and  a member of the Road Board. (2) They were designed by architect,  J.F. Higgins. (3)

Tender for the Shire Offices

The Argus, December 31, 1864 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article5734665

At the Council meeting held on January 7, 1865 Robert Huckson's tender of £179/15/6 was accepted for the erection of the building and the first meeting was held in the new offices on October 7, 1865. (4) The Road Board became the Shire of Berwick on May 5, 1868. (5)

The original Shires Offices in High Street, Berwick.

Image: Early days of Berwick and its surrounding districts - Beaconsfield, Upper Beaconsfield, Harkaway, Narre Warren and Narre Warren North complied by Norman Beaumont, James Curran and R.H Hughes (1979 edition). 

In November 1901 the council moved the motion that the office of this council be moved to Pakenham, and that the council meetings be held at Pakenham for the future. (6) The Council population had  increased substantially in the eastern part of the Shire with the drainage of the Koo Wee Rup Swamp and the creation of the Iona Riding in May 1901 and thus Pakenham was a more central location. The Council initially met at the  Pakenham Mechanics' Institute until a new building, which was on the corner of Main Street and John Street was opened on Thursday, June 6, 1912, by the Minister of Public Works, Mr W. Edgar. In 1912 the Berwick Shire Council embraced an area of 600 square miles, with a population of about 7000 and revenue £7000. (7)

The Shire Offices, 1912  - either at the opening or soon after

Image: Berwick Pakenham Historical Society https://bphs.com.au/articles.

The South Bourke and Mornington Journal published a detailed description of the building in March 1912 -
Berwick Shire Hall. New Building at Pakenham.
Four months back competitive designs were invited from two city architects for new shire offices to he erected at Pakenham. The designs of Mr. W. H. Webb (8), of 331 Collins Street, Melbourne, were selected, and that gentleman received instructions to prepare the working drawings and call for tenders for the work. The tender of Mr. James Craigen, of Hawthorn, was accepted at a price of £765, and the work is now approaching completion.

As the Crown Law Department has arranged to use the building as a courthouse the necessary additional accommodation had to be arranged to provide facilities for that being done. The design provides for a centrally placed council chamber, 39 foot long by 20 feet wide, which will also serve the purpose of a courthouse. Access to this will be on each side, that from the front being by means of an 8-ft. lobby and inner vestibule; with a clerk of courts room on one side and the President's room on the other, this room having also direct access to the council chamber for the use of the President and the presiding magistrate. These two rooms with the lobby, which is is distinctive feature, projecting eight feet forward, fort the front elevation, additional character being given to the building by open porches on either side of the lobby to protect the entrances, these being so arranged at the sides of the lobby as to enable either to be used according to weather conditions. By means also of the porches, lobby, and inner vestibule ample provision is made for the convenience of persons waiting the arrangements, of court procedure.

On the near side of the council chamber are situated the shire secretary's office, with a public office on one side and a records room on the other, a special locker being arranged in this room for the safe keeping of the old records. At the entrance to the public office a porch corresponding to front entrances is arranged. The external treatment of the building is being carried out with jarrah weatherboarding for the lower portion, having also at foot a base running continuously around the building; above the weatherboarding a string mould is arranged, and above same is finished in fibrous cement panelling, relieved with red pine facings. Additional effect is given to the elevations by massive gables to the ends of the council chamber and the lobby, the gables being well projected and finished with red pine facings and rough cast plasterwork between. The whole will have a very pleasing effect, as the rich-colored jarrah timber, when varnished, will show a very pleasing contrast to the light grey of the fibrous cement.

The internal treatment of the building will also be of a distinctive character, special attention being given to the council chamber. This will have a panelled red pine dado 7 ft. high, finished in a dull gloss; above this will be panelled fibrous cement relieved with red pine facings, and a similar frieze along below the ceiling. The ceiling, which is covered, is being lined with Tasmanian blue gum (which, when finished in a dull gloss, has a very similar appearance to English oak) and is to be panelled out with red pine mouldings, the whole providing a very rich interior. The fibrous cement is being tinted in harmony with the colors of the timber. All the other rooms are to be treated with Tasmanian blue gum dadoes, five feet high, and finished above with fibrous cement panelling, with the ceilings in close beaded stained lining, the cement being tinted in light harmonious colors. The free use of jarrah and Tasmanian blue gum has been adopted to avoid the destruction of the softer timbers by white ants, and the larger use of the fibrous cement will afford greater protection from fire, as well as the lessened effect of the summer heat, and affording an opportunity for very effective general treatment of the building. The floors throughout are of Tasmanian blue gum, which will be stained to light oak color.

Altogether the building will form a distinct architectural addition to the district, and will be complete in all respects for the varied uses required (9).

The Shire Offices in Pakenham, maybe 1950s.

Image: Uncertain where this originated from

In 1962 the original building was kept intact and a brick facade added and a new extension built along John Street, so the Council complex extended from Main Street to where the Opportunity Shop used to be on the corner of  John and James Street. (10) The building was designed by Architect, Robert Canterbury and the builder was Eugene Drossaert.  The new offices were opened  by the Minister for Local Government, Mr Murray Porter, on Saturday September 15, 1962 as part of a gala weekend celebrating 100 of local government in the area - the Berwick Road Board and Shire. (11)

The Shire Offices in the 1960s. The original building is behind the brick facade. 

Image: Berwick Pakenham Historical Society https://bphs.com.au/articles.

You can see the top of the roof and the three chimneys of the 1912 building peeking out over the brick facade.

This is the Yakkerboo Festival Parade, taken in the 1980s.

Inage: Shire of Pakenham photographer

In 1973 the City of Berwick and the Shire of Pakenham were formed on October 1, when the Shire of Berwick split. The Pakenham Shire used this building until their new offices opened on July 28, 1983 in Henty Way. (11) The building was then used by the Pakenham Gazette and later Duffy and Simon Solicitors (or maybe it was the other way round). In 2004 the building was relocated to the triangle of land created by Main Street, McGregor and the Highway and is the headquarters of the Berwick Pakenham Historical Society. (12) We are fortunate that the building was maintained  all through the years and wasn't demolished in 1962 when it was hidden behind the facade. 

The building, and the Berwick Pakenham Historical Society, are well worth a visit - this is their website   https://bphs.com.au/ One of the attractions of the collection is the magnificent U-shaped Council table. 

In November 1957 the Council Chamber was re-decorated and carpeted and a glorious U-shaped table introduced for  the use of councillors.  At  Council meetings, the President, Secretary, Engineer and official guests were seated on the dais and with the new table the councillors could all now face the President without any craning of necks which was necessary with the old oblong table. The table was made by Messrs. F.J. Matthews and Son, of Pakenham for £680. It was made of blackwood, topped with vynex and each councillor has an individual drawer for his papers. The councillors were very pleased with the table and planned to invite Mr Matthews and his son Keith to afternoon tea at the next meeting. (14)

The  Council table

Photo taken in 2010 for a Council re-enactment.

Image: Berwick Pakenham Historical Society https://bphs.com.au/articles.

Footnotes

(1) Victoria Government Gazette, No. 126, October 24, 1862, p.2062; 

From Bullock Tracks to Bitumen: a brief history of the Shire of Berwick (Historical Society of Berwick Shire, 1962), p.1.

(2) From Bullock Tracks to Bitumen: a brief history of the Shire of Berwick, op.cit., p. 2. The land for the Shire Offices was allotment 6, Block 13 on the Berwick Township plan, which you can see here at the State Library of Victoria https://handle.slv.vic.gov.au/10381/160014

(3) Joseph Fielding Higgins was also a Civil Engineer. He designed the wooden bridge over the Cardinia Creek in 1964 (see tender advert below) and was the contractor for the South Yarra to Oakleigh Railway line in 1879 - see The Argus, January 9, 1879, here; The Herald, December 3, 1880, here;  Death notice - The Argus, August 24, 1916, here.

The Argus, October 18, 1864 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article5739230

(4) From Bullock Tracks to Bitumen: a brief history of the Shire of Berwick, op.cit., p. 2. 

(5) From Bullock Tracks to Bitumen: a brief history of the Shire of Berwick, op.cit., p. 3. 

(6) From Bullock Tracks to Bitumen: a brief history of the Shire of Berwick, op.cit., p. 11.

(7) South Bourke & Mornington Journal, June 13, 1912, see here.

(8) William Henry Webb -   Death notice - The Argus, April 23, 1921, see here.

(9) South Bourke & Mornington Journal, March 21, 1912, see here.

(10) In the image below, from  the 1980s, I have circled the Shire Offices complex, on the corner of Main Street and John Street. The building in the far fight of the circle is the Opportunity shop. There is also an image of the Opportunity shop and part of the Council buildings in Pakenham Then & Now: a pictorial history by Audrey Dodson (Berwick Pakenham Historical Society, 2022), p.53.

Image: Shire of Pakenham photographer

(11) Pakenham Gazette, September 21, 1962.The report of the opening of the building was on page 2, and reports on the Centenary weekend were published throughout the edition.

(12) https://kooweerupswamphistory.blogspot.com/2022/02/shires-of-berwick-and-cranbourne.html

(13) Pakenham Then & Now: a pictorial history by Audrey Dodson (Berwick Pakenham Historical Society, 2022), p.4

(14) Pakenham Gazette, November 22, 1957, p.1.

Julia Avenue, Balaclava and the Buchholz family

Julia Avenue in Balaclava was developed as a private street in 1886 by Simon Buchholz and named for his wife Julia. Around 1912 it was renamed Carlisle Avenue, and given that it runs off Carlisle Street it appears to be a decision that would have led to confusion regarding mail deliveries. Carlisle Street is named after the Earl of Carlisle. On the corner of the Avenue and Carlisle Street is St Colman's Catholic Church. The original building, a weatherboard one, was officially opened as the Church of the Holy Angels in October 1900.  The current brick Church was opened in November  1913  and it was renamed St Colman's in 1939. (1) 

Simon Buchholz was born (as listed on his death certificate) in Bomst, Germany in 1825; an area which is now part of Poland. (2) He migrated to England when he was 15 and around 1855 married German born Julia Gruenthal in Sheffield, England (3).  Their first child, Emma Esther, was born in 1856 in Sheffield. (4) The next year, the family moved to Victoria and their next four children were born in Ballarat East - Solomon in 1858; Morris in 1859, Louis in 1861 and daughter Frances in 1862. (5) Around 1864 they moved to New Zealand where Simon operated a general store in the town of Moteuka, on the South Island. (6) Their sixth child, Samuel, was born in Moteuka in 1868. (7) In June 1882, Simon sold his business to Abraham Manoy. (8) 1882 was also also the year that Simon was naturalised. (9) 

Rabbi Lazarus Goldman in his 1958 publication, The History of Jews in New Zealand (10), wrote about Simon Buchholz (surname was spelt as Bucholz in the book) -
Across the Bay at Motueka, the single Jew gained distinction.  Simon Bucholz, the storekeeper, traded by barter for the reason that little money circulated in the district. He collected produce from the farmers he visited in exchange for grocery provisions from his store. His brother, William E, Louis Bucholz who lived in Auckland, acted as the Consul for Germany, Belgium and Italy. A German by birth, he once revisited his native country, where, in order to take possession of certain property belonging to him, he had to prove he was a naturalized New Zealand subject. His papers were not in order, and so that he could complete his transaction, the New Zealand Government passed special legislation, the Bucholz Naturalization Bill, which enabled him to complete his business on the spot. Simon Bucholz succeeded in his business and later sold out to a Polish Jew, Abraham Manoy, who became one of the most respected men in the district. As he was an orthodox Jew, he was recognized by the Maoris as a particularly upright man. He won their complete confidence because he would never take advantage of their poverty and shortage of money. They knew that if they went to Manoy they would receive good and fair value for their produce. (11) The only other mention of Simon in the book was that was the Honorary Reader at the Nelson Synagogue. (12)

On July 26, 1883 tragedy struck the family when 24 year old Morris accidentally drowned at Takaka. The circumstances were reported on the the newspaper, The Colonist - 

Late on Saturday news was received in Town that Mr Morris Buchholz, a son of an old and respected resident in the district, was missing between Parapara and Takaka, and it was at once feared that he had met with an accident in endeavoring to cross the Takaka River. We learn that on Thursday last Mr Morris Buchholz, who was travelling for Mr M. Davis of this city, obtained a horse from Mr Miles at Collingwood, and that at 4 o'clock in the afternoon he started to ride to Takaka, taking with him some packages strapped to his saddle. He was seen as far on his road as the Parapara, and on Saturday, upon its becoming known at Collingwood that Mr Buchholz had not arrived at Takaka, alarm was at once caused, and as soon as the tide admitted the local constable started on a search. Mr Hicks, the Takaka constable, and others also proceeded, we understand, to search for the missing gentleman. Yesterday morning the horse that Mr Buchholz rode was found hear the mouth of the Takaka with the saddle turned round so that it was under its belly, and it was saturated with water. One of the stirrup leathers was also found on the beach, so that the nature of the accident is too apparent. There was no fresh in the river at the time, but if our information is correct Mr Buchholz could not have arrived at the river till long after dark, when there would be the danger of getting into a deep hole, and then, with the stirrup leather breaking, and the saddle slipping round, there would be but small chance for the rider to escape. (13)  Morris' body was found in twenty feet of water on August 12, and he was buried at the Nelson Cemetery, two days later. (14) 

Soon after Morris' death, Simon and Julia and some of their children returned to Victoria; but only six months later another tragedy struck the family. Solomon, the eldest son who was 27, died in Sydney on January 24, 1884. He had spent the past three years living in Fiji, and the Jewish Herald reported on the unusual circumstances of his death  - 

A New Zealand contemporary publishes an account of the death of Mr. Solomon Buchholz, which, we regret to say, took place under painful circumstances. The deceased gentleman was the Fiji government agent of the schooner Glidi; and having left the island in that vessel to proceed to Sydney, was seized with fever, of which he died. On the news of his untimely death reaching Suva, a gloom was cast over the whole town. The flags of the vessels in harbour, together with those at the offices of their agents, and at the Norwegian consulate, wore lowered at half-mast, and the shutters of the principal stores closed, as a token of respect. (15)

It was around October 1886 that Simon developed Julia Avenue. The St Kilda Telegraph reporting on a St Kilda Council meeting noted that -

That in reference to letter from Mr Samuel Bucholz [sic], he be informed that, conditionally upon his

paying into the hands of the Borough Treasurer the sum of £350, the Council will form, channel, &c, the private street known as Julia-avenue, including entrance and drain into Williams-street, and that on receipt of the sum named, tenders will be called for the work.(16)   The article lists Samuel as the author of the letter but given that he was only 18 years old at the time, I believe this is an error. 

Before many of the blocks were sold, Simon passed away at the age of 58, on November 3, 1887 at his home, Motueka, in Grey Street, the house obviously named after the town in New Zealand where they lived for around 20 years. (17)  Eleven blocks of land in Julia Avenue formed part of his estate and they were valued for Probate at £2,932. (18)

This is the plan of the Julia Avenue allotments from Simon's Probate papers at the Public Records Office of Victoria. The darker shaded blocks are the eleven allotments owned by Simon. Lot 13 on Carlisle Street is the location of St Colman's Church.

Simon Buchholz Grant of Probate Public Records Office of Victoria

 https://prov.vic.gov.au/archive/28C8A6EA-F1D4-11E9-AE98-E709A3C4CAA5?image=25

These eleven block of land, described in the advertisement as valuable building sites with frontage to Julia Venue and Balaclava Road (as that part of Carlisle Street was then called) were auctioned  on June 30, 1888. (19)  

The Julia Avenue allotments auctioned on behalf of the executors of Simon Buchholz.

The Age, June 16 1888 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article195991136

I have no information as to whether the blocks sold, however the 1898 Melbourne & Metropolitan Board of Works Plan shows only two houses built in Julia Avenue. However, of  interest, is that the house at what was then 249 Carlisle Street (20), on the corner of Julia Avenue (see in the MMBW plan below) was occupied from 1890 to 1896 by the artist Elizabeth Parsons (1831-1897).  Elizabeth was one of the first professional women artists to work in Victoria and exhibited with Heidelberg School artists Tom Roberts, Frederick McCubbin, Arthur Streeton and Charles Conder. She had lived in St Kilda at other addresses previously and often painted St Kilda scenes.  At her Carlisle Street home, which was named Sah-Luma, Elizabeth mentored young artists through her Stray Leaves club, whose aim was  primarily designed to bring together and encourage young people interested in art.  Elizabeth also held exhibitions of her works at Sah-Luma. (21)  The house is now demolished.

Only two houses in Julia Avenue in 1898, and Elizabeth Parson's house at 249 Carlisle Street is on the left of Julia Avenue.

Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of Works detail plan. no. 1438, City of St. Kilda, 1898

State Library of Victoria - see full plan here https://handle.slv.vic.gov.au/10381/124923

As you can see from these references from the Sands & McDougall Directories,  development did not take off until  after 1905.

Residents of Julia Avenue from 1895 to 1915

Sands and McDougall Directories, State Library of Victoria

For some reason, as we said before, around 1912, the name changed from Julia Avenue to Carlisle Avenue. The last reference to Julia Avenue I can find in the newspapers on Trove is June 1912 and the first references I can find to Carlisle Avenue are also in June 1912. (22) 

Which brings us back to the Buchholz family. After the death of Simon the family moved to Redan Street, St Kilda and they named that house Motueka as well. (23) This is where Julia died on April 6, 1894 at the age of 69. (24) She was buried with her husband in the Jewish section of the St Kilda Cemetery. (25) 

The two surviving sons, Louis and Samuel both sadly died by suicide. Samuel was a Chemist (pharmacist) and died on July 15, 1903 after taking poison; he was only 35 years old. He is buried with his parents at St Kilda Cemetery. (26)  

Louis, at the age of 44, had married Stella Clarice Raphael on April 18, 1905, the service being conducted by Rabbi Dr Abrahams.  They had two daughters Mollie born in  March 1907 and Joan in February 1909 at their home Astra, Park Street, St Kilda. (27)  Louis was a partner in the firm of S. Cohen and Sons, a hardware firm in Lonsdale Street; he was at work on January 21, 1910 when he tragically shot himself.  He is also buried at St Kilda Cemetery. (28) The whole thing is just too sad for words. 

Emma, who had been born in Sheffield in 1856 married Siegmund Schwartz in Wellington, New Zealand on June 19, 1883, the service being conducted by Rabbi Herman Van Stavern. (29)  The couple later moved to Melbourne; there were no children from the marriage and they separated in 1905. (30).  

Frances, the second daughter never married. She taught at the St Kilda Hebrew and Sabbath Schools; her father Simon was at one time President of the St Kilda Hebrew Congregation. In the late 1880s Frances was also on the committee of the St Kilda Jewish Young Ladies Sewing Society, a philanthropic organisation. In 1903 she was Secretary of the Jewish Women's Guild. (31)  

Frances was living Motueka, Redan Street with her brothers Louis and Samuel when Samuel  committed suicide there; Frances and Louis moved out soon after and she sold off all her splendid furniture including a superb walnut upright grand piano at an auction in December 1903. (32)  In the 1905 Electoral roll Frances and Louis were both living at the Prince of Wales Hotel in St Kilda. By 1910, she was living with her sister Emma  at 31 Loch Street, St Kilda and in 1913 they were at Tintern, another house in Redan Street. By 1916 Emma and Frances were living at Astra, 8 Robertson Avenue, St Kilda with their sister-in-law Stella and her daughters Mollie and Joan. Interesting that Stella named this house Astra, after her old Park Street home (33)

In 1916, Emma changed her surname from Schwartz to Shaw. The same year Frances and Stella  changed their surname (and that of Mollie and Joan) from Buchholz  to Buckley, no doubt due to anti-German feeling during the War. (34)

Emma died on February 6, 1922 at the age of 66 and is buried in the Jewish section of  the Brighton General Cemetery, under the name Emma Shaw. Frances died on August 31, 1935 at the age of 73. (35)

Emma's death notice

The Argus, February 7, 1922 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article4705560

Frances' death notice

The Argus, September 2, 1935 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article11763291

Stella, their sister-in-law, with whom they both seemed to have a lovely friendship, died on November 14, 1947, aged 74 and is also buried in the Jewish section at Brighton Cemetery, under the name Stella Buckley.  Stella's two daughter's both married - Mollie to Lionel Shotlander and they had three daughters; Joan to  Frank Coleman Myers and they had two daughters and a son. (36)

Stella's death notice

The Argus, November 18, 1947 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article22520589

We need a campaign to change the name back to Julia Avenue and give Mrs Julia Buchholz her rightful place in history.

Acknowledgment - My research colleague, Isaac Hermann, told me about Carlisle Avenue originally being called Julia Avenue. I thought it would make a good story and set myself the task of finding out who Julia was, and discovered she was Julia Buchholz. I also wanted to find out why the name was changed, but am still working on this. Isaac also alerted me to the interesting fact that the artist, Elizabeth Parsons, lived on the corner of Julia Avenue. 

Footnotes
(1) The Advocate, October 20, 1900, see here;  The Advocate, December 6, 1913, see here; The Advocate, December 7, 1939, see here. 

(2) Death Certificate.

(3) Simon's migration to England was listed in his daughter Emma's Grant of Probate papers held at the Public Records Office of Victoria - see here

 https://prov.vic.gov.au/archive/D72F1C7F-F1EE-11E9-AE98-2DA74308B197?image=14

His death certificate notes he was married in Sheffield, the date of marriage is my guess taken from when their first child was born.

(4) Emma's date of birth - https://prov.vic.gov.au/archive/D72F1C7F-F1EE-11E9-AE98-2DA74308B197?image=14

(5) Index of the Victorian Births, Deaths and Marriages. 

(6) Date of arrival based on the fact that when he sold the store in 1882, it was noted that he had operated in Moteuka for 18 years. See -  Evening Post, Volume XXIII, Issue 23, 30 January 1882, Page 2 - https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/EP18820130.2.24.1

(7) Birth notice - Nelson Evening Mail, Volume III, Issue 11, 14 January 1868, Page 2

https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NEM18680114.2.5

(8) Colonist, Volume XXVI, Issue 3497, 3 July 1882, Page 1  https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/TC18820703.2.2.5

(9) Simon's naturalisation date was listed in his daughter Emma's Grant of Probate

 https://prov.vic.gov.au/archive/D72F1C7F-F1EE-11E9-AE98-2DA74308B197?image=14

(10) Goldman, Lazarus Morris The History of the Jews in New Zealand (A.H & A.W Reed, 1958)

(11) Goldman, op. cit., p. 115

(12)  Goldman, op. cit., p. 116

(13) Colonist, Volume XXVI, Issue 3941, 30 July 1883, Page 3

https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/TC18830730.2.9.1

(14) Colonist, Volume XXVI, Issue 3952, 13 August 1883, Page 3

https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/TC18830813.2.8

Funeral - Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XVIII, Issue 191, 13 August 1883, Page 2

https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NEM18830813.2.7.3

(15) Solomon - Death notice: Sydney Morning Herald, January 25, 1884, see here; Report of death - Jewish Herald, February 22, 1884, see here. There is another report of Solomon's death here -

Colonist, Volume XXVII, Issue 3865, 12 March 1884, Page 3

https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/TC18840312.2.11

(16) St Kilda Telegraph, October 9, 1886, see here.

(17) Simon - Death certificate; Death notice - The Argus, November 4, 1887, see here.

(18) Simon's Grant of Probate at the Public Records office of Victoria - Plan of Julia Avenue allotments - https://prov.vic.gov.au/archive/28C8A6EA-F1D4-11E9-AE98-E709A3C4CAA5?image=25

Valuation of allotments - 
https://prov.vic.gov.au/archive/28C8A6EA-F1D4-11E9-AE98-E709A3C4CAA5?image=23

(19) The Age, June 16 1888, see here. 

(20) 249 Carlisle Street is now numbered as 287. The re-numbering took place between 1925 and 1930 (according to the Sands & McDougall Directories). Another notable resident of the house was John Henry Pittard, a former Mayor of the City of St Kilda, he died April 8, 1937, read his short obituary in The Age, here.  The house has been demolished. It was for sale as a development site with a 13-roomed residence in 1969 (see advert here in the Australian Jewish News), so I presume it was demolished around then.  

(21) Elizabeth Parsons - https://www.geelonggallery.org.au/whats-on/exhibitions/elizabeth-parsons There is a link on that page to the Exhibition catalogue written by Veronica Filmer, More than a Memory: the art of Elizabeth Parsons. I have also written about Elizabeth and mainly her connection to Berwick, here https://victoriaspast.blogspot.com/2021/12/elizabeth-parsons-1831-1897.html

(22) Trove https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper

(23) Property as listed in Julia's death notice - The Argus, April 7, 1894, see here

(24) Julia - Death certificate; Death notice - The Argus, April 7, 1894, see here.

(25) On Ancestry. com - Victoria, Australia, Cemetery Records and Headstone Transcriptions, 1844-1997

(26)  Samuel - Jewish Herald, June 18, 1891, see here; Death notice - The Argus, July 16, 1903, see here. Reports of Inquest - The Argus, July 16, 1903, see here; The Argus, July 25, 1903, see here; On Ancestry. com - Victoria, Australia, Cemetery Records and Headstone Transcriptions, 1844-1997

(27)  Louis - Wedding report - Punch, April 27 1905, see here;  Mollie -  birth notice - Prahran Telegraph, March 30, 1907, see here;  Joan - birth notice - The Argus,  February 13, 1909, see here.

(28) Louis - Death notice - February 5, 1910, see here; Report of death -  The Argus, January 24, 1910, see here.

On Ancestry. com - Victoria, Australia, Cemetery Records and Headstone Transcriptions, 1844-1997

(29) Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XVIII, Issue 145, 20 June 1883, Page 2

https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NEM18830620.2.6

(30) Siegmund Schwartz: Grant of administration at the Public Records Office of Victoria - https://prov.vic.gov.au/archive/D8B1564C-F1F6-11E9-AE98-F970997A373C?image=1

(31) Teaching - Jewish Herald, September 26, 1888, see here; Jewish Herald, November 20, 1891, see here; Sewing Society - Jewish Herald, April 26, 1889, see here;  Womens Guild -  Jewish Herald, April 24, 1903, see here; Simon President of Congregation - Jewish Herald, August 31, 1888, see here.

(32) The Argus, December 10, 1903, see here;

(33) Electoral Rolls on Ancestry.com

(34) Name change -Emma Shaw's Grant of Probate papers held at the Public Records Office of Victoria 

https://prov.vic.gov.au/archive/D72F1C7F-F1EE-11E9-AE98-2DA74308B197?image=15

Frances and Stella - Graphic of Australia, October 13, 1916, see here.

(35) Emma: The Argus, February 7, 1922, see here; Brighton Cemetorians database -  

https://www.brightoncemetorians.org.au/  Frances: The Argus, September 2, 1935, see here. 

(36) Stella - The Argus, November 18, 1947, see here; Brighton Cemetorians database -  

https://www.brightoncemetorians.org.au/  Mollie's children listed on her headstone at Brighton Cemetery - https://www.brightoncemetorians.org.au/  and Joan's children listed on her headstone in Wellington, New Zealand https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/221609323/joan-sidney-myer

Proposed Memorial to Sir John Monash at Berwick

General Sir John Monash was born on June 27, 1865 (1). General Monash was a civil engineer, a soldier,  chairman of the Shrine of Remembrance construction body and in 1921 was appointed the General Manager of the newly formed State Electricity Commission, which established the power stations at Yallourn using the coal deposits.  In the 1920s Monash was well respected and viewed as one of the  greatest living Australians. (2).  Shortly, after his death on October 8, 1931, the Monash Memorial Committee was established to oversee the construction of a suitable memorial to him. It was chaired by Major-General, Sir Thomas Blamey (3).

On January 26, 1932 The Herald published an article by Russell Grimwade (4) on the proposed memorial to General Monash. 

Monash Memory. A Column Set Upon a Hill. Tribute to Creative Genius.

How shall Victoria perpetuate the memory of General Sir John Monash, one of her most distinguished citizens? The question is discussed by Mr W. Russell Grimwade in the following interesting contribution to the controversy. 

By W. Russell Grimwade
The Monash Memorial Committee is confronted with a problem that has many solutions and one right one. The task is to perpetuate the memory of a rare citizen, whose gifts and abilities benefited his country in various ways. The choice of the particular benefit that is to serve as the theme of the memorial is narrowed by the early decision of the committee to make the memorial a State movement and not a Federal one.

His Gift To Australia
Surely that debars his military achievements from being the underlying theme for the monument now being conceived. His military talent was a gift to the whole of Australia, and is eternally recorded in the history of the Commonwealth in a manner of endurance that stone and bronze cannot surpass. According to the expressions of his friends, his success in war was accidental to his trained scientific thinking and his educated vocation of construction. Ethically-minded persons may consider it a needless perversion of right to choose a theme of destruction for a man of constructive mind when a unique opportunity for the latter is at hand.

A Great Opportunity
The choice of memorial is to be appropriate to the thoughts and acts of the hero. It is also desirable that it should reflect credit for all time on the discernment of its executors. The apparent predilection of the committee for an equestrian statue close to the Shrine is alarming in its orthodoxy, its commonplaceness and its failure to grasp the opportunity of recording in an original manner the constructive genius which our hero represents. Further, it does not strictly comply with the decision that this memorial should mark the appreciation of the people of Victoria of one of their outstanding sons.

Suez Canal Example
The world is dotted with equestrian statues of crusaders, monarchs and generals - crowded in their squares or palace yards, in different garb, but apparently on the same horse - until the passing stream of humanity accepts them with the apathy accorded to the lamp-posts or the fountains that support them. 
But who passes through the Suez Canal without thrilling to the welcome of Dr. Lesseps (5) and grasping his invitation to make use of his great work, and that without reading the lettering on the base? 

And who in Victoria, resident or visitor, could pass along the Prince's Highway between Melbourne and Yallourn without being arrested and thrilled by a Monash column set on a suitable hill, say, near Berwick, and without being brought to an understanding of the benefits he has brought to this fair State?

The Master Brain
Sir John Monash may not have conceived the brown coal scheme. That may be to the credit of modest men who prefer to have others ask why a statue was not put up to them rather than why it was. But Sir John Monash's was the brain that carried the conception into effect against untold difficulties, that mastered them by choosing the men to master them, so that for all time the citizens of Victoria can live happier, cleaner, and less arduous lives. 

Is it not easy to envisage such a monument in a commanding position in the most verdant part of our most verdant State, standing, away from the urbanities of our city and forming a focus of thought and attention that our young countryside so sorely lacks? Picture a chosen hill somewhere on the line of transmission wires about midway between his city and his great works crowned by a column with the figure of our hero in proper posture, surveying for all time the flow of material comfort to his fellow citizens.

The Contrast
Contrast this with the impossibility, of raising an equestrian statue above the standard of many that already exist, and picture it set beside the stupefying mass of masonry that is the Shrine, and then 
consider which would better perpetuate the memory of a great citizen.

(The Herald, January 26, 1932, see here)

From a hill, looking south to Berwick. Would this have been a suitable site for the 

Monash Memorial, as envisaged by Mr Grimwade?

Harvesting, Berwick, c. 1945-1954. Victorian Railways, photographer.

State Library of Victoria image H91.50/2193

Russell Grimwade was a businessman and a partner in the firm Felton Grimwade. This firm was started by his father, Frederick Grimwade (6) and Alfred Felton (7). They were manufacturers of drugs and later branched out into glass works and chemical works. Felton, is the 'Felton Bequest' person. He left a generous sum of money in trust, half of which was to support charities and the rest to be spent on works of art for the National Gallery.

Mr Grimwade's idea was supported by the artist, Daryl Lindsay (8)  Daryl Lindsay was an artist and the husband of Joan Lindsay (9), perhaps best known for her book, Picnic at Hanging Rock. This is Daryl Lindsay's letter published in The Herald, on January 28, 1932, 

Letter to the Editor - Monash Memorial: Mr Daryl Lindsay's Views
Sir, - Mr Russell Grimwade's thoughtful article on the proposed Monash memorial should stir the imagination of all thinking people in this State. His unconventional suggestion to place a memorial column at Berwick, or some other conspicuous point between Melbourne and Yallourn, is full of significance.

The idea contains an clement of greatness, lifting it right away from the usual commonplace conception of the corporate mind. Public committees, however well-intentioned, are not usually blessed with Mr Grimwade's ability to visualise exactly what the memorial is going to mean to Victoria in the future. The aesthetic value of an equestrian statue, even of artistic merit, would be automatically negatived by the clumsy bulk of the Shrine in close proximity.

In a few years the inconspicuous horseman would go to join the ranks or Melbourne's forgotten statuary. Imagine a hilltop clearly visible from the Prince's Highway, carrying a memorial such as the Nelson Column in Trafalgar Square, built up on a simple base and topped by a dignified and symbolic figure of Monash against the skyline, surveying the vast tracts of country so materially assisted by him towards prosperity - such a landmark would be noticed and inquired into by every passer-by.

Apart from any personal bias in favor of a civil rather than a military memorial, I feel very strongly as an artist the need to decentralise such public work of art as we possess. In Europe one is continually charmed by the variety of silhouette - a ruined castle, a statue, or a village spire breaking the monotony of nature's outline unrelieved by man.

Australian landscape is sadly lacking in such points of interest. Let us at least consider the suitability and beauty of Mr Grimwade's conception before deciding on an irrevocable plunge into mediocrity.
Yours, etc...
Daryl Lindsay, Frankston, Jan 27.

(The Herald, January 28, 1932, see here)

Looking towards Berwick from where Wilson Botanic Park is today. Would the spot where the photographer stood have been a good site for a memorial to General Monash?

Panorama of Berwick, c. 1920-1954. Photographer: Rose Stereograph Co. 

State Library of Victoria Image H32492/843

The Monash Memorial was not built at Berwick, it was built in Kings Domain and the memorial took the form of a statue and was finally unveiled on November 12, 1950, by the Governor General, Mr W.J. McKell. It was designed by William Leslie Bowles (10) and cast in England. The statue was well under way in 1939, but the Second World War caused the understandable delay in the completion of the statue. (11). General Sir John Monash is also remembered with Monash University, Monash Freeway and the Monash Medical Centre.  As a matter of interest one suggestion to honour  General Monash was to rename Yallourn after him, which was a reasonable suggestion; another suggestion made in October 1931 was to dig up his body from his grave at the Brighton General Cemetery and have it reinterred at the Shrine of Remembrance. (12) Given that the Shrine was not officially opened until November 11, 1934, this was a long-term plan. Thankfully this never happened and his eternal rest was not disturbed.

The memorial to General Monash, in Kings Domain, 

the result of the Monash Memorial Committee endeavours.

General Sir John Monash, c. 1950s. Photographer: Sutcliffe Pty Ltd. 

State Library of Victoria image H88.33/101

Footnotes
(1) June 27, which is why I am posting this on June 27, 2026, 161 years after his birth. I have written about Lady Monash (nee Hannah Moss) and her two sisters here - https://victoriaspast.blogspot.com/2025/06/daughters-of-convict-sarah-simonson.html
(2) General Sir John Monash (1865-1931). Read his Australian Dictionary of Biography entry here,

https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/monash-sir-john-7618 
(3) Monash Memorial Committee - The Argus, December 23, 1931, see here; Sir Thomas Blamey (1884-1951). Read his Australian Dictionary of Biography entry here,

https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/blamey-sir-thomas-albert-9523

(4) Sir Wilfred Russell Grimwade (1879-1955). Read his Australian Dictionary of Biography entry

 here https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/grimwade-sir-wilfrid-russell-7054

(5) Dr Lesseps (1805-1894). Creator of the Suez Canal, read about him, here  https://www.britannica.com/biography/Ferdinand-vicomte-de-Lesseps

(6) Frederick Sheppherd Grimwade (1840-1910). Read his Australian Dictionary of Biography entry here https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/grimwade-frederick-sheppard-3673

(7) Alfred Felton (1831-1904). Read his Australian Dictionary of Biography entry here

https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/felton-alfred-3508

(8) Sir Ernest Daryl Lindsay (1889-1976). Read his Australian Dictionary of Biography entry here

https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/lindsay-sir-ernest-daryl-7759

(9) Joan A'Beckett Lindsay (nee Weigall, 1896-1984). Joan was the great-niece of Sir William à Beckett (1806-1869) the first chief justice of Victoria. Read her Australian Dictionary of Biography entry here https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/lindsay-joan-a-beckett-14176

(10) William Leslie Bowles (1885-1954). Read his Australian Dictionary of Biography entry here   https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/bowles-william-leslie-5313

(11) Various reports on the Monash memorial statue  - Australian Jewish Herald, December 5, 1935, see here - this is  a letter written by Rabbi Jacob Danglow, who was a member of the Monash Memorial Committee;  The Age, June 21, 1939, see here; The Age, November 4, 1950, see here; Sun News-Pictorial, November 13, 1950, see here;  The Argus, November 13, 1950, see here.

(12) Sun News-Pictorial, October 21, 1931, see here.

This is a revised and expanded version of a post, which I wrote and researched, that appears on my work blog, Casey Cardinia Commemorates: Our War Years.

Mrs Eleanor Roosevelt visits Dandenong

On September 5, 1943, Eleanor Roosevelt, the wife of the American President Franklin D. Roosevelt,  and her entourage, visited American troops who were convalescing at a make-shift hospital at the Armytage Scout Hall (1) in Dandenong. This was the 21st Australian Camp Hospital, based in the Scout Hall and John Hemmings Memorial Park (2) on the Princes Highway, opposite the High School. The Age reported that Mrs Roosevelt, on the way back to the city, called at the Armytage Hall in Dandenong-road, and patiently chatted to every man in the large ward of about 120 beds. With a smile and an exchange of information, Mrs. Roosevelt also obliged with many autographs, and congratulated the Australian M.O.'s and nursing sisters who staff the hospital (3). 

Mrs Roosevelt, photographed a few days after her visit to Dandenong,

inspecting a guard of honour of W.R.A.N.s.

Photographer: Leader Newspapers, September 8, 1943. State Library of Victoria Image H20103

The Dandenong Journal of September 8, 1943 also reported on this 'red-letter' day -
America's charming “First Lady of the Land,” Mrs. Eleanor Roosevelt, paid a surprise visit to Dandenong last Sunday, and although her call was a closely guarded secret, news of her intention to call on some US. soldiers convalescing in this area leaked out at the last minute and the President’s wife was warmly greeted by a crowd of about 500 local residents who quickly gathered when they saw preparations being made to receive her.

Mrs Roosevelt arrived about 5.30 in the afternoon and was greeted by Major G. Boileau, who introduced her to Lieut. Smith (US.), and Major Tait (staff officer of Medical Services). With the official party, which included Major General Rupertus (USMC.), Lieut General Eichelberger (USA.), and Rear Admiral Kerry Jones (USA.), she quickly entered the wards, prettily decorated with spring blossoms for the occasion, and accompanied by Major Boileau and Sister Lorenz, and members of the staff, she made a round of the patients, chatting freely with them and giving each a hand-shake. With some she conversed for quite a while, staying here altogether for 45 minutes. The men were obviously delighted to see her and those who could, left their beds and crowded out to the front of the building to farewell her.

In a brief speech she told the men that the President sent them his greetings and had asked her to tell them all that he thought they had done, and were doing, the grandest job. Mrs Roosevelt had a gracious smile for members of the staff and the local VAD.’s who assist with the work, and as she left the building local residents gave her three cheers. Acknowledging the greeting with a warm smile she walked over to the crowd of women and children and exchanged a few words with them before getting into her car.

It was remarkable how the news of the visit spread. At the time it was originally believed that Mrs. Roosevelt would arrive there was only a handful of people present, but as soon as the police and provosts put in an appearance and mounted guard, the news that there was “something doing” spread like wild-fire and people began to appear from all directions. Cars returning from the bush and seaside even stopped to see what was “in the air,” and stayed to join in the welcome to one whom the whole world has taken to its heart. Mrs. Roosevelt wore the uniform of the American Red Cross and seemed full of life, and energy, despite her tiring itinerary. We can quite believe that the prayer of the reporters who have to cover her doings is “Please God, make Mrs. Roosevelt tired.” From the little Dandenong saw of her it was apparent that she is just as charming and natural as all reports have credited her with being. Sunday was indeed a “red-letter day” in Dandenong’s history (4).

21st Australian Camp Hospital, at the Armytage Scout Hall, 1940s.

Photo posted by Mary Boileau, on the Old Dandenong Facebook page on December 19, 2019. Her father Dr Gilbert Boileau was the Medical Officer at the Dandenong District Hospital and the Shire of Dandenong's  Medical Officer of Health.

Is this the only visit of the wife of a United States President to visit Dandenong?

Mrs Roosevelt was in Australia as part of a five week tour of the South Pacific on behalf of the Red Cross. She also visited Bora Bora, Fiji, Samoa, New Caledonia, Christmas Island, Guadalcanal (one of the Solomon Islands) and New Zealand (5).  On the day she visited Dandenong, Mrs Roosevelt had visited the Children's Hospital at Frankston (6) where one of the patients, Brian Dean, played the Star-Spangled Banner on his mouth organ, for Mrs Roosevelt (7). 

Mrs Roosevelt at the Frankston Hospital

The Australasian, September 11 1943 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article142147405

Footnotes

(1) Armytage Scout Hall - https://victoriaspast.blogspot.com/2023/06/arymtage-own-scout-hall-dandenong.html
(2) 21st Australian Camp Hospital - there appears to be very little information available on it https://vwma.org.au/explore/units/3409
(3) The Age, September 6, 1943, see here.
(4) Dandenong Journal, September 8, 1943, see here.
(5) Report on the visit - https://fdr.blogs.archives.gov/2016/08/25/a-first-lady-on-the-front-lines/
(6) More correctly the Children’s Orthopaedic Hospital in Mt Eliza, which had opened in 1930 as part of the Children's Hospital, which was then based in Carlton. https://archives.rch.org.au/exhibitions/our-places-our-spaces-mt-eliza-1930-1971/

(7) The Age, September 6, 1943, see here. 


This is a revised and expanded version of a post, which I wrote and researched, that appears on my work blog, Casey Cardinia Commemorates: Our War Years.

Beaconsfield World War One Memorial

The Beaconsfield War Memorial was officially unveiled on Saturday, March, 13 1920 by General Brand. The Pakenham Gazette reported on the event. 

Beaconsfield Soldiers’ Memorial.

Unveiled on Saturday last.

The unveiling of a Memorial to fallen soldiers took place at Beaconsfield on Saturday afternoon last, and attracted a fairly large attendance, including about twenty of the district soldiers, who were in uniform.

The Memorial, which is of polished granite, and is neatly designed, had been placed in a good position at the junction of Wood Street and the Main Gippsland road. It bears the names of nine fallen soldiers and above these is a representation of the A.I.F. badge in bronze. The names given are:
Sgt. G.H. Manning.
Cpl. A.R. Bragg.
Dvr. H.J Harbour.
Bombdr. A.G. Childs
Spr. H. M’Naughton
Pte. L. Christie
Pte. J. Osborne.
Pte. J.F. Tucker.
Pte. E. Dinsley.

On the base is the inscription: - “Erected as a tribute to men who enlisted from Beaconsfield and district, and in memory of those who made the supreme sacrifice in the great war, 1914-1919.”

Mr W. Nixon, president of the Memorial committee, acted as chairman. On behalf of the committee and the public, he extended a hearty welcome to General Brand. Beaconsfield, he said was proud of the fact that 33 men had enlisted from there. All regretted that 9 of these had made the supreme sacrifice. He then went on to explain how the necessary funds had been raised for the Memorial.

A short address by Colonel G.H. Knox followed. He welcomed General Brand, and said he was proud of the district which sent so many men to the front. The enlistments from Beaconsfield and Upper Beaconsfield were equal in proportion to any other district in the State. He welcomed the General not merely because of the position he held in the military forces, but because he was a favorite with the rank and file. The Memorial had been raised by loving and affectionate friends to the memory of those who had fallen and to those who had fought and returned. No memorial was requited at present to remind us of the brave deeds of our soldiers, bit it would serve to perpetuate the memory of these men for future generations. Many of the fallen soldiers were unostentatious in their private life, but proved themselves gallant gentlemen. They were an honor to their parents.

Cr W.G. a’Beckett, shire president, said he was honored to represent the district and was pleased to take part in the unveiling of the Memorial. He extended hearty congratulations to the soldiers who had returned. The Australian soldiers were the finest military men of the time on account of their gallant dash and brainy initiative. The Memorial was an ornament to the town and district, and as such they were proud of it, but the real memorial to the gallant soldiers was in our hearts.

Mr Frank Groves, M.L.A., said the soldiers had done their job and it was well done, and the responsibility rested now upon the shoulders of the people to see that the sons and daughters and relatives of the brave men who had fallen were properly cared for. They should see that the boys and girls were educated to the standard of other children who had their parents. They should see that their promises to the boys were fulfilled. The memory of the brave men should never die.

Cr. Geo. W. Martin felt honored to have to say a few words. He felt the ground on which they were standing was holy ground. The men had fought and some had given their lives to uphold those principles and institutions so dear to the heart of every Britisher. They had preserved to us our hearths and homes. They did not seek glory or gain, but liberty and freedom. The children, he said, should be brought round the Memorial annually and told of the deeds of our brave boys. He hoped later to see the Memorial surrounded by green turf, bordered with forget-me-knots.

Brigadier-General Brand, who unveiled the Memorial, said on an average he attended a similar function twice a week. Memorials took various forms, but the soldiers say the greatest memorial is to see that the widows and relatives shall never want. That was the best memorial. He was not one who said the A.I.F. won the war. He had been fighting with various troops, and what he did say was that the men of the A.I.F. had few equals and no superiors. In civil life the Australian was accustomed to rely on his own initiative, and his ready wit and good humor gave him a great advantage, but they always felt that the people were behind them and that helped them wonderfully. To the relatives of the fallen he offered sympathy. He asked all to remember that these brave men had passed out so that we might enjoy liberty.”Greater love hath no man than this.” The General then unveiled the Memorial, and expressed a hope that that deeds of these men would inspire the rising generations.

The Last Post was then sounded by Bugler Peters. Two handsome wreathes were placed at the base of the Memorial by friends. At the close, afternoon tea was provided.

(Pakenham Gazette, Friday, March 19, 1920, p.3)

Beaconsfield War Memorial

Photograph courtesy of the Casey Cardinia Remembers website

www.caseycardiniaremembers.org.au

The Memorial, as noted, has the names of the nine men who did not return, and they are listed below with their Service Numbers (SN) so you can look up their full record on the National Archives of Australia website, www.naa.gov.au.

Bragg, Arthur Robert (SN 2564) Arthur, born in West Maitland, NSW, was 39 when he enlisted on August 2, 1915. His occupation was a hotel keeper, and his next of kin was his wife, Emily, of the Central Hotel in Beaconsfield. Corporal Bragg was reported missing in France on July 28, 1916 and  a later Court of Enquiry determined that he had been Killed in Action on July 19, 1916. 

Emily Bragg takes over the licence of the Central Hotel.

South Bourke & Mornington Journal, August 19, 1915 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article66188272

Arthur Bragg

Australian War Memorial  https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/R1670847

Childs, Albert George  (SN 2599)  Albert enlisted on July 7, 1915. He was born in England and was a 29 year old dairyman. His father Robert, his next of kin, was from Bridport in Dorset where Albert was born.  His address on the Nominal Roll is Primrose Park, Beaconsfield, however he is listed as living at Nar Nar Goon in the 1914 Electoral Roll.  Albert Died of Wounds on August 5, 1917 in France. Albert is also honoured on the Nar Nar Goon Honour Roll which is at the Nar Nar Goon Public Hall, see here.

Christie, John Leslie  (SN 3054) He was listed as L. Christie on the Memorial, so it seems like he was known as Leslie, so that's what we will call him.  Leslie was born in Lang Lang, the son of William and Ada (nee Thatcher) Christie, and was 25 years old when he enlisted on July 22, 1915. His occupation was a labourer and his next of kin was his father, William of Beaconsfield.  Leslie was listed as missing on July 28, 1916 and a Court of Enquiry determined that he was Killed in Action on July 19, 1916, in France. 

In memoriam notice for Les Christie. Steven Sleigh, listed in the notice is honoured on the Bunyip War Memorial (see here) and the Tonimbuk Honor Board (see here)

The Argus, July 19, 1918  http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article1408837 

Dineley, Edward Bernard (SN 1151)  Edward was born in Charters Towers, to Frederick and Mary Dineley,  and was a 22 year old engineer when he enlisted on March 22, 1916. His next of kin was his mother, Mary, of the Cardinia Park Hotel at Beaconsfield.  Edward was Wounded in Action in Belgium and he died from these wounds on September 21, 1917.

Report of the death of Edward

Pakenham Gazette, October 12, 1917 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article92155988

Harbour, Herbert Joel  (SN 3337) Herbert enlisted on July 19, 1915.  He was 27 years old, a labourer, and was born in Beaconsfield to John and Sarah (nee Beecham) Harbour. His next of kin was his father, John, of Beaconsfield. Herbert was Killed in Action, in France, on February 27, 1917.

Herbert Harbour

Australian War Memorial https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/R1633208

Report of the death of Herbert Harbour

Dandenong Advertiser, March 22, 1917 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article88657329

Manning, George William Harold (SN 219)  George enlisted on August 17, 1914. He was 20 year old salesman, born in Beechworth, to John Goodyear Manning and his wife, Mary Ann (nee Furnell).  His next of kin was his father, John, of Beaconsfield.  George died of wounds, which were received whilst fighting at Gallipoli, on August 8, 1915. 

Report of the death of George Manning

Berwick Shire News, December 15, 1915 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article92094080

McNaughton, Hugh (SN 3869b)  Hugh enlisted on August 2, 1915. He was 31, born in Longford (Vic.) to Archibald and Mary (nee McDonald) McNaughton. His next of kin, on enlistment, was his mother, Mary, of Beaconsfield. Hugh was Wounded in Action on October 16, 1917, suffering gun shot wounds to the head and arm. He was sent back to Australia on the hospital ship, the Euripides, which reached Melbourne on March 21, 1918.  He was discharged from the AIF on May 1, 1918 and died at the Caulfield Hospital on May 15, 1918.

Sad end of Hugh McNaughton

Dandenong Advertiser, May 30, 1918 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article88816707

Osborne, James Patrick (SN 2733)  James was born in Walhalla to Patrick and Bridget (nee Traynor) Osborne. He enlisted on August 2, 1915 aged 36. He was a labourer, and  next of kin was his mother, Bridget, of 'Lower Beaconsfield', I assume some people still called the town around the Railway Station that to distinguish it from Upper Beaconsfield. James was Killed in Action in France on August 19, 1916.

Death notice of James Osborne

The Argus, September 23, 1916  http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article1614050

Tucker, John Frederick  (SN 2795)  John was an orphan and he enlisted at the age of 22 on August 2, 1915. His occupation was a driver and his next of kin was listed as his employee, Mr A. W Shorthouse of Upper Beaconsfield.  There is an Arthur William Shorthouse in the  Electoral Rolls, so I believe this is him.  John was Killed in Action in Belgium on September 3, 1916. There is a letter on his service file at the National Archives, from Mr Shorthouse, requesting John's medals. Mr Shorthouse said that John had no blood relations and had lived and worked with him for eight years, prior to which he was an Orphanage boy. The AIF would not give him the medals as the Deceased Soldiers' Estate Act had  a prescribed list of whom the medals were to go to (they had to go to a blood relation) and suggested that Mr Shorthouse get a Statutory Declaration setting out his claim. This was in March 1921 and the file does not tell us whether Mr Shorthouse was successful.

Death notice of John Tucker. Mary Anne Nixon is listed in the Electoral rolls at Upper Beaconsfield, along with Margaret Ann and Henry Nixon.

The Age, October 7, 1916 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article155067909

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