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. 

You can read about what happened to these Palm Trees, here.

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.

Miss Beatrice Thomas - Berwick Shire Secretary

The Dandenong Journal reported on January 23, 1952 (1) that Miss Beatrice (Trixie) Thomas had been appointed as the Berwick Shire Secretary. Miss Thomas had been employed by the Shire for 27 years and had been acting as the Assistant Secretary for 'some time.'  She was the daughter of Albert Thomas, who founded  the Berwick Shire News, later the Pakenham Gazette in 1909 and the sister of Herb Thomas, who took over the paper from his father. As a matter of interest, Beatrice Evelyn Victoria Thomas was born on January 22, 1901, the same day Queen Victoria died, so not surprising she has Victoria in her name. She died on February 10, 1997. (2)

Miss Thomas followed Mr K. A. McKay in the role, who had served  for four years and resigned in December 1951. Keith McKay had taken over from the long serving James Joseph Ahern who was in the role from 1906 until he retired December 1947. (3)

Miss Thomas' appointment.

Dandenong Journal January 23 1952  http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article222356811

Clearly, Miss Thomas was well qualified for the position,  however the Returned Soldiers League (RSL) and the Pakenham Upper Progress Association protested against the appointment as the newspaper article from the Dandenong Journal of  February 27, 1952 reported (see below). I have transcribed the article as it gives the rationale for the appointment of Miss Thomas and the support she had from the Councillors. 

Miss Thomas' appointment challenged

Dandenong Journal, February 27, 1952   http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article222357570

Shire Challenged On Failure To Give Preference To Returned Servicemen. “Appointment of Secretary made in best interests of Ratepayers" it replies.

Challenged from two quarters over its failure to give preference to returned servicemen in its recent appointment of a new Shire Secretary, Berwick Shire Council last week replied that the appointment had been made in the best interests of returned soldiers. Chief defendant of council’s action was Cr. C. Greaves, himself a returned man, who said he was very happy over the appointment, but he did compliment the two organisations who had raised the matter, because it showed their vigilance - and vigilance was necessary if preference was to be preserved.

Emphatic Protest - Pakenham Upper Progress Association forwarded an emphatic protest against the departure from the principle of preference to ex-servicemen in the appointment of Shire Secretary.

R.S.L. asks for reasons - Pakenham Branch R.S.L. asked that council inform them of its reasons for departure from the established policy of extending preference to returned service men in the recent appointment. Members of the branch desired to know how many returned service men made application for the position, and, if any, what were their qualifications and experience in municipal administration.

Cr. Kinsella said that both organisations were entitled to a courteous reply. He thought they should be informed that council had been out to obtain the best service it could for the rate payers - and preference was always qualified by “other qualifications being equal.”

“Both bodies are entitled to a full explanation”. Cr. Greaves declared. “Among the returned soldier applicants were none known to us. Had there been a returned soldier applicant in the office with the necessary qualifications he would have got the job. ... I was not prepared to put a stranger into such an important position, especially at this stage. A few years ago this shire was the envy of every shire in the State, but since then we have drifted into financial morass and our present position is causing all of us a lot of concern. Our rates are high and those who are paying rates on broad acres are almost desperate. We had to appoint somebody who was not only capable but willing to economise. Miss Thomas has grown up in the right tradition. She has been 27 years in this office and she knows, as we know, that we have to practice economies. ... I am very happy about her appointment and in congratulating her on getting the position I would also like to congratulate her on the way she has carried out the business of the meeting today. . .I would also like to congratulate the two organisations who have asked this council for an explanation of its action. I think they are entitled to a full explanation. It is now seven years since the last war ended and the further away it recedes the less consideration will be given to returned men. I am afraid a lot regard preference as a penalty against the non - returned soldier. That is quite wrong. It is a just reward to those who suffered physically and mentally on war service. ... It has been remarked at this table today that preference only applies “other things being equal.” I must nail that! That is wrong - there is nothing in the  Act about that. Other things can’t be equal. We have in this council as good a proportion of returned soldiers as in any other council in the State. To be perfectly honest we are not always loyal to our comrades and the principles they stand for. It is necessary that these bodies should be vigilant, as public men are apt to forget and we need constant prodding to remind us of our duty. If Cr. Kinsella moves his motion I will second it.”

Cr. Kinsella said he didn’t want to make a motion of it. His approach, to the appointment had been to gain the best service for the ratepayers of the shire. “Although I sought it, I didn’t have the privilege of carrying arms for my country”, he added, “but my family has been well in it and I claim to have a fair inside knowledge of the feelings of a family that has had active service.

“Despite that, be I right or wrong, service to our rate payers and the efficient handling of their business is my main concern. You all know what my attitude was four years ago, and the past four years have justified my attitude then. If there had been anybody among the Returned Servicemen applicants who measured up to what I know this jobs takes, I would have considered them, but I think we did the right thing.” 

“I feel very strongly on this”, put in Cr. T. Houlihan. “Preference to returned soldiers is something I’ve come up against ever since I returned from the First World War. I found on more than one occasion that preference was always given when it was pick and shovel work, but not when there were administrative posts to be filled. I know in my case, and in others that preference hasn’t been given to returned soldiers when all other things have been equal. The League is doing nothing more than it should do in asking for an explanation. 

"I've listened to this issue for the last 30 years”, declared Cr. C. Harris, another returned man.. . . “I've fought for it for years, but in this case I seconded Cr. Kinsella's motion for the appointment of Miss Thomas. I still say we did the right thing and I’m sticking to my guns. If  they want a thorough explanation I’ll go along and explain the position fully.”

Cr. Rae : Their main query is that we got away from the minute we put on our books in 1941. Finally council, on the motion of Crs Kinsella and Greaves, resolved. “That though we appreciate the enquiries of both organisations we wish to state that the appointment made was made, in our opinion, in the best interests of ratepayers." (4)

Of the Councillors mentioned in the report, Cr Dan Kinsella had lost his brother in World War One. Bertram Kinsella as Killed in Action on September 25, 1917. His other brother, Norman, had also served. Cr Kinsella's sisters were both nurses - Kathleen did not survive the sinking of the Vyner Brooke in February 1942; Nancie served in the Middle East and then nursed the survivors of the Belsen Concentration camp.  Cr Thomas Francis Houlihan and Cr Claud Alfred Harris also served in the Great War. (5)

 

Dandenong Journal,  March 26 1952, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article222358110

One month later, the R.S.L. requested more information from the Council about the appointment. Once again, the  Dandenong Journal  reported  - this is an abridged version of the report, read the full report here.

Pakenham R.S.L. Persists in Preference Probe 

Feeling that the Berwick Council had not given the information it asked for at its last meeting over 
the appointment of a non-returned service secretary, Pakenham R.S.L. last week repeated its request for this information: “How many returned servicemen applied for the position? What were their qualifications?”, it asked. It is getting the information it sought, but not before several brushes between councillors not over any desire to withhold the information but over the claim of some councillors that they had been in favor of giving the information in the first place, but couldn’t get support. This was challenged.

Cr Houlihan said he felt the R.S.L. was entitled to this information. Their purpose was to watch the interests of the returned servicemen and they couldn’t do this unless they had the information. When the advertisement appeared one clause in it was “Preference to Returned Soldiers.” There were 22 applicants for the position, but no one outside the committee of the council knew whether any returned soldier was included or not. Pakenham R.S.L., had been placed in a very awkward position. They were responsible to the League to see that preference was given to returned soldiers in their district. “They do know” proceeded Cr. Houlihan, "that the secretary who was appointed is not a returned soldier although our advertisement stated that preference would be given to returned soldiers. And while I’m in this council I hope to see that preference is given to returned servicemen, or an opinion voiced in support of that policy. ... I feel that the branch is entitled to this information so that they can take proper action. Cr. Houlihan moved that the information be supplied.

Seconding this motion, Cr. Greaves claimed that he had tried to get a more adequate reply in the first place.

There was some support for Miss Thomas - Cr. Kinsella said - I feel this matter has gone far enough. I came to this council table with one purpose only - and that is to get the best service possible for the ratepayers. I took the action in moving as I did in furtherance of that policy and I was supported by 10 councillors. I have nothing against telling the R.S.L. what it wants to know. Certainly tell them. I would say that ’when the position became vacant we should have appointed Miss Thomas there and then if that was our intention. We can’t appoint a member of the staff unless it is unanimous'. 'I may-be wrong', proceeded Cr. Kinsella, but I believe that for a returned soldier to serve this council he would have to have qualities at least equal with one who has given this council long and loyal service and who has nothing against them. I would always support the appointment of one whom I believe, rightly or wrongly, has served this shire well. ... I do object to councillors now getting up and saying they said things they definitely did not say when this matter first came before council. (6)

The controversy was still raging a month later when the Dandenong Journal conducted  a 'vox pop' on the issue.

The man in the street was asked their opinion

Dandenong Journal,  April 22 1952 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article23175326

Berwick Shire appointment is job for man, they say

The dispute that has thrown Berwick and Pakenham into two camps - whether Miss Beatrice Thomas should be Shire Secretary was settled at the Berwick Shire Council meeting yesterday. But the result is a closely guarded secret. Cr. A. G. Robinson, Shire President, said 'Miss Thomas's appointment was made with the full approval of council'

Mr. Vernon Clark, Pakenham R. S. L. branch honorary secretary,who wants an ex-serviceman appointed, was not admitted to the meeting. Mr Clark will seek the advice of a Queen's Counsel on whether the Council violated it's agreement to grant preference to returned servicemen.

Shire residents yesterday supported Mr Clark's protest.

Mr. L. C. Futcher, Pakenham shopkeeper, said: 'Rejection of the promises made to returned servicemen is a thing that should be stopped before it spreads to other Councils and other employees'.

Miss Alma Lang of Berwick: 'I have two brothers who went right through the War, so I'll always stick up for servicemen'.

Miss Joyce Berry, cook, at Berwick Hospital: 'How can we expect men to join up for the next War if those who fought in the last one aren't given a fair go'.

Misses Evande Trebilen and Pat Fritzlaff, Berwick dressmakers: 'The Shire Secretary's job is a man's job whether he's a returned soldier or not'. (7)

Counterblast to the R.S.L.

Dandenong Journal,  May 21, 1952 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article222359127

The Dandenong Journal of May 21, 1952 published another article on the issue, this time reporting on some support Miss Thomas was receiving from a number of high profile women's groups.

Women Rally to Defence of Berwick's Shire Secretary. Counterblast To R.S.L.'s Protest.

The women are not taking the R.S.L’s. protest against the appointment of Miss Beatrice Thomas, as Berwick Shire Secretary in preference to an ex-serviceman, lying down. At Monday’s meeting, no less than five letters were received by council, congratulating it on having appointed Miss Thomas, and urging it to stand its ground.

The National Council of Women wrote: "We desire to express to the President and the members of council our appreciation of your action in not allowing any discrimination on the grounds of sex to 
prevent you from appointing the most suitable applicant for the position".

Dr Janet P. Cooper of Albert Park, wrote: "Having read of your selecting Miss Thomas as Shire Secretary, I am pleased to congratulate you on recognising her service and ability. While fully appreciating and remembering what we all owe to the ex-service people, there are situations when the ratepayers are entitled to the most efficient service".

"The League of Women Voters of Victoria congratulate your Shire Council on having appointed as Shire Secretary, your very experienced officer, Miss Thomas’ wrote the president of that organisation. 'The officers and members hope that, in spite of any protests that may be made you will continue to employ Miss Thomas in that position, and to enjoy her services, which after 25 years experience, must be entirely adequate".

Expressing concern at the press statement made by an R.S.L. representative, 'That we will oppose the appointment of a woman as Shire Secretary", the Women’s Christian Temperance Union of Victoria, wrote: "We feel that the appointment would not have been made unless the council is assured that the best interests of the shire would be served by this officer, and trust that your council will adhere to the decision to make qualifications rather than sex, or other issues the basis of the appointment".

Voicing their congratulations on the appointment the Business Professional Women’s Club of Melbourne stated: 'This club considers that in the interests of the community, appointments should made having regard only for the ability and experience of the candidates, and without discrimination because of sex". (8)

Berwick Shire Council, 1965, including Miss Thomas.

Image: From Syd Pargeter (second from right, middle row), Casey Cardinia Libraries.

So what happened in the end? Miss Thomas retained her appointment and served the Shire of Berwick until she retired in  January 1966.

The retirement dinner for Miss Thomas.

Miss Thomas, outside the headquarters of  Historical Society, 1980s.

Image: Shire of Pakenham photographer

Miss Thomas was an inaugural member of the Historical Society of the Berwick Shire, formed in 1962 (now called the Berwick Pakenham Historical Society) - this is the original headquarters in John Street, Pakenham, built on land donated in 1965, by Les Futcher, who was one of the locals who opposed Miss Thomas' appointment as Shire Secretary in 1952 (see 'vox pop' article, above). Mr Futcher was also an original member of the Historical Society. (9).

I first wrote this post in July 2017 for my work blog, Casey Cardinia Links to our Past, but as Miss Thomas is in the news again, I thought I would update and republish it here.  There is a new housing estate between Pakenham and Nar Nar Goon and the Cardinia Shire is looking for a name and I suggested it be named after Miss Thomas. Her name has been short-listed and the Pakenham Gazette published the following in their April 10, 2024 edition.

Pakenham Gazette, April 10, 2024, p.4.

To be honest, I think others suggested the name as well, but Corey Everitt, the journalist, gave me the credit! I will let you know what the result is. 

PS - at the Cardinia Shire Council meeting held on on Monday, July 15 2024 it was announced that the new suburb would be called Honora. Honora (nee Ryan) and Michael Carney took up land between Pakenham and Nar Nar Goon in 1869. They had married in 1861 and their children were Ellen (born 1862), Alice (1864), John (1866), Johanna (1868), William (1871), Mary Ann (1873) and Thomas (1879). After Michael died in 1880, aged 55, Honora continued to operate the family farm until her death on November 7, 1912, at her property Alpine View, the age of 77. There are still many descendants of the family in the area.

Footnotes

(1) Dandenong Journal January 23 1952, see here.  

(2) Headstone, Pakenham Cemetery   https://www.australiancemeteries.com.au/vic/cardinia/pakenham.htm

(3) In the Wake of the Pack Tracks:  a history of the Shire of Berwick (Berwick Pakenham Historical Society, 1982)

(4) Dandenong Journal, February 27, 1952, see here.  

(5) Nancie and Kathleen Kinsella - https://kooweerupswamphistory.blogspot.com/2021/12/nancie-and-kathleen-kinsella.html

(6) Dandenong Journal,  March 26 1952, see here. 

(7) Dandenong Journal,  April 22 1952, see here.  

(8) Dandenong Journal,  May 21, 1952, see here.  

(9)  In the Wake of the Pack Tracks:  a history of the Shire of Berwick, op. cit and https://bphs.com.au/about-us