The mystery of the Quietly Club, Berwick

This is one of my favourite posts which I researched and wrote for my work blog, Casey Cardinia Links to our Past. It was posted on November 24, 2010 and is reproduced below, with a few modifications. 

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I had an email from the Dandenong & District Historical Society asking if I knew anything about the Quietly Club in Berwick. They had received an email on this subject from Maurice Mishkel from Canada, a collector of stamps and envelopes. Maurice had purchased this envelope, below, addressed to Horace Bennett, Tarcoola Station, River Darling, via Wentworth, New South Wales.

I passed the query onto Judith Dwyer and Corinne Brewis of the Berwick Mechanics’ Institute and Free Library (BMI), in High Street, Berwick. The BMI have scanned their Minute Books and Attendance or Visitors Registers and Judith immediately recognized the art work. 

The artist was John Warne (1867-1941), a Berwick painter and decorator, who with his brother Charles, a plasterer, had started a business in Station Street (now Gloucestor Avenue) Berwick in the late 1880s. In 1901,  John married Henrietta Searle, the daughter of Henry and Jane Searle. Henry had operated a blacksmiths on the corner of Wheelers Street and High Street (known as Searle’s Corner) in Berwick from around 1860. Sarah and John had four children - Joseph Thomas (known as Tom) b.1902; Marian Hilda (known as Hilda) b.1904; Jack b.1907 and Samuel Charles b.1910. Tom followed his father and also became a painter and sign writer. (1)

John Warne's illustration from the Attendance Register of June 18, 1894.

Image: Berwick Mechanics' Institute and Free Library

From 1893, until she married John Warne, Henrietta Searle was the Librarian at the BMI (2).  From the attendance books we know that both Horace Bennett and John Warne were regular visitors to the BMI and that John frequently ‘annotated’ the attendance book, whereas Horace seemed to make jokes about his occupation.

Horace’s last visit to the BMI was November 3, 1894, where he added Fare the Well after his signature.

Image: Berwick Mechanics' Institute and Free Library

So what was the Quietly Club? – we don’t know but can only surmise it was a bit of an in-joke with John and Horace and the other lads. Perhaps it was to do with Libraries encouraging silence or the Library may have been quiet after Horace left.

Horace signs in as T.H. Bennett Ltd Butcher, on January 10, 1894. Is he actually a butcher? 

Image: Berwick Mechanics' Institute and Free Library

On July 18, 1894 there is a reference to Good old Bennett, what price fish, 

so perhaps he also sold fish?

Image: Berwick Mechanics' Institute and Free Library

Horace also signed in as H.R.H The Duke of York October 18, 1894

Image: Berwick Mechanics' Institute and Free Library 

 November 1, 1894,  he was The Humble Horace Bennett. 

Image: Berwick Mechanics' Institute and Free Library

The entry from March 6, 1894 - there's John Warne's signature, with Horace Bennett's underneath - and A Sop? Above John's signature is that of Horace Bennett, possibly the father of young Horace. What does B.C.B stand for? Berwick Cricket ??, Berwick Cycling??

Image: Berwick Mechanics' Institute and Free Library

Tarcoola Station is near Pooncarie on the Darling River and was firstly occupied by William Campbell. It was taken over by Charles Nicholson in 1851 and at the time consisted of around 30,000 acres. A series of amalgamations with other properties saw Tarcoola having over one million acres in the 1880s, with 21 workmen employed as well as Managers, cooks, maids, grooms, stable hands, a black smith and Chinese gardeners. Tarcoola was broken up in 1918 into ten leases. We don't know what Horace's role was at Tarcoola. An entry in the Attendance Registers lists Horace as a butcher, so may be that was what he also did at Tarcoola, nor do we know when he arrived at Tarcoola. (3). 

What do we know about Horace? He was T.H Bennett, and that it is likely his father was also called Horace. I can't find any Bennetts in the Rate Books in Berwick in the 1890s; I can't find a reference to a birth of a T. Horace Bennett in Victoria or New South Wales nor a death, that I can say with any certainty would be him; and the same with the Electoral Rolls. Essentially, I know nothing about him, but that he had a sense of humour.

The  Horace Bennett Quietly Club mystery brings up a few issues – first the importance of networks. There are hundreds of Local History and Heritage Societies in Victoria, many of whom keep in touch through regional networks such as the South Eastern Historical Association. We have our own network here in the Casey Cardinia Region, the Local History Reference Group, who meet quarterly. It’s good to know that if you can’t answer a query, then you can pass it onto someone who may be able to help. Secondly, it brings up the issue that the role technology now plays in Local History – without email we could never have passed around this query so quickly and if the BMI had not decided to scan all their records would Judith and Corinne have had easy access to the original registers and recognized the art work? Scanning has made all these old Registers immediately available at the click of a mouse button and another click can have these images whizzing around the world.

Thanks to Maurice for sharing his envelope and giving Horace Bennett and the Quietly Club a place in our history. I would love to hear from you if you know anything about Horace.

Footnotes
(1) Early Days of Berwick and its surrounding districts, compiled by Norman E. Beaumont, James F. Curran and R.H. Hughes (3rd edition published by Rotary, 1979); Indexes to the Victorian Births, Deaths and Marriages; John Warne's obituary Dandenong Journal, March 26, 1941, see here;
(2) Berwick Mechanics Institute and Free Library: a history by Richard Myers (Berwick Mechanics Institute and Free Library, 1999)
(3) The history of Pooncarie and District by Rob Lans, Thelma Smith and Bill Smith. (Pooncarie School Centenary & Historical Committee c. 1988.)

Sailors from the American Fleet visit Korumburra on July 25, 1925

The Koo Wee Rup Swamp Historical has this photo in our collection. It is of Jack O'Riordan and Terry O'Riordan (and their dog) in Rossiter Road, Koo Wee Rup. Jack was born 1919, Terry in 1921, the sons of Les and Margaret (nee Colvin) O'Riordan, who lived at Mallow, in Rossiter Road. (1). Jack holds an American flag, and I believe this photograph was taken in July 1925, when the American Fleet visited Melbourne.

Jack O'Riordan and Terry O'Riordan (and their dog) Rossiter Road, Koo Wee Rup, taken in July 1925, when the American Fleet visited Melbourne.

Photo supplied by Robert Dusting, Koo Wee Rup Swamp Historical Society collection.

The American Fleet had arrived in Melbourne on July 23, 1925. The ships were berthed at Princes Pier and Victoria Dock and were open to the public. At Prince's Pier people could visit U. S.S. Seattle, U.S.S. Pennsylvania, U.S.S. Oklahoma and the U.S.S. Nevada. At Victoria Dock - U.S.S. Omaha, Altair, and Melville, and all the destroyers. The arrival of the Fleet was well reported and many activities were organised for the Officers and the Crews. The Fleet left Melbourne on August 6.(2).

American Fleet at Victoria Dock, 1925 (3)

Photographer: Charles Daniel Pratt (Airspy).  State Library of Victoria Image  H91.160/475

I looked up to Koo Wee Rup Sun to see if they reported the visit of the American Fleet and found this short report -

 

The sailors visit Korumburra

Koo Wee Rup Sun, July 30, 1925, p.4

So we now know that some of the sailors came even closer to Koo Wee Rup, as they visited Korumburra, travelling by train and saw a football match between Bayles and Korumburra vs Leongatha and Meeniyan. Perhaps Jack and Terry also had a trip to Korumburra that day, or they waved to the soldiers at the Koo Wee Rup Station as the train went through or they may even have been lucky enough to go to Melbourne to see the Fleet.

As you could imagine, for a small town like Korumburra, which at the time had  a population of about 2,500 (4) an event such as this required much planning and tight logistics  Not only did they expect the 200 sailors on Saturday, July 25, but many visitors who would come to join in the festivities.  The first report in the local newspaper, the Great Southern Advocate, was on May 28, 1925, which fully supported the idea of the visit (5).  A public meeting was held on June 22, where a Committee was formed, and the Councillors present announced that there will be no financial support for the visit from the Shire of Korumburra. The Committee consisted of  Crs Western and Kurrle, Dr. Reed, and Messrs Lloyd, Bonwick, Knyvett, Petersen, G. Knight, Pam, Nicholson McArthur and J. Wilson. (6).

A later meeting of the Committee noted  that 1000 souvenir buttons had been ordered and

would shortly be on sale (7). The catering for the event had been under discussion for weeks, at the first public meeting it was decided that the only way to cater for such a large assemblage would be to get proper catering from some caterer. It was too big a thing to ask that ladies to undertake it. (8). However it was later reported that last Thursday afternoon a fair number of ladies attended a meeting to consider the best ways and means of  catering for the visit of the American fleet contingent on July 25th. Cr. W. Herbertson was in the chair. He said he recognised that the catering was a big undertaking, but considered the ladies could best discuss the matter among themselves. On a vote being taken the ladies unanimously agreed to carry out the catering. (9)

A committee of ladies was formed - President, Mrs. G. G. Knight, vice-president, Mrs. H.J. Bonwick;  secretary, Mrs McArthur; general committee, Mesdames Horsley, Western, Thompson, Pam, Wynne, Ritchie, Herbertson and Miss Wilson. Sub-committees were appointed for the out-lying districts. (10). As as we will see from the report of the day below, they did a wonderful job.

Activities were planned including the football match and other sporting events; and transport was organised - as the Great Southern Advocate reported -  As an inducement to patronize the gathering and bring visitors from outside districts to the celebrations the association has very wisely decided to run a special train from Stony Creek. The association is to be heartily congratulated on its decision to run this train as it will provide the opportunity of bringing many people to the town who might otherwise not have came. (11)

The Great Southern Advocate of July 23 announced the final programme for the day -

Arrival of train 11 a.m. Officers and men to be met by a guard of honor consisting of 21 returned

soldiers, the band, and chairman and committee. The men to be disbanded till 11.40, when they

will assemble at the fire station. After falling into line at 11.50 they will march, headed by the

fleet band, to the drill hall, where lunch will be served at noon. The sports programme will start

on the show ground at 1 p.m., and will continue during the afternoon. A feature will be the

football match between the South Gippsland Association teams. Tea will be served in the drill hall

at 5.30, and the dance will be conducted from 7.30. At 9.30 the sailors will be supplied with a buffet supper, and return for Melbourne at 10.30 p.m. (12)

Commercial Street, looking west, Korumburra, c. 1930s. 

Photographer: Rose Stereograph Co.

State Library of Victoria Image H32492/7531

The Great Southern Advocate reported on the sailor's visit to Korumburra on Saturday, July 25 1925, and it was certainly a red-letter day for the town. 

The American Sailors. Visit to Korumburra. "A Wonderful Time," So Said the Sailor Boys

Not more than once or twice at most, in a generation, can we expect to be honored with the visit of a naval expedition of such magnitude, as is now present in Australian waters, and the International significance of this re-union with our kinsmen overseas is of world wide importance. There is not a civilised nation on the earth but is watching the progress of the American fleet, and the nature of its reception by the Dominions of the British Empire. For it is recognised that the combination of these two English-speaking peoples with their powerful armaments on sea and land, must and will determine the policies of practically every other nation. While they devote their highest efforts to the maintenance of the peace of the world, it will be almost impossible for any other combination of Powers to wage another great war.

It is the contemplation of these facts which adds so much to the earnestness of the welcome extended to our American friends, and kinsmen. And some of the enthusiasm was seen in Korumburra on Saturday, when shortly before noon, a special train brought a contingent of officers and men on a visit to this town and district.

About ten o'clock people began to make their way to the railway station, and when the train steamed in hundreds of residents, young and old were clamouring for a good position to get the first-glimpse of the visitors. The shire president, Cr. W. Herbertson and other members of the reception committee were on the station to bid them welcome, and after a few minutes came off the station "at the double" and formed up in Commercial street at the top of Radovick street. The band which accompanied them,  composed of Phillipinos, marched at the head of the contingent to the fire brigade station, where the men were dismissed. People were coming in from all round the district, and it is questionable if ever there were more people in Commercial street at the one time than on Saturday about 11.30 a.m. For about 40 minutes the sailors had a look round the business part of the town, and soon made themselves good friends with all.

About noon the sailors formed into line again at the fire station and marched to the drill hall, where a very fine dinner had been prepared for them by the ladies. No trouble had been spared by the ladies in decorating the hall, and the nicely attired bevy of pretty girls ready to wait on the sailors gave the place a very pleasing appearance. The menu for the dinner was as follows: - Roast beef, sirloin of beef, roast lamb, roast pork, and apple sauce, mashed potatoes, pickles, beetroot and sauces. Sweets. - Plum pudding and vanilla sauce, apple pie and cream, preserved fruits and pastry, Vienna rolls, crackers and cheese. Tea, coffee, soft drinks. Fruits in season. Cigarettes.

Dinner having been partaken of, and the toast of "The King and President" having been honored the chairman, Cr. Herbertson proposed "Our Guests." They all recognised that the American navy was the admiration of the whole civilised world, and the American people had launched some great national schemes which were copied by other countries. One in particular was the irrigation scheme, which had been a revelation in Australia, and especially Victoria. Great areas had been made productive and it fostered settlement. The brains behind the great electricity scheme was in America, and this also had  been a boon to Victoria. He recognised that the visit of the fleet to Australia was one of national importance, and it would prove the means of creating a greater and closer friendship between the two countries. That you have come here to help us was proved in the loan that was recently raised in America on our behalf. He hoped their stay in Australia would be of educational value, and when they returned home they would be able to tell their people of the great opportunities there were here for men of their type. He had every confidence in the Americans and believed that if ever the day came when Australia was involved in war they would come to our assistance and help us to fight for right against might. He desired to extend to those present a most cordial welcome, and hoped they would all have a very enjoyable day. (Applause.)

Mr. Tyner, M.L. C., in supporting the toast said the visit of the fleet, he was sure, was going to strengthen the bonds of friendship between the two countries, and in welcoming them here that day we are remindful of the splendid hospitality given to our soldiers while passing through America.

Ensign Hennigar, of the battleship Oklahoma, expressed thanks for the wonderful reception and hospitality given to the sailors. He was sure they would all enjoy the outing, and the great act of kindness would impress on the minds of the men the loyal friendship that existed between the two countries. He was pleased to be here amongst such warm-hearted people, and appreciated to the full all that had been done to give them an enjoyable time (Applause.)

When the sailors rose from the tables they insisted on the girls sitting down, and the lads in turn waited on the tables while the girls had dinner. The girls were quite delighted with the compliment of having the sailors waiting them. Not satisfied with this, the lads in blue helped the ladies to wash up afterwards.

Commercial Street, Korumburra, c. 1930s. 

Photographer: Rose Stereograph Co.

State Library of Victoria Image H32492/7551

A sports meeting was held on the show grounds in the afternoon at which there was a great gathering. The principal attraction was a football match between Leongatha and M.& S. United [Meeniyan and Stony Creek United] combined and Korumburra and Bayles combined. After an interesting game it resulted in a draw - 10.10 each. Other interesting items were a flag race, in which the sailors took part, gymnastic display by members of the Boys' Club, and a tug-of-war between teams from the footballers and the sailors. During the afternoon the visiting Phillipinos band played a programme of excellent music on the lawn in front of the stand, and this was probably the most enjoyable item of the afternoon, some of it real genuine jazz music.

About 5.30 the sailors again mustered at the drill hall, where tea was waiting for them. The menu was:- Ham and tongue, roast beef, roast lamb and pork, pickles and sauces. Sweets.- Fruit salads, trifles, fruit jellies, cream and fancy cakes and biscuits. Tea, coffee and cigarettes.

Many members of the public also came along and had tea, otherwise the committee would have been left with a great deal more eatables than they were. At the conclusion of tea very little time was lost in preparing the hall for dancing. While this was being done the band played severed animating jazz selections, which made both boys and girls quite anxious to make a start with the dancing. About seven o'clock all was clear and then the really most enjoyable and social part of the whole festivities was entered into. Most of the sailors could dance, and so could the girls that were there - and they did too, every dance, some of them. Some of the local boys were rather jealous of the good time the sailors were having, but the girls did not seem to care. They were out to give the visitors a pleasant time and they did. About 9.30 the visitors were treated to a cup of coffee, and after the band played the National Anthems of Britain and America, the sailors and many of those in the hall went to the railway station. About 10.40 p.m. the train - steamed out, amidst cheers from the departing boys and those on the platform.

It was easily one of the most pleasant and happy functions ever held in our district, and we will long retain happy memories of the visit of the American sailors to Korumburra. They were a gentlemanly, manly lot, and it was a pleasure and privilege to have had them here.

Too much praise cannot be given the committees which carried out all the arrangements. Mrs Gordon Knight (president), and Mrs. McArthur (secretary) had a band of willing workers to help them, and they received exceedingly great help from ladies in the country districts. Cr W. Herbertson, president, and Mr. P.McGrath, secretary of the general committee, have every reason to be well satisfied with the very pleasant and successful function. (13).

There was one more report in the Great Southern Advocate of the visit of the American sailors to Korumburra - 

Some of Korumburra's young ladies, who had such a good time with the American sailors on their visit to our town, went to Melbourne last weekend to re-new acquaintances. Most of them have returned and speak of having had a great time. (14).  I wonder if any of the girls kept in contact with the sailors after the Fleet left Melbourne?

Trove list - I have created a list of the Great Southern Advocate articles connected to the visit of the American sailors to Korumburra, on July 25, 1925, access it here.

Footnotes

(1) O'Riordan family - https://kooweerupswamphistory.blogspot.com/2014/05/les-oriordans-recollections-early.html  John Henry (Jack) O'Riordan born July 28, 1919. He served in World War Two in the Army and the Air Force; Terence Joseph O'Riordan was born May 4, 1921, and served in the Air Force in World War Two (https://nominal-rolls.dva.gov.au/ww2)

(2) The Argus, July 24, 1925 had a four page report on the arrival of the Fleet, read it here, here, here and here; where the boats were - The Argus, July 24, 1925, see here; The Argus, August 6, 1925 see here. 

(3) Incorrectly dated as 1927 at the State Library of Victoria.

(4) Victorian Places https://www.victorianplaces.com.au/korumburra

(5) Great Southern Advocate, May 28, 1925, see here.

(6) Great Southern Advocate, June 25, 1925, see here.

(7) Great Southern Advocate, July 9, 1925, see here.

(8) Great Southern Advocate, June 25, 1925, see here.

(9) Great Southern Advocate, July 16, 1925, see here.

(10) Ibid

(11) Ibid

(12) Great Southern Advocate, July 23 1925, see here.

(13) Great Southern Advocate, July 30 1925, see here.

(14) Great Southern Advocate, August 6, 1925, see here.

Beulah is hit by a tornado in 1908

On Sunday afternoon, March 8, 1908 Beulah was hit by  a tornado or a cyclone, as some reports called it. The Horsham Times, of March 13, 1908  had the following report (see here)

Tornado.

In the Mallee.  Beulah Devastated. Roofs and Wreckage everywhere. 

Torrential Rain. People Swamped from Ruined Houses.

A most disastrous tornado occurred in Beulah on Sunday afternoon, and in a few minutes the town was a total wreck.

About 4.40 p.m. a blinding wall of dust came from the west, accompanied by terrific thunder and a heavy down-pour of rain.

The town was right in the track of the storm, and scarcely a house was left intact. Roofs, limbs of trees, signboards, and all suchlike flew about like paper, and wire was twisted and doubled up in a remarkable fashion. The verandahs of the Commercial Bank and Huntsman's were twisted and smashed, and all the windows broken; and the rooms swamped by the drenching rain.  

Franklin's stables were blown down, and great difficulty was experienced in getting the horses out. The front wall of King's brick shop fell on the street, and the front verandah was lifted up and lodged against the railway fence.

The skylights at the post office were broken in, and the place deluged with rain. All telegraph poles are down. 

May and Millar's foundry is an absolute wreck, and the back wall of Thomas' mill has been battered in by the flying roof of Willoughby's house.

Every fence in the place is down. The roof was blown off Chambers' house, and the inmates were swamped out. Chimneys were blown down in all directions. Messrs. Harvey, Patterson, Nelson, and Stewart's houses were severely damaged.

Crumpled and twisted iron is lying in all directions, and several narrow escapes occurred from flying iron.

The Agricultural Society's buildings, erected recently at a cost of £150, were all blown down, and only three posts are left to mark the place where they stood.

Thomas' saddler's shop was perforated with flying iron and rafters; and Cust's store was badly strained; while Anderson's shop was smashed in. All rooms at the coffee palace are unroofed.

A piece of 4-inch by 3-inch timber went through Blytheman's roof and landed alongside a bed where a lady was reclining.

The Record newspaper office was blown clean into the street, and badly damaged.

Lang and O'Donnell's foundry walls fell in, and the building collapsed. A piece of this building now sticks through the wall of a house 30 yards away.

Mr. McKinnon's house is a heap of debris, and how the inmates escaped is a marvel, as all the furniture lies strewed beneath the debris. Newman's house, next door, is partly demolished.

The McKinnon house at Beulah, after the Tornado. 

See below for information on the McKinnons.

State Library of Victoria Image H33437

A gig and trap blown from Smith's factory across the road landed against the railway fence.  

The township now presents a pitiful spectacle.

The heavy rain completed the damage by swamping the unroofed houses and driving the inmates out. No idea can be formed of the damage done except by a personal visit.

Giant trees were rooted up like matchwood, and in fact desolation reigns everywhere. During the storm 165 points of rain fell.

Reports from the surrounding district indicate that much damage was done along the track of the storm. Haystacks, houses, and farm buildings were blown down.

The Methodist Church here has been shifted completely, and now has a dangerous tilt. Vacant parts are strewn with debris of all kinds, and residents are searching for property.

The damage at a rough estimate must amount to thousands of pounds.

Many people on Sunday night had to seek shelter with their more fortunate neighbours.

Portions of the show-yard buildings were carried across the creek, over a quarter of a mile, and landed in the town.

There was another interesting report in The Age, March 11, 1908, see here.

Cyclonic Storm at Beulah

The cyclone storm which visited Beulah on Sunday afternoon was preceded by a terrific dust storm. From the west and north west immense clouds of red and black dust came whirling along violently. Vivid flashes of lightning were followed by heavy peals of thunder. When the clouds became visible they wore of a leaden colour and moving rapidly. Then came a great wind storm. Verandahs, roofs, houses, windows and trees were blown down, and sheets of galvanised iron were carried hundreds of yards and twisted into all shapes. The wind was accompanied by very heavy rain, an inch being registered in about half an hour.

The town afterwards presented a wrecked appearance. Messrs. Lang and O'Donnell's foundry and May and Miller's foundry were razed to the ground. The east side of Phillips-street had suffered very much. Many verandahs were ripped to pieces, some of the posts being forced through the windows. Every window facing the west was smashed. The new shed at the show ground was blown to pieces. At the Franklin's hotel the new stables were wrecked. At Thorns' Coffee Palace a number of wooden bedrooms at the rear were unroofed, and the interior flooded. The front of the Beulah " Record " office was torn completely out. At the State school one chimney was blown down, several sheets of iron were off the roof, and all outhouses were levelled to the ground.

The roofs of the Church of England and Presbyterian churches were badly damaged. Many chimneys were blown down. Messrs. M'Kinnon, Newman, Chandler, Willoughby and their families were rendered homeless. Fencing of every description suffered very much. The storm lasted about 30 minutes. The telegraph line was blown down, numbers of the poles being snapped off or torn out of the ground. All telegraphic communication was cut off. The damage done was considerable. There was fortunately only one slight accident. Mr. E. Neuman, a compositor, while seeking shelter, was struck on the head with a branch of a tree. He was rendered unconscious for a few moments.

There was another similar report of the Beulah Tornado in the Hamilton Spectator, March 11 1908, see here.

The McKinnons

The 1909 Electoral Roll lists four McKinnons in Beulah -

James - a horse-breaker

Lachlan Marcus -  a labourer

Maggie - home duties

William J. - a labourer

The Newmans, mentioned in the article as neighbours of the McKinnons are most likely Ernest Henry John Neuman and Sarah Ann Neuman; Ernest's occupation is listed as a printer, so he is the compositer mentioned in the second article who was struck on the head, by a tree branch.

Dr John Newman Tremearne of Creswick and Mandeville Hall

John Newman Tremearne was a doctor, an inventor, was at one time was charged with manslaughter,  and claimed to be able to cure cancer.  Dr Tremearne, who was born in Cornwall, England in c.1844, arrived in Melbourne on the Norfolk on July 9, 1872 (1) and took up a position of Resident Surgeon at the Creswick Hospital (2).  The activities of a country doctor were many and varied and there are reports that he treated typhoid patients, amputated limbs after accidents, performed post-mortems and at one time performed a lithotomy on a kidney stone the size of a hen's egg (3). 

Dr Tremearne

Image: The Victorian School of Forestry by Malcolm McKinty published here 

https://www.victoriasforestryheritage.org.au/activities1/learning/17-the-vsf-story.html

In 1876, at St John's Church of England in Creswick, John married Ada Jane Martin, whose father, Francis Martin, was the editor of the Creswick Advertiser.(4). The couple had six children (5) and only the one grandchild.

• Arthur John Newman (1877 - 1915). Arthur had a military career and in July 1895 received a commission in the 3rd Ballarat Battalion. He was a Lieutenant when he left to serve in the Boer War in 1899 with the First Victorian Infantry Company. He was invalided to England in June 1900. In 1908 and 1909 he served in Northern Nigeria and had his face grazed by a poisoned arrow whilst fighting the natives. The Age on June 13, 1910 reported that the University of Cambridge awarded him a certificate for his researches into the origin, language and folklore of the Houssa tribe in Nigeria. The certificate carries the degree of Bachelor of Arts. Captain Tremearne has also been awarded by the Cambridge University a Diploma of Anthropology for his thesis on Nigerian head hunters. Arthur was the author of a number of books including  The tailed head-hunters of Nigeria: an account of an official's seven years' experiences in the Northern Nigerian pagan belt, and a description of the manners, habits and customs of the native tribes as well as The ban of the Bori: demons and demon-dancing in West and North Africa and also Hausa folk-tales: Hausa text of the stories in Hausa superstitions and customs, in Folk-lore.  Arthur enlisted in the  British Army at the start of the First World War and was killed in Action in France on September 25, 1915. He had married Mary Louisa Tremearne in 1906, I presume she was a cousin. According to the 1911 English Census she had been born in Bengal in India. (6). I don't believe they had any children.

Arthur Tremearne

Weekly Times October 9, 1915 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/132707420?

• Ada Avenel (1879 - 1890). Her parents installed a memorial window in her honour at St John's Church of England in Creswick in June 1892. (7).  
• Francis Clement (1880-1881)
• John Eliot (1882-1951).  John was journalist on The Herald newspaper - a music and dramatic critic for 20 years until he retired in 1946, according to an obituary. He was a foundation member of the Australian Journalists' Association and a friend of fellow Creswick native, Norman Lindsay. John married Veronica McNamee in 1911 and they had one daughter, Veronica in 1913; she  married Graham Green in 1946. Young Veronica had nine month trip to England and Europe in 1937, where she saw the International Exhibition in Paris; travelled for two months by car around England and Scotland and saw the Coronation procession of King George VI.  Her father's newspaper, The Herald, reported on the trip. (8). 
• Frank Bazeley (1884- 1955) Frank enlisted to serve in the First World War on November 1, 1917 at the age of 33. He Returned to Australia July 23, 1919. He married Frances Daintry Harrison in 1945. Frank was also a  journalist, like his maternal grandfather and his brother. He was with The Argus. (9).
• Guy Howard (1893-1897).

Dr Tremearne's house at Creswick.

Image from https://omeka.cloud.unimelb.edu.au/cchc/items/show/6775

The Tremearne family built this grand house (above) in the early 1880s in Creswick (10). It is still standing and is now part of Melbourne University's Creswick Campus or the School of Forestry as it used to be known. The family were very much involved with the civic and social life of the town and when they left the town in 1902, the Ballarat Star reported that -
During the number of years they have resided here, much philanthropic work has by them, and 
their removal from Creswick, will leave a blank not easily filled. (11).

From 1883/84 Dr Tremearne began to acquire large parcels of land east of Dandneong, in what is now Hallam and Endeavour Hills. The 1883/84 Shire of Berwick Rate Books show that he owned Grasmere, Parish of Eumemmerring, part of Thomas Herbert Power's old Estate; a notation shows the rates were paid by R. B. Ridler. In the 1884/85 Rate Books the entry is under R.B. Ridler. In 1885/86, Dr Tremearne is listed as owning 653 acres, Parish of Narre Warren; as well as the 1815 acres in the Parish of Eumemmerring, leased to Robert Ridler.  In 1886/87, Tremearne owns 292 acres in the Parish of Eumemmerring, plus the 1815 acres in the Parish of Eumemmerring leased to Robert and Leonard Ridler. In 1887/88  - 292 acres Parish of Eumemmerring and a house; and 300 acres, also in the Parish of Eumemmerring, plus the 1815 acres in the Parish of Eumemmerring leased to Robert and Leonard Ridler. This is Tremearne's last appearance in the Rate Books.  (12). 

Dr Tremearne is said to have built Four Oaks homestead around 1883. The house is still standing at 13 Cardigan Street, Endeavour Hills. Four Oaks was so named as there were four oak trees on the property and is the name of one of the City of Casey Wards. There are only two oak trees remaining. I do not believe that Dr Tremearne actually lived here as there is evidence that he was still working in Creswick at the time, so it may be that he held this land as a speculative investment and the house was built for a farm manager or the Ridlers (13). 

Four Oaks, Endeavour Hills in 1987.

Image: Casey Cardinia Libraries

Dr Tremearne put his land up for sale on November 23, 1887 - as you can see by the advertisement below. Interestingly the property is not called Four Oaks but Rockley Park. Rockley Park, allotments 17 to 20, Parish of Eumemmering is  south of Heatherton Road, between Power Road and Hallam North Road and was just over 650 acres.

Sale of Dr Tremearne's Dandnenong properties.

The Australasian November 5, 1887. https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/143302930

The 1880s was a boom time in Victoria with property values going through the roof which is reflected in the following story and also adds strength to my idea that Dr Tremearne had purchased this land as an investment. The property was sold by Tremearne to James Mirams on March 1, 1888 for £40,000.  On March 14, Mirams sold the land for £48,000 to the Real Estate Bank. On May 1, the Real Estate Bank sold the land to Frederick Illingworth for £60,000. On June 14, Illingworth sold the land to the Grasmere Estate Company for £105,000. However when Tremearne sold the land to Mirams, Mirams paid in cash and promissory notes to be paid at specific times over the next few years and if Mirams failed to make a payment the contract was rescinded and this happened in March 1889. The contract was rescinded, however Mirams paid so the contract was reinstated. However the Grassmere Company used this to try to get out of the contract with Illingworth. (14). This involved Court case was written up in The Argus of September 10, 1889, you can read it here.    

Back to Creswick. During the time Tremearne owned the land in what is now Endeavour Hills, there is plenty of evidence in newspaper reports to show that he was still living and practicing medicine in Creswick and it was during this time that he was charged with manslaughter.  Richard Goatley was accidentally given a dose of morphia by Dr Tremearne rather than a dose of silicate of soda and he died. An inquest was held in February 1886 and the manslaughter trial at Stawell in the March (15). You can read about the trial, here.  In the end the Crown entered a  nolle prosequi or 'unwilling to pursue'. (16). 

The Argus, July 31, 1896 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/8910674

In 1896, when he was still at Creswick, Dr Tremearne discovered a cure for cancer. As the Sydney Mail newspaper noted -

A section of the community hail the report with natural joy. Another section asks, 'Can any good thing come out of Creswick?' The reputed discoverer is a surgeon and a scientist, liked and respected by his profession, and has been connected for some years with the pretty little mining township of Creswick, in the Ballarat district. (17).

Actually, Dr Tremearne had heard of this treatment from a colleague in Germany and so had not discovered it, but he was sent some supplies of this treatment, called methylene blue (18), and had been experimenting with it for four weeks with six of his cancer patients and he was struck by the wonderful rapidity in which their pain was eased. Here are two example of this treatment - 

The doctor's first patient was an old man, the right side of whose check was in a terrible state. For four days the doctor injected the methylene blue, when the appearance of the man's cheek showed a remarkable improvement. The cancerous growth was reduced in size and showed a decided shrinkage, while the patient suffered no pain whatever. The sufferer returned to his home about a fortnight ago. He has continued to use the prescription and he has written to the doctor informing him that he is getting along splendidly. Another patient, a lady, took to her bed at the hospital and it was never thought that she would leave it alive. Her cancer was an internal one, and she was suffering excruciating pain. After three days treatment she was able to leave her bed, and her condition has greatly improved. (19).

Dr Tremearne was clearly a man who was open to new ideas and in September 1897 he was granted  a patent for A new or improved desk or stand for supporting a hook, paper or other articles, and fittings for attaching same to chair, lounge, bed or table. 

Dr Tremerane's patent

Victoria Government Gazette, September 3, 1897, p. 3397. 

https://gazette.slv.vic.gov.au/images/1897/V/general/87.pdf

In September 1902, Dr Tremearne's hospital was sold and they then left Creswick and moved to Melbourne, where two of their sons were living (20). In May 1908, Ada Tremearne's sister, Ella Martin purchased Mandeville Hall in Toorak. Melbourne Punch noted - 
Mandeville Hall, a charming residence in Clendon-road, Toorak, built by the late Mr. Joseph Clarke
and lately occupied by Mrs. Ross Soden, has been taken by Miss Ella Martin to let in residential
suites or rooms. Miss Martin, who has had considerable experience in house management, has provided admirably for her patrons. Mr. Gillow of Robertson and Moffat's, has had carte blanche, and the firm have transformed the beautiful entrance hall, the handsome reception rooms, the bedrooms, and the smoke room into most refined and homelike interior, second to none of their kind. All the rooms have bells and fireplaces and the many bathrooms are fitted with hot and cold water. The rich and quaint mural decorations make the interior still more attractive, and the lovely liberty furnishing in rich Georgian designs add still more to the luxurious surroundings. Terms are from £2 2 a week. Mandeville Hall, standing on five acres of land, has tennis and croquet grounds, and fine lawns, is four minutes from the Toorak trains and near the tram line. (21)

The original house on the site was one of 12 rooms built for Alfred Watson in 1869. It was purchased by Joseph Clarke in 1876 who had the house enlarged to 30 rooms and an ornate facade added. These works were designed by the architect, Charles Webb. (22).

In May 1908 John and Ada moved to Mandeville Hall (23).  Dr Tremearne died at the age of 68 on November 14, 1912 whilst living at Mandeville Hall. (24).  Ella Martin sold Mandeville Hall in 1924 to the Loreto Order of Nuns, who turned it into a school, which is still operating (25).

It is clear that the Tremearne family were well off, but that didn't prevent the heartache of losing three of their six children at a young age  - Ada was eleven years old, Francis was 8 months and Guy was three years old; and when Ada Tremearne died on April 1,  1942 at the age of 84 (26), she had only two sons living, John and Frank, Arthur having been killed in World War One. John and Ada are buried at the Creswick Cemetery, along with their little children -  Ada, Francis and Guy. 

Mandeville Hall, the last home of Dr Tremearne.

State Library of Victoria Image IAN31/10/78/18.

Published in the Australian Illustrated News October 31, 1878.

http://handle.slv.vic.gov.au/10381/251122

Trove list
I have created a list of newspaper articles about Dr Tremearne and his family on Trove, click here to access the list

Footnotes

1) The Australasian, July 13, 1872, see here.
(2) The Leader (Orange) November 18, 1912, see here.

(3)  See articles in my Trove list, here.

(4) Ballarat Star, September 29, 1876, see here; The Argus, September 30, 1876, see here. Ada was born 1856 to Francis Nicholas Martin and his wife, Grace Row.

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

(6) Boer War Nominal roll entry, see here; The Age, June 13, 1910, see here;  Obituaries of Arthur Tremearne - Ballarat Courier, October 5, 1915, see here; Ballarat Star, October 6, 1915, see here;  Weekly Times, October 9, 1915, see here; State Library of Victoria hold some of his books. Marriage notice - Ballarat Star, June 9, 1906, see here;  U.K.Census available on Ancestry.com.

(7) Ballarat Star, June 9 1892, see here.

(8) Obituary - The Herald, February 2, 1951, see here; The Herald, October 19, 1937, see here.

(9) WW1 Attestation papers at the National Archives of Australia; The Argus, November 19, 1955, see here.

(10) https://omeka.cloud.unimelb.edu.au/cchc/items/show/6775
(11) Ballarat Star, October 10, 1902, see here.
(12) Shire of Berwick Rate books and the City of Berwick Heritage Conservation Study, prepared by Context P/L in 1993 (see footnote below for access)

(13) Four Oaks does have a City of Casey Heritage overlay. You can read the citation in the City of Berwick Heritage Conservation Study, prepared by Context P/L in 1993. Access it https://www.casey.vic.gov.au/heritage-at-casey > Local Heritage Studies and Reviews

(14) The Argus, September 10, 1889, see here.

(15) Weekly Times, March 6 1886, see here.

(16) Hamilton Spectator, March 20, 1886, see here.

(17) Sydney Mail, August 15, 1896, see here.

(18) Methylene Blue  https://www.britannica.com/science/methylene-blue

(19) The Argus, July 31, 1896, see here.

(20) Ballarat Star, September 9, 1902, see here.

(21) Punch, May 21, 1908, see here.

(22) Victorian Heritage database https://vhd.heritagecouncil.vic.gov.au/places/1165

(23) Punch, May 14, 1908, see here.

(24) The Age, November 16, 1912, see here.

(25) The Argus, August 1, 1924,  see here.

(26) The Argus, April 2, 1942, see here.

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

Best-kept Railway Stations in Victoria

I came across this photograph of the Warragul Railway Station planted with tree ferns. It's a bit unusual, and I would have thought slightly impractical, to see the platform planted out, so I had to share it. 

U.121 at Warragul, 1890. Victorian Railways photographer.

State Library of Victoria Image H1077

It was however, common for railway stations to have gardens. The Argus, in November 1892, reported on the establishment of a prize for best-kept station -
With a desire to see the railway stations beautified the Acting Railway Commissioners have decided to offer an annual premium for the best-kept station. In their travels of inspection of the railways they noticed with pleasure that trees shrubs and flowers had been planted about some of the stations and that the effect was very cheerful, especially in contrast with the dull and smoky aspect of most stations. Their intention is to encourage tree and shrub planting in the station grounds adjacent to the platforms and, they recommend in a circular, to be issued to all stationmasters, that in hot districts especially the trees should be placed so as to afford a shade to passengers on the platforms and that shrubs in boxes might be placed on the platforms. The station masters will be provided with trees on application to the west branch of the Mines department, and may receive advice from the conservator of forests if they desire it. The prize for the best kept station will be £10 per annum. (1).

As the photo of the Warragul station is dated 1890, the railway staff there were seemingly forerunners when it came to station plantings and in August 1893, they were awarded a prize for their garden, where the ferns were mentioned as a feature -

When the prizes were awarded for the best kept suburban and country railway stations to Glen Huntly and Warragul respectively, some difficulty was felt in alloting the prize for Warragul, as the work of planting ferns, &c., had been shared in by various officers. The station master, Mr. Urquhart, who was in charge during the greater period of the improvement, was lately transferred to Princes-bridge. The authorities have decided to hand over the £10 prize to Mr. Urquhart for distribution among the Warragul staff. Other stations in the suburbs are now taking up the idea, and at various points in the metropolitan system tree planting is going on, which will produce very acceptable results in a few years. (2)

It appears that Warragul was the catalyst to award two prizes, a suburban station prize and a country station prize - 

Mr. Ingram, the railway storekeeper, who was recently deputed by the commissioners to inspect

the various stations, has recommended that the prize of £10 offered for the best kept station should be given to Mr. Wm. Collins, station master at Glen Huntly. Mr. Ingram has suggested that a second prize should be given for the best kept country station, which, if agreed to, will be awarded to the Warragul station. (3)   

Warragul Station opened March 1, 1878 and the original wooden building was replaced by the existing brick building in 1918. (4). I have no date as to when the ferns were removed, but this photo below, dated 1900, does not show them, but there are a few trees planted on the platform.

Warragul Railway Station, c. 1900 - the fern trees have been removed.

Block on the line, Warragul. State Library of Victoria Image H39533

The Herald announced the winners of the 1894 best kept stations, with Avoca and Sandringham winning the Country and Suburban sections.

The Herald September 8 1894 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/241110207

Sandringham Railway Station in 1899, still very well kept, five years after they won the best-kept station award.

Photographer William Sims. State Library of Victoria image H31598/7

This is a report of the elaborate garden at Fairfield Park Railway Station which won in 1896 -

With a view to encouraging officials who are in charge of railway stations to improve their surroundings, the Railway department has an annual inspection, and award prizes to the men in charge of the best kept stations. This year the first prize has fallen to the Fairfield Park station master, Heidelberg line, where a great deal of artistic taste has been displayed in beautifying the platform. Plots of ornamental shrubs and flowers, and rockeries with ferns and other suitable growth, present a pleasant view to passengers. This station was regarded as the second best in the suburbs last year. The second prize was awarded to Brunswick, and the third to East Richmond. Of the stations on the country lines, Bacchus Marsh was chosen for first prize, Telford second and Condah third. (5).

Bacchus Marsh wins the best-kept country station in 1896.

Ballarat Star, May 19, 1896 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article207486054

Bacchus Marsh Railway Station, c. 1900. The gardens have interesting plantings 

and use of free-form branches as trellising.

State Library of Victoria Image H92.386/11. Click here for a close-up http://handle.slv.vic.gov.au/10381/23316

The people of Condah were not happy with a third as the Condah correspondent of the Hamilton Spectator reported - 

Great surprise and no small amount of indignation was felt at the published award at the annual competition of the best kept railway stations throughout the colony. That Condah should receive only third place with hon. mention was treated as a joke. Really it would be interesting to know on what grounds the award was made. If the beautifying of a station depends upon the artistic display of pot plants, then the station that is near a nursery can easily take first prize; but if it be a permanent and systematic improvement, such as filling up blank corners with growing flowers, the planting of trees, etc., then we claim that our station ranks easily first in the list of stations. Doubtless many of our readers in passing through have admired the beautiful display of growing flowers, and have noted the very great change in the appearance of the station platform and grounds surrounding it. Sympathy is expressed for Mr. Kellaway, whose station was judged late in the season, when nearly all the bloom was gone, and many of the outside changes were not noticed at all. (6)

There was much competition for the best-kept station prize; the Coburg Leader reported in 1899 -
Railway Station Gardening - It is expected that the prize annually given by Mr. Mathieson, Chief Commissioner of Railways, will have considerable competition. Last year the honor of success in this direction fell to Broadford, whilst it is three years since the Brunswick station captured it. Without appearing egotistical it may be said that if the local station does not pull off the prize this time it is not the fault of Messrs Kemmis, Collins and Stephens who, are respectively in charge of the station. For a suburban station with an inconsiderable number of travellers, great credit rebounds on these gentlemen for the painstaking manners and botanical like effect with which the work has been carried out. This is more creditable on account of the depredations of goats and children, the latter it is explained are not content with pulling the flowers, but actually, uproot them to the annoyance and chagrin of the officers. (7)  

Brunswick won the prize in 1904 and the substantial garden was described in The Age -
The Railways. The Best Kept Station. Brunswick wins the prize - The Brunswick railway station employes have won the first prize of £7 in the suburban competitions for tree planting and station decoration given by the Railway department in order to encourage the beautifying of railway stations. This year about 40 blue gums have been planted at the Brunswick station, while there are also oak trees, elms, cypresses and willows, in addition to well kept rosemary borders, creepers, shrubs, flowers, and picturesque bamboos. (8)

Cheltenham wins the best-kept station in 1905

The Age December 20, 1905 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article199426164

The Cheltenham Railway Station, winner of the best-kept station in 1905.

Victorian Railways photographer. 

State Library of Victoria Image H1077

Around 1906, the Victorian Railways also introduced  a prize for the best-kept station residence. It was common for some staff to be provided with a house, as railway historian Leo Harrigan noted - 

From the inception  of Government railways in Victoria, staff residences have been provided at certain stations, crossings and other places for stationmasters, gatekeepers, gangers and the like (9). The Victorian Railways no doubt hoped this prize would an incentive for the staff to look after their house. 

The Herald reported on the various prizes awarded in 1906, and the list highlights the sheer size of the Victorian Railways at the time - which consisted of the rolling stock, the maintenance infrastructure, the railway staff and the railway line network, shown in magnificent detail in these maps here   https://www.vrhistory.com/VRMaps/index.htm 

As a matter of interest, one woman, Mrs Mason, of the Deepdene Station won first prize for her well kept residence in the Metropolitan area in 1906-

Railway Residences: Prize Awards - Some time ago the Railway Commissioners offered prizes of L6, L3 and L1 respectively for the three best-kept departmental residences, in each workmaster's district, which were occupied by daily-paid employes of the department. After devoting considerable care in their work the Judges have made the following awards:— Metropolitan District: Gatewoman Mason, Deepdene, 1; Gateman Butler, Brighton Beach, 2; Ganger Russell, Emerald. 3. Eastern District: Repairer Venville, Buln Buln, 1; Ganger West and Repairer Amger, Tynong, divided 2nd and 3rd. Northern District: Porter Young, Carlsruhe, 1; Signalman Broughton and Repairer Whiffen, divided 2nd and 3rd. North-Eastern District: Repairer M'Govern, Tarrawinge, 1; Ganger Brandy, Myrtleford, 2: Ganger Graham, Bright, 3. Northern and Midland District: Repairer Arblaster, Kurting, 1; Porter M'Iver, North Creswick, 2; Repairer Scarff, Tournello, 3. Western District: Repairer Dickson, Birregurra 1; Signalman Murfiit, Linton Junction 2; Ganger Holden, Cobden 3. North Western District: Ganger Murphy, Goroke, 1; Repairer Cook, Natimuk, divided half of the second and third prizes, Ganger Brock, Rainbow and Ganger Lines, Mildura, divided a quarter of 2nd and third prizes. (10)

The best-kept station prize and the best-kept station residence prize were still being awarded in the 1950s, but I have no information when they finished. 

Footnotes

(1) The Argus, November 4, 1892, see here.

(2) Gippsland Farmers' Journal, August 1, 1893, see here.

(3) The Age, July 6, 1893, see here.

(4) Copeland, Hugh The Path of Progress: from forests of yesterday to homes of to-day  (Shire of Warragul, 1934)

(5) The Leader, June 20, 1896, see here.

(6) Hamilton Spectator, June 4, 1896, see here.

(7) Coburg Leader, December 23, 1899, see here.

(8) The Age, September 13, 1904, see here.

(9) Harrigan, Leo J Victorian Railways to '62 (Victorian Railways, 1962), p. 148

(10) The Herald, July 30, 1906, see here.