Victoria's Past - Rescued and Retold

Saturday, October 14, 2023

The War Trophy Committee and the War Trophies distributed to the Shires of Berwick and Cranbourne and neighbouring Shires

In late 1919 the War Trophies Committee was established and its role was to distribute 'war trophies' which had been captured during the War. A meeting was held on October 16, 1919 and the report of this meeting tells us how the guns would be distributed and it also has an insight in to how the Australian War Museum collection was started -
It was agreed that all trophies captured by units of the six States should be handed over as soon as possible, and that an immediate distribution should be made of one gun to each of the C.M.F. (1) units with, which A.I.F. (2) units have been affiliated. This will absorb only a relatively small portion of the trophies due to the States, and it was thought fitting that the first trophies allocated should go to the A.I.F. battalions and regiments which were responsible for the capture of the trophies as a whole. A first selection will be made from the trophies for the purpose of establishing at a date to be decided upon a National Australian War Museum. This would be the Commonwealth share of the material, and it would include a complete representation of all trophies and relics, as well as a collection of war pictures by Australian artists, some of which have already been painted. Another part of the Commonwealth museum would be a magnificent set of official war photographs, numbering about 12,000, and ultimately all the war diaries and other official papers in connection with the various campaigns would be assembled in this Commonwealth museum (3).

On April 20, 1920 The Herald reported on the number of War Trophies to be distributed -
The War Office Trophies Committee reported that it has distributed nearly 100,000 trophies to the Imperial War Museum, and to the over seas Dominions. Australia, with 1243 guns, has secured the greatest number of trophies. Canada comes next with 1175, and New Zealand has 384. The King desires two guns each for Windsor Castle, Buckingham Palace, the Horseguards, and the Tower of London (4).

A War Trophy Committee was established in each State and they determined how the guns would be distributed. I have found the following references to local distributions in the Shires of Berwick and Cranbourne and neighbouring Shires of Dandenong, Fern Tree Gully, Korumburra, Warragul, Buln Buln and Frankston & Hastings. This post is a work in progress and I can currently find only one photo of a local gun; I do not know how many were actually installed or where, or what happened to any of them.

Shire of Berwick
Correspondence to the Berwick Shire Council June 1920 - From Victorian State Trophy committee, re distribution of war trophies to townships within the shire, the following towns to receive one machine gun each: - Gembrook, Bunyip, lona, Berwick, Beaconsfield, Pakenham, Narnargoon. - The President moved that councillors have meetings so as to decide what should be done with guns in respective ridings.--Cr Anderson seconded.--Cr Anderson moved that an extra gun be secured for Beaconsfield riding.- Cr Walsh thought they should have one for Cora Lynn (5).

The Council received further correspondence in December 1920 saying that only five guns were allocated - From Victorian State Trophy committee, soliciting co-operation. Also stating that five machine guns had been allotted to the shire (6).

Beaconsfield Upper

Report from December 1921 - A machine-gun, captured by the 46 Batt, A.I.F., and presented to the district by the War Museum Committee, was unveiled by Captain A'Beckett. Three of the returned men present:-Messrs. W. O. Gibb, C. Harris and U. A' Beckett, who were appointed custodians of the gun, requested the Assembly Hall trustees to place it in the hall for the people of the district. This was promised by Mr. Harvey Smith, chairman. (7)

Cora Lynn

Report from March 1922 - The unveiling of the memorial and machine gun took place on Wednesday, 22nd inst. Despite the showers which fell so incessantly during the afternoon, there was a very large attendance of people. The President of the Memorial Committee (Mr Anderson) briefly outlined the cost of the stone etc., to which he said the people of Cora Lynn donated most generously. He then called on Cr Groves, M.L.A., to perform the unveiling ceremony, after which all present adjourned to the Hall. (8)

Pakenham
Report from September 1920 - The Victorian Trophies committee having allotted a machine gun to Pakenham, it now remains for the conditions on which it was allotted to be complied with. Arrangements are being made to put matter in order for the reception of this "death dealing trophy." It will be an interesting relic of the great war. (9)

Shire of Cranbourne
Cranbourne
Report from September 1920 - On Tuesday evening next, a public meeting will be held in the Cranbourne Shire hall, when trustees will be elected for accepting a machine gun, from the Defence authorities, as a war trophy for Cranbourne (10).

Report from December 1920 - The war trophy, assigned to Cranbourne, has arrived. It is a machine gun, captured at Mount St. Quentin. The trustees have the matter of its erection in hand. There may also be a public gathering to receive it in an official manner (11).

This is a very grainy photo of the Shire of Cranbourne Offices, which shows the War Memorial (unveiled in 1939) and what appears to be a gun next to it, see photo below.

Image: Casey Cardinia Libraries

Is that the gun to the right of the Memorial?

It actually looks more like a cannon, but it is the best I can find.

Clyde

Report from December 1920 - At a meeting of the Clyde branch R.S.A (12) held at North Clyde hall on Wednesday evening, December 1st....agreed that the president (Mr Marriott) be appointed trustee for R.S.A., for the machine gun, donated to Clyde (13).

Report from December 1920 - A machine gun has been allotted to Clyde by the War Trophies committee. At a public meeting held on December 8, it was decided to receive same, and have it erected in the Clyde State school, Mr G. Ridgway, Mr. C. Crosskell and Mr W. Marriott being elected trustees. As Clyde is the smallest town in the State that has been honored by the presentation of a captured gun, those who agitated for its possession are to be commended for their enterprise (14).

This report of the unveiling of the German machine gun at Clyde.

Koo Wee Rup Sun, April 14, 1921, p. 4

This is a transcription of the report, above, of the unveiling of the German machine gun at Clyde on April 8, 1921.
One of the most successful functions held in Clyde took place on Friday afternoon, the 8th inst., when the German machine gun presented by the War Trophy Committee was unveiled and handed over to the Trustees. The official portion of the ceremony was performed by Mr F. Groves, M.L.A. Mr Croskell, one of the Trustees occupied the chair. Other well known men present on the platform were Crs Hill and Hardy, Messrs W. Marriott (president of the Cranbourne branch of the R.S.S.I.L.A. (15), and trustee of the gun), T. Ridgway (trustee), E. Vinge (chairman of the school committee), G. Hook, V. Peters (head teacher Clyde North school). L. Edwards (head teacher Clyde school). Apologies were received by Crs Mills and Brunt, and the Rev. Matthews. The musical portion of the ceremony was arranged by Miss I. Hunter and Mrs Peters, who deserve great praise for the select programme provided. Speeches were delivered by Mr Groves, who presented the gun, which was accepted by Mr Croskell on behalf of the trustees, Cr Hardy, Cr Hill and Mr W. Weatherly Marriott on behalf of the soldiers. Votes of thanks to Mr Groves, Crs Hill and Hardy, and the performers, also the chairman, bought a most enjoyable afternoon to a close. The children were then issued lollies, the ladies disposing refreshments to the adults. (16)

Unveiling of the Cardinia machine gun

Koo Wee Rup Sun May 4, 1922, p. 2.

Cardinia
Report from May 1922 - The ceremony of unveiling the honor board and machine gun in the Cardinia State School took place on Anzac Day, in the presence of very large gathering. Mr W. Duff, J.P., presided.... [Cr Hill] In reference to the honor roll, the district had responded splendidly to the call, and that of the 30 who enlisted 11 had made the supreme sacrifice, and that in regard to the machine gun it was somewhat significant that it was captured at Villiers Brettoneaux on 25th April 1918, exactly four years ago. He asked the boys and girls when they looked on this emblem of destruction to treasure the names of those who fought and died for them, and to strive and pray that war should never again occur. (17)

Shire of Dandenong
Correspondence to the Dandenong Shire Council from May 1920 - From Victorian State Trophy committee, advising of the distribution of the following war trophies to the Shire of Dandenong: One machine gun, Dandenong; one machine gun, Carrum ; one machine gun, Aspendale. It was decided to also apply for a machine gun for Springvale (18).

Carrum Downs
Report from May 1923 - A large attendance of residents of the district were present at Wells Road Hall on Tuesday of last week, when the Shire of Dandenong presented to the ratepayers a capture gun. The unveiling was performed by the president and several interesting addresses were made. Refreshments were provided by the local people. (19)

Shire of Fern Tree Gully
Correspondence to the Fern Tree Gully Shire June 1920 - From Victorian Trophy committee, notifying that in allotment of war trophies, one machine gun each had been allotted to Fern Tree Gully, Bayswater, Emerald and Belgrave.—The secretary stated that three trustees would have to be nominated for each place, and the guns would have to be mounted.—Cr. Chandler moved that a public meeting be convened at each centre to elect trustees, which must include a member of the A.I.F. in each instance.—Seconded by Cr. Butcher, and carried (20).

Report from June 1920 - Fern Tree Gully is very fortunate in the allotment of war trophies. Belgrave, Emerald and Bayswater are each to have a gun which was captured by the Australian troops. Three trustees are to be appointed in each place—two Councillors and a member of the A.I.F.—to take charge of the implements of destruction, which will be erected in suitable places. The Council decides that in each of the towns named public meetings be held, at which trustees are to be appointed. The Council was pleased at being so highly favored (21).

Presentation of a machine gun at Belgrave

The Mountaineer, April 8, 1921 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article264116780

Bayswater
Report from April 1921 - On Sunday, April 24, an Anzac memorial service was held in the local hall grounds, a large and representative gathering being present. On the platform were Rev. McKeon (Church of England), Mr. Combridge(Church of Christ), and Mr. Watchorn (Methodist). The Rev. McKeon gave a very fine address which was much appreciated by those present. A war trophy machine gun was presented to the local committee. (22)

Shire of Korumburra

Correspondence to the Korumburra Shire December 1920 - From State War Trophy Committee,

intimating that a field gun has been allotted to Korumburra, and the distribution of machine guns has been extended to take in Nyora, Bena and Kardella —Received. (23)

Correspondence to the Korumburra Shire June 1921- State War Trophy Committee, advising that trench mortar and a machine gun have been allotted to Korumburra in addition to the field gun already forwarded.—Accepted. (24)

Shire of Warragul

Correspondence to the Warragul Shire July 1921 - State War Trophy Committee, forwarding one Trench Mortar and one machine gun (war trophies). - Received. (25)

Warragul

Report from November 1921 - Presentation of Gun .The District High School [at Warragul] has received from the War Trophy Committee a ceded German gun - a trench mortar. Arrangements have been made for the gun to be presented to the school by Capt. W. M. Algie, one of the foundation pupils of the school. Capt. Algie is at present a member of the Staff Corps, Victoria Barracks. It is fitting that an old student with a distinguished war record should present this trophy to the school. The ceremony will take place at the school at 3p.m. on Monday, 21st inst, and the public are invited to attend. (26)

Sea View

Report from May 1922 - In the afternoon Sir John visited Sea View, and handed over the machine gun to the committee, making an impressive speech on the lessons to be learnt as a result of the great war. (27) [Sir John Mackey, M.L.A., member for West Gippsland]

Ellinbank

Report from April 1921 - A meeting convened by Cr. W. H. Paynter was held in the State school on Saturday evening, 26th March. There was a good attendance, and Cr. Paynter as chairman briefly explained the object which was to make arrangements for the installation of the machine gun awarded to Ellinbank by the War Trophies Committee. It was decided to celebrate the event by holding a picnic and sports day on Wednesday, April 27th, the function of installing the weapon to take place during the afternoon. For this purpose it was decided to invite Brig. General Brand, State Commandant; Sir John Mackey, and the Shire President to speak on the occasion. The enthusiasm with which the project was launched is decisively shown by the fact of over £20 being promised in a few minutes towards the sports programme. (28)

Shire of Buln Buln

Correspondence to the Buln Buln Shire June 1920 - Victorian State Trophy Commission, regarding war trophies allotted to Buln Buln Shire; one machine gun each for Drouin, Neerim South and Longwarry. - Accepted with thanks; application to be made for one for Neerim North. (29)

Report from July 1920 - An Enemy Gun - Cr. Casey presided at the public meeting held in the Mechanics' Hall, Drouin, recently for the purpose of appointing trustees to take charge of the machine gun war trophy, to be presented to Drouin by the Defence Department. Messrs. W. L. Tritschler and W. Young (representing the townspeople) and Mr. A. E. Miles (returned soldiers) were appointed trustees, and it was decided to place the gun in the Mechanics' Hall until the Memorial Hill is built, when it will have a prominent position in front of that building. (30)

Neerim South

Report from December 1921 - Two captured machine guns were unveiled at Neerim South by Mr J. Swafield, a returned soldier. The Rev Mr Hobb gave the chief address. A collection was taken up in aid of the monument garden, and it was well supported. (31)

Shire of Frankston and Hastings

Report from June 1920 - State Trophy Committee advising that one machine gun has been allotted to Frankston and one to Hastings. Resolved, that steps be taken to appoint three trustees at each centre ; one returned soldier must be included as a trustee. (32)

Frankston

Report from June 1920 - Last night Cr Oates, Mr Bradbury and Mr E. Barrett were elected trustees for Frankston's machine gun. (33)

A meeting to appoint Trustees for the Frankston War Trophy

Mornington Standard June 4, 1920 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article65853885

Report from December 1923 of the unveiling of the Honor Board at Frankston on December 18, 1923, and at the same ceremony the machine guns were presented - At a later stage, General Elliot formally presented the war trophies allotted to Frankston, by the Victorian trophies committee. These consisted of two German machine guns captured during the Australian advance near Geneve, France, by the 24th Battalion, on 4th October, 1918. Cr. Oates, on behalf of his cotrustees (Messrs. E. Barrett and J. Bradbury), accepted the trophies, and promised to guard and care for them as worthy mementoes of our boys wonderful achievements in the Great War. (34)

Trove List
I have created a short list of articles on Trove regarding the War Trophy Committee and references from the old Shire of Berwick and Shire of Cranbourne and neighbouring areas, access it here.

Footnotes
(1) C.M.F - The history of the Australian Army has 2 distinct phases. Pre-1947 the army was divided into 'Regular Army' and Citizens Military Force (CMF). The CMF had the most members, as it was formed from the colonial militia groups post-Federation. As both groups were unable to serve overseas, a volunteer force was created for both the First and Second World Wars, called the 'Australian Imperial Force'. After 1947, a standing peacetime infantry was formed and the CMF (which was renamed in 1980 to Army Reserve) started to declined in importance. Source: Australian War Memorial https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/C1222748
(2) A. I. F - see footnote 1.
(3) The Argus, October 17 1919, see here.
(4) The Herald, April 20, 1920, see here.

(5) South Bourke & Mornington Journal, June 10 1920, see here.

(6) South Bourke & Mornington Journal, December 23, 1920 see here.

(7) The Argus, December 27, 1921, see here.

(8) Pakenham Gazette, March 10, 1922, p. 3. I have written about the Cora Lynn War Memorial, here https://kooweerupswamphistory.blogspot.com/2021/12/cora-lynn-war-memorial.html

(9) South Bourke and Mornington Journal, September 30, 1920, see here.

(10) South Bourke & Mornington Journal, September 30, 1920 see here.

(11) South Bourke & Mornington Journal, December 9, 1920 see here.

(12) R. S. A - Returned Soldiers Association. It was established around September 1915 (The Argus, September 25, 1915 see here) See also footnote 12.
(13) South Bourke & Mornington Journal, December 9, 1920, see here.

(14) South Bourke & Mornington Journal, December 23, 1920 see here.

(15) R.S.S.I.L.A - Returned Sailors and Soldiers Imperial League of Australia. Established July 1916 at a conference of delegates of the various returned soldiers' associations of Australia (The Herald, July 5, 1916 see here.)

(16) Koo Wee Rup Sun, April 14, 1921, p. 4

(17) Koo Wee Rup Sun May 4, 1922, p. 2. I have written about the unveiling of the Cardinia Honor Board and Machine Gum, here https://kooweerupswamphistory.blogspot.com/2022/01/unveiling-of-cardinia-state-school.html

(18) South Bourke & Mornington Journal, June 3 1920, see here.

(19) Frankston and Somerville Standard, May 30 1923, see here.

(20) Box Hill Reporter, June 4, 1920, see here.

(21) Lilydale Express, June 4, 1920, see here.

(22) Box Hill Reporter, April 29, 1921, see here.

(23) Great Southern Advocate, December 23, 1920, see here.

(24) Great Southern Advocate, June 23, 1921 see here.

(25) West Gippsland Gazette, July 12, 1921, see here.

(26) West Gippsland Gazette, November 15, 1921, see here.

(27) West Gippsland Gazette, May 30, 1922, see here.

(28) West Gippsland Gazette, April 5, 1921, see here.

(29) West Gippsland Gazette, June 8, 1920, see here.

(30) West Gippsland Gazette, July 20, 1920 see here. Report credited to the "Independent."

(31) The Argus, December 5, 1921, see here.

(22) Mornington Standard, June 11, 1920, see here.

(33) Mornington Standard, June 11, 1920, see here.

(34) Frankston and Somerville Standard, December 23, 1921, see here.

A shorter version of this post, which I wrote and researched, first appeared on my work blog, Casey Cardinia Commemorates: our War Years.

Saturday, September 9, 2023

Frankston and the Sun News-Pictorial Ideal Town competition 1927 and 1931

In 1927 the Sun News-Pictorial newspaper introduced the Ideal Town competition. Towns could be entered into one of the three division - Division A was for towns having a population greater than 3,000; Division B, a population between 1,500 and 3,000, and Division C, a population below 1,500. There was a daily coupon in The Sun and these were to be sent in with the name of the town the reader wanted to vote for and how many votes they estimated the town would achieve. The person who was the closest in each division received a prize of £25 and there were 25 consolation prizes of £1. (1)

After the voting closed -

and the six leaders in each division have been discovered, an expert committee will visit the towns and pick the best. Three well-known citizens have recognised the wide public interest in the quest, and the beneficial influence it is exercising in the country, and have consented to act as judges. The town planners are represented by Mr C. E. Merrett, member of the Metropolitan Town Planning Commission, and president of the Royal Agricultural Society. Mr Robert R. Hamilton, prominent city architect, and a member of the Council of the Institute of Architects, will judge the architecture of the towns, while Mr George Bell, the well-known Australian artist, also will act. (2)

The criteria for the judging included - Situation and lay-out will be factors considered, but the competition will go much further. Points will be given for civic enterprise, the development of local industries, beautification schemes, lighting, parks and open spaces for the people, and children's playgrounds.(3). Another report noted that the Judges travelled 2273 miles, visiting towns throughout Victoria before reaching their decision. (4) The winning town was awarded £200; the second prize was £75 and the third prize was £25. (5)

Frankston entered in Division B, and a civic campaign commenced in November when a meeting of over thirty delegates representing every organisation in Frankston was held. At the meeting -

Cr. W. J. Oates presided and gave a brief outline of the scheme, which is a simple one. Each day a coupon appears in the Sun News Pictorial on which the reader may record his ideal town of Victoria. These coupons need not be sent in from day to day, but may be saved and forwarded in one lot. In the case of Frankston it is proposed to receive them at the Shire Office and send them in from there.

The method of voting is not complicated. All the reader has to do is to fill in the word Frankston in the space provided, give an estimate of the number of votes which he thinks will be recorded for the town of his choice and sign his name. The estimate of votes gives the reader a chance of winning a cash prize of £25, as this sum will be paid to the one who gives the nearest estimate to the number of votes which the winning town in each section receives. The report of this meeting noted that no opportunity to vote every day should be lost by anyone who has the interest of Frankston at heart. (6)

Main Street, Frankston, in January 1928.

This is how Frankston looked like when the judges visited in connection

to the 1927 Ideal Town competition.

The Australasian January 21, 1928 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article140791820

Frankston also sought some high-profile support -

Frankston hopes to get support for its drive to be declared the Ideal Town of Victoria from

some of its widely-known residents, such as the Prime Minister (Mr. Bruce), the President of the Employers' Federation (Mr T. Ashworth), Mr Daryl Lindsay, the artist, Major-General H.W. Grimwade, Brigadier-General Elliott and Mr W. B. McGuiness, who is painting Canberra. The Frankston Publicity Committee has asked these men to tell why they chose Frankston as permanent places of residence, or for holiday homes. (7)

The first set of winners were announced on Monday, January 9, 1928 in Division A, towns with a population over 3,000, the honours going to Warrnambool, with Castlemaine second and Bairndsale third. On Friday, January 13, the winners of Division C, towns with a population below 1,500 were announced. The winner was Yea, second place Jeparit and equal third Alexandra and Woodend.(8)

In Division B, the winners were announced on January 11, and sadly for Frankston, they were pipped by Beechworth, with Nhill coming third. The Frankston and Somerville Standard reported on the day -

Frankstonians started Wednesday with heavy hearts when the result of the Ideal Town competition was made known. Hopes of securing top of the tree had run high, and the announcement that the township had to take second place was too much to stand up to cheerfully so early in the morning. As the day wore on, residents began to smile once more and realised that the securing of second place in such a contest was something of which every resident could justly be proud. (9)

The Herald reported that -

In all their remarks the Judges have emphasised the importance of trees, and the removal of trees from Frankston's main streets was considered a disadvantage by the judges. They said that many of the finest homes and gardens in the State are to be found on the cliff-edged heights and praised the water and light, the sporting facilities and fine bathing beaches. Frankston's gardens and trees in the State and High Schools won it points. (10)

Having won £75, the Frankston community had to make a decision how the money should be spent. In May 1928 the Frankston & Somerville Standard reported that -

A meeting of the committee connected with the Ideal Town competition was held on Monday night to finalise matters in connection with the competition. Some debate on the question of the use to which the prize money (£75) won in the competition was to be put ensued.

Some time ago the Shire council received a request from the Arborean Club that the prize money be handed over to the club for the purpose of planting trees in the streets. As a result the council asked the Ideal Town committee for a recommendation regarding the spending of the money. Practically all present were in sympathy with the proposal to use the money in tree planting, but a suggestion from Cr. Bradbury that attractive entrance gates to Frankston Park found greater favor. It was agreed that it be a recommendation to the council to expend the money in erecting entrance gates to the Park. (11)

The Park Gates, Frankston.

Photographer: Rose Stereograph Co. State Library of Victoria Image H32492/4164

Local stonemason, Thomas Ferbrache, constructed the gates. He died in January 1938, aged 59, and his short obituary said that he was a stonemason of outstanding ability, and many works in the district - including the Frankston Park gates, are a monument to his skill. Mr. Ferbrache, who was a native of Guernsey, died following a stroke. (12)

In June 1930, it was reported that -

The ornamental gates at the main entrance to Frankston Park are now complete and the tall iron gates standing between massive stone columns form a fitting entrance to a park which is second to none south of Melbourne. At last meeting, of the shire council it was decided, on the motion of Crs. Pratt and Oates, that the Minister for Lands (Mr. Bailey) be invited to officially open the gates on July 2. As the prize money won by Frankston in the Ideal Town competition conducted by the Sun News Pictorial was spent on this work, Mr. Keith Murdoch has been invited to be present. (13). Sadly neither men could accept the invitation, and six months later in the December, the Premier, Mr Hogan, and Mr Murdoch, were again unavailable. I have no information as to when or if the gates were officially opened.

In December 1930, the Victorian Provincial Press Association went to Frankston for their annual outing. A report on the Tour of Beauty Spots in the Frankston area was published in many newspapers - there are nineteen accounts I can find on-line on Trove. Here is an abridged report of the visit to Frankston Park -

Frankston Park... is claimed to be the finest park within a radius of fifty miles of Melbourne. It is the rendezvous of thousands of picnickers each year. It is surrounded by hundreds of stately pines which provide excellent shelter....A progressive shire council has adopted a park beautification scheme, and wonders have been wrought in the past few years. The enclosure promises to become one of the show spots of the bayside....The most attractive feature of the park is the imposing entrance. Massive pillars of masonry support heavy wrought-iron gates sixteen feet in height. On either side are smaller gates on correspondingly smaller pillars for pedestrian traffic. The entrance was constructed to commemorate Frankston's success in the "Sun News-Pictorial" Ideal Towns Competition. Frankston led by many thousands of votes in the public contest and was placed second by the judges appointed by the "Sun News-Pictorial." Since that time Frankston has advanced considerably and would embrace an opportunity to enter another contest of the kind. (14)

Entrance Gate to Frankston Park

Benalla Standard, December 23, 1930 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/255594371

Frankston did indeed embrace the opportunity to enter another contest; it was the 1931 Ideal Town competition also held by the Sun News-Pictorial. The judges this time were Colonel E. E. Merrett (chairman), Mr. P. H. Meldrum, of Stephenson and Meldrum (architect judge)., Mr. Harold Herbert (artist judge), and Mr. F. C. Cook (town planner judge). (15)

When the judges visited Frankston they were shown these ornamental gates and the Frankston and Somerville Standard reported -

After passing the Presbyterian church, the post office, war memorial and Mechanics' Institute and having a glimpse of the Church of England the judges were confronted with the entrance to the park. It is safe to say that nothing seen on the tour made such an impression on the minds of the judges as this entrance. They were unanimous in their declaration that they had seen nothing to compare with it in any town they had visited. Mr. Cook saw in the gates something dear to the heart of a town planner; Mr. Meldrum saw beauties understood only by those versed in the beauties of architecture; Mr. Herbert saw beauty in the artistic simplicity of the massive pillars with their background of trees; Colonel Merrett in addition to appreciating the magestic [sic] appearance of the gateway, was delighted by the information that the gates were erected with the prize money received by Frankston which gained second place in the 1927 quest. The entrance made such a profound impression on Mr. Meldrum that his enthusiasm grew as the day advanced and he declared when responding in the evening to a toast to the judges, that the gates were equal to anything that could be seen anywhere in the world. (16)

In a repeat of the 1927 competition, Frankston was again beaten by Beechworth -

The announcement of the decision of the judges in the 1931, Ideal Towns' Quest brought disappointment to many ardent workers for Frankston's success. The placings were:-Beechworth, 1; Frankston, 2; Swan Hill, 3; Yallourn, special prize. Those who take a keen interest in Frankston's progress felt confident that the wonderful progress made by the town in the past four years and the improvements to Kannanook Creek, the foreshore and reserves were sufficient to place Frankston in the premier position in 'B' division, but Beechworth's architectural features, its tree-planted streets and industries made a more forceful appeal to the judges. (17)

Today, the gates are still at the entrance to Frankston Park. Interestingly the Frankston: Enjoy every moment website has this to say about the gates - The Frankston Oval Gates were obtained from the Old Melbourne Gaol that had parts previously demolished. The massive iron gates were erected at the Frankston Oval where gate posts were built by stone worker Thomas Ferbnache [sic] during the time of the Second World War. Most impressive in stature, the gate posts were constructed in a random rubble form of medium sized boulders mined from local quarries. (18). More information on the gates is in a comment attached to a photograph of the gates on Flickr - Wrought iron gates were obtained for the Frankston Park entrance from a demolished section of the Old Melbourne Gaol in Russell Street by Major Condant [sic], then Gaol Governor. Condant had previously been commandant of the Langwarrin Army Camp near Frankston during the First World War. (19).

Regarding the information in the first quote - I am sure that the gates were formed of boulders from local quarries, however the World War Two construction date is incorrect, because they were completed by December 1930 and Thomas Ferbache died in January 1938. Both comments note the gates were obtained from the Old Melbourne Gaol. Is this correct? Possibly. In July 1924 it was reported that the prisoners were in the process of being moved to Pentridge Gaol and that - most of the fittings have been removed from the gaol and the work of demolition will begin as soon as practicable. (20). Perhaps the gates were amongst the fittings removed. Some demolition work was carried out in the 1920s and more extensive demolition work in 1937. (21) Were they supplied by Major Condant? The man is actually Walter Tasman Conder, who was in charge of the Langwarrin Camp from 1916 until March 1921. He was appointed Governor of Pentridge Gaol in April 1922 and resigned in October 1923. From 1926 until 1930 he was the General Manager of 3LO Broadcasting; then of Dominion Broadcasting Company and in 1933 appointed General Manager of the Australian Broadcasting Commission. (22) It is possible that the gates came from the Old Melbourne Gaol, but from May 1928 when the concept of the gates were first conceived and June 1930 when they were completed, Walter Conder had long ago left the penal department.

These gates are a reminder of the Frankston's civic pride and their entry into the Sun News-Pictorial 1927 Ideal Town Competition.

Trove list

I have created a list of articles on the Ideal Town competition, mainly related to Frankston's participation and the construction of the gates, access it here.

Footnotes

(1) See various articles in my Trove list, here.

(2) The Herald, November 30, 1927, see here.

(3) The Herald, October 24, 1927, see here.

(4) The Herald, January 9, 1928, see here.

(5) The Herald, November 9, 1927, see here.

(6) Frankston and Somerville Standard, November 4, 1927, see here.

(7) The Herald, November 3, 1927, see here.

(8) See the results in various articles in my Trove list, here.

(9) Frankston and Somerville Standard, January 13, 1928, see here.

(10) The Herald, January 11, 1928, see here.

(11) Frankston and Somerville Standard, May 11, 1928, see here.

(12) Frankston and Somerville Standard, January 7, 1938, see here.

(13) Frankston and Somerville Standard, June 28, 1930, see here.

(14) Benalla Standard, December 23, 1930, see here.

(15) Ovens and Murray Advertiser, October 17 1931, see here.

(16) Frankston and Somerville Standard, November 14, 1931, see here.

(17) Frankston and Somerville Standard, December 5, 1931. see here.

(18) Frankston: enjoy every moment https://www.discoverfrankston.com/frankston-cultural-walk/frankston/frankston-park-gates

(19) Flickr - https://www.flickr.com/photos/hytam/46695257871/in/photostream/

(20) The Argus, July 12, 1924, see here.

(21) Labour Call, April 18, 1929, see here; The Age, February 18, 1937, see here; The Herald, April 8, 1937, see here.

(22) Calder, Winty Australian Aldershot: Langwarrin Military Reserve Victoria, 1866-1980 (Jimaringle Publications, 1987); Victoria Government Gazette No. 40, April 12, 1922; The Age, October 17, 1923, see here; Table Talk, April 29, 1926, see here; Brisbane Telegraph, April 1, 1933, see here.

Wednesday, August 30, 2023

The Hunt Train and the Melbourne Hunt Club

In 1850, George John Watson, the founder and first Master of the Hounds of the Melbourne Hunt Club arrived in Melbourne (1). His father, John, was the Master of the Carlow Hounds in Ireland from 1808 until 1869. George also bought with him from Ireland a few couples of fox hounds from his father's kennels. In 1853, George acquired the best of the hounds from the disbanded Werribee and Corio Hunts and the Melbourne Hunt Club was established. The hounds were kept at Kirk's Bazaar (2). Kirk's Bazaar was a horse bazaar (or sale yard) in Bourke Street, between Queen and Elizabeth Streets. It was established in 1840 by James Kirk, and later taken over by Watson. George Watson, also owned the I.Y.U estate on the Toomuc Creek at Pakenham from 1866 until 1884 (3).

In the late 1850s George moved the hounds to East St Kilda, initially in Dandenong Road and then to Alma Road (4). The Club later moved to Neerim Road in Caulfield, then in 1885 to Mount Derrimut or Deer Park. In 1897 the Club again moved, this time to Oakleigh, on land between North Road and Centre Road. It was at Oakleigh until 1929, when it relocated to Cranbourne (5).

In April 1929, The Herald reported -
The Melbourne Hunt Club has purchased the Fenwick estate at Cranbourne and intends to keep the kennels there. The estate was formerly owned by Mr A. T. Creswick, master of the hounds, and is considered an ideal site. The surrounding country is suitable for hunting. There are large paddocks of cleared land. (6). By the September the Dandenong Journal noted that the Melbourne Hunt Club has installed its hounds in the new kennels, at Cranbourne, and the “music of the pack” is now a feature of the locality. (7)

Melbourne Hunt Club at Dingley

Having made the Cranbourne district its new headquarters, the Melbourne Hunt Club met yesterday at the picturesque old church at Dingley, five miles from Dandenong, for another trial run with the young hounds. In the foreground with the pack is the huntsman (Mr. Norman Wood).

The Argus May 22, 1929 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article4007814

The Club were forced to move from one location to another due to development - the empty paddocks of St Kilda, then Caulfield, then Oakleigh became housing estates and this was the eventual fate of the Cranbourne land. In 1996 the Hunt Club buildings at Cranbourne were demolished or removed - two buildings are now in Modella and being used as a private house (8) - and the area is now also covered in houses.

The Melbourne Hunt Club at Cranbourne, November 26, 1980.

It was located on the east side of Narre Warren-Cranbourne Road (Cameron Street) and the north side Berwick-Cranbourne Road (Sladen Street extension). The railway line bi-sects the photo.

Image: Casey Cardinia Libraries

The Hunt Club at Cranbourne.

Image: Casey Cardinia Libraries

The Melbourne Hunt Club, when it was located in Cranbourne, played a large role in the social and community life of Cranbourne and the surrounding area. As historian Claire Turner noted -

A curious and compatible relationship developed between the local Cranbourne community and the
patrons of hunting who travelled up from Melbourne. They shared a love of the country and of sport. Horse people and other locals from surrounding properties joined in the club activities, rubbing shoulders with prominent politicians, visiting dignitaries and wealthy business people from the city.....The Club was a very established part of Cranbourne’s identity. There are many memories held by locals who had various involvements with the club, either as members of the Hunt, workers at the hunt complex or as children. Children from nearby properties loved to play at the grounds. (9)

Window in the Oaklands Hunt Club building at Somerton.

Photo: Heather Arnold, November 2016

The Melbourne Hunt Club was one of four clubs operating in Melbourne at this time - there was also the Findon Harriers, the Oaklands Hunt and the Yarra Glen and Lilydale Hunt (10). The Oaklands Hunt Club building, in Somerton, is now a reception centre. It consists of a mid 1870s homestead, Sherwood and a 1938 Tudor Revival style hall with six interesting etched glass windows with hunting motifs, including one of a fox with a hunting horn and a border which includes acorns. It is shown above.

The Hunt Train at Berwick Railway Station, July 11, 1927.

A2.800 on Hunt train at Berwick. Victorian Railways, photographer.

State Library of Victoria Image H1077

Before everyone had a car and a horse float participants in Hunts in the greater Melbourne area took the Hunt Train to the locations and I came across this photo (above) of the Hunt Train at Berwick in 1927. The Hunt Train not only took passengers but their horses and the hounds as well.

Notice of the Hunt train timetable

The Age September 7, 1925 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/155816521

The earliest reports of Hunt Train which I can find is from 1883 (11). There was this interesting report from 1909, below, about this train holding up the regular trains on the Whittlesea line, on a Friday.

A complaint about the Hunt train

The Argus September 23, 1909 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/10735700

The Melbourne Hunt Club frequented Shires of Berwick and Cranbourne, even when they were based at Oakleigh. The Herald reported on the Club in 1924 - It hunts over the wide-stretch of country lying between Beaconsfield and Clyde, and meets are hold regularly twice a week during the season - this year probably on Tuesdays and Thursdays. On an average some fifty members attend on each day, and many citizens of Oaklelgh have witnessed the picturesque scene when the hunt train draws in, and the clamoring, eager hounds are placed aboard by the huntsman and his assistants. It is the hounds, with their expressive faces and beautiful eyes, that usually attract the greater attention by the way, though fleeting glances are also thrown at the scarlet clad human beings (12).

There was another report of a hunt in September 1927 in The Australasian, which started at Andrew Chirnside's property, Edrington at Berwick. It went from Berwick to Beaconsfield to Officer and if you know where Brunt Road and Rix Road is, it will give you some idea of the route taken by the Hunt -

Hounds were then taken on to the Cardinia Creek, which was worked from Lecky's crossing. Hounds found a fox in Abbott's, and pushed him through the timber into Marsden's, over Pound road, to Boag's. Here bounds took some little time to bustle their fox through the thick tea-tree, but at last got him away to the open on the Berwick side. Leaving the creek hounds ran through Boag's into Nixon's and May's, but here the fox turned back and crossed the Cardinia Creek to the sand pits. The pack ran up-stream for about a mile, then swung right-banded through the pipe works into Stevens's, where they turned in the cultivation and beaded for Brunt's. Travelling at a great pace hounds streamed across Brunt's flat into Jones's, where they crossed a lane into Rix's, and headed for Officer station. Heavy rain began to fall, and as hounds ran through a mob of cattle, they were at fault. Swinging on their own cast they hit off the line once more, and rattled through Rix's up to Officer road into C. Greaves's, where they were again in trouble in the crop. The heavy rain seemed to wash away all traces of scent (13).

The Hunt Special, c. 1920s.

Image: Mrs G. Moore's collection from Hounds are Running: a history of the Melbourne Hunt by Heather B. Ronald (Lowden Publishing Company, 1970)

The fact that they hunted during week days meant that the average working person could not participate as they were at work. Hunting was an activity for the well off. The same Herald article from 1924, referred to above itemised the costs involved in hunting -
The average citizen knows comparatively little of this "Sport of Kings' - which is not at all surprising, in view of the fact that the average income is strictly limited. To hunt regularly during the season will cost a man at the very least £5 per week, and this is doing it cheaply. There is no difficulty in spending twice or thrice that sum if desired, and a fairly heavy investment of capital is required at the start. A suitable horse, for instance, may cost anything from £50 and upwards - often upwards. There are, indeed, a few "one-horse men," but the average hunting follower keeps two animals, and there are some even who use five or six. In addition, there is the hunting kit to be purchased - no small item, so that the would-be fox hunter must be prepared for a big outlay.

In any of the good stables the horse will cost about £3/3/ a week for keep, and to this the expense of taking it on the train to the various meets has to be added. Furthermore, the hunt club subscription, may be £10/10/, for the season, and there are sundry incidentals to be paid for, so that, taking it all round, hunting is not a cheap pastime; but it is a fascinating one, and the delights of an eight to fifteen miles run in the keen winter air across open country have been sung by poets and described by writers innumerable....the value of the hounds at Oaklelgh varies from £35 to £100 per animal (14).

The Hunts were an activity in which many women participated with the men. The names of the participants of the 1927 Hunt from Edrington at Berwick was listed in the report and there were 32 men listed and 23 women - Misses Moira Pennefather, on Phillip; Geraldine Pennefeather, Dell; Daisy Farrell, Menander; Hylda McCardel,Clark's Chance; Ursula Syme, Red Harry; Fairlie Hagenauer, Little Rocket; Marie McKinnon, Simon; Betty Bayles, Snip: Margot Anderson, Albury; Violet Farmer, Rubicon Lad; Jess Mackenzie, Jemba; Gwen Johnston, Rocket; Fairlie Lyon, Harmony; Noel Lyon, Ansaldo; Lorna Embling, Delteetim; V. Jordan, Refrain; Violet Turner, Bonnie Lass; Jean Demergue, Redcap; Joan Sewell, Judy; Betty Sewell, Hazel; Suzanne Sewell, Sam; Edith Churchill, Greygown; Violet Richardson, St. Leonard (15).

These women are off to the Hunt, organised by the Findon Harriers. The photo gives you an idea of the outfits which were required to be worn.

Original caption: Misses L. Warner, D. Foster and D. Clarke arriving at Spencer Street station to catch the special hunt train to attend today's meet of the Findon Harriers at Epping.

The Herald, August 26, 1932 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/243040370

Hunting also appeared to be an activity enjoyed by young and old. There was a report in The Herald in June 1933 of a meeting of the Findon Warriors -
Foremost among the riders was one of the oldest huntsmen in Victoria. Mr H. C. Pennyfather, riding Bogie, is more than 70, but had travelled from Berwick for the day's sport. Little Isabel Bunting, aged 5, was the youngest follower. On a shaggy pony she had ridden four miles with her father to the meet (16). It would be unlikely that it would be accepted that a five year child should ride with a hunt these days, as the whole aim is to chase down and kill a fox, however these were different times. Mr Pennyfather was Hugh Claude Pennefather of Ardsley, Clyde Road in Berwick, he died in February 1951 at the age of 87 (17).

The Whip and the Hounds: Mr Jack Snowden, the Whip of the Melbourne Hounds, waiting for the special hunt train which left Oakleigh today for Pakenham.

The Herald July 4, 1929 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/244104560#

The last report I can find of a Hunt train was in 1936 (18). By then, more people would have had cars and it appears by the mid 1930s horse floats became more common (19). So the sight of horses and hounds waiting at railway stations for the Hunt Train became a thing of the past.

The Melbourne Hounds met at Lyndhurst on June 11. The Master (Mr A.T. Creswick) and the Secretary (Mr Norman Wood) are here seen waiting with the hounds for the train at Oakleigh.

The Australasian, June 16, 1923 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article140745736

Trove lists
I have created a list of articles on Trove on the Hunt Train, access it here; as well, I have created a short list of articles about the establishment of the Melbourne Hunt Club at Cranbourne in 1929, access it here.

Footnotes
(1) There are various dates reported as to Watson's date of arrival in Melbourne and also his year of birth. His obituary in The Leader of July, 14, 1906, see here, says he arrived in 1851 and that he was born in 1831. His obituary in The Herald of July 11, 1906, see here, says he arrived in 1851 and had been born in 1828. His Australian Dictionary of Biography entry, see here, says he was born 1829 in Ballydarton, County Carlow, Ireland, and arrived in Melbourne in March 1850. Watson died July 11, 1906 and his death certificate, under George John Watson, records that he was 80, which makes him born in 1826 and had been in Victoria for 55 years, which means he arrived about 1851. His death certificate also said he was married at the age of 24, to Sarah Jane. I have a marriage certificate of a John Watson to a Sarah Jane Townsend - the marriage took place on August 20, 1850 at St James Church of England in Melbourne. James' death certificate lists eleven children.
(2) This information about the Melbourne Hunt Club and George Watson comes from Hounds are Running: a history of the Melbourne Hunt by Heather B. Ronald (Lowden Publishing Company, 1970). The direct quote about the fox hounds coming from Ireland is on page 6. Interesting book and well indexed, the book is worth tracking down if you have an interest in hunting.
(3) Read George Watson's Australian Dictionary of Biography entry, here. The author says that he owned I.Y. U from 1872 until 1884. I believe he purchased it 1866, see this article in The Herald, April 6, 1866, here and The Leader of April 7, 1866, here. He certainly owned it in 1867, Ovens & Murray Advertiser, July 25, 1867, see here. I.Y. U. was sold to the Staughton Brothers in 1884 (Weekly Times, August 23, 1884, see here.)
(4) Mrs Ronald writes on page 6 of Hounds are Running - that They firstly moved to a site in Dandenong Road near the junction with Wattletree Road, where the low-roofed sheds which housed them were a land-mark known as the 'old kennels' long after the Melbourne Hounds moved to new quarters. The new kennels were built in Alma Road East St Kilda about 1859 on land purchased from John Callow. They were situated on the south side of the road, on the face of the hill, east of St Kilda Cemetery, between what is now Alexander Street and Lansdown Road, and extending back to Inkerman Road. On the four and half acres of land was a small wooden house, stables and kennels. The boys school 'Cumloden' was afterwards built on the site. which is now covered by blocks of modern flats.
(5) Hounds are Running: a history of the Melbourne Hunt by Heather B. Ronald (Lowden Publishing Company, 1970).

(6) The Herald, April 23, 1929, see here.

(7) Dandenong Journal, September 26, 1929, see here.

(8) 1996 date - Claire Turner - see Footnote 7; Hunt buildings removed to Modella - Information from Mavis Martin, Modella resident; https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-acreage+semi-rural-vic-modella-132870694

(9) Cranbourne: a town with a history published by the City of Casey in 2001. Access it on-line here https://www.casey.vic.gov.au/historical-publications The section written by Claire Turner (now Sandell) starts on page 8.7 of the Recreation chapter; Graham Facey has also written his memories of the Hunt Club at Cranbourne, starts on page 10.6 of the Appendixes and on page 10.14 is a list of the Masters of the Hunt Club.

(10) The Herald, May 10, 1924, see here.
(11) See my Hunt Train Trove list, here.
(12) The Herald, May 10, 1924, see here.
(13) The Australasian, September 3, 1927, see here.
(14) The Herald, May 10, 1924, see here.
(15) The Australasian, September 3, 1927, see here.
(16) The Herald, June 9, 1933. see here.
(17) Mr Pennefather's obituary was in the Dandenong Journal of February 21, 1951, see here.
(18) See my Hunt TrainTrove list, here.
(19) Shepparton Advertiser, June 6, 1935. Interesting article which starts with the transport of racehorses by motor horse boxes has now become a specialised business in most of the leading centres of the world. Read it here.

A version of this post, which I wrote and researched, appears on my work blog, Casey Cardinia Links to our Past.

Thursday, August 24, 2023

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)