Honour Board at the Elwood Presbyterian Church

The South St Kilda Presbyterian Church, on the corner of Tennyson and Scott Streets was dedicated on December 12, 1912.  The Church is now known as the Elwood Presbyterian Church. The Argus reported that the new church is to be known as Scots Church, South St. Kilda, and opened as a branch of the St. Kilda Presbyterian Church (1). The Reverend Alexander Yule (1876-1952) was inducted as the first Minister on June 26, 1913 and served at the Church until 1924, when he moved to the newly formed congregation at Balwyn (2).  Alexander Yule, born in Aberdeen in Scotland, came to Victoria when he was a year old; his father who was also called Alexander and also a Presbyterian Minister had been appointed to Erskine Presbyterian Church in Carlton. Alexander Yule, senior, was the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in 1891-92 (3).

The existing Elwood Church, which was built on the Tennyson Street side of the original weatherboard church, was designed by the firm of Scarborough, Robertson and Love. The foundation stone was laid on December 10, 1938 and it was dedicated on April 24, 1939 (4).  The original Church is now the Hall, which for several decades was used as the local kindergarten.

In the Sixth Annual Report (5) of the Church from October 1918, a Roll of Honour was included, listing 47 men from the Church who had served in the war.  On December 14, 1924 an Honour Board was unveiled by the Moderator-General of the Presbyterian Church, the Right Reverend J. Crookston (6).  The board contains 53 names. This post looks at these young men of Scots Church, South St Kilda [who] answered the call to Arms. 

The South St Kilda (Elwood) Presbyterian Church Honour Board, 

unveiled December 14, 1924.

Photo: Isaac Hermann.

I have included the Service Numbers (SN) of the men, so you can look up their files at the National Archives of Australia www.naa.gov.au.   The address of the men is how it was written on their enlistment papers; many have a St Kilda address but it would now be Elwood. Extra information comes from articles and personal notices in newspapers, accessed on Trove;  the Indexes to the Victorian Births, Deaths and Marriages and the Electoral Rolls on Ancestry.com.

Roll of Honour, printed in the South St Kilda Presbyterian Church, 

6th Annual report, October 1918.

(see footnote 5)

Anderson, David Findlay (SN 3455) David was 35 when he enlisted on July 7, 1915 at the age of 35. He was a Storeman.  He Returned to Australia  April 5, 1919. 

Anderson, William Fleming (SN 101)  William enlisted in Guilford, Western Australia on October 5, 1914. He was a 33 year old store assistant.  He was Killed in Action at Gallipoli on August 7, 1915.

David and William, both born in St Kilda, were the sons of Alexander and Catherine Anderson of 14 Scott Street, St Kilda. Alexander had died in 1912, so Catherine was listed as the next of kin. William's Roll of Honour circular said that he had attended Brighton Road State School, St Kilda and that he had also served with the 5th Victorian Mounted Rifles in the Boer War. David also served in the Boer War and they are both listed on the Brighton Road State School Boer War memorial, see here.

William Fleming Anderson. Killed In Action at Gallipoli

Australian War Memorial Image H05646

 

Bagley, John Latrobe (SN 39) Known as Jack, he enlisted at the age of 19 on August 18, 1914. He was a clerk. Sergeant Bagley Returned to Australia November 12, 1916 and was discharged for 'family reasons' in February 1917. 

Bagley, Leonard  (SN 41) Leonard enlisted on August 19, 1914. He was a 25 year old Librarian. Captain Bagley was invalided back to Australia in November 1915 due to 'heart strain' and discharged December 4, 1915. 

The boys were the sons of James Latrobe Bagley of Fairfield, 43 Tennyson Street, St Kilda. James died September 23, 1916 at the age of 60,  so I presume that was the 'family reason' for Jack's discharge. Their mother, Mary Louisa (nee Fuller) had died at the age of 37 in 1903 and they had one sister,  Violet. James was the son of the Reverend John Bagley. His entry in the Jubilee History of the Presbyterian Church of Victoria (7) reads From the Independent Church in Ireland. Settled in Richmond in 1864; at Portland in 1877. Resigned in 1891. Died in 1898.

Bertram, Frederick William (SN 2029)  Fred was a turner and fitter and enlisted at the age of 18 on July 9, 1915. He was the son of  William James Bertram and Harriet Hettie Perkin, of 11 Rothesay Avenue, South St Kilda. In September 1917 he suffered a severe gun shot wound to the face, neck and eye. He was discharged in May 1919. Fred died in 1965, aged 67. 

Biddle, Edward Rathbone (SN 3610) Twenty year old Edward enlisted on December 3, 1917 at the age of 20.  He was from Madresfield, 57 Byron Street,  South St Kilda and he was a clerk with the National Bank. Edward Returned to Australia December 18, 1918.  Next of kin was his father, Thomas. E. Biddle. After the war, Edward moved to Perth, and we know this because his brother, Robert, was married to Olive Moody at St Stephens Presbyterian Church, East St Kilda in June 1932 and their wedding was written up in Table Talk -  Mr Edward Biddle, of Perth, brother of the bridegroom was best man (8). The wedding was officiated by the Revered Alexander Yule.

Bownas, Leslie Anthony Foster (SN 8082) Leslie enlisted at the age of 27 on July 1, 1915. He was a traveller and his next of kin was his father, William, of  22 Mayfield Street, East St Kilda.   Lieutenant Bownas was awarded the Military Medal (London Gazette October 30, 1917) and Returned to Australia August 9, 1919.  He married Sarah Mabel Hyland on November 1, 1919 and died in New South Wales in 1956. 

Bramley,  Samuel Leslie John (SN 68). Leslie, as he was known, enlisted on February 21, 1916 at the age of 20. He was an electrical fitter. His father, Harry of 173 Ormond Road Elwood, was listed as his next of kin. Leslie was appointed as a Lieutenant in the Royal Flying Corp in March 1917 and sadly six months later was officially reported missing in  France on September 28 and later declared dead.  He was only 22. 

Report of Leslie Bramley's death

The Argus October 26, 1917  https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/1658519

Brown, John Anderson (SN 5048)  John was a 21 year old clerk when he enlisted on September 27, 1915. He was Killed in Action in Belgium two years later, September 20, 1917. Sergeant Brown was the son of Alexander and Martha Edith Brown of 5 Clarke Street, St Kilda. 

Report of John Brown's death.

Prahran Telegraph November 3, 1917 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/74840024

Brown, Leslie Herbert (SN 3528) I had two other men with the initials L. H. Brown, who I thought could be this soldier, until I came across Leslie's death notice notice, see below, which told us that he was the brother-in-law of John Parker, who is also on this list, then it all fell into place. Leslie enlisted on August 2, 1915 at the age of 24. His occupation was listed as a labourer, although on his Roll of Honour circular his occupation was Chief Steward. His next of kin was his brother, George Brown, of South Yarra. This was later changed to his wife, Elsie, whose address was Oreti, 55 Regent Street, Elsternwick.  Leslie, who was awarded the Military Medal (London Gazette January 5, 1917), was Killed in Action in France on August 19, 1918. His Roll of Honour circular also says that his step brother William Mills Cleaves was Killed in Action, July 31 1917. However William's circular says Leslie was his half brother. William was born to Louisa Cleaves (no father listed) in 1889. In 1891 Louisa gave birth to  Leslie (no father listed), so the boys were at least half brothers and not step brothers. William's death notice says that he was also known as W. Mills, and I feel that gives a clue to his father's name. Louisa married Thomas Brown in 1893 and Leslie adopted his surname, Thomas may likely to have been his father. Louisa died in 1907, aged 50.

Leslie Brown's death notice

The Argus August 31, 1918 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article1411795

Brown, Joseph  There are two possibilities - Joseph Brown (SN 874)  Joseph was 44 years old and a shopkeeper of 51 Glen Eira Road, East St Kilda when he enlisted on October 14, 1915. He was  a widower and his son, Duncan, was his next of kin. His religion was Presbyterian.  He Returned to Australia June 14, 1919. The other possibility is Joseph Brown ( SN 1059). This Joseph was 20 years old when he enlisted on July 8, 1915. He was in the boot trade and his next of kin was his brother, of 178 Hotham Street, Elsternwick. He Returned to Australia March 5, 1919. He was listed as Church of England, so I think the other Joseph is one on the Roll of Honour.

Campbell, William Barnsdale.  William was commissioned as an officer in the A.I.F on December 23, 1914 and rose to the rank of Captain. His was living in Ballarat when he enlisted, was married to Elsie,  29 years old and was a school teacher.  He was wounded in action on three occasions, Mentioned in Despatches (London Gazette, December 28, 1917) and Returned to Australia January 11, 1918. What is his connection to the St Kilda area? Elsie's address on his enlistment paper was changed to 8 Austin Avenue, St Kilda on March 18, 1918. 

Campbell, Frederick Cole (SN 5355)  Frederick enlisted on March 13, 1916. He was a 25 year clerk and his next of kin was his father, Ronald, of 8 Austin Avenue, St Kilda.  Frederick and William were the sons of Ronald and Selina (nee Cole) Campbell. Lieutenant Campbell was Mentioned in Despatches (London Gazette, December 27, 1918) and awarded the Belgium Croix de Guerre (London Gazette, April 5, 1919). He Returned to Australia September 6, 1919. Frederick's religion was listed as Methodist, this may have been a mistake, or else as the Presbyterian Church was only two short blocks away from Austin Avenue, they may have attended for that reason.

Clyne, Albert Henry  (SN 886). Albert enlisted August 18, 1914. He was a 19 year old clerk and his father, Henry Clyne of 44 Sycamore Grove, East St Kilda was his next of kin. On July 17, 1917 The Argus published  a list of Victorian who had served for 1,000 continuous days, War-worn veterans, and Albert Clyne was on the list. An appeal was being made to relieve these men so they could return to Australia, but it was still over a year before Albert saw home again.  He Returned to Australia November 8, 1918 on 'special 1914 leave', which I presume is leave for those who had been serving since 1914. He had the rank of Gunner and was gassed in October 1917, so by the end of 1918 he must have been exhausted.  Albert died in 1968 aged 72.

War-worn Veterans

The Argus, July 17, 1917  https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/1636374

Cubbins, John Harold (SN 2130)   Harold enlisted on July 10, 1915 at the age of 20. He was a carpenter. Harold was awarded the Military Medal (London Gazette, October 21, 1918) and he Returned to Australia April 10, 1919.

Cubbins, Leslie James Lachlan (SN 3126) Leslie enlisted on October 6, 1916. He was a  25 year old carpenter and his wife Dorothy of 12 Myrtle Street, Ripponlea was his next of kin. He died of broncho-pneumonia on October 20, 1918 in France. 

Cubbins, Lindsay Gordon  (SN 2429). Lindsay was a 20 year old motor trimmer when he enlisted on October 22, 1917. He died in England of haematemesis appendicitis on August 14, 1918. 

Cubbins, William Tennyson (SN 2597). William enlisted in the Australian Flying Corp at the age of 18 on November 5, 1917. Like his older brothers John and Leslie, William was also a carpenter. William Returned to Australia May 6, 1919. Bill played football for St Kilda and was also the Captain and later the coach. He also served in the Army in World War Two from April 1942 until February 1943.

The boys were the sons of James and Jessie (nee McKinnon) Cubbins of Ailsa, 24 John Street, South St Kilda.

Announcement of John Cubbin's Military Medal

The Age October 22, 1918 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article155237049

Durston, Norman Henry (Lieutenant)  Norman applied for a Commission in the AIF on November 3, 1914. He was 21 years old and his next of kin was his father Sidney Durston of Kingsley, 97 Tennyson Street, and later of 119 Tennyson Street. Lieutenant Durston embarked on the Ceramic on December 22, 1914 and less than six months later he was dead. He Died of Wounds on May 9, 1915 at Gallipoli. Norman's two brothers also enlisted in the War,  but they are not listed on this Honour Board.  Twenty six year old Sidney Walter Durston (SN 685) enlisted on June 20, 1917. He was already in the Army - a staff clerk. His next of kin was his wife, Stella, of 91 Acland Street. Warrant Officer Durston served as a clerk in England and Returned to Australia April 3, 1920. Their younger brother, Raymond George, enlisted at the age of 18 on March 16, 1918 (SN 61387). His next of kin was his father, who was also at 91 Acland Street. He was still a student at Scotch College when he enlisted and had spent four years in the Cadets. Raymond embarked on the Barambah on August 31, 1918 for London and Returned to Australia November 22, 1919.

Grant, Bruce  I believe this is Harold Bruce Grant (SN 3348) who enlisted firstly in the Pay Corp then on June 1, 1916 in the AIF, when he was 24. His parents were William Fraser and Catherine (nee Marden) Grant, of Bulla. His address was Princes Street, Flemington (and he was at that location in the 1914 Electoral Rolls as well), he was a clerk and he Returned to Australia November 22, 1919. He was also a Presbyterian and according to his father's death notice from 1916 he known as Bruce.  What's is his connection to Elwood? His parents were married at Trinity Church, South St Kilda on June 23, 1873, which is an Anglican Church.  Catherine is listed as the only daughter of John Marden of St Kilda.  Bruce was engaged in October 1916 to Florence May Tellefsen of Orrong Road, Elsternwick; however  when they married in September 1920 it was at St Marys Church of England in Caulfield. As you can see, I haven't actually found an Elwood Presbyterian connection, but I don't know who else it could be.

Hignett, Benjamin Claude (SN 15548). Surname listed as Highnett in the booklet and on the Honour Board.  Ben enlisted on June 5, 1917 at the age of 22. His occupation was station overseer. His next of kin was his mother, Mary Jane of Kaneira (now called Culgoa) in the Mallee. He was Killed in Action in France on September 20, 1918. His family moved around the State a bit, but they were in St Kilda for a short time as his father, Percy Norman Hignett is listed in the City of St Kilda Rate Books at 7 Gray Street from 1898 for some years. His occupation was bicycle maker. Ben's sister Jean was born in St Kilda in 1901.  As a matter of interest in February 1900,  Percy was a witness at a trial at the St Kilda Police Court where  Kathleen Fraser was charged with shooting her husband, Paul Wilkes Fraser, with intent to murder. Percy, whose occupation was reported as bicycle engineer, saw Mr Fraser 'stagger' and 'his face was bleeding'. The St Kilda Court committed Mrs Fraser to the Supreme Court to be tried for murder, where she was acquitted (9).

Death notice of Benjamin Hignett

Kyneton Guardian October 19, 1918 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/129615059

Hudson, C.H  I could not find a C. H. Hudson, a H. C Hudson, a C.H. Hodson or a H. C. Hodson with a connection to Victoria, so I am unsure who this is.

Keep, Leslie Thomas (SN 3062) Leslie was 25 years old  and a surveyor when he enlisted on July 31, 1915. Leslie was awarded the Military Medal (London Gazette, October 20, 1916). He was wounded in May 1917 whilst serving in France (multiple gunshot wounds) and lost his left eye and Returned to Australia August 27, 1917. His next of kin was his father, Thomas Charles Keep, of 224 Inkerman Street, East St Kilda, later 50 Park Street St Kilda and 10 Docker Street, Elwood. Thomas was a member of the Kirk Session at the Elwood Church.  Leslie married Amy Lobban in 1923. Leslie's sister, Daisy, was married to Harold Wortley, also listed on this memorial. Leslie died in 1944.

 

Report of Leslie Keep's wedding

Wodonga and Towong Sentinel January 19, 1923 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/69643210

Kennedy, Donald (SN 1684) Donald was 23 when he enlisted on June 12, 1915. His occupation was dairy supervisor at Longernong, the Agricultural College. He was gassed in October 1917 and Returned to Australia March 13, 1918 and discharged on medical grounds. Donald died on June 2, 1921 at the Caulfield Military Hospital. 

Kennedy, Leonard (SN 3305) Leonard enlisted on July 12, 1915 at the age of 20. He was a Postal Official. He Returned to Australia May 6, 1919.

The boys were the sons of Peter and Elizabeth (nee Cowden) Kennedy, whose address was Police Station Elsternwick and later 9 Mozart Street, St Kilda. 

Death notice of Donald Kennedy

The Argus, June 4, 1921 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article1763274

Lowe, Alexander Harold (Lieutenant) Alexander enlisted on March 8, 1915 at the age of 22. He was a clerk. He fought at Gallipoli and, because he was sick, he was invalided back to Australia. Alexander recovered and attended Duntroon Military College and appointed to the rank of 2nd Lieutenant. After serving overseas again, he Returned to Australia September 25, 1919. Alexander died in 1985, aged 93. 

Lowe, Hugh Mosman (SN 1053)  Hugh enlisted on October 19, 1914. He was a 20 year old Clerk. He Died of Wounds, received whilst fighting at Gallipoli, on June 1, 1915. Hugh was employed by Michaelis Hallenstein Co., who operated a large tannery at Footscray. They have a  lovely memorial in Footscray, to their employees who died in the Great War, and Hugh's name is one of the men listed. I have written about this Memorial, here.
Lowe, Thomas Ernest  (SN 1057) Thomas was a 26 year old Accountant when he enlisted on March 8, 1915, same day as his brother Alexander. He Returned to Australia a year later suffering from 'Post Typhoid Debility'. He recovered and applied for a Commission and was appointed a Lieutenant. He embarked on May 11, 1917. Thomas was awarded the Military Cross (London Gazette, September 18, 1918). Thomas Returned to Australia February 7, 1919. He died in 1955, aged 67.

Lowe, William Bertram (Lieutenant) William was a 29 year old Commercial Traveller when he enlisted on January 12, 1916. He was Gassed and after treated Returned to Australia September 10, 1917 and was discharged from the AIF in March 1918. William was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal (London Gazette, August 24, 1917).  William died at the age of 42 in 1928.

The Lowe brothers, all born in Aberdeen in Scotland, were the sons of William and Jessie (nee Andrews) Lowe of Lufra, 13 Glen Eira Road, East St Kilda. The family later moved to Leura, 18 Pine Avenue, Elwood. When I say the family, it was actually Jessie Lowe. There is a statuary declaration in Hugh's Attestation file at the National Archives from Jessie, in which she states whether his [Hugh's] father is dead or alive cannot be stated as nothing has been seen nor heard of him by me or my children for the past 18 years. Jessie died in 1943, aged 86. Jessie's son-in-law, Hubert Waller also enlisted, he is written about below.

The square tower is a feature of the Elwood Presbyterian Church.

Image: Isaac Hermann.

Maxwell, Alexander George (SN 317) Alexander was 19 years old, a warehouseman, when he enlisted in the Royal Australian Navy on May 1, 1915. He Returned to Australia March 10, 1918. Alexander's next of kin was his father, Robert Gordon Maxwell of 208 Hotham Street, Elsternwick. Alexander served in the Army from March 1940 until September 1944 during World War Two. By then he was living in Pert in Western Australia, which was where he died in 1971, aged 75.

McBean, James Baker (SN 151)  James was a 19 year old student when he enlisted on August 18, 1914. He was wounded in France - gun shot wounds thigh and chest - and after treatment, Returned to Australia March 10, 1918. James reached the rank of Sergeant. His next of kin was listed as his parents of Corvey, 79 Brighton Road St Kilda and later Grantham, 35 Brighton Road. His parents were Frederick Charles and Jeannie McAllan McBean. James also served in the Army in the Second World War where he was a Lieutenant Colonel. 

McCleery, Alexander Carl  (SN 931) Alexander was 38 years old when he enlisted on February 7, 1916. He was a Clerk. His next of kin was his mother, Annie Robertson McCleery of 86 Tennyson Street, St Kilda. Alexander Returned to Australia July 20, 1919. He died in 1947, aged 70. 

Death notice for Alexander McCleery

The Argus March 28, 1947 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/22417615/1701306

McIntyre, Clement John (SN 1077) Clement was a 19 year old Clerk when he enlisted on August 24, 1914. He was awarded the Military Medal (London Gazette, September 25, 1917) and Returned to Australia October 20, 1918.  He died in 1978, aged 83. 

McIntyre, William Gibson  (SN 4878) William, a Salesman, enlisted at the age of 18 on January 13, 1916. William Returned to Australia April 13, 1919. He died in 1971, aged 73.

Clement and William were the sons of William and Elizabeth (nee McChlery) McIntyre. When the boys enlisted they were living at Darebin Road, Northcote. As William was under 21 his parents had to give permission for him to enlist, and the letter from them in his Attestation file states that his 'father has Brain trouble and is at Kew' referring of course to the Kew Asylum. Elizabeth McIntyre later changed her address to The Breakers, 74 St Kilda Street, Elwood. 

McLeod, Duncan Albert 'Bert' (SN 2630) Bert enlisted in Western Australia on June 17, 1915, he was a 32 year old bank clerk. He had been born in Kiewa in Victoria, was a widower and had one daughter, Mabel Gwen McLeod, who was living with her grandmother, Mrs J. Davies, of Geelong. Bert listed his father, Donald, of 7 Byron Street, St Kilda as his next of kin. Bert Died of Wounds on September 2, 1916.

McLeod, Eric (SN 829) Eric was born in Yackandandah and enlisted on August 17, 1914 at the age of 23. He was a motor mechanic. His mother, Mary, was listed as his next of kin. Her address initially was Tangambalanga and it was later changed to 7 Byron Street. Eric was Killed in Action on August 15, 1916.

Duncan 'Bert' and Eric were brothers, the sons of Donald and Mary (nee Abbott) McLeod. 

There is also Robert McLeod, a Warrant Officer, listed on the Honour Board. There are two possibilities. The first one has a Yackandandah connection, so I have made the assumption that he is related to the two other McLeods, but he has no obvious St Kilda connection.

McLeod, Robert (SN 3832) Robert was 40 years old when he enlisted on July 5, 1917. He had been born in Yackandandah and was a farm hand. His next of kin was his uncle, William Tasker, 29 Little Church Street, Port Melbourne. Robert Returned to Australia August 24, 1918 and was discharged on medical grounds due to rheumatism. 

There is also another Robert McLeod - 

McLeod, Robert (SN 19592). For some reason his file has not been digitised at the National Archives, however his Embarkation Record shows that Robert enlisted January 8, 1916. He was a 21 year old joiner and enlisted as Warrant Officer Class 2. His address and that of his father, J. McLeod, his next of kin was Ruthven Street, Toowoomba in Queensland. There was a James and Mary McLeod in the Electoral Rolls at 20 Steele Avenue, St Kilda from 1903 until 1914. There was a Robert McLeod born to a James McLeod and Mary Donn in St Kilda in 1894. I believe they are the same family. On January 20, 1923 a Mary McLeod, wife of James, died in Toowoomba. She was the mother of a Robert and 'late of St Kilda'. The Queensland Births, Deaths and Marriages, list her father's name was William Donn. So adding all this together, it is more than possible that this man is Warrant Officer Robert McLeod, honoured at the Presbyterian Church in Elwood. 

Death notice of Mary McLeod, mother of Robert

The Age January 23, 1923 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/1870477

Morey, Clement Alexander (SN 1930).  Clement enlisted in the Australian Flying Corp at the age of 18 on March 13, 1917. He was a Draftsman. He was the son of Bernard and Eliza Morey. His mother was listed as his next of kin and their address was 22 Linden Street Elsternwick (it is actually Lyndon Street) and the address later changed to the corner of Byron and Tennyson Street, and then  24 Byron Street. Clement Returned to Australia May 6, 1919.   Clement married Ada Vaughan in October 1924 and he served in the Volunteer Defence Corp in World War Two. 

Munro, William (SN 2182) William, a Clerk, enlisted at the age of 23 on June 11, 1917,  his mother Mary died ten days later on June 21.  His next of kin was his father, also William Munro, of 12 Blessington Street, St Kilda. William joined the Australian Flying Corp and Returned to Australia May 6, 1919. 

William Munro married to Isabel Carnie, by the Reverend Yule, 

 at the Church on September 20, 1919. 

The Argus, October 25, 1919 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article4666238

Parker, John (SN 914). John was an 36 year old engine driver when he enlisted on July 17, 1915. His next of kin was his sister, Rose Parker of 55 Regent Street, Elsternwick. John was awarded the Military Medal and Returned to Australia March 21, 1919. John's sister, Elsie, was married to Leslie Brown, also listed on this memorial. 

Pollock, William Henry (SN558) William was born in Monaghan, in Ireland. He was 21 when he enlisted on February 1, 1916 and his next of kin was his mother, Elizabeth, also of Monahan. William was a draper and his address was 29 Hartpury Avenue, East St Kilda. He Returned to Australia June 23, 1916. Sadly, William was found drowned in the Yarra River. on 1933.  His Attestation file had the following  newspaper clipping from the Melbourne Sun of October 17, 1933. 

Report of the finding of William's body in the Yarra from the Melbourne Sun October 17, 1933. 

National Archives of Australia www.naa.gov.au 

First Australian Imperial Force Personnel Dossiers, 1914-1920

Pollard, William Charles Sydney (SN 213) William was a 19 year old Shorthand writer and Typist when he enlisted on February 4, 1915. He had appendicitis and Returned to Australia on April 12, 1916 to recover; he re-enlisted on September 26, 1916 for Home Service. William's height was listed as 6ft 4 inches, extraordinarily tall for the times. William was the son of William and Charlotte Pollard of 92 Tennyson Street, St Kilda. 

Reid, Eric  I don't know who this is. There are no Reids, Reads or Reeds who enlisted with an Elwood address. There are seven with a St Kilda address and one with an Elsternwick address. Two of these were Presbyterian - George Duncan Reid (SN 2762) of 4 Little Neptune Street, St Kilda. He was Killed in Action in France July 25, 1916.  The other was Vere Aubrey Reed (SN 7063) of 429 Inkerman Street, East St Kilda. He Returned to Australia March 17, 1919. There is a J. T. Reid listed as a member of the Elwood Church Kirk Session, his address is Normanby Road, Elwood (10),  so Eric may be connected to him. 

Scilley, William Russell (SN 3242) William enlisted at the age of 22. He was a wood and coal merchant. His next of kin was his father, William, of 74 Ormond Road, Elwood. Whilst in Egypt he started having heart issues and Returned to Australia August 17, 1916 and was discharged on medical grounds - vascular disease of the heart, mitral regurgitation -  in the November. The family later lived at 5 Vautier Street, Elwood. William married Charlotte Park on February 22, 1919.

The marriage notice of William Russell Scilley and Charlotte Park at the 

Elwood Presbyterian Church, February 22, 1919.

The Age, March 22, 1919 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/155216986/18577843

Semmens, James Michael.  Lieutenant Colonel Semmens  was 46 years old when he received his commission on August 18, 1914.  His address was Siller Craig, Melby Avenue,  East St Kilda and his next of kin was his wife, Jessie. He was pronounced unfit for service at a Medical Board hearing on March 31, 1915 due to 'General Asthenia' and given six months leave and his appointment was terminated October 2, 1915. Lieutenant Colonel Semmens' file at the National Archives is 94 pages long and it has a report that on June 24, 1917 he broke his leg through a jinker accident at Seymour whilst on 'official duty' so he was serving in some capacity at that time. According to his obituary  he was officer in charge of the Seymour Camp, but I can't find an official appointment to this role in his file.  He later became Chairman of the Repatriation Commission from 1920 until 1935, and died in 1937 aged 69. Jessie Semmens was the President of the Red Cross Society at the Church in 1918. 

Obituary of Colonel Semmens

Weekly Times June 26, 1937 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/225721302

Smith, Hamilton Strathern (SN 71) There are five H.S. Smiths who had a connection to suburbs not too far away from Elwood or St Kilda and I think the most likely one is Hamilton because he was Presbyterian and his next of kin was his mother, 'Mrs Smith' who lived at 26 Myrtle Street, Ripponlea, which is off Glen Eira Road, the third street from Hotham Street. Hamilton was a 44 year old Book-keeper when he enlisted on October 8, 1914. His address was 125 Orrong Road, Toorak.  He Returned to Australia March 13, 1918.To further strengthen my case that Hamilton is the man on the Roll of Honour,  H. S. Smith is listed as a Corporal and Hamilton was promoted to a Corporal on March 1, 1916 in Egypt. As well, Hamilton's mother was Matilda Louisa Smith (nee Dean) and a Mrs M. Smith is listed in the 1917 Annual Report, as having donated money to the Church. That's less conclusive as Smith is a very common surname.  Hamilton died in 1947, aged 77.

Stringer, A. C.  It took some time to identify this man as I could only find one A. C. Stringer who enlisted and he was born, lived and enlisted in South Australia. Then I looked for any connections of Stringers to the St Kilda area and found there was a Councillor Arthur Stringer on the St Kilda council from 1899 until 1902.  He was  a successful butcher  with several shops and a farm at Scoresby and  lived at 7 Oak Grove, near the Ripponlea Railway Station. He had a son, Archie Craven Stringer, born in 1889. Archie is not listed in the Embarkation or Nominal Rolls, but has a file at the National Archives, which has not been digitised. However, an Archie Craven Stringer was granted a Soldier Settlement farm at Ensay in1920 and his application (11) tells us that he was rejected here and I went abroad to enlist and that he enlisted on September 10, 1915 and was discharged May 21, 1920. He served with the British Army. Archie also served from March 1942 until September 1945 in the Volunteer Defence Corp in World War Two, which is why he has a file at the National Archives. 

Death notice of Archie's father, Arthur. The notice lists Archie as being 'on active service'

The Herald February 16, 1918 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/page/26340170

Waller, Hubert Hansard (SN 2604) Hubert was 27 years old and a farmer when he enlisted on August 2, 1915. He Returned to Australia March 4, 1919. His next of kin was his wife, Mrs Jessie Alice Campbell Waller c/o Mrs Lowe of Lufra, Glen Eira Road, St Kilda. Jessie was the sister of Alexander, Hugh, Thomas and William Lowe, written about, above. 

Jessie Lowe's engagement to Hubert Waller. 

Punch, March 6, 1913 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/176032458

Wilkie, Alexander Hector  (SN 598)  Alexander was an electrical engineer and he enlisted at the age of 20 on August 18, 1916. His father, Alexander, of 7 Scott Street, St Kilda was his next of kin.  Alexander Returned to Australia May 6, 1919. He married Jessie Cameron in 1934. She came from a pioneering Cranbourne family.  The couple were written up in the Dandenong Journal of July, 11 1935 - Visitors to Cranbourne last week, were Mrs. Ewen Cameron and Mr and Mrs Hector Wilkie, Mrs. Wilkie being a daughter of Mrs. Cameron. Mrs. Cameron, whose home is at East Malvern, is a former much esteemed resident of Cranbourne. In her parents’ home, at "Mayfield,” the first religious services in the district were conducted by the late Rev. Alex. Duff (12). The Reverend Duff was the Presbyterian Minister in Cranbourne and surrounds from 1855 until his retirement in 1888. The Wilkie family had lived in Clyde and were also parishioners at the Cranbourne Presbyterian Church. Hector Wilkie died in 1973 aged 76. 

Woolnough, Edgar Oliver Farkas (SN 6371) Edgar enlisted in Hamilton at the age of 21 on May 30, 1916, his occupation was a farm hand and he was born at Daylesford. His next of kin was his widowed mother, Mary Woolnough,  of 23 Rusden Street, Elsternwick. Mary passed away on August 20, 1917, when Edgar was serving overseas. He Returned to Australia June 19, 1919. Edgar married Ivy Hutchings in 1922 and according to the Electoral Rolls from the mid 1920s until the mid 1960s  lived in Frederick Street, Caulfield Street. His occupation was listed as a painter. Edgar died at the age of 92 in 1987.

Wortley, Harold Valentine (Lieutenant) Harold enlisted on July 7, 1915. He was a 25 year old grocer and his next of kin were his parents of Kilmore, which is where he was born. He attended Brighton Grammar School.  On June 15, 1916 he married Daisy Keep at the Presbyterian Church in St Kilda. She was the daughter of Thomas Keep of Park Street, St Kilda and the sister of Leslie Keep, listed above. Their address after marriage was 1 Beach Avenue, Elwood. Harold embarked on July 4, 1916 and three years later Returned to Australia July 5, 1919. The couple moved to Kilmore after  the War and there was a report in the Kilmore Free Press of November 13, 1919 that Harold had been appointed to the position of Kilmore Shire Council Inspector of Nuisances. The Kilmore Historical Society has an detailed account of Harold's life and military career on their website, see it here.

Lieutenant Wortley's wedding to Daisy Keep.

Kilmore Free Press June 22, 1916 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article58429794

Wright, Charles Norman (SN 5702) Charles enlisted on February 8, 1915. He was a 22 year old tailor and had undertaken his apprenticeship with F. Mitchell, Bridport Street, Albert Park. His next of kin was his mother, Elizabeth Wright, of Elizabeth Street, Elsternwick. Charles Returned to Australia January 2, 1919.  On July 17 the same year,  Norman married Mabel Madeleine Cuthbert at St Mary's in Caulfield. 

Marriage notice of Norman Wright to Mabel Cuthbert.

The Argus, August 16, 1919  http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article4704541

Wright, Leslie Clyde  (SN 4631) 28 year old Leslie enlisted on October 7, 1915. He was a clerk and his next of kin was his mother, Mary Ann Wright, of 46 Elm Grove, East St Kilda. Leslie was Killed in Action in France on August 8, 1918.  Leslie was born in Caulfield to John and Mary Ann (nee Cole) Wright and his Roll of Honor Circular says that he attended Caulfield State School, No. 773.

Death notices for  Leslie Wright 

The Argus, August 24, August 26 and August 31,  1918

Acknowledgment

I have an interest in Churches, Honour Boards and other War memorials. I became interested in this Board because one of the Architects of the Church Allan Rynhart Love of Scarborough, Robertson lived in Elwood at Kingsley, 97 Tennyson Street. He was the son of John Jeremiah Love, St Kilda Councillor and Mayor. Henry Norman Durston, who appears on the Honour Board, also lived for a short time at Kingsley. My  research colleague, Isaac Hermann, has written a short history of Kingsley - 'Kingsley: a history of the Elwood and St Kilda Neighbourhood Learning Centre', published in 2019.  As the title of the book suggests, the building is now the Elwood and St Kilda Neighbourhood Learning Centre (and now at 87 Tennyson Street due to street renumbering) and this got me interested in the Church and Honour Board and the men whose names appeared on it. I'm not glorifying War, I just want them to be remembered. You can read Isaac's history of Kingsley, here. Isaac also took the photos of the Church and the Honour Board. Thank you, Isaac. Also thank you to the Reverend Phillip Chang, for allowing us access to the Church.  

Footnotes

(1) The Argus, December 10, 1912, see here.

(2) Prahran Telegraph, June 28, 1913, see here;  The Argus, July 1 1924, see here. There is a short history of the Church in Spirit of St Kilda: Places of worship in St Kilda by Janette Bomford (St Kilda Historical Society, 2003).  Access it on-line here, http://skhs.org.au/SKHSchurches/churches.htm

(3) Weekly Times, April 18, 1914, see here; The Presbyterian Church of Victoria, Jubilee History: Growth in 50 years 1859-1909 by D. Macrae Stewart (General Assembly, 1909).

(4) The Argus, June 4, 1938, see here; Spirit of St Kilda: Places of worship in St Kilda by Janette Bomford (St Kilda Historical Society, 2003).  Access it on-line here,   http://skhs.org.au/SKHSchurches/churches.htm

(5) I have the 5th and 6th Annual Reports of the Church. They are full of useful information such as the Office Bearers; reports on the Church activities - the Tennis Club, Red Cross Society, Boys Gymnasium Club, Presbyterian Women's Missionary Union (the group which produced the PWMU cookbook, a staple in all Presbyterian houses) and a full financial report.

List of office bearers from the 6th Annual report - click on images to enlarge.

(6) The Argus, December 15, 1924, see here.

(7) The Presbyterian Church of Victoria, Jubilee History: Growth in 50 years 1859-1909 by D. Macrae Stewart (General Assembly, 1909).

(8) Table Talk, July 14, 1932, see here.

(9) Report of Mrs Fraser's trial - The Australasian, February 10, 1900, see here.

(10) Normanby Road, Elwood - doesn't exist in my Melway, perhaps they meant Normanby Road, Caulfield. 

(11) Archie's Soldier Settlement file -  http://soldiersettlement.prov.vic.gov.au/soldiers/972-12-stringer-archie-craven/

(12) Dandenong Journal, July 11, 1935, see here.

St Kilda's Wax Museum

On Monday, November 23, 1970 the London Wax Museum was officially opened by the Mayor of St Kilda, Cr G. Manning, in the South Pacific Building, Lower Esplanade (now Jacka Boulevard) (1).  The South Pacific was the old St Kilda Baths, completely renovated and re-opened in 1956 (2).The 45 (3) figures on display - replicas of the famous and infamous (4) -  had been sculptured and  modelled by Jack Armytage, of Interwax Ltd, at the time the only company in the Southern Hemisphere producing wax models. Jack also designed the display, the costumes and provided the display bodies - it was only the head and the hands which were created in wax (5).

Jack Armytage with Queen Victoria

The Age, November 20, 1970, p. 21.

In an interview in The Age newspaper of November 20, 1970 Jack explained his entry into the Wax Model world -

It started 15 months ago when I was helping to lay out the wax museum at Surfers' Paradise. They had some trouble with the wax models brought from London and I thought that they could have been made here.

I had a trip around the world looking at wax museums and that convinced me. I hadn't done any sculpture before, or sculpted from life, but I think being in television for years helped me. Jack had previously been the art director of  a Brisbane Television station. 

Each figure, estimated to be worth $1,000 each, took over 200 hours to create, with each hair being individually implanted (6).

An interesting employment opportunity at the Wax Museum

The Age July 8, 1972, p. 71.

Amongst the models made for the St Kilda Museum were Queen Victoria, King Henry VIII, whose costume alone cost $400; the then Prime Minister, John Gorton; Dame Nellie Melba. Charles Dickens, Dr Christiaan Barnard, Queen Elizabeth, Prince Phillip, Princess Anne, Michelangelo, Napoleon, Sir Francis Drake, Madame Tussaud, Rolf Harris, Sir Winston Churchill, Benjamin Disraeli, American Presidents Eisenhower, Kennedy and Nixon, Hitler, Stalin and Mao Tse-tung (7).

The manager, John Pittman, surrounded by Benjamin Disraeli, Prince Phillip, Princess Anne, The Queen and Queen Victoria.

The Age January 28, 1975, p. 12

The Museum, owned by New Zealand Company London Wax Museums Ltd was managed by John and Joy Pittman (8). They had no previous experience in the Wax Museum World  - Neither of us had any experience in the world of wax. I worked for an electrical company and Joy had a background in dress making," Mr Pittman said (9).

After 18 months (10) the Museum, also known as the World in Wax,  moved to 32 The Esplanade on the corner of Acland Street to the building erected in 1917, by the  Prahran and Malvern Tramway Trust at the terminus of its line. The building had a long history of use as a cafe - initially the Empire Cafe, then the Green Knoll, and from mid-1940s to 1970 as the function centre known as both Katharina and Catherina (11).

The World in Wax museum, 32 The Esplanade, St Kilda.

Image: Victorian Heritage database https://vhd.heritagecouncil.vic.gov.au/places/66317 

Image enhanced by Isaac Hermann.

The Pittmans operated at 32 The Esplanade, until January 27, 1975, when they had to close as the building was to be demolished and all the models were put into storage.  By this stage 250,000 visitors had viewed the collection. It was not an easy task to find a suitable building to house what was then reported to be 50 wax models, and they had been searching for over a year when they were interviewed by The Age on the day of the closure. The interview reported that they were considering a site in Barkly Street, but it is likely to be some time before the Museum opens again (12).  Some time later they re-opened at 168 Acland Street, corner Barkly Street, in the building which until recently housed the Big Mouth Cafe (13).

Souvenir from London's Wax Museum.

Image: Isaac Hermann.

I don't know how long they were at 168 Acland Street, but it seems less than a year. In 2002, the Riverine Herald had an interview with the Pittmans and it was reported that the couple, now in their 80s, bought the London Wax Museum in St Kilda in 1975 and moved its occupants to Echuca in 1976 to open World in Wax Museum on High St.  (14)

Life sized guillotine and victim, displayed at the London Wax Museum in St Kilda.

Image: Isaac Hermann

This is 'Deadly Earnest' also on display at the Wax Museum.

Image: Isaac Hermann.

It appears that the Pittmans managed the Museum from its opening until 1975, when they purchased the business and then began looking for a new location, and that the Acland Street location was only ever meant to be a temporary location. This is supported by the fact that the Riverine Herald reported in February 1975 that the Echuca Council was to make a bid to have the Wax Museum set up in Echuca, thus they may have been in talks early on (15).  Secondly, this advertisement, below,  appeared in The Age on October 1, 1975. It is of course possible that R. Inlander was looking for a location for a rival wax museum in 'Melbourne or nearby' but even though I have found no connection yet between Mr Inlander and the Pittmans, I believe that he was advertising on their behalf.

Advertisement for  a  location for a Wax Museum. 

Was it for the St Kilda Museum or a rival museum?

This is likely to be  Rudolf Inlander, listed in the Electoral Roll in the 1970s at Hosken Street, Balwyn North, occupation - dental mechanic.

The Age October 1, 1975. p. 23.

The Riverine Herald article from 2002, was written because the Pittmans were retiring and their manager, John Walton, was taking over the business. At the time of their retirement the Wax Museum displayed 59 models and each figurine can cost anywhere between $8,000 and $10,000 because of the time it takes to make them (16).  An interesting increase in value from the $1,000 per model that Jack Armytage said they were worth in 1970.

The Wax Museum in St Kilda was a short-lived part of St Kilda's rich history as Australia's  premier pleasure resort (17). 

Acknowledgment
I had not heard of the Wax Museum at St Kilda until I was told of it by my fellow historian, Isaac Hermann, when he purchased the souvenir postcards of the Museum, which I have reproduced here. Some of this research was done by or in conjunction with Isaac. Thanks, Isaac.

Footnotes
(1) The Age, November 20, 1970, p. 21. Available on newspapers.com

(2) The South Pacific, read the report of official re-opening in The Argus of November 3, 1956, here. However a report in the Australian Jewish Herald of May 18, 1956 said there was a Grand Opening on May 23, 1956, read this report here.

(3) The number of figures on display was listed as 45 in The Age of  November 20 article and 42 in The Age, November 19, 1970, p. 16

(4) Replicas of the famous and infamous was from an advert for the Museum in The Age, December 11, 1972, p. 11. 

(5) The Age, November 20, 1970, p. 21.

(6) The Age, November 20, 1970, p. 21.

(7) The Age, November 20, 1970, p. 21; The Age, November 19, 1970, p. 16; The Age January 28, 1975, p. 12.

(8) The Age, November 19, 1970, p. 16. Available on newspapers.com

(9) Riverine Herald, December 2, 2002, see here. 
(10) The Age January 28, 1975, p. 12. Available on newspapers.com

(11) I will be writing a history of the building shortly, but I have created  a list of articles on Trove on the various businesses which  occupied the building, access it here https://trove.nla.gov.au/list/157656

(12)  The Age January 28, 1975, p. 12.

(13) Isaac Hermann told me about this location. See also here https://www.realestatesource.com.au/big-mouth-shuts-after-27-years-building-re-rents/ and here https://www.onlymelbourne.com.au/big-mouth

(14) Riverine Herald, December 2, 2002, see here. 

(15) Riverine Herald, February 2, 2000, see here - The Way we Were - 25 years ago.

(16) Riverine Herald, December 2, 2002, see here. 

(17) This term is from St Kilda by the Sea, published by the Prahran Telegraph, 1913-1916, http://handle.slv.vic.gov.au/10381/185325

The Brighton Switchback Railway

A Switchback Railway operated at Brighton Beach from Christmas 1890  until early 1894. This post is about the railway and the two  promoters, Mr Ruck and Colonel Harrison. 

Switchback Railway, Brighton.

Labelled as Switzback Railway Brighton. State Library of Victoria Image  H15549/31

At the meeting of the Brighton Council held December 8, 1890 Mr Ruck, asked for permission to erect a Switch-back railway on the beach. Mr Ruck appeared in support of the application, and the council after very long discussion referred the matter to the Mayor and Crs Francis Budd and Burrows (1).

The application was approved and the Railway was erected and was open by Christmas 1890, on a Council Reserve, with a weekly rent of £2 10s (2).  It ran into controversy immediately when it wanted to open on Sundays, a day trading was generally banned unless  local authorities allowed. Colonel Harrison said that the Mayor had told him that he would allow Sunday operations, and in fact had said that he had not the slightest objection to it. However when word got out that the Railway would be open, the Police stepped in and threatened to prosecute, the Mayor backtracked and denied giving permission and the Railway remained closed (3).

One of the reasons the promotors of the Railway wanted it to run on a Sunday was that  the patronage of the public was not quite up to expectations during week days (4), and this seemed to be an ongoing issue. Less than a year after it was opened, Colonel Harrison was  already behind in the rent and at a November 1891 Brighton Council meeting he offered to pay  £20 in satisfaction of all demands, conditional upon being allowed to remove the structure. Given that the Railway cost around £500 to erect, there was a large amount of salvageable material - timber for the structure as well as the iron rails (5). This was refused by the Council. In the December the Brighton Council decided to call for tenders to find an operator so the railway could be opened over the  Christmas New Year Holidays.

It was leased again over the next two summers as well - in October 1892 to W.R. Clarke and October 1893 to W.T. Grant. In December 1893, Mr Grant asked the Council for permission to extend the hours of operation from 8.00 pm to  to 10.00pm, which was granted. At the same Council meeting Cr Burrows asked for a report regarding  the condition of the railway and was told by the Mayor, that the surveyor reported the structure to be stronger than when first erected (6).

By October 1894, the Brighton Council made the decision to invite tenders for the purchase of the switchback white elephant (7). The ultimate fate of the Railway was recorded by the Caulfield and Elsternwick Leader of  November 10, 1894 - The celebrated switchback railway, which is now regarded as a menace to public safety, has been restored to its original owner, Mr. A. W. Harrison, on condition that he removes it expeditiously. Mr. Harrison wrote a plaintive appeal to the council at its meeting on Monday evening, asking for the restitution of his dearly beloved white elephant, and the council "switched it back" to him with all the gracious beignity of philanthropic benefactors. It was not mentioned whether any tenders had been received for its purchase, but when the good deed was done, and Mr. Harrison metaphorically folded his boom-bred darling to his bosom, Mayor Walstab and the whole of the civic circle appeared to heave a sigh of glad relief (8).  By January 1895, it was gone (9). 

Who were Mr Ruck and Colonel Harrison? The first reference to Mr Ruck I can find is in the Tasmanian News of  January 4, 1890, in an article about the Switchback Railway in the Domain in Hobart - Mr Noel Ruck, under whose supervision the switchbacks of Victoria, New Zealand, Launceston, and the one at present in Hobart were constructed, and who has always been a very popular manager, opened the Switchback on the Domain this afternoon for a new season, and a fair number availed themselves of the opportunity afforded for a ride which is, as those who have tried it are aware, invigorating and healthy. The Switch-back was a very popular institution while running last season, especially among the young people, while those of mature years who did the short journey over the rails were pleased with the novel sensation they experienced, and many have professed that a couple of trips have had the effect of driving away a bad headache. The Switchback will run every afternoon and evening (10). 

This sounded very successful, but in the January 30, 1890 edition of the Tasmanian News a small advertisement appeared saying the Switchback Railway was closing as the Manager was returning to Melbourne (11).  More on the Hobart Switchback later.

Mr Ruck returns to Melbourne

Tasmanian News January 30, 1890. https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/163568151

Noel Ruck arrived back in Melbourne on February 2, 1890 on the Flinders (12).  In the December of 1890 he applied, as we know, to erect the Switchback Railway at Brighton. It appears that was the end of his role at Brighton and that Colonel Harrison operated it. Noel Ruck had been born in London, around 1854, he married Alice McWatt in 1878 and they had three children in the next three years - Charlotte Maude, Mary Oram and Walter Melville. Alice also had a daughter Waltine Alice, born in 1874. Alice arrived in Melbourne in early June 1888 with Waltine and Charlotte (known as Maud); Mary and Walter had died as infants. I can't find Noel on a shipping record, however they had another daughter, Lena Patricia Winifred born in 1888 and registered in Victoria, so either Noel was on the same ship but not listed or else little Lena was born prematurely. Sadly, little Lena died in 1888 at the age of only two months (13). I feel the family arrived together and Noel is not on the shipping list.

The Rucks are listed in the Electoral at Fairfield until 1919. Noel's occupation was a Collector, Alice died in 1919 (14) and the next we find of Noel is that he was involved in an interesting criminal case. The Age of November 4, 1920 reported it under the headlines - The Scarf Trick - Billiard Room Episode - Before Judge Dethridge, at The General Sessions yesterday, Edward Brown, of St. Kilda, who was defended by Mr. Sonenberg, pleaded not guilty to a charge of having stolen a purse, containing £4 10/ in notes, and a gold locket from Noel Edgar Ruck, commission agent, Tennyson-street, St. Kilda. The theft was alleged to have taken place at a Swanston-street billiard room on 22nd September. Mr. Wanliss prosecuted for the Crown. Ruck, giving evidence, said he was holding his purse in his hand in the billiard room when accused came to him and offered him for sole a silk scarf, which he spread over witness's hand, containing the purse, and then snatched the purse away. Witness, who stated he was a teetotaller, denied he had been drinking, and "picking up shadows" off the floor of the billiard room. Accused was found not guilty and discharged (15). 

Noel Edgar Ruck, the man who constructed Switchback Railways in New Zealand, Tasmania and Brighton, died on August 9, 1927, aged 72. His daughter Maud, placed a death notice for him in The Age, saying he was Loved by all (16). 

The other man involved with the Brighton Switchback Railway was Colonel Arthur Harrison. I don't have any details of his Military service (17).   However, he was connected to Switchback Railways before his involvement at Brighton. 

Arthur Harrison and installed a Switchback Railway the Melbourne Centennial International Exhibition which ran from August 1, 1888 until January 31, 1889 (18). The Railway was described thus - the wooden structure which carries the railway is 381ft. long. At either end there is a platform 37 1/2ft. high. The cars start from the eastern platform, which is approached by steps. They obtain their motion by gravity. As soon as they are let go they ran down an incline of 9ft., when they gain sufficient velocity to carry them over a rise of 7ft. Then comes a fall of 14ft., from which they rise to the level again. On completing the journey the one way the passengers change cars and are brought back to the starting point. The time occupied is about 18sec. The cars run easily and smoothly on rails, and a ride upon them is an invigorating and agreeable experience (19).  Over 300,000 people rode on the railway during the life of the Exhibition (20). 

In early October1888, Colonel Harrison, under his full name Arthur Wellesley Harrison, applied to lease 36¼ perches at Manly Beach, for a Switchback Railway. It was not allowed as the land was not zoned for recreation (21).  Rejected in Sydney Colonel Harrison then proposed a Railway in Bendigo - the Bendigo Advertiser of October 28, 1888 reported - We are to have a "Switchback Railway" herein our "Golden City." Colonel Harrison, who visited Sandhurst last week for the purpose of securing a site for the above, will return at an early date to make final arrangements; and those who have not seen that far-famed "Switch-back Railway" at the Centennial Exhibition will be able to avail themselves of the most exciting recreation of the present day (22).  I do not know if the Bendigo Switchback went ahead.

But by February 1889 the Colonel had moved to another State - to Hobart, Tasmania  where a switch-back railway in the Queen's Domain was opened, to the public yesterday afternoon, and was largely patronised. The railway has been erected by the Switchback Outdoor Amusement Co. of Melbourne, under the personal supervision of Colonel Harrison, the manager reported the Hobart Mercury.  The Colonel, states that everything is exactly on the same principle as that adopted in the Melbourne exhibition (23). This Hobart Railway is of course, the same Switchback Railway that Noel Ruck was also credited with overseeing the supervision of. I believe that Noel Ruck acted as a contactor and, at times, a manager to Arthur Harrison or Harrison's Company.

In spite of the wonderful beginnings by the April 1889,  the Switchback Railway venture  had rather disappointing financial results (24) and, as we saw before, it closed in January 1890, either because the Manager, Noel Ruck was returning to Melbourne or the closure was the catalyst for his return. 

 In February 1890, Colonel Harrison's Company was wound up. The Argus reported on this event  - This was a petition for the sequestration of the Switchback Railway Company. The petitioning creditor was Arthur William Harrison, a judgment creditor, who said that the company was formed to take over all his rights in the switchback railway and rifle galleries in Australia, with certain exceptions. The capital was to be £25,000, in shares of £100 each. The actual number of shares issued and allotted was 99, upon which £85 per share had been called up. The petitioner said that the company was unable to pay its debts. On the 1st February, 1890, the petitioner recovered judgment against the company for £1,560 the balance of the purchase money due to him from the company under their agreement, and this judgment was unsatisfied. On the motion of Mr. Vasey, for the petitioner, an order was made for the winding up of the company (25). 

Colonel Harrison, perhaps due to his experience at the Centennial Exhibition, was in August 1891  appointed superintendent of the Victorian Court at the Tasmanian Exhibition (26). Then just over three years later, he regained control of the Brighton Switchback Railway - or by that stage, the right to remove the entire structure. 

Arthur Wellesley Harrison died at the age of 60 on October 22, 1897, he was living in Glenroy at the time.  Interestingly, his death notice lists neither his wife nor his children. His wife Harriett, died in August 1935 and she had  a short obituary in The Argus - Mrs. Harriett A. Harrison, of Glenroy, whose death occurred this week, was the widow of Colonel A. W. Harrison. The Beattys of County Armagh were her grandparents, and her great-uncle, Lieutenant George Evans, landed in Victoria with Batman. She leaves four sons Messrs. Frank H., Tom Curtis, Douglas H,, and Arthur Harrison; and three daughter's-Mrs. F. Hamilton Nicol, Mrs. V. V. Cook, and Mrs. A. J. Morgan (27).

Switchback Railways were described as being the most exciting recreation of the present day (28) and one of the attractions of Brighton Beach  - the gliding switchback car mounting into the heavens and sliding down into yawning valleys (29).  Sadly for the promotors - Noel Ruck and Arthur Harrison, their venture into Switchback Railways was more a journey to yawning valleys, rather than a journey to heaven.

Trove list

I have created a list of articles on Trove on Noel Ruck, Arthur Harrison and their involvement with Switchback Railways, access it here. 

Footnotes

(1) Caulfield and Elsternwick Leader, December 13 1890, see here.

(2) The Herald, January 20, 1891, see here.

(3) The Herald, January 20, 1891, see here.

(4) The Herald, January 20, 1891, see here.

(5) Quote - The Argus, November 21, 1891, see here. Cost of the Switchback Railways - Hobart Mercury, December 18, 1888 (see here) and Hobart Mercury, February 8, 1889, see here.

(6) Mr Clark - Caulfield and Elsternwick Leader October 22, 1892, see here;  Mr Grant - Caulfield and Elsternwick Leader, October 21, 1893, see here; Caulfield and Elsternwick Leader December 2, 1893, see here.

(7) Caulfield and Elsternwick Leader, October 27, 1894, see here.

(8) Caulfield and Elsternwick Leader,  November 10, 1894, see here.

(9) Caulfield and Elsternwick Leader, January 5, 1895, see here.

(10) Tasmanian News, January 4, 1890, see here.

(11) Tasmanian News, January 30, 1890, see here.

(12) Shipping record - Public Records Office of Victoria Inward Passenger Lists

(13) Family information - Birth, Deaths and Marriage records on Ancestry.com and the Victorian Indexes to BDM;  Public Records Office of Victoria Inward Overseas Passenger Lists.

(14) Electoral Rolls on Ancestry.com and Index to Victorian Births, Deaths and Marriages.

(15) The Age, November 4, 1920, see here.

(16) The Age, August 13, 1927, see here. 

(17) He seemed to use the Colonel title intermitting. For instance, Arthur wrote a letter to The Argus July 20 1888 (see here) about some issues he had encountered in having the Switchback Railway installed at the Centennial Exhibition and he didn't use the title then, but I would have thought he might have to give himself more status.

(18) Melbourne Centennial International Exhibition - read about it here on State Library of Victoria website   https://guides.slv.vic.gov.au/interexhib/1888to89 

(19) The Argus, August 18, 1888, see here.

(20) Hobart Mercury, February 8, 1889, see here.

(21) Sydney Evening News, October 10, 1888, see here.

(22) Bendigo Advertister, October 24, 1888, see here.

(23) Hobart Mercury, February 8, 1889, see here.

(24) Launceston Examiner, April 16, 1889, see here.

(25) The Argus, February 21, 1890, see here. Regarding the Company - the Hobart Mercury of December 18, 1888 (see here)  reported that - Mr. H. Etherington, one of the firm of proprietors of the switchback railway at the Melbourne Exhibition, and who has also had considerable experience in the management of this new source of amusement in Glasgow, is now in Hobart for the purpose of erecting a switchback railway here if an eligible site can be found. I am unsure of his connection to Arthur Harrison.

(26) Tasmanian Exhibition - held in Launceston for four months from November 25, 1891 - read more here https://launcestonfamilyalbum.org.au/about and here https://www.utas.edu.au/library/companion_to_tasmanian_history/E/Exhibitions.htm

(27) Death notice - The Argus October 23, 1897, see here; Harriet Harrison's obituary The Argus, August 31, 1935, see here. 

(28) Bendigo Advertister, October 24, 1888, see here.

(29) Prahran Telegraph, November 28, 1894, see here.