Carlo and his colleagues on the Albert Park Committee of Management

In 1899 Carlo was appointed a member of the Committee of Management of Albert Park Reserve. He remained on the  Committee of Management until his death in 1918

Carlo's appointment to the Albert Park Committee of Management

Emerald Hill Record, December 9, 1899 - see the full public notice here  

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article108491520

Regulation -
The undermentioned gentlemen shall constitute a Committee of Management to exercise control over the said Albert Park : -

John Baragwanath
John Munro Bruce, J.P.,
John Cockbill,
Carlo Catani,
George Connibere, J P.,
William Davidson, C.E.,
Thomas Frank Morkham, J.P.,
Edward O'Donnell, J.P.
Provided nevertheless that the said George Connibere, J.P., Edward O'Donnell, J.P., John Baragwanath and John Cockbill shall hold office as members of the Committee of Management of the said Albert Park for so long only as they may respectively continue Councillors of the said City of South Melbourne or the said City of Saint Kilda.

Albert Park, 1890s, as Carlo would have known it.

Albert Park & Bay from Toorak Rd, 1890s. Photographer: Charles Rudd. 

State Library of Victoria image H39357/156

I thought we would have a look at the life of his seven colleagues on the 1899 Committee.

Baragwanath, John (1856-1943)

John Baragwanath was on the committee as a representative of the South Melbourne Council. Mr Baragwanath retired from the South Melbourne Bench in 1941, and there was a short report in The Herald of July 22, 1941 (see here) to mark this occasion.

Mr Baragwanath to leave Bench.  Mr John Barngwanath, chairman of South Melbourne Bench, will retire on Friday, the day after his 85th birthday. 

Born in Bendigo in 1856, Mr Baragwanath came to Melbourne when six months old with his parents in a spring dray. His first Job was as a brushmaker with the firm of Zevenboom. He later joined David Boyd in an estate agency in South Melbourne. He entered South Melbourne Council in August,1891, was four times Mayor and also Acting Mayor when Cr. L. Taite was on active service during the 1914-18 war. He first sat on the Bench at South Melbourne during his first term as Mayor in 1894.

His short but informative obituary from The Age, April 16, 1943 (see here) provides more information. 
Mr. John Baragwanath, for more than half a century, one of South Melbourne's best-known citizens, died at a private hospital yesterday morning, aged 86 years. He was a native of Bendigo, but spent nearly all his life in South Melbourne. He played both football and cricket with the district and was president of the cricket club for 34 years. He was four times mayor of South Melbourne, and was a councillor for 29 years. Mr. Baragwanath was twice married. He leaves a widow, a daughter (Mrs L. Dudfield) and a son. The funeral will leave Sleight's chapel, St. Kilda-road, to-day at 3 o'clock for the St. Kilda cemetery.

Bruce, John Munro (1840-1901)
The following information is from his Australian Dictionary of Biography entry, written by J. Ann Hone, https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/bruce-john-munro-3093

Born in Ireland, Mr Bruce arrived in Victoria in 1859 and later bought into a softgoods business Paterson, Laing & Bruce, which was very successful.

When the business was firmly established and prospering Bruce gave time to community affairs. He was a Harbor Trust commissioner from 1883 to 1890. In 1883 he was a Chamber of Commerce delegate at the conference on intercolonial free trade. He was a delegate at the 1888 Australasian Commercial Congress and entertained the visitors at his homes, Wombalano in Toorak and Fern Glen near Scoresby. Bruce also had time to indulge his interest in politics and played a prominent part in securing support for the Gillies-Deakin administration at the 1886 general election and was chairman of the coalition committee. Bruce was president of the Young Men's Christian Association and the Melbourne Hospital, a Centennial Exhibition commissioner and held captain's rank in the Prince of Wales Light Horse.........Overseas again in 1900, Bruce's health failed and he committed suicide in Paris on 4 May 1901. His comparatively early death was attributed to 'wear and tear on his own and the community's behalf'. A Baptist, Bruce was survived by his wife Mary Ann, née Henderson, whom he had married on 28 May 1872, one daughter and three of his four sons, one of whom, Stanley Melbourne, became prime minister of Australia and Viscount Bruce of Melbourne.

Cockbill, John (1854-1922)

John Cockbill  was on the committee as a representative of the South Melbourne Council. Mr Cockbill's obituary was in The Age, May 31, 1922, see here.

Death of Cr. Cockbill. Long Civic Career
After a prolonged illness, Cr John Cockbill, J.P., of the City Council, died yesterday morning at his residence, Albert-road, Albert Park. About six months ago Cr Cockbill was injured by a motor car in front of the Town Hall, sustaining a fractured leg, but although he appeared to recover for a time, symptoms of shock developed. Born in Williamstown in 1854, Cr. Cockbill was elected to the South Melbourne Council in 1890, which position he retained until his death. He was three times mayor of South Melbourne. Elected to the Bourke ward of the City Council in 1912, he was chairman of the Town Hall committee and a member of the public works committee at the time of his death. 

Cr. Cockbill was the founder of the firm of J. Cockbill and Sons, Kensington, which he conducted with the assistance of his sons. He leaves a widow, two sons and three daughters.

Yesterday the Lord Mayor, members of the City Council and the Town Clerk referred feelingly to the late councillor. As a mark of respect the special committee of the City Council; which sat yesterday, adjourned for five minutes. Deceased was a member of the Metropolitan Board for eleven years, and as a mark of respect the board at its meeting yesterday adjourned the proceedings, for five minutes.

The funeral  will leave his late residence 33 Albert-road, Albert Park, on Thursday,at 2:30 p.m., and will proceed to St. James' Cathedral after which the remains will be interred at Melbourne General Cemetery.

Connibere, George, J.P (1832-1911)
George Connibere was on the committee as a representative of the St Kilda Council. His obituary was in the Malvern Standard, on December 2, 1911 (see here)

Death of Mr G. Connibere. Old St. Kilda Resident.
Mr George Connibere died at his residence, "Southdean," Toorak, on Monday last, to the great regret of a large circle of friends and acquaintances. The deceased gentleman, who was 79 years of age, was the senior partner of the firm of Connibere, Grieve, and Connibere, ware-housemen, of Melbourne, and arrived in Australia from England 48 years ago. He was a widower, and leaves a family of three sons and one daughter. 

Mr Connibere was a very old resident of St. Kilda, and for many years took a prominent part in public affairs. He first entered the St. Kilda council in 1872, and, with the exception of an interval, remained in the council until last August twelve months, when he retired. For several years he was one of the St. Kilda representatives on the Metropolitan Board of Works, and on two occasions occupied the position of Mayor. He was a member of the St. Kilda branch of the A.N.A., and that body at its last meeting decided to forward a letter of condolence to the family. 

The late Mr Connibere was a prominent member of Holy Trinity Church, Balaclava. In 1891 he was appointed to the position of Sunday school superintendent, and in succeeding years he was vestry man and churchwarden. To the church he proved one of its best and most revered benefactors. The funeral of the deceased gentleman took place on Tuesday, the remains being interred in the St. Kilda cemetery. There was a large and representative attendance. The pall bearers were -Dr M'Adam, Hon Mr
Bachse, M.L.C., the Mayor of St. Kilda (Cr F. G. Hughes), Cr Barnet, Mr J. J. Brown, Mr Dickenson Wheeler, Mr Albert Miller, Mr W. Birchnell, and Mr Macintosh. The remains had first been conveyed to St. John's Church of England, where the Rev. Canon Drought. and Archdeacon Hindley assisted by the curate of St. John's, held a service.

The chief mourners at the funeral were deceased's two sons, Mr Ernest and Mr George Connibere, and amongst those who attended were the St. Kilda councillors and the Town Clerk (Mr Jno. N. Browne). The employes of Connibere, Grieve,and Connibere lined the drive at the cemetery, and the coffin was carried to the grave between the lines of employes. The body was laid to rest in the family vault. The remains were encased in a very handsome brass mounted oak casket, with the inscription on, and the casket surmounted a very heavy lead coffin.The hearse and floral car, the latter containing very many beautiful designs, were followed by the carriage of the deceased gentleman and five mourning coaches, and then a long line of private and other vehicles. The funeral arrangements were carried out by W. G. Apps and Sons.

Davidson, William C.E., (1844-1920)
William Davidson was a Civil Engineer and Chief Inspector of Public Works. I have written about his life here.

Morkham, Thomas Frank, J.P (1844-1922)

This information about Thomas Morkham comes from his obituary, published in The Argus of March 20, 1922 (see here)

Death of Major Morkham

The news of the death of Major Thomas F. Morkham, a former secretary for lands, which occurred yesterday morning, after a long illness, will be received with regret by a large circle of friends and officers who served under him in the Public Works and Lands departments. Major Morkham was born in Bath in January 1844, and nine years later arrived in Victoria with his parents. The family settled at Geelong, and resided there for many years. Major Morkham served his articles as a surveyor and architect with Mr Shaw, Geelong and, having qualified, carried on business there until 1872, when he came to Melbourne and entered the Government service. He rose rapidly, and eventually was appointed secretary for Public Works, and later Secretary for Lands, from which position he retired on pension in 1905. 

As a young man Major Morkham took a keen ínterest in military matters, and has reached the rank of major in the old volunteer forces when he left Geelong for Melbourne. On desiring to be transferred, he found that his seniority in rank would place him over the heads of many men in the metropolis who had given much time to soldiering, and, with characteristic consideration, Major Morkham applied to be placed on the unattached list, which to done. Major Morkham was keenly interested in cricket, and was a trustee of the Melbourne Cricket ground for some years. He was a favourite with members of the Australian Elevens, with whom he toured more than once. He was chairman of the trustees of Albert Park and a trustee of Royal Park. Major Morkham was twice married. He leaves one son, Mr Frank Morkham.

O'Donnell, Edward  J.P (1845-1933)

Edward O'Donnell, born in Ireland, was on the committee as a representative of the St Kilda Council. He worked with Carlo as a member of the St Kilda Foreshore Committee, established in 1906. Cr O'Donnell unveiled the bronze bust of Carlo on his Clock Tower memorial on August 22, 1932 and also started the mechanism of the clock on the occasion. Cr O'Donnell is remembered in St Kilda by the O'Donnell Fountain and Garden. His obituary was in The Argus of July 8, 1933, see here.

Mr. Edward O'Donnell.

The death of Mr Edward O'Donnell which occurred at his home at St Kilda yesterday closes a long career of public service. Mr O' Donnell had been a member of the St Kilda City Council continuously for 44 years. He was defeated by councillor Raphael in the election last year. He was six times mayor of the city; and for 18 years he was chairman of the finance committee of the council. He had been a member of the foreshore committee since its inception in 1906; and he was chairman from 1919 until his death. On his defeat as a candidate for the council last year he was made Government representative on the committee. In December, 1888, he became a member of the Albert Park committee of management and he remained a member until his death. From August 1918, until his defeat Mr O'Donnell represented the council on the Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of Works. He was a trustee of the St Kilda Cemetery, a member of the committee of management of the Alfred Hospital and returning officer for the Melbourne South Province and the electoral district of St Kilda. 

Mr O'Donnell leaves a widow and a family of six daughters and two sons. Three daughters are married. One is Mrs T. T. McMahon, another Mrs J. Tuomy and a third Mrs H. B. Devine. The funeral will leave Mr O'Donnell's late residence for the St Kilda Cemetery at 3 o'clock this afternoon.

William Davidson, Civil engineer and Chief Inspector of Public Works

William Davidson, Civil Engineer, Chief Inspector of Public Works and a man who worked with Carlo on a myriad of projects, is naturally mentioned multiple times in this blog. What do we know of him? We will start with this informative obituary from The Argus, of September 3, 1920 (see here) which tells us of his early life in Ireland, his adventurous trip to Australia and his career in Victoria. 

William Davidson

The Australasian, December 4, 1897 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article138631407

Death of Mr. W.Davidson. Sudden Seizure in City. Valuable Public Service.

Deep regret was expressed among a wide circle of friends when it became known that Mr. William Davidson, I.S.O., late Inspector General of State Public Works died with painful suddenness yesterday afternoon. He was lunching at Hosies Hotel with several friends, including Mr. G. Kermode, chief engineer of public works; Mr. F. W. Fricke, second member of the Country Roads Board, and Mr H.G.W. Neale, secretary to the Agent-General, when he collapsed and died within a few minutes.

The late Mr Davidson had been suffering from heart complaint for several years and was under medical treatment. At the beginning of last month he suffered from an attack of influenza, but had recovered sufficiently to make his customary visit to the city and his relatives were not unduly concerned regarding his health. In fact, only yesterday morning he remarked that he felt unusually well.

Mr Davidson was an extremely lovable personality, and was exceptionally popular with his colleagues in the civil service, with which he was associated for nearly 40 years. In private life his sterling character and frank geniality caused his friendship to be highly valued. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Mr Davidson was as an ideal public servant,efficient, conscientious, and supremely trustworthy. He retired from the service in 1912.

Born in County Tyrone Ireland, on December 6, 1844, Mr Davidson spent his boyhood in a village. At the age of 12 years he was an ambitious assistant in a store, and a description of him at this time by a friend tells of "a keen, bright boy, with nothing more pretentious in the way of education than that imparted at a village school, but with a receptive mind, and plenty of push." His fathers brother, Robert Davidson, had come out to Victoria at the time of the gold rush, and had set up in practice at Ballarat as a mining surveyor. Young Davidson became fired with a longing to seek his fortune overseas, and working his way over to Liverpool, he succeeded in getting a passage out in a sailing ship that reached Port Phillip in 1859. Even the roughness of these experiences did not weaken his determination. He set out on foot for Ballarat, and some days later appeared at the door of the tent which his uncle used as an office, and introduced himself as a nephew. When the mining surveyor had recovered from the first shock and astonishment, he inquired, "Where is your father?" "At home," replied young Davidson. "And where is home?" he was further asked. "In Ireland," the boy remarked laconically.

Perseverance of that description deserved to succeed, and the uncle gave his nephew a chance by attaching him as a "generally useful" to a surveying party. Young Davidson made the most of his chance, and he rose from the post of a "generally useful" to be a chainman and later a full fledged surveyor. Subsequently in practising his profession there was hardly a part of the north-west that he did not traverse, while he also knew Gippsland from a first-hand acquaintance. That knowledge in distant parts of the State served him splendidly in later years. In 1873 the position of assistant to the chief engineer of the Melbourne Water Supply department, under Mr. Taylor, became vacant, and Mr Davidson obtained the appointment. 

In January, 1878, Mr. Taylor was one of the heads of the department dispensed with on "Black Wednesday" by the Berry Government during the political crisis. Soon after a big flood carried away the Plenty bridge and with it the mains conveying the Yan Yean water to Melbourne. Rebuilding the bridge, and restoring the supply with all possible urgency was entrusted to Mr. Davidson. So energetically and efficiently was the work executed that when it was finished Mr (afterwards Sir James) Patterson, the then Minister for Public Works, as a reward, handed to Mr Davidson his appointment as engineer of Melbourne water supply. To his service in this capacity Mr. Davidson has left an enduring monument in the shape of the Yan Yean water supply system.

 The whole question of the question of the metropolitan water supply rested upon him, and he brought rare skill and knowledge to bear upon it. As an illustration of his through methods it may be mentioned that he spent months in survey work on top of the ranges working out his theory that it was possible to divert to the service of the Yan Yean reservoir some of the streams that emptied into the Goulburn. The diversion of Silver Creek and Wallaby Creek were the fruits of this spell of strenuous field work. Later on the Watts River had to be drawn upon. In this work Mr. Davidson was greatly

assisted by the late Mr. William Thwaites, who was his chief assistant, and who became engineer in chief to the Board of Works when that body assumed control of the metropolitan water supply.

In 1890 Mr. Davidson succeeded the late Mr. William Steel as Inspector-general of public works. In that capacity he was the directing force in connection with engineering projects right throughout the State and in works and bridge construction undertaken by shires in conjunction with the Government. His knowledge of the State was of inestimable value to him, while his personal probity, fairness and judicial mind were factors in his success and popularity. His reputation was not confined to Victoria, for his services were sought by the Governments of other States, chiefly in connection with harbour and water supply matters. When the honours list was issued at the time of the Coronation in 1911 Mr. Davidson's name figured amongst those upon whom had been conferred the Imperial Service Order, and he was the recipient of congratulations from all parts of the Commonwealth.

His last important undertaking was going to London to consult the firm of Coode, Son and Matthews on plans to improve the harbour accommodation in Hobson's Bay, and to enlarge the scheme which that eminent engineering firm had prepared in 1879 for the Melbourne Harbour Trust. The principal expenditure in these operations was the building of the New Railway Pier at Port Melbourne.

Mr. Davidson was a keen sportsman and in his younger days followed the hounds regularly. For "special services" he was made a life member of the Victorian Racing Club. This is a unique distinction, and during the history of the club has only been conferred on four other men-the Duke of Portland, the late Mr. Mark Moss, Mr. Isidore Moss and Mr Archie Yuille. Mr Davidson was a leading member of the Yorick Club, and also on the Board of the Metropolitan Fire Brigade.

Quite recently he read a paper before the Historical Society giving the history of the origin and complete development of the Melbourne Water Supply, and, with characteristic modesty never once mentioned his own name in connection with it.

He leaves a widow and four children Mr John Davidson (Sydney), Mrs. A. Phillips, (Sydney), Mrs Lyon and Miss Bertha Davidson. The remains will be interred privately in the Boroondara Cemetery. (1)

Family life
William married Elizabeth Cherry on January 3, 1874 at St John's Church of England in Ballarat. He was 30 and was 27 years old. She had been born in London to James William Cherry and his wife, Elizabeth Foster. James was a painter. William's parents are listed on the marriage certificate as John Davidson, an Architect, and Eliza McCudden. (2)

William died on September 2, 1920 and at the time of his death he was living at Maroondah, Lisson Grove in Hawthorn.

William's death notice. 

The Argus, September 11, 1920 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article4584592

Elizabeth died on August 19, 1927. She was living at 77 St Vincent Place South, Albert Park, with her daughter Bertha, at the time of her death. 

Elizabeth's death notice. 

The Argus, August 22, 1927 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article3874260

William and Elizabeth had four children, all given the second name of Oliver, which must have been a family name. They all died in New South Wales. (3)

Minnie Oliver Davidson
Minnie was born in 1874 in South Melbourne. Minnie married John Sydney Lyon in 1916 when she was about 42 years old. John sadly died of influenza in 1919. Minnie died in Mosman on October 9,  1945.

Obituary of John Sydney Lyon

Perth Daily News, March 25, 1919 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article81842533

Minnie's death notice.

The Argus, October 26, 1945 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12149296

John Oliver Davidson
John was born in 1877, in South Melbourne. He married Louisa Edwards in 1928 in New South Wales. In the 1930 Electoral Rolls their address was Maroondah, Balgowlah Road, Manly - he had named his home after the family home in Hawthorn.  Louisa died at the age of 45 on October 11, 1932, only four years after their marriage. (4) John died in Manly, New South Wales on November 27, 1957. 

Entry from the 1930 Electoral Roll from Ancestry.com

John's death notice

Sydney Morning Herald, November 29, 1957 from Newspapers.com

Bertha Oliver Davidson
Bertha was born in 1878, in South Melbourne. Bertha married James Doolan in 1931 in New South Wales, when she was about 53 years old.  She died on September 1, 1950 in Sydney and is buried with her parents at the Boorondara Cemetery.

Bertha's death notice.

The Argus, September 4, 1950 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article22895535

Annie Oliver Davidson
Annie was born in 1880 in Hawthorn. She married Henry Arthur Phillips on October 19, 1905 and died in New South Wales on February 16, 1969. Annie and Henry had three children - Geoffrey born in Hawthorn in 1906; the next two children were born in New South Wales - William in 1910 and Elizabeth in 1915. These were the only grandchildren of William and Elizabeth.

Annie married at the family home, Maroondah, Lisson Grove, Hawthorn.

The Argus, December 2, 1905 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article10020901

Annie's death notice

Sydney Morning Herald, February 19, 1969 from Newspapers.com

Footnotes
(1) The Argus, September 3, 1920, see here
(2) Death certificate of William and Marriage certificate of William and Elizabeth.
(3) Details of children - Victorian and New South Wales Indexes to Births, Deaths and Marriages. Electoral Rolls on Ancestry.com.

(4) Louisa death notice Sydney Daily Telegraph, October 12, 1932, see here.

Carlo transforms the St Kilda Foreshore from a Reeking Marsh to a Garden Beauty

A lovely tribute to Carlo, whose St Kilda Foreshore Committee turned the reeking marsh, which was the St Kilda Foreshore, into a beautiful garden based on Carlo's design; a garden fit  for both Royalty and the masses.  The article is from the Sun News-Pictorial, of August 23, 1932 (see here)  

From Reeking Marsh to Garden Beauty: St. Kilda’s Foreshore Represents Miracle of Achievement.
If civic pride glowed through the oratory at the unveiling yesterday afternoon, on St. Kilda Esplanade, of the clock tower memorial to the late Mr. Carlo Catani, designer of the St. Kilda foreshore beautifications, its expression there was pardonable. St. Kilda's foreshore beauty represents a miracle of achievement, brought about by rare civic enterprise.

Twenty-six years ago the foreshore was a noisome expanse of marsh, suggesting the desolation of the remote Scottish island from which the suburb derived its name. Today the vistas of lawns, gardens and shrubberies that extend for nearly two miles along the sea-front are unsurpassed by anything else of the kind in Australia.

The beautifications and the amusement places that have followed in their wake have made St Kilda a resort for the masses. The name is synonymous with carnival. Creation of a seaside pleasance for the working classes was the vision that prompted the transformation.

On two occasions at least Melbourne has had cause to be grateful for the splendor of St. Kilda’s seafront. These were the visits of the Prince of Wales and the Duke of York. St. Kilda provided the only landing-place where the royal visitors could be received with out the city feeling a sense of shame. Both their Royal Highnesses, and all other notable visitors who have been received at St. Kilda, expressed admiration of the foreshore beauty. Other tribute has come in the shape of requests from seaside municipalities from all over Australia for details of the beautification scheme.

An elaborate extension of the scheme had been proposed and will be put into effect if Government aid is forthcoming. The proposal is to reclaim a sector of the Bay from Blessington Street to Point Ormond. The reclaimed area would be 45 acres. This would be laid down in lawns and gardens, and incidental provision would be made for the widening of Marine Parade and the protection of residences along that thoroughfare from storm spray.

The St. Kilda-foreshore is controlled by a foreshore committee, representative of the St. Kilda Council and the Board of Works. It was formed in 1906 at the request of St. Kilda Council. Mr. Carlo Catani, who was chief engineer of the Board of Works, was a member of the original committee. The whole scheme of beautification was designed in one plan by Mr. Catani, and most of his conception had been put into effect before his death in 1918. The committee has worked since to his designs.

Financially, the foreshore scheme has been a success. Revenue from amusement places along the sea-front pays for the continuous extension and maintenance of the scheme.

The result of the St Kilda Foreshore reclamation works, c. 1931.

Image: Cooper, John Butler The History of St Kilda from its first settlement to a city and after 1840 - 1930, v. 2 

(St Kilda City Council, 1931), between pp 154 & 155.

The Foreshore Gardens were named in his honour in 1927. There is more about the St Kilda Foreshore in our Victorian Collections story on Carlo - https://victoriancollections.net.au/stories/carlo-catani-an-engineering-star-over-victoria/st-kilda-foreshore-gardens

Cycle tracks - making roads for bicycle riders

Alexandra Avenue, designed by Carlo Catani was officially opened  by the Duke of Cornwall and York on May 17, 1901. It was constructed after flood mitigation works on the Yarra River and it had dedicated lanes for carriages, pedestrians, equestrians and cyclists. (1) Was this the first dedicated cycle lane in Victoria? I was hoping it was, so I could give Carlo all the credit, but it does not appear to be. It was, however, a very early cycle track, and Carlo engineered the Avenue, so he gets some credit. 

Cyclists on Alexandra Avenue, c. 1908.

Publisher: Valentine & Sons. State Library of Victoria image H96.200/612.

I looked through some of the newspapers on Trove and in the 1890s there are many reports of cycle tracks in sports grounds or show grounds, but these were training tracks or lap tracks, they weren't a track specifically for cycling for leisure in a scenic location,  or what I would consider to be the equivalent of a promenade for pedestrians rather than a running track.

Apparently the idea for a dedicated cycling track on Alexandra Avenue, which before it was officially opened was known as Taverner Boulevard, after the Minister for Public Works, John William Taverner, was suggested to Mr Taverner at a meeting in August 1896. (2) This was when he met with a deputation representing the League of Victorian Wheelmen, as well as three members of the Legislative Assembly - Mr Best, Mr Prendergast and Mr Fink.(3) The League of Victorian Wheelmen was formed in 1893 to promote and conserve the general interests of cycling. (4)

A report of the meeting was published in The Herald, under the headline Cheery Cyclists want a Track by Yarra's Banks. Mr Taverner Agrees - 
At the meeting Mr Best, M.L.A., said that the present was an opportune moment for considering the wishes of those who patronised cycling, which was not only a pastime, but a means of locomotion largely used by business men. It was felt that as the Minister was already engaged in the work of improving the Yarra, if he formed a track which could he used by cyclists he would confer a benefit on the community.

Mr S. V. Winter, as representing the League of Victorian Wheelmen, said that it was not only the young but elderly people who found this to be a healthy exercise. He hoped the Minister would see his way to have a track laid out near the city where this exhilarating exercise could be carried out. In Sturt street, Ballarat, there was a track laid down for cyclists, and in Hyde Park, London, where for a time the entrance of cyclists had been opposed, they were now permitted to ride, while in many American cities splendid tracks were laid down.

Mr Prendergast, M.L.A., impressed upon the Minister the desirability of including a provision that any track laid should be for the exclusive use of cyclists, so as to enable them to regulate the road and the traffic. By this means there would be less liability to accident. Between various cities in Europe good cycling tracks were laid down, and he was informed that on Broadway, New York, one of the most crowded thoroughfares in the world, a cycling track had been laid down.

Mr Fink, M.L.A., said that there were about 20,000 wheelmen in the colony, and the expense of the improvement work would scarcely be added to if, as had been said, it was not necessary that the track should be of asphalt. It would make the locality a fashionable promenade, and increase the value of surrounding property.

Mr Taverner said that the cause of the work was the reduction of the flood level of the Yarra, but there would be a quantity of earth to be disposed of. He had made up his mind on two points, that a footpath and a roadway along the Yarra must be constructed, and after hearing the deputation he had decided to lay down a cycle track for the exclusive use of cyclists. (Hear, hear.)  (5)

The cycling track on Alexandra Avenue, once completed, was very popular, but had a few small issues, which a letter to The Argus pointed out -
Sir, - Having seen a letter in your columns complaining of equestrians being driven off the tan riding track in Alexandra avenue by trespassing pedestrians, I wish to point out that cyclists are incommoded in the same way, and to suggest that more stringent means be adopted to secure for the different classes the use of those parts of the avenue intended for them. The cyclists and equestrians themselves might assist by making a point of attending on Sunday afternoons in force, and insisting on occupying their respective tracks till the trespassers are convinced that their own safety and convenience will be best served by conforming to the regulations.

I notice that the posts across the Prince's bridge entrance to the cycle track are too close together, as is proved by the fact that most cyclists - especially ladies - find it necessary to dismount in order to get through. It is probably possible for an expert cyclist to ride through without striking the posts, but all those whom I have seen enter have preferred dismounting to taking the chance. Another little matter I should like to mention is the need of a bicycle stable, which I should think, might easily be arranged for in connection with the tea room. Visitors are greatly encumbered in seeing the gardens by having to drag about their bicycles, and many would gladly pay a small fee to be relieved of them -Yours, &c., Safety, June 6. (6)

What we learn from the report of the meeting with Mr Taverner, is that there was already  a dedicated bicycle track in Sturt Street in Ballarat, which may well have been the very first dedicated cycle track in Victoria.  However, I can find no other information on this track and even though the State Library of of Victoria has well over 100 historic photographs of Sturt Street on-line, I cannot find a photograph of anything resembling a track reserved for cyclists.

In October 1897, The Argus reported on a  proposed dedicated cycle track and made the claim that This, probably, is the first instance in the colony of a shire making roads for bicycle riders -

Mordialloc to Frankston. A Special Bicycle Track - At the monthly meeting of the Frankston and Hastings shire a proposal was brought forward by Councillor Sherlock which, if entertained and carried out, should make Frankston one of if not the most popular of cycling resorts. It is proposed to lay down a cycle track from Mordialloc to Frankston at a cost of from £12 to £15 a mile, the track to be made clear of all vehicular traffic. The shire engineer has been ordered to draw up an estimate of the cost for the next meeting. The proposal has met with such hearty recognition from the townspeople that £15 was immediately collected, and this is expected to be doubled in a few days, and probably as much more will be raised from visiting bicyclists. This, probably, is the first instance in the colony of a shire making roads for bicycle riders. (7)

Was the Mordialloc to Frankston track ever built?  In June 1898, the St Kilda Council considered the matter of a cycle track -
Proposed Bicycle Track - The St Kilda Council, at its meeting on Monday evening, was in receipt of a letter from Mr. B. Garnet, secretary of the League of Victorian Wheelmen, stating that the league has consented to further a movement for laying an asphalt strip 2ft. wide along the high road from St. Kilda to Brighton Esplanade, distance about 4½ miles, for the use of cyclists, providing the consent of the two councils was given. The estimated cost was £432, and the Austral Cycle Agency was prepared to bear the cost of the first mile, viz., £100. The balance would be raised by subscriptions and other wise from those interested, the league taking the initiative. The council was also asked if they "were prepared to assist the movement in any other way." On the motion of Councillor Kemp the matter was referred to the public works a committee, the city surveyor to interview Mr. Garnet in the meantime, and the latter gentleman to be informed that he was at liberty to attend the meeting of the public works committee if he so desired. (8)

Was the St Kilda to Brighton Esplanade track ever built?  In February 1900 there was another report of a cycle track -
Bicycle track to Sorrento - At a meeting of the Moorabbin council last night, the president, Cr. Penny, reported that the member of the west riding had met a representative of the Melbourne Bicycle Club, and an inspection of the proposed track, from Brighton Beach to Sandringham was made. After careful inquiry as to the requirements of the club, the committee recommended the council to sanction the making of a track inside the ti-tree reserve, the club having offered to commence the work forthwith. Cr. Barnett said he did not like to destroy the reserve, but as the track was not to exceed 6 feet in width, he 
would not oppose it. The report was adopted. (9)

Was the Brighton Beach to Sandringham track ever built? In October 1901, the Mornington Standard reported -
For the past week very strong winds have been experienced throughout the colony, but along the coast these have attained the strength of gales, and considerable damage and devastation has been wrought through out the peninsula by the unroofing and blowing down of buildings and trees. A large quantity of the ti-tree along the foreshore at Frankston and Mornington has fallen, and at the former town the bicycle track to Melbourne was blocked in several places through this. (10)

This seems to indicate that there was a bicycle track from Frankston to Melbourne, in which case the three tracks noted above - St Kilda to Brighton Esplanade, Brighton Beach to Sandringham and Mordialloc to Frankston may well have been constructed and collectively, these would thus constitute the second bicycle track in Victoria, after Sturt Street in Ballarat; and this means the Alexandra Avenue track is the third dedicated cycle track. 

In August 1903, the Mornington Standard published this letter to the editor -
The Cycling track - Sir, The bicycle track is almost perfect from Frankston to Melbourne, except a small piece between here and Carrum, which has been made of clay instead of gravel. When dry, it nearly jolts one to pieces, as the ridges are deep, the clay being so soft after rain the wheels sink in, and dries very rutty. Yours, &c., A Stitch in Time,  Frankston, 26/8/03. (11)

In December 1907, the same paper also had another complaint about the Carrum section of the track - 
Carrum - A special meeting of the Progressive Association is called for next Wednesday, to deal with a letter received from the secretary of the Dandenong shire, about the bicycle track between Carrum and Frankston. (12)

I am disappointed to discover that Carlo cannot claim to have established the first dedicated bicycle track in Victoria, but it doesn't diminish his glory in my eyes (as this is a blog devoted to him, I would never say anything else). As  a matter of interest, I wondered how long the bicycle track remained on Alexandra Avenue. It was still there in 1912, but it appears to have gone in 1930. In that year, there was a report in The Herald on Wattle Park and the writer, Norman Campbell, notes that -

the Chalet it is built of brick - the bricks were salvaged from the demolished chimney-stacks of the old cable tram power houses. It has handsome stonework "about it and about" -  the stones were once the boulders which defined the old cycle track in Alexandra Avenue. (13)

The removal of the bicycle track was no doubt due to the huge increase in motor cars and the need to  accommodate them on the roads. In 1919, under the headline, The Triumphal Car, The Age had these statistics on the number of registered vehicles in Victoria - 

1912 - 5,004 cars and 3,435 motor-cycles - Total 8,439

1918 - 15,158 cars and 9,928 motor-cycles - Total 25,086.

By December 1928 there were 133, 948 registered motor vehicles (cars, trucks and motor-cycles) in Victoria. (14)

Trove list - I have created  a  short list of articles on early bicycle tracks, access it here.  

Footnotes

(1) Yarra flood mitigation works - https://victoriancollections.net.au/stories/carlo-catani-an-engineering-star-over-victoria/a-straighter-yarra; Alexandra Avenue - https://victoriancollections.net.au/stories/carlo-catani-an-engineering-star-over-victoria/alexandra-avenue

(2) Taverner Boulevard, see references in my Trove list, here. Sir John Taverner  https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/taverner-sir-john-william-8752

(3) The Herald, August 28, 1896, see here. 

(4) North Melbourne Advertiser, July 28, 1893, see here.

(5) The Herald, August 28, 1896, see here. There is another report of the meeting here - Sportsman, September 1, 1896, see here.

(6) The Argus, June 18, 1901, see here.

(7) The Argus, October 22, 1897, see here.

(8) The Argus, June 1, 1898, see here.

(9) The Age, February 6, 1900, see here.

(10) Mornington Standard, October 17, 1901, see here.

(11) Mornington Standard, August 29, 1903, see here.

(12) Mornington Standard, December 14, 1907, see here.

(13) The Herald, June 7, 1930, see here.

(14) The Argus, October 15, 1919, see here; Countryman, February 15, 1929, see here.

Carlo and the road over Oliver's Hill, Frankston

Oliver's Hill in Frankston was the location of many accidents over the years. In 1908 the local paper reported that Oliver's Hill, Frankston, has been responsible for several accidents, owing to its steepness and the dangerous fall to the beach on one side......The hill is dangerous to general traffic, and should be regraded so as to at least do away with the stiff pinch at the turn, which is such a stumbling block to drivers and horses. (1)

From another newspaper report - The "pinch" has long been regarded as cruel to horses and hard travelling to cyclists, and has been dreaded as dangerous to human life, and the dread has on many occasions been confirmed by serious accidents, two or three of which have been fatal to human life. (2)

And yet another newspaper described Oliver's Hill as the bugbear for a great number of years of travellers by road to the southern end of the Mornington Peninsula. It was steep with some places a grade of 1 in 6 and as such the hill has for years been recognised as one of the greatest drawbacks to tourists, travelling by road, visiting Mornington and other tourist resorts in the district. Although a great number of the travellers were content to come only as far as Frankston, others who wished to go further, but whose means of transit were not equal to a pull of l in 6, had to make a long detour via Somervllle. (3)

So for these reasons - the accidents, the steepness and the lack of access to areas beyond Frankston that members of the Frankston & Hastings Shire Council, the Automobile Association and local business people began to agitate for improvements to the road and Carlo Catani was consulted.

In May 1910, the Shire engineer Albert Sambell (4) could report at the Council meeting - Since last meeting Mr Catani, chief engineer of the Public Works department, inspected the road over Oliver's Hill. He has had a plan prepared showing the proposed new road. In an interview with him I ascertained that he will make a strong recommendation for a substantial grant for this work, and it seems almost certain that in another 12 months this hill will cease to be a source of danger and expense to the council. (5)

The proposed work involved a new road or deviation which in the end resulted in a regrading of the road to no more than 1 in 16. (6) 

The next mention of the proposed  works was a year later in June 1911 when Mr Sambell  reported at a Council meeting that he conducted Mr Catani over site of proposed works on Oliver's Hill and he approved generally of council's proposals. (7)

The progress of the project, the total cost of which was estimated to be £1500, was hampered by finances. The Council had been granted £350 (or another source says £475) however the cost of the project had increased due to partly having trouble securing the land needed for the deviation works. (8)

In March 1912 Public Works Department, wrote to the Council -
stating in answer to further representations re Oliver's Hill, that the department have no funds available at present, but that the request will receive favorable consideration next year. Crs Cole and Ritchie: That the tender for Oliver's Hill be accepted, and work gone on with. Cr Baxter and Griffith proposed an amendment, That the work be not carried on under the present circumstances. On the amendment being put to the vote, 4 voted for it; the chairman gave his casting vote against.--Cr Hodgins asked if the motion was in order.-The Chairman ruled that it was.-On the motion being put to the vote, 4 voted for, and the Chairman gave his casting vote for the motion, and declared it carried. (9)

Thus the work was continued by the contractors Messrs Blayden and Wallace, and there was good news four months later when the Public Works Department made arrangements to supply extra finances. In the end the total cost was £1340, with the Government contributing £825. (10)

The Minister for Public Works, Mr Edgar, officially opening the new road.

Punch, January 30, 1913  http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article176031612

The long awaited opening of the Oliver's Hill Road (now known as the Nepean Highway) took place on January 22, 1913. The Minister for Public Works, Mr W.H. Edgar undertook the official opening - by cutting in two a piece of ribbon which had been stretched across its width. On the ribbon was printed "Good luck to the Commissioner for Public Works and Oliver's Hill." Mr M'Bryde, M.L.C., Mr Downward, M.L.A., and Mr Catani, chief engineer for Public Works were among the gathering which witnessed the ceremony. After the official opening the party were entertained at the Mechanics' Hall. (11)  However, before they retired - At the conclusion of the ceremony Mr Edgar was presented by the president of the shire, Cr. C. Murray, with a pair of silver scissors. (12)

The Mornington Standard had a very effusive report of the opening including these remarks -
Frankston was en fete on Wednesday last, the occasion being the official opening of the deviation on Oliver's Hill. There was a liberal display of bunting in the town, as well as along the road to the hill, and the hill itself presented a pretty scene with its array of flags.....The improvement from a scenic point of view is most marked, for where there was once a bare stretch of steep hill, the route is now one of the prettiest stretches of road in Victoria. The left hand side, ascending, is mostly occupied with substantial looking villas, with their ornamental shrubberies in front. On the right as the traveller ascends is the bay, with the headlands pushing out in prominent relief, while right at hand there is a drop of several hundred feet into the bay itself. On the cliff side, the traveller is protected by a substantial sawn timber fence, with strong posts and top rail and five wires. (13)

The Minister, Mr Edgar, also noted that from a picturesque point of view the hill was splendid, and would gladden the heart of even Mr Catani, who was just back from seeing the beauty spots of Europe. (14)

Oliver's Hill Frankston, c. 1930s.  

Photographer: Rose Stereograph Co. State Library of Victoria image H32492/3972

Carlo's connection to Oliver's Hill was not finished, in August 1913, he gave advised on some  suitable vegetation for Oliver's Hill. This is from a report of the Frankston and Hastings Shire Council meeting- Department of Public Works, re grassing the slopes of Oliver's Hill, stating that the work will not cost more than £10 or £12, and the Minister of Public Works considers the council should provide that sum. The Chief Engineer [Carlo] reported that the slopes should be planted with suitable trees, such as ti tree, bobeyalla, coprosina, cape thorn and other plants, which will thrive on the sea front. After tree planting, the slopes should be covered with couch grass, mesembryanthemum, edulis or pig face. (15)

Either they ignored the  advice or forgot about it as two years later in August 1915, we find this - which was also reported as part of a Council meeting -  In reply to a letter sent to Mr Catani by the secretary making inquires re suitable plants to be put in on bank at Oliver's Hill and in the township, that gentleman wrote stating that creepers and pig-face were suitable for the required purpose. Mr M'Comb moved that both plants be procured. Seconded by Mr Wheeler, and carried. (16)

Pig-face, one of the plants recommended by Carlo, shown here at the bottom of Oliver's Hill in 1971.  Frankston.  The Nepean Highway/Oliver's Hill Road is on the right. The building on the left is the Mechanics' Institute, where the official party retired to after the opening of the road in January 1913. 

National Archives of Australia image A1500, K26765

Before we leave Oliver's Hill, this is the source of the name -
Oliver's Hill is the northern extremity of the Mount Eliza granitic outcrop. Granite is exposed in the bed of the Sweetwater creek at various points in its progress to the sea (17). Around 1852 fishermen and timber cutters formed a settlement at the mouth of the creek (18). James Oliver, who was a fisherman and the namesake of Oliver's Hill, had a cottage on the crest of the hill - Up till about 1863 the sand had not silted up the small bay below and he was able to haul his boat right into Sweetwater Creek and 
anchor it there. (19)

Trove List - I have created a list of articles connected mainly to Carlo Catani and his connection with the road over Oliver's Hill, access it here.

Footnotes
(1) Mornington and Dromana Standard, October 24, 1908, see here.
(2) The Age, January 23, 1913, see here.
(3) The Herald, January 22, 1913, see here.
(4)  Albert Keaston Trenavin Sambell (1879-1936) Shire of Frankston and Hastings Engineer from 1909 until 1921.  https://www.eoas.info/biogs/P007689b.htm and obituary The Age, September 26, 1936, see here.
(5)  Mornington and Dromana Standard, May 14, 1910, see here.
(6)  Various articles in my Trove list, see here.
(7)  Mornington Standard, June 17, 1911, see here.
(8)  Mornington Standard, September 23, 1911, see here; Mornington Standard, July 27, 1912, see here.
(9)  Mornington Standard, March 23, 1912, see here.
(10) The Herald, January 22, 1913, see here.
(11) The Argus, January 23, 1913, see here.
(12) The Herald, January 22, 1913, see here.
(13) Mornington Standard, January 25, 1913, see here.
(14) Mornington Standard, January 25, 1913, see here.
(15) Mornington Standard, August 16, 1913, see here.
(16) Mornington Standard, August 28, 1915, see here.
(17) Steel, Gwenyth  Frankston: an outline of the district's early history (The Author, 1977), p. 13.
(18) Steel, op. cit., p. 28
(19) Steel, op. cit., p. 16.

Carlo and the Port Melbourne Foreshore Beautification works

In April 1913, the Port Melbourne Council developed plans to  beautify their foreshore between the Town Pier and the Railway Pier. The Town Pier was at the end of Bay Street and Railway Pier is now called Station Pier. The project was costed at £3000 and the Council was hoping that the State Government would pay half on a £1 for £1 basis. (1)   

Map of Port Melbourne - Railway/Station Pier is in the centre and the 

Town Pier is on the right.

Municipality of Port Melbourne. c. 1921. Publisher: Anderson, Gowan Pty. Ltd.

See the full map at the State Library of Victoria here http://handle.slv.vic.gov.au/10381/118445

This beautification project had been a long term aim of the Council, in fact as The Herald reported in April 1913 -  For upwards of 20 years the improvement of the beach front Port Melbourne between the railway and town piers, has been left for discussion by candidates for municipal honors, and not until quite recently has the question taken any definite shape. (2)  

There were various reasons advanced why this beautification work was desirable -  
That the current conditions gave a poor impression to visitors - Port Melbourne was a great gateway of the city, and new arrivals received first impressions there. Other councillors supported the request. It was stated that 50,000 persons visited the town pier last Sunday to see the steamer Melbourne, and several speakers confessed that they were ashamed at the present condition of the foreshore. (3)
That the late Premier, was in favour of it - This request was made in accordance with a promise given by the late Sir Thomas Bent. Several speakers urged the need for providing oversea visitors coming to Melbourne for the first time with a more pleasant outlook than the present foreshore. (4)
That it would provide a healthy environment for the locals - It was a boon for the people living in the small tenement houses to be able to enjoy the sea air. It was necessary that this should be so from a health point of view. (5) As Mr Edgar, the Minister for Public Works wanted - a line of improvements from Port Melbourne to Brighton. The seashore was a health resort, and it was the duty of the Government and the municipalities to provide a pleasant place for crowded people, with facilities to get there. (6)
That as the seashore was a health resort, it was considered the duty of the Government and the municipalities to provide a pleasant place for crowded people, with facilities to get there. (7)
That it would provide viewing opportunities for ship watching - [improvements would allow] vehicles might draw up and watch the shipping of the port without interfering with the ordinary road traffic or the trams. (8)

The Herald reported on the current condition of the area -  the stretch of beach between the town pier and the lagoon jetty, which is an eyesore. At this spot, right in front of Messrs. Harper's factory, the Metropolitan Gas Co. are constantly placing old stones and brickbats to save the constant washing out of the sand. If this precaution was not taken the company's tramway would be in jeopardy. (9)

To bring this project to fruition a deputation from the Council met with Mr Edgar, and the local M.L. A., Mr Sangster. The Council presented the plan which Mr A. V. Heath, the Council Engineer, Surveyor and Town Clerk, had prepared for completely remodelling the front between Beach street and the water line, the estimated cost of which was in the vicinity of £3000. This provided for the construction of a line of small rockeries, commencing from the present ashphalted footway. Beyond this, a carriage drive, 33 ft. wide, would enable vehicles to be driven around in a continuous line from Bay street to Princes street, and a promenade 20 ft. wide was designed between the carriage-way and the water front.  (10) A rotunda and public conveniences, were also proposed, as well as a sea wall 1,100 feet along the shore. (11)

Mr Edgar said that he did not see how the Government could refuse to assist the council, as financial aid had been granted to other municipalities along the shores of the bay in carrying out  similar works  (12) and that he would visit the area with Carlo Catani, the Public Works Department Engineer.

Mr Edgar and Carlo inspected the Port Melbourne foreshore on April 8, 1913. The Herald reported that the two men were met -

by the mayor and councillors. The Mayor, accompanied by Councillers J.P. Crichton, W. Howe, and O.Sinclair and Mr G. Sangster, M.L.A.,were present. Mr Catani submitted views showing various designs of foreshore promenades on the Continents, and recommended the Council to adopt palm plantation and the setting of pittosporum. Mr Edgar said that the proposal meet with his entire sympathy, but in view of the near approach of the election he would make no definite declaration. (13)

The Port Melbourne Standard had a report on the visit - 

Mr. Catani brought with him a quantify of views, showing a multitude of water fronts on the Continent. Some of these looked very fine and smart (better than anything South or St. Kilda way), and some had been constructed even where the area was more restricted than at Port Melbourne. He suggested the planting of tree palms, and said he had plenty of these in Melbourne. 

The particular palm tree referred to by Mr. Catani thrived particularly well on sandy beaches, and was much in ornamental evidence on Continental sea fronts. A species of pittosporum, known as the Cheniese, which was illustrated growing close to the water's edge, was also loudly praised and said to be suitable. Of course this ornamentation was suggested in conjunction with promenades for pedestrians and vehicular traffic. Mr. Catani thought it would be well to induce the railway department to remove the cottages from the vicinity of the railway station, so that the promenade could extend from pier to pier. The cottages referred to are better known to residents as the pay office for the Stevedoring Company.  (14)

Because this is a blog devoted to Carlo here are two more reports of his involvement - 

Mr. Catani, who recently returned from an extended tour abroad, submitted a number of news of ornamental promenades on the Continent, where the area available was more limited than that at Port Melbourne. Mr. Catani recommended the plantation of certain species of palms as adaptable to the sandy beach, by way of ornamentation.  (15) And a fourth report on Carlo's input was - Mr. Catani recommended the council to adopt a scheme similar to that with which promenades had been beautified in the Riviera, and mentioned palm and hedge plantations as means of beautification.  (16) Carlo was much in favour of pittosporum as while on his tour abroad he had come across a pittosporum which, washed by the sea-water, grew luxuriantly on the foreshore. (17)

Mr Edgar said that the proposal meet with his entire sympathy, but in view of the near approach of the election he would make no definite declaration. (18)

Apparently, as The Age reported, Mr Edgar's position led to 

An animated argument took place on the beach yesterday between the Minister, Mr. Sangster, M.L.A., and several Port Melbourne councillors as to the propriety of a definite Ministerial promise being made before the Legislative Council election takes place. The area is within Port Melbourne province, one of the representatives of which is Mr. Edgar, who is to be opposed at the election in June next. The Minister assured the councillors, that he was as favorably disposed towards the idea as any Minister possibly could he, but he did not think it advisable to make a definite declaration before the elections. He feared that any promise he might make at the present stage would be misconstrued into an act of favoritism towards his constituents. (19)

In May, the Port Melbourne Standard reported that the Mayor, Cr Russell met with Mr Holder, Chairman of the Harbour Trust Commissioners, with the object  to get that disreputable piece of foreshore between the town pier and the lagoon put into shape....It was represented that if the pile driving was continued between the pier and the lagoon, so as to form a wall, that the intervening space between Beach Street and the piles would be filled in, a promenade made, and seats provided.  (20). Mr Holder was supportive of the idea, and subsequently at a Council meeting held on May 27, 1913 the following motion was passed - 

That the Council take whatever steps are necessary to borrow the sum of money for the purpose of carrying out the improvements to the foreshore, also the purchase of a steam roller and other purposes deemed necessary. (21)  In July the Council moved a motion to borrow the money for this project and others, once loaning conditions and Interest become easier. (22)

Port Melbourne Foreshore in July 1898, before any beautification works. The Freemason's Hotel stands prominently on the corner of Beach Street and Stokes Street.

Kate Beckett with her children Lawrie, George and Nell, Port Melbourne, July 3, 1898. Photographer: Thomas Beckett. Museums Victoria https://collections.museumsvictoria.com.au/items/773190

Nothing had happened by November 1913, but the community was optimistic,  and it was reported that - 

Ex-Cr. Armstrong....said that although Port Melbourne foreshore was not as attractive now as it should be, he looked forward to the time when the new pier was completed and the improvements on the foreshore made that they intended to make. When that was done - the improvements at the St. Kilda end were only the beginning - despised Port Melbourne would be the best part of the foreshore yet. (23)

In September 1914, the Port Melbourne Council was told by Mr Hagelthorn,  the Minister for Works that ornamental works such as the Port Melbourne beautification scheme was not being funded by the Government. As the scheme relied on Government funding for half the cost, this put the project back. They were refused funding again in February 1915. However,  in the  November of that year, Mr Hagelthorn said that if the Council funded the whole project £3000 then they will be refunded half after the War ends. (24)

The Council did find the money and in August 1916 the  Port Melbourne Standard could report on the progress of the beautification works - 

At a cost of £3,000 the work of beautifying the foreshore at Port Melbourne, between Bay Street and the railway station, is nearly completed.....The plan of ornamentation, which is greatly admired, and particularly so by visitors to the town, is that of Mr. A. V. Heath, town surveyor. A concrete wall longitudinally divide the beach into two sections. The portion of the shore washed by the sea has been left in its natural state, and the stretch of foreshore on the road side of the wall has been transformed into asphalted promenades, lawns skirted with shrubberies, and gravelled walks. Opposite Princes street there is a gravelled ring, in the centre of which a band will play in summer. Along this front in the warm weather, thousands of people will be able to get a blow of sea-cooled air, resting on the seats or strolling along the walks in delightful surroundings. (25)

It appears that the only thing  now that marred the Port Melbourne foreshore was the fact that some of it was under the control of the Harbour Trust and who were not proactive in keeping it clean.  At a meeting of the Port Melbourne Council Public Works Committee in August 1916, Cr Gill had this exchange with  Mr Heath, the  Council Surveyor and Town Clerk -

Cr. Gill: The beach between the wall and the sea is very dirty. Filth and rubbish has been accumulating there. Could it be cleaned up? I would suggest employing some men to clean it up.
Mr Heath: The beach belongs to the Harbor Trust. (26)

Mr Heath contacted the Harbour Trust and a month later this was their response, as reported at a Council meeting -
"With regard to the foreshore at Port Melbourne, between the Railway and Town Piers, being kept clean, all has been done by this Trust that can reasonably be expected. If your council can make any suggestion for improving the condition of the foreshore the Commissioners will be pleased to co-operate with the council in carrying such suggestions into effect." 

Cr. Gill: A good deal could be done on the foreshore by the trust. Firstly, all the stone ballast left in bygone days just about low water mark could be removed. Secondly, old posts left standing could be removed. Thirdly, all the refuse from ships floating into the beach could be removed. Now that the mailboats moor to the new Railway Pier, if the beach between the old Railway and Town Piers were cleared up, it would remain clean. We want a stretch of clean sand for the thousands of people who will visit the beach in the summer. I move that the trust be advised accordingly.
Cr. Tucker: The beach is strewn with half loaves of bread and lumps of meat.  (27)

We can gauge the success of the Port Melbourne Foreshore Beautification scheme by this report in The Herald in January 1919, under the headline - Dull Places Brightened. Post Melbourne Reserves made Florally Attractive. 

One of the most interesting evidences of well directed effort, in improvements that can be effected with plant life, is to be seen along the foreshore that fronts Beach street, between the town pier and the Port Melbourne railway station. Within the last three years a change that was considered impossible has been effected. When the suggestion was made that plants should be cultivated there it was ridiculed. It was contended that the sea air would make successful growth impossible. A scheme, prepared by Mr Arthur V. Heath, C.E., the town clerk, treasurer, and surveyor, of the Port Melbourne municipality, was approved of, and results have exceeded anticipations. Inside a concrete structure that breaks the wash of the waves, an open garden has been created, and various kinds of flowering plants bloom throughout the year within a few feet of the sea, without any protection other than that which sunken beds provide. This place is known as Sinclair parade, and the general lay out of it reflects credit on the skill and taste of Mr Heath. (28)

Sinclair Parade was  named for Owen Sinclair (1862-1927). He was a Port Melbourne Councillor at the time of his death in June 1927 and had served in this role for twenty one years; he was also a Member of the Legislative Assembly from 1915 until 1917. (29)

Beach Street, Port Melbourne, c. 1920s after the beautification works. 

 The Freemason's Hotel is on the left. 

The rotunda was erected in 1918, I will write about this soon.

Photographer: Rose Stereograph Co. State Library of Victoria image H32492/4655

Before we leave Port Melbourne  we will have  a quick look at the life of Mr Heath, who was responsible for the beautification works. Arthur Victor Heath died on November 23, 1939 and the following is from his obituary in the Emerald Hill Record - 

Mr. Heath entered the Port Melbourne Borough Council in 1887, when Mr. Edward Clarke was town clerk, and served under Mr. E. C. Crockford, Town Clerk, from 1891 to 1910, when he was appointed city engineer and town clerk. He had been city engineer from 1892. Mr. Heath retired in 1920, when Mr. S. S. Anderson became town clerk of Port Melbourne. Though he had resided in Tasmania most of the time since his retirement, Mr. Heath had never lost interest in the town he served so long and faithfully. He was keenly interested in the Centenary celebrations, and regretted that indifferent health prevented him playing an active part in honouring the historic occasion. (30)

His Age obituary added this interesting fact - 

While he was in Port Melbourne Mr. Heath, who was an authority on mathematics, prepared a thesis on quick gears, and his work on the subject was highly commended by Melbourne University. (31)

Trove list - I have created a list of articles on Trove connected to the Port Melbourne Foreshore Beautification works, access it here.

Footnotes

(1) History of the Town Pier  https://www.pmhps.org.au/2022/03/town-pier/

(2) The Herald, April 8, 1913, see here.

(3) The Herald, April 2, 1913, see here.

(4) The Age, April 4, 1913, see here.

(5) The Age, April 4, 1913, see here.

(6) The Herald, April 2, 1913, see here.

(7) The Herald, April 2, 1913, see here.

(8) The Age, April 4, 1913, see here.

(9) Port Melbourne Standard, April 12, 1913, see here.

(10) The Herald, April 8, 1913, see here.

(11) The Herald, April 2, 1913, see here; The Age, April 4, 1913, see here.

(12) Port Melbourne Standard, April 5, 1913, see here.

(13) The Herald, April 8, 1913, see here.

(14) Port Melbourne Standard, April 12, 1913, see here.

(15) The Argus, April 9, 1913, see here.

(16) The Age, April 9, 1913, see here.

(17) The Herald, April 2, 1913, see here.

(18) The Herald, April 8, 1913, see here.

(19) The Age, April 9, 1913, see here.

(20) Port Melbourne Standard, May 17, 1913, see here.

(21) Port Melbourne Standard, May 31, 1913, see here.

(22) The Herald, July 2, 1913, see here.

(23) Port Melbourne Standard, November 29, 1913, see here.

(24) The Herald, September 30, 1914, see here; The Age, February 11, 1915, see here; The Age, November 10, 1915, see here.

(25) Port Melbourne Standard, August 12, 1916, see here.

(26) Port Melbourne Standard, August 12, 1916, see here.

(27) Port Melbourne Standard, September 9, 1916, see here.

(28) The Herald, January 11, 1919, see here.

(29) Emerald Hill Record, June 25, 1927, see here; http://parliament.vic.gov.au/members/owen-sinclair/

(30) Hobart Mercury, November 24, 1939, see here; Emerald Hill Record, December 2, 1939, see here.

(31) The Age, November 25, 1939, see here.