Carlo and the Moonee Ponds Creek

 In January 1900, the first case of Bubonic Plague was reported in Sydney. As a result, effected or suspected people were put into quarantine; parts of the City were cleaned up or demolished and a rat extermination programme was established.  The first case in Victoria was reported in the May and the the family from Collingwood were sent to the quarantine station at Point Nepean. (1)

However, even before this case the authorities were making efforts to minimise the chance of the plague taking off in Victoria. Rats around the wharves were being destroyed;  the Coburg Tip was inspected and the rubbish covered over on a daily basis as the tip was said to be the source of the rats entering the Pentridge Prison and other local councils also stepped up efforts to remove rubbish, clean drains and exterminate rats. (2)

One particular area of concern was the Moonee Ponds Creek, described in 1886 as being a deadly fever- breeding poison; in 1888 as a pestilential drain and in 1899 as a festering menace to public health. (3) Thus in March 1900, a Government deputation, which included Carlo Catani, made an inspection of this creek. The North Melbourne Courier reported -
Inspection of the Moonee Ponds Creek
On Tuesday forenoon the Minister of Public Works (Mr. Graham), accompanied by Mr. Davidson (Inspector-General of Public Works) and Mr. Catani of the department, met representatives of North Melbourne and Flemington and Kensington at the Arden-street bridge at 10 a.m. There were present the Hon. W. A. Watt, Postmaster General and Parliamentary representative for North Melbourne; Cr. G. M. Prendergast, and Crs. G. W. Debney and A. Crighton of Flemington; Mr. W. McCall, town clerk of Flemington; and Mr. G. Offen, borough inspector of Flemington. Starting from the Arden-street bridge, the party inspected the creek at the Macaulay-road bridge and then proceeded to Barwise-street (4), and from there were driven to Brunton's mills in Laurens-street.

Owing to the recent heavy rains the creek was flushed, and there was no nuisance observable by the nasal sense, although some of the fluid in the side drain had a dark-tinged look. Some cows cropping the herbage from the black ooze between the mound on the Flemington side and the channel gave rise to anything but pleasant thoughts as to the quality of their milk, and the minister came to the conclusion with little hesitation that the work of channelling the creek as far as Brunton's drain should be proceeded with at once. This will cost £1500, and it is claimed by the officers of Mr. Graham's department that, although the complete scheme provides for the drainage of the creek to the dock, this will abate the nuisance, but it is questionable whether their expectations in this respect will be fulfilled. Brunton's mills are fifteen inches below flood level, and the owner, who erected them at a cost of £60,000, has to place barriers across his Laurens-st. entrance to stop the inflow of water at flood time, owing to the fact that the barrel drain which runs across the railway reserve is too small to carry off the water, and an open and larger drain across the reserve is needed.

The minister said he would place the matter before the Cabinet that afternoon, and endeavor to get the work of continuing the channelling to Brunton's drain put in hand forthwith. We have been informed by the Hon. the Postmaster-General that the Cabinet have decided to push on the work of channelling the creek as quickly as possible, in view of the great menace it is to the public health in its present state and the prevalence of the plague in New South Wales. (5)

These two maps are from the 1912 Moultons directory of streets for Melbourne and suburbs.   On the left of the North Melbourne map, you can see Barwise Street near the Flemington Bridge; it's a continuation of Racecourse Road (and was later renamed Racecourse Road (4)); the Macaulay Station,  is at Macaulay Road, even though it is not marked on the North Melbourne map, but you can see it on the Kensington/Flemington map, below.  Further south, is Arden Street, where Carlo and his colleagues started their inspection of the Moonee Ponds Creek in March 1900.

1912 Moultons directory of streets for Melbourne and suburbs. 

State Library of Victoria https://handle.slv.vic.gov.au/10381/246064

This channelling was a continuation of previous work on the Moonee Ponds Creek, which had been a concern for many years as The Age noted in their report of Carlo's visit to the Creek -

For nearly a quarter of a century the neighboring councils have been endeavoring to get the existing powers to do something to improve the condition of the creek; and the policy of how not to do it has never, perhaps, been more forcibly illustrated than in this case. Correspondence with the Railway department, visits by the Board of Health, representations by the local councils, deputations to the Government, and other public acts have helped to keep the nauseous subject dangling before the eyes
of the public; and when it is stated that the whole cost only amounts to £6700, the absurdity of the thing is sufficiently apparent. The original cost was estimated at £6000, but a start was made in the winter, so as to give the unemployed something to do, and that had the effect of increasing the cost of the work. Probably, had it not been for the unemployed the work would still be in its initial stages, instead of being, as it is, about three-parts completed. The amount already expended is stated to be £5200, and the estimated cost of the remaining portion [to Brunton's drain] is £1500. (6)

I don't believe the channelling was carried out at this time, but the creek was not cleaned up and in 1905 The Age reported that -

The creek itself is silted up in several places, most noticeably between Flemington-bridge and Barwise-street, where the silt fills the canal to within 6 or 8 inches of the top. Bagging, boulders, decaying vegetables, tins of all sorts and sizes, and the carcases of defunct dogs and goats interfere with the flow of the drainage. (7)

From this 1906 report, it appears that Carlo had designed a beautification scheme for the much maligned Creek - 

In the Public Works Department, some time ago, a scheme for the improvement of the northern approach to the city by rail was formulated. The Moonee Ponds Creek was to be the centre of rockeries and palm plantations, and the whole locality was to be transformed into a charming little garden, with miniature walks and fascinating vistas. Mr Catani, in his enthusiasm. for the project, labelled the plan, 'Houi soit qui Moonee Ponds Creek'.  Whether this mutilation of the old motto has any evil effect on the proposed beautification of the unsightly stream is not admitted, but the work has never gone on

with. Instead, the railway authorities have taken the matter in hand, and are effecting some prosaic alteration. (8)

We have one more reference to Carlo and his work on the Moonee Ponds Creek, in a report of a meeting of the Moonee Ponds and Aberfeldie People's Association held in July 1914 - 

The subject of cleansing the Moonee Ponds creek was also under review of the [Railway] Commissioners, who claim that, although in railway territory, that Department is not responsible for having the matter attended to. As a slight solatium, Mr. Catani was to be invited to report on the question of hiding the unsightly and unsavoury area by a judicious mantling of shrub growth. (9)

Nothing came of this, and resources were obviously directed elsewhere during the Great War. In 1919, a letter from Mr Butler of Kensington, published in The Age described the creek as -

in a filthy condition, it is seldom, if ever, cleaned out. Debris and filth lay along it, being a menace to the health of people who live in the locality.....and the only time that the creek seems to get a clean out is when a flood comes down, and then the locality becomes flooded and the filthy water flows in and under the houses adjacent to the creek, causing them to become damp and unhealthy. There has been 18 inundations in this locality in two years. Most of these floods could have been avoided if the creek had been kept in a clean and proper condition, but who is responsible for looking after this creek? (10)

If  it was still the Public Works Department's responsibility by then Carlo had, as we know, retired and then sadly passed away on July 20, 1918, so he could no longer provide his professional expertise on improvements on the Moonee Ponds Creek. These days, the Tullamarine Freeway, which opened in 1970 (11) essentially runs along the course of the Moonee Ponds Creek, so the landscape has changed considerably since the time Carlo and his colleagues inspected the creek in March 1900.

The Friends of Moonee Ponds Creek have an interesting website, with links to historical material, amongst other more recent material - https://www.mooneepondscreek.org.au/

Footnotes

(1) National Museum of Australia https://www.nma.gov.au/defining-moments/resources/bubonic-plague; Bairnsdale Advertiser, May 10, 1900, see here.

(2) The Argus, March 28, 1900, see here.

(3) North Melbourne Advertiser, July 30, 1886, see here; Footscray Independent, January 7, 1888, see here; North Melbourne Courier, March 31, 1899, see here.

(4) Barwise Street, which ran between Flemington Road and the Moonee Ponds Creek in North Melbourne was renamed Racecourse Road around 1928. (The Age, March 16, 1928, see here).  Racecourse Road in Flemington was the other side of the Creek to Barwise Street, as you can see in the maps, above. Barwise Street was named for John Barwise, J.P. You can read his obituary in the North Melbourne Courier of January 29, 1909, here. 

(5) North Melbourne Courier,  March 30, 1900, see here.

(6) The Age, March 28, 1900, see here.

(7) The Age, June 16, 1905, see here.

(8) Footscray Independent, January 6, 1906, see here.

(9) Flemington Spectator, August 6, 1914, see here.

(10) The Age, January 30, 1919, see here.

(11) eMelbourne https://www.emelbourne.net.au/biogs/EM01255b.htm

Carlo defends his work on Red Bluff

Carlo faced some criticism both during his career and posthumously;  not in this blog, of course, because that's not I am here for, I only write positive things about the greatest Civil Engineer who ever worked in Victoria. (1)

The following article was published in The Age in May 1917, a few weeks after his retirement on April 28, 1917. Carlo defended his work, especially the removal of Red Bluff  at Point Ormond and also criticised the Brighton Council over the foreshore drive. 

Foreshore Improvements Mr Catani's Work 
Mr. C. Catani was the guest of St. Kilda council on Monday night, and received the congratulations of that body on the beautification works carried out by him as a public officer in St. Kilda and other parts of the State. The Mayor, (Cr Barnet), expressed his satisfaction that Mr Catani was retaining his position as Government representative on the Foreshore Trust. 

Mr. Catani, in acknowledging the compliment paid to him, said he retired from the Government service for private reasons, his domestic arrangements had been changed by the war. After referring to the various works carried out at St. Kilda, he said that he had been blamed for spoiling the Red Bluff but that was a dangerous place for children before he reduced its cliffs to a gentle slope. He had laid the foundation for a foreshore drive from Port Melbourne to Sorrento. Brighton objected to the drive, but the foreshore was as much public property as the sunshine that warmed them. He had carried out Alexandra-Avenue on the same principle. The first section reached Church-street-bridge, but he had established another five-mile section between Ivanhoe and Heidelberg. There was nothing to stop those two sections being connected. One thing he greatly regretted was that St. Kilda was attracting some very undesirable visitors - brutes who not know how to behave themselves in broad daylight. That evil would have to be dealt with a very firm hand. (2)  

The Red Bluff landscaping/removal/destruction works (whatever your views on the subject are) took place in 1904 and the rock was removed for road gravel and railway ballast. (3)  Carlo had his supporters at the time for this work. The Leader published these photographs in August 1905 with the caption - 

The Red Bluff (Point Ormond), St. Kilda, no longer exists. It has been improved off the face of the earth. The picture reproduced gives a representation of it as it was 20 years ago, and the photograph shows the place as it now appears. (4)

The Red Bluff, St Kilda.

The Bluff 20 -Years Ago. From a Painting by J. R. Williams, St. Kilda. 2. The Bluff at the Present Time.

The Leader, August 26, 1905  http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article198193075

In 1926, The Argus, published an article, under the headlines Beautifying Melbourne: Our debt to Mr Catani - maker of playgrounds and had this to say -  

and turning his attention to the bare eyesore that was once the Red Bluff, transformed it into the Point Ormond of to-day.  (5) 

So here we have it - Red Bluff was considered dangerous, an eyesore and a hazard for little children. I understand the criticism of the Red Bluff works, but they need to be looked at in the context of the time; like much of the country, it was seen as a resource to be exploited. Nor was it the only landscape 'tidied up' or beautified.  Foreshore reclamation works, such as those at St Kilda (6) markedly changed the natural environment and yet there does not seem to be any criticism of those works. The Sun News Pictorial, under the headline - From Reeking Marsh to Garden Beauty: St. Kilda’s Foreshore Represents Miracle of Achievement, described this area as a noisome expanse of marsh which was transformed into the vistas of lawns, gardens and shrubberies that extend for nearly two miles along the sea-front and are unsurpassed by anything else of the kind in Australia. (7) This foreshore park was later named the Catani Gardens, after Carlo. Would St Kilda have the reputation as a desirable and fun destination if the foreshore was still a reeking marsh?

Ref Bluff in its natural state.

Red Bluff St. Kilda: at present Point Ormond c. 1874-1886. Artist: Elizabeth Parsons. 
State Library of Victoria image H36676/18

Point Ormond, the transformed Red Bluff.

Point Ormond Beach, Elsternwick, c. 1910s. Elwood was often referred to as Elsternwick in the past.

Photographer: Rose Stereograph Co.

Footnotes

(1) Yes, that is tongue in cheek.

(2) The Age, on May 23, 1917, see here

(3) Hermann, Isaac Douglas  A Labour of Love: the public works of Carlo Catani Victoria 1876-1918 (published by the author in 2021)

(4) The Leader, August 26, 1905, see here.  

(5) The Argus, January 4, 1926, see here.

(6) St Kilda Foreshore works https://victoriancollections.net.au/stories/carlo-catani-an-engineering-star-over-victoria/st-kilda-foreshore-gardens

(7) Sun News-Pictorial, August 23, 1932, see here.

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.