Carlo makes valuable suggestions for the garden at Kyneton High School

In 1915 Carlo Catani, the Chief Engineer of the Public Works Department, received a request for a garden design for the Kyneton High School. He was clearly so well loved and respected by the public that they had no qualms approaching him for what seems to be a fairly trivial matter. However, no doubt as his son Enrico had been farming at Kyneton since he left Dookie College in 1912, the community felt they had a personal connection to Carlo. Sadly, Enrico's connection to the Kyneton area was cut tragically short by his death at Pozieres in France on July 29, 1916. (1).

The High School at Kyneton had opened in the Technical school building, on the corner of Ebden and Piper Streets in 1912, with 62 students. (2).  This building was built in 1878 as the Market building, but was only been used for this purpose for ten years, before it became the Technical School in 1888. (3). After the opening of the High School, the Technical classes were held in the building at night. (4). A new High School was officially opened in Epping Street on November 30, 1928. (5).

It was thus for a garden at the school in the old Market building that Carlo's ideas were required. The Kyneton Guardian reported in June 1915 that -
At the last meeting of the Kyneton High School Council the hon. secretary was requested to write to Mr. Catani, of the Public Works Department, thanking him for valuable suggestions re the laying out of the school garden. (6).

Were Carlo's valuable suggestions acted upon? In December 1915, it was reported that -

Mr. T. H. Stuart, head master of Kyneton High School, in his report to the school council on the year's work stated that alterations had been effected at the technical school to permit of the rooms being used for high school purposes; that a bicycle shed and other outbuildings had been erected; that the cookery room had been brought up to date, and that the office had been finished and fitted commensurately with the expansion of the school. In addition, the grounds had been graded, the garden laid out, a piano purchased and two rooms furnished with pictures. There are 130 pupils on the roll, the highest number since the establishment of the school. (7).

Was the garden actually laid out to Carlo's design? Interestingly, on the edge of the 1949 photograph below, we can see the fronds of a palm tree, a tree which Carlo frequently used in his gardens. That's enough proof for me that the School Council not only appreciated Carlo's  design suggestions, but made them a reality.

1949 photo - The Kyneton Technical School, used as the High School from 1912 until 1928. Note the palm tree on the right - part of Carlo's 1915 garden design.

Factory, Main Road, Kyneton, 1949. Photographer: Colin Caldwell.

State Library of Victoria Image H84.276/5/32A

1963 photo - The old Technical/High School building, with Carlo's palm tree on the right.

Kyneton Market Building & Old Technical School Piper St, March 10, 1963. 

Photographer: John T. Collins. State Library of Victoria Image H97.250/2054 

Footnotes

(1) Enrico Catani  - read about his school days here; read about his time at Kyneton and war service , here; and more about his war service here and here.

(2) Vision and Realisation : a centenary history of State Education in Victoria, v. 2., edited by L.J. Blake.(Education Department of Victoria, 1973)

(3) Kyneton Observer, June 30, 1888, see here; Victorian Heritage Database citation  https://vhd.heritagecouncil.vic.gov.au/places/68906

(4) The Argus, July 18, 1911, see here.

(5) The Argus, December 1, 1928, see here.

(6) Kyneton Guardian, June 22, 1915, see here.

(7) The Age, December 18, 1915, see here.

Carlo seeks supplies of Lanoline for the Italian Red Cross

The Great War caused the shortage of many products in Australia and other countries and one of these products was lanoline. This shortage also impacted Italy and Carlo Catani was asked to help resolve this problem, however in spite of Australia having the largest sheep industry in the world, we did not produce lanoline which is made from the grease of the wool. Australia imported most of its lanoline from Germany (1).

In 1912, Mr. J. B. Henderson (2), President of  Royal Society in Queensland estimated that state alone would throw away 20,000,000 lbs of lanoline a year, which at the wholesale price in Germany, 11d a pound, is approximately worth £1,000,000. As he asked - Would it not pay to have all our wool scoured, and keep this considerable sum in Queensland, instead of making a present of it to continental manufacturers? (3)

Wool washing or scouring on the Yarra; the dirt and grease removed from the wool added to the pollution of the Yarra.

Wool washing on the Yarra, 1872. Photographer: Charles Nettleton

State Library of Victoria H96.160/1729

Italy's request for lanoline in June 1915 was reported in many newspapers, firstly in The Herald -

Lanoline is urgently required in connection with Red Cross work in Italy, and Mr C. Catani, Chief Engineer of the Public Works Department, has authority to negotiate for purchasers. Inquiries which he has made recently have indicated that there is little, if any, to spare in Victoria. He urges that as lanoline is merely the fat of wool it ought to be possible in a great sheep-raising country like Australia to supply large quantities. This was one opportunity, he considered, for trade expansion. Mr Catani who has received advices regarding the shortage of lanoline, bismuth and alkaloids of certain drugs from his brother, Lieutenant-Colonel G. Catani of Florence, will be glad to give particulars to any business firms interested. (4).

Lieutenant-Colonel G. Catani was Carlo's older brother Giulio, born in 1848. He was a Doctor and the Superintendent of St John of God Hospital in Florence and during the War he was recalled from retirement to organise No. 2 Hospital in  Florence, for the Red Cross Society, in order to provide for the reception of 60,000 wounded soldiers if necessary. Despite his 67 years, he has entered upon his task with zest. He has been given the rank of Lieut.-Colonel by the Italian Government (5).

The Herald expanded upon the supply of lanoline the next day and provided some interesting statistics -

Mr C. Catani, Chief Engineer of the Public Works Department, who is Italian by birth and an excellent Australian by adoption, has been authorised to see if he can obtain in Victoria a sufficient supply of lanoline for Red Cross work in Italy. He points out that this is a great sheep-raising country and that lanoline is the refined fat of the wool. As a fact, in 1913 Australia had more sheep than any other country in the world, the number being over 85,000,000 against 80,400,000 in the Argentine, 74,000,000 in the Russian Empire, and 52,300,000 in the United States. With that fact before us, it constitutes a reflection upon our intelligence and enterprise and upon our sense of legitimate self-interest that we have not a huge lanoline works in this country. (6)

Table Talk also reported in their signature style on Carlo's involvement 

Mr. Carlo Catani, of the Public Works Department in Victoria, creator of Lake Catani and revealer of the grandeurs of the Buffalo and the beauteous possibilities of St. Kilda foreshore, has found for himself a legitimate war-time activity in these days when local landscape improvement is a drug in the market. He has heard from his brother, Lieut. Colonel Catani, at Florence, that lanoline is badly wanted by the Italians. Mr. Catani is by way of being a practical scientist as well as an engineer and a creative artist, and prospective makers of lanoline - the substance is a bi-product of the woollen industry, will find him an intelligent interlocutor for the Italian Government. (7).

The Weekly Times also reported on the lanoline issue as one of the neglected opportunities in the wool industry issue -

Mr C. Catani, Chief Engineer of the Public Works Department, has been authorised by the Italian Government to obtain in Australia a large quantity of lanoline for Red Cross purposes. Lanoline is a preparation made from the grease of the wool, and Australia being the chief wool-growing country, it was naturally supposed in Italy that the lanoline would be obtainable here. The Italians will no doubt be surprised to hear that we buy our lanoline from those countries to whom we sell the wool. Even the fat and other by-products from Australian wool-scouring works are thrown away instead of being utilised, as they are by the foreigners. There is not the slightest doubt that all these facts reflect upon our intelligence as a people. At first sight it appears to be a direct admission of incompetence which impels a country with 80 millions of sheep to send away the wool to be manufactured. It is hardly that, but it is an admission of lack of enterprise. (8)

In February 1916 a start had been made towards a lanoline industry, as the Weekly Times reported -

Mr F. Tudor, Minister for Trade and Customs, gave an assurance on February 15 that if a lanoline industry was started in Australia, it would be fully protected. Mr J. H. Chambers, who holds patent rights for a wool-scouring process by cold water, and Mr W. Melvin, the first manager of the Ballarat Woollen Mills, in an interview with the Minister demonstrated that it was possible to extract lanoline. Mr Melvin stated that with lanoline at 3/ a lb - it was now 6/ - the establishment of a lanoline industry would mean £22,000,000 a year to the Commonwealth. (9)

An advertisement for lanoline

The Argus, December 31, 1913 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/7274274

22 million pounds seems an extraordinary amount of money, that would have been  a valuable addition to the Australian economy. It also seems extraordinary that we learnt nothing from the Great War lanoline shortage as in 1921 The Age reported that Australia was still not manufacturing lanoline - 

time and again attention has been drawn to the colossal loss which Australia annually suffers from the non-utilisation of by-products. Yet little or nothing has been done to remedy the defect. It is literally true that millions of pounds are running to waste annually at various factories and works throughout the Commonwealth. A notable instance is that of wool grease, or lanoline, which is not being saved in anything like the quantities that one would expect in the largest wool-producing country in the world. (10)

In 1945,  the newspapers were still talking about the production of lanoline as a potential new industry for Australia. An Argus article in June 1945 commenced with - 

When we think of lanoline memory is apt to take us back to childhood days when some kindly soul applied this refined and soothing wool fat to a grazed knee or a chafe. It may seem a little strange at first to leam that wool fat might form the basis of new industries that would have the effect of increasing considerably the value of greasy wool generally. (11)

Sadly it appears that when Carlo considered that the production of lanoline in Australia in 1915 was one opportunity for trade expansion this opportunity was never acted upon.

Trove list - I have created a list of articles on lanoline production, mainly connected to Carlo Catani's war time role on Trove, access it here.

Footnotes

(1) Various reports from my Trove list, here.

(2) John Brownlie Henderson (1869-1950) - see his Australian Dictionary of Biography entry here https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/henderson-john-brownlie-6633

(3) The Queenslander, April 6 1912, see here.

(4) The Herald, November 8, 1915, see here.

(5) The Herald, November 8, 1915, see here; A Labour of Love - the Public Works of Carlo Catani Victoria 1876-1918, by Isaac Douglas Hermann (published by the Author in 2018). Dr Catani died in Florence on January 22, 1921.

The Argus, March 21, 1921 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/1741204

(6) The Herald, November 9, 1915, see here.

(7) Table Talk, November 11, 1915, see here.

(8) Weekly Times, November 13, 1915, see here.

(9) Weekly Times, February 19, 1916, see here.

(10) The Age, January 18, 1921, see here.

(11) The Argus, June 16 1945,  see here.

Carlo attends the opening of the Dargo Bush Nursing Hospital

Carlo was present at the opening of the Dargo Bush Nursing Hospital, on November 24, 1912. William Edgar, the Minister for Public Work was also in attendance. The Stratford Sentinel reported that Mr Edgar had played a role in Dargo obtaining a Bush Nursing Centre, as after months of agitation by the Dargo community and at the urging of the local member, Mr J. W. McLachlan, M.L.A., William Edgar

paid a visit to the Crooked River Country [where] he expressed the opinion that here was a place where a nurse should be sent, and he promised to use his best endeavors to favorably impress the Bush Nursing Council with the idea. As a result of his influence and sympathy the Executive Committee of the movement were pleased to promise their co-operation, and a meeting of residents of the Dargo district was held to consider whether they could raise enough money to finance the scheme. The salary of the nurse - £135 per annum - was a big proposition for mountain people to tackle, but they had the promise of Government aid, and they evolved a plan which has surmounted the trouble. Each householder in the district has promised to pay 1/ per week to the fund, and this will bring in some£60 per annum. The Hon. William Pearson has most generously promised £20 a year, and the Avon Shire Council have shown their sympathy by giving an annual subsidy of £25. It is expected that £35 per annum will be the amount of the Government aid so that the financial success of the scheme is assured. (1). 

Dargo in 1916, four years after the opening of the Bush Nursing Centre

Museums Victoria https://collections.museumsvictoria.com.au/items/771723

The Gippsland Times reported on the opening of the Dargo Bush Nursing Hospital -

Fine weather favored Her Excellency Lady Fuller (2) on her first trip to Dargo. Bright sunshine prevailed throughout yesterday and to-day and the long journey, over difficult and dangerous roads, was accomplished without any mishap. Four motor cars left Stratford for Dargo at 11 o'clock yesterday. Lady Fuller travelled in the Hon. Wm Pearson's car. Flags were flying above the mountain roadway in honor of Her Ladyships visit and at intervals along the route, the settlers and their families turned out and gave her excellency a hearty welcome.

Many of the dwellers in the remote parts left their homes early on Friday in order to be present at Dargo last night then Her Excellency arrived. The visitors were so numerous that private residences were availed of and tents erected to accommodate them. In addition to Lady Fuller there were travelling in motor cars the Hon. W. H. Edgar, Minister of Public Works, Mr. Catani, Chief Engineer, Dr. Edith Barrett (3), Dr. Janet Greig (4), Miss Michaelis (5) (of the Melbourne Bush Nurses Council), Dr. and Mrs Hagenauer, Sale, Dr and Mrs Hozier of Stratford, Mr. Roy Pearson and Miss Pearson (Kilmany), Rev. Pelletier, of Maffra, other visitors included Mr and Mrs J. Mills, who have taken a great interest in the scheme.

This morning Lady Fuller was present at the Church service conducted by the Rev. E. F. Pelletier. In the afternoon, in the presence of a large gathering, at the Mechanics' Institute, Her Excellency duly installed Nurse Brown  as the first bush nurse in Dargo. Lady Fuller spoke in laudatory terms of Nurse Brown's qualifications for the duties and stated how necessary it was in a district such as this where doctors and nurses were so far away that a nurse having Nurse Brown's skill and ability should be available to help in cases of need. Her Ladyship concluded by pinning a brooch on Nurse Brown's uniform.

Others who spoke were Mr. W. H. Edgar, Rev. Pelletier, Dr. Barrett, Dr Greig, Dr. Hozier, Mr. Roy Pearson (who apologised for his father's absence), Mr King and Mr. M'Lachlan, M.L.A. After the ceremony Mrs W. Rigall entertained Her Excellency and party at tea. Mr. Riggall provided horses for Her Ladyship and some of the visitors and they had a successful ride into the mountains. 

To-night the Hon. W. H. Edgar delivered an address at the local Church. Her Excellency and party will leave early to-morrow morning for Stratford where Lady Fuller will be further welcomed at half-past two o'clock (6).

Interesting that Mr Edgar delivered the address at the Church service, however he was Methodist lay preacher and the brother of the Reverend Alexander Edgar, the Superintendent of the Central Methodist Mission at the Wesley Church, so he was well experienced in this area (7). 

Nurse Brown had been at Dargo for a few weeks before she was officially installed by Lady Fuller and the opinion was that Nurse Brown has already won golden opinions, and seems to be satisfied with her surroundings (8). 

Nurse Amy Marguerite Brown was born in Birmingham and trained at the Birmingham Infirmary. Later she was sister in charge at the fever hospital of the Metropolitan Asylums' Board, London. For some time she was a sister at St. George's Infirmary, Fulham road, London. She then joined the staff at the East End Mothers' Home -  this is in the poorest and most squalid part of London. Not only does it shelter penniless and desolate women at maternity time but the sisters in their scarlet print frocks and white aprons hasten to the women in the tenement houses, acting as midwives and providing as much nourishment and fuel as funds permit. Nurse Brown answered an advertisement in the London  newspaper for Bush Nurses and she arrived in Victoria with with her colleague, Rita Sprott, who was assigned to the Welshpool Bush Nursing Hospital - these two nurses have taken sole charge of more than two hundred maternity cases. (9). In 1914, she married farmer, Martin Joseph Hurley,  and they lived in Boisedale and later at Athlone. They had three children and Amy died in 1974, aged 93 years of age. (10).

Dargo Bush Nurse, Amy Brown

The Herald, November 12, 1912 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/241799487

In a later report we learn more of the role of Mr Edgar on the day - 

The Hon. W. H. Edgar expressed his pleasure at being present that day as a representative of the Government. He was indeed proud to know that Her Ladyship had consented to be with them that day to perform a ceremony which was without doubt, the most important that had ever been performed in Dargo; that of installing a Bush Nurse. In Nurse Brown they had a girl who was peculiarly adapted to fill such a position, and he hoped they would be as kind to her as they possibly could. Although Dargo was one of the oldest towns in the State, it was one of the least known, but the events connected with the present visit would bring it prominently before the eyes of the people of Victoria (11).

There were two interesting reports about this Vice-Regal trip to Dargo - this first one is about the novelty of motor cars in Dargo and the makes of the cars - 

Seven motorcars whizzing down the street at Dargo was a sight never before seen in that pretty township, and is not likely to be again contemplated for many years. What a sensation they created to the inhabitants, and what disgust they caused the horses, the previous Kings of the winding mountain roads ....The cars to make the trip were a Daimler, Ford, Ford, Overland, Buick, Austin, Itala, owned in order by Hon. W. Pearson, Mrs Hagenauer, Dr Hozier, Dr. Hagenauer, Dr Reid, and the latter two were supplied on behalf of the Government by Mesrrs McCarey and Doran of Melbourne, who personally attended. Mrs O'Brien's F.N. car went as far as Bulgoback, and Mr and Mrs J. Mills took their Siddeley Deasey past Stockyard, and from there on travelled per buggy (12).

Then there was this report about the gallant Carlo - 
An old man named Mathieson, was riding along the road on Monday morning at the time of the motors' return journey from Dargo. The steed was not partial to the purring contingent and shied and threw the old man, dislocating one of his fingers and causing abrasions to his hands. Mr Catani acted the Good Samaritan and offered him a seat in the car to his destination, essaying the task of riding the horse himself. However, neddy refused to behave quietly and the popular chief engineer, obedient to orders from hind-quarters, landed forcibly on the road. Although somewhat shaken he was not seriously hurt, and the damage was soon repaired by Dr. Reid (13). 

Trove list - I have created a list of articles on the opening of the Dargo Bush Nursing Hospital, access it here.

Footnotes
(1) Stratford Sentinel, November 29, 1912, see here.

(2) Lady Fuller - born  Norah Jacintha Phipps, the wife of the Governor of Victoria, Sir John Fuller.

(3) Dr Edith Barrett (1872-1939) - Australian Dictionary of Biography entry - https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/barrett-edith-helen-5143 

(4) Dr Janet Greig (1874-1950) Australian Dictionary of Biography entry - https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/greig-janet-lindsay-jenny-7047

(5) Alice Michaelis (1873-1963) - Life Governor of the Queen Victoria Hospital and a member of the Victorian Bush Nurses Association committee. Alice was the fourteenth and last child of Moritz and Rahel (nee Gotthelf) Michaelis. Her brother, Frederick David Michaelis, was the chairman of the committee which erected the memorial clocktower to Carlo in 1932, see here.

(6) Gippsland Times, November 25, 1912, see here. 

(7) William Haslam Edgar (1858-1948) - member of the Legislative Council from 1904 to 1913 and from 1917 until 1948. Source: Parliament of Victoria Remember database, see here; Reverend Alexander Edgar (1850-1914) Australian Dictionary of Biography entry  https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/edgar-alexander-robert-6085   

(8) Stratford Sentinel, November 22, 1912, see here.

(9) The Herald, November 4, 1912, see here 

(10) Indexes to the Victorian Births, Deaths and Marriages; Electoral Rolls on Ancestry; Martin's death notice in The Age, October 23, 1971, p 23 on newspapers.com (below)

(11) Stratford Sentinel, November 29, 1912, see here.

(12) Maffra Spectator, November 28, 1912, see here.

(13) Stratford Sentinel, November 29, 1912, see here.

St Kilda City Council: Carlo's 1914 re-subdivision and Carlo urged to nominate in 1917

The City of St Kilda was re-subdivided from three wards into four wards in April 1914, the new boundaries being based on the plan devised by Carlo Catani.   

There had been agitation for this increase in wards for years, as the Prahran Telegraph reported in October 1909 -

At the St. Kilda Council meeting last evening Councillor Stedeford moved - " That this council, at its next meeting, take the necessary steps to constitute a new ward, dividing the city of St. Kilda into four Wards, in lieu of three wards as at present constituted." The proposal had been before the council during the past nine or ten years, but had been postponed for various reasons, the main objection being that the vacant Crown land at Elwood had not been sold. Some of the land had now been sold. There had been a large increase of settlement in the South Ward. The area was twice that of the other wards, and the number of ratepayers was nearly twice the number of the other two wards. (1).

In October 1912 at a Council meeting Cr. Hewison moved that the public works committee be directed to take into consideration the advisableness of resubdividing the city into four wards, and report to the council. The number of ratepayers in the three wards was noted as 1400 and 1300 in the North and West wards, and over 2000 in the South. The motion was lost on the casting vote of the Mayor and this was his reasoning -

The Mayor (Cr. O'Donnell) stated that when the matter was previously discussed it was decided that nothing be done until the Elwood land had been sold. He would not vote for an additional ward being created until that eventuated (2).

John Butler Cooper, in his History of St Kilda explains how the four wards eventually came to fruition  -

The marvellous developments of the southern portion of the City of St. Kilda, that followed the subdivisional sales, by the Government, of the reclaimed lands at Elwood, was such that it disturbed the balance of municipal representation in the Council, and obviously suggested the advisability of resubdividing the city into four Wards, with the consequent increase in the number of councillors from nine to twelve. Prior to that the business of the City was carried on by nine councillors, representatives from three Wards, and that had been so from November 27, 1868, when it was proclaimed in the Government Gazette that St. Kilda was divided into three Wards, respectively, the North Ward, the South Ward and the West Ward.

The St. Kilda Council faced the position created by the development of Elwood. It received a petition from certain ratepayers desirous that a new Ward of the City should be created. A plan of the proposed subdivision, prepared in October, 1913 by Carlo Catani, at the desire of the Hon., the Minister of Public Works was approved at a conference held between the St. Kilda Council, and the petitioners. Copies of the petition were issued for signature, by ratepayers in favor of the resubdivision of the City of St. Kilda into four Wards (3). 

The Conference accepted Carlo's scheme of sub-division with the exception that the name of the Central Ward be substituted for that of the proposed Balaclava Ward, and South Ward for that of the proposed Elwood Ward. (4). 

The re-subdivision into four wards was gazetted on April 8, 1914. All nine councillors were stood down, and the first election under the new boundaries was held on August 27, 1914. The successful candidates were -

Central Ward : T. G. Allen, J. H. Pittard, J. J. Love; North Ward : H. F. Barnet, H.B. Gibbs, F. G. Hughes ; West Ward : E. O'Donnell, R. A. Molesworth, G. B. Renfrey ; South Ward : Burnett Gray, J. H. Hewison, H. McL.Duigan. (5).

Cooper published this interesting table of the statistics of the four wards in October 1913. The table was prepared by the Town Clerk, Mr. F. W. Chamberlin. 

Statistics of the four St Kilda wards in 1913. 

Carlo Catani also presented similar and extra statistics, see footnote 6.

Source: John Butler Cooper History of St Kilda  (7).

The well respected Carlo, was urged to stand for Council after his retirement from the Public Works Department. In March 1917, the In the Barber's Shop column of the Prahran Telegraph, which was written under the pseudonym of Figaro, reported this -
It has been suggested to me that Mr. Catani, who is retiring from the public service, and who is a resident of St. Kilda, would make a very fine councillor, from his knowledge of public works, if he could be induced to enter the council. I pass the suggestion on to those who are more actively engaged in electioneering than myself. (8).

The same paper reported in June 1917 -
A requisition was presented by a number of influential ratepayers to Mr. Carlo Catani, J.P., asking him to nominate for a seat in the St. Kilda Council for the south ward at the coming elections. After consideration, Mr. Catani declined. (9). 

The St Kilda Town Hall, as Carlo would have known it.

A portico and new foyer were added in 1925 and the brick was rendered in 1957 (10)

State Library of Victoria Image H84.346/75

It's a shame that Carlo never stood for election, he no doubt would have romped home at the head of the poll, however even though he had retired he was still involved in other civic activities such as the St Kilda Fore Shore Committee and from May 1917 he sat on the bench at the St Kilda Magistrates Court as an Honorary Justice (11). 

Trove list - I have created a list of articles on the lead up to the 1914 re-subdivision of the City of St Kilda, which will give some extra information on the process of the change, access it here. 

Footnotes

(1) The Prahran Telegraph, October 9, 1909, see here.

(2) The Age, October 2, 1912, see here.

(3) 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), pp. 178-179. 

(4) The Argus, October 28, 1913, see here.

(5) Cooper, op. cit., p. 179.

(6) From the Prahran Telegraph, October 4, 1913, see here. 

The figures attached to Mr. Catani scheme of re-subdivision are as follows:

West ward. — Rateable property, 345 acres, reserves 177 acres, total, 523 acres; valuation, £102,087; ratepayers, 1611, population, 9076, probable increase in ten years, nil ; valuation in ten years, £102,087.

North ward.— Rateable property 436 acres, reserves 62 acres, total 498 acres; valuation, £74,159; ratepayers 1580, population, 7204, probable increase in ten years to 10,686, probable valuation, £84,845.

Balaclava Ward. — Rateable property, 382 acres, reserves, 43 acres, total 425 acres, valuation £65,826; ratepayers, 1752, population 6740, probable increase in ten years to 17,667, probable valuation, £83,493.

Elwood ward. — Rateable property, 555 acres, reserves, 94 acres, total 649 acres; valuation, £49,898; ratepayers, 1444, population, 4466; probable increase in ten years to 39, 076 probable valuation, 

£88, 974.

Totals. — Rateable property, 1719 acres, reserves, 379 acres, total 2009 acres; valuation, £291,970; ratepayers, 6387, population 27,436; probable increase in ten years to 67,429; probable valuation, £359,399.

(7) Cooper, op. cit., p. 179.

(8) Prahran Telegraph, March 17, 1917, see here.

(9) Prahran Telegraph, June 30, 1917, see here.

(10) Town Hall history http://skhs.org.au/SKHSbuildings/33.htm

(11) St Kilda Fore Shore Committee - https://victoriancollections.net.au/stories/carlo-catani-an-engineering-star-over-victoria/st-kilda-foreshore-gardens St Kilda Magistrates Court - http://carlocatani.blogspot.com/2022/03/carlos-time-as-honorary-justice-at-st.html

Carlo and the St Kilda Patriotic Carnival, December 1917

The St Kilda Patriotic Carnival was held at Luna Park from December 8 to 15, 1917. It was officially opened by Sir John Madden, who was introduced by the Mayor of St Kilda, Cr O'Donnell - 

Some ceremony was observed at the opening, which was conducted from a large central platform, around which many leading citizens and their wives had assembled. Sir John Madden, the Chief Justice; Lady Madden, Brigadier-General Hughes, Miss O'Donnell, daughter of the mayor: the mayor and councillors and town clerk gathered thereon with Mr. Catani, late engineer in chief of  public works, and Mr. Mackenzie, Melbourne city treasurer. (1).

The badge produced for the St Kilda Patriotic Carnival. 

Admittance to the Carnival was 6 pence, but the purchase of this badge for 2 shillings

gave free on-going entrance. (2). 

The Patriotic Carnival raised £6,985/15/6 and after expenses £5,910/1/6 was left and was distributed thusly - Australian Comforts Fund - £2,955/0/9; Victorian Division Red Cross - £738/15/2 and the same amount went to the 'local fund for material'; the St Kilda Soldiers' Lounge received the balance of £1477/10/5 (3). 

On the opening day alone 25,000 people visited the Carnival and The Australasian reported on the event - During the afternoon half-hour programmes were given in the theatre by the Bon-Bons, the Serenaders, and the Troubadours. The evening's programme included a fancy dress competition, a court of injustice, an exhibition of stock-whip cracking, and balloon battles in the open air, whilst in the theatre the Zingari Orchestra and Madame Evelyn Ashley gave a concert. (4).

Helpers at the Cake Stall at the St Kilda Patriotic Carnival

Photographer: F.W. Tolra. Punch, December 27, 1917

 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/121084046#

There were also many stalls and the stallholders have vied with each other in doing that which they consider the most artistic and aspiring. (5). Judging by the photographs, the stall holders went to great effort in their choice of outfits. A comprehensive list of stalls was published in the newspapers - 

A well-equipped produce stall is presided over by Mrs. Sibbon and Mrs. George Baillieu, whilst Mrs. Agar Wynne is among the saleswomen. Miss Spottiswood has a charming art stall, which displays some beautiful oil paintings others. In the centre of the grounds is a pretty pavilion in pink, black, and white. The mayoress of St. Kilda (Mrs. O'Donnell) was to have presided there, but she is ill, and her daughters have taken her place. Others in charge of stalls are Mesdames Ingham, Lilley, and Thomas (fruit), Wertheim, Ormiston and Pirani (cakes), Myers and Harris (St Kilda trades' jumble stall), Mr. Le Plaistier (toys made by locals patriotic woodworkers), Mrs. Potton (pot plants), Mrs. H.A Embling and Miss Esme Allee (Christmas tree, gifts, and snowball), Mrs H.S.K. Ward (kitchen), the Misses Shmith (balloons, confetti, and kewpies), Mrs. J. H. Hewison (Our Boys), Mrs. Gudgeon (sweets), Mesdames Stephen and Barlow (ices and raffles), and Mrs Tong (ices). (6). 

St Kilda Red Cross workers, in charge of the Stall.

Photographer: F.W. Tolra. Punch, December 27, 1917

 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/121084046#

A refreshment pavilion, where Mrs. R. Hallenstein and Mrs. J. McD. McKenzie have charge of the arrangements, and the afternoon tea, high tea, and light supper are equal to the best obtainable in the city. The room will seat about 400 people, and is beautifully decorated, with, garlands of evergreens and panels and clusters of pink Japanese blossom. Among those assisting here are Mesdames A. Couchman, Nahum Barnet, Lockyer, D. Swanson, Phillips, Zeltner and Miss Swan, whilst 50 girl friends act as waitresses, and all are frocked in white. (7).

A striking group of helpers at the Sweets stall

Photographer: F.W. Tolra. Punch, December 13, 1917 

https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/121083733

A bevy of Produce stall assistants

Photographer: F.W. Tolra. Punch, December 13, 1917 

https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/121083733

It was indeed a very successful and well attended event and a credit to the organisers, the St. Kilda Patriotic Committee of which Carlo Catani was a member, with the official role of Manager of Grounds. (8). In fact The Australasian  gave Carlo much credit for the success - as owing to the practical interest of Mr. C. Catani in designing a plan and seeing to the arrangements wonders were achieved. (9).

The venue, Luna Park, had opened on December 13, 1912 and operated until it closed for the season in May 1915. The next season, starting with the summer of 1915/1916, and no doubt due to the war it was practically closed ... except the section devoted to the scenic railway and it did not open at all over the Summer of 1916/1917. (10).

Luna Park had thus laid in an unused state for a long time, and it was with feelings of apprehension, that a band of voluntary workers undertook the task of making preliminary preparations for the Carnival the difficulties in the way at first appeared insuperable, but by a strenuous application to the work, they have transformed the park from a place of weeds and neglected buildings into a picturesque and happy looking village of oriental originality. (11).

The first report we read of Carlo's involvement is this  - 

Preparations on an extensive scale are being made for the holding of a great Patriotic Carnival in Luna Park in December next. Under the direction of Mr Catani, a number of voluntary workers commenced operations at the park on Saturday.... The work of levelling up and levelling down, and removing material that is no longer useful is being energetically pushed forward. (12)

A further report which mentions the work of Carlo -  The renovation of Luna Park (which is lent to the St. Kilda Patriotic Committee by the generosity of Luna Park Ltd.) is being carried out under the supervision of Mr. Catani. The whole of the renovation work, which was estimated to cost £1500, is being done by voluntary workers on Saturday and Thursday afternoons. (13).

The practical work undertaken by Carlo was noted by the newspapers - From all sides one hears nothing but praise for the help given by Mr Catani in the work of preparing and otherwise decorating Luna Park for the Carnival. It is more than evident that Mr Catani has done a giant's work. (14).

After this successful event, the St Kilda Patriotic Committee held an open air carnival on March 22 and 23, 1918 in the grounds of the St Kilda Town Hall. It was reported that - 

Owing to the untiring efforts of Mr. Catani, the scene was a brilliantly attractive, for the grounds were encircled by festoons of gay pennants and electric lights hung from Venetian masts, whilst about were dotted a large number of kiosks prettily decorated with flowers and foliage, interspersed with electric lights. (15). This is another report on the brilliance of Carlo - A brilliant scheme for illuminating and decorating the grounds has been evolved by Mr Catani, and in addition to a number of decorated kiosks about the grounds there will be a flower show, picture shows, and concerts; whilst in the main hall there will be a "palais de danse."  (16). Around £300 was raised at this event,

As a matter of interest, Luna Park remained closed after the Patriotic Carnival and did not reopen until November 2, 1923. (17). 

Trove list - I have created a short list of newspaper articles on Carlo Catani and the St Kilda Patriotic Carnival, access it here. There are photos of the Carnival in Punch, December 13, 1917, here and Punch, December 20, 1917, here and Punch, December 27, 1917, here; and Table Talk, December 13, 1917, here and here.

Footnotes

(1) The Age, November 10, 1917, see here.

(2) Table Talk, November 15, 1917, see here. Malvern Standard, December 1, 1917, see here. The Badge was made by Stokes & Sons, Melbourne and it was given to me by my fellow Carlo Catani researcher, Isaac Hermann. 

(3) Audited account of Statements and Receipts - The Argus, April 19, 1918, see here and here [public notice, top p. 4]

(4) The Australasian, December 15, 1917, see here.

(5) Prahran Chronicle, December 8, 1917, see here.

(6) The Australasian, December 15, 1917, see here.

(7) The Australasian, December 15, 1917, see here.

(8) Prahran Chronicle, December 15, 1917, see here.  The report listed  - the rest of the Committee - President, His Worship the Mayor (Cr E. O'Donnell). Vice-Chairman, Mr F. S. Ormiston. Treasurer, Mr F. Chamberlin. Assistant Treasurer, Mr J. F. Jeans. Organisers, Cr A. Sculthorpe and Mr. W. F. Swanson. Advertising Representative, Mr J. Cowley. Stall Secretary, Mrs G. Lorimer. Badge Secretaries, Messrs D. Moulden and R. J. Devereaux. Raffle Secretary, Mr M. J. Porter. Manager of Grounds, Mr Catani. Traffic Managers, Cr H. F. Barnet and Mr J. M. A Spottiswood. Manager of Bands, Mr G. Tucker. Typists, Miss Ivy Kitching and Mr F. O'Neill. Executive Committee-These include names already mentioned, with the addition of Messrs. A. R. Kelsey, H. M. Knox, J. McD. McKenzie and E. A. Walker.

(9) The Australasian, December 15, 1917, see here.

(10) The Argus, December 14, 1912, see here; Prahran Telegraph, July 1, 1916 see here;  Prahran Telegraph, December 9, 1916, see here.

(11) Prahran Chronicle, December 8, 1917, see here.

(12) Malvern Standard, October 13, 1917, see here.

(13) Table Talk, October 25, 1917, see here.

(14) Malvern Standard, December 8, 1917, see here.

(15) The Australasian, March 30, 1918, see here.

(16) The Australasian, March 23, 1918, see here.

(17) The Argus, November 2, 1923, see here and Cooper, John Butler The History of St Kilda from its Settlement to a City and after 1840 to 1930, v. 2 (St Kilda City Council 1931), p. 207.

Carlo Catani and the Henley on Yarra Regatta

Alexandra Avenue, designed by Carlo Catani, was officially opened by the  Duke of Cornwall and York on May 17, 1901. The land adjacent to the Avenue was turned into a public park in 1904 and this park was also designed by Carlo and was named Alexandra Gardens. In Autumn 1908, Carlo and George Cooper, laid out the Henley Lawn in the Gardens.  George Cooper had worked with Carlo Catani from 1900 on the landscaping of Alexandra Avenue and at the Alexandra Gardens, where he was the head curator until 1917 (1).  It was on the Henley Lawn where spectators by the thousands lined up to watch the annual Henley-on-Yarra rowing regatta.

The Australasian in 1910 had a short history of the regatta which takes place as usual on Saturday next, October 22 (the Saturday between Caulfield Cup and Derby Day). This will be the eighth Henley-on Yarra, the first having been held on March 19, 1904. There was a good deal of speculation then as to how a big social regatta would "catch on" here, where none but those immediately concerned took an interest in rowing races; but the choice of date and the foresight of the promoters in reproducing in modest way the features of the Royal Henley Regatta soon made the fixture one which claimed everyone's attention. Succeeding years have served to popularise the regatta, and each year the watchful executive, profiting by experience, adds some new attraction (2).

This post looks at any connections I can find between Carlo and the Henley Regatta, and is illustrated by postcards from my collection. The connection started as early as 1905 when it was reported that -
Through the courtesy of Mr. Davidson and Mr. Catani, of the Public Works department, the committee has been provided with certified measurements of the courses taken by boats racing on the north and south stations respectively. These show that the boat on the south station, if it starts from a line parallel with Anderson-street bridge and finish on a line at right angles to the river bank, has 7 feet 7 inches less distance than the northern crew. This discrepancy will be corrected by a special surveyed finishing line, which will be marked out to-day. (3). William Davidson was the Inspector General of Public Works.

The1905 Henley Regatta took place on the course certified by Carlo and William Davidson.

This postcard was addressed to Miss Schieder, State School 2957, Victoria Park at Abbotsford. 

The 1905 Electoral Rolls shows a Bertha Schieder of 14 Trenery Crescent, Abbotsford, who was a teacher. 

She lived with Ethel who was a dressmaker and Paulina, home duties.

It was in 1908 that the new lawn was laid out - 

The transfer of the Henley reserve from the north to the south bank was a distinct improvement. Last year spectators had to promenade on a narrow uneven slope along the north bank, but on Saturday the tastefully designed reserve alongside Alexandra-parade provided ample accommodation and an excellent view of the races. The reserve, which was temporarily fenced for the occasion, was laid out by Mr. Catani, of the Public Works department. Its walks and lawns and general scheme at once suggest the hand of an artist. (4).

There was a slight criticism of the lawn in Table Talk, but clearly it was caused by circumstances beyond the control of both Carlo and George - The Henley lawn was laid down in the autumn by Mr. C. Catani, assisted by Mr. Cooper. Owing to a variety of circumstances the lawn is not in as good condition as was expected, but it will nevertheless make an excellent outlet for the crush and crowding of the old reserve on the north side. (5).

Getting ready for Henley on Yarra, Melbourne.

Postcard not dated and not used postally.

An 1908 article reported on the grown of the gardens - 

The course starts a short distance above the Botanical-gardens bridge, and finishes at the Henley lawn, which was laid down by the Public Works department, and under the personal superintendence of Mr Catani, the officer responsible for the beautiful Alexandra avenue and river gardens. When the palms, which will be planted along the paths, grow up, and the grass has time to get a good hold the lawn will be a fine addition to the riverside improvements, and the enterprise of the Henley Association and the Public Works department will give another beauty spot to Melbourne. (6).

There was a further report in 1910 - The fine lawn laid down by Mr. Catani and the officers of his department on the south bank of the Yarra, with its rockeries and shrubs, has now matured into a pretty garden. The English trees, which mark both banks of the river, have put on their new leaves, and the grass on the slopes is in perfect condition. (7)

The Palms Refreshment Kiosk, Henley Lawns.

Postcard not dated and not used postally.

The Palms Refreshment Room, on Henley Lawn, Alexandra Gardens took advantage of the palms planted by Carlo Catani and George Cooper. The Refreshment Rooms were built by the City of Melbourne, who held a competition for the design, which was won by Architects Messrs Blackett and Forster. They opened officially on March 19, 1927. (8)

Footnotes
(1) I have written about Alexandre Avenue, here; Alexandra Gardens, here; and George Cooper, here. 
(2) The Australasian, October 15, 1910, see here. 
(3) The Age, October 24, 1905, see here.
(4) The Argus, October 26, 1908, see here.
(5) Table Talk, October 22, 1908, see here.
(6) The Argus, October 20, 1908, see here.
(7) The Australasian, October 15, 1910, see here.
(8) The Age, December 11, 1925, see here;  The Herald, December 11 1925, see here; Table Talk, March 17, 1927, see here.

The Palms Kiosk - the Architect's sketch

The Herald, December 11 1925 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article243893753

Carlo Catani and the Caulfield Racecourse

The area occupied by the Caulfield Racecourse, operated by the Victorian Amateur Turf Club (VATC) (1), has been the subject of on-going disputes regarding public access to the land for well over 120 years. The land had been used for racing since 1859 (2) and that same year Trustees were appointed to the site, which had been set aside for racing and other purposes of public recreation.  

Trustees appointed to the Caulfield Racecourse, 1859.

Victoria Government Gazette April 5, 1859, p. 660.  https://gazette.slv.vic.gov.au/images/1859/V/general/50.pdf 

The multiple uses of this land were confirmed in 1879 when the land was permanently reserved from sale as a site for Racing, Recreation and Public Park Purposes.

Gazetting of the land for Racing, Recreation and a Public Park, 1879.

Victoria Government Gazette, p. 2185 https://gazette.slv.vic.gov.au/images/1879/V/general/86.pdf

This post is not a detailed history of the alienation of this public land by a private organisation but these three excerpts from the newspapers tell the story. 

From The Argus of January 18, 1906  - Caulfield Racecourse - Access for Public and Perambulators - 

Last night a number of residents of Glenhuntly waited on the Caulfield Council, and asked that a gateway, with a swing bar, be placed on the Caulfield racecourse, at the junction of Neerim-road and Queen's avenue, in order to give better access to the railway station, and also, that perambulators would be able to pass through. Mr Devine, who acted as spokesman to the deputation, said that the residents of Glenhuntly had no means of going into the racecourse with perambulators. They were told the racecourse was the property of the people, and yet they were not allowed to go through the gate.

Councillor Lloyd said that he and the mayor and Councillor Wood had waited on the committee of the V.A.T.C, and they had been informed by that body that under no consideration would they open the gate as requested by the deputation, as it was dangerous. The club pointed out it was a more direct route to the station along Queen's avenue than by the way proposed (3). 

A motion at the Council meeting that the VATC be asked to put a turnstile at the location, was carried,  however it was not unanimous as Councillor Lempriere said the V.A.T.C. had spent £43,000 on the course, and had the right to say that the racecourse should be conducted as they thought fit (4).  He apparently didn't understand the concept of public access to public land, or care about women taking their babies out for a walk. 

From The Age, November 4, 1911 -  The Caulfield Racecourse - Original Trust Conditions Evaded - Public Reserve Annexed - 

The revival of the movement to free Caulfield from the associations of the racecourse in that district has led to an investigation of the conditions under which the V.A.T.C. holds the park lands used by the club for racing. It has also led to a resuscitation of local organisations interested in the development of the district, and the transformation of its civic utilities and transit facilities on modern lines. The result of the investigation shows: - 1. That the V.A.T.C. has been permitted by the inertia of the Government and the negligence of certain local governing bodies to acquire a relationship to the Caulfield racecourse, recreation ground and public park which violates both letter and spirit of the Crown grant under which the land was set aside. 2. That were the conditions of the law complied with the V.A.T.C. would be compelled to leave the district, and spend some of its huge reserve funds in the acquisition of another racecourse elsewhere. The land at Caulfield now regarded by most people as the property of the V.A.T.C. committee does not belong to that body at all. It really belongs to the people, whose interests are supposed to be represented by a body of trustees, in whom the Crown has vested the control, subject to the right of the Executive Council to annul, modify or repeal any of those trustees acts........At that time [of the original agreement] the V.A.T.C. was not what it is to-day, and very little fear was entertained that the fifteen days' occupancy would within 23 years be converted into a pseudo-proprietorial interest, or that its influence on the Government of the day and the municipal institutions would be so powerful as to almost ignore the "public recreation ground and public park" character of the reserve (5).

From The Age, October 25, 1913 - Caulfield Racecourse - Serious Social Menace - Filching a Public Reserve -
The few individuals who have laid marauding hands on public property, who have deliberately filched a public recreation ground, have not only done a grave wrong to the district in monopolising public lands, but they have become a downright nuisance.

The article continues -  When the V.A.T.C. was established, over 40 years ago, it was an association of amateur sportsmen who held races, at which they ran their own horses, and rode, jumped, and raced with one another for amusement. The land at that time was thought to be a long way from the city, there was no railway, the scrubby area liable to floods had no particular value; nobody dreamed that the grant of a user of the ground to a small body of horsey enthusiasts would culminate in the creation of a racing proprietary, conducting not amateur races, but the ordinary game of swindling, roping, and sharping that has characterised the turf since the unlucky Charles I gave the first cup for competition on Newmarket Heath. After the "amateurs" had had the use of the land for some years - the public having free access to the place, for it had not been fenced in - the area was dedicated to the public in 1888 as "a racecourse" for fifteen days in the year, and as a "public recreation ground and public park" for the remainder of the year. The prime object of the reservation was to create a public park and recreation ground, portions of which could be used only on certain days by the Victoria Amateur Turf Club for racing purposes. At all other times the course was to be absolutely free to the public.

There is no need to point out how the powers of the V.A.T.C. have extended until they have established virtual ownership of a public recreation ground. Not withstanding the fifteen days as the limit of the club's occupancy, it fenced off a large area for lawn and stands, betting ring, bird cage and saddling paddock, and forbade the public to trespass on these illegally acquired reserves on pain of expulsion. The area so absorbed in defiance of the original grant is being constantly extended. Land is set apart for training tracks. While training is going on the public cannot use the training ground, which is necessarily an extensive territory. The club charges fees for training horses, and imposes regulations on jockeys and trainers using the course that would be considered harsh in the German army. Some of the oldest stagers of the Heath have been brought before the V.A.T.C. committee and fined for offences such as crossing the course on horseback during training hours. Fancy fining a member of the public for going on to public land! What kind of a public spirit is it that calmly yields to such treatment? What influences were at work that bulldozed local bodies and progress associations, and made them submissive tools of the V.A.T.C. in respect of action which under any Government jealous of public rights would have led to prosecution, and in England would have aroused one of those stirring and historic demonstrations against the local land grabber for the maintenance of the right of way. (6).

How does Carlo Catani fit into this story? In 1910, at the request of the Caulfield Council, the  Minister for Lands directed Carlo, who is an expert in designing parks and gardens (7), to report on the Caulfield Racecourse and the issue of public access. This is his report, as published in The Herald, March 17, 1910 - Caulfield Racecourse - Mr Catani's Report - Interesting Recommendations.

"Having examined the Caulfield racecourse and heard the requirements of the Caulfield Council, the trustees, and the residents, I am of the opinion that the reserve cannot be turned into a general recreation ground without impairing its efficiency as a racecourse. So many tracks are required for schooling horses, and the number of horses availing themselves of the reserve is so great, that practically the whole of the reserve is fully utilised, with the exception of the central portion, which includes the lake. This area is fairly large, and could be considerably improved, but owing to the impossibility of planting it with large, shady trees, or erecting thereon a roomy pavilion, the required summer shade will always be wanting, and the place cannot be made into a proper summer resort for the ratepayers. But if kept absolutely free from horse traffic, it would provide a very useful recreation ground for 10 months of the year. I think, however, that a good plantation of tree or a shelter shed, or both, could be provided at the southern end of the reserve. At the northern end the area in front of the public stand is fairly free from intrusion from horses, and could be availed of with a little improvement for the recreation of residents.

The improvements suggested are as follow: -
"(1) The deepening of the lake and the using of the excavated material to level the depressions formed by the promontories and mounds.
"(2) Facing in the margin of the lake with stone, forming little points, bluff, etc., so that the subsidence of the water within the lake in summer time would not mean a reduction of the area of the lake, etc.
"(3) Forming paths, draining, and gravelling them, the path round the lake being the main feature, and the area between the path and the rocks on the water's edge being covered with buffalo grass.
"(4) Formation of land for sports and gatherings.
"(5) Water supply for grass, and stand pipes for drinking taps for the public.
"(6) Formation of flowering beds; also plantation of flowering shrubs, so as to maintain a succession of blooms.

"The financial arrangement, at present arrived at, is that the club should supply the necessary funds for the improvements at the rate of L500 per annum for five years, and that the trustees should do the necessary works and keep them in order. It seemed, however, that it would be in the interests
of all parties to effect substantial improvements at once, so as to have the place made sightly and available for recreation purposes, and to this end I would suggest that the club be requested to advance at once L1125, and to pay in the future on the reduced contribution of L275 per annum. The total
would be the same at the end of five years. If the proposal were adopted I would suggest that the following be carried out at once:—
1. Deepening lake and filling depressions — L350.
2. Facing margin of lake with stone — L300.
3. Forming paths, gravelling, and planting buffalo grass— L250.
4. Forming and planting lawn — L75.
5. Water supply and seats— L100.
6. Clearing and planting south end — L50.
Total outlay — L1125. (8). 

In spite of these clear suggestions from Carlo the VATC decided they would rather spend £500 per annum for five years (9). In December 1911, the Trustees of the land wrote to the Caulfield Council  that it was proposed to carry out, as far as practicable, the scheme propounded by Mr. Catani to beautify the lake, and form the surrounding paths. In 1910, £390 6s 7d., had been expended on improvements, and in 1911, £359 19s 10d. (10).  However, four years later, in July 1914 it was reported that the trustees were endeavouring to carry out Carlo's scheme of improvements (11).  By then, of course, the project should have been nearly complete. The reality was that the VATC simply didn't care about improving public access and public amenities for the local people, even with pressure from community groups. In September 1914, for instance -
The Glenhuntly branch of the A.N.A. is strongly in accord with the motion carried on August 14 by the Caulfield City Progress Association regarding the encroachments on the rights of the public by the trustees of the Caulfield Recreation Reserve, Public Park and Racecourse, and further, the branch desires to support the request to the Minister of Lands asking for an increase in the number of trustees by the election of three public spirited citizens who reside in immediate vicinity of the reserve.(12)

In 1922, due to the demand  for greater public use of the racecourse, the Minister for Lands decided that 10 acres to be permanently reserved on the Neerim road side for use as a public park and gardens. The high fence at present enclosing this area will be removed and re-erected on a line to be defined by the Minister, adjoining the racecourse. The new outer fence adjoining the public road will be sufficient only to protect the hedges and ornamental shrubs (13). This is what is now called Glenhuntly Park (14). At the same time, another four acres was also set aside for recreation. The areas are both shown in the map below.

14 acres of the racecourse grounds were turned over to public use in 1922

The Argus, October 20, 1922 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/1849870

Fast forward 100 or so years and what has changed? A 2014 Auditor's General report which examined the effectiveness of the management of the reserve by the trustees found that conflicts of interest have not been adequately managed and preference has been afforded to racing interests with insufficient attention given to use of the reserve for recreational pursuits and as a public park (15). 

In April 2021, a glowing press release from Andrews Labor Government announced that they had launched a plan to transform the Caulfield Racecourse Reserve into a people-friendly community recreation space....Over the next 15 years the reserve will become an increasingly accessible and activated space, supporting diverse uses and events. Access into all reserve areas will be improved and parts of the reserve that currently are not accessible will be opened to the public (16). It appears that  progress still moves at a glacial pace when it comes to the public's right to access their own land on the Caulfield Racecourse site. Children who were just starting school in 2021, can look forward to better access to the Reserve in 2036, when they will be half way through University. 

Trove list - I have created a short list of articles on Carlo's report and public access issues to the Caulfield Racecourse. Access the list here.

Footnotes

(1) Now called the Melbourne Racing Club https://mrc.racing.com/our-club/history
(2) Murray, John R and Wells, John C From sand, swamp and heath...a history of Caulfield (City of Caulfield, 1980), p. 170.
(3) The Argus, January 18, 1906, see here.
(4) Ibid
(5) The Age, November 4, 1911, see here.

(6) The Age, October 25, 1913, see here.

(7) The Argus, March 18, 1910, see here. 

(8) The Herald, March 17, 1910, see here.

(9) Brighton Southern Cross, October 29, 1910, see here.

(10) Brighton Southern Cross, December 9, 1911, see here.

(11) Oakleigh and Caulfield Times, July 25, 1914, see here.

(12) Malvern Courier, September 4, 1914, see here.

(13) The Argus, October 20, 1922, see here. 

(14) For an update of what is happening around the area - City of Glen Eira Caulfield Major Activity Centre Structure Plan, September 2022. Chapter 3.4 Open Space, Public Realm and Landscape https://www.gleneira.vic.gov.au/media/files/Caulfield-Major-Activity-Centre-Structure-Plan.pdf

(15) Doyle, John  - Auditor's General report - Management and Oversight of the Caulfield Racecourse Reserve. Tabled: 17 September 2014, see here.  

(16) Press report - https://www.lilydambrosio.com.au/media-releases/ambitious-strategy-to-transform-caulfield-reserve/