Carlo attends a demonstration on the use of gelignite

On June 12, 1909, Major Charles Campbell (1), hosted a demonstration of the use of gelignite to remove trees at his property, Amesfield Park, in Mornington. Amesfield Park, was originally called Manyung and owned by Richard Grice (2) and was located at the 31-mile post on the Melbourne to Sorrento Road. (3).  Major Campbell had purchased the 288 acre property six months previously, in December 1908,  for £5,000. (4) He invited his neighbours and a number of officials, including Carlo Catani, to this demonstration.

Amesfield Park, previously Manyung, the property where Carlo saw the gelignite demonstration.

"Manyong" [i.e. Manyung, home of] Mrs. A. L. Grice, Mornington, 1895. 

State Library of Victoria image  H93.64/20 

It was an impressive attendance list  and Carlo was in the company of  Mr Reid, Surveyor General; Mr Crooke, Forestry Department; Dr. Cherry and Mr Kenyon, Agricultural Department; Mr. Barber, Victorian Railways; Mr W. H. Irvine, M.H.R.; Mr Livingston, M.L.A.; Mr. R. G. Fincham, National bank manager; Colonel Stanley, Victorian commandant;  Mr. Aitken and Mr. Drake from Dalgety and Co.; Mr W.F. Weigall, Brighton councillor; Mr. J.H. Taylor, the town clerk of Brighton and  Mr James Minifie from the Millers' Association. These guests were conveyed from the Frankston station to the scene of operations by cabs and drags, Mr J. Millard having been entrusted with the "transportation" arrangements. (5)

The Mornington and Dromana Standard of June 19, 1909 explained why Major Campbell decided to use gelignite - Since, purchasing the well-known property, "Amesfield Park," some few months back, Major Campbell has spent considerable time and capital in removing a great many of the thickly studded trees on the estate, erecting wire netting, installing windmills, etc., and in numerous ways going in for big improvements. The modern method of blasting has been chosen to remove the trees, and, in conjunction with Messrs Dalgety and Co., (as agents for Nobel Glasgow high explosives) the squire of Amesfield Park gave a demonstration on a large and effective scale. (6)

The paper continued their report with -
The object of the demonstration was to show how easily and cheaply trees could be grubbed by the use of gelignite, exploded by electricity. Mr R Sprague (of Dalgety and Co.) and Major Campbell superintended operations, and the agents were also represented by Messrs Allan and Dorecket. The first "blow up" was a "double event," two trees being removed by connecting the charges by wires, which were attached to the main cable and thence to the battery. When all was ready the crowd retired to a safe distance 150 yards away, and there was much speculation as to the result. Many were certain that the effect would be to merely shift the tree, but do no further damage to the butt. The signal to "Let her go" was given, the handle on the battery raised and lowered, and in an instant there was a terrific explosion. A shower of earth and chips shot into the air, and the trees heeled over and crashed to the ground. An examination of the result showed that the butt had been lifted clean out of the ground and shattered in pieces, and the trunk was opened up in numerous pieces. Two other trees were blasted out together, and three more were removed singly. The manner in which each tree was blown out of the ground was highly satisfactory, and the method is a vast improvement on the old style of grubbing by hand. The seven trees were treated with varying quantities of the explosive, and the cost would average about 3/6 per tree. The agents claim that trees can be removed by the Nobel-Glasgow method at from 50 per cent to 80 per cent cheaper than by hand labour. (7)

An advertisement for Nobel explosives for land clearing.

The Leader, April 10, 1909 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article196899229

There were some finer details provided, in case you are interested in removing trees and have some sticks of gelignite lying around; even though apparently the sale of gelignite is now highly regulated and highly restricted -
In blasting trees or stumps, the first thing done is to find with a crowbar the best place between the roots to get under the body of the stump. If the tree is not too large, an ordinary charge, well situated and carefully tamped, will take it out, but if the stump is large and deep in the ground the hole must be larger than can be made with the crowbar, and charges must be carefully distributed in the best possible situation so as to get the best results. The operator digs down by the side of the stump, and then makes horizontal holes under the bottom of the stump as near to the centre as possible, disturbing the natural earth as little as possible. The charges are placed close to the wood; then are put in the primers and tamp. After putting the charges and detonators in, a little wet clay or dirt is placed at the bottom of the holes and in contact with the stump, thus filling up the entire opening. If the charges are not well under the stump, a small dam is made and filled with water. Wherever the charges are they must be well supported with water, mud, damp clay, or some other compact and weighty material. (8)

The article concluded with -
At the conclusion of the demonstration at large number of the visitors were the recipients of Major Campbell's hospitality, and the opportunity was taken by Mr Dorecket (of Dalgety and Co.) to thank Major and Mrs Campbell for their kindness, and to express the pleasure the visitors derived from the trip. The health of the host and hostess was drunk enthusiastically. Major Campbell acknowledged the sentiment, and expressed himself as pleased that they had found the demonstration interesting. He would always be happy to show anyone the details of the method, and if they were much interested they could bore the hole and fire the charge themselves. (Laughter and applause). The visitors returned to Melbourne by the evening train. (9)

I wonder what Carlo got out of the day? He was interested in land settlement and sympathetic to farmers, so he would have been able to add this new information about gelignite to remove trees to his store of knowledge and disseminate it when required.

Footnotes

(1) Major Charles Campbell  (1867-1936). Clearly the name Amesfield held some significance to Major Campbell as he used that name for three of his properties. Sale of Amesfield Park, Mornington - Dandenong Advertiser, February 17, 1916, see here; living at Amesfield, Huntingtower Road, Malvern - Frankston & Somerville Standard, August 27, 1924, see here;  Obituary - at the time of his death, at the age of 68,  he was living at Amesfield Park, Upper Beaconsfield -  The Age October 31, 1936, see here. See also his entry in Residents of Upper Beaconsfield - https://upperbeaconsfieldhistory.au/g0/p47.htm#i1384

Major Campbell's death notice

The Argus, October 29, 1936  http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article11930638

(2) Richard Grice (1813-1882) Australian Dictionary of Biography entry, see here. I have written about his son, Richard (1858-1911) here    https://victoriaspast.blogspot.com/2024/02/richard-grice-1858-1911-of-eirruc.html

(3) Mornington & Dromana Standard, June 12, 1909, see here.

(4) The Argus, December 3, 1908, see here.

(5) Guest list compiled from these reports -  The Age, June 14, 1909, see here;  The Argus, June 14, 1909, see here and Mornington & Dromana Standard, June 19, 1909, see here. The quote about Mr Millard and transportation came from the Mornington & Dromana Standard.

(6) Mornington & Dromana Standard, June 19, 1909, see here

(7) Mornington & Dromana Standard, June 19, 1909, see here

(8) Mornington & Dromana Standard, June 19, 1909, see here

(9) Mornington & Dromana Standard, June 19, 1909, see here

Carlo and the Pental Island levee banks

Pental Island, near Swan Hill, is surrounded by the Murray River, the Little Murray/Marraboor River and the Lodden River, so as you can imagine, is quite prone to flooding. There had been a dispute between Victoria and New South Wales as to who 'owned' Pental Island and this was settled in 1872, when the issue came before the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council in England and they declared it to be part of the Colony of Victoria. (1)  

Pental Island

Detail of Victoria fire map, 1:100 000 map series. Swan Hill  / published by the Department of Crown Lands and Survey Victoria for the Country Fire Authority, 1960s.

State Library of Victoria https://handle.slv.vic.gov.au/10381/4309598

In 1885, Pental Island came under the control of the Council of Agricultural Education, which was established in 1884 under the Agricultural Colleges Act. (2) The Weekly Times reported that its central principle is the reservation of specified areas of Crown lands as sources of endowment for agricultural colleges and experimental farms. This would allow the Council of Agricultural Education to implement a scheme of scientific and experimental training for agriculturists (3).  

By the early 1900s, the Government wanted to take back control of Pental Island and to subdivide it into smaller blocks. It was at this time that Carlo Catani had some involvement with Pental Island, as The Age reported in March 1902 -

Pental Island. The question of control. Now that the Council of Agricultural Education, in defiance of the general demand that the control of Pental Island should be vested in a more competent authority, has decided to subdivide and lease the area without regard to the question of effecting necessary improvements, the Minister of Lands has at last resolved to step in. He sent a letter to the council yesterday making a definite offer in cash in order to induce the council to give up its control of the island. In doing this, the Minister states that he has been fortified with a report from Mr. Catani, the engineer of the Public Works department, which was originally prepared on behalf of the Council of Agricultural Education. There are in all some 16,140 acres in the island. In order to make virtually the whole of this suitable for settlement, levees will have to be constructed, which Mr. Catani estimates will run into a matter of some £8000 at £200 a mile for 40 miles of embankment, 4 feet 6 inches wide at the top. In addition, a bridge will have to be constructed over the Little Murray, and other incidental works will bring the cost of putting the island into a fit condition for settlement probably very near £10,000, according to the departmental estimate. This is an expenditure the Agricultural College Council could not undertake, and its proposal for escaping interference by pretending to make the Pental Island available for settlement is therefore farcical in the extreme. It is thought possible by the Minister of Lands however, that he can induce the council to part with the island for a consideration. At present it returns that body about £750 a year in rentals. Mr. Duggan is offering what he considers to be sufficient to compensate the council for a fair proportion of this. Whether it will be deemed enough to compensate the members for depriving them of one of their chief playthings remains to be seen. If that body is agreeable to his proposal, Mr. Duggan will as speedily as possible have Pental Island adapted for purposes of closer settlement. He has been given to understand that the suggested levee works will be the means of protecting the island permanently against inundations. (4)

Another report had the dimensions of Carlo's levee banks as -  4 feet 6 inches high and 4 feet 6 inches wide at the top, with a batter of 2 feet to 1 and a further report has this information -  the average height of the banks is about 11 feet above summer level, and that the highest flood mark is about 14 feet above the summer level. This would leave the island at flood time about 3 feet under water. Mr Catani estimates that a bank about 4 feet 6 inches high would be necessary to keep the flood waters off the land. (5) 

It does not appear that the Minister for Lands was successful in wrestling control of Pental Island from the Council of Agricultural Education, and in August 1902 it was reported that -
The outcome of the conference was a meeting of the Premier and the Minister for Agriculture yesterday, and it was subsequently announced that it had been determined to agree to the issue of the leases for the full term of 14 years, and at the rentals specified in the conditions laid down by the council. These rentals average 2/5¾ per acre. A modification, subject to ratification by the trustees, was made, however, to the effect that the leases will be liable to resumption by act of Parliament at any time after three years, provided that at least 12 months' notice of intention to resume is given to the lessees; the lessees to be entitled to compensation for any improvements that may then be in existence, based on their value at the time of resumption. (6)   

Carlo's levee banks were  not built at the time and even in 1914, the opinion of the Kerang New Times was that each new lease on Pental Island will probably contain a clause making it compulsory on the lessee to construct a levee bank to prevent flooding. (7)  In 1916, Pental Island was flooded although the settlers had been hard at work building up embankments against the flood waters. (8)

Levee banks of some description were in place in the 1920s - but these caused another problem, as reported in The Australasian -

on the Victorian side, particularly along Pental Island, levee banks have been built by the settlers, and they fear that the level of the river will be dangerously raised if banks are erected opposite their own, thus controlling the river in a narrow channel. This belief is so strongly held that cases are frequently quoted where settlers on the opposite banks have cut through the levees to relieve their on inundation. (9)

A flood occurred in 1931, when Pental Island was part of Dookie Agricultural College, even though it is protected from flooding by levee banks, which in flood time have frequently been found broken. (10).  Twenty years later, in 1951, there was another flood, the highest Murray River flood since the 1931 floods, when the flood waters were lapping perilously near the top of the levees desperately raised by the island’s farmers, working waist-deep in water. (11)

This is a very sad state of affairs for the farmers and 1951 wasn't the last flood they suffered.  We don't know if Pental Island could have been safe from floods if Carlo's proposed levee banks were constructed in 1902;  but, not for the first time, his recommendations and plans were ignored by the Government of the day.

Footnotes
(1) Geelong Advertiser, September 21, 1872, see here. 
(2) The Age, October 28, 1885, see here 

(3) The Weekly Times, November 8, 1884, see here.
(4) The Age, March 19, 1902, see here.

(5) The Age, August 28, 1902, see here; Ballarat Star, March 20, 1902, see here.

(6) The Australasian, August 23, 1902, see here.
(7) Kerang New Times, March 24, 1914, see here.
(8) The Age, October 5, 1916, see here.
(9) The Australasian, May 31, 1924, see here.
(10) The Argus, August 6, 1931, see here. 

(11) Sun News-Pictorial, August 7, 1951, see here. This, and the 1931 flood, are not an exhaustive list of Pental Island floods, just two examples which refer to the levee banks.

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