Carlo and the Boolarra to Foster Road

In July 1900,  Carlo visited Morwell and announced that as soon as the consent of the affected land owners had been obtained then a gang of 100 men would be provided to make a road from Boolarra to Foster. An agreement had been made with all the landowners along the route, in fact they had provided their land for no payment, apart from Mr Primrose.  Mr Primrose said that the road would cut off access to a spring, which was his only permanent source of water and he thus wanted compensation. In the end the Council did negotiate a compensation figure with him (1).  I am not sure of the exact route of the road but it left Boolarra went through Mirboo East, over (or around?) Mount Fatigue to Foster. 

The map shows the road from Boolarra to Foster, 

Mount Fatigue is also marked on the map.

Eastern half of Geo. R. Broadbent's road and railway map of Victoria, 1920s. 

State Library of Victoria - see the entire map here http://handle.slv.vic.gov.au/10381/120451

There is an informative account of what happened the day after negotiations with Mr Primrose were completed from the Morwell Advertiser of August 3, 1900 -
The next day, Mr. Catani accompanied by Mr. Smith, engineer, and Mr. Morris, works overseer, brought a gang of about 30, men from Melbourne with him. On arrival at Morwell they were met by the shire president and shire engineer, who accompanied the party to Boolarra by the mid-day train.

At Boolarra there was quite a crowd of residents waiting to receive the party. The place where a start was to be made is about two miles south of Boolarra on what is known as the East Mirboo Road, on the deviation through Mr. Primrose's block. Mr. Catani was anxious that the men should get out at once and pitch camp. Arrangements were made with Mr. Cummings to take out the tents, swags, tools, etc., which settled a difficult matter, for the road is in such a dreadful state that it requires a good staunch horse to take an empty dray. Mr. Cummings, however, has an excellent team of horses, and delivered his load at the camping ground before sunset.

The next trouble was to secure horses to convey the party out, for Mr. Catani was anxious to inspect the road himself for some miles out. The Boolarra people, however, soon came to the rescue, and owing to the kindness of Messrs. ScanIon, Latter, Christian Jones and others, every man of the party was supplied with a good horse. Cr. O'Grady, Messrs. Scanlon and Jones also joined the party at Boolarra. The starting point at Primrose's was carefully examined by Mr. Catani who gave the engineer, Mr. Smith, instructions regarding the manner in which certain work was to be carried out. 

The road was followed and carefully examined as far as Mr. Miles Mayall's, when owing to the lateness of the hour it was resolved to return. Two or three places were considered good camping ground but it was eventually decided to make the first camp close to Mr. Vinall's. Metal was met with along the road and Mr. Catani said that if sufficient could be obtained the road would be metalled the whole distance.

In speaking to the men Mr. Catani said they would be on piecework, on the batty-gang system, and it was expected that an average man doing an honest day's work, of eight hours, would make 6/6 a day. If men were good axemen they would be put on clearing, if better at forming they would be put on to it, and so on. Where the timber was large he recommended that the men work in gangs of four or six. They would be supplied with jacks and all necessary tools. In connection with local men being put on, he said that as soon as their names were registered they could go to work. It was his intention to put on a gang of 100 men, and if there were not sufficient men the balance would be sent from Melbourne. A start was made on Wednesday morning and good progress has been made. (2)

Mirboo Road, Foster, c. 1910. 

This gives you some idea of the massive amount of work that was required to construct this road.

Museums Victoria https://collections.museumsvictoria.com.au/items/770364

Men were also employed to work on the road from the Foster end and the Weekly Times of August 4, 1900 said that the camp is situated about three miles from Foster, on the Deep Creek, and it is quite an interesting spot just now, giving one the idea of a digging rush. The report also spoke of the advantages of the road to the settlers and the Shire - it opened up land for selection, it provided access for existing settlers and, importantly for  a farming area,  it provided better access for their produce   - the road which is destined to open up one of the finest tracts of country in South Gippsland, besides finding an outlet for a large number of settlers, who have for years been hemmed in....[the road lead into]  the 50,000 acres of rich agricultural land in the Mt. Fatigue (3) country still unselected. ....Dairying is beginning to show signs of reviving after the winter, but it is rather early yet to speak of the prospects. The output should be considerably increased this season, especially as these new roads are giving an outlet for cream carts, instead of pack horses. (4)

There was a rocky start to the project, seemingly related to the Public Works Department Overseer, Harry Abbott, as the next three newspaper articles show.

FOSTER. - On Wednesday and Thursday labourers arrived in Foster and Toora to commence operations in opening up tracks, &c., to gain access to the large areas of Crown lands in the Mount Fatigue reserve. A start was made on Thursday under Mr. Abbott, the overseer. (5)

FOSTER. - Owing to disagreement and dissatisfaction with the overseer in charge of the unemployed on the Mount Best and Mount Fatigue roads in Upper Toora, the whole of the men went out on strike on Wednesday morning. The men complain that sufficiently detailed assistance is not given in laying out the various sections of the work for the several gangs, and that the prices fixed for the work are inadequate to enable a man to earn a decent wage. Mr. Harry Abbott, overseer of the Foster gang, has received instructions from Mr. Catani, the engineer of Public Works, to accompany the paymaster on Thursday evening, and endeavour to smooth over the differences. (6)

FOSTER.-Mr. Harry Abbott, overseer of the works being carried cut by the Public Works department in opening up the Mount Fatigue reserve, received notice of removal on Wednesday, and left immediately. (7)

By January 1902, The Morwell Advertiser reported that the road was nearing completion, Carlo visited the area to inspect the work - Mr Catani traversed the two lines of road, and expressed himself well pleased with the care and judgement exercised in selecting the easiest grades and carrying out of side-cutting and formation generally, which are in charge of Messrs Kelly, Bouchier and Morrissey. (8) 

In May 1903, Carlo was back in the area, inspecting the road again The Inspector-General of Public Works, Mr. Davidson, and Mr. Catani, Engineer in Chief, returned to Foster on Wednesday evening after a trip over the road from Foster to the junction of the Toora road, and thence via Mount Fatigue to Toora. The object of their visit was to inspect the roads after the heavy traffic of bullock waggons engaged at paling carting. Both gentlemen expressed strong opinions on the damage which the roads have sustained, and consider that stringent measures should be used to prohibit carting during the winter season. (9)    As you can see, the conditions of rural roads not being suitable for the traffic that is required to traverse them, was an issue then and is still an issue, so not much has changed in the past 116 years.

Boolarra Road, Foster, c. 1945 - 1954. Victorian Railways photographer. 

The negative of opening up land for selection, which this road did, was the subsequent land clearing, obvious in the photo. 

State Library of Victoria Image H91.50/1021

The road construction in the area was obviously of an economic and social advantage to the locals but it came at a heavy financial cost to the Government. The Argus of February 25, 1902 reported -
that the Ministry had determined to abolish the day labour system in connection with the South Gippsland roads near Mount Fatigue.  If it were not such a serious matter for the taxpayer, this decision on the part of the Government would be laughable Departmental reports show clearly that it is a mere shutting of the door after the horse has fled. Two sums of £15,000 each have been almost expended in the making of roads in the "Green Area" and the Mount Fatigue country in South Gippsland. The small sum of about £1,500 only remains available out of those two votes. That a large amount of the money already expended has been absolutely wasted is now beyond dispute.

Mr. Catani writing on the same subject, remarks - "The cost per mile has been on on average £850, or about 50 percent more than contract price. The explanation of this is that most of the men are unfit for this heavy work, many of them being old men, earning as low as 4/- per day. The lowering of the earnings in one case renders possible the raising of the earnings of the good men to 10/ and 11/ per day (if the average of 7/ is to be maintained), with the result that the best men do not exert themselves as they ought for fear of showing too big a return. It is a fact ascertained on all public works that the retention of a number of inferior workmen lowers the standard of the rest."

"Another had effect or the present system is that what are known as the local unemployed (who, by the way are the best men we have) are not in reality unemployed at all, but farmers and selectors in the district, who prefer to earn 50/ per week under the Government than 30/- on their own farms."

It was on the strong recommendation of Mr Davidson and Mr. Catani that the Ministry was induced to turn from the wasteful system of day labour as far as the South Gippsland roads are concerned. (10) 

We will finish this post with an account of the benefits of the road that was published in the Morwell Advertiser on May 30, 1902 - The works on the Boolarra-to-Foster road have been completed, and are already proving a boon to the residents of the district who are now enabled to take good loads to places where it was formerly a difficult task to get an empty dray this time of the year. The road is frequently used by persons travelling to and from Foster, and it is quite a pleasant ride, and can be done comfortably in half a day. (11)

Trove list - I have created a short list of articles on the Foster to Boolarra Road, mainly connected to Carlo's involvement, on Trove you can access it here. 

Footnotes

(1) Morwell Advertiser, August 3, 1900, see here.

(2) Ibid

(3)  Mt Fatigue was named by explorer, Count Strzelecki, reflecting the effort it took him and his party to climb to the top. This is from this website http://mtkosciuszko.org.au/ which you can read in both English and Polish, if you have that linguistic skill.

(4) Weekly Times August 4, 1900, see here. 

(5) The Argus, July 21, 1900, see here.  

(6) The Argus, September 7, 1900, see here.  

(7) The Argus, November 2, 1900, see here.  

(8) Morwell Advertiser, January 24, 1902, see here. 

(9) The Age May 11, 1903, see here. 

(10) The Argus, February 25, 1902, see here.

(11) Morwell Advertiser, May 30, 1902, see here.

Carlo designs the Promenade Pier at Williamstown

In 1910, Carlo Catani submitted plans for  a Promenade Pier at Williamstown.  The Williamstown Chronicle of September 24, 1910 had the following plan of the design.

Williamstown Chronicle  September 24, 1910

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article69687639

The paper also had this report - Mr Catani,  Chief Engineer for Public Works, has prepared for the approval of the Council a scheme providing for an elliptic promenade at the back beach, three quarters of a mile in length, half of which would be on a pier having a depth of twenty feet at its maximum. This scheme was submitted in substitution for one suggested locally and laid before the Treasurer, that would not, it is stated, be so effective in bringing in money for maintenance, and which would cost about the same-£14,000. A platform which is provided for giving entertainments could also be utilised for landing passengers from ferry boats from the other suburbs. The pier is to be supported at each end by a breakwater, which would create still water, and increase the amount of sandy beach for the public. The land within the range of the scheme would, according to the plan, be improved by plantations and reserves where sports and pastimes could be carried out. About 20 acres would be thus dealt with. There is a pier and promenade of the same description at Durban, South Africa. It would cost about £700 a year for the maintenance and upkeep of the pier. Under skilful management, it is estimated that in time more than this sum would be raised in revenue, especially if increased railway facilities were provided. (Williamstown Chronicle  September 24, 1910)

The pier was never built at Williamstown. The article refers to the pier and promenade at Durban in South Africa and we can see what this looked like, by this postcard, below.  It appears that Carlo knew about the Durban pier, when he designed the Williamstown pier. The Williamstown Chronicle of January 29, 1921 published a letter to the Editor from Mr S. Byrne, a past councillor of Williamstown. There had apparently been recent discussion about the pier and Mr Byrne writes -  When Mr. Watt and his retinue met the council on the beach, none of us had a thought of a circular pier. Then Mr. Catani placed the proposal before us, showing the plan of a similar structure at Durban, and said the site was super-eminently adapted for such a structure, and that it could be built for £14, 000.  Assuming that Mr Byrne is telling the truth and we have no reason to believe that he is not, this clearly shows that Carlo was well familiar with the Durban pier and this was his inspiration for Williamstown. Mr Byrne's letter is well worth reading, he describes the pier in detail and also said that the pier should incorporate a War Memorial in the shape of an arch. Read it, here

It wasn't only Carlo that knew of the Durban pier,  a letter to the Editor of the Williamstown Chronicle of September 13, 1913 talked about Carlo's proposal and  Such a resort would have many and incalculable advantages for Williamstown,.... A friend of mine who visited a similar recreation resort at Durban, S.A., states that the promenade pier, baths, kiosks, music, &c., &c., there, formed the most enjoyable pleasure resort he struck during extensive travels in Europe. 

Postcard of 'Bathing Enclosure, Durban' sent from 'Jim' to Miss G Glaskun, Durban Natal, 26 May 1910.  

AWM 41 1621 - [Official History, 1914-18 War: Records of Arthur G Butler:] [Personal letters and photographs sent to Sydney Morning Herald Editor] Australian War Memorial AWM2017.6.244

South Africa not only influenced the design of the proposed Promenade pier at Williamstown, but it was mentioned as an influence for a proposed paddling pool at St Kilda in 1910. There was an article in the Prahran Telegraph of  January 29, 1910, talking about the proposed St Kilda Foreshore improvements - Among the improvements mentioned above are Paddling Pools. This is an idea brought from South Africa, and should prove very acceptable to parents of small children, who on the open beach are in danger of getting beyond their depth, and possibly of an interview with a shark. The pool is an artificial construction in the shore through which the waters of the bay will circulate. On the Golden Sands, being regulated by sumpts, so that the rising and the falling of the tide will scour the pool. Here the children will be in perfect safety, and may play to their hearts' content. As a matter of interest - another Letter to the Editor to the Williamstown Chronicle of November 22, 1913, when talking about Williamstown's Promenade Pier said that-  St. Kilda and Brighton have £8604 on the estimates for extending their promenade piers; Williamstown, nil. Allowing that this information is correct, what ever happened to the St Kilda and Brighton Promenade piers?

We do have  a Promenade Pier in Victoria, at Eastern Beach at Geelong. I assume that like Williamstown, Geelong was also influenced by the Durban pier. The Geelong people (or those that read the Geelong Advertiser anyway) were familiar with the Durban Pier or bathing enclosure as the Advertiser had published this article on March 16, 1917 - When the transport carrying some of the last Geelong boys to the Front stopped at South Africa, Pte. Stott bought picture postcards of the Esplanade and the Beach. He enclosed two to his father, Mr. E. G. Stott, of Moorabool-street, with an intimation that "they might be shown to the Editor of the "Advertiser." Notice the children's paddling ponds and shelters. Something like this would suit Geelong." Indeed, it would. It is what the "Advertiser" has contended for. Let us have a shelly beach, by all means; but also, we should give the children a lake of clean water to paddle in. The postcard will be reproduced in the "News of the Week." and no doubt the Harbor Trust Commissioners will add it to their scrapbook of illustrations of Up-to-date Coastal Towns. (Geelong Advertiser, March 16, 1917)   "News of the Week" - was, I believe, separately published newspaper by the Geelong Advertiser. The Geelong Advertiser also published a similar article on December 18, 1918, when another returned soldier showed the editor some photos of Durban.

This was published in News of the Week on April 5, 1917, presumably the postcard sent  by Private Stott, to his father, Mr E.G. Stott of Moorabool Street, referred to above. 

Image courtesy of Dr David Rowe, Authentic Heritage Services http://www.ah-services.com.au

The Victorian Heritage Database (VHD) says the 'Eastern Beach Bathing Complex' was constructed between 1928 to 1935. Eastern Beach represents an innovative example of the work of structural engineer and architect, Harry Hare, whose design for the Eastern Beach foreshore redevelopment works won the competition in 1924-5. The baths, including timber promenade and concrete children's pool were constructed to a plan drawn up by City Surveyor Ian McDonald in 1937 and is unique within Victoria. You can read the full citation, here.

Eastern Beach Geelong, c. 1950, Valentine postcard.

State Library of Victoria Image H99.155/79

The VHD mentions the foreshore redevelopment works which include a landscaped reserve with curved sea walls, circular promenade (baths), circular concrete children's pool, symmetry of the landscaping and structures about the staircase, original buildings, shelters, fountain, lamp standards and extensive original planting forms an area of consistent and quite outstanding character and it is the only known example within Victoria.

The Eastern Beach works can be seen in this great aerial  taken by Charles Daniel Pratt in 1939, shortly after it was completed.
State Library of Victoria Image H93.35/1

Even though Carlo did not design the Eastern Beach complex, I am sure he would have felt at home with the palm trees, and there would have been a few palm trees had his Williamstown Promenade Pier been constructed. And, how fabulous is this Stork Fountain?  

Geelong, c. 1961.  Nucolorvue Productions.

State Library of Victoria Image H99.140/6

Before we leave Promenade Piers,  we have found other accounts of  proposed circular piers - Coogee Beach in 1923, South Melbourne in 1923, Newcastle in 1929 and Burleigh Heads in 1935.

I have created a list of newspaper articles Trove on Carlo Catani and the Williamstown Promenade Pier, you can access it, here. All the articles I have referred to here are on the list. The State Library of Victoria has a lot of other photos of Eastern Beach at Geelong - www.slv.vic.gov.au

Carlo creates a plan for Warragul Park

The site for Warragul Park was gazetted on October 1, 1888. It was just over 29 acres and was situated south of  the railway line.

Land set aside for Warragul Park

Victorian Government Gazette, October 5, 1888. p. 3039

https://gazette.slv.vic.gov.au/images/1888/V/general/91.pdf

Map of Warragul, showing the Public Park and Garden Reserve, south of the railway line. 

State Library of Victoria - click on this link for the complete map http://handle.slv.vic.gov.au/10381/108451

The landscaping of the garden moved very slowly; in 1891 it was reported that the Council had to take such proceedings as shall be necessary to remove all persons who are illegally in occupation of portions of the Warragul Town Park reserve (1). Three years later the issue was still not resolved as the Warragul Guardian reported that Some of the occupants of holdings on the Warragul Public Park reserve recently offered to give up possession upon receiving certain compensation from the Council. The article then lists the compensation that had to be paid  a few years previously to occupiers of land near the railway station for removal of buildings and damage to property in connection with the rearrangement of the Warragul station yard in the years 1887-88 (2).  

The council must have eventually removed some of these people (but not all, as we shall find out later) as in 1898, ten years after the park was gazetted - 

A short time ago the Warragul Shire Council obtained a number of young trees for planting in what will some day be a beautiful public park, whilst others were obtained from one of the State nurseries, and four Queensland cedars were kindly presented by Mr. M'Cullough. Planting operations were commenced on Wednesday morning ......Over sixty trees have thus far been obtained, and they are mostly of a choice and ornamental character (3). 

This is what Warragul looked like around the time Warragul Park was gazetted in October 1888.

Warragul, c. 1886. Photographer: Nicholas Caire. State Library of Victoria H17888

Another ten years later, in 1908, the Council had received a letter from their local member -

Hon. J. E. Mackey, re obtaining assistance of Departmental Curators of Parks and gardens, stating that he had arranged with Mr Catani, of the Public Works Department to pay a visit to Warragul as soon as possible, and prepare a design for the Park (4).  

The locals were obviously excited that Carlo had agreed to design the garden and the West Gippsland Gazette printed an article which started with -

In view of the approaching visit to Warragul of Mr. Catani, one of the principal officers in the Public Works Department, in order to evolve the most effective design for the laying out of the Warragul public park, the following appreciative notice in last week's "Australasian" will be read with interest (5). The paper republished the Australasian's glowing report of Carlo's work on the  Alexandra Gardens (read it here)

In June 1908, Carlo came back with  the plan. The Yarragon Settlement News described Carlo as a man who as a landscape designer has few equals and that the plan presented would make the cheerless looking area a thing of beauty and a joy for ever. (6). 

The West Gippsland Gazette published this detailed and flamboyant description of the plans -

the plan provides for the various winding paths and shubberies incidental to all public pleasure grounds. Mr Catani has, moreover, utilised the magnificent flow of clear water to the fullest advantage, and with the consummate skill of a trained landscape gardener, has designed a circuitous stream whose pellucid waters will ripple over a rock-bestrewn bottom as they flow " on for ever," like Tennyson's immortal brook, to join the Moe river. At the narrow end of the Park a small lake is provided for, and towards the Shire Hall another and more expansive sheet of water of artistic configuration is designed to embellish the eastern end of the park. The two lakes are connected by the stream, which in its course flows over a beautiful little artificial cascade. In the centre of the larger lake is a small island, which is intended to meet the nesting proclivities of water fowl and swans, which always add to the life and interest of our public gardens. The stream itself is diverted to the longitudinal centre of the park, and the excavation work, though not extensive for such a scheme of beautification, provides for the widening of  the stream to 12 feet, the material being used to make sloping banks and lawns. Mr Catani expresses a very natural regret that the land is all flat, with no rising ground, and hints that if practicable the Council might obtain at least a portion of the higher ground to the south of the park. This is a matter worthy of consideration. (7).

The plan was accepted, some money obtained, but a year later work still hadn't started. One of the issues was Mrs Connor - 

interesting development's are expected concerning Mrs. Connor's occupancy of the public park. The lady in question is living in a weatherboard house, situated on a corner of the park, and, according to very good authority, she has no title whatever. As the shire council proposes to effect a number of improvements to the park, Mrs. Connor, together with other occupiers, was offered a sum of money to quit; but she refused the offer, and agreed in writing that the question should be settled by arbitration. Arbitrators were appointed, and the sum of £100 agreed upon. A cheque for this sum was tendered Mrs. Connor, and she refused to take it (8). I am not sure if Mrs Connor ever moved from the park!

This article from the West Gippsland Gazette  in June 1909, is worth repeating here as it shows the high esteem with which Carlo was held - 

The designing of a local park marks an epoch in the history of any district and Warragul is now engaged in such an undertaking. The future pleasure ground of the people has already been designed in part and now trees have to be selected and planted...[the Council]  recognised that in selecting the trees due regard must be paid to the scenic effects for although we have a beautiful park in the making for the rising generation, it is a very easy matter to spoil the whole effect by selecting unsuitable trees and placing them in wrong positions, necessitating transplanting and often loss in the future. In any case such a blunder would unnecessarily throw the work back...... Only those who have had some experience in such work fully realise the difficulties involved in landscape gardening ; in fact, it is a profession by itself, and Councillors after pondering over the problem wisely decided that it would be prudent to consult Signor Catani, who has already achieved a high reputation in landscape gardening; as the result of the splendid scenic effects which he has designed and carried out on the St Kilda road and the Alexandra avenue. It was Signor Catani who very kindly designed the Warragul park and with that artistic instinct, which is such a prominent characteristic in his own countrymen, he would naturally feel a personal interest in the ornamentation of the pleasure grounds which have been partially laid out according to his design..... It is hardly a fair thing either to impose such a responsibility upon the shire engineer, who as an Engineer is not expected to be an encyclopedia of all knowledge and experience including landscape gardening. Expert opinion should be obtained so that the people's park may be made as beautiful as it is possible to make it, and in future years councillors, as custodians of the people's property will be commended for their wisdom in obtaining the best advice available for such an important work (9).

The other issue that delayed the commencement of the park was that the Council had asked Carlo for a list of trees that should be planted. By all accounts, Carlo was an amiable and genial man, but he must gave despaired at times with all the requests he received from Councils regarding matters, not central to his role as Chief Engineer.  In May 1910, the West Gippsland Gazette seemed peeved that Carlo had not provided the list of suitable trees -

It is a great pity that Mr Catani was too busy to give the Council a detailed list of trees suitable for the purpose from a landscape point of view. If he still has too much to do to render this assistance he might be able to recommend a landscape gardener and failing this Mr Guilfoyle, late curator of the Botanical gardens, might be written to. Although almost an invalid from rheumatism he will doubtless be acquainted with the best men in the profession.  Failing any such assistance there would be no alternative but for the Park and Gardens committee to meet and draw up an entire scheme of landscape decoration, availing themselves of such local knowledge and experience as is obtainable. Their heart, however, was in the right place as they ended the article with it is however most essential that the trees should be planted.They can then be growing into beauty while the people sleep.(10)

It appears that the council sought no advice elsewhere and by 1911 some Councillors were losing enthusiasm for the park due to its location. It was low-lying, wet and swampy, could not be properly drained and  the drop in the temperature from the surrounding country was too great for the spot to be healthy, and the lake there would attract myriads of insects, particularly mosquitoes and snails (11). These sort of discussions went on until 1915, when there are no more reports in the papers that I could find, due no doubt because the Community was focusing on the War effort.

The War had just finished when the West Gippsland Gazette published this attack on the park in January 1919 - The present flat, called  "the park," instead of being a blessing, is the bane of Warragul. Because this rich swamp is called a "park," no effort is made to get a real park which would be a boon to the people and a source of joy and gladness and health to the children (12). 

Thus after thirty years the Council made a decision and sold off some of the park and purchased ten acres, between Albert and Clifford Street, north of the town on  much higher land. The West Gippsland Gazette praised the Council for this decision as, for a start, it did not cost the ratepayers any money and secondly when properly laid out and developed will constitute a beauty spot second to none in Gippsland. The curator of the Botanic Gardens, Melbourne, Mr. Cronin (13),  recently visited Warragul at the invitation of the council, and has kindly consented to apply his landscape gardening ability to the laying out and beautification of the park (14). 

The open space with the line of trees is, I believe, Civic Park - the street with the five small cottages fronting it is Albert Street. 

Panorama of Warragul Photographer: Rose Stereograph Co.State Library of Victoria Image H32492/3594

Once again, things seemed to take a long time to get going and it wasn't until 1926 that some landscaping was done as much of the Council's budget needed to be spent on roads -

but it is only now that a little money has been available to set about the work in earnest. Some thing over a hundred pounds was spent upon it in laying paths some time ago, and although these have been grown over since, they will cost less to restore, than if the Council had to begin do novo. The money for this work was furnished by the Government in order to give employment to returned soldiers at a time when there was much distress in Melbourne through the scarcity of work. (15).  In the July a fence was erected around the park and planting commenced and by 1927, 120 trees had been planted (16). 

The Shire was very lucky that Veterinary Surgeon D. T. Jones, who is an enthusiastic flower lover lived  in the area - Dr. Jones offered the Council to donate and plant bulbs and other flowers, in the raised ornamental oval at the entrance. He did so, and as mentioned last week, this spot has been a blaze of color, with the magnificent blooms of 500 choicest gladioli, including nearly seventy varieties....In addition to gladioli, there are clarkias, cosmos, dahlias, and other flowers, which indicate what it is possible to do in this, the people's park "Doc." Jones, indeed, has set a splendid example of citizenship (17).  

Finally the people of Warragul had a park, which is still there and now named Civic Park. I assume the name change happened around the time the new Warragul Shire Offices were opened in Albert Street in March 1965 (18).  I have three books on the history of Warragul and none of them have  a photo of the park or a plan. The Path of Progress: from forests of yesterday to homes of to-day by Hugh Copeland  (Shire of Warragul, 1934) had this to say about the park - Improvements to the public park had been considered by the Council, and the assistance of the late C. Catani was obtained, who designed a complete plan for laying out the grounds. A small portion of the design was afterwards carried out, but very little of the work suggested by Catani has since been attempted.  Interestingly,  he doesn't mention that the park had two locations, however some of the plantings may remain in the old park, now called the Burke Street Park which has a lot of netball courts, a caravan park, a bowling club, an athletic track and some nice looking treed areas. Certainly, Carlo had no hand in the design of the Civic Park.

We will finish off this post with this letter to the Editor of the West Gippsland Gazette of April 24, 1928 - which sums up the Council inertia and inadequate activity regarding the park in Warragul -
Sir - The action of the Warragul Shire Council in providing a recreation ground for children in the Albert Street park is to be commended but many mothers and others in charge of children often like to go with the little ones. At present, however, the only means of entry is through a hole in a barbed wire fence. This is not only awkward, but dangerous, and keeps many away. Would it not be possible to have a small gate provided? It would be much appreciated.- Yours, etc. PARENT. (19).

Yes, 40 years after being granted land for a park, the Council seemingly could not plan for something as simple and necessary as a gate.

Trove list - I have created  a list of articles on the history of Warragul Park on Trove, access the list, here. 

Footnotes

(1) Warragul Guardian, April 14, 1891, see here. 

(2) Warragul Guardian, May 4 1894, see here. 

(3) West Gippsland Gazette, October 4, 1898, see here. 

(4) West Gippsland Gazette, February 18, 1908, see here. 

(5) West Gippsland Gazette, May 5, 1908, see here.

(6) Yarragon Settlement News, June 25, 1908, see here. 

(7) West Gippsland Gazette of July 7, 1908, see here. 

(8) The Age, June 23, 1908, see here.

(9) West Gippsland Gazette, June 22, 1909 see here. 

(10) West Gippsland Gazette, May 31, 1910, see here. 

(11) Yarragon Settlement News, February 20, 1913, see here. 

(12) West Gippsland Gazette, January 7, 1919, see here.  

(13) John Cronin (1865 - 1923) Mr Cronin was born at Clunes and was the first Australian born director of the Royal Botanic Gardens. He started at the Gardens in 1898, under William Guilfoyle, previously having been at the Department of Agriculture. In 1908 he became the Principal of the Burnley Horticultural College, but resigned the following year to take over from William Guilfoyle, who had retired, as the Director of the Gardens. His time at the gardens was influenced by a drought, lack of funds and labour due to the First World War and by the fact that he was seriously ill with cancer. (People and Plants: a history of gardening in Victoria by Mary Ellis (published by the author, in 2003). 

(14) West Gippsland Gazette of July 15, 1919, see here. 

(15) West Gipplsand Gazette, June 8, 1926, see here. 

(16) West Gippsland Gazette, June 28 1927, see here.

(17) West Gippsland Gazette, February 8, 1927, see here, 

(18) Forests old, pastures new: a history of Warragul by Sally Wilde (Shire of Warragul, 1988), p. 294

(19)  West Gippsland Gazette of April 24, 1928, see here.

Edwardes Park and Lake in Reservoir and Thomas Dyer Edwardes

In December 1843, Thomas Dyer Edwardes (1807 - 1885) purchased Sections 11 & 12, Parish  of Keelbundora which consisted of  1,875 acres.  The land was situated between the Merri Creek and Darebin Creek. According to  Harley W. Forster, in his book Preston: Lands and People, 1838-1967 -  Edwardes did not get a good return for his investment; apart from selling some land to the Commissioners of Sewers and Water  Supply for  £897/13/9. to make the Yan Yean pipeline and tramway, he had to be content with leasing his land, rents in 1858-63 totalling  £250 per annum. An early sub-divisional plan for Keelbundora 12 was not proceeded with as the land, in the Reservoir area, was still remote from the main centres.

Edwardes (who, like his son, is referred to as Dyer Edwardes in some sources) had arrived in New South Wales in 1828 after spending some time in China. In 1832, he went into a partnership with Matthew Dysart Hunter, and they imported goods from France and Batavia and also had most of the China tea trade.  Edwardes returned to England and in June 1835 he married Martha Sharp in Warwickshire. Their son, also called Thomas Dyer Edwardes, was born July 21, 1847 in London. (Hunters Hill Trust Journal, April 1992)  According to his obituary in the Sydney Morning Herald of March 3, 1885, Edwardes returned to Australian in 1844 and 1873. I presume the visit listed as 1844 (was it actually 1843?) was when he purchased the land at Preston.

When Thomas (the son) was about 20 he came to Victoria and apparently spent about ten years here. He sub-divided some of his father's land  and Forster writes that one estate was known as the Leamington Estate, after the Edwards family home place in England. The settlers were described as stout-hearted for as late as April 1915 they were carrying water to their houses and taking washing up to 1½ miles to be done. 

In 1878, Thomas (the son)  was back in England where he married the grandly named Clementina Georgina Lucy Drummond Villiers and they lived at Prinknash Park, Gloucester. They had a daughter,  Lucy Noel Martha, who was born on Christmas Day (hence the name Noel)  in 1878. Noel, as she seems to have been known,  married the Earl of Rothes in 1900. As an exciting twist to the Edwardes story - Thomas and Clementina and their daughter, Noel the Countess, all sailed on the Titanic! Thomas and Clementina disembarked at Cherbourg in France, however Noel continued on to New York. She survived the sinking as did her travelling companion,  her cousin, Gladys Cherry, and her maid Roberta Maioni. You can read about the Countess and her parents on the Encyclopedia Titanica. This a great website that has biographical information on all the Titanic passengers and an interesting account of the spirited Countess in the lifeboat. You can access the post on the Countess, here, and that links to the others who travelled with her.

Edwardes died on February 10, 1926 in Naples and he left an Estate of £206,463 - with property in England and Victoria. The beneficiaries were his daughter and her children. There were various codicils to the will including one dated July 31, 1924, that said that he and his wife had agreed to live apart - she was left some money in the will and an annuity. Another interesting codicil that was reported was that he had recently joined the Holy Catholic Apostolic Roman Church, and desired his body to be cremated and the ashes placed in a mausoleum to be built on a piece of land which he wished consecrated as a Roman Catholic burial ground.  (The Herald, August 10, 1926) The Encyclopedia Titanica website entry on Edwardes (see here) says that it was his wish that Prinknash be given to the order of Benedictine monks who still occupy the estate.  Even monks have  website these days, you can view it here  You can also read about them and Mr Edwardes here   https://btsarnia.org/2017/10/04/prinknash-and-fr-dolling/

Before we leave both of the Thomas Dyer Edwardes and move onto Carlo Catani, Thomas (the son) donated a peal of thirteen bells to St Paul's Cathedral in Melbourne, in 1889. You can read about the Dedication service and a description of the bells, here. The St Paul's Cathedral website (see here) it is one of the few peals of thirteen bells outside the British Isles. Thomas also donated £3,000 toward  the cost of the £6,000 organ which was installed at St Paul's Cathedral.

The bells of St. Paul's Cathedral.

Donated by Thomas Dyer Edwardes.

Australasian Sketcher December 26, 1889

In September 1914, Thomas Dyer Edwardes donated thirty four acres of land for a park and lake to the Shire of Preston,  so this was part of the land that his father had purchased in 1843. The Argus of September 16, 1914 had this report-
At the Preston Shire Council meeting on Monday evening a letter was received from the solicitor for Mr Thomas Dyer Edwardes's Leamington Estate, North Preston intimating that Mr Edwardes (who is at present in Great Britain) had acceded to the councils request that he would present to Preston citizens land for a recreation reserve and lake site. Instructions had come to hand that 34 acres should be handed over for this purpose. This announcement was received with warm applause. 
The land in question forms portion of what was once an artificial lake, but the embankment was carried away by floods some years ago. It is understood that the council intends to rebuild the weir, and to name the area "Lake Edwardes."

A letter to the Editor of the Preston Leader, December 4, 1915  from Mr J.S. McFadzean of the Reservoir Progress Association can add more information about the history of the site - on the site of the lake that was formerly constructed by private enterprise in 1888. With a dam some 60 yards wide and 22 feet high-of which more than half is still standing solidly-a fine sheet of water of over 25 acres in extent was at that time impounded on the Edgar Creek. There were boat sheds and refreshment rooms there, sports were held on the lake, and a start was made to connect Heidelberg and Coburg by tram running past the lake. Then the collapse of the land boom put an end to this great improvement work which would have made Preston one of Melbourne's show places if it had been carried through.

At the Council meeting of April 12, 1915 the following motion was put - Cr. Howe moved that a letter be sent, through Mr. Membrey, M.L.A, to Mr. Catani, of the Public Works Department, asking that he prepare a plan for the laying out of Edwardes Park. (Preston Leader April 17, 1915)  In June the Northcote Leader reported that  Mr. Catani, chief engineer of the Public Works Department, has already visited Preston to advise as to the best means of laying out Edwardes park.... Cr. Howe reported that Mr. Catani was most enthusiastic in regard to the site, and his visit, so far as the council is concerned, was very satisfactory. Another report said that when Mr. Catani, chief engineer of the Public Works Department, first visited it he was charmed with its natural features and greatly enamoured with its possibilities of beautification. (Northcote Leader August 5, 1916)

Before the park was officially opened on Saturday July 29 1916 the Shire had purchased another 12 acres of land to add to the park; the Reservoir Progress Association had fenced the whole property and by the September over 700 trees had been planted. The opening ceremony was attended by many residents and Mr J. G. Membrey, M.L.A, Shire President, Cr C. Stanlake, Mr Henty who was representing Mr Edwardes and Mr J.S. McFadzean of the Reservoir Progress Association. Trees were planted on the day by Mrs Membrey, Mrs Stanlake, Mrs McFadzean and  Mrs Rae.

 

Aerial view of Edwardes Park and Lake, December 21, 1928. Ten years after it opened, there has been very little landscaping carried out.
Photographer: Charles Daniel Pratt. 

State Library of Victoria Image H91.160/1754.

Click here if you want a higher resolution version http://handle.slv.vic.gov.au/10381/20210

In September 1916,  the Governor of Victoria, Sir Arthur Lyulph Stanley visited the park - His Excellency inspected the park and the plans of the proposed improvements by Mr. Catani. Edwardes Park is formed of 36 acres of undulating land, presented by Mr. Edwardes, of Hyde Park, London. A creek runs through the land, and the Shire has purchased 10 acres to form a bank for the other side of the lake into which it is proposed to convert the present creek. (Punch, September 21, 1916) The Governor also planted some trees, including a Moreton Bay fig.

The locals were very optimistic about the park, even hoping that  a large ornamental lake be formed in the park, which it is hoped will eventually become one of the attractions of the metropolitan area. (Brunswick & Coburg Star, February 25, 1916). The land, as we said before, already contained a lake, where the embankment had washed away and Harley W. Foster wrote that  J. S. McFadzean and others organized the construction of  a concrete weir and spillway in 1919 and this allowed the Preston Rowing Club to be reformed. The Preston Leader of September 23, 1916 said that a plot has been made to be planted with trees by relatives of those who have fallen on the battle field. I don't believe this ever happened, however, the new weir which was erected, using a Repatriation grant (perhaps organised by the community minded Mr McFadzean) was inset with an Armistice Memorial stone. The weir was officially opened April 3, 1920 by Brigadier-General Brand. (The Age, April 5, 1920, read about the opening, here.) During the Depression, men were employed on weeding and bluestone edging the Edwardes Lake.

Edwardes Lake, Reservoir, c. 1945-1954.  Victorian Railways Photographer.

State Library of Victoria H91.50/267

On February 5, 1935 The Age published a letter from 'A Resident' of Reservoir about Edwardes Lake, which points out years of Council neglect - Residents are pleased to note that the council is about to do something. Mr. Ben. Johnson's statement that the Preston council cannot be accused of neglect is humorous. Why was the grass allowed to grow so rank that the newly purchased cutting machine could not cut it ? What will happen to the young trees recently planted if a fire starts in this rank grass ? The council is patting itself on the back because it planted these trees; so it must, accept full responsibility if they are destroyed by fire. The town clerk talks about schemes for improvement. Residents have been listening to this talk for years...... Twenty years ago a mere handful of residents decided to form working bees and improve the park. They first of all fenced it, then planted hundreds of trees, and cared for them. They did their job well, as can be seen by the growth made by these trees. Then the rowing club members constructed the fence around the arena, and even the Preston council became enthusiastic. The members decided to help the sporting bodies, and commenced filling In the holes in the arena. That was two years ago. To day the job is still unfinished. The council's efforts fizzled out, and last year the Eastern carnival, usually held, was abandoned because the controlling bodies will not allow their members to compete for games because of the danger of sprained ankles, &c....

The next year it was reported that Preston council needed finance to carry out a scheme of beautification of Edwarde's Park and Lake. With that object in view, application was made to the Employment Council asking for a grant of £3000 to carry out the work. At its meeting this week the council was disappointed to learn that the grant cannot he made just yet. (The Age June 25, 1936)

Before we get onto Carlo's plans for the park, I came across this interesting proposal for the park. The Preston Leader of February 20, 1915 reported on this visionary plan -  F. W. Donovan wrote to the council on Monday evening suggesting that it would be a mistake to apply the "pretty little flower-garden method" in dealing with 36 acres. A plan should be laid down on bold lines that could be gradually and permanently developed....the retention of some of the virgin forest, which had been such a glaring omission in the past. The site, in his opinion, was unique in its possibilities to produce a good representation of the native flora and fauna. It could be made a sanctuary for the protection of Australian bird life, where the cry of the plover and the cacchination of the laughing jackass could be heard. The artificial lake could be stocked with wild duck, and other aquatic game could "claim kindred and have their claims allowed"

Edwardes Park and Lake, Reservoir, attributed to Carlo Catani.

What were Carlo's plans? He must have drawn some plans as they were inspected in September 1916, by the Governor of Victoria, when he visited the park -  His Excellency inspected the park and the plans of the proposed improvements by Mr. Catani. (Punch, September 21, 1916).  The Preston Leader of September 23, 1916 said that the plan for the future improvement of the area embraces the construction of a large lake, recreation ground, lawns, lengthy drives, rest houses, boat sheds, a bathing reserve and rowing course. The estimated cost of constructing the lake is £2540. This plan is not attributed to anyone in particular - was it Carlo's plan? 

We have this plan, above, which is attributed to Carlo Catani, however my research colleague and Catani authority, Isaac Hermann, feels that it is unlikely that he would have named the drive after himself and I have to agree as, from all accounts, Carlo was modest and did not seek out the limelight. This plan was presumably a Council plan and the original (which currently appears to be lost) was from the City of Preston and thus possibly inherited by the Darebin Council.

When Harley Foster published his history of Preston in 1968 he wrote while the lake was used for pleasure boating, and for the Rowing Club, which was strong and successful in the twenties, the rest of the park was little developed, and has not reached its potential to this day.  It does appear that even though Carlo was charmed with its natural features and greatly enamoured with its possibilities of beautification - this beautification may never had taken place.

Sources:
Preston: Lands and People, 1838-1967 by Harley W. Forster (F. W. Cheshire, 1968)  Thomas Dyer Edwardes and Woolwich by Diana M. Drake  published in the  Hunter's Hill Trust Journal, April 1992. https://huntershilltrust.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Vol-21-No-1-April-1992_Part1.pdf

There are some interesting photos of Edwardes Lake and Edgars Creek, which was dammed to form the lake, in this report Knowing our creek: a history of Edgar's Creek by Stephen Northey published by the Friends of Edgars Creek in 2007) Read it here.

I have created a select list of articles, from Trove, on Thomas Dyer Edwardes  - the father and the son - and Edwardes Park and Edwardes Lake which mention Carlo Catani. The List can be accessed here and includes any articles which I have referred to in this post