Carlo and the Lubecker Steam dredge

Photographs of Carlo are very rare but my research colleague and fellow Carlo Catani historian, Isaac Hermann, has just identified him in these two photographs of the Lubecker Steam Dredge.  Carlo Catani spent four months in Europe in 1912 and while he was away investigated various dredges and selected the Lubecker steam driven bucket dredge. I have written about the dredge here.

The photographs were taken, I believe, on May 21, 1914. According to the Lang Lang Guardian it was on this day that the dredge on the Lang Lang River was started in the presence of a representative official party, including Mr Hagelthorn (Minister of Public Works), Messrs Cattanach and Dethridge (members of the Water Supply Commission), with Mr Catani (Chief Engineer of the Public Works Department), Mr Kenyon (Chief Engineer of the Water Commission), Mr Drake (secretary Public Works Department), Mr Kermode (engineer Ports and Harbors), and Mr Grenlees (naval architect). There was also a representative attendance of landowners of the surrounding district and others interested in the starting of this machine, and the weather being pleasantly fine and sunny, those who attended had an enjoyable outing, as well as being greatly interested witnesses of the working of a machine which is the first of its kind to be put into operation in Australia.

The Lang Lang Guardian also reported that there had been a trial run on April 15, at which Carlo was present. You can read the full report in the Lang Lang Guardian of May 27, 1914, here.

The Lubecker Steam Dredge May 21, 1914. Carlo is second from right.

Channels and channel excavation in the Lang Lang (Koo-wee-rup) district. State Rivers and Water Supply Commission photographer. State Library of Victoria Image rwg/u866

This is a cropped section of the photo above. This is clearly Carlo on the right, with a set of plans in his hand. Compare the hat and the coat to this photograph of him, below,  at the load bearing test of the Anderson Street bridge, in 1899. Isaac and I have written about the Anderson Street bridge in our Victorian Collections story on Carlo Catani, here.

Carlo is in the front row, second from left - same style of hat and coat, as in the image above. Under his overcoat is his characteristic sac suit, read more of this here.

Test of Anderson St. Bridge, 1899. Photographer: S. Brearley. Image:  National Library of Australia

The Lubecker Steam Dredge May 21, 1914. Carlo is on the ladder.

Channels and channel excavation in the Lang Lang (Koo-wee-rup) district. State Rivers and Water Supply Commission photographer. State Library of Victoria Image rwg/u855

This is a cropped section of the photo above - that's Carlo on the ladder.

There are other photographs of the Lubecker Dredge taken on the same day at the State Library of Victoria, access them here.

Carlo and the Chalet Geneve on Albert Park Lake

The Albert Park Lake Kiosk was officially opened on December 9, 1911 by the Mayor of South Melbourne, Cr Donald McArthur. His speech was reported in The Age - The kiosk was an ornamental and imposing structure, and it would add to the improvement and beautification of the park, which, with its area of 600 acres, gave breathing space to the the residents of the city and suburbs.... The park was a national park, open to everyone in and around Melbourne (1).

Also present were other South Melbourne Councillors, Councillors from St Kilda and other officials such as Henry Allen, Secretary of the Albert Park Committee and Carlo Catani. The Kiosk, later renamed the Chalet Geneve, was operated by Rosana Savary and her sisters, Frances and Katherine Mathieu. I have written in detail about the Chalet and the Mathieu sisters and their operation of the Chalet Geneve as well as the ones in the Fitzroy Gardens and Central Park, Malvern in another blog post, here (2). 

This post is about the role Carlo played in establishing the Albert Park Lake Kiosk and his reported speech on the day. We (3) have also found a photo of Carlo and a very rare photo of his wife, Catherine, at the opening ceremony, which you will see below.

The refreshment kiosk at Albert Park Lake was one part of grander plans for the Park proposed by the Albert Park Committee or Trust. In 1907, there were newspaper reports that £10,000 would be spent beautifying the park and that a scheme be prepared by Mr. Catani, engineer of the Public Works department, and the engineers of the two councils for consideration (4). Nothing came of this, but two years later the South Melbourne Council proposed a £20,000 scheme for improving Albert Park. It was suggested that once again Mr Catani should prepare a comprehensive scheme for the improvement of the park (5).  However, in the end the Council decided that they should call for competitive designs for the park and the winning designer would receive £50 (6). As the money for this scheme was not forthcoming it did not go ahead, however the Albert Park Committee, of which Carlo Catani was a member, proceeded with the idea of building a kiosk (7).

The Chalet Geneve, photographed on the opening day, December 9, 1911.

Punch, December 14, 1911 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/177535383#

Carlo was invited to speak at the opening and his speech was reported in the Prahran Telegraph thus - Mr C.Catani, C. E., said that to improve the park £25,000 would be required - as a beginning. They would have to begin by making a promontory to take off the flat look and to show the landscape. They required to raise the ground, and they wanted to get rid of the
Tips to the right of us,
Tips to the left of us,
Cows all around us.
They wanted the Government to give them a big waggon to bring plenty of good soil, so as to raise the level of the ground by two feet, and they wanted to plant trees properly. That would take money. It was up to the Trust to raise £25,000, and he would undertake that it was spent properly (8).

Tips to the right of us....

Prahran Telegraph, December 16, 1911, see https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/165112312

The report of the opening in the Prahran Telegraph had the heading - Albert Park Tea Kiosk. Official Opening. 'The Cow Ranch' (9). The Albert Park Committee allowed the agistment of cattle and other livestock in Albert Park, because it was a source of income. In 1907 it was reported that there were 129 horses, 210 cows and 43 calves in the Park (10).  At the opening of the Kiosk in December 1911, Cr Baragwanath of South Melbourne said the Trust had been doing a good bit of work up to date, but he would not be satisfied until the cows and horses were out of what he called the Cow Ranch (11).  Cr O'Donnell of St Kilda, responded to this the Trust had done its level best to improve the park, but he didn't know about getting rid of the cows which Cr Baragawanath talked of. The cows gave them an income of £600 a year, which enabled the Trust to improve the park (12).

One of the  tips which Carlo referrred, was still there in 1930. The burning off in the tip was apparently a source of distress to the thousands of people who attended the football at the Park, even though Miss Fitzpatrick, who was then the owner of the Chalet had no complaints (13).

Guests at the opening ceremony of the Chalet Geneve, December 9, 1911.

Punch, December 14, 1911 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/177535383#

This post is a brief look at the role Carlo played in the development and opening of the Albert Park Chalet. The guests at the ceremony are pictured above.  Seated at the first table on the left is the Mayor of South Melbourne, Cr Donald McArthur. Next to him is Henry Allen, then the dignified woman with the fur stole is Catherine Catani and next to her is Carlo. I have never seen a photo of Catherine before, so even though it is very grainy, it is gold.

The very rare photograph of Catherine Catani and Carlo.

Opening ceremony of the Chalet Geneve, December 9, 1911. Punch, December 14, 1911   https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/177535383#

Acknowledgement

It was my colleague, Isaac Hermann, who on closer examination of the photo of the guests at the opening of the Chalet Geneve, discovered that Carlo and Catherine were front and centre in the photo.  It was an amazing discovery. As I said, we have never seen a photo of Catherine before. Great work, Isaac. 

Trove - I created a list connected to the Albert Park Chalet and the two other refreshment kiosks operated by the Mathieu sisters - one in the Fitzroy Gardens and the other at Central Park, Malvern. Access it here.

Footnotes
(1) The Age, December 11, 1911, see here.
(2) https://victoriaspast.blogspot.com/2021/04/the-chalet-geneve-on-albert-park-lake.html
(3) I say we, but it was actually, Isaac. See the Acknowledgment.
(4) Emerald Hill Record, June 8, 1907, see here.

(5) Prahran Telegraph, August 28, 1909, see here.

(6) Prahran Telegraph, August 28, 1909, see here.

(7) Barnard, Jill & Keating, Jenny People's Playground: a history of the Albert Park (Chandos Publishing, 1996) p. 74.

(8) Prahran Telegraph, December 16, 1911, see here.

(9) Prahran Telegraph, December 16, 1911, see here.

(10) Barnard & Keating, op. cit, p. 70.

(11)  Prahran Telegraph, December 16, 1911, see here.

(12)  Prahran Telegraph, December 16, 1911, see here.

(13) Emerald Hill Record, June 7, 1930, see here.

Above the clouds - Trout fishing in Lake Catani

Carlo was responsible for opening some of Victoria's most scenic tourist areas, of which Mount Buffalo is the best-known. The road between Porepunkah and Mount Buffalo was engineered by Carlo and officially opened by the Victorian Premier, Thomas Bent, in October 1908. The Mount Buffalo Chalet, was opened around August 1910 and provided accommodation for the tourists (1).  

One of the attractions of the area was a lake, formed by the construction of  a weir across Eurobin Creek. The lake was 23 hectares (56 acres) in size. In January 1911, The Age reported that Acting on the suggestion of the Bright Shire Council, the Government has decided that the picturesque lake on the top of Mount Buffalo shall be named Lake Catani. This is considered to be a well-deserved recognition of the work done by Mr. Catani, chief engineer of the Public Works Department, in connection with the opening up of Mount Buffalo as a tourist resort. The construction of the lake was suggested and carried out by Mr Catani (2).

Lake Catani, Mt. Buffalo. Photographer: Alice Manfield.

State Library of Victoria Image H2003.97/5

Lake Catani was stocked with trout, and in January 1913 a 4lb trout was caught just below the weir, the largest trout that has yet been obtained, as Carlo was informed (3).  It's interesting that not only was Carlo informed of the catch, but it was reported in the newspapers (see below). There would be very few senior public servants today who are as well known or as respected.

A 4lb trout is caught in Lake Catani

The Herald, January 21 1913 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/241795620

There was another report of a record trout being caught in Lake Catani, a month later. This trout was caught when Carlo accompanied the Premier of Queensland, Mr Digby Denham (4) and his wife, Alice to Mount Buffalo.  The Denham's were on a trip to the southern States - From Adelaide, a visit was paid to the Buffalo, which was reached by motor. Mr. and Mrs. Denham were accompanied by Signor Catani, who is known as the "father of the Buffalo," and after whom the lake is called. In Lake Catani, the party caught a trout, weighing about 5lbs., which is remarkable, in that it was the first trout in

those parts to be taken by a hook. 

Carlo accompanies the Queensland Premier and Mrs Denham to Mount Buffalo

 and a record trout is caught.

The Brisbane Week, February 14,  1913 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/201058344/21115381#

A year later, in February 1914, The Argus (5) published a enthusiastic account of trout fishing in Lake Catani. I am sure if Carlo had read this, he would have been very happy to know that his work in creating a tourist resort was appreciated. The article is transcribed here and provides an interesting look at the resort on Mount Buffalo only a few years after its establishment

ABOVE THE CLOUDS - TROUT FISHING IN LAKE CATANI By J.O.S.

A few years ago a little splashing gurgling creek meandered across a plain on the top of Mount Buffalo and then threaded its course between the walls of a deep and rugged gorge and eventually found its way to the foot of the mount. What became of it afterwards is of small moment, but it doubtless made its way per the medium of deeper and wider streams to the sea. With the establishment of the comfortable  and commodious Government chalet on the Buffalo Plateau the idea occurred to somebody that it would be possible by the simple expedient of throwing a wall across a narrow part of the gorge to transform the somewhat unlovely marsh plain into a beautiful mountain lake and as a result Lake Catani is there to-day to gladden the eye of the tourist with its broad expanse of glittering sapphire water and to enhance the interest as well as the beauty of that wonderful region which has well earned its poetic title "The Garden of the Gods."

It seems incredible when one stands on the sloping shore of this beautiful sheet of water watching its rippling wavelets, rejoicing in the glory of its sixty broad acres that the hand of man had had anything to do with its creation. There are capes and promontories, bays and inlets, grass grown hanks spangled with wild flowers and where the sides of the gorge rise precipitously from the water, great snow gums thrive and throw their shadows over the deep and silent pools. When one stands on the top of the Monolith rock that huge and wonderful boulder 40ft in height balanced on the edge of a mighty granite outcrop-and gazes down into the shimmering blue depths immediately below, he is reminded of pictures he has seen of some beautiful Swiss like scene, and he wonders if the colouring is not too blue to be natural.

Lake Catani from the Monolith. Photographer: Alice Manfield.

State Library of Victoria Image H2003.95/99

Perhaps Lake Catani with all its fresh novelty and with all its beauties would possess but scanty charms for the tourist who is also something of an angler were it not plentifully stocked with English trout.  That beneficient Government that has done everything connected with the tourist's comfort and convenience on this wonderful mountain so well has attended to the business of stocking this lake in a manner quite on a par with its splendid work in other departments. To stand near the water on a balmy summer evening and see the surface agitated as far as one can see with leaping fish, one realises that the lake is literally teeming with trout. That they thrive well in this region there is no question. It is said that during the past four years the Government has liberated fifteen hundred yearling trout each season. It is on record properly authenticated that fish have already been taken over five pounds in weight. During the past three weeks I have caught dozens of trout in the lake, several weighing between two and three pounds, and scarely any under a pound and a half. These fish are lusty and full of fight and afford the best of sport. They rise readily to a grasshopper whipped on the surface (particularly in the evening) and they will take any ordinary ground bait such as worm, white grub or frog at any hour of the day. The best plan for frog bait fishing during the bright sunny hours is to cast well out from the bank for your trout is a shy, suspicious creature and if he sees you he forgets that he is hungry. As the shadows deepen and the water loses its transparency it is quite common to hook a good fish quite close to the waters edge.

Sunset, Lake Catani. Photographer: Alice Manfield.

State Library of Victoria Image H2003.97/50

It is only a pleasant quarter of an hour's walk from the Chalet to the lake and all the good fishing spots can be easily reached for there are a couple of excellent boats placed there for the convenience of visitors and a short pull will take you to any given point. From my impressions of a most enjoyable holiday just spent on the Buffalo, I am of opinion that this spot will soon attract great numbers of trout fishers who will be able to indulge in their favourite sport under the most favourable conditions. For in addition to the fishing ground being so close to the base thus obviating the usual necessity of exhausting tramps through miles of scrubby undergrowth, the Chalet itself offers all the comforts of a luxurious home and even a tired trout angler can appreciate the joys of a hot plunge and a cold shower after a busy day. Splendidly managed and capably staffed the comfortably built residence on the edge of the gorge is always a good place to come home to, and I know of nothing better than to drop into an easy posture on "Bent's Look-out" as the shades of evening deepen into purple, light a fragrant pipe, gaze over the miles of rolling hills and valleys that stretch below, and reflect that another heavy basket has gone round to the kitchen to be dealt with in due course by that very important member of the entourage - the chef.

I wonder if this is one of the excellent boats placed for the convenience of visitors, as referred to above. This photo also shows the weir, the construction of which, on the Eurobin Creek, formed Lake Catani.

Lake Catani, Mount Buffalo, c. 1911. Photographer: Herbert Percival Bennett.

State Library of Victoria Image H88.24/2. This photo was on a stereocard and has been cropped.

Three of the photographs on this page were taken by Alice Manfield (1878 - 1960).  Alice was born in 1878 to James Samuel Manfield and Jane Douglas Simpson, she was the eighth of their ten children (6). Alice married a cousin, John Edmund Manfield on December 1, 1917 at the Cecil Street Methodist Church in South Melbourne. They had a daughter, Genevieve, on June 3, 1919. Alice died July 14, 1960 (7).  Alice's father had acted as a guide to tourists on Mount Buffalo and in the late 1890s the Manfields built a Chalet or Hospice to accommodate guests (8). Alice acted as a guide, in fact, she was known as 'Guide Alice'.  So well known was she by this name that she used it in birth announcement of her daughter, Genevieve.

Birth announcement of Genevieve - love the use of 'Guide Alice' as her 'nee' name!

The Argus, June 7, 1919 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article1476446

Alice was also a noted photographer and naturalist.  In 1924, she wrote a book The Lyre-Birds of Mount Buffalo. The introduction describes her as a fine horsewoman as well as a daring and skillful climber. It's a delightful book, only 22 pages long with her photographs of the lyre-bird from a chick to adulthood. The State Library of Victoria have it digitised, here. They also have hundreds of her photographs digitised - www.slv.vic.gov.au.  

A Studio portrait of Guide Alice. She was noted for wearing 'mens clothing' i.e. trousers 

in her everyday life as a guide and naturalist. 

State Library of Victoria Image H2003.95/145

On March 28, 1965, the Harrietville Historical Society unveiled a bronze plaque in Alice's memory on the site of the Manfield Chalet, which overlooked a gorge near Bent's Look-out. The plaque features an engraving of a lyre bird, taken from the cover photo of Alice's book, The Lyre-Birds of Mount Buffalo  (9).

The Alice Manfield Memorial Plaque at Mount Buffalo. 

Image courtesy of  Addi Lautman-Wurt  (© Addi Lautman-Wurt)

The Alice Manfield Memorial Plaque at Mount Buffalo.

Image courtesy of  Addi Lautman-Wurt  (© Addi Lautman-Wurt)

Acknowledgment: I am extremely grateful to Addi Lautman-Wurt for taking photographs of Alice's plaque at Mount Buffalo for this post, and to my research colleague, Isaac Hermann,  for arranging for the photos to be taken.

Footnotes

(1) My colleague, Isaac Hermann, and I have written more about Carlo's work on Mount Buffalo in our Victorian Collections story on Carlo Catani, see it here,   https://victoriancollections.net.au/stories/carlo-catani-an-engineering-star-over-victoria/mount-buffalo

(2) The Argus, January 24, 1911, see here.

(3) The Herald, January 21 1913, see here. 

(4) Digby Denham, Premier of Queensland, read his Australian Dictionary of Biography entry, here.  

(5) The Argus, February 7, 1914, see here.

(6) Information about Alice Manfield and her siblings comes from the Victorian Indexes to the Births, Deaths and Marriages. 

(7) I was alerted to the fact that Alice married and had a daughter, Genevieve in an article by Mary Ryllis Clark in The Age March 1, 1988 - this was an interview with Genevieve. Genevieve married Eric Gustave Baumgarten in 1951. Eric died 1975 aged 59 and Genevieve died in 2003 at the age of 83. Alice's death date taken from her Probate papers at the Public Records Office of Victoria. John Edmund Manfield died February 10, 1949. Alice and Edmund and Alice's parents are buried at Bright Cemetery. There are photos on-line here  - http://www.ozgenonline.com/~nhm_cemeteries/Bright_Cemetery/index.html

Alice Manfield's marriage notice

Punch, November 29, 1917 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article121083496

Death notice of John Manfield

The Age February 11, 1949 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article205363879

(8) Information about Manfield's Chalet came from The Mount Buffalo Story 1898-1998 by Danny Webb and Bob Adams (Melbourne University Press, 1998)

(9) The Age, March 29, 1965, p. 6.