Carlo and the St Kilda Patriotic Carnival, December 1917

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

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

The badge produced for the St Kilda Patriotic Carnival. 

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

gave free on-going entrance. (2). 

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

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

Helpers at the Cake Stall at the St Kilda Patriotic Carnival

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A striking group of helpers at the Sweets stall

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

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

A bevy of Produce stall assistants

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Footnotes

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Carlo Catani and the Henley on Yarra Regatta

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Getting ready for Henley on Yarra, Melbourne.

Postcard not dated and not used postally.

An 1908 article reported on the grown of the gardens - 

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

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

The Palms Refreshment Kiosk, Henley Lawns.

Postcard not dated and not used postally.

The Palms Refreshment Room, on Henley Lawn, Alexandra Gardens took advantage of the palms planted by Carlo Catani and George Cooper. The Refreshment Rooms were built by the City of Melbourne, who held a competition for the design, which was won by Architects Messrs Blackett and Forster. They opened officially on March 19, 1927. (8)  The building was renamed The Dorchester in 1946 and closed and demolished in 1990. (9)

The Palms, Henley Lawns, Alexandra Gardens.

Postcard not dated and not used postally.

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

The Palms Kiosk - the Architect's sketch

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

(9) Whitehead, Georgina Civilising the City: a history of Melbourne's Public Gardens (State Library of Victoria, 1997), p. 148.

Notice of Auction of contents of the Dorchester.

The Age, January 16, 1990, page 21, from newspapers.com

Interesting list of the contents of the Dorchester.

The Age, January 20, 1990, p. 91, from newspapers.com