Carlo creates a Beautiful Design for a Recreation Reserve and Public Park at Spotswood

In 1910, Cr Stephen Byrne (1) of the Williamstown Council raised the issue that there were 82 acres of Crown land on the west side of the river Yarra and south side of Stony Creek, at Spotswood, from which immense quantities of stone have been quarried, leaving a most unlevel and dangerous surface. That those quarries, covering such a large area, only four miles from the city of Melbourne, form a barrier to settlement on one of the best residential and factory sites about the city and retard in an eminent degree the progress and prosperity of the municipality of Williamstown. Cr Byrne urged the Government to reclaim the land by using silt supplied by the Melbourne Harbour Trust. (2)

Six years later, in July 1916, one suggested use of some of this quarry land was to create a park, the boundaries of which were to be the Stony Creek to the north, The Avenue to the south, Creek Street to the east and Melbourne Road to the west (Melbourne Road becomes Williamstown Road, north of Stony Creek), as seen on the map below. 

The proposed park location had as its boundaries -  Stony Creek to the north, The Avenue to the south, Melbourne Road to the west and Creek Street the east. 

Spotswood and Newport 1927. Morgan's street directory, Melbourne & suburbs 1927. 

State Library of Victoria http://handle.slv.vic.gov.au/10381/287999

To this end of creating a new park in Spotswood,  the local member of Parliament suggested that Carlo Catani could be be involved, as the Williamstown Advertiser, reported - 

Proposed Spotswood Lake. Mr C. Catani, C.E., to report. Mr. J. Lemmon, M L.A., some time ago suggested to the Progress Association that it might do some thing to make use of the natural features of Stony Creek with a view to beautification. The recreation reserve is on its banks and he thought the water might be impounded and formed into a lake, and suggested that the services of Mr C. Catani, Chief Engineer of Public Works, who was an expert landscape gardener, might be requisitioned for to consider whether the ground enclosed might not be converted into a national park. The Association has adopted the suggestion and at the request of Mr Lemmon the Minister has promised that a report will be obtained from Mr Catani at an early date.  (3)

Towards the end of July Carlo met with Mr. J. Lemmon, M.L.A., the Mayor of Williamstown, Cr Byrne, and  a number of local residents and -

An inspection of the site, its area and surface, which is broken by projecting rock and deep depressions, was made. Mr. Catani subsequently promised to have a survey undertaken and levels and suggestions for improvement made. The engineer regards the site as one of the best and most picturesque about Melbourne. With artistic laying out and subsequent care the park would be come a place of beauty. The Mayor suggested that throwing a concrete wall across Stony Creek, and creating an artificial lake would add to the beautification and popularity of the park, and that by raising the ford over the Stony Creek a second lake of very great value could be secured. (4)

It was nearly a year later, in May 1917, just after Carlo had retired from the Public Works Department, that the plan was presented to the public and the Yarraville Weekly News described it as a complete and beautiful design for a recreation reserve and public park at Spotswood. (5)

As the Spotswood Park design appears to be one of Carlo's final projects, his report, as published in the Williamstown Advertiser, is reproduced here in full. The total cost of the plan was £3,515, of which the funds for the whole work, Mr Catani, suggests might be raised by some public function, "after the victorious conclusion of the war" (6)  Sadly, we don't have copies of the the two plans which accompanied his report.

The Secretary,  As instructed I visited Spotswood with Mr Lemmon, M.L A., councillors and residents, and having heard their views, aspirations and requirements, beg to submit this report and two drawings illustrating the proposal which I would submit for the laying out of a park and recreation reserve in that locality.

Area of Park - I must point out that it became apparent on inspection that the recreation reserve already set apart for recreation purposes at Spotswood is, owing to the broken nature of the ground, insufficient for the purpose of a recreation reserve alone, as it would be impossible to lay out in it a proper sports oval, which ought to be at least 120 x 200 yards. In order, therefore, to meet the requirements of the case, I am assuming that about 23 acres of Crown land comprised within the Melbourne rd., the Avenue, Creek st., the southern boundary of allot 79 and its production to the creek, and the Stony Creek itself will be made available for the purpose of the park. I suggest, besides that, about 4½ acres of private land be re-purchased in order to create a lake in the depression of the creek with a path surrounding same as indicated on plan. The total area of the park should be 27 acres.

Sports Oval - The main feature of the reserve will be the formation of the sports oval 200 x 120 yards, surrounded by a mound 30 ft. wide with [?] to 1 slopes for the convenience of the spectators and path 20 in. wide giving access to same. The oval is so located that it will be level along the longitudinal axis and have a cross fall of about 5 ft. The extent of cutting and filling is shown in cross and longitudinal sections in drawing "B." The total excavation will be about 4500 yards, and it is assumed that the stone excavated will be sold to the Council for spalls, so that it will only cost the trustees 1/- per yard to remove, or £225 in all. If the Council could be prevailed upon forming roads in the vicinity of the park and depositing the excavated material in the oval, the excavation and the cost would be considerably reduced. Once the sport ground shall have been formed revenue can be obtained, if power to make a charge on occasions can be secured. The ramp round the oval can be constructed with loose boulders covered with material from various sources when it shall become available.

Tennis Courts - Two tennis courts should be provided as close as possible to the railway station, and a separate tennis club should provide for their construction and pay a small ground rent to the trustees; or they could be made public courts, the players paying so much a game, as is being done in the Metropolitan area.

Bowling Green and Croquet Lawns - The same may be said of the bowling green and croquet lawns, which should be built and managed by special clubs paying ground rent to the trustees.

Paths - The paths should be set out as shown in drawing "A," well raised in the centre, properly drained, and their surface treated with coal ashes at first, but with proper gravel as soon as funds become available. The work in the early stages should be done by working bees.

Plantations, Rockeries, Lawns, etc. - The ground should be shaped; the rough boulders should be sold or placed in depressions, or banks, or utilised in the rookeries which could be terraced, or arranged on the boarders of the lake, where headlands and points of vantage could be created. A water supply would be necessary before extensive planting could be made. The lawns should be graded, soiled, and may at first consist of rough grass, cut occasionally with a mowing machine, or eaten by cattle, until the sports enclosure shall provide sufficient revenue to maintain proper lawns and make floral displays. Trees, supplied by the Forest's department, may be planted by working bees supervised by the municipal ranger; palms can follow.

Lake - Some 4½ acres of private land will require to be purchased as indicated on plan "B." The funds for this purpose might be raised after the victorious conclusion of the war. A jetty, boats, shelters and refreshment room will follow in due course.

Fencing.- A neat and cheap fence may be of use in the early stages for collecting revenue from agistment fees. When the park shall have reached its proper development, the fence may be replaced by hedges and plantations.

Caretaker's Cottage and Sanitary Conveniences - A pretty cottage could be built for the curator of the park and sanitary conveniences provided. 

These are the leading features I would recommend for the consideration of the trustees of the park, and it would be useless to go into fuller details so far in advance of requirements. The essentials at present are - The securing of the additional Crown land to prevent the creation of vested interests hostile to the future development of the schemes; the formation of the sports oval, and the completion of a somewhat light fence, the whole of which can be done for about £300, or less, if plenty of volunteer help be

available,

I append an estimate of the complete scheme. 

C. CATANI Chief Engineer. (7)

The costings, as provided by Carlo were  - 

1. Levelling, etc.- Rock, 2,250 yds; soil, 2,250 yds, at 1/- per yd. __ £225. (A recoup in respect of stone if sold for roadmaking is anticipated to the extent of 2/6 per yard; therefore, 1/- per yard is allowed instead of 3/6)

2. Forming bank round oval, 4,800 yds. at 1/ __ £240

3. Forming paths, 150 chains at £1 __ £150

4. Tree planting __ £300

5. Water supply __  £200

6. Drainage __ £300

7. Tennis court __ £150

8. Bowling green and shelters __ £200

9. Croquet lawn __ £300

10. Preparing and planting lawns __ £300

11. Rockeries, terraces, etc. __  £150

12. Lake, jetty, dam, etc. __ £300

13, Rotunda __ £150

14. Caretaker's quarters __ £350

15. Fencing-60 chains at 30/  __ £100

16. Sanitary conveniences __ £300

Total __ £3,515  (8)

So this was Carlo's beautiful design for the Spotswood Park. As is expected for a grand vision not all of the community were in favour - those against thought the land could be better used for industry; that a park would be better established in a more central location; that as the Stony Creek was the border of the City of Williamstown and the City of Footscray, that people of Footscray would benefit from Williamstown's expenditure; that the existing reserves in the area are not being maintained and that the money could be better used for other purposes. (9) One local in favour suggested that it would benefit Spotswood as a whole -  were Mr Catani's scheme carried out, the whole district would benefit, as the passengers going up and down the river on boats would speedily get a different impression altogether of this neighborhood. (10)

Spotswood Recreation Reserve, marked in this 1930 Street Directory. 

The Avenue is called Bay View Avenue here. 

Spotswood, Newport and Yarraville, 1930

Morgan's street directory. Melbourne & suburbs, 1930. 

State Library of Victoria  http://handle.slv.vic.gov.au/10381/288125

Did Carlo's beautiful design come to fruition? Some of it did but it took  a decade or so, as the land had to be reclaimed from quarry use.  For instance, in 1926 it was decided to place the tennis court elsewhere as the filling up of the Spotswood Recreation Reserve would take some time to settle sufficiently. (11) 

Work appears to have been commenced in 1928, as in the July it was reported -

For the purpose of taking steps to relieve distress at Spotswood, a public meeting was held yesterday in the local mechanics' institute. The mayor of Williamstown (Cr. Wilcher) presided. An offer was made by Williamstown council to donate £500 towards making a sports oval on the ground set apart for the purpose adjoining the Melbourne-road, provided that £250 was raised by residents. The meeting pledged itself to subscribe the necessary amount, towards which £50 was raised in the room. A committee to forward the movement was formed, Mr. Stevens being appointed secretary. When a commencement is made with the oval it is expected that work will be found for about 25 men. (12)

Progress was reported in the September of 1928 - 

Work on Spotswood Recreation Reserve Towards the relief of unemployment at Spotswood, the president of the Spotswood Citizens' League (Mr J. H. Read) has sent the Williamstown council a second Instalment of £175 raised by the residents for work on the new Spotswood recreation reserve. A number of unemployed is now fencing the ground and planting pine trees. (13)  

In July 1931, a pavilion was erected - Three local men, Messrs. Ball, Pierce and Hodgson, have secured the contract for erecting and renovating the pavilion on Spotswood Reserve, which was recently transferred from Williamstown cricket ground. Work was commenced on Tuesday of this week, and when completed will mean a great improvement. (14)

Finally in October 1932, 15 years after Carlo's report,  it could be announced that the reserve was opened - 

Constructed at a cost of £4710 by the council, a cricket ground recreation reserve and children's playground at The Avenue, Spotswood, were officially opened by the Mayor of Williamstown (Cr. T. Briggs) last Saturday afternoon. A cricket match was later played on the ground between Clifton Hill A.N.A. and Spotswood Clubs. The oval covers the site of a famous quarry. About £700 was raised by the Spotswood Citizens' League towards the cost of the improvements. The Mayor said that £4710/16/6 had been spent on the reserve, £3855 for filling, levelling and tree planting, £230 on the playground, £255 for fencing, £15 for band rotunda, and £355 for sewering. (15)

As for the other aspects of Carlo's plans - the bowling green, croquet lawn, rockeries, the palm trees, the lake and the associated jetties, rotunda, and refreshment room and the Caretaker's cottage - I have no evidence that they were ever constructed. The Spotswood Reserve was renamed the Donald McLean Reserve in October 1946. All I know about Donald McLean is that he was listed in the Electoral Rolls at 29 The Avenue, Spotswood and that his occupation was a fitter. He died October 2, 1967, aged 87. His wife was Emma Kate Sleap, whom he married in 1907, and who died in Perth on February 3, 1970, aged 89.

Finally - I can find no photographs of the Reserve. 

Trove list - I have created a list of articles connected to Carlo and the Spotswood Reserve, access it here 

Footnotes

(1) Cr Stephen Byrne- read his 11921 obituary in the Williamstown Chronicle of May 7, 1921, here. 

(2) The Age, February 23, 1910,  see here.

(3) Williamstown Advertiser, July 8, 1916, see here.

(4) Williamstown Chronicle, July 29, 1916, see here.

(5) Yarraville Weekly News, May 19, 1917, see here.

(6) Ibid

(7) Carlo's report - Williamstown Advertiser, May 26, 1917, see here.

(8) Carlo's costings - Williamstown Advertiser, May 26, 1917, see here.

(9) Letters to the Editor of the Williamstown Advertiser on the issue - from June 9, 1917 see here and here; from June 16, 1917, see here.

(10) Williamstown Advertiser, June 9, 1917, see here.
(11) Williamstown Chronicle, February 6, 1926, see here.

(12) The Age, July 19, 1928, see here.

(13) The Herald, September 8, 1928, see here.

(14) Williamstown Advertiser, July 18, 1931, see here.

(15) Williamstown Chronicle, October 8, 1932, see here.

(16) Williamstown Advertiser, October 19 1946, see here.

(17) Electoral Rolls on Ancestry and Probate; Indexes to the Victorian Birth, Deaths and Marriages; Administration Files (VPRS28) at Public Records Office of Victoria.

Did Carlo Play Sport?

Enrico, Carlo's son was a talented sportsman who played cricket, football, tennis and lacrosse at his school Melbourne Grammar and when he lived near Kyneton, before he enlisted. You can read about this here. Sadly Enrico did not return to his farm as he was Killed in Action at Pozieres on July 29, 1916.   

I wondered if Carlo had any connection to sports, even though I don't know where he would have found the time. He was the Vice President of the Public Works Department Rifle Club, you can read about that here. He also engaged professional golfer, Richard 'Dick' Banks to lay out a nine-hole golf course on Mount Buffalo, near the Chalet (see here)  The golf course opened in February 1911, but I have no evidence that Carlo actually played golf. 

I searched Trove to see if there were references to Carlo playing cricket, football, tennis or other sports, but all articles referred to young Enrico, not the senior Carlo. However,  there were two references connected to Carlo and improvements to cricket ovals - the South Melbourne and St Kilda Cricket Grounds. The St Kilda Cricket Ground is also called the Junction Oval. 

The Emerald Hill Record on December 21, 1907 reported on the South Melbourne Ground -
Mr. Henry Skinner, president of the South Melbourne Cricket Club, entertained a large company on the ground on Monday last, after an inspection of the improvements recently made. Amongst those who took a particular interest in the progress made by the club were Mr. Mackey (Minister of Lands), Mr. Mackinnon, M.L.A. (president of the Victorian Cricket Association), the Mayor of South Melbourne (Cr. W. O. Strangward), Cr. Baragwanath, Mr. Catani and Mr. Allan (Albert Park Committee of Management), Mr. E. Bean and Mr. H. H. Rush (Board of Control), Mr. E. D. Heather (secretary V.C.A.), and Mr. P. Knuckey (president Fitzroy C.C.). 

The gathering was of a very friendly character, and complimentary reference was made by Mr. Mackey, Mr. Mackinnon, Mr. Catani, and the cricket representatives to the energetic and capable manner in which the president and committee were conducting the affairs of the ground. All the representatives of the various bodies who spoke paid a very high tribute to the worth of Mr. Skinner, the president, and a special toast of his health was proposed. The improvements were described in detail in our last issue (1) 

As the article noted, the previous issue of the Emerald Hill Record, described some of the extensive improvements to the ground, and the report began - 

If anyone had predicted a few years ago the improvements which have been made at the South Melbourne Cricket Ground during the last two or three years, he would have been laughed to scorn, yet we have now thanks to an energetic, fearless, and enterprising president, a cricket ground with appointments inferior to only one or two in the Commonwealth. The ground, with its picturesque approaches, has had its natural beauty enhanced during the last couple of years by the formation of bowling greens, rockeries, and the erection of necessary buildings, till the casual visitor, on entering the gates, halts in surprise and wonderment at the rapid changes being made for the comfort and convenience of members and visitors.

The report continued - Last year the outer ground was extended, and the bank raised to provide accommodation for 25,000 spectators. The raising of the bank used up 5800 yards of soil, and as it is intended to immediately form the portion between the present bank and the football grandstand, and raise the bank another two feet, another 3000 yards of filling will have, to be provided. When this work is complete, the ground will accommodate 40,000 people. When endeavors were made to have important premiership football matches played on the South Melbourne ground, the League members complained that they could not see, side clubs objected to the depression in the ground on the eastern side, the committee recognised that there was force in the contention, and as members seated near the pavilion also complained that they could not see the football game when it was worked into the corner, it was decided to regrade the playing arena and raise the ground and the fence. To do the work, 2800 yards of soil were required, and involved an expenditure of £300.

Then complaints were made of overcrowding in the football stand, and the committee, alive to the growing importance of the ground, and actuated by a desire to meet the demands of a rapidly increasing membership in both the cricket and football clubs, decided to raise the football gymnasium, and provide a smokers' pavilion. With the assistance of Mr. A. E. Aughtie, the honorary surveyor, plans were prepared, and a contract let for the work. The tender of Mr. M. Sorenson was accepted, and that gentleman immediately set to work. The building is 100ft. X 30ft., and every care was necessary in lifting the huge structure to the height required, at the same time moving it back to the fence. With the aid of jacks, the building was raised inch by inch, and supports put in, till it stood 10ft. 3in. higher than its previous level. Then a brick foundation was constructed underneath, and the building now rests on a solid brick wall 14 inches thick. The entrances to the building remain unchanged, and at each end a stairway 6ft. wide, constructed of heavy jarrah timber, provide means of ingress and egress.

In the front of the gymnasium, an iron-roofed verandah carried 32 galleried seats, which will give accommodation to about 500 people, and a splendid view of the ground. Underneath well-appointed lavatories are provided, and nothing left undone that makes for the convenience of the public. Lavatories and retiring rooms have been constructed beneath the football stand. (2)

The report then describes the other minor improvements and notes that it was estimated that £6000 will have been spent on the ground during the last three years. (3)  I can see why Carlo was impressed by both the works and the manner in which the works were carried out - as they were to the advantage of the general public, were aesthetically pleasing and completed in a timely manner.

South Melbourne Cricket Ground, c.  1908. 

The new work, as described above, is shown in the photo. The middle structure had been raised ten feet, with heavy jarrah stairways erected at each end. The building on the right is the gymnasium with the new iron-roofed verandah, providing spectator seating,

State Library of Victoria image  H90.160/911

The next year, on May 8, 1908, The Argus reported on the St Kilda Oval improvements -
Extensive Improvements - During the last few months the committee of the St. Kilda Cricket Club has effected great in provinces to the ground, at a cost of over £800. The playing space has been enclosed with a new fence, which now been erected at the foot of the old bicycle track, which has been done away with. The result is that the accommodation for spectators has been greatly increased. A big embankment has been built all round, the ground, so that thousands of people will now be able to watch in comfort the sports being played in the oval. Three new asphalt tennis courts have been laid down, at a cost of over £200, and the lawns have been relaid. All the buildings have been painted and put in order, and the result is very satisfactory. At present the St. Kilda ground is one of the best appointed around Melbourne, and should be a more popular sports resort than ever. 

In order to let the trustees of Albert-park and others interested see what has been done, the committee of the St. Kilda Cricket Club yesterday afternoon invited a number of people to inspect the ground. There was a good attendance, including Messrs. Mackay, M.L.A., (Minister for Lands), M'Cutcheon, M.L.A., Councillor Jacoby (mayor of St. Kilda), and other councillors, Messrs. J M. Reed (surveyor-general), Catani (Public Works department, and one of the trustees), H. O. Allan (secretary to the trustees), P. Knuckey (president Fitzroy Cricket Club), and a number of representatives of other clubs. Apologies were received from Mr. Donald Mackinnon, M.L.A., (president Victorian Cricket Association), and Mr. Agar Wynne, M.R H. After the visitors had inspected the ground and the improvements, Mr. M'Cutcheon, M.L.A., thanked those present for their attendance and said that the committee intended to still further improve the ground, and make it worthy of the district. All that the ground earned would go back to it in the way of improvements. 

Mr. Mackey also spoke, and those who knew what work had been done congratulated the committee and their secretary (Mr. G. H. Inskip) on the success of their efforts. (4)

The above article implies Carlo was a Trustee of the St Kilda Cricket Ground, however at the time as it was noted in The Argus,  the St. Kilda Cricket Club holds its ground under a permissive occupancy from the trustees of the Albert-park (5). H.O. Allan was the secretary of the Albert Park Trust (6) and Carlo was one of the Trustees. 

My research so far has not turned up any evidence that Carlo actually participated in any organised team sports, but that he did have an interest in establishing and improving  sports grounds. 

Footnotes
(1) Emerald Hill Record, December 21, 1907, see here. 

(2) Emerald Hill Record, December 14, 1907, see here. 

(3) Ibid
(4) The Argus, May 8, 1908 see here. 
(6) The Argus, January 18, 1902, see here.
(6) Emerald Hill Record, May 30, 1908, see here. There is more on H.O. Allan, here. 

Harry Abbott, Public Works Department Overseer

Carlo Catani worked with many people during his career with the Public Works Department (PWD), everyone from the Premier of  Victoria to the labourers who carried out the physical work on the PWD projects such as draining swamps, constructing roads and building bridges. I came across this short article from the Warragul Guardian  in February 1897, of Carlo presenting a gift to a Mr Abbott -

Koo-Wee-Rup.  Mr. Abbott, who superintended the drainage works on the Kooweerup Swamp for about four years, but who is now acting in a similar capacity on the Yarra improvement works, was on Saturday presented with a handsome gold albert. The presentation was made by Mr Catani, engineer of the Public Works department, in Mr Leithhead's store, who explained that the gift came from the residents and settlers, who had recognised his gentlemanly qualities. (1)

Who was Mr Henry 'Harry' Abbott? He was an Overseer working on Public Works Department projects and I have  found these other references (reproduced below)  to him working on the Koo Wee Rup Swamp, the Yarra Improvement Works, the Domain Drive, the road over Mount Fatigue from Foster to Boolarra, and work on cleaning out the dock at the Echuca wharf. (2) 

February 1894  Koo Wee Rup Swamp

The Wilderness Reclaimed  Flying Trip to Koo-Wee-Rup Swamp by 'A Surprised Visitor" - Steps have been taken to wards the formation of a Progressive Association, and, according to a notice I saw posted on the paymaster's tent (Mr. H. Abbott), its objects are "to watch over the general interests of the settlement, and to take such steps as will tend to its advance, development and progress." (3)

April 1896  Koo Wee Rup Swamp

Cranbourne Police Court. Monday, March 30. Before Mr. Smallman, P.M. 

Bockholt v. Wm. Norton, Board of Land and Works garnishees.- Order for 41 4s. and 10s; costs.

Same v. John W. Norton, Board of Land and Works garnishees. - Order for £2 14s. 9d. and 15s. costs.-Mr. Coburn for Bockholt, appeared to apply for orders and Mr. Abbott (the overseer at the Swamp works), appeared to represent the Board. (4)

February 1897  Yarra Improvement Works

At the City Court yesterday, Robert M'Intyre was prosecuted for stealing £3 15a., the moneys of his mates, whose wages he had drawn. Accused pleaded guilty. William Hennings said he was a laborer employed at the Yarra improvement works. Accused, witness and two other men named Driver and Duffy were working together on the butty gang system. They appointed M'Intyre their ganger and entrusted him with the drawing of the money that fell due to them. On the last occasion he drew £3 15s., but did not divide it among them. On previous occasions he had always handed over the money when he obtained it. When they went to his house to see him he was the worse for drink. He said he would pay the money as soon as he could earn it. Michael Duffy gave similar evidence. Both witnesses stated that they knew nothing wrong of accused, and had no complaint to make of him previous to this. Accused said that when he drew the money he had to go some distance before he could see his mates. On the way he called at a hotel, and lost all the money. He had a wife and child to keep, and, if the bench would allow him a month's time, he would pay all the men what he owed them. Henry Abbott, overseer of the works, said accused had told him he was going to make good the amount. The bench let accused off with a month's imprisonment, for which he humbly expressed thanks, his wife at the same time leaving the court weeping with their infant. (5)

July 1900  Boolarra to Foster Road

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. (6)

September 1900  Boolarra to Foster Road

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. (7)

November1900  Boolarra to Foster Road

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. (8)

April 1901 Domain Drive

Mr H. Abbott, Overseer-in-charge

The Argus, April 16, 1901 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/10545705

Government Domain  Drive went through the Domain, from Government House Gates to South Yarra. (9)

Government Domain Drive, is labelled as South Yarra Drive on this c. 1911 map.

Botanic Gardens. Photo-lithographed at the Department of Lands and Survey, Melbourne, 

by W.J. Butson and drawn by F.S. Hilcke, c. 1911.

State Library of Victoria http://handle.slv.vic.gov.au/10381/166011

December 1902   Koo Wee Rup Swamp

The Workless - Koo-Wee-Rup Complaints. Official Reply. 

The Minister of Public Works, having called for a report concerning the complaints of two of the unemployed, known as the Leongatha men, made in the "Herald" on the 5th last., has received it from the Inspector-General. Mr Davidson encloses reports from the Engineer of Reclamation Works, Mr C. Catani, and the overseer, Mr H. Abbott.

The gist of these reports is as follows:- 1. That the men were met at the station by Mr Connors. 2. The cart (or the conveyance of their swags was engaged by the overseer, and the department will have to pay for it. 3. The price offered these men. viz., 5d per yard in peat, without wheeling, in a small drain, is the largest paid in Koo-wee-rup Swamp at present. 4. The local men were never offered the work at 6d per yard or any other price, but they have taken it since these men left at 5d. and were very glad to get it, as they will make over 7s per day. 6. There are now only five Leongatha men left on the job. 6. The other 22 men who have left will cost the department - Twenty-two passes at 3s, 5d, L3 15s 2d; food for 22 men guaranteed, L5 10s; tools for 22 men, say, at 3a, L3 6s; tents for 22 man guaranteed, say, 2s, L2 4s; cartage of swags, L1. Total, L15 15s 2d.

Mr Abbott, in his report, says, with regard to the delay complained of by some men in getting to work, "If they had not wasted time over the beer they had had, they could have started a bit earlier." He adds: "The five men who are at work are making 3s 6d per day. They are not improving very much, as they are unsuitable for the class of work. I have got six good men (Gray's gang) in the drain with them, who will make over seven shillings per day." (10)

February 1915  Echuca Dock Works

An inquest on the body of Thomas Boland, who died suddenly at the wharf dock on Wednesday afternoon, was held yesterday by Mr M. O'Bryan, Deputy Coroner. Deceased was employed with others at excavation work at the dock, and collapsed during the afternoon. He was removed to the shade of the wharf, and although a doctor was called in he expired......Henry Abbott, overseer at the works, stated that deceased commenced work at the dock on Tuesday afternoon. He did not complain of being ill, and nothing unusual about him was noticed. At about 3.30 on Wednesday witness was checking the number of men with the time book, and found one of the workmen missing. He made inquiry, and Boland was pointed out, lying in a shade at the wharf. Witness examined him, and as he appeared very ill sent for the doctor and the police. Dr. Ebsworth arrived and attended to the patient, and remained with him until he died about half an hour later. Witness had not previously known the deceased......The Deputy Coroner found that Thomas Boland died at Echuca on the 17th day of February, 1915 from heat apoplexy, as per the doctor's evidence. (11)

So who was Harry Abbott? I don't know.  It appears by the 1894 entry, that he was initially a paymaster, and thus likely worked with George Clowser, who I have written about here. You would have to assume Harry was born no later than 1870, given the level of responsibility of his roles, so to start, I looked for the deaths of any Henry or Harry Abbotts  who would have been born in a suitable time frame and came up with the following.  A Henry Abbott died in 1934, but he was with the Melbourne & Metropolitan Board Works from 1884 as a Register of Meters and later an Inspector; another Henry Abbott died in 1935 but he worked for the Colac Shire Council for over 40 years; another died in 1937, but he was a Contractor (builder) and another in 1943, but he was a Grocer; another still died in 1946 and he was a Bendigo business man.  There was a Harry Abbott who died in 1928, but he was a farmer and one who died in 1947, but he was a Managing Director. (12) So, no satisfactory matches there and  it's more than possible he died interstate or overseas. 

We do, however, have a photograph of him, taken in 1912, along with his other Public Works Department (PWD) colleagues. I will concede that there may have been another Abbott in the PWD, but I like to think it's our Harry Abbott.

Officers of the Public Works Department (State).

Photographer: Algernon Darge.

Mr Abbott is third from the right, in the third row from the front and 

Carlo Catani is in the second row from the front, fifth from the right.

Punch June 20, 1912 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article175618291

Front Row.- Messrs. Mackay, Dimelow, Sawyer, Couve, Morris, Robinson, Hassett, Swanton, Whitley, Bult, Cutler.

Second Row. - Messrs. Harvey, Kerr, Brown,  Brittingham, Watson (Chief Architect), E. T. Drake (Secretary), W. H.Edgar (Minister of Public Works), W. Davidson (Inspector-General), C. Catani (Chief Engineer) C. Clowser (Acting-Chief Clerk), Jamieson, Austin, M'Kenzie.

Third Row.- Messrs. Cartwright, Gibbs, Stevens, Klingender, Campbell, Kennison, Cazaly, Cook, Fricke, M'lntosh, Thomas, Robertson, M'Cormick, Ridoutt, Hall, Neal, Moore, Searle, Clarke, Keeley, Couchman, Abbott, Simpson. Spiers.

Fourth Row. - Messrs. Pooley, Hooks, Hewitt, Tingate, Chambers, Pike, Cobby, Greenless, Glass, Campbell, Lewie, Neylon, Matthews, Kennedy, Symons.

Back Row. - Messrs. Gleeson, Lynar, Coney, Fulton, O'Sullivan, Connelly, Grant, Smart, Dewar, Gluth, Clarke, Pollock, Mather, Doig, Bult, Birchell, Hendy. 

If you  have any information on Harry Abbott, Public Works Department Engineer and a man of gentlemanly qualities, I would love to hear from you.

Footnotes

(1) Warragul Guardian, February 12, 1897, see here.

(2) Koo Wee Rup Swamp - see https://carlocatani.blogspot.com/2018/10/koo-wee-rup-swamp.html; Yarra Reclamation Works https://victoriancollections.net.au/stories/carlo-catani-an-engineering-star-over-victoria/a-straighter-yarra; Also this from The Age, April 22, 1901 (see here) - During last week a considerable number of men were provided with employment through the Government labor bureau. The officer in charge of the bureau reports that 30 laborers were sent to the Colac-Beech Forest railway works; 40 to the Lillydale-Warburton line, including 20 local men; 20 to the water works at Birchip; 6 to the Collingwood railway; and 75 to the Yarra improvement works and the Domain drive. At these metropolitan works the men are receiving only a fortnight's engagement, in order that those who state that they are in destitute circumstances may take their turn at earning something within a convenient distance of their homes. During the week employment was also found for three pitcher setters on the Domain drive, and for four pitcher setters at the Moonee Ponds Creek. Nine stonebreakers were sent to Epping and Preston at the request of the local shire council. Of 60 men registered for town work 10 accepted and 50 declined offers of work in the country. Domain Drive - see Footnote 9. 

Foster to Bolarra Road - https://carlocatani.blogspot.com/2019/06/carlo-and-boolarra-to-foster-road.html; 

Echuca Wharf - I will write about this one day, but this was the project - Ballarat Courier, February 10, 1915, see here. 

(3) Warragul Guardian, February 6, 1894, see here.

(4) South Bourke & Mornington Journal, April 1, 1896, see here. 

(4) The Age, February 23, 1897, 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) The Argus, April 16, 1901, see here.  

(9) The Age, May 11, 1901, see here.

(10) The Herald, December 13, 1902, see here.  

(11) Echuca and Moama Advertiser, February 20, 1915, see here.   

(12) Indexes to the Victorian Births, Deaths and Marriages; Electoral Rolls on Ancestry; death notices in the newspapers on Trove.