In 1899 Carlo was appointed a member of the Committee of Management of Albert Park Reserve. He remained on the Committee of Management until his death in 1918
Carlo's appointment to the Albert Park Committee of Management
Emerald Hill Record, December 9, 1899 - see the full public notice here
Regulation -
The undermentioned gentlemen shall constitute a Committee of Management to exercise control over the said Albert Park : -
John Baragwanath
John Munro Bruce, J.P.,
John Cockbill,
Carlo Catani,
George Connibere, J P.,
William Davidson, C.E.,
Thomas Frank Morkham, J.P.,
Edward O'Donnell, J.P.
Provided nevertheless that the said George Connibere, J.P., Edward O'Donnell, J.P., John Baragwanath and John Cockbill shall hold office as members of the Committee of Management of the said Albert Park for so long only as they may respectively continue Councillors of the said City of South Melbourne or the said City of Saint Kilda.
John Munro Bruce, J.P.,
John Cockbill,
Carlo Catani,
George Connibere, J P.,
William Davidson, C.E.,
Thomas Frank Morkham, J.P.,
Edward O'Donnell, J.P.
Provided nevertheless that the said George Connibere, J.P., Edward O'Donnell, J.P., John Baragwanath and John Cockbill shall hold office as members of the Committee of Management of the said Albert Park for so long only as they may respectively continue Councillors of the said City of South Melbourne or the said City of Saint Kilda.
.jpg)
Albert Park, 1890s, as Carlo would have known it.
Albert Park & Bay from Toorak Rd, 1890s. Photographer: Charles Rudd.
State Library of Victoria image H39357/156
I thought we would have a look at the life of his seven colleagues on the 1899 Committee.
Baragwanath, John (1856-1943)
John Baragwanath was on the committee as a representative of the South Melbourne Council. Mr Baragwanath retired from the South Melbourne Bench in 1941, and there was a short report in The Herald of July 22, 1941 (see here) to mark this occasion.
Born in Bendigo in 1856, Mr Baragwanath came to Melbourne when six months old with his parents in a spring dray. His first Job was as a brushmaker with the firm of Zevenboom. He later joined David Boyd in an estate agency in South Melbourne. He entered South Melbourne Council in August,1891, was four times Mayor and also Acting Mayor when Cr. L. Taite was on active service during the 1914-18 war. He first sat on the Bench at South Melbourne during his first term as Mayor in 1894.
His short but informative obituary from The Age, April 16, 1943 (see here) provides more information.
Mr. John Baragwanath, for more than half a century, one of South Melbourne's best-known citizens, died at a private hospital yesterday morning, aged 86 years. He was a native of Bendigo, but spent nearly all his life in South Melbourne. He played both football and cricket with the district and was president of the cricket club for 34 years. He was four times mayor of South Melbourne, and was a councillor for 29 years. Mr. Baragwanath was twice married. He leaves a widow, a daughter (Mrs L. Dudfield) and a son. The funeral will leave Sleight's chapel, St. Kilda-road, to-day at 3 o'clock for the St. Kilda cemetery.
Mr. John Baragwanath, for more than half a century, one of South Melbourne's best-known citizens, died at a private hospital yesterday morning, aged 86 years. He was a native of Bendigo, but spent nearly all his life in South Melbourne. He played both football and cricket with the district and was president of the cricket club for 34 years. He was four times mayor of South Melbourne, and was a councillor for 29 years. Mr. Baragwanath was twice married. He leaves a widow, a daughter (Mrs L. Dudfield) and a son. The funeral will leave Sleight's chapel, St. Kilda-road, to-day at 3 o'clock for the St. Kilda cemetery.
The following information is from his Australian Dictionary of Biography entry, written by J. Ann Hone, https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/bruce-john-munro-3093
Born in Ireland, Mr Bruce arrived in Victoria in 1859 and later bought into a softgoods business Paterson, Laing & Bruce, which was very successful.
When the business was firmly established and prospering Bruce gave time to community affairs. He was a Harbor Trust commissioner from 1883 to 1890. In 1883 he was a Chamber of Commerce delegate at the conference on intercolonial free trade. He was a delegate at the 1888 Australasian Commercial Congress and entertained the visitors at his homes, Wombalano in Toorak and Fern Glen near Scoresby. Bruce also had time to indulge his interest in politics and played a prominent part in securing support for the Gillies-Deakin administration at the 1886 general election and was chairman of the coalition committee. Bruce was president of the Young Men's Christian Association and the Melbourne Hospital, a Centennial Exhibition commissioner and held captain's rank in the Prince of Wales Light Horse.........Overseas again in 1900, Bruce's health failed and he committed suicide in Paris on 4 May 1901. His comparatively early death was attributed to 'wear and tear on his own and the community's behalf'. A Baptist, Bruce was survived by his wife Mary Ann, née Henderson, whom he had married on 28 May 1872, one daughter and three of his four sons, one of whom, Stanley Melbourne, became prime minister of Australia and Viscount Bruce of Melbourne.
Cockbill, John (1854-1922)
John Cockbill was on the committee as a representative of the South Melbourne Council. Mr Cockbill's obituary was in The Age, May 31, 1922, see here.
Death of Cr. Cockbill. Long Civic Career
After a prolonged illness, Cr John Cockbill, J.P., of the City Council, died yesterday morning at his residence, Albert-road, Albert Park. About six months ago Cr Cockbill was injured by a motor car in front of the Town Hall, sustaining a fractured leg, but although he appeared to recover for a time, symptoms of shock developed. Born in Williamstown in 1854, Cr. Cockbill was elected to the South Melbourne Council in 1890, which position he retained until his death. He was three times mayor of South Melbourne. Elected to the Bourke ward of the City Council in 1912, he was chairman of the Town Hall committee and a member of the public works committee at the time of his death.
The chief mourners at the funeral were deceased's two sons, Mr Ernest and Mr George Connibere, and amongst those who attended were the St. Kilda councillors and the Town Clerk (Mr Jno. N. Browne). The employes of Connibere, Grieve,and Connibere lined the drive at the cemetery, and the coffin was carried to the grave between the lines of employes. The body was laid to rest in the family vault. The remains were encased in a very handsome brass mounted oak casket, with the inscription on, and the casket surmounted a very heavy lead coffin.The hearse and floral car, the latter containing very many beautiful designs, were followed by the carriage of the deceased gentleman and five mourning coaches, and then a long line of private and other vehicles. The funeral arrangements were carried out by W. G. Apps and Sons.
Davidson, William C.E., (1844-1920)
William Davidson was a Civil Engineer and Chief Inspector of Public Works. I have written about his life here.
Death of Cr. Cockbill. Long Civic Career
After a prolonged illness, Cr John Cockbill, J.P., of the City Council, died yesterday morning at his residence, Albert-road, Albert Park. About six months ago Cr Cockbill was injured by a motor car in front of the Town Hall, sustaining a fractured leg, but although he appeared to recover for a time, symptoms of shock developed. Born in Williamstown in 1854, Cr. Cockbill was elected to the South Melbourne Council in 1890, which position he retained until his death. He was three times mayor of South Melbourne. Elected to the Bourke ward of the City Council in 1912, he was chairman of the Town Hall committee and a member of the public works committee at the time of his death.
Cr. Cockbill was the founder of the firm of J. Cockbill and Sons, Kensington, which he conducted with the assistance of his sons. He leaves a widow, two sons and three daughters.
Yesterday the Lord Mayor, members of the City Council and the Town Clerk referred feelingly to the late councillor. As a mark of respect the special committee of the City Council; which sat yesterday, adjourned for five minutes. Deceased was a member of the Metropolitan Board for eleven years, and as a mark of respect the board at its meeting yesterday adjourned the proceedings, for five minutes.
The funeral will leave his late residence 33 Albert-road, Albert Park, on Thursday,at 2:30 p.m., and will proceed to St. James' Cathedral after which the remains will be interred at Melbourne General Cemetery.
Connibere, George, J.P (1832-1911)
George Connibere was on the committee as a representative of the St Kilda Council. His obituary was in the Malvern Standard, on December 2, 1911 (see here)
Death of Mr G. Connibere. Old St. Kilda Resident.
Mr George Connibere died at his residence, "Southdean," Toorak, on Monday last, to the great regret of a large circle of friends and acquaintances. The deceased gentleman, who was 79 years of age, was the senior partner of the firm of Connibere, Grieve, and Connibere, ware-housemen, of Melbourne, and arrived in Australia from England 48 years ago. He was a widower, and leaves a family of three sons and one daughter.
Yesterday the Lord Mayor, members of the City Council and the Town Clerk referred feelingly to the late councillor. As a mark of respect the special committee of the City Council; which sat yesterday, adjourned for five minutes. Deceased was a member of the Metropolitan Board for eleven years, and as a mark of respect the board at its meeting yesterday adjourned the proceedings, for five minutes.
The funeral will leave his late residence 33 Albert-road, Albert Park, on Thursday,at 2:30 p.m., and will proceed to St. James' Cathedral after which the remains will be interred at Melbourne General Cemetery.
Connibere, George, J.P (1832-1911)
George Connibere was on the committee as a representative of the St Kilda Council. His obituary was in the Malvern Standard, on December 2, 1911 (see here)
Death of Mr G. Connibere. Old St. Kilda Resident.
Mr George Connibere died at his residence, "Southdean," Toorak, on Monday last, to the great regret of a large circle of friends and acquaintances. The deceased gentleman, who was 79 years of age, was the senior partner of the firm of Connibere, Grieve, and Connibere, ware-housemen, of Melbourne, and arrived in Australia from England 48 years ago. He was a widower, and leaves a family of three sons and one daughter.
Mr Connibere was a very old resident of St. Kilda, and for many years took a prominent part in public affairs. He first entered the St. Kilda council in 1872, and, with the exception of an interval, remained in the council until last August twelve months, when he retired. For several years he was one of the St. Kilda representatives on the Metropolitan Board of Works, and on two occasions occupied the position of Mayor. He was a member of the St. Kilda branch of the A.N.A., and that body at its last meeting decided to forward a letter of condolence to the family.
The late Mr Connibere was a prominent member of Holy Trinity Church, Balaclava. In 1891 he was appointed to the position of Sunday school superintendent, and in succeeding years he was vestry man and churchwarden. To the church he proved one of its best and most revered benefactors. The funeral of the deceased gentleman took place on Tuesday, the remains being interred in the St. Kilda cemetery. There was a large and representative attendance. The pall bearers were -Dr M'Adam, Hon Mr
Bachse, M.L.C., the Mayor of St. Kilda (Cr F. G. Hughes), Cr Barnet, Mr J. J. Brown, Mr Dickenson Wheeler, Mr Albert Miller, Mr W. Birchnell, and Mr Macintosh. The remains had first been conveyed to St. John's Church of England, where the Rev. Canon Drought. and Archdeacon Hindley assisted by the curate of St. John's, held a service.
Bachse, M.L.C., the Mayor of St. Kilda (Cr F. G. Hughes), Cr Barnet, Mr J. J. Brown, Mr Dickenson Wheeler, Mr Albert Miller, Mr W. Birchnell, and Mr Macintosh. The remains had first been conveyed to St. John's Church of England, where the Rev. Canon Drought. and Archdeacon Hindley assisted by the curate of St. John's, held a service.
The chief mourners at the funeral were deceased's two sons, Mr Ernest and Mr George Connibere, and amongst those who attended were the St. Kilda councillors and the Town Clerk (Mr Jno. N. Browne). The employes of Connibere, Grieve,and Connibere lined the drive at the cemetery, and the coffin was carried to the grave between the lines of employes. The body was laid to rest in the family vault. The remains were encased in a very handsome brass mounted oak casket, with the inscription on, and the casket surmounted a very heavy lead coffin.The hearse and floral car, the latter containing very many beautiful designs, were followed by the carriage of the deceased gentleman and five mourning coaches, and then a long line of private and other vehicles. The funeral arrangements were carried out by W. G. Apps and Sons.
Davidson, William C.E., (1844-1920)
William Davidson was a Civil Engineer and Chief Inspector of Public Works. I have written about his life here.
Morkham, Thomas Frank, J.P (1844-1922)
This information about Thomas Morkham comes from his obituary, published in The Argus of March 20, 1922 (see here)
Death of Major Morkham
The news of the death of Major Thomas F. Morkham, a former secretary for lands, which occurred yesterday morning, after a long illness, will be received with regret by a large circle of friends and officers who served under him in the Public Works and Lands departments. Major Morkham was born in Bath in January 1844, and nine years later arrived in Victoria with his parents. The family settled at Geelong, and resided there for many years. Major Morkham served his articles as a surveyor and architect with Mr Shaw, Geelong and, having qualified, carried on business there until 1872, when he came to Melbourne and entered the Government service. He rose rapidly, and eventually was appointed secretary for Public Works, and later Secretary for Lands, from which position he retired on pension in 1905.
As a young man Major Morkham took a keen ínterest in military matters, and has reached the rank of major in the old volunteer forces when he left Geelong for Melbourne. On desiring to be transferred, he found that his seniority in rank would place him over the heads of many men in the metropolis who had given much time to soldiering, and, with characteristic consideration, Major Morkham applied to be placed on the unattached list, which to done. Major Morkham was keenly interested in cricket, and was a trustee of the Melbourne Cricket ground for some years. He was a favourite with members of the Australian Elevens, with whom he toured more than once. He was chairman of the trustees of Albert Park and a trustee of Royal Park. Major Morkham was twice married. He leaves one son, Mr Frank Morkham.
O'Donnell, Edward J.P (1845-1933)
Edward O'Donnell, born in Ireland, was on the committee as a representative of the St Kilda Council. He worked with Carlo as a member of the St Kilda Foreshore Committee, established in 1906. Cr O'Donnell unveiled the bronze bust of Carlo on his Clock Tower memorial on August 22, 1932 and also started the mechanism of the clock on the occasion. Cr O'Donnell is remembered in St Kilda by the O'Donnell Fountain and Garden. His obituary was in The Argus of July 8, 1933, see here.
Mr. Edward O'Donnell.
The death of Mr Edward O'Donnell which occurred at his home at St Kilda yesterday closes a long career of public service. Mr O' Donnell had been a member of the St Kilda City Council continuously for 44 years. He was defeated by councillor Raphael in the election last year. He was six times mayor of the city; and for 18 years he was chairman of the finance committee of the council. He had been a member of the foreshore committee since its inception in 1906; and he was chairman from 1919 until his death. On his defeat as a candidate for the council last year he was made Government representative on the committee. In December, 1888, he became a member of the Albert Park committee of management and he remained a member until his death. From August 1918, until his defeat Mr O'Donnell represented the council on the Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of Works. He was a trustee of the St Kilda Cemetery, a member of the committee of management of the Alfred Hospital and returning officer for the Melbourne South Province and the electoral district of St Kilda.
Mr O'Donnell leaves a widow and a family of six daughters and two sons. Three daughters are married. One is Mrs T. T. McMahon, another Mrs J. Tuomy and a third Mrs H. B. Devine. The funeral will leave Mr O'Donnell's late residence for the St Kilda Cemetery at 3 o'clock this afternoon.
