Carlo Catani, the humble Public Works Department Engineer met many illustrious people, including the Governors of Victoria, the Governor-General of Australia and the Queensland Premier. This post looks at some of these Vice-Regal and other interactions.
Sir Thomas David Gibson Carmichael (1859 – 1926)
Governor of Victoria July1908 to May 1911
Sir Thomas David Gibson Carmichael (1859–1926)
Photographer: Talma Studios.
State Library of Victoria image H33026
From The Argus, February 24, 1910, see here.
Governor's Tour. In the Beechworth District.
His Excellency, the Governor, accompanied by Mr Billson (Minister for Education), visited the State school this morning and showed great interest in the Sloyd work. He obtained a holiday for the children. Subsequently in company with Mr Billson, Mr Catani (engineer of public works), and the members of the shire council and prominent citizens, Sir Thomas Gibson Carmichael drove to Mount Stanley. At Stanley a halt was made, and the party proceeded to the local State school where a flag, the gift of the school children of Stanley, in the Falkland Islands, off the coast of South America, was unfurled. Here again, the children were granted a holiday. Stanley was decorated with arches and bunting.
At Mount Stanley, His Excellency declared open the pavilion built by the Beechworth Shire Council as a shelter for picnickers, and christened by them the Carmichael Pavilion. After luncheon a visit was paid to the Cairn. Unfortunately the view of the surrounding district which is usually very fine, was partly obscured by smoke. The party returned to Beechworth and in the evening His Excellency was entertained by the Freemasons. The vice-regal party leave by the morning train for Melbourne.
From The Australasian, September 24, 1910, see here.
Sir John Michael Fuller (1864 - 1915).
Governor of Victoria May 1911 and resigned November 1913.
Sir John Fuller
Visit of the Governor to Cape Nelson.
The State Governor, Sir John Fuller, accompanied by his private secretary and a party consisting of Mr Edgar, Minister of Public Works; Mr Catani, Engineer of the same department; Hon. J. Thompson, M.L.A.; Mr and Mrs Franklin, visitors from England and residing at Government House; the Mayor and Mayoress, Mr and Mrs Williamson; Crs J. R. Woods and J. Wiltshire; Cr S. L. Officer, Portland Shire Council; and others, drove out to Cape Nelson on Friday afternoon. This should be one of the finest drives about Portland, there being some beautiful coastal scenery en-route, but the state of the road at present makes it anything but pleasant, and some members of the party expressed themselves in un-complimentary terms about the number of bumps they received. As nobody is apparently interested in the maintenance of this road, it appears likely to remain in its present state. An effort is being made by the Portland Progress Committee to get a grant in aid from the Tourist Fund for this purpose, as the road is largely used, especially in the summer months, by visitors to the Cape, a good case should be made out for assistance to that end.
On arrival at the station, which was gaily decorated in honor of the occasion, the flagpole being resplendent with bunting of various colors, visitors and lighthouse officials were lined up by the camera man, and a group photo taken of the lot. This proceeding is getting to be a recognised feature, or a necessary evil, according to the point of view, of almost every outing, these days. After this, fortunately, brief ceremony was over, the Governor and most of the party proceeded to view the Lighthouse and various points of interest. The wild coastal scenery in places being well worth looking at.
From The Age, June 28, 1913, (see here)
Arbor Day. Interesting Celebration. The Governor plants a tree.
About 1000 people gathered yesterday afternoon on the north bank of the Yarra, near Anderson street-bridge, and witnessed a very interesting Arbor day celebration. One hundred and thirty-eight young plants, which some day will be trees and will beautify the bank of the river, were put in their allotted positions. The State Governor, Sir John Fuller, was welcomed by Mr. J. Cameron, M.L.A., on behalf of the Australian Forest League, and by Mr. F. Tate, on behalf of the Education department. Among others present were Sir John Madden, Chief Justice; Mr. Hagelthorn, Minister of Public Works; Mr, D. V. Hennessy, Lord Mayor; Mr. Hannan, M.L.A.; Mr. C. Catani, and Mr. G. W. Cooper, curator of Alexandra-avenue. The first tree, a mahogany gum (Eucalyplus botryoides), was planted by the State Governor, who used a trowel. Sir John Fuller said he was delighted to be there that afternoon.
The State Governor, Sir John Fuller, accompanied by his private secretary and a party consisting of Mr Edgar, Minister of Public Works; Mr Catani, Engineer of the same department; Hon. J. Thompson, M.L.A.; Mr and Mrs Franklin, visitors from England and residing at Government House; the Mayor and Mayoress, Mr and Mrs Williamson; Crs J. R. Woods and J. Wiltshire; Cr S. L. Officer, Portland Shire Council; and others, drove out to Cape Nelson on Friday afternoon. This should be one of the finest drives about Portland, there being some beautiful coastal scenery en-route, but the state of the road at present makes it anything but pleasant, and some members of the party expressed themselves in un-complimentary terms about the number of bumps they received. As nobody is apparently interested in the maintenance of this road, it appears likely to remain in its present state. An effort is being made by the Portland Progress Committee to get a grant in aid from the Tourist Fund for this purpose, as the road is largely used, especially in the summer months, by visitors to the Cape, a good case should be made out for assistance to that end.
On arrival at the station, which was gaily decorated in honor of the occasion, the flagpole being resplendent with bunting of various colors, visitors and lighthouse officials were lined up by the camera man, and a group photo taken of the lot. This proceeding is getting to be a recognised feature, or a necessary evil, according to the point of view, of almost every outing, these days. After this, fortunately, brief ceremony was over, the Governor and most of the party proceeded to view the Lighthouse and various points of interest. The wild coastal scenery in places being well worth looking at.
From The Age, June 28, 1913, (see here)
Arbor Day. Interesting Celebration. The Governor plants a tree.
About 1000 people gathered yesterday afternoon on the north bank of the Yarra, near Anderson street-bridge, and witnessed a very interesting Arbor day celebration. One hundred and thirty-eight young plants, which some day will be trees and will beautify the bank of the river, were put in their allotted positions. The State Governor, Sir John Fuller, was welcomed by Mr. J. Cameron, M.L.A., on behalf of the Australian Forest League, and by Mr. F. Tate, on behalf of the Education department. Among others present were Sir John Madden, Chief Justice; Mr. Hagelthorn, Minister of Public Works; Mr, D. V. Hennessy, Lord Mayor; Mr. Hannan, M.L.A.; Mr. C. Catani, and Mr. G. W. Cooper, curator of Alexandra-avenue. The first tree, a mahogany gum (Eucalyplus botryoides), was planted by the State Governor, who used a trowel. Sir John Fuller said he was delighted to be there that afternoon.
In November 1912, Carlo attended the opening of the Dargo Bush Nursing Hospital with Lady Fuller, the Governor's wife, you can read about this here.
Sir Ronald Craufurd Munro Ferguson (1860–1934)
Governor-General of Australia February 1914 until October 1920.
Sir Ronald Craufurd Munro Ferguson
State Library of South Australia image B 3861
From The Age, February 18, 1915, see here.
Beautifying the Yarra. Visit of Inspection. What the Governor-General and State Governor saw.
With a view to showing the Governor-General and State Governor what is being done to improve and beautify the Yarra banks, the State Government authorised a tour of inspection yesterday. A little after 11 a.m. Sir Ronald Ferguson, Sir Arthur Stanley, Mr. Victor Hood and representatives of the State Cabinet, in Mr. Hagelthorn and Mr. Membrey, left in motor cars for a run along the river banks. The Chief Engineer of Public Works (Mr. Catani) was also of the party and it fell to him to explain what was
being done, and to meet any possible criticisms or objections.
With a view to showing the Governor-General and State Governor what is being done to improve and beautify the Yarra banks, the State Government authorised a tour of inspection yesterday. A little after 11 a.m. Sir Ronald Ferguson, Sir Arthur Stanley, Mr. Victor Hood and representatives of the State Cabinet, in Mr. Hagelthorn and Mr. Membrey, left in motor cars for a run along the river banks. The Chief Engineer of Public Works (Mr. Catani) was also of the party and it fell to him to explain what was
being done, and to meet any possible criticisms or objections.
Sir Arthur Lyulph Stanley (1875-1931)
Governor of Victoria November 1913 to January 1920.
Sir Arthur Lyulph Stanley
Photographer: Johnstone, O'Shannessy & Falk.
State Library of Victoria Image H22
From The Herald April 9, 1915, (see here)
Dahlias attract Governor. Alexandra Gardens visited.
Sir Arthur Stanley, the Governor and Lady Stanley, guided by Mr C. Catani, Chief Engineer of the Public Works Department and Mr G. Cooper, curator, inspected the Alexandra Gardens this morning, and admired the fine show of dahlias. In honor of the visit Mr Cooper named a new seedling "Sir Arthur Stanley." Its parent is the yellow and purple Geisha, and its colors are yellow and claret, with petals tipped with sienna. A cactus dahlia has already been named after Lady Stanley.
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Sir Arthur Stanley, the Governor and Lady Stanley, guided by Mr C. Catani, Chief Engineer of the Public Works Department and Mr G. Cooper, curator, inspected the Alexandra Gardens this morning, and admired the fine show of dahlias. In honor of the visit Mr Cooper named a new seedling "Sir Arthur Stanley." Its parent is the yellow and purple Geisha, and its colors are yellow and claret, with petals tipped with sienna. A cactus dahlia has already been named after Lady Stanley.
The Alexandra Gardens were designed by Carlo and George Cooper and I have written about them here, here and here.
From Punch September 21, 1916, see here.
His Excellency the State Governor [Sir Arthur Stanley] on Saturday afternoon last, visited Edwardes Park, Preston, and planted some trees. His Excellency, who was attended by Capt. N. Conant, A.D.C., was received by the President and councillors of the Shire of Preston, and welcomed to the district. After partaking of afternoon tea, the Governor's health was proposed by the President, and duly honoured by those present. His Excellency inspected the park and the plans of the proposed improvements by Mr. Catani. Edwardes Park is formed of 36 acres of undulating land, presented by Mr. Edwardes, of Hyde Park, London. A creek runs through the land, and the Shire has purchased 10 acres to form a bank for the other side of the lake into which it is proposed to convert the present creek. On Saturday afternoon, despite the unpropitious weather, there was a large attendance of local residents.
You can read more about Edwardes Lake park, here.
In December 1914, Carlo attended the unveiling of the Captain Cook statue in St Kilda by Sir Arthur Stanley. You can read about this here.
Mr Digby Frank Denham (1859 – 1944)
Premier of Queensland February 1911 until May 1915
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Digby Frank Denham
State Library of Queensland image 68206
Mrs. Digby Denham, who returned to Brisbane on Saturday night, accompanied the Premier on his recent visit to the southern States. Mr and Mrs. Denham first visited Sydney, and thence went to Melbourne and Adelaide. At Adelaide, they were entertained at luncheon at Marble Hill by Sir Day and Lady Bosanquet, and in each State the Ministry extended every courtesy to the visiting Premier and his wife. 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. A week-end also was spent at Mount Macedon, where Mr. and Mrs. Denham were the guests of Mrs. Reid. During their holiday, the Premier and his wife, rode, drove, and walked, and have benefited greatly by the change.
Information about the Governors, the Governor-General and the Premier is from the Australian Dictionary of Biography - https://adb.anu.edu.au/
