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

Carlo Catani and the Caulfield Racecourse

The area occupied by the Caulfield Racecourse, operated by the Victorian Amateur Turf Club (VATC) (1), has been the subject of on-going disputes regarding public access to the land for well over 120 years. The land had been used for racing since 1859 (2) and that same year Trustees were appointed to the site, which had been set aside for racing and other purposes of public recreation.  

Trustees appointed to the Caulfield Racecourse, 1859.

Victoria Government Gazette April 5, 1859, p. 660.  https://gazette.slv.vic.gov.au/images/1859/V/general/50.pdf 

The multiple uses of this land were confirmed in 1879 when the land was permanently reserved from sale as a site for Racing, Recreation and Public Park Purposes.

Gazetting of the land for Racing, Recreation and a Public Park, 1879.

Victoria Government Gazette, p. 2185 https://gazette.slv.vic.gov.au/images/1879/V/general/86.pdf

This post is not a detailed history of the alienation of this public land by a private organisation but these three excerpts from the newspapers tell the story. 

From The Argus of January 18, 1906  - Caulfield Racecourse - Access for Public and Perambulators - 

Last night a number of residents of Glenhuntly waited on the Caulfield Council, and asked that a gateway, with a swing bar, be placed on the Caulfield racecourse, at the junction of Neerim-road and Queen's avenue, in order to give better access to the railway station, and also, that perambulators would be able to pass through. Mr Devine, who acted as spokesman to the deputation, said that the residents of Glenhuntly had no means of going into the racecourse with perambulators. They were told the racecourse was the property of the people, and yet they were not allowed to go through the gate.

Councillor Lloyd said that he and the mayor and Councillor Wood had waited on the committee of the V.A.T.C, and they had been informed by that body that under no consideration would they open the gate as requested by the deputation, as it was dangerous. The club pointed out it was a more direct route to the station along Queen's avenue than by the way proposed (3). 

A motion at the Council meeting that the VATC be asked to put a turnstile at the location, was carried,  however it was not unanimous as Councillor Lempriere said the V.A.T.C. had spent £43,000 on the course, and had the right to say that the racecourse should be conducted as they thought fit (4).  He apparently didn't understand the concept of public access to public land, or care about women taking their babies out for a walk. 

From The Age, November 4, 1911 -  The Caulfield Racecourse - Original Trust Conditions Evaded - Public Reserve Annexed - 

The revival of the movement to free Caulfield from the associations of the racecourse in that district has led to an investigation of the conditions under which the V.A.T.C. holds the park lands used by the club for racing. It has also led to a resuscitation of local organisations interested in the development of the district, and the transformation of its civic utilities and transit facilities on modern lines. The result of the investigation shows: - 1. That the V.A.T.C. has been permitted by the inertia of the Government and the negligence of certain local governing bodies to acquire a relationship to the Caulfield racecourse, recreation ground and public park which violates both letter and spirit of the Crown grant under which the land was set aside. 2. That were the conditions of the law complied with the V.A.T.C. would be compelled to leave the district, and spend some of its huge reserve funds in the acquisition of another racecourse elsewhere. The land at Caulfield now regarded by most people as the property of the V.A.T.C. committee does not belong to that body at all. It really belongs to the people, whose interests are supposed to be represented by a body of trustees, in whom the Crown has vested the control, subject to the right of the Executive Council to annul, modify or repeal any of those trustees acts........At that time [of the original agreement] the V.A.T.C. was not what it is to-day, and very little fear was entertained that the fifteen days' occupancy would within 23 years be converted into a pseudo-proprietorial interest, or that its influence on the Government of the day and the municipal institutions would be so powerful as to almost ignore the "public recreation ground and public park" character of the reserve (5).

From The Age, October 25, 1913 - Caulfield Racecourse - Serious Social Menace - Filching a Public Reserve -
The few individuals who have laid marauding hands on public property, who have deliberately filched a public recreation ground, have not only done a grave wrong to the district in monopolising public lands, but they have become a downright nuisance.

The article continues -  When the V.A.T.C. was established, over 40 years ago, it was an association of amateur sportsmen who held races, at which they ran their own horses, and rode, jumped, and raced with one another for amusement. The land at that time was thought to be a long way from the city, there was no railway, the scrubby area liable to floods had no particular value; nobody dreamed that the grant of a user of the ground to a small body of horsey enthusiasts would culminate in the creation of a racing proprietary, conducting not amateur races, but the ordinary game of swindling, roping, and sharping that has characterised the turf since the unlucky Charles I gave the first cup for competition on Newmarket Heath. After the "amateurs" had had the use of the land for some years - the public having free access to the place, for it had not been fenced in - the area was dedicated to the public in 1888 as "a racecourse" for fifteen days in the year, and as a "public recreation ground and public park" for the remainder of the year. The prime object of the reservation was to create a public park and recreation ground, portions of which could be used only on certain days by the Victoria Amateur Turf Club for racing purposes. At all other times the course was to be absolutely free to the public.

There is no need to point out how the powers of the V.A.T.C. have extended until they have established virtual ownership of a public recreation ground. Not withstanding the fifteen days as the limit of the club's occupancy, it fenced off a large area for lawn and stands, betting ring, bird cage and saddling paddock, and forbade the public to trespass on these illegally acquired reserves on pain of expulsion. The area so absorbed in defiance of the original grant is being constantly extended. Land is set apart for training tracks. While training is going on the public cannot use the training ground, which is necessarily an extensive territory. The club charges fees for training horses, and imposes regulations on jockeys and trainers using the course that would be considered harsh in the German army. Some of the oldest stagers of the Heath have been brought before the V.A.T.C. committee and fined for offences such as crossing the course on horseback during training hours. Fancy fining a member of the public for going on to public land! What kind of a public spirit is it that calmly yields to such treatment? What influences were at work that bulldozed local bodies and progress associations, and made them submissive tools of the V.A.T.C. in respect of action which under any Government jealous of public rights would have led to prosecution, and in England would have aroused one of those stirring and historic demonstrations against the local land grabber for the maintenance of the right of way. (6).

How does Carlo Catani fit into this story? In 1910, at the request of the Caulfield Council, the  Minister for Lands directed Carlo, who is an expert in designing parks and gardens (7), to report on the Caulfield Racecourse and the issue of public access. This is his report, as published in The Herald, March 17, 1910 - Caulfield Racecourse - Mr Catani's Report - Interesting Recommendations.

"Having examined the Caulfield racecourse and heard the requirements of the Caulfield Council, the trustees, and the residents, I am of the opinion that the reserve cannot be turned into a general recreation ground without impairing its efficiency as a racecourse. So many tracks are required for schooling horses, and the number of horses availing themselves of the reserve is so great, that practically the whole of the reserve is fully utilised, with the exception of the central portion, which includes the lake. This area is fairly large, and could be considerably improved, but owing to the impossibility of planting it with large, shady trees, or erecting thereon a roomy pavilion, the required summer shade will always be wanting, and the place cannot be made into a proper summer resort for the ratepayers. But if kept absolutely free from horse traffic, it would provide a very useful recreation ground for 10 months of the year. I think, however, that a good plantation of tree or a shelter shed, or both, could be provided at the southern end of the reserve. At the northern end the area in front of the public stand is fairly free from intrusion from horses, and could be availed of with a little improvement for the recreation of residents.

The improvements suggested are as follow: -
"(1) The deepening of the lake and the using of the excavated material to level the depressions formed by the promontories and mounds.
"(2) Facing in the margin of the lake with stone, forming little points, bluff, etc., so that the subsidence of the water within the lake in summer time would not mean a reduction of the area of the lake, etc.
"(3) Forming paths, draining, and gravelling them, the path round the lake being the main feature, and the area between the path and the rocks on the water's edge being covered with buffalo grass.
"(4) Formation of land for sports and gatherings.
"(5) Water supply for grass, and stand pipes for drinking taps for the public.
"(6) Formation of flowering beds; also plantation of flowering shrubs, so as to maintain a succession of blooms.

"The financial arrangement, at present arrived at, is that the club should supply the necessary funds for the improvements at the rate of L500 per annum for five years, and that the trustees should do the necessary works and keep them in order. It seemed, however, that it would be in the interests
of all parties to effect substantial improvements at once, so as to have the place made sightly and available for recreation purposes, and to this end I would suggest that the club be requested to advance at once L1125, and to pay in the future on the reduced contribution of L275 per annum. The total
would be the same at the end of five years. If the proposal were adopted I would suggest that the following be carried out at once:—
1. Deepening lake and filling depressions — L350.
2. Facing margin of lake with stone — L300.
3. Forming paths, gravelling, and planting buffalo grass— L250.
4. Forming and planting lawn — L75.
5. Water supply and seats— L100.
6. Clearing and planting south end — L50.
Total outlay — L1125. (8). 

In spite of these clear suggestions from Carlo the VATC decided they would rather spend £500 per annum for five years (9). In December 1911, the Trustees of the land wrote to the Caulfield Council  that it was proposed to carry out, as far as practicable, the scheme propounded by Mr. Catani to beautify the lake, and form the surrounding paths. In 1910, £390 6s 7d., had been expended on improvements, and in 1911, £359 19s 10d. (10).  However, four years later, in July 1914 it was reported that the trustees were endeavouring to carry out Carlo's scheme of improvements (11).  By then, of course, the project should have been nearly complete. The reality was that the VATC simply didn't care about improving public access and public amenities for the local people, even with pressure from community groups. In September 1914, for instance -
The Glenhuntly branch of the A.N.A. is strongly in accord with the motion carried on August 14 by the Caulfield City Progress Association regarding the encroachments on the rights of the public by the trustees of the Caulfield Recreation Reserve, Public Park and Racecourse, and further, the branch desires to support the request to the Minister of Lands asking for an increase in the number of trustees by the election of three public spirited citizens who reside in immediate vicinity of the reserve.(12)

In 1922, due to the demand  for greater public use of the racecourse, the Minister for Lands decided that 10 acres to be permanently reserved on the Neerim road side for use as a public park and gardens. The high fence at present enclosing this area will be removed and re-erected on a line to be defined by the Minister, adjoining the racecourse. The new outer fence adjoining the public road will be sufficient only to protect the hedges and ornamental shrubs (13). This is what is now called Glenhuntly Park (14). At the same time, another four acres was also set aside for recreation. The areas are both shown in the map below.

14 acres of the racecourse grounds were turned over to public use in 1922

The Argus, October 20, 1922 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/1849870

Fast forward 100 or so years and what has changed? A 2014 Auditor's General report which examined the effectiveness of the management of the reserve by the trustees found that conflicts of interest have not been adequately managed and preference has been afforded to racing interests with insufficient attention given to use of the reserve for recreational pursuits and as a public park (15). 

In April 2021, a glowing press release from Andrews Labor Government announced that they had launched a plan to transform the Caulfield Racecourse Reserve into a people-friendly community recreation space....Over the next 15 years the reserve will become an increasingly accessible and activated space, supporting diverse uses and events. Access into all reserve areas will be improved and parts of the reserve that currently are not accessible will be opened to the public (16). It appears that  progress still moves at a glacial pace when it comes to the public's right to access their own land on the Caulfield Racecourse site. Children who were just starting school in 2021, can look forward to better access to the Reserve in 2036, when they will be half way through University. 

Trove list - I have created a short list of articles on Carlo's report and public access issues to the Caulfield Racecourse. Access the list here.

Footnotes

(1) Now called the Melbourne Racing Club https://mrc.racing.com/our-club/history
(2) Murray, John R and Wells, John C From sand, swamp and heath...a history of Caulfield (City of Caulfield, 1980), p. 170.
(3) The Argus, January 18, 1906, see here.
(4) Ibid
(5) The Age, November 4, 1911, see here.

(6) The Age, October 25, 1913, see here.

(7) The Argus, March 18, 1910, see here. 

(8) The Herald, March 17, 1910, see here.

(9) Brighton Southern Cross, October 29, 1910, see here.

(10) Brighton Southern Cross, December 9, 1911, see here.

(11) Oakleigh and Caulfield Times, July 25, 1914, see here.

(12) Malvern Courier, September 4, 1914, see here.

(13) The Argus, October 20, 1922, see here. 

(14) For an update of what is happening around the area - City of Glen Eira Caulfield Major Activity Centre Structure Plan, September 2022. Chapter 3.4 Open Space, Public Realm and Landscape https://www.gleneira.vic.gov.au/media/files/Caulfield-Major-Activity-Centre-Structure-Plan.pdf

(15) Doyle, John  - Auditor's General report - Management and Oversight of the Caulfield Racecourse Reserve. Tabled: 17 September 2014, see here.  

(16) Press report - https://www.lilydambrosio.com.au/media-releases/ambitious-strategy-to-transform-caulfield-reserve/   

Carlo Catani meets John Wren

Carlo Catani, met many interesting people during his career at the Public Works Department, including John Wren. John Wren (1871-1953) described variously as a man of integrity or a man with a sleazy reputation; a man who was modest, charitable and concerned with freedom; and a man who observed 'the principles of commercial morality'. John Wren supported Conscription and in August 1915, he enlisted in the A.I.F at the age of 44; he was reported as saying that he regarded it as the duty of every able-bodied man, physically fit, to offer his services if he could do so (1). He also gave £500 to Albert Jacka, the first Australian to be awarded a Victoria Cross in the First World War. Wren was also a supporter of the Catholic Church and Irish Independence (2). Frank Hardy portrayed Wren as John West in his 1950 novel, Power Without Glory. 

This is the story of how Carlo met John Wren. On November 22, 1913 the Richmond Racecourse, owned by John Wren, played host to one of the first motor car racing programmes in Australia. As The Herald reported this new form of sport to Australians has attracted thousands upon thousands in America, on the Continent, and in England, where skill and daring on the part of the drivers have produced thrilling contests. So expert have those engaged on Saturday already proved themselves that stirring racing is assured to those who attend. (3). 

Advertisement for the motor car racing

The Argus, November 19, 1913 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/7281315

Thrills and excitement were promised however as The Age reported -

The danger of serious accidents in such motor car races as are to take place at Richmond racecourse on Saturday next has not escaped the attention of the Chief Secretary. Action is to be taken to minimise the danger, both to the competitors and to the spectators themselves. Yesterday Mr. Murray conferred with Mr. Sainsbury, Chief Commissioner of Police, and Mr. Catani, Chief Engineer for Public Works, with a view to determining what steps should be taken for the proper protection of the public. It was resolved that before permission should be given to conduct the races an inspection of the racecourse should be made by officers of the Public Works department, who should report to the Chief Secretary on the suitability or otherwise of the course for such an event, and the probabilities of danger to the spectators resulting from an accident to the cars. Mr. Catani and other officers will accordingly visit the racecourse to-day, and make a thorough inspection. (4).

What was the result of Mr Catani's inspection? The Herald tell us -

After a thorough Inspection by the officers of the Public Works Department the Richmond racecourse has been officially declared to be as safe and as fast as any track of its size in the world. The Chief Secretary had some doubts about the safety of the great crowd of spectators which is sure to assemble there on Saturday to watch the motor car racing, but Mr C. Catani, the Chief Engineer for Public Works, Mr M'Kenzie an expert officer of the department, and other officials, after seeing Rupert Jeffkins, the American champion, send his 120 h.p. car at world's record speed round the turns have reported favorably. More than that, Mr M'Kenzie timed Jeffkins to go at a 72-mile-an-hour speed skimming the inside rails with a precision that showed that the element of danger was very slight. (5). 

The Argus also reported in a similar manner on the course inspection - 

This was done yesterday morning when Mr C. Catani chief engineer for public works, Mr McKenzie an expert connected with the department and other officials watched Jeffkins the American champion drive his 120 h.p. car at a speed which Mr McKenzie timed as 25 seconds to the circuit. This was equal to 72 miles an hour. Jeffkins kept within a few feet of the inside rails on the turns and so satisfied the officials that they assured Mr Wren that there would not be any interference with the meeting, it being, acknowledged by the officers that a car travelling at a record speed for such a track left ample room for other cars to pace alongside without danger to the drivers of the spectators. (6).

Mr McKenzie would have been in his element at the safety trial. Duncan McKenzie was an Architect in the Public Works Department but was also one of the first men in Melbourne to own and drive a motor car, and he maintained an interest in motoring and cycling throughout his life (7). 

The races went ahead with a nineteen event programme, the headline attraction being between a three-heat match between the American, Rupert Jeffkins (8) and the Australian, Dug Campbell (9). The winner was to take home £1000.

Sadly, the day turned out to be a bit of  a fizzer, as The Argus reported -

Those who visited the Richmond racecourse on Saturday afternoon were disappointed at the display of motor racing, even though most of it was faster than that provided by the ponies. Those who went to see the racing in a state of half-pleasurable anticipation of an accident - and nearly every one of the 10,000 who attended regarded an accident as more than possible- were agreeably disappointed. Had the cars been driven at their top speed the sharp turn on the northern end of the track would have made accidents inevitable. Along the straight the heavily-engined cars were opened out, but the turns forced reduction in the speed. In one of the races, the visiting American driver, Jeffkins, declared that he had reached 68½ miles an hour, but the recorded time for the two miles was 3min. 1½sec., or a little under 40 miles an hour. The cars had no sooner got up speed in the straight than they had to slow down at the turn. Even nimble-footed ponies find it difficult to negotiate the turn at the northern end, and as the cars rounded this dangerous corner they threw up the cinders in showers against the outer fence as their back wheels skidded. (10).

Rupert Jeffkins, leading Dug Campbell at the Richmond racecourse

The Leader, November 29, 1913 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/198377664

In the battle between Jeffkins and Campbell - 

Then came the great event of the day, but by no means the best race, the match between R. Jeffkins and Campbell for £1,000 aside. Owing to a misunderstanding Jeffkins stopped, after leading Campbell for three laps, having mistaken the last lap flag for the winning signal. Campbell, who started at 2 to 1 against, completed the course and won.... The second heat of the match race between Jeffkins and Campbell was won by Jeffkins rather easily. Heavy rain then fell and the track was pretty well soaked, and at the suggestion of Inspector Britt and Mr. D.Mackenzie (of the Public Works department)

the final of the Jeffkins Campbell race was postponed. These gentlemen declared that the track, while safe enough for high speeds when dry, would be dangerous in the state in which the rain left it, and Mr J. Wren, after some demur, accepted their decision (11). 

Did Carlo attend the Motor Car racing at Richmond on November 22, 1913?  Given that his colleague, Duncan MacKenzie was present,  it is highly likely Carlo would also there, and possibly his sons, Enrico and Ettore, to witness the display of  nerve, pluck, skill, backed by mechanical power, expert construction and speed (12). 

Trove list - a very short list of articles, relating to the motor car race, held November 22, 1913, and the role of Carlo Catani in inspecting the course, can be accessed here.

Footnotes

(1) Weekly Times, August 14, 1915, see here.

(2) Australian Dictionary of Biography entry by James Griffin 

https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/wren-john-9198 

(3) The Herald, November 19, 1913, see here.

(4) The Age, November 18, 1913, see here.

(5) The Herald, November 19, 1913, see here.

(6) The Argus, November 19, 1913, see here.

(7) The Age, April 16, 1938, see here.

(8) Rupert Jeffkins - photo and a  list of his achievements The Herald, November 19, 1913, see here.

(9) Dug Campbell  - short biography - Table Talk, November 20, 1913, see here.

(10) The Argus, November 24, 1913, see here.

(11) Ibid

(12) The Argus, November 19, 1913, see here.

Bridge at Gilbert's Ford, Middle Creek, Yinnar

Carlo Catani was involved with the construction of many bridges in the State and he had a small role in the eventual building of a bridge across Middle Creek at Gilbert's Ford in Yinnar, in Gippsland. 

The community had been agitating for this bridge for some time as the ford was dangerous. In 1898 the Morwell Council had applied for money for the bridge but had been unsuccessful (1). 

A report in the Morwell Advertiser in August 1899 noted the danger the ford presented -
On Tuesday evening, last week, Mr. J. Cahill, of Jumbuck, and a man who was working for him, narrowly escaped being drowned. It appears they were returning from work both mounted on a heavy draught horse. All went well till they reached Gilbert's Ford across Middle Creek, which, in consequence of the recent heavy rains, was running a banker. At one side of the ford a large log is lying in the creek and the force of the water running underneath has excavated a large hole, and whilst crossing the ford the horse Cahill and his man were riding, fell into the hole and threw both men over the log into the current. Cahill, with much difficulty, managed to reach the bank in an exhausted state, after being carried down the stream about three chains. His man, however, was carried about eight 
chains down, and just when he thought it was "all up," or rather "all down" with him, he managed to lay hold of some support and eventually reached the bank in safety, but exhausted and bruised. This is the same spot where Mr. W. Tulloch met with an accident about two years ago, when his horse and hearse were stranded in the creek, the former being drowned whilst the latter remained under water for two days. Other accidents have also occurred at the same place, and it is quite evident a bridge is urgently required to replace the ford, which is very dangerous, and most unsafe for crossing when the creek is high, and it is to be hoped the local shire council will consider the matter at an early date and get their engineer to report on the matter before any lives are lost (2).

In July 1900, it was reported that for some time past the local council have been endeavouring to impress upon the Public Works Department the urgent necessity of having a bridge erected at Gilbert's ford, and other necessary work carried out immediately, and brought such pressure to bear, that Messrs Catani, engineer for Public Works, and Reed, Surveyor-General, visited Morwell yesterday (3). 

Morwell, c. 1890 - it would have looked much the same when Carlo visited in July 1900

Photographer: W.H. Ferguson. State Library of Victoria Image H85.162/2

The Morwell Advertiser reported on this visit of Carlo and Joseph Reed, and started with a description of Gilbert's Ford -
"Gilbert's ford" is becoming quite famous, and if its whole history was written it would certainly be interesting as well as exciting, and if a verbatim report of what Mr. Bryson and others have said regarding it was included, its history would be most thrilling. This ford, known as Gilbert's, is one across Middle Creek, between Messrs Walker's and Bryson's properties, and directly in front of Mr A. Gilbert's gate, about ten miles from Morwell, and five from Yinnar. When the creek is in a normal state the water at the ford is about half a chain in width and shallow, but being at the foot of a range of hills the water comes down in a body after heavy rain, and in the space of an hour or two the water will rise from a depth of 18 inches to nearly as many feet, making it quite impassable for traffic, and in consequence suppliers to the Middle Creek creamery have been unable to deliver their milk for several days, being completely cut  off.

The report continues -
The matter was repeatedly brought under the notice of the local shire council who recognised that a bridge was necessary. Steps were taken to have the work placed among the first and most urgent works so be carried out under the Special Grant, but for some reason or other the Public Works department "wiped it out." The people interested were naturally much disappointed whilst the council were indignant and eventually brought such pressure to bear that Mr. Catani, engineer for public works and Mr. Reid, Surveyor-general, visited Morwell on Thursday last week, and in company with the council, were driven out to the ford in P. Dunbar's drag (4). 

Because this is a blog devoted to Carlo, I will reproduce some more of the report, which mentions him by name, even though it is not strictly relevant to this story - 

Messrs Catani and Reid arrived by the mid-day train, and at 1 o'clock a start was made for the ford. The route taken was along the ridge to the Hazelwood Cemetery, where a road to the left leading to Billy's Creek was taken. The visitors were so taken up with maps, plans, etc, that they did not notice the scenery whilst travelling along the ridge. They, however, "pricked up their ears" when they reached Mac's flats. The road between Macmillans' properties is in a bad state and Mr. Catani remarked that poor land made the best roads. They then began to admire the flats and made several inquiries as to what would be a fair rental. Someone mentioned there was a rumor that the flats were to be cut up into small holdings and the land would be worth something between 10s and £1 per acre, Mr. Catani referred to rents that were paid in the Western district, and thought anything under £1 would not be out of the way. One councillor remarked that he was getting 12/9 an acre rent for similar land. 

Mr. Catani drew attention to the fact that the banks of the creek were higher than the land a couple of chain away. This was accounted for by the wash in flood time remaining on the bank, and a councillor stated that by putting sand-bags in the creek, the whole of the adjacent flats could be irrigated. Soon after, a farm house was passed, and Mr. Catani said "I'll bet you that is a rented place, you can always tell them. Buildings are allowed to go to wreck and other matters neglected." A councillor said Mr. Catani was correct, and that the place was let (5).

When the party arrived at the ford - Mr. Catani was not long in "grasping the situation," and as soon as he saw the place said "you shall have a bridge here," and then pointed out the spot where the bridge should be placed. Of course this satisfied the council, and Mr. Gilbert's satisfaction was likewise expressed upon his face (6). The party then continued on to Yinnar  for other inspections and then Carlo and Mr Reed boarded the train at Yinnar, which took them to Morwell, from where they returned to Melbourne, 

You would think the recommendation for the bridge by Carlo, Chief Engineer of the Public Works Department, would be enough for the work to be funded and started immediately, however in October 1899, members of the community had to bring the matter up with the Council again and it was reported that Messrs A. Gilbert, Bryson, Heesom and Walker waited on the council in connection with having a bridge erected across Middle Creek, at the place known as Gilbert's Ford (7). 

Or as the Morwell Advertiser reported the summer came and went and so did winter, during which the same old trouble had to be faced by the residents. When the last allocation was applied for it was placed on the list as one of the most urgent, but the recommendation of the council was simply ignored and when the list was returned "Gilbert's bridge" was not among the works to be carried out (8). 

In October 1901 a deputation from the Morwell Shire met with the Minister for Public Works and they represented the case in such an able and forcible manner that, we are glad to learn, it had the desired effect, and money has now been set aside for the erection of bridge referred to (9). The money became available in early 1902 (10). 

Middle Creek in flood, June 11, 1909. Photographer: Martin Walker.

Image: Gippsland and Regional Studies Collection, Federation University

http://researchonline.federation.edu.au/vital/access/HandleResolver/1959.17/80866

A tender was advertised in February that year for a Timber Pile Bridge at Gilbert's, Middle Creek. It was re-advertised  in March (11) and the bridge was built, but I have no information about when it was constructed.  

Sadly, in June 1909 in the worst floods in 16 years, four bridges on Middle Creek, including the one at Gilbert's Ford was washed away (12). The community not only lost their bridges but the old ford, used before the bridge was erected, is covered with debris, and the Messrs Gilbert Bros., and others on the same side have to go by way of Whitelaw's Track to reach Yinnar (13). The ford was eventually cleared, but it does not appear that the road bridge was rebuilt.  

Debris in Middle Creek after the June 1909 flood. Photographer: Martin Walker.

Image: Gippsland and Regional Studies Collection, Federation University

http://researchonline.federation.edu.au/vital/access/HandleResolver/1959.17/80745

However, in 1917 the Morwell Shire Engineer prepared specifications, etc.for a timber foot bridge over the Middle Creek, near Gilbert's Ford (14). Fifteen years later, in November 1932, the Council moved a motion that an application be made to the Country Roads Board for  a grant for a bridge with concrete piers and timber top  to be erected at the ford (15); in March 1934, a motion at a Council meeting was moved to ask the Country Roads Board to inspect the proposed bridge site across Middle Creek now known as Gilbert's ford (16). 

A year later, in  March 1935, the Council received a letter from James Gamble and A. C. Gilbert asking for a bridge at the Middle Creek Ford owing to danger and inconvenience, also asking for repairs to footbridge (17).  This was referred to Country Roads Board (CRB) and they responding promising an inspection of Gilbert's Ford. The visit was reported in May 1935 and the visit produced the good news that they [the CRB] were prepared to allocate portion of the money for a bridge, provided the Council and the settlers contribute portion of the cost (18). In the June the CRB approved the plans and specifications for the bridge and gave the Council permission to commence the works (19). 

Again  I have no information as to when the bridge was opened, but the local residents must have been overjoyed to once again have a bridge at Gilbert's Ford. There is a small reserve near the bridge, originally called Yinnar South Reserve, but now known as Martin Walker Reserve. Martin Walker was a farmer at Yinnar South and a Morwell Shire Councillor for many years from 1924 until the 1970s. He died in 1977, aged 85.  He was also a photographer and some of his photographs are at the State Library and some at the Gippsland and Regional Studies collection at Federation University at Churchill. Two are shown in this post. (20). 

Acknowledgment - The photographs by Martin Walker in this post were found on the Gippsland History Facebook page, see here, posted by the Friends of the Gippsland and Regional Studies Collection Facebook group, see here. The information on Martin Walker was also from the Gippsland History Facebook page, see footnote 20. 

Trove list - I have created a list of newspaper articles on the bridge at Gilbert's Ford, access it here. 

Footnotes 

(1) Morwell Advertiser, January 10, 1902, see here. 

(2) Morwell Advertiser, August 25, 1899, see here. 

(3) Morwell Advertiser, July 27, 1900, see here.

(4) Morwell Advertiser, August 3, 1900, see here.

(5) Ibid

(6) Ibid

(7) Morwell Advertiser, October 13, 1899, see here. 

(8) Morwell Advertiser, January 10, 1902, see here. 

(9) Ibid

(10) Ibid

(11) Morwell Advertiser, February 14, 1902, see here;  Morwell Advertiser, March 21, 1902, see here. 

(12) Morwell Advertiser, June 18, 1909, see here. 

(13) Ibid

(14) Gippsland and Mirboo Times, April 5, 1917, see here. 

(15) Morwell Advertiser, November 17, 1932, see here. 

(16) Morwell Advertiser, March 22, 1934, see here.

(17) Morwell Advertiser, March 21, 1935, see here. 

(18) Morwell Advertiser, May 23, 1935, see here. 

(19) Morwell Advertiser, June 20, 1935, see here.

(20) Information on Martin Walker from a post on the Gippsland History Facebook site, by Helen Martin, posted April 14, 2020. 

Carlo displays an ignorance of the value of Red Gums

The Age newspaper reported on June 22, 1899 that the Forest Commission met yesterday morning for the purpose of taking evidence upon several matters recently brought under consideration.  At this meeting -
Mr. Carlo Catani, Engineer of Roads and Bridges, in the Public Works department, was examined concerning the work of constructing levees, which is being carried out on the banks, of the Goulburn River. The work now in progress, he said, extended 40 miles along one side of the river, and would cost about £5000. The work would greatly enhance the value of land in the vicinity, as it would protect it from floods. He admitted that there was a probability that a forest of red gums  - a tree that requires periodical inundation to live -  would be destroyed, but did not think that in any case the timber there was particularly valuable. Red gum timber was but little used for building bridges, although useful for sleepers and paving blocks.

The Chairman: What puzzles us is why the public first should he called upon for £38,000 to improve private owners' property.

Mr. Catani said that there were at least 20,000 acres of land which, at present, would not fetch £1 an acre, even if 20 years were given in which to pay. it. After the completion of the levees the land could be sold for £3 per acre. A written offer had been made some two years ago to buy the whole of the land protected by the Cobram levee at £2 10/ per acre. The work was to be carried out by workmen recruited from the ranks of the unemployed. The unemployed had become quite an institution.

Mr. Ham: Yes; a Government Institution.

Mr. Catani: Well, every year £5000 or £6,000 has to be spent as a sop to the unemployed. (Laughter.) This work was intended to relieve the hard times of these people.

It was decided that the commission should pay a visit of inspection to the works as soon as the necessary arrangements could be made.

Red Gums, Dandenong, pre 1954, some of the many red gums growing 

south of the Dividing Range (see letter below) 

Photographer: Archibald G. Campbell (1880-1954). Coloured lantern slide. 

Museums Victoria https://collections.museumsvictoria.com.au/items/1449231

This was the end of the matter for Carlo on that day at the Forestry Commission meeting. However, a reader of The Age report took umbrage at  Carlo's comments on red gums and wrote a letter to the Editor of that paper, which they published under the heading of - Is it ignorance or what?

Sir, -  Mr. Catani, engineer of roads, &c., is reported in your issue of this morning as having stated before the Forest Commission "That the red gum is a tree that requires periodical inundation to live." This statement is so contrary to the fact that, coming from such a quarter, it needs contradiction. The truth is that south of the Dividing Range scarcely any red gum grows subject to the conditions referred to, and the large supplies used in Melbourne and suburbs are mainly drawn from forests absolutely incapable of being inundated. He further implies that the timber referred to is not of great value, yet what a different tale the timber merchants of Melbourne tell. I should not have referred to the matter but the ignorance displayed in certain quarters about our native timber is lamentable, and doubtless accounts for the ruthless destruction which is constantly going on of our most valuable native trees.  Yours. &c.,  RED GUM. 22nd June.

A rare public rebuke to Carlo.

Sources
The Age, June 22, 1899, see here.
The Age, June 24, 1899, see here

Carlo and the bridge over the Glenelg River at Casterton

In October 1897, The Argus reported that

Application having been made by the Glenelg Shire Council to the Public Works department for a subsidy towards the erection of a new bridge over the Glenelg at Casterton, Mr Catani, chief engineer to the department, inspected the bridge on Tuesday morning, in company with the president and engineer of the Glenelg shire. The traffic over the bridge is of intercolonial importance. The old bridge has been condemned for heavy traffic for some time past. The estimated cost of a new bridge is about £1800. (1). 

The next day The Age also reported on the matter - 
Mr. Catani, engineer of roads and bridges connected with the Public Works department, visited Casterton to-day for the purpose of making an official inspection of the bridge over the Glenelg which it is proposed to replace this season by a new structure. Plans recently prepared by the shire engineer were submitted to Mr. Catani, who seemed impressed with the urgent need for the work. The patching up of the old bridge has been going on for years, and for some time past it has been regarded as so insecure that notice boards have been posted on each end warning carriers against crossing with loads exceeding four tons. (2). 

At the Glenelg Shire Council meeting of November 19, 1897, the motion was passed to call for tenders for the new bridge (3) and at the December meeting it was reported that five tenders were received...and that of Burgess and Sons, of Digby, £1135, was accepted (4). 

A month later in January 1898 the Shire Engineer, William Henry Scott (5) reported to the Council meeting that -
A consignment of piles for the new bridge at Casterton had been delivered, and it was expected that work would be commenced within about 10 days (6). The Age noted that on February 14,  the first pile of the new bridge over the Glenelg River at Casterton was driven today by the contractors, Messrs. Burgess and Sons. (7).

In mid-April, the Hamilton Spectator, had this update the contractor for the new bridge over the Glenelg is making fair progress, but is hampered by the difficultly of obtaining the necessary teams to deliver the big timber. The long drought has helped them considerably, and the hope to have the heaviest portion of the work completed before the river begins to run (8).

The bridge was completed towards the end of June and officially opened on July 7, 1898 by the wife of the Shire Engineer, Mrs Scott and after the opening ceremony the President will entertain his colleagues and the contractors at a dinner at Mrs. Schofields hotel (9). The Weekly Times reported that a public demonstration was held to celebrate the event (10), by which I presume they mean a celebration and not a protest.

The Casteron Bridge, the plans of which had been approved by Carlo Catani.

The building is the Bridge Inn, there is more about this hotel, below.

Photographer: Rose Stereographic Co. State Library of Victoria Image H32492/2820

In 1918, the bridge was twenty years old and it was re-decked -
The work of re-decking the bridge over the Glenelg at Casterton, which had been in progress for about five weeks, was completed yesterday. The re-decking of the bridge involved the taking up of 2,000 feet of old timber, and replacing it with a like quantity of now stringy bark planks 8in. x 4½in., and the work of removal and replacing was necessarily delayed through it being carried on with-out interruption of traffic over the bridge, which on the contrary frequently interrupted the re-decking operations. An excellent job has been made, by the men engaged, with Mr J. Davis as foreman, acting under supervision of the Shire Engineer (Mr F. A. Wilson), and it is gratifying to learn that it was found in connection with the re-decking work, that the beams, piles, and other wood-work of the main structure were thoroughly sound, and apparently in as good condition as when the bridge was erected nearly 20 years ago, under, direction of a former Shire Engineer, Mr W. H. Scott. The new deck provides smooth going for traffic, and it is expected that it will, like its predecessor, stand for about 20 year's wear. The cost has not yet been fully computed, but is expected to be below the Engineer's estimate.(11).

This was the third bridge over the Gleneng River at Casterton - the first one was a low-level structure, known as Kirby's bridge, built in the 1850s. The second bridge was built in 1867, a high-level bridge down stream from Kirby's Bridge. The 1898 bridge was replaced in1937 by a concrete bridge, opened by the Governor of Victoria, Lord Huntingford, on December 2, 1937. On the same day, Lady Huntingfield opened the remodelled Hospital at Casterton (12).

On a side note - the photograph, above, shows Mohr's Bridge Inn. Samuel and Myrtle Isabel Mohr are both listed in the Electoral rolls at Casterton as hotelkeepers from 1914 until 1919. In October 1919, the Bridge Inn closed as it had been deprived of its license at a Licences Reduction Board hearing, because it was considered not necessary for the convenience of the public or the requirements of the locality (13).  The owner was compensated £735 and the licensee £150. The building was reported to have been sold for removal (14). As a matter of interest the Hamilton Spectator reported in July 1898 - The will of James Doyle, late of Carapook, farmer, has been filed. The estate is valued at £8641, which is left to the widow for life, and to be distributed amongst the children subsequently. There is a special clause in the will instructing his executors to sell his property, the Bridge Inn at Casterton, as he did not wish any of his children to engage in the trade of a publican (15). 

And so ends the story of the only connection I can find between Carlo and the town of Casterton.

Trove list - I have created a list of articles on the 1897 bridge at Casterton and the Bridge Inn, access it here. 

Footnotes
(1) The Argus, October 20, 1897, see here.

(2) The Age, October 21, 1897, see here.

(3) Hamilton Spectator, November 20, 1897, see here.

(4) The Age, December 17, 1897, see here.

(5) William Henry Scott, Glenelg Shire Engineer from March 1892 until June 1909.  His wife, who officially opened the bridge was Marion Louisa Balfour Scott (nee Wilson). After leaving Casterton they moved to Gisborne Street in Elsternwick. William died August 14, 1919 aged 80 and Marion died October 20, 1924 aged 82.They are buried at Brighton Cemetery. 

Information about his service at the Glenelg Shire from Shire of Glenelg Centenary 1863-1963:One hundred years of progress (Glenelg Shire, 1963)

(6) Hamilton Spectator, January 20, 1898, see here.

(7) The Age, February 15, 1898, see here.

(8) Hamilton Spectator, April 19, 1898, see here.

(9) Hamilton Spectator, June 30, 1898, see here.

(10) Weekly Times, July 16, 1898, see here.

(11) Casteron News, January 17, 1918, see here.

(12) Information of the earlier bridges is from  Shire of Glenelg Centenary 1863-1963:One hundred years of progress (Glenelg Shire, 1963), p. 19.

Report of the opening of the 1937 and the visit of Lord and Lady Huntingfield to Casterton is from The Argus, December 3, 1937, see here.

(13) The Age, March 18, 1919, see here. 

(14) The Age, October 2, 1919, see here.

(15) Hamilton Spectator, July 12, 1898, see here.

Catani Memorial Clock Tower in photographs

The Memorial Clock Tower to Carlo Catani was unveiled on August 22, 1932  and it had become a landmark in St Kilda and the subject of many photographs and postcards, some of which you can see here. For a history of the Clock Tower and an account of the unveiling, see here.

Many of these images are Rose Stereographic Co. images, and date from the 1930s to the 1960s.

At the foot of the clocktower was a bust of Carlo, by Paul Mountford, and this is the only historic photograph, I have found of it. 

In Honor of Carlo Catani. St. Kilda, Upper Esplanade, Base of Clock Tower.

Melbourne Harbour Trust Commissioners, 

Public Records Office of Victoria VPRS 8357/P0001/61, Photograph [037]

Catani Clock Tower, St Kilda.

Photographer: Rose Stereograph Co. State Library of Victoria Image H32492/4600

Catani Memorial Clock Tower and Esplanade, St Kilda.

Photographer: Valentine Publishing. State Library of Victoria Image H32492/8945

St Kilda Esplanade, 1950. Photographer: Mark Strizic.

State Library of Victoria Image H2008.11/2162

The Gardens and Esplanade, St Kilda.

Photographer: Rose Stereograph Co. State Library of Victoria Image H32492/6786

The Catani Clock Tower, St Kilda

Photographer: Rose Stereograph Co. State Library of Victoria Image H32492/5664

The Beach, near Baths, St Kilda. 

Love the bikes, this looks like the 1960s. 

Photographer: Rose Stereograph Co. State Library of Victoria Image  H32492/6941

Crowds on the Beach, St Kilda.
Photographer: Rose Stereograph Co. State Library of Victoria Image  H32492/4913

Crowds on the Beach, St Kilda, same name as above.
Photographer: Rose Stereograph Co. State Library of Victoria Image  H32492/3404

A view on the Beach, St Kilda
Photographer: Rose Stereograph Co. State Library of Victoria Image  H32492/6780

The Beach and the Baths, St Kilda.

An almost identical view to the postcard, above.

Photographer: Rose Stereograph Co. State Library of Victoria Image  H32492/5591

The Lower Esplanade, St Kilda

Photographer: Rose Stereograph Co. State Library of Victoria Image H32492/3635

Lower Esplanade and Lawns, St Kilda

Photographer: Rose Stereograph Co. State Library of Victoria Image H32492/8166

Upper and Lower Esplanade from St Kilda Yacht Club

Photographer: Rose Stereograph Co. State Library of Victoria Image H32492/2936

The Upper and Lower Esplanades St Kilda. 

Taken from the St Kilda Yacht Club, like the one above.

Photographer: Rose Stereograph Co. State Library of Victoria Image H32492/8168

View from the Pier, St Kilda

Photographer: Rose Stereograph Co. State Library of Victoria Image H32492/6783

The Beach and Catani Clock, St Kilda. 

An almost identical view as the above.

Photographer: Rose Stereograph Co. State Library of Victoria Image H32492/8945

The Beach, St Kilda. 

Another view from the Pier.

Photographer: Rose Stereograph Co. State Library of Victoria Image H32492/8208