Sunday, March 24, 2024

Carlo renders invaluable service during the Yarroweyah flood

The Murray River flooded in July 1905 and Carlo arrived to investigate the strength of the levee bank which was protecting the surrounding countryside around Yarroweyah (also spelt Yarroweya). Yarroweyah was a small town - a school was established in October 1881 in the Wesleyan Church;  a purpose-built school being opened in 1884. This school was destroyed by fire in August 1912,  and in 1915 a 'new' building arrived from Strathmerton. (1)  A railway station opened in October 1888, part of the Numurkah to Cobram line (2) and the public hall opened in 1901 (3). 

Before we look at the 1905 flood, Carlo had provided his professional advice to the town before on transport routes, both road and rail; and on the levee bank, which had been designed by Carlo and constructed in 1895 (4).

1895 August
Tocumwal, Aug 12 -  The first two loads of Tuppal wool crossed here on Saturday, consigned to Melbourne. The road between here and Yarroweyah being in a bad state, the Victorian Government, in view of the large increase in the the wool carriage from that station, have sent up Mr Catani of the Public Works department, who is forming an estimate of the cost of construction of a road between this town and Yarroweyah. (The Argus, August 13, 1895, see here)

1896 March
The new road to Tocumwal is fast approaching completion, and the work so far as it is done reflects the highest credit on the overseer, Mr J.H. Lawlor. It is expected that the Minister of Public Works, in company with Mr Davidson or Mr Catani, will visit the works in a week or so (Cobram Courier, March 12, 1896, see here)

1897 June
The Government is still proceeding with repairs on the Tocumwal road during the past week. Mr. C. Catani, C.E., the Public Works officer in charge of roads, bridges, etc., together with Mr. Dewer, C.E., visited the district, bringing with them an expert to teach the men how to burn "clay-clinkers" for the road. Mr. Catani expects to put it on the road at a cost of 4s. per yard, and that the production will be equal to blue metal. He thinks the local shire councils should benefit by the experiment. (Numurkah Leader, June 3, 1897, see here)

1897 December
Works at Cobram - The Minister of Public Works, Mr Taverner, accompanied by Messrs Graham and Kennedy, M's L.A., Messrs Davidson, Inspector-General, and Catani, Engineer-in-Chief, and Mr J. L. Dow, of the " Leader," left Numurkah on Friday morning last for Tocumwal. On the way an inspection was made of the road constructed by the Government between Yarroweyah and Tocumwal. The party was entertained at luncheon by the Tocumwal residents. Reference was made to the roadway and the railway. The opinion was expressed that a railway to Tocumwal would be preferable to a road. (Berrigan Advocate, December 3, 1897, see here)

1897 December
Since the time of the Melbourne to Cobram railway construction a levee or low earthen bank, seldom exceeding 3 feet in height, has been built along the Victorian bank of the Murray for about 14 miles, which has converted a former useless morass into one of the most fertile agricultural areas of the colony. This work, the designing and carrying out of which Mr. Davidson the inspector General of Public Works, credits to one of his officers, Mr. Catani, cost altogether under £2000, and has reclaimed upwards of 10,000 on acres which this year has been grown some of the finest wheat crops of the Goulburn Valley. (The Leader, December 18, 1897, see here)

1899 May
In May 1899 a public meeting was held in Yarroweyah to take into consideration what steps were necessary to urge on the coming session of Parliament the construction of the line of railway from Strathmerton to Tocumwal.  There were two routes suggested  - one from Yarroweyah and the other from Strathmerton and one of the issues raised was that the Railways Engineering Branch had given an adverse report regarding the construction of the line; however Mr. W. Davidson, Inspector-General of Public Works, and Mr. Catani, engineer, had both said they would pledge their reputation that the levee would keep the water back, and it was therefore made plain that expensive earthworks were not necessary, thus entirely sweeping away the great expense that had been considered necessary, and was such a bar to the construction of the railway. Two members of the Public Works Committee had inspected the route, and they could not see anything to support the adverse report of the engineering department. (Numurkah Leader, May 19, 1899,  see here) In the end, the line to Tocumwal came from Strathmerton, not Yarroweyah, and was completely opened in July 1908 (5)

1899 August
Yarroweyah - The usual monthly meeting of the Progress Association was held on Saturday, Vice-President J. M. Breen presiding. It was decided to ask Mr Catani to examine the embankment along the Murray and have everything in readiness for a probable flood. The department is also to be asked to go on with the work of repairing the Tocumwal road, so as to be prepared for the wool traffic.  (Cobram Courier, August 17, 1899, see here) 


Victorian Railways map of Victoria, 1936, showing Yarroweyah, on the Numurkah to Cobram line and the Strathmerton to Tocumwal line (Tocumwal is on the New South Wales side of the Murray River)


In July 1905, Carlo returned to Yarroweyah.
The Levee Bank, Water reaches the Top.
Yarroweyah, Wednesday - The residents fifteen miles south of the Murray have been threatened by the river overflowing the levee between Tocumwal and Cobram, which in places is nearly 10 feet high. Mr. Catani, Chief Engineer of the Public Works department, arrived from Melbourne on Sunday last, and immediately put men on to guard the levee. The river rose on Sunday night some 4 feet. This rise was increased by the obstruction to the natural flow of the Murray by the Strathmerton-Tocumwal railway. On Monday about 100 persons interested, some of them coming from a distance of fifteen miles, set to work and strengthened the bank. It was thought at 4 a.m. on Tuesday that their efforts would be vain, as the river had then reached the top of the levee bank, but at this stage the turn came, and the water is now slowly receding. The Murray at this part is about two miles wide. Owing to the slow fall of the river, the levee is being guarded night and day. Should a break occur there will be thousands of acres washed away and many families will be rendered homeless. The Tocumwal railway is several feet under water between the levee and the river, and outside the levee at the Dairy Creek the ballast has been washed away. The river will in all probability, keep up until the snow water comes down in  September or October. A petition is being prepared for presentation to the Minister of Public Works, asking for the first section of the levee to be immediately strengthened. Mr. Catani returned to Melbourne to-day, leaving Mr. Connor, inspector of Works, in charge. (The Age, July 20, 1905, see here)


Murray River flood just breaking through the Yarroweyah Road. Photographer: S.T. Ellis.


Flood Damage 
Mr. Catani, engineer of the Public Works department writes: "The water rose over 19ft. at Tocumwal a greater height than the flood of 1870, there was some damage done. At Tocumwal the railway station yard was 2ft. deep in flood waters, and several temporary culverts were washed away along the line, the lowest part of which is below flood level. The volume of water was not so great as in 1870, but the level was raised higher, owing to its being confined by the levee banks, as well as by the raised road to Tocumwal and the railway. There are two extensive breaks in the raised roadway from the bridge, each about a chain wide. As soon as the water drains off the flats traffic can be resumed on one or other of the old tracks to Strathmerton. Traffic has been resumed over the Tuppal Creek channel, on the main road to Deniliquin, via Belubla and Tuppal stations. Although the water is 3ft deep in places, the metal road is sound underneath." (The Australasian, July 29, 1905, see here)


Breaks in the Tocumwal Railway Embankment in the 1905 flood


In August 1905, Carlo was commended for his sterling work in Yarroweyah. 
The Murray Waterway. Obstructions on the New South Wales bank
Yarroweyah, Wednesday - The credit of preventing the flood waters of the Murray from breaking through the levee banks during the recent rise is largely due to Mr. Catani, engineer of the Public Works department, assisted by a number of laborers and farmers, the latter volunteering their services. A meeting of the landowners and business men was convened here to-day, when there was a large attendance. The following resolutions were carried unanimously: - That in the opinion of this meeting the block to the natural flow of the flood waters at Tocumwal is caused by the New South Wales levee, the high level public road and the railway across the waterway near the same place, which have rendered the first section of the levee insufficient, and not the weakening of the banks by rabbits, as alleged. (The Age, August 3, 1905, see here)

Rural Topics
Reports received by the Public Works department indicate that there is further danger of floods in the Murray at Yarroweyah. Mr. Catani, engineer of the department, who rendered invaluable services a few weeks ago in preventing damage, again volunteered for duty and on Saturday last left for Yarroweyah. The Minister for Public Works (Mr. Cameron) has received from the inspector-general of Public Works (Mr. Davidson) a report, in which Mr. Catani's efforts on the previous occasion are warmly commended. Mr. Davidson in his report says that it was entirely due to Mr. Catani's efforts that a great disaster had not befallen the land-owners near the Murray levee. For 64 hours continuously Mr. Catani worked unceasingly, and he left the scene only when he was assured that his services were no longer required. Mr. Cameron has expressed high appreciation of Mr. Catani's self-sacrifice and zeal.   (The Australasian,  August 12, 1905, see here)

Carlo back in Yarroweyah in 1906
Yarroweyah was impacted by floods the following year as well and once again Carlo was on the spot and rescued Mrs Hart and her three children from their property at Koonoomoo, just north of Yarroweyah, and you can read about the rescue, here.

River still rising at Yarroweyah. Water flowing over the levee. Extensive damage.
Yarroweyah, Tuesday - The river has risen, so high as to completely flow over the levee in all directions. The settlers on the reclaimed land had a trying time all day removing their families to dry land. Mr. Catani, of the Public Works department, arrived here today, and found it impossible to attempt to do anything to the levee, as the river is still rising, and the Strathmerton railway and the raised road obstruct the waterway. Thousands of acres of crops are now lost, besides pigs, fowls and calves that were left behind. The residents on dry land have thrown their homes open for those whose houses have been flooded. (The Age, October 10, 1906, see here)

Railway Washed away. 
Yarroweyah, Wednesday - The river to-day is reported to be stationary, but the flood waters are creeping through fresh paddocks hourly and are now within a mile and a half from the town. Mr. Catani was out all day, but could not get near the levee hank. It is not yet known how much of the levee is swept away. He is forming a gang from the settlers to try and stop the breaches at the first possible opportunity. The Strathmerton to Tocumwal railway line has been washed away in many places south of the levee bank, which will relieve the pressure of water at the Koonoomoo settlement. Mr. Kermode, engineer from the Public Works department, has arrived to assist Mr. Catani. (The Age, October 11, 1906, see here)

Damage at Yarroweyah
Yarroweyah, Thursday - The river is still pouring through the levee on to the reclaimed area, but the Strathmerton to Tocumwal railway, which offered an obstruction to the course of the water, has been washed away. Mr Cope, whose property adjoins the Mywee station, has been flooded out. The greater part of the ground sold by the Government as reclaimed, at prices varying up to £3/15/ per acre, is under water. Some six months ago a public meeting carried a resolution asking the Premier (Mr Bent) to cause an independent inquiry into the Murray levee and it's surroundings, but nothing was done. The so called reclaimed land is now under water. The purchasers have put their all in improvements, depending on their harvest, which has been swept away. The Premier will probably be asked to reduce the price charged against the ground, or make the levee sufficiently strong to prevent a recurrence of the floods. Mr. Catani has returned to Melbourne, leaving Mr. Kermode in charge of the relief works. (The Argus, October 12, 1906, see here)

Carlo  produced a report on the levees in 1909 - 
The Northern floods. Improving the levees. Mr Catani's recommendations.
An amplification of his report upon the Goulburn and Murray levees was forwarded by Mr. Catani, Public Works Engineer, to the Acting Minister of Public Works yesterday. He points out that the Murray levee was built in 1895 for relief work for the unemployed. Since its construction a road has been put through a mile and a half of forest. A railway has also been constructed close by and the New South Wales Government has constructed levees of its own, which have cut off important streams, viz., the Barooga and Tuppal creeks, which used to carry flood waters. 

It was pointed out in 1905, when a fairly large flood occurred, that the levee above Tocumwal required strengthening and the then Treasurer authorised the expenditure of £1000 on condition that the land owners contributed £250. The work was started, but a month after, when it was found that the contribution from the land owners was not forthcoming, operations were stopped, and the levee has remained in an unfinished condition ever since. Mr. Catani says that £350 will repair all the damage
to the Murray levee, but the proper topping of the Cobram levee should also be undertaken at a cost of £700. If that were done the road from Yarroweyah to Tocumwal would be safe, as also would the railway, while the village settlers at Koonoomoo would be enabled to make a
living. 

The report continues with the cost of the estimates to the repairs to the levees £1,510 and Carlo also recommended the expenditure of another £1625 for the levees to be altered to withstand larger floods than the last one. The newspaper reports concludes - 
Mr. Catani expresses the hope that before long a bill may be passed to create a trust to carry out a larger scheme of improvement, which consists mainly in leading more water from the Goulburn through the existing creeks to the Murray, cutting bends and widening and strengthening banks and providing for the efficient maintenance of the works. (The Age, July 7, 1909, see here)

Carlo's involvement with the small town of Yarroweyah is just one more example of the very active and hands-on role played by public servants in the development of Victoria in the past; not only did they know where these town were, but they visited them to listen to their concerns. A marked contrast to today's Melbourne-centric bloated bureaucracy.

Footnotes
(1) Vision and Realisation : a centenary history of State Education in Victoria, edited by L.J. Blake. Published by the Education Department of Victoria, 1973.
(4) The Leader, December 18, 1897, see here and The Age, July 7, 1909, see here
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Friday, March 22, 2024

The Cattani family from Engelberg, Switzerland

In 1929, the Prahran Telegraph published some letters from St Kilda Councillor, G.H. Robinson, who was touring abroad. George Hardy Robinson, of Tiuna Grove Elwood, was the head master at Elwood State School; he was elected to represent the South ward of the council in 1926 and he was the Mayor in 1929/30, having been elected to the position while he was still overseas; he was installed as Mayor after his return in October. The loyal Cr Robinson was reported as saying that he had visited many places while on tour abroad, and he could say that he had seen no place that appealed to him more than St. Kilda (1)

Cr Robinson and his wife, Elizabeth, sailed at the end of April 1929 and he wrote about their visit to many locations in Italy, including Lido, in Venice where the bathing facilities are not equal to those of St. Kilda (says Cr. Robinson), but St. Kilda can learn much from Rhyl in North Wales. (2)

From Italy, the Robinsons went to Switzerland -
We motored from Lucerne to Engleberg. Attached to the Benedictine Monastery, founded in 1120, is a beautifully furnished church. The monks received us very kindly, and showed us through the building. In the graveyard of the chapel, I saw the family vault of Dr. Carl Catani, who is most likely a relative of the late Carlo Catani, of St. Kilda. (3)

This is the grave at Engleberg of Familie Dr Cattani, which Cr Robinson saw. The inscription on the left reads - Dr Eugen Cattani 14 Juni 1838 - 24 Dez 1910. Frau - Marie Cattani Amrhein 6 Nov 1848 - 21 Feb 1913. On the right - Dr Carl Cattani 1 Mai 1805 - 29 Nov 1869. Frau - Anna Cattani-Kuster 27 Feb 1820 - 9 Oct 1910.


The grave of Familie Dr Cattani at Engelberg, Switzerland, 
seen by Cr Robinson on his trip abroad
Photographer: Robert Savery from Find a Grave
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/189662562/carl-cattani

Engelberg was a noted tourist destination; one source notes that - 
Engelberg’s development as a tourist destination began in the 1840s when physician Dr Carl Cattani established Engelberg as a health resort and built the village’s first hydrotherapy hotel, the Engel. Cattani believed that the power of nature could cure diseases like tuberculosis and chronic catarrh if patients “took the waters”, were given hydrotherapy treatments, and got plenty of fresh air. (4)

There is other information about the Cattani family in Engelberg in a short history of the  Kempinski Palace Hotel in  Engelberg - 
The village of Engelberg has been characterised by tourism for over 100 years: In the middle of the 19th century, the village, located in the middle of the Central Swiss Alps, experienced a tremendous boom and first became known as a health resort for drinking and bathing cures. 

The hotel history of today's Kempinski Palace Engelberg began in the spring of 1890, when the hotelier and politician of the time Eduard Cattani (1841 – 1908) bought a piece of land from the Benedictine monastery in Engelberg and had a spa built on it. The connection of the mountain village to the railway network in 1898 – at that time the longest electric railway line in Switzerland – was followed one year later by the opening of the spa by the successful Engelberg hotelier Eduard Cattani. He had already realised the first luxury hotel in the valley in 1865 with the Hotel Titlis.

Since the spa could not be heated in times of winter tourism, which developed from 1903 onwards, Cattani commissioned his brother, the internationally renowned hotel architect Arnold Cattani (1846 – 1921), to construct the Grand Hotel Winterhaus – later better known as Hotel Europäischer Hof, which opened in 1905. Three years earlier, in 1902, the present Kursaal was built as a banqueting hall in the space between the two hotels. The Kuranstalt and the Grand Hotel Winterhaus were known as the most luxurious guest houses in Engelberg, with an excellent reputation far beyond the borders of Switzerland. The buildings, arranged in a semicircle with the Hotel Titlis, the Grand Hotel Winterhaus, the Kursaal and the Kuranstalt, were soon the talk of the town and known as "Little Versailles".

In December 1939, the brothers Eduard, Alfred and Arnold Cattani sold the "Grand Hotel Winterhaus with concert hall and bar annexe together with surrounding grounds" to the Obwaldner Kantonalbank (5)

We can assume that Cr Carl and Dr Eugen are related to Eduard, Alfred and Arnold Cattani, but are they connected to Carlo? It is easy to see why Cr Robinson made that assumption and the difference in spelling of the surname is neither here nor there as it is not unknown for branches of the same family to spell their names differently.

I am with Cr Robinson in this matter as there are connections or coincidences between the Swiss Cattani family and Carlo's family, apart from the fact that were all men of vision and enterprise.  Carl Cattani and his son, Eugen, were both doctors, as was Carlo's brother, Giulio (who I have written about here). As an Architect,  Arnold Cattani, combined the professions of Carlo - the engineer and his brother Ugo - the noted artist - as buildings need to be structurally sound and hopefully aesthetically pleasing.  Carlo enthusiastically promoted tourism in Victoria, as one obituary noted - To his energy and enthusiasm the development of many of the popular mountain tourist resorts are due, especially Mount Buffalo (6) whilst the Swiss Cattani family promoted tourism in the Alps. 

Hotel Cattani,  Engelberg
Detroit Free Press, February 16, 1910 p.6, from newspapers.com


Hotel Cattani, Engelberg
London Evening Standard, June 1 1908, p. 16, from newspapers.com


The only other reference to the Cattani family and Engelberg I could find in the Australian newspapers was in the Kalgoorlie Miner in 1906, when they published an account of a visit there by an un-named author -
It was on a day of brilliant, broken sunshine that I came over the Arlberg and down at night to Zurich. Here the moon was misty, and the lake spread a dampness in the air. Next morning dawned grey and cloudy. At Lucerne it was thawing nastily, and snow seemed to be not far off. However, snow or no snow, I meant to get up to Engleberg and see what sport and entertainment that happy valley, always so full of visitors in the summer, could afford in winter.

This is the first year it has been open as a winter place. The enterprising Brothers Catani [sic], who owned several hotels up here already, built another one specially far cold-weather guests. At Christmas time there were well over a hundred English visitors, who made up a merry party, and a good number have stayed on. (7)

Is Carlo related to Dr Carl Cattani and his family? One day, I may have genealogical proof either way,  but until then, my answer is in the affirmative.

Footnotes
(1) Sun News-Pictorial,  April 17, 1926, see here; Prahran Telegraph, May 31, 1929, see here; Prahran Telegraph, August 30, 1929, see here; Prahran Telegraph, October 25, 1929, see here; Obituary - The Age, July 13, 1939, see here; Sun News-Pictorial July 14, 1939, see here. 
(2) Prahran Telegraph, May 31, 1929, see here; Prahran Telegraph, August 16, 1929, see here 
(3)  Prahran Telegraph, August 16, 1929, see here
(6) Prahran Chronicle, July 27, 1918, see here
(7) Kalgoorlie Miner, March 16, 1906, see here.
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Sunday, March 17, 2024

Dr Giulio Catani (1848-1921)

Carlo's brother, Dr Giulio Catani was born in 1848 and was a doctor at the St John of God Hospital in Florence. The website Associazione San Giovanni di Dio, provides a history of the Hospital - 
This hospital, on the street of Borgo Ognissanti dates back to the 14th century. In 1382, its founder Simone Vespucci dedicated the hospital. Its name, Santa Maria dell'Umiltà (of Humility), probably comes from the nearby convent of the same name. Vespucci, a merchant and silkmaker was also the first administrator and patron of the hospital, along with being the great uncle of the more famous Amerigo.

In 1400, the hospital passed from the Vespucci to the captains of Bigallo; the latter had been given charge of the supervision and management of small hospitals in the city and surrounding countryside. The Hospitaller Order of Saint John of God's involvement in this hospital's activity began on February 4th 1588 when Grand Duke Ferdinand I accorded possession of the hospital buildings and grounds to the brothers of Saint John of God. 
You can read more of the history here https://www.asgdd.it/antico-i.htm


Interior - St John of God Hospital in Florence, where Dr Catani was Superintendent.
https://www.asgdd.it/antico-i.htm

I found these reports of  Dr Catani's medical work in the Australian newspapers on Trove. The first one is from The Advocate, of October 31, 1891 (see here) and concerns the miraculous recovery of a patient. The treatment - Trepanning - involved drilling a hole in the patient's skull. 

ROME. OUR LADY OF POMPEII.
A correspondent (" F. K.") writes to the Weekly Register, under the heading "Our Lady of Pompeii" : -  A remarkable answer to the prayer of faith has been recently exhibited in the case of one of the English denizens of Florence, Mr. Campbell, a Catholic gentleman engaged in tuition, met just two years ago with a bad accident, by which he sustained a severe contusion of the skull, bringing on intense pain and paralysis. 

It was decided a few weeks since, as a last resource, to submit the patient to the operation of trepanning. When the decision of the surgeons was announced, Mr. Campbell's friends determined before the operation took place to make the matter a subject of special prayer; and, accordingly, a novena was observed, requesting the intercession of Our Lady of Pompeii. On the last day of the novena the patient was so bad that Dr. Baldwin said he must be trepanned at once. The next morning he awoke perfectly well as regards his head, and the doctors pronounced that the brain pressure was gone. The paralysis, however, remained as before; and Dr. Catani, the other physician in attendance, told Mrs. Campbell that there was absolutely no hope that her husband could recover the use of his limbs, and that he would always be paralytic.

In consequence, a second novena was addressed to the Virgin of Pompeii. No amendment (as in the former case) was observed at first, but on the tenth day Mr. Campbell arose from his bed, and walked, and jumped, and ran. On Monday (the 3rd of August) he walked up to Bellosguardo - a long ascent sufficient even to tire a person in health - and called upon a friend there.

The second report was published first in The Herald (see here) and then reprinted in the Kyneton Guardian, on November 11, 1915 (see here). As Carlo's son, Enrico, owned a farm at Kyneton, the report added this local connection.

Dr. G. Catani, formerly Superintendent of the Hospital of St. John of God, Florence, Italy, and a brother of Mr. C. Catani, Chief Engineer of the Public Works Department, and uncle of Lieut. Enrico Catani, of Kyneton, has been recalled from retirement to organise No. 2 Hospital, Florence, for the Red Cross Society, in order to provide for the reception of 60,000 wounded soldiers if necessary. Despite his 67 years, he has entered upon his task with zest. He has been given the rank of Lieut.-Colonel by the Italian Government. Some time before war broke out Dr. Catani treated King Ferdinand of Bulgaria for throat trouble, and received a decoration.

Dr Catani died on January 22, 1921 and a death notice was inserted in The Argus, of March 21, 1921 (see here) - CATANI - On the 22nd January, 1921, at Florence, Italy, Dr. Giulio Catani, brother of the late Carlo Catani, C.E., Melbourne, and uncle of Ettore, Vera, and Enid Catani, St Kilda.

There is one other mention of Dr Catani and this was in regard to the shortage of lanolin for Red Cross work in Italy during the War and Carlo's efforts to remedy this; I have written about this here.

There are photographs of the St John of God Hospital here   http://himetop.wikidot.com/san-giovanni-di-dio-s-hospital and here https://www.florenceinferno.com/torregalli-hospital/

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Friday, March 15, 2024

Our Debt to Three Italians - Checchi, Catani and Baracchi

This nice tribute to Carlo Catani, Ettore Checchi and Pietro Baracchi (incorrectly called Guido in this article) comes from the newspaper Il Risveglio - The Awakening from June 11, 1947 (see here) The newspaper was published in Sydney and some articles were in Italian and some printed in English. It's an interesting article, even though I am not sure the opening sentence is correct, they could certainly read and write Italian and I presume they had some English.  Also of interest to me is the anecdote about Carlo on the Koo Wee Rup Swamp. Anyway, you cannot dispute the conclusion - This, briefly, is the story of three immigrants who adjusted themselves to the new world with singular success. Many would say they were great Australians.

Our Debt to Three Italians. Their Enduring Work in Victoria. 
By R.S.M.M.

About 70 years ago three Italians who could neither read nor write arrived in Melbourne in a sailing ship. They became valuable men in the development of Victoria. Two of them were closely associated with several of our most important public works, including some features by which Melbourne is widely known. 

Only last year the remaining survivor of the trio died, at the age of 93. He was Ettore Checchi, an engineer of considerable skill, probably best known for his work in connection with the harnessing of the waters of the Murray.

It was about 1874 when Checchi and his two colleagues, Carlo Catani and Guido Baracchi, came here as refugees from Italy, after spending a few weeks in New Zealand. They were vigorous, active young men, seeking fame and fortune. All rose to important positions, and left an indelible mark.

Catani was the most successful. The well-known clock tower on the Upper Esplanade, almost opposite St. Kilda baths, was erected in honor of his beautification work on the St. Kilda foreshore. A bust of him is included in the memorial. The gardens extending west from the Royal St. Kilda Yacht Club are known as the Catani Gardens, and at Mount Buòalo there is a Lake Catani.



Carlo Catani (1852-1918)
Image: Koo Wee Rup Swamp Historical Society


In Love With His Work
Catani had a gift for beautifying. He was one of those individuals who could dream of wonderful schemes and then apply the realism necessary to put them into effect. He was a small and wiry man, with an unparalleled enthusiasm for his work. Overcoming his early difficulties with our language, he became a master of word pictures, and could explain his ideas with such fervor and exactitude that his enthusiasm was contagious.

Most of Catani's work was performed as chief engineer of the Public Works department. He was prominent in the early days of the planning of Alexandra-avenue, in which his knowledge of native flora proved of additional value. The St.Kilda Foreshore Trust has, as already stated, remembered its debt to him. At one stage of this work funds became insufficient to give all the men employed their full pay. So that the work could continue, Catani paid them himself from his own resources.

Catani fell in love with Mount Donna Buang. He visualised it as "the poor man's Buffalo," and produced the drive necessary to develop the area. He engineered a bridle track from Warburton to the summit, although his grant was limited to a few pounds. The construction of the present motor road up the mountain can be largely attributed to his initiative. Lake Catani was so named after his artistic work at Mount Buffalo, where the lake was formed by the construction of a dam.

The Yarra Boulevard was his conception. The Heidelberg end was built under his direction after he had drawn the plans and had had the surveys made. His original idea was to construct a boulevard on each side of the river, one for outgoing and the other for incoming traffic. This plan, however, was considered rather too elaborate.

The opening up of the Grampians is another of this realistic dreamer's self-erected monuments. He was captivated by the rugged beauty of the country, particularly that of the Mackenzie Falls. Catani was also responsible for the draining of the Kooweerup swamp, about which some humorous stories resulting from his enthusiasm are told. This work was done on a small contracts system, groups of men having to dig channels to take away the water. To see that the channels were dug to a regular and prescribed depth, Catani would wade along them in gum boots. One group of men, deciding to have a practical joke at his expense, dug a hole in one of the channels. The result was that Catani, during one of his inspections, temporarily went out of sight and yelled to the men to rescue him from the murky water.

Catani's death in 1918 was hastened by the loss of his son in the first world war.


Ettore Checchi
Photographer: Johnstone, O'Shannessy & Co. Image from Cyclopedia of Victoria, v. 3.

Hume Reservoir
Like Catani, Ettore Checchi entered the Public Works department, where, in 1878, at the age of 23, he became assistant engineer. Twelve years later, he transferred to a similar position in the Water Supply department, which was eventually taken over by the State Rivers and Water Supply Commission.

After being in charge of river gaugings for a number of years, Checchi, in 1912, was made available to the inter-State conference on Murray waters, which carried out technical investigations in connection with the potentialities of that river. In this capacity, he was responsible for the investigation of Upper Murray sites, including the site which became the Hume reservoir. His investigations also formed the basis of agreement between the three States regarding the distribution of the Murray waters, later embodied in the River Murray agreement.

Checchi spent no less than 50 years and three months in continuous service with the State - probably a record. Even, then, it was at his own request that he retired in 1927. He was able to work for so long because he was a man of amazing physical strength, said, in fact, to be one of the strongest men in Victoria. He died last July. A great deal of his work is perpetuated in the printed record of river gaugings in Victoria, which provide the basis for the State's large-scale water conservation projects.



Pietro Baracchi (1851-1926)
https://www.eoas.info/objects/D00036.htm

Among the Stars
Guido Baracchi lived among the stars - he was Government astronomer for a number of years. Particularly competent on mathematical problems, he was an expert on the use of instruments. He had control of the mapping of the positions of the stars; he was engaged at Darwin determining longitudes and obtaining star observations, and he headed an expedition to observe the solar eclipse. Baracchi, well-built and slender, never looked his age. He retired at 65 and died eight years later.

This, briefly, is the story of three immigrants who adjusted themselves to the new world with singular success. Many would say they were great Australians.
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Friday, December 29, 2023

Carlo and the Geelong Road tree planting project

In 1915 there was a proposal to plant trees along the Geelong Road. The scheme was devised by the Geelong municipalities and the Public Works Department. The Colac Reformer reported -
Speaking to a Geelong district shire engineer, Mr Catani, of the Public Works Department, said the Geelong and district municipalities ought to contribute towards the proposal to plant the Geelong-Melbourne main road with trees, as it would make the thoroughfare one of the most popular in the State, and tend directly towards the advancement of the whole district. The estimated cost is £10,000, half of which it is expected the Government will contribute; if all the councils interested assist in raising their share it will not be a heavy undertaking particularly if the Government allows them extended payments at a reasonable rate of interest. The scheme has been approved by Geelong district councils, but none has so far indicated what it is prepared to contribute. (1)

The success of the project, as the article noted, relied on various the Councils contributing towards the cost. Geelong at the time was covered by the following municipalities - City of Geelong, Borough of Geelong West, Borough of Newtown & Chilwell, Shire of South Barwon and Shire of  Corio; and the Geelong Road also went through the Shire of Werribee, thus six municipalities were involved.


Princes Highway (Geelong Road), Werribee in 1921
Country Roads Board collection, Public Records Office of Victoria VPRS 17684/P0003/34, 21_00072


There was support, in theory, for this project for different reasons, apart from the aesthetics of a shady, tree lined road. Firstly, as Cr McCann of Corio Shire noted  scientists wore of the opinion that the destruction of trees tended to reduce the average rainfall. If trees were planted along the road it, would make admirable shelter and be a good break wind. (2) Secondly, support came from the Conservator of Forests who considered that the road could be planted with timber of commercial value, which in years to come would certainly be reproductive. (3) Thirdly, it would provide employment for married men who had become unemployed owing to the war and drought. (4)

However, from the beginning, the City of Geelong was not interested on the grounds that  that it could lay out money to much better advantage on the foreshore and improving the Barwon river. (5) The Shire Engineer of Corio suggested that the only practical way to have the scheme carried out was to have the necessary power vested in the Country Roads Board (CRB); in that way all municipalities interested would be called upon to bear their proportion of the cost. (6) However, the CRB did not currently have the power to plant trees and the Shire President suggested that the Minister for Public works be asked  to amend the Act with the object of giving power to the Country Roads Board to carry out tree planting on roads. (7) 

The Country Roads Board was established in 1913, a central road authority with responsibility for those roads within the State considered to be main roads (8) and engineer William Calder (1860 -1928) was appointed Chairman. He had previously been the City Engineer at the City of Prahran. (9)

What happened of the Geelong Road tree planting proposal, that Carlo had advocated for? Nothing, and in all fairness the War would have meant that there were other priorities in the community for resources and man power.


Princes Highway (Geelong Road) between Werribee and Little River, 1916.
Country Roads Board collection, Public Records Office of Victoria VPRS 17684/P0003/916, 16_00028

There were later proposals for tree planting. In 1918, the Werribee Shire intended to plant an Avenue of Honour along their section of the road. (10) In 1924 The Argus noted that this stretch of road was the best in Australia for its length, is also the most uninteresting. It is devoid of both scenery and hills, crossing a wide expanse of plain....A row of trees on either side would greatly relieve the monotony of the drive, and would enhance the prospect. (11) That same year, another plan was  put forward by the Mayor of Geelong, Cr Robert Purnell who was hopeful that the Forestry Commission, with the assistance of the municipalities, will go through with the planting scheme. (12)

It wasn't until 1928, 13 years after Carlo and the Public Works Department were first involved that a tree planting project became a reality and by then the Country Roads Board, had tree planting powers.  The Argus reported in April 1928 that  To perpetuate the memory of the late Mr. W. Calder, who was chairman of the Country Roads Board, it is intended to complete the planting of trees along the Geelong road and to name the road the Calder avenue. (13)

The next year, in July 1929 it was reported that -
the planting of trees in the Calder memorial avenue along the Geelong road was recommenced last Monday, and in three days 368 trees were added to the plantations between Kororoit Creek and Aviation road, sold out between Werribee and Little River. At a meeting of the appeal committee yesterday representatives of the Country Roads Board reported that the board expected to plant 1,392 trees next week. It was stated that £1,475, which had been expended in making the avenue, represented only labour, in the trees planted having been presented by nurserymen. It was intended to purchase two varieties of trees which were not easily obtainable in Victoria. The committee expressed keen appreciation of the nurserymen's a generosity, and as a mark of gratitude it was decided to allot to them one of the plantations The committee decided to make a special appeal to motorists to contribute to the fund. (14)


Melbourne Road, Geelong (as that part of the Princes Highway is called in Geelong) in 1929. The Ford Motor Works is on the left.
Country Roads Board collection, Public Records Office of Victoria VPRS 17684/P0003/436, 28_00087

The planting of the Calder Memorial Avenue was completed in 1934, and by then over 60,000 trees had been planted. (15) I have no information about when the name Calder Memorial Avenue ceased being used. There are only 9 references to the name between 1932 and 1937 in the newspapers on Trove, so the early 1930s would be my guess. The road between Melbourne and Mildura, originally called the North-Western Highway,  was re-named the Calder Highway in December 1928 (16),  and this may have been a reason that the Calder Memorial Avenue name fell into disuse - apart from the fact the road already had two names,  the Princes Highway and the Geelong Road. 

Trove List - I have created a short list of newspaper articles on this topic, access it here. 

Footnotes
(1) Colac Reformer, February 9, 1915, see here.
(2) Geelong Advertiser, February 25, 1915, see here.
(3) Geelong Advertiser, January 9, 1915, see here.
(4) Ibid
(5) Geelong Advertiser, February 25, 1915, see here.
(6) Ibid
(7) Ibid
(8) CRB - Public Records Office of Victoria https://prov.vic.gov.au/archive/VA722 
(9) William Calder - Australian Dictionary of Biography            https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/calder-william-5466
(10) Werribee Shire Banner, June 20, 1918, see here.
(11) The Argus, July 9, 1924, see here.
(12) The Herald, January 31, 1924, see here.
(13) The Argus, April 12, 1928, see here.
(14) The Argus, July 13, 1929, see here.
(15) Werribee Shire Banner, March 1, 1934, see here.
(16) The Age, December 24, 1928, see here.
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Thursday, December 28, 2023

Carlo and the Happy Valley Lake

On January 23, 1914 Carlo Catani and another Public Works Department engineer, Mr Dewar, arrived in Castlemaine (1). Their assignment was to inspect and survey the site for a lake, just outside of the town, at Happy Valley or Moonlight Flat, the newspaper reports use both terms as the location. The lake had a two-fold purpose - Forest Creek flood mitigation and recreation.


Happy Valley and Moonlight Flat, 1948.
Detail of Castlemaine, County of Talbot, 1948. Department of Crown Lands and Survey.
State Library of Victoria http://handle.slv.vic.gov.au/10381/92909

The flooding on Forest Creek was an on-going problem, in fact 25 years previously in 1889, Public Works Department engineer, William Thwaites (2), also visited Castlemaine for the purpose of inspecting the flood damages, and also to confer with the Borough Surveyor [Mr Cornish] as to what is requisite to be done in connection therewith.  Accompanied by Mr Cornish, Mr Thwaites inspected Forest and Barkers Creeks, and was astonished to observe their silted condition. He expressed an opinion that, in order to avoid a similar disaster to that which occurred on New Year's Day, both creeks must be cleared and kept free of debris. It is to be regretted that this had not been done some time ago, when the Borough Council, consequent upon a report furnished by their Surveyor, brought the matter under the cognisance of the Government, and also pointed out the immense damage that would be wrought by a flood; with the creeks (particularly Forest Creek) in such a silted-up condition. When the channels have been cleared, the only plan that can be adopted to keep them free of silt is by the Government compelling sluicers to stack their tailings instead of allowing them to be deposited in the creeks. This evil should also have been remedied years ago. Mr Thwaites visited Moloney's Bridge, and the site of Butterworth's and the Telegraph bridges, and likewise inspected the course of the creek towards Moonlight Flat. At Happy Valley, the Mayor and Borough Surveyor pointed out to the Government engineer a spot where it has been suggested to construct a weir.  (3)

If, as reported, William Thwaites did produce a report on the flooding, siltation, the sluicers and a possible weir it was not acted upon as Carlo had to deal with the same issues on his visit. 

The Happy Valley Lake was the subject of newspaper reports and letters to the editors on occasions, and there seemed to be much community interest in the lake. The Mount Alexander Times reported -
Castlemaine will never be a pleasure resort, no matter how we try to boom it, without a large sheet of water, and that fact is being already realised. The construction of a lake at Happy Valley would cause that locality to be thickly settled in a few years besides being a leading attraction of the town. (4)

Seemingly the construction of the lake would be a simple job due to the natural formation of the country, a small embankment at the rocky formations on each side of Forest Creek, near Patterson's bridge, would form a lake of great dimensions. (5) To further this objective of Castlemaine becoming a pleasure resort, the Borough of Castlemaine invited Carlo to visit in January 1914, because Mr Catani was greatly interested in schemes such as that for Happy Valley, and his assistance would be of the greatest possible benefit. (6)

Carlo was in Castlemaine for a few days, with Mr Dewar staying longer to do a  complete contour survey of the site. The plans for the lake were finished in May, and at the start of June, the Mount Alexander Mail reported that three costings were out-lined in the report, each with different levels of flood protection -  £7675 (providing for a lake of 29 acres), £5010 (a lake of 41 acres), and £13, 238 (a lake of 16 acres), with full provision of flood diversion.... But the cost of the schemes appeared to the council to be almost prohibitive and, although the matter was referred to committee, the impression left on the public mind was that the council was not very optimistic. (7) It seems that the project was put in abeyance for the rest of the year and no doubt the start of the War meant that the townsfolk had other priorities.

However in January 1915, the lake was back in the news and it was suggested that the construction of the lake would provide work for the rising number of the unemployed. The original plans were revisited and a new scheme was presented with a costing of a more manageable £3,500. In June 1915, Carlo was back in the town to survey the site and present the revised scheme to the Castlemaine Borough Council. We turn again to the Mount Alexander Mail -
A smiling Happy Valley, with its desolated heaps and hollows sheeted over by a charming lake; its edges bordered by attractive shrubbery and rustic bowers, reached by pleasant tree-lined paths; white-winged yachts that glided peacefully over a wide expanse of rippling water dotted by innumerable pleasure boats, with here and there oarmen in racing skiffs, and occasionally ardent anglers indulging in patient sport.  It was an altogether delightful vision that Mr Catani, Chief Public Works Engineer, inspired when relating to the Borough Councillors on Thursday night, his scheme for the prospective lake at Happy Valley. By means of this sheet of water, flooding will be prevented, and incidentally a magnificent asset to the town will be created. The comparison was very apt when the Mayor (Cr. Sheridan) in opening the subject, referred to Lake Wendouree, at Ballarat. What was previously a dismal swamp had been transformed into a beauty spot, which would always associate Ballarat with the aesthetic. (8)

The scheme involved the construction of a weir, the depth of which would be 20 feet high, and a lake which would have three to four feet of water. On the issue of siltation, a plan which had been prepared by Carlo's associate, Mr A. T. Clark, was presented by Carlo who -
explained that the flood waters being retarded at the junction with the lake waters would there deposit the silt. Then in the summer-time the water of the lake could be lowered through the valve at the weir until the deposit of silt would be left "high and dry." At a moderate cost, it could be banked up, planted with trees, etc., and ornamental plots arranged. When subsequent floods deposited silt further down, similar methods would be adopted, until, in the course of time - and floods - a diaphragm or bank would be "naturally" constructed. This would take the place of the cosily artificial bank at first proposed, and at the same time would allow for a separate flood channel between it and the hills around which the creek should ordinarily flow. The cost of the maintenance indicated would amount, he said, to only about £50 or £60 per year, for a few years. These sums were not of course, reckoned in the estimate. The reduction of the scheme was merely to bring it within the bounds of possibility (9)

This amended scheme was based on the premise that all sluicing and dredging in Forest Creek and Moonlight Flat would have to stop, as this caused a silt and sediment build-up. The following exchange was reported - 
Cr. Cornish : That scheme is based on the proposal that dredging must stop?
Mr Catani : That is so. If you keep on beating up the stuff, you will always have a certain amount of it coming down.
Cr. Cornish : We have no control at all over the land. It (the creek) runs through country that has been dredged back five miles.
Mr Catani pointed out that the Council could get the Mines Department to excise the bed of the creek -to say above Chewton - from occupation by mining leases. The gold was the property of the Crown, and the Crown had control over the land, and could forbid the seeking for gold. Mr Brown (the Minister) was very strong now about stopping these dredges. (10)

The report also noted that Carlo gave information about the material that should be used in constructing the weir - whether granite, slate, or massed concrete - which is to be thrown across the narrow neck at the western end of Happy Valley, through which the Forest Creek flood waters pour. In conclusion, Mr Catani told of what had been done with lakes at Albert Park and other places, and advised as to the best trees to plant in the silt deposits, when they are banked up as suggested. (11)
The Mount Alexander Mail concluded that During the conversational discussion Councillors appeared to be favorably impressed, but gave no assurance that they would accept the proposition. (12)

Miner sluicing in a creek, Castlemaine district, c.1894. 
Photographer: M. Law.

The proposal to end sluicing was not popular and locals said the scheme was unworkable - the following letter to the editor of the Mount Alexander Mail from Mr J.P. Livingstone, summarises the opposition to the scheme -
I take it that this scheme is intended as a lake site, and for the prevention of floods. As a lake site, where is the person who will admire a lake of discoloured water? Mr Catani told us some time back that no lake would be worth looking at unless it were of clear water. He said he would have to turn the storm waters to one side, and keep the lake filled with clear water. How does he make storm water clear now? 
It seems to me that the originators of this scheme have not taken into consideration that great fall that there is in both Moonlight and Forest creeks, the number of barren hills without grass on them to stop the denudation of the loams and clays and the thousands of tons of gravel heaps in the creeks of this watershed. Stop sluicing when you like, and storm waters will still bring gravel, silt and slum; even light showers will bring some sediment into the basin. The retaining bank as it nears the centre of the basin, will shoot silt chains past, where it enters the water, and I contend that within ten year you will have instead of a lake only a dredge tailing heap on a large scale. What Forest Creek does not fill up, Moonlight will from the other side.
As regards the retaining bank, I will say that after 14 years' experience, that I have not seen it proved that anything but a concrete or stone wall is reliable for a storm channel bank. If grasses or trees could be grown in a few weeks, they would help the bank; but to grow them strong enough to be of use in that time is impossible. During ordinary years this creek carries off big volumes of water, about 4 or 5 times, so that not much time could be allowed for grass or trees to grow. Further, retaining banks often suffer worse from small streams than big ones. Logs, stones, or rubbish may heap up in the waterway, and turn the water diagonally into the bank, with the result that the bank is cut away in a few minutes.
As a remedy for unemployment the idea is ridiculous. For more money will be earned in the creeks and gullies than will be spent in men's wages on this scheme. During ordinary times some 70 or 80 men make a living in this area. (13)
Other letters were also published in a similar vein, with one dismissing the comparison to Lake Wendouree and Albert Park Lake - there is a vast amount of difference between the lakes at Albert Park and Ballarat, compared to this scheme, as they are natural depression lakes, and not a creek with close on 300 feet fall in five miles weired up (14).  A petition of 47 signatures of dredge sluicers and fossickers engaged on Forest Creek and Moonlight Flat (15) was also presented to the  Council pointing out the economic value of that industry to the area. 


Pennyweight and Moonlight Flats, Forest Creek in 1902. 
Detail of Plan of the Chewton-Castlemaine gold field: shewing anticlinal axial lines &c. 
Mines Department, Victoria, September 1902 
State Library of Victoria image http://handle.slv.vic.gov.au/10381/118077


Whether it was these local objections or the cost of the project or the necessary diversion of manpower and resources into the War effort, the Happy Valley Lake did not eventuate and Moonlight Flat never did become thickly settled. Even in 1972 when Raymond Bradfield wrote his history of Castlemaine he described Moonlight Flat thusly -
It is interesting to reflect on old Moonlight. All the way down the valley one sees signs of the vanished population. Halfway down is the site of the Robert Burns Hotel, well known as a lively pub. Nearby, the burn out remains of the last of the succession of houses used as the venue for the post office, as the population dwindled with a stone- built garage outbuilding near the charred ruins, looking rather incongruous, all on its own. And down at the foot of the valley, on the rise overlooking Pennyweight Flat, the children's cemetery, already mentioned, which somehow seems appropriate to the end the story of Moonlight. (16)  Who knows what might have been if Carlo's delightful vision of Happy Valley Lake had come to fruition.


Acknowledgement - I am indebted to my research colleague and fellow Carlo enthusiast, Isaac Hermann,  for alerting me to Carlo's involvement with the Happy Valley Lake project.

Trove list - I have created a short list of articles relating to Carlo Catani and his involvement with the Happy Valley Lake project, access it here.

Footnotes
(1) Mount Alexander Mail, January 22, 1914, see here; Bendigo Independent, April 2, 1914, see here.
(2) William Thwaites (1853 - 1907). Read his Australian Dictionary of Biography entry here - https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/thwaites-william-8811
(3) Mount Alexander Mail, March 1, 1889, see here.
(4) Mount Alexander Mail, May 11, 1914, see here.
(5) Bendigo Advertiser, January 19, 1914, see here.
(6) Mount Alexander Mail, January 19, 1914, see here.
(7) Mount Alexander Mail, June 1, 1914, see here.
(8) Mount Alexander Mail, June 5, 1915, see here.
(9) Ibid
(10) Ibid
(11) Ibid
(12) Ibid
(13) Mount Alexander Mail, June 10, 1915, see here.
(14) Ibid - letter from Creekite.
(15) Mount Alexander Mail June 11, 1915, see here.
(16) Bradfield, Raymond Castlemaine:  a Golden Harvest (Lowden Publishing, 1972) p. 64. As  a matter of interest, Happy Valley, des not appear in the index.
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Monday, December 25, 2023

Carlo's projects in Brighton

Carlo had a mixed relationship with people of Brighton -  he was helpful in having their breakwater constructed, which you can read about here; but they were unhappy with the fact that he took "their" beach sand away and that he wanted to build a foreshore road through their municipality; but on the other hand, Carlo also drew up plans to both strengthen and lengthen the Brighton Pier to allow excursion steamers to dock. 

Beach Sand removal
The Public Works Department removed beach sand to build up roads in low-lying areas of  Elwood. In January 1908, The Age reported that - 
The Brighton council having taken exception to the wholesale removals of sand from the foreshore at Elsternwick (1) by the Government, for the purpose of further improvements on the reclaimed lands at Elwood, delegates from that body had an interview yesterday with Mr. Catani engineer, of the Public Works department. The latter gentleman was able to demonstrate that the sand taken away was almost immediately replaced by the waters of the Bay. Recently, he explained, when operations were suspended for a day or two, the Government employes found that such a replacement of sand had taken place that the end of the railway track to the beach was buried beneath it. In the circumstances the council, which had suspended sales of sand from the beach elsewhere, will continue to authorise its removal at 2/6 per load under the supervision of its engineer. Further removals, free of charge by Government officers at Elsternwick will also no longer be opposed. (2)

In spite of Carlo proving to them that the sand was naturally replaced, Brighton folk were still complaining three years later. This report is  from January 1911 - 
Mr. Drake, secretary to the Public Works department, and Mr. Catani, engineer, visited Brighton yesterday, to confer with the local council in reference to repeated complaints by the latter that the Government had broken an undertaking given not to remove sand from the Brighton foreshore after a certain date, and that the continued removal was destructive of the attractions of the foreshore. The officials admitted that the complaint was well founded, as to the sand having been taken, explaining that it was used in making the boulevard at Elwood, but it was contended no detriment whatever would result, as the removals of sand were replaced by the deposits made by the incoming tide. Mr. Catani, in order to prove his contention, said that the rails of a tramway laid by the department on the beach at Cole-street wore on a level with the top of the sand on Friday, whilst yesterday they were 15 inches below the surface, and the men using it had to dig down to find the track. The rough weather of Saturday had also shifted a sandbank in the Bay from a position 100 feet out to close in shore. Mr. Drake said he would report on the discussion to the Minister. (3)

In 1917, at a function to mark Carlo's retirement from the Public Works Department, he reminisced about his career and had this to say about the sand - 
Making reference to the sand question, Mr. Catani said he could not see how any objections could be raised to the taking of sand for the work of beautification.... The Brighton Council say they want their beach left as it is, but the whole of the foreshores were just as much public property as the sun that shined to give us warmth. (4)


Brighton Beach, c. 1910. There was clearly, in Carlo's eyes, an abundance of sand.
State Library of Victoria image H40395/26

Foreshore Drive
Which brings us to the next issue Carlo had with Brighton - he had the vision to have a foreshore drive all the way from Port Melbourne to Sorrento. To further this end,  in 1911 Carlo, Mr. Snowball, M.L.A., and Mr Edgar, M.L.C., inspected the foreshore at Brighton and found that it was blocked by private land jutting into the sea. In the near future, consideration would be given by the Government to the question of providing a boulevard from St. Kilda to Brighton. (5)

Sadly for Victoria, this ambitious scenic roadway never eventuated and if the following report from 1917 is correct, Carlo placed the blame squarely on the people of Brighton -
The construction of a boulevard around the Bay was one of the many schemes which Mr. Catani endeavoured to carry out whilst engineer for the Public Works Department, but the work suddenly stopped at the boundary between Brighton and St. Kilda, owing to private owners having the frontages to the foreshore. At a social gathering tendered to Mr. Catani recently, on the occasion of his retirement from the Department, reference was made to it, and Mr. Catani, in replying, said that but for the selfishness of the Brighton people the public would have now had a fine promenade all along the eastern side of the Bay. (6)

Excursion Steamers to Brighton Pier
In September 1910 it was reported that -
Plans for the strengthening of the Brighton Beach pier, so as to enable excursion steamers to call for traffic, are being prepared by Mr. Catani, of the Public Works department, and will be completed in time for the conference of the municipalities of Brighton, Caulfield, Moorabbin and Prahran....to consider the suggestion of the Minister of Public Works for the municipalities to contribute one-third, the steamship companies one-third, and the Government one-third of the cost the work. (7)

The plans were approved; the work involved extending the present pier 150ft., with a width of 21ft. 6in., walings are to be placed on both sides to form berths for steamers. (8) The tender was let to Messrs. Ross, Fraser, and Patience for a cost of £889/11; the cost of the work being being split between the steamship companies, the Brighton and Moorabbin councils and the Government. (9)


The Ozone, who made the inaugural trip from Brighton Pier in January 1912.
Photographer: Allan C. Green.
State Library of Victoria Image H91.108/2033

The inaugural trip from Brighton Pier took place on January 16, 1912 and The Argus reported - 
The parade steamer Ozone arrived a few minutes before 3 o'clock, and without any difficulty berthed on the east side of the pier. Close upon 400 residents of Brighton and Moorabbin, including Mr. M'Bryde, M.L.C., Mr Snowball, M.L.A., the mayor and councillors of Brighton, and the president and councillors of Moorabbin, boarded the steamer, which had already about 200 passengers from Port Melbourne and St Kilda on board. Amid the cheers of the large crowd on the pier, course was shaped down the bay. Whilst the ladies were being entertained at afternoon tea, a number of gentlemen assembled in the smoke-room, and several toasts were honoured. The Mayor of Brighton (Councillor Francis), in proposing the toast of the company, congratulated the directors on the success of their undertaking, and hoped that the steamers would frequently call at Brighton Beach. Mr. M'Bryde, M.L.C., Mr Snowball, M.L.A., and Councillor Small supported the toast. Captain Ramsay responded. He said that but for the assistance of the Brighton and Moorabbin Council the pier would not have been extended. He said that if the traffic warranted it, the company would run regular trips along the eastern side of the bay. He considered that the Brighton Beach pier was more suitable for the steamers than the St Kilda pier, and that although the former was unsheltered from the south-westerly and westerly winds, the water would have to be very rough to prevent the steamer calling. The company has not yet decided upon an itinerary for Brighton Beach, but the latter will be discussed at the directors' meeting on Wednesday week. (10)

In spite of the acclaimed inaugural trip, this service was not a success, as this report from January 1918 notes -
The paddle steamer Ozone will not be calling at Brighton Beach pier during the present season, as the boat has been taken out of commission. The traffic developed at Brighton has been very small, due primarily to the infrequency of the service, and it is understood to be the intention of the company to cancel the service in future. The service was instituted in 1910 [sic], falling upon the extension of the pier, the cost of which was borne by the Government, the company, and the Brighton and Moorabbin Councils in equal proportions. The only undertaking the company would give when asked by the councils to guarantee a regular service, was to agree to call for a period of 5 years as occasion permitted. The Brighton Council will have to contribute £20 a year for a further five years before they are relieved of their liability in connection with the venture, for which outlay they have a fine promenade pier at the beach. (11)

Another connection Carlo had with Brighton was his relationship with Thomas Bent - the Brighton Councillor and Mayor on nine occasions; Chairman of Moorabbin Roads Board, Shire President of Moorabbin on three occasions;  local M.L.A, held several Ministries and was at times the Premier of Victoria; however that is  a story for another time.


Trove list - I have created a list of articles on Trove connected to Carlo's projects in Brighton, access it here.

Footnotes
(1) In 1870 about 641 acres of Elsternwick was annexed to the municipality of Brighton. The annexed section included the area, and thus the foreshore, between Head Street and North Road. Parts of Elsternwick were also in the City of St Kilda and City of Caulfield.(Victorian Municipal Directory and Gazetteer for 1940)
(2) The Age, January 17, 1908, see here.
(3) The Age, January 10, 1911, see here.
(4) Prahran Chronicle, May 26, 1917, see here.
(5) Brighton Southern Cross, December 9, 1911, see here.
(6) Brighton Southern Cross, June 30, 1917, see here.
(7) Brighton Southern Cross, September 10, 1910, see here.
(8) The Argus, August 16, 1911, see here.
(9) The Age, July 24, 1911, see here.
(10) The Argus, January 17, 1912, see here.
(11) Brighton Southern Cross, January 5, 1918, see here.
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