19th May 1971
Talk on History of BAILEYS ROCKS Area.
Mr. Alistair ROPER was guest speaker at the CDHS meeting on Wednesday night.
He spoke on the history of the area around BAILEYS ROCKS and the early settlers.
First settlers at Baileys Rocks came in 1874. Dergholm was founded after Major MITCHELL came through here.
The first to settle near BAILEYS ROCKS were John SHAW and Hezekiah HOWLETT, John SHAW who married a widow, Mrs. NEILSON before he left Scotland, died at Dergholm in 1896.
Mrs. John SHAW died in 1887 when the creek was in flood. It was her wish to be buried on the property. Special permission had to be granted from Casterton.
Her son David read the burial service. The grave was marked in 1954. The poet, John Shaw NEILSON, whose centenary will be celebrated next year, is a descendent.
Mr. ROPER brought old photos of John SHAW and Hezekiah HOWLETT, and other interesting historical exhibits including the original survey map of Dergholm. The map was dated 21.4.76. Names on it included many well known local families, ROPER, ASTBURY, MATHESON, DONALDSON, CARR, DILLON, BROWN, TURNER, OREILLEY, GOODWIN, MCPHEE, WALKER, and BREBNER.
Hezekiah HOWLETT was shire president in 1906. SIMSONS owned ROSENEATH, DERGHOLM and POOLAIJELO.
21st July 1971
Mr. J GORMAN gave a talk about the settlement in the area by the HENTY Brothers at MUNTHAM, MERINO DOWNS, SANDFORD HOUSE and RUNNYMEDE.
MUNTHAM comprised 77,000 acres and ran from the Glenelg Inn to the Wannon River, there were 12 outstations, each of which had 2 shepherds and a hut keeper, wages were $28.00 to $36.00 a year. There were 40-50 hands at the homestead and Mr. GORMAN then read an article by James MALLETT who worked for Mr. E HENTY at MUNTHAM from 1845 to 1848. This was very interesting and gave members an insight into the difficulties encountered travelling to and from Portland in those early days. MUNTHAM has only had 4 owners Messes Edward HENTY to H McKINNON, J ELLIS and J H LOBB.
18th August, 1971
The president then introduced Dr A FLOYD who spoke on the "Early medical records of Casterton – starting with the health officers Report to the Glenelg Shire in 1906. His duties were very responsible ones, and Dr SKINNER who was HO in 1905, the year of the flood, advised shire to raise flood levels of shops and houses and closed the school for 1 month due to fear of diphtheria and scarlet fever.
Disinfecting of homes was also his responsibility and drains in the town were a great problem, and in 1907 he asked the Shire for a pure water supply needed for drinking and "Flushing" of open drains. And said that contrary to general belief tank water was more contaminated than reservoir water.
In 1907 there were three private hospitals in Casterton and the following statistics were very interesting.
Births – Casterton 93, Sandford 18, Merino 20 with Deaths in Casterton 35 – with 5 under age of 5 years and 14 over 60 years. Unfortunately Dr FLOYD did not have any recent figures for comparison, but said that the under 5 group would be much less and the over 60 group more likely to be over 80 years now.
19th April 1972
The members had the unexpected pleasure of a visit from Professor T INGLIS MOORE, Professor of English Literature at the National University in Canberra. Professor MOORE is in the area in connection with the research he is doing into the life of Dame Mary GILMORE in preparation for writing her Biography, and gave us a very interesting insight into her writings and her life.
Professor MOORE met Dame Mary GILMORE in the 1930s through the "Fellowship of Australian Writers " and suggested writing the story of her life – she gave him permission to peruse all the material she had given to the Mitchell Library – a very extensive collection taking up a 47 foot long shelf – some diaries having 500 pages – the last one written in 1962, the year of her death. Dame Mary’s poems had a note of pride in Australian achievements in the past – even the Convicts and although she was called " the Grand of Lady of Labour" was delighted when she was made a Dame of the British Empire.
Prof MOORE and Robert B FITZGERALD had 8 books of poems (totaling 800 poems) to choose from when they were asked to compile of a "Book of Selected Verse" which come out in the 1940’s. Dame Mary was very modest in her own selection and there was only a difference of 9 poems in the final selection.
Prof MOORE expects to take 4 years to write the Biography and had received a grant to carry out the work.
Mrs. BALKIN nee GILMORE then gave some most interesting details of Dr William GILMORES life – he was born in 1866 and joined the new Australian Movement, sailing to Paraguay in charge of the shearing machines in 1890. Mary GILMORE came on a later boat as a school teacher, they married in 1897 – the wedding ring being a 1/- piece with the centre cut out. A son was born in 1898.
The family finally moved to Queensland where descendants are still living.
19th July 1972
Mrs. McLEAN brought along a book which gave the information that the route used by the Royal Princes in 1881 from Naracoorte to Hamilton was by way of Penola, "Half way House" at Lake Mundi, Casterton, Coleraine and Wannon Falls. There were other visits in 1884 and 1869.
Mr. GORMAN called on Mrs. A GAZZARD who gave a most interesting talk on the "History of DONALD’s Store".
The store was built in the early 1870s by Simon RAPKINS who previously had a store at Dergholm – it was a very solid and elegant building as the builders found when renovations and alterations were made late last year.
Mr. RAPKINS was a Shire Councillor from 1887 till his death in 1892. There were 10 girls employed upstairs in the dressmaking section and a milliner came up for the May Races. Mr. RAPKINS imported furniture from Vienna and on his death the Bailiffs put the family out as money was owed on the furniture, which was bought by Mr. GOODMAN HARRIS , then a hawker for 50 pounds.
The stone was sold for 500 pounds. The RAPKINS family moved to Melbourne. Mr. Goodie HARRIS was a good boss – fair but strict – his motto " the Customer is Always Right " and " The front door was always open in all weather".
Mrs. GAZZARD commenced at the store in 1916, the hours being from 8 am to 6 pm and the wage 7/6 a week. Mrs. GAZZARD read a reference from Mr. HARRIS written in June 1920 – which was identical to one written for Mr. Sep MILLER in Sept 1920. Mr. Goodie HARRIS had a chauffeur, Alf DAY, who was the first person to ride a LISTER cycle up the Scout EMBLEM HILL. Goodie HARRIS in partnership with Mr. DUNN also leased many properties. He had eight children – one born in 1908 named after Lord NOLAN which won Melbourne Cup. Fred OSBORNE and Mr. Alec JOHNSON bought the store in 1922 and dispensed with the dressmaking showroom and boot department. Mr. OSBORNE, who had 6 sons bought Mr. JOHNSON out and then in 1946 he sold to Mr. R S DONALD who preserved the former atmosphere of the store.
In 1971 MURRAY-GOULBURN CO OPERATIVE bought the business and extensive alterations modernized the store.
Among early employees of the store were Harry COULSON, Davie BATES (later secretary of Casterton Hospital at 1 pound a week) BILLIE SEATON, Maggie and Tom TEMPLETON, Mr. JENKINS, Mr. William PEART, Jack HUTCHISON, Miss D’ARCY (Dressmaker with wooden leg at rear of Railway Hotel) and Sep MILLER.
Tuesday and Friday were delivery days.
20th June 1973
Mr. ROSS read to us the History of the WARD and MARSH families. Elizabeth PLAYER and Isaac WARD married and left England sometime later to come to Australia an about the same time Samuel MARSH and his wife Marianne migrated here in the ship Eliza in 1853. Each family had several children but those of interest in this area were Rueben MARSH who married Ellen WARD and their eldest daughter Rosalie who later married Charles ELLIOT. The children of this marriage are living today they being Mary JEFFREYS (nee ELLIOT) Casterton, Mrs. J MCKENZIE, Casterton and Mr. Jack ELLIOT of Coleraine. It is thought that Elizabeth WARDS grave may still be seen on the banks of the Wannon River.
18th July 1973
Mrs. P EDWARDS spoke on the History of the Casterton Electricity Supply Co.
At a meeting in the Mechanics Hall on July 29th 1907 a company was formed which took over Quinton’s Freezing Works and it was this company which eventually supplied electricity to the town.
After a varied history the SEC took over on September 27th 1962 and the final meeting of the Company took place in 1973
15th August, 1973
Information is sought by Mr. Alex MCGIBBON about the station STRUAN which was situated at PASCHENDALE and owned by C ROBERTSON in 1841
19th September 1973
Mrs. KOCH then introduced our guest speaker Mrs. CHAFFEY who spoke on the life of an early pioneer of this district he being Mr. George CHAFFEY.
George CHAFFEY was born in Devonshire in 1816 and settled in Victoria in 1843. He conducted possibly the first store in Casterton and at a later date took over the management of the Casterton Inn also.
In 1857 he married Miss Philipa LARK and their family consisted of four sons. Mr. CHAFFEY died in 1863 and Mrs. CHAFFEY remarried. The property WOODLANDS was previously purchased and it was here that Mrs. CHAFFEY now Mrs. CURTIS eventually died.
Mr. and Mrs. CHAFFEY willingly assisted many worthwhile causes in the early formation of the town and are remembered as true pioneers of this district.
17th October 1973
The President introduced our Guest Speaker Mrs. R HILL who gave an interesting account of early settlement of Lake Mundi. She stated that Mr. HAWDEN and Lieut MUNDI passed through the area in 1869 and Mr. HAWDEN called the fresh water lake after his friend Lieut MUNDI. Mrs. HILL spoke of the first State School which was opened in 1876 and is now the property of the Casterton Historical Society ,of the first tennis Club, the Casterton Sunday Monday school picnic and the cricket team, which was patronized and enjoyed by all living in the area.
Several of the early settlers descendants today still occupy the land selected by their forefathers.
21st November, 1973
The President introduced our guest speaker Mr. W M MITCHELL. Mr. MITCHELL stated that his grandfather Richard GLASSON MITCHELL landed in Portland in 1857 at the age of 23 years. Shortly after he married and selected land at BUSHELLS CREEK and built a home. He worked as a teamster. Later he selected land for members of his family at KARNACK and bought TREVALLAS 1896. MOREDUN HILL was purchased in 1909. Mr. MITCHELL remembers when Sandford had a blacksmiths, two butcher shops, rabbit factory, butter factory, two saddlers and three hotels.
17th April, 1974
Mr. ROSS later read the Obituary notice of the late Mr. Peter MCEWAN. Mr. MCEWAN managed several district properties and lastly the DUNROBIN STATION owned by Mr. MURRAY. He was held in high esteem by all who knew him. His death occurred on 9th June 1902 and was the cause of great sorrow to many people.
Mrs. GAZZARD then entertained all with humorous stories of local interest. She mentioned the first dances in Casterton called the Palais de Dance and were staged in the ARGYLE HALL. This hall years later to be remembered by most of us as the DRILL HALL.
15th May, 1974
Mrs. EDGAR spoke on the development of the Railway system in Victoria, saying that the first line was opened in 1854 from Melbourne to Port Melbourne. The thirty two branch line from Branxholme to Casterton was opened in two stages to Henty in 1884 and throughout on September 1st of the same year. Terminals were suggested to NANGEELA, DERGHOLM, CHETWYND and WANDO VALE but they did not eventuate, This is however little doubt that the railways provided a great service to country people in the early days, even if the journeys were often long and tiring.
17th July 1974
Mr. J FORMAN then spoke on the WAINS Murder which occurred in early October 1858, the victims being Robert and Mary HUNT. WAINS had previously purchased Mr. HUNTS farm for 139 pounds 15 shillings. George TOWNLEY BROWNE a private detective sailed from Melbourne to Portland and walked to Casterton to investigate the murder. Local people thought he was a shearer. He sought employment at the Glenelg Inn in order to get to know and win the confidence of George WAINS. This eventually occurred and WAINS asked BROWNE if he would move a sack from one part of the river to a deeper section. At this stage Mr. GORMAN concluded his talk and will finish the story at a later meeting.
21st August 1974
Mrs. EDGAR then read to us an article on KIRBYS ride to Melbourne from GLENELG. In 1847 James KIRBY came to the Glenelg Inn. The publican said to him that he had not sent to the treasury the money along with the Certificate which he had obtained a renewal. The time specified would expire on June 30th and this was a Sunday and it was then the 27th June.
James KIRBY rode to Melbourne on behalf of his brother in law Alex MCKINLEY.
After fording several rivers all flooded there being no bridges across any except the LEIGH RIVER near Geelong. First BUJANTS CREEK at Coleraine, next the WANNON RIVER near the WANNON FALLS arriving at the GRANGE early Friday morning June 28th and had a new horse. Next obstacle was the HOPKINS RIVER at WICKLIFFE then the FIERY CREEK at STREATHAM. At 1 o’clock in the morning after resting a while he tackled the flooded creek. The publican begged him not to attempt it however his mind was made up, he then told him of the death of a horse rider that same morning. Next obstacle the WOADY YALLOCK and LEIGH RIVER arriving in Melbourne on Sunday Afternoon June 30th only to be told that it was quite our of the power of the gentleman concerned to accept the money and certificate. However he offered to communicate with the Governor in Sydney. A fortnight later, the document arrived back in Casterton bearing the Governors signature.
18th September 1974
Mr. GORMAN our speaker continued the WAINS MURDER case in which Robert and Mary HUNT lost their lives in 1858 reading to us stories which included the unsavory details of the trial and later the conviction of George WAINS for their murder.
16th October 1974
Mrs. KOCH then welcomed and introduced our guest speaker Mrs. BROWN. Mrs. BROWN spoke on the history of her ancestors namely COXON, SOMMERVILLE and NICHOLLS families, all of whom arrived in Australia from Britain in the 1850s. Mrs. BROWNS father Mr. James COXON together with his brothers John and Bert started business in Casterton in 1915. They later operated two garages in Henty Street for many years.
19th February 1975
Mrs. KOCH introduced the guest speaker Mr. Frank WIDDICOMBE. Mr. WIDDICOMBE spoke on the Closer Settlement of WANDO VALE. This station of 10,447 acres was purchased by Mr. JOHNSTON in 1900. It was divided into sixty six blocks there being over 300 applications for a farm. The terms were 31 ½ years at an interest rate of 6%.
The first roads in the settlement were financed by a 500 pound Government Grant and the Shire Council provided the rest of the cost. Social gatherings were held at the WANDO VALE Homestead and in 1904 a meeting was held to discuss the building of a hall as a permanent place for entertainment.
The Church of England was built in 1912 and the telephone poles were carted long distances to WANDO VALE in 1918. The new hall was erected in 1956 and opened in that year by Cr Henty SILVESTER.
19th March 1975
Mr. Henty ANDERSON was the speaker for the evening and he related many interesting stories of the property "WURT WURT KOORT", Henty. Mr. ANDERSONS father came to manage this property in 1922. There were share dairy farms with each farm raising pigs also. Later the dairy herds were disposed of and beef cattle took there place. In the early days of share farming, farmers with school age children were more likely to be employed as the children were required to help with the milking before and after school each day.
16th April 1975
The Vice President Mr. McLEAN called upon Mr. HENTY ANDERSON to speak on our recent visit to "GLENDINNING". This homestead is situated on a bank at ROCKLANDS DAM, was built in 1909 for Miss BARBER from bricks made on the property the Architect being Mr. WILLSHIRE. Mr. and Mrs. HALLMARK the present owners of the property are busily engaged restoring and furnishing this lovely spacious home.
Mrs. NEESON who spoke to us on the departure of a forefather by the name of GILBO from Spain in the sixteenth century, he being a member of the Spanish Armada which sailed from Spain to conquer England. A severe storm arose in the Bay of Biscay and many ships were sunk others drifted off course, one anchoring in Destiny Bay Ireland. Some generations later, John GILBO married Bridgit GILCHRIST and sailed for Australia. They lived for a short period in Sandford and then moved to DUNROBIN STATION. John was employed as a shepherd. His wife with one small child would take her washing to the river and the lubras became accustomed to her doing so would sometimes help her. Later with three children John purchased land at Carapook, he died in 1895.
21st May 1975
Mr. ROSS who related to us many interesting facts on the McEACHERN family.
The family originally came from Scotland and arrived in Sydney in 1839. In 1842 Hugh McEACHERN and his family settled in Victoria and selected large areas of land at "HEATHFIELD", East and West STRATHDOWNIE and also at HOTSPUR. Another branch of this family farmed land at CAMDEN in NSW belonging to Capt McTITHUN. Mr. ROSS told the story of Mr. McEACHERN's attack by the blacks in 1844.
18th June 1975
Mr. OCONNELL who spoke on the subject of pioneer transport of this district. Mr. OCONNELL was firstly employed in the Public Service but decided to venture out on his own behalf into the transport business. In 1924 the purchase was made of a 30 cwt solid tyred Vulcan truck costing 720 pounds and this he became the proud owner of the first motor transport for rural work in this district. Work soon became plentiful and prosperity followed despite the fact that repairs were appalling due to the rough and unmade roads on which so much traveling was done. Sometime later the Vulcan truck caught fire and was destroyed and over a period of some years three larger vehicles were purchased. Mr. OCONNELL related the costs of the time a carrier's license was a shilling, a driver's license five shillings, a truck registration three pounds three shillings and motor spirit one and a penny per gallon.
16th July 1975
Our speaker Mr. Frank WIDDICOMBE. Mr. WIDDICOMBE said his grandfather landed in Belfast in 1850 and worked on the property "EUMERELLA", Macarthur. Soon after he married Caroline MARSDEN and they moved to "MERINO DOWNS" and was then employed by the late Mr HENTY. After Mr. WIDDICOMBE's fathers marriage to Elizabeth MITCHELL they selected land at GOROKE. On the division of the WANDO VALE Station for Closer Settlement in 1900, the WIDDICOMBE family was successful in acquiring the homestead portion and later other local areas. To this day Mr. WIDDICOMBE and his family are all successful land owners in the Casterton district
20th August 1975
Mrs. EDGAR and Mr. Ewan NEESON combined in giving a talk on Major MITCHELL's journey through this area.
Major MITCHELL left Sydney in March 1836 with a staff of about 20 men. Granville Chetwynd STAPLETON was second in command. Over 30 bullocks and horses were brought to pull the drays which carried the rations of flour, pork, sugar, tea, soap and tobacco. The local aborigines had had no contact with White civilization. On occasions Major MITCHELL found them digging yams with a digging stick. They ate bulrush rhizomes a type of spinach, Cranberry heath, fish and native animals.
18th September 1975
Mr. GORMAN on the life of an early settler in Casterton Thomas George CUE who arrived here in 1853 to be employed as Clerk of Courts. He made his home at "FOREST FARM" which was situated close to Casterton and reared a large family. He employed a Chinese gardener who established a lovely garden, the layout of which is still evident. Court sittings at that time were conducted at the Hummocks and Mr. CUE was closely involved in the trial of George WAINES. He was a great sportsman and bred thoroughbred horses on his farm. The first Hunt Club was formed here in 1875 and the Football Club in the same year and he was associated with both. His son George moved to Western Australia and the town of CUE was named after him.
15th October, 1975
Mrs. KOCH introduced the guest speaker Mr. George BLACK. Mr. BLACK spoke to us about "NANGEELA" STATION. The first owner was Mr. William McPHERSON who was born in Tasmania in 1824. He came to Victoria to manage "Dunrobin" which was owned by his uncle Mr. MURRAY. In 1850 Mr. McPHERSON purchased "NANGEELA" and built the present home from bricks which were made on the property. Oregon timber was used throughout the house which took two years to build. English trees and a beautiful garden surrounded the beautiful double storied home. After the First World War the property was divided for soldier settlement providing 15 farms. Mr. BLACK also related to us an interesting story about Peter LALOR who became well known for the part which he played on the Ballarat Gold Diggings.
18th February 1976
The President introduced Mr. Vern McCALLUM of Digby. Mr. McCALLUM's great display of photos dated back to 1843. At one stage, Digby was a fairly large town having two schools, the first one erected in 1878, two hotels both of which were burnt down and three Policemen were stationed there. The first sitting of the Supreme Court outside Melbourne was at Digby in 1860.
17th March 1976
The President introduced Mr. O'CONNELL who spoke on the history of the Catholic Parish in Casterton dating back over 100 years and of the lives and service rendered by the Clergy in this and adjoining areas.
21st April 1976
Our guest speaker for the evening was Mrs. Belle KELLY who spoke on the early days of her ancestors. Her grandmother came from Dublin and her grandfather from Yorkshire. He was a whales man and also a carpenter. His name was Andrew GILL and was sent to Port Arthur for a very minor offence. Later he came to the mainland where his wife joined him and they were employed on a station near Branxholme. One son George who later became Mrs. KELLY's father was faithfully trained and taught into manhood by the late Dr RUSSELL. Mr. GILL married Miss McCANN in 1884 and raised a family of four daughters and five sons. Mrs. KELLY told of many amusing incidents of the early days and completed her address by dancing the Irish Jig to which Mrs. EDWARDS played the accompaniment.
19th May 1976
Mrs. EDGAR related to us many interesting and humorous stories of MULGA FRED. He was a full blood aboriginal named FRED WILSON and was born near Port Hedland in Western Australia. He first came to Victoria in the early 1900s. Much of his time was spent performing at sideshows and he excelled at whip cracking and throwing boomerangs. It is thought that he was the aboriginal connected with the advertisement PELACO shirt stating "Time Tinkit they fit". When in this district MULGA FRED stayed at Mrs. EDGARDS home and helped with stock work there. His death came in November 1948 at the Horsham Railway Station whilst waiting to board an Adelaide train and he is buried in the Horsham cemetery. His is remembered by many locals for his respectful quiet and happy nature. Mrs. EDGAR concluded by showing us interesting slides of Northern Western Australia.
21st July 1976
Miss MILWARD to speak to us on the recent re-union of the descendants of Christopher and Mary COULSON which took place here on the 18-19-20th of June.
Christopher and Mary were married in Scarborough in 1841 and left England in 1856 for Australia with their children. Christopher was firstly employed at "RIFLE DOWNS", as stud groom and later worked at ? before settling at DWYERS CREEK. More than 400 descendants attended some part of the celebration.
15th September 1976
Mr. GORMAN spoke to us on the Casterton Racing Club from the formation of the Club in 1856 until 1900. The first petition to have an area set aside for a racecourse was signed by twenty five citizens. Mr. J B GILL was the longest serving President of the Club his term being from 188-1917. Mr. BARRY the first master, was a very efficient secretary. He was presented with an illuminated address on leaving Casterton he asked for it to be displayed in the Clubrooms. Picnic racing was held in various areas of the district and though they often lack in rules and regulations, they always proved to be happy outings for all who attended.
20th October, 1976
Mr. Graeme LAWRENCE would speak to us the subject Early Casterton and the period being from 1846 to 1860.
The Rev Dr RUSSELL was appointed clergyman of the Wannon in 1850. He was greatly respected as he helped many people in the 25 years in which he lived in the area. In a visit to his homeland in 1875 he became ill and died. He was buried at sea. Other early settlers mention were Alexander McKINLAY owner of the Glenelg Inn who married Mary KIRBY and her brothers James and Edmund.
Jack RICHARDSON known as Jack the Shingler. Thomas CUE, ROBERTSON, McEACHERN and others the descendants are living here still.
17th November, 1976
Mr. Jack GORMAN as speaker, continuing his interesting talk on Casterton Racing Club. This talk began in 1900.
Mr. GORMAN has been secretary of Casterton Racing Club for 25 years under five Presidents
A E SMITH was secretary 1900-1908, J B GILL of "RUNNYMEDE" was President 1880-1917 – resigned a year before his death in 1918 at that time there were races held at "RUNNYMEDE". Casterton Cup has always been a social event. Big parties were held in centre of racecourse in the horse and buggy days.
Peter MCEWIN was vice President when he died in 1901, photos show of his large former store were special trains for the races. The "Hill" was 1 shillings, E? 5 shillings. Jack the Glass, tick tacker, would send fluctuating prices from the bookmaker to the "Hill" by climbing a tree and demonstrating with agreed signals. Some older committee members mentioned were Murray MATHESON, Messrs FILGATE, J LITTLE and W STOCK.
In 1918, Herbert JACOBS was secretary (also of Show and Horticultural Society) until about 1916.
Prior to 1914, Burnie or Barney CASEY had an unfortunate end riding in Melbourne. A song was written about him. He lived on CASEY HILL, on the Racecourse Rd, was a brother of Dan CASEY. The first World War brought cars into general use. Special trainers still brought horses. Every small town held race meetings for Patriotic funds. The show followed the race. Mr. GORMAN said one year, there was the Show, Races, Bazaar and a local performance of Pirates of Penzance.
Some committee members in 1920s were STOCK Bros, George PATTERSON (Warrock) and Mr P Q PINNELL, Chairman from 1924/25 – 1939. Mr. Ern RICHARDS was secretary for many years.
Races were abandoned during Second World War.
Mr. W H MITCHELL was President in 1950. Has been committee member for 56 years.
The 1946 floods took toll of the course. Races were held then on Wednesday and Thursday, main race first day.
In 1952, 10% of a Calcutta went to club, balance to owner.
"Frodwell" case. Plane landed in centre of racecourse. Stake money withheld, horse and trainer suspended. "Double Bracket" raced by Mr. SKUES missing bookmaker – everyone eventually paid.
Mr. L T LOCH the President for the Centenary Cup. Hard dry track. 19 reserves before starting.
The "Renzilla" case put Casterton of the map from Darwin to Timbuktu.
16th February 1977
Mr. MARSHMAN spoke of the voyage of the "STAR QUEEN" in 1858. The journey took 100 days and owing to rough seas all on board were sick. Food often became scarce and was difficult to keep.
In 1853 a flag was first raised on a hill to guide ships in to Warrnambool and in 1872 a light was lit to guide the sips into the harbour. However the port commenced to decline in the 1930s. Aboriginals spoke of white gods who came in from the sea and these men could well have been Portuguese sailors.
16th March 1977
Mr. Graeme LAWRENCE who related to us the life story of John Wyld PEACHEY who was born in London in 1826 and a resident of Casterton from 1855 until his death in 1912. He was the town’s first undertaker as well as being a carpenter, auctioneer, farmer and businessman. Endowed with a ready wit and an extremely generous nature he gave to those in need and was deeply involved in all plans which contributed to the advancement of Casterton. It is therefore fitting that Peachey Street be named after one of Casterton best remembered pioneers.
20th April 1977
The President Mrs. KOCH obtained and read to members a book containing much information on the commencement of our local hospital and before it was established there were several private hospitals in Casterton and in 1908 the Public Hospital was known as "Cottage Hospital" In 1910 the cost of maintaining the hospital was one pound fifteen shillings a day. When the Pneumonic influenza outbreak occurred the patients who were in the hospital were taken into private homes and the hospital was taken over by the Council. For a period of time a bazaar was held during race week and residents from surrounding areas as well as towns folk would man the stalls and this effort would result in bringing 500 to 600 pounds. The Casterton Band also contributed much to hospital funds. The first x-ray plant was installed in 1924 for the cost of 60 pounds. Mrs. CARMICHAEL "RETREAT" donated money for 3 or 4 rooms to be built at the hospital and this building was opened in 1925.
18th May, 1977
Mr. ROSS read to members firstly a letter written by Dame Mary GILMORE from her home in Sydney to Mrs. COGGINS (nee McEACHERN). The McEACHERNS came to Western Victoria in the 1840s. The letter from Mrs. COGGINS was placed in the Mitchell Library by Dame Mary because of the McEACHERN family history.
Mr. ROSS then read a section of Dame Mary GILMORES book "Old Days, Old Ways" the story dealing with the arrival of William and John McEACHERN in Western Vic. After they had traveled through the Riverina and without knowledge of the distance or time to reach their destination they eventually arrived at the foothill lands of which they had heard about and after having made application for the territory and it being allocated to them they then called the area STRATHDOWNIE. The brothers returned to Goulburn for their stock. John McEACHERN then married and the convoy took eighteen months to reach their destination STRATHDOWNIE and encountered many difficulties during the journey.
20th July, 1977
Mr. Jim RHODES addressed those assembled on the topic of his recent ancestors who had resided in the Henty area since the 1850s. His great grandfather, William RHODES, left Yorkshire and arrived at Melbourne in 1852. After paying baggage, he left with only some 5 shillings to his name. He soon made his way to the Henty District, eventually selecting land on the Wannon River. An old pear tree still remains today at this site. In 1856, William RHODES married Betty ANDISON, who with her parents, had arrived at Portland Bay the previous year. A son of William RHODES, Charles eventually took over part of his fathers land and also bought the property "GREYLANDS". Charles married Elizabeth KOHN in 1885. The RHODES family has maintained a long association with the Glenelg Shire Council; William, Charles, Hans and Jim having sat in Council.
In addition, a RHODES has been the secretary of the Henty Church since 1903.
17th August, 1977
Mr. McARLEIN said that his ancestors came to the RED CAP area over 100 years ago. His grandfather Bernard McARLEIN was born in Northern Ireland in 1847 one of 11 children and after they were orphaned a Scottish aunt cared for the children. He left Ireland at the age of 16 years for Australia and landed in Gympie, Queensland in 1864 to work in the gold mines. Later he selected land at ROSENEATH. In 1875 he married Miss QUIN and there were six children of the marriage. At the age of 53 years, Bernard McARLEIN was accidentally killed. The McARLEIN home at RED CAP was noted for the friendly hospitality which was extended to all who called there.
21st September, 1977
Mrs. MURRAY who wrote the history of the NICHOLLS family and Mr. HEARN who read the interesting story. Mrs. MURRAY’s grandparents were John Henry NICOLLS and Elizabeth TALLACK and they were married in Cornwall in 1853. They sailed to Australia the following year, the journey taking 3½ months. Mr. NICHOLLS was employed by Mr. HENTY as a carpenter. Later he selected land at SANDFORD, where he built a bluestone store, stables and two brick homes. There were seven children in the family and Mrs. MURRAY wrote of all members mentioning their married names. At "WANELLA" which was built in 1909 chaff was cut by horse works, the horses being driven in a circle to drive the chaff cutter. At that time chaff sold for 2/6 a bag and wood for 5/6 a ton. Most housewives of that period were good cooks and Mrs. MURRAY’s description of the Cornish pasties, cream puffs and a favorite dish of chicken and bacon sounded delicious. In the early days there were no pensions, child endowment, radio, TV, picture shows or electricity but also there were few of the present day problems. A blue satin bodice of a wedding gown and a paisley shawl which were first used 124 years ago were on display
19th October, 1977
Mr. ROSS spoke on the history of the STRATHDOWNIE POST OFFICE.
This was opened on October 1st 1877 with William HOLDEN being the first Postmaster. Before 1860 the residents of STRATHDOWNIE were compelled to send to Casterton for their mail. During the first year 10,000 letters were handled whilst in the mid 1880s the number of letters had risen to 45,000. The increased number being due to the rise in the population in the area. William HOLDEN carried on the Post Office, until his death in 1906 and from 1908 until 1959 it was conducted by Miss Lexie McEACHERN. In latter years, Postmistresses were Mrs. PEARCE and MRS JOYCE. They completing the 100 years of service given to the residents of STRATHDOWNIE and surrounding district.
16th November, 1977
Mr. GORMAN to relate to us his story dealing with the BOER WAR. Twelve volunteers from the Casterton district fought in the Boer War that spanned the years from 1899 to 1902 and was waged in South Africa between the Dutch Colonists and countries of the British Empire. Of the twelve soldiers who enlisted two did not return they being Mr. Tom STOCK who was killed in action and Herbert SEALEY who died of fever whilst on active duty. The war ended on May 31st 1902 and the troops eventually arrived home to gay and happy functions which were held in their honour.
15th February, 1978
Mr. WILTSHIRE who is the official historian for Portland titled his talk "The early Pioneers of the Casterton District" and dealt mainly with Major MITCHELL’s expedition which left Sydney and passed through the Casterton district on its way to the coast at Portland Bay in 1835. The members of the expedition were the first white people to see this country. MITCHELL named this area "Australia Felix" which means "The Happy Land of the South". MITCHELL's account of the expedition was published on the return of the party to Sydney in 1836. This report fired the imagination of settlers in Tasmania, Sydney and London. The HENTY brothers at this time were settled in Portland. They immediately ventured inland and took up the stations of "MERINO DOWNS" and "MUNTHAM".
15th March, 1978
Mrs. EDGAR entertained us by reading several letters written by Governor LATROBE describing his journey from Melbourne to Portland in the 1840s. In a letter to James BLAIR who was the police magistrate he mentioned having stayed at the junction of the Glenelg and Wando River. On other occasions he stayed with his friends Francis HENTY and John George ROBERTSON whilst in this district. On reading through the book named "Letters of Latrobe" a copy which has been given to our museum, he often described the beauty of the country, the plants, birds and vegetation but it was evident also the many hardships which he encountered in carrying out his duties.
17th April 1978
Graham LAWRENCE spoke to us on Casterton in the 1880s and slides were shown pertaining to that period. Thomas CLARK mapped out Casterton in 1852 with a broad main street. The combination of a number of factors during the 1870s caused a significant increase in the prosperity of the district and consequently a rapid increase in population. Large areas of the stations were leased for the growing of grain and this in turn brought prosperity to the district. The growth of Casterton saw the arrival of bank managers, auctioneers, solicitors and other professionals. The first meeting held in Casterton to form a Mechanics Institute was in December 1873 at Grants Albion Hotel. The building was erected by 1876 by George JOLLY costing £651.18.7 and all types of functions were held there during the day and nearly every evening.
21st June, 1978
Mr. McCONCHIE read extract from a family diary written 120 years ago.
Mr. David McCONCHIE, his wife and their 11 children left Scotland in the ship named the Colonial Empire and arrived in Australia in 1871. The reading described the journey out, the many hardships endured and deaths which occurred mainly from measles. The ship traveled about 219 miles each day and after ninety nine days on the water they reached Melbourne. The family settled in Richmond the large family multiplied and there were many great sportsmen among the descendents. In a short period, Mr. McCONCHIE’s father lived in Sandford and worked as a boot maker. In 1890 he left Sandford and returned to Melbourne.
The President Mrs. KOCH thanks Mr. MCCONCHIE on behalf of all present and we hope he has learned something more of his ancestors through making his home in Casterton.
19th July, 1978
John GARTLAND, the great grandfather of our speaker was born in Ireland in 1839. In 1865 he married Miss Catherine GRANT and they sailed for Australia that year on the MARCO POLO. After working on road making for several months he and his wife moved to the Mansfield district to work on the land which was his ambition and after staying on this property for four years he purchased his first selection and named it BRILLIANT, a property of 80 acres and built his first home and sheds there. By 1912 the acreage had increased to 4000 acres. They suffered a severe drought and wool sold for 16½ pence per lb at the turn of the century. After two trips back to Ireland he sold the BRILLIANT property. John GARTLAND died in 1914 aged 75 years. The family moved to a property in the Riverina in 1922 and lived there until 1928. Mr. Tom GARTLAN came to the Western District in 1931 having purchased TULOONA of the KOOLOMURT WEST in 1934.
16th August, 1978
Mrs. HISCOCK who entitled her talk "My memories of what my mother told me of my grandparents". Sarah WYE and John SIMKIN came from a village in Cambridge. They married and sailed from Tilbury Docks on the ship ANN MILNE arriving in Portland six months later in 1845. Mr. LEWIS of "RIFLE DOWNS" Digby met the ship as he was looking for suitable employees. Mr. and Mrs. SIMKIN left Portland with Mr. LEWIS and travelled by bullock dray to Mr. LEWIS’ property. Sometime later Mr. LEWIS went overseas in his own ship leaving John SIMKIN in charge. On his return to Australia he dismantled the ship and used the timber in his home for skirting boards and doors etc. After leaving "RIFLE DOWNS", John SIMKIN worked at TAHARA walking to and from work each week. He did eventually purchase a spring cart and horse. In 1881 they built their home in Digby with shingle roof and calico ceilings and to forgetting their homeland called it Cambridge Cottage. Mrs. SIMKIN often acted a midwife in the district. She died in her 80s. Mr. LEWIS built the first Inn in Digby, but it was burnt down some years later.
20th September, 1978
Graham LAWRENCE once again spoke to us and entitled his talk "Industry and Commerce in Casterton last century".
The first business in Casterton was the Glenelg Inn which opened its doors in 1846. There was a blacksmiths building attached. In 1852 township allotments were made available and soon all types of businesses were opened. Hawkers with their horse drawn covered wagons arrived in the district in 1861. They were will patronized but often carried inferior quality goods, however they were always welcome at the stations.
Also in 1861 a tannery started business on the banks of the Glenelg River and in 1865 the Presbyterian Church was built. In 1867 James PEDEN opened a general store. The first Baker J ROWLEY commenced business in 1867. By the 1870s Casterton was a flourishing town there being five general stores and competition was keen, One of the largest and most prosperous business would have been ILLINGSWORTH’s where horses were shod, drays, wagons and buggies made. They sold carriage lamps, wheels, tools, timber and leather. Mr. J F BLACKBURN was the first chemist here commencing business in 1875. The town was described by Julian THOMAS as clean, neat and prosperous the western terminus of the train and the prosperity of the town was an inducement for others to settle here.
18th October, 1978
Mr. DAVIDSON speaker at this meeting saying that he has always been interested in the working of the Shire and had taken notes over a period from 1863 to 1907.
The first Council meeting was held under the name of the Glenelg District Road Board took place in Casterton on December 2nd 1863 there being six councilors Mr. G CARMICHAEL, Mr. F HENTY, MR CUSSEN, Mr. O'REILLY, MR NASH and MR TREVASKAS. The next and subsequent meetings were held in Sandford and continued to be for some years.
MR LEONARD commenced duties as Engineer in 1863 and retained that position until 1870 whilst Mr. G SMITH was Secretary during that period. Council banking business was conducted at the Bank of Victoria in Portland. For some years after the formation of the Road Board the roads were not cleared and travelers would wind their way past trees, stumps and bushes, however the roads most used did improve fairly quickly. It would take four days to take a load of wool to Portland by bullock dray and four days to return thus the carting of the wool clip of 100 bales proved to be a long task.
Mr. DAVIDSON mentioned a few of the out lying schools they being "THE BLUFF", BRIMBOAL, BOWTELLS CREEK, BRUK BRUK and BOROITE, just to name a few all of which were closed many years ago.
Mr. G CARMICHAEL from "RETREAT" presented Council with a clock in March 1867. It is still in going order.
In 1887 a motion was moved and seconded that work commence on the snagging of the Glenelg River. Mr. DAVIDSON read us an account of a race meeting held at BRIMBOAL in 1888. The picnic race meetings were always the cause of great enjoyment and interest to local competitors and all who attended.
21st February, 1979
Mr. Jack GORMAN addressed all present the subject of his talk being the 1906 Floods possibly the largest flood Casterton has ever experienced. Four inches of rain fell on July 20th and the next day the low lying areas were covered with deep water which entered shops, hotels and homes on the flats. Many people had to be taken forcibly from their homes and families found refuge in the Shire Hall and Presbyterian Church. Stock was lost and fences were destroyed.
21st March, 1979
Mrs. J PATTERSON who spoke about the pioneer women of "WARROCK". George Robertson took up "Warrock" in 1843, after having spent some years as the overseer at WANDO VALE, owned by his cousin John ROBERTSON, In 1853, George married his cousin Mary a sister of John ROBERTSON. Both bride and bridegroom were well past their first youth, and the marriage seems to have been placidly happy. Mary decorated her house, was a good cook and loved plants. She had several hot houses for plants on the property. She was well known locally for her bush nursing and charity. She had no family herself when she did in 1885. George died in 1890. George ROBERTSON willed "WARROCK" to his nephew, George Robertson PATTERSON, who in 1876 had married Mary SIMSON of the adjoining station, "ROSENEATH". PATTERSON left "WARROCK" to his son, also George Robertson PATTERSON, after whose death the property passed into the hands of two of his three sons, George Robertson PATTERSON and Norman Boyce PATTERSON.
18th April, 1979
The secretary read extracts from a diary which belonged to Miss Annie HUGHES who was the daughter of Mr. E F HUGHES. Mr. HUGHES was the editor of the first local newspaper, opened his business in 1883. It was then situated on the lower left side of Henty Street for some years. The family home was on Toorak Hill and it was here that the second daughter Daisy married Mr. Albert Otto BERKEFELD. Mr BERKEFELD came to Casterton from Mt Gambier and commenced his business by making and selling Bicycles. He was a noted cyclist and the winner of many races. However his greatest contribution to Casterton was the building of the double storied garage which he named A O B MOTORS. He was a very enterprising businessman
16th May 1979
Mrs. EDGAR read us a story concerning early station life. Shepherds were employed to look after the sheep by day and night as there were no fences. The boundaries of properties were marked with plough furrows. Later brush fences were erected. The shepherds often being ticket of leave men were given rations of tea, sugar, flour and meat hence quite large storerooms were needed at the station as in some cases forty to fifty men were employed. A shepherd’s home was a small building which was made to be moved about as the sheep grazed from one area to another. Their wages ranged from $20.00 to 60.00 per year. A house cow and hens at the station were very important and the first tinned food, the early settlers were able to buy was herrings and sauce. All stores came inland from Portland by bullock dray.
20th June, 1979
Mrs. HISCOCK who spoke to us about her fathers side of her family. Captain Thomas BURGESS was an American and was Mrs. HISCOCK’s great great grandfather. He married Miss SPRIGGS in 1807 and she later came to Digby to live with her two sons. In 1841 Nathaniel BURGESS landed in Portland and shortly after came to Digby. He was a blacksmith by trade and had a family of four sons and one daughter. The other branch of the BURGESS family was saw millers. The first white child to survive in the area was born in 1848 and some years later married Mr. MABBITT. Mrs. HISCOCK displayed several Bonnets that belonged to her great grandmother as well as photos and books.
18th July, 1979
Mr. Bill MELDRUM’S great grandfather was Robert MELDRUM, who in 1820 married Jean DOUGLAS, near Edinburgh. The couple had 9 children – 4 girls and 5 boys. One of these boys, William Douglas MELDRUM was the guest speaker’s grandfather.
William Douglas MELDRUM came to Merino in 1868 and worked as a blacksmith for Mr. OBRIEN. He built a small 4 roomed cottage of locally made bricks – this house was built into the side of the hill. In those days Merino was known as "PADDYS WATERHOLES" or the "MERINO WATERHOLES". By 1874, Merino had a population of about 2000 compared with the population of Casterton at that time of about 700. William Douglas MELDRUM died in 1930 at the age of 89. The guest speaker was born at WILLAURA, His fathers name was also William. Mr. MELDRUM concluded his most interesting talk by reading extracts from a scrapbook of newspaper articles written by Thomas Denton CLARKE. Thomas CLARKE was the Merino correspondent to the "Hamilton Spectator" from 1870 to 1903.
15th August, 1979
Mr. Tom NEYLON’s grandfather came to Australia in the 1850’s and he selected land at BRIMBOAL in 1869. Near a spring he built a bark hut, his first home. It was warm in winter and cool in summer and two of his children were born there. Mr. NEYLON had a bullock team and he carted wool and bark to Portland. At this time Chinese prospectors were in the area looking for silver. Many small cats lived in the bush land and the first rabbits were noticed about 1880.
In 1902 Mr. NEYLONS parents came to WANDO BRIDGE. They were dairy farmers taking milk to a nearby factory and bringing back skim milk to feed the pigs. Mr. NEYLON spoke of three football teams in the BRIMBOAL - NAREEN area and told stories of local district identities finishing the talk with a humorous poem written by Mrs. BARRETT.
19th September, 1979
Graham LAWRENCE addressed the meeting on the growth of Casterton 1870s-1880s.
The development of many Western District towns was closely related to the redistribution of land ownership from the squatters to the selectors and this pattern of landownership occurred also in the Casterton area. Thousands of immigrants poured into the colony from 1851 – 1861 thus the gold mining era commenced and the population of Victoria increased eightfold. However, many later turned their sights towards farming. In 1862, the President of Lands and Works, Sir Charles DUFFY threw open for selection some four million acres. East selection was limited to a maximum of 640 acres or less purchase price £1 per acre, 1/10 of the land was to be cropped, fenced or a home built on it within 12 months of occupation. However, the squatters resorted to unusual practices of dummying and pea cocking in order to retain as much of their holding as possible.
The growing importance of Casterton was evident by the sudden rush of banks to the town in December 1872, three banks had opened their doors, an agency of the National Bank and branches of the Colonial Bank and the Bank of Victoria and it was from this time the squatters conducted their business affairs in Casterton rather than at Hamilton and Portland as they had previously done. John COULSON erected the new POST OFFICE in 1875.
In February 1874 James CONNELL and CO constructed a STEAM FLOUR MILL at Casterton near the main bridge and soon this mill was handling large quantities of grain grown locally from land leased from the larger properties.
Charles KOCH being the largest and most successful grower of grain marketed some 3000 bags of wheat from one leasehold. The following year he leased a ship to carry his wheat to England for sale there. Cultivation of the land improved it greatly as the rushes and tussocks were killed.
In March 1875, Walter Scott FARGILL provided Casterton with its first paper, the Casterton News and it cost £1 pound per annum with advertisements at 2/6 per inch. This paper proved to be a great asset to town and district.
In 1880 the railway line had been surveyed and construction started and after much discussion the present site for the station was decided upon.
The official opening of the railway line took place on September 4th 1884, the day being declared a public holiday and all sorts of happy celebrations took place to mark the occasion and soon refrigerated cars (approx 1890s) brought fresh fish, veggies and meat to Casterton for the first time.
17th October, 1979
Speakers - Mrs. McGINTY and Mr. GORMAN. Mrs. McGINTY commenced by relating to us some of the main events of her life. She was born in Casterton the daughter of Mr. Neil McLEAN and after leaving school worked a several station homes as a housemaid. In 1934 she married Mr. Ted McGINTY and they then lived at Lake Mundi. In January 1939 a terrible fire thought to have started at the local mill burnt large areas of land and fencing threatened home and caused great losses of stock. It was on this day the Mr. McGINTY’s elder son aged five years was badly burned and he died shortly after being admitted to the Penola Hospital. Her younger son survived. Mrs. McGINTY was at home alone on that day. They left Lake Mundi soon after and they made their home near Casterton on the BAHGALLAH RD and here twice in the years that followed the family had to be rescued from the flood waters of the Glenelg River. Mr. and Mrs. McGINTY had a family of 8 children, six of whom are living and although tragedies have beset the McGINTY family Mrs. McGINTY spoke of the kindness bestowed upon them by local people.
Mr. GORMAN continues on stating serious fires occurred in 1851, 1901, 1939 and the 1977 STEATHAM fire where five people lost their lives. However the most devastating fire was the one in 1939 where 77 people were burned to death and several towns wiped out. A wall of smoke was to be seen all over the state from the many fires which were burning and the horror of this day Friday 13th January will live in the minds of all who remember it.
21st November, 1979
Mrs. BAXTER who read extracts from early Casterton newspapers which had belonged to the late Mrs. LEAKE. Articles dealt with the local killings of blacks, the WAINES murder trial, a story of Thomas CAWKER driving the Royal Princes and a humorous description of a waltzing competition held in Casterton, 200 people attended and profit from the evening amounted to £5. A sad story was related of the drowning of 3 small children in the river at KILLARA. The families were picnicking there on that day.
20th February 1980
Mrs. R CAMERON and HUGH of PORTLAND they being our speakers for the evening. HUGH showed us Mr ADAMSON’s slides of early Portland buildings many of which have been demolished in the name of progress. In 1845/6, the Union Bank was built. The State Savings Bank opened for business in 1848 in Stephen HENTY’s premises. In 1880 a new SSB was built and conducted business until 1951 when the present building was erected. Portland’s population in 1853 was 2000 with 37 depositors having 734 pounds to their credit. In 1854 a bank clerks salary was ten shillings per week. "Claremont" was built in 1853 and used as Government Offices later as a college. Slides included the original HENTY home where Richmond HENTY was born in 1835, also the first Churches, banks and hotels as well as early homes such as "PROSPECT" and ‘OAK PARK".
20th March 1980
Mr. G LAWRENCE spoke on the early history of the GLENELG SHIRE.
Following years of neglect from the Portland Road Board, people of the Casterton District petitioned the Government to create a separate Road Board, to more efficiently serve the needs of their area. Thus the GLENELG ROAD BOARD was proclaimed in September 1863. The first Board meeting was held at Casterton. For the next 2 years, meetings of the Board were held at Sandford, Ever since, meetings have been held at Casterton. The GLENELG ROAD BOARD became the GLENELG SHIRE COUNCIL on 29th June 1864. The Shire Chambers at Casterton (now the RSL Hall) were completed by January 1867. The contacts were JEFFRIES, DUNBAR and HUGHES. The main thrust of the GLENELG SHIRE COUNCIL in the 1860s and 1870s was to form and maintain roads in the District and the townships. HENTY Street, between Clarke and McPherson streets, was formed, leveled and graveled for the first time in 1875. In 1869, it was discovered that the Shire Secretary George "Bombay" SMITH had been embezzling Shire funds for 5 years. Subsequent legal proceedings failed to recover the £870 embezzled by SMITH who, although shown to be guilty was not convicted for his crimes.
21st May, 1980
Mrs. VIVIAN from Portland who showed us her slides of many Western Victorian Homesteads some of the homes shown were "OAKLANDS", "MUNTHAM", "MERINO DOWNS", "NAREEN", "WANDO DALE", "CUYUAC", "WARROCK", "DUNROBIN", "ARDNO", "TULSE HILL" and "CLUNIE". Features most noticeable were the large verandahs surrounding the homes and the large English trees shading the gardens.
18th June 1980
Mrs. BAUDINETTE our guest speaker spoke on the recent MUNRO family reunion held at WANDO VALE. James and Janet MUNRO came to Australia about 1850 from Scotland. They experienced very rough seas on the way here and lost most of their possessions. After settling in GISBORNE they had only one child a son name Dan who later lived in ROCHESTER and then came to WANDO VALE in 1900 with his wife and 10 children. They traveled with their goods in a bow wagon taking 90 days to complete their journey and their first home here was in Casterton for a short while.
Daniel died in 1941 aged 91 years. Mrs. BAUDINETTE told us that 180 descendents attended the reunion coming from most states in Australia.
All took a bus ride to BELLS HILL to view the site of the original home and a tree was planted there and later a plaque was presented to the WANDO VALE Hall.
16th July, 1980
Mr. DAVIDSON read an interesting story of the visit on February 20th 1912 of the Governor Sir John FULLER to Casterton and of the difficulties experienced (on the journey here). The Vice Regal party together with Councilors of the time dined at the CASTERTON HOTEL which was then under the management of Mr. and Mrs. NICOLLS. Later the Governor inspected the guards and cadets.
17th July 1980
Graeme LAWRENCE - the title of his talk " A stroll through Casterton in early times"
Shiels Terrace was named after the Rt Honorable William SHIELS and house blocks in their area of Casterton cost £60, with one of the first owners being Mr. J ILLINGWORTH. Then on to Henty Street commencing at the Glenelg Inn which was first built in 1846. Graeme spoke of each block the type of business conducted thereon and giving the owners name. We moved from Henty street to Clark Street, McPherson street, Murray and Milton Street, this area being the older residential area the owners name and occupier of each house and the type of business which he operated.
15th October, 1980
Mrs. BUCKLE - the title of the documentary read and written by Mrs. BUCKLE was "Pastoralism and its effect on a small township in Western Victoria between 1840 – 1900. The township being Casterton".
Major MITCHELL on his expedition in 1836 through Australia Felix as he called the area described the country as one of the finest regions on earth. The first inland stations were all settled from Portland and the next five to be taken up were DUNROBIN, NANGEELA, DANCOCK, CASHMERE and WANDO VALE, the land being suitable for grazing, mostly sheep and some cattle. The owners names and the year in which each station was first settled was mentioned and many interesting stories were heard concerning the lives of the owners and their wives of their few possessions but of their undoubted desire to make good in this new land despite the many hardships, however these settlers were not the people who contributed to the making of the township of Casterton as much of their business was conducted in Portland and Hamilton. As the business life of Casterton grew with the passing years the amenities of this town of Casterton came into being with the formation of each interestingly detailed.