History of wireless telegraphy and broadcasting in Australia/Topical/Biographies/William Philip Bechervaise/Notes/1870s

3 William Philip Bechervaise - Notes & Transcriptions - 1870s 1870 1870 01 Bechervaise's office struggling with increased business resulting from lowered rates NEWS AND NOTES. . . . The Telegraph-office, now that cheaper rates have come into play, seems to require more assistance. It will be seen from our mining reports that complaints are made of a too tardy delivery of telegrams.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article112857857 NEWS AND NOTES. The Ballarat Star XV, 15 Victoria, Australia 18 January 1870 16 October 2020 2 National Library of Australia 1870 02 As previous PARLIAMENTARY INTELLIGENCE. LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY. Wednesday, 16th February. . . . Mr Jones called the attention of the honorable the Commissioner of Trade and Customs to the serious want of accommodation in transmitting telegrams from Ballarat, and asked if steps would be taken to remedy the evil complained of. He urged the appointment of two additional operators and to make use of the railway circuit. The Hon. Mr Cohen read a communication from the master of the telegraph-station at Ballarat, who said no inconvenience had been experienced by him. Mr Jones said possibly no inconvenience had accrued to the station-master, but there had been to to the public. Mr Dyte furnished a case where a message of his on the previous evening took four hours to deliver. The hon. Postmaster promised to enquire into the matter.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article219306225 PARLIAMENTARY INTELLIGENCE. The Ballarat Star XV, 41 Victoria, Australia 17 February 1870 16 October 2020 3 National Library of Australia 1870 03 1870 04 Bechervaise's team part of a larger effort to get out a record-sized report, kudos all round Our readers may be interested to hear that the telegraphic report of Mr. Michie's speech which appeared in The Argus of yesterday was the longest press message ever transmitted in Victoria. It consisted of 7,440 words, and occupied two of the most skilful operators in the public service exactly four hours in the transmission. This is precisely 31 words per minute, a rate of speed quite unprecedented in the experience of the Victorian Telegraph department, and reflecting the highest credit on the gentlemen employed on the work. We may add that the operators expressed themselves in the highest terms with regard to the excellence of the arrangements of the members of our staff who reported the speech, the rapidity and regularity with which the "copy" was supplied to them, having greatly facilitated the expeditious transmission of the report. Our reporters, in their turn, desire to acknowledge the zealous co-operation of Mr. Bechervaise, the station master at Ballarat, whose services were invaluable in forwarding their work.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article5818977 WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27, 1870. The Argus (Melbourne) 7,450 Victoria, Australia 27 April 1870 16 October 2020 5 National Library of Australia 1870 05 Bechervaise, now in charge of both post office and telegraph office, announces housekeeping TUESDAY, 24th May (the Queen's Birthday), being proclaimed a General Holiday, the following arrangements will be observed in the POST OFFICE and TELEGRAPH DEPARTMENT:— Post Office delivery windows to be open from 9 am. to 10 a.m. The first delivery by letter-carrier only to be effected. All Mails to be received and despatched as usual. Telegraph Offices to be open from 8.30 a.m. to 10 a.m., and from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. TUESDAY, 24th May (Queen's Birthday), the TELEGRAPH OFFICES will be opened only from 8.30 to 10 a.m., and from 6 to 7 p.m. W. P. BECHERVAISE, Manager. Ballarat, 21st May, 1870. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article191565124 Advertising The Ballarat Courier 918 Victoria, Australia 24 May 1870 16 October 2020 2 National Library of Australia 1870 06 Bechervaise announces arrangements for the long gone Separation Day public holiday, again the usage "J. W. Bechervaise" appears ON FRIDAY, 1st JULY (SEPARATION DAY), Telegraph Offices will be open from 8.30 a.m. till 10 a.m., and from 6 p.m. till 7 p.m. J. W. BECHERVAISE, Manager. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article191567289 Advertising The Ballarat Courier 950 Victoria, Australia 30 June 1870 16 October 2020 2 National Library of Australia 1870 07 Bechervaise announces new rates for telegrams to Tasmania TELEGRAPH OFFICE. ON and after the 1st of July next, the ADDRESS and SIGNATURE to each Telegraphic Message forwarded by Submarine Cable to Tasmania will not be sent free if, together, they exceed Ten words in length. Any number of words beyond Ten will be charged for as part of the message to be transmitted. J. W. BECHERVAISE, Manager.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article191565187 Advertising The Ballarat Courier 967 Victoria, Australia 20 July 1870 16 October 2020 2 National Library of Australia 1870 08 Telegraph office housekeeping TELEGRAPH OFFICE. ON and after the 1st of July next, the ADDRESS and SIGNATURE to each Tele-graphic Message forwarded by Submarine Cable to Tasmania will not be sent free if, together they exceed Ten words in length. Any number of words beyond Ten will be charged for as part of the message to be transmitted. J. W. BECHERVAISE, Manager.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article191564498 Advertising The Ballarat Courier 985 Victoria, Australia 10 August 1870 16 October 2020 2 National Library of Australia 1870 09 Delays in arrival of the California mail steamer cause Bechervaise to make special arrangements NEWS AND NOTES. . . . As some uncertainty appears to exist as to when news may be expected via San Francisco, we may mention that that mail is not due at Sydney till the 18th inst. To prevent the numerous enquiries which are daily made at the telegraph-office re the arrival of the Californian mail steamer (writes Mr Bechervaise), it hereby notified that the arrival of that vessel will be announced by the hoisting of the Union Jack on the tower at Craig’s Royal hotel, and also at the George hotel.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article218798413 NEWS AND NOTES. The Ballarat Star XV, 219 Victoria, Australia 14 September 1870 16 October 2020 2 National Library of Australia Intense interest in early reports of the 1870 Franco-Prussian War, telegraph office struggling to keep up with demand NEWS AND NOTES. The Royal Mail steamer Malta was sighted off Queenscliff at ten a.m. on Sunday, and landed her mails at noon. We received our files by special express on Sunday night, and this morning we are enabled to give our readers as complete details of the great war as can be obtained from the latest and best sources. Upon such an important and exciting occasion as this we have thought it necessary to spare no expense and no exertion. Once more our good citizens have been filled with excitement, and the "war news" has proved again how far more powerful a great and universal question of public import is to fix the attention than is any mere matter of local difference. Nothing could exceed the wide spread eagerness of the crowd which lined Sturt street, on Saturday last, and probably upon no previous occasion has the mass of people in front of our office been so great, so eager, or so earnest. No sooner was the flag which announces the arrival of the mail hoisted at the Royal and the George hotels, than men began to pour down the street and up the Main road, and concentrated themselves in front of our office. Before they had been waiting half an hour for news, some of the more eager began to grow impatient, and when a telegraph messenger at length appeared, it was with some difficulty that he edged his way through the crowd — willing as the crowd was to make way for him. At four o’clock in the afternoon we were able to get to press with our first edition, and no sooner was it ready for delivery than a dense mass of men crowded into the Star office, and by a pressure which none could withstand were so tightly wedged together that several uplifted hands broke away part of our office fixtures, and one unwilling hand smashed the globe of a gas-burner. Then, as papers were obtained, small knots of men were seen gathering together outside, while one who had secured the coveted news would be reading aloud, amidst the hum of passing comment on the words which told of "— — — fearful musters, and prepar'd defence." At five o'clock we issued a third edition, and as soon afterwards as possible a fourth and a fifth edition. Long after darkness had set in, all well lighted shop windows were beset by clusters of readers of the Star, many straining their eyes with a pain and intensity which evidenced their interest in the great subject about which they were reading. It is needless to remark that our German fellow colonists were affected by the news in a manner somewhat beyond the intensity of ordinary readers, and they with reasonable exultation, but with good taste, retired to celebrate the success of their countrymen, in draughts which were quaffed within the shade of host Henkel’s bar or in the inner recesses of the rooms of other German hostelries. Frenchmen in the crowd were not numerous, but this we can say, that wherever they were, there was little done or said to hurt their pride, beyond the fact of reading out the news of their great defeats. In the main, however, the feeling was one of gladness that the Prussians had been victorious, and it did not fail to present itself to the observation of the great majority of those who commented on the war, that of the two contending parties Prussia would use her victories to better purpose and with most humanity. It would be noticed that many errors appeared in the telegrams as issued by us on Saturday, but we deemed it better to satisfy the craving for news, with celerity rather than with the nicest accuracy. Today all the discrepancies are cleared up, and some passages which on Saturday might have mystified the reader, are today made plain. The telegraph department here is so absurdly unfitted for a pressure of labor, such as a long message entails upon it, that we cannot but express our thanks to Mr Bechervaise and his staff for so admirably performing a heavy duty with such readiness and ability.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article218798737 NEWS AND NOTES. The Ballarat Star XV, 229 Victoria, Australia 26 September 1870 16 October 2020 2 National Library of Australia As previous Yesterday we complained that, in consequence of the Ballarat and Geelong railway being hermetically sealed against traffic on Sunday, the letters and papers by the English mail steamer could not reach Ballarat until half-past ten o'clock on Monday, and that one consequence of this delay would be that the residents of a large number of towns west, southwest, and north of Ballarat would not get their correspondence for twenty-four hours afterwards, or on Tuesday, as the coaches leave every midnight. The justice of our complaint has since been admitted on all sides, and there can be no doubt we shall have much indignation expressed by the unfortunate people up country who are the victims of this delay. On such an occasion a special train should immediately have been put on the line, as was once done between Geelong and Melbourne, and the mail bags sent through for delivery early on Monday morning, instead of being placed under lock and key for some eighteen hours. This is the practice adopted in every part of the globe where civilisation has been extended to, and it is not a little discreditable that this colony should form the only exception to the rule. The delay in despatching the letters, however, was not the only curious feature of last Sunday's proceedings. A resident of Ballarat having a deep interest in the arrival of the mail steamer off the Heads, went to the telegraph office shortly after the Malta was signalled, and endeavored to send a message through to Geelong. Mr Bechervaise very courteously tried to "raise" Geelong, and failing once and twice, tried a third, fourth, and fifth time, but without the slightest result as there was no one in the Geelong office. The same gentleman subsequently tried the railway line with precisely the same effect. Now we can scarcely conceive a greater act of stupidity on the part of the Geelong clerks than to be absent from their offices at such a critical time; and we think it would well become the Government to issue special instructions to the operators at the different telegraph offices to be in attendance at their instruments for an hour or two after the arrival of the mail steamer has been telegraphed off the Heads, supposing she arrives on a Sunday. On any other day they would be there as a matter of course. This concession to the public would be a very slight one to make; but its importance to some people in the colony would often be immense. To hermetically close both the railway line and the telegraph offices when the steamer is landing her mails, seems to us to be the most stupendous piece of folly conceivable. Such a despotic proceeding might be excusable amongst Thakomban's subjects; but here, in Victoria, it is simply contemptible and unjust. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article191645662 No title The Ballarat Courier 1026 Victoria, Australia 27 September 1870 16 October 2020 2 National Library of Australia 1870 10 Another mail steamer eagerly awaited NEWS AND NOTES. We are, by Mr J. W. Bechervaise, manager of the Electric Telegraph-station, Ballarat, requested to state that the arrival of the mail steamer (via California) at Sydney will be notified to the public in the usual manner, by the hoisting of the Union Jack on the towers of Craig's and the George hotels.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article218799225 NEWS AND NOTES. The Ballarat Star XV, 244 Victoria, Australia 13 October 1870 16 October 2020 2 National Library of Australia The Governor's arrival causes confusion as signalled by the same flags as for the mail steamers Confusion on Governor's Arrival. We are again this morning without intelligence of the arrival of the Californian mail steamer at Sydney. While on this subject, we may add that a great deal of confusion was caused yesterday afternoon by the hoisting of flags at Craig's and the George hotel in honor of the Governor's visit. Mr Bechervaise had arranged that these flags should be hoisted the moment the arrival of the City of Melbourne was reported from Sydney; and therefore when they appeared yesterday afternoon on their flagstaffs the general impression was that the mail steamers had been signalled. The newspaper offices were put to a great deal of inconvenience by this little matter, and enquiries for extraordinaries lasted all the afternoon. Of course no one is blameable for the flags being hoisted, as the presence of the Governor in Ballarat justified the step taken. The inconvenience called by it is, however, worth mentioning, if only to prevent people at a distance from being led astray by any report which may have reached them similar to that which prevailed in the town all the afternoon. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article191644060 No title The Ballarat Courier 1047 Victoria, Australia 21 October 1870 16 October 2020 2 National Library of Australia Proposed solution to previous problem Hospital Tower. The hospital authorities would confer a boon upon the public in these piping hot times of war, if they would arrange for hoisting a flag on the hospital tower when the California and Suez mails arrive. A flag at the staff on the tower would be visible over nearly the whole city. It is by far the best site in the city for a flag, and we hope the ready courtesy of Mr Bechervaise in such matters will be henceforth utilised by the hospital authorities for the public benefit. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article218799538 No title The Ballarat Star XV, 255 Victoria, Australia 26 October 1870 17 October 2020 2 National Library of Australia 1870 11 Bechervaise announces that telegraph office at Walhalla is now open NEWS AND NOTES. . . . Mr Bechervaise, telegraph manager, Ballarat, informs us that the telegraph office at Walhalla was opened for business on Thursday.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article218799809 NEWS AND NOTES. The Ballarat Star XV, 263 Victoria, Australia 4 November 1870 17 October 2020 2 National Library of Australia Hospital agrees the Ballarat Star proposal to fly flags for its tower upon arrival of the mails NEWS AND NOTES. . . . We some time ago offered a suggestion to the committee of management of the district hospital for utilising the tower of the building by hoisting flags upon it at the arrival of the mails, so that all the in-habitants of Ballarat may immediately know of events so important in these times of war as the arrivals of instalments of news from Europe. We are now glad to be able to inform the public that the hospital authorities have taken the matter in hand, and that, when the Californian mail arrives, Mr Bechervaise will communicate with the hospital authorities at once, when a union jack will be run up to the top of the mast. A flag, with R.M. in a white field, will be hoisted on the arrival of the Suez mail. The president of the hospital is to procure the flags in time for use when next they are required. The public will be very much benefited by the action taken.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article218799963 NEWS AND NOTES. The Ballarat Star XV, 268 Victoria, Australia 10 November 1870 17 October 2020 2 National Library of Australia Bechervaise's brother Edward Price Bechervaise (then in Royal Navy, later immigrant to Geelong) elected to a committee to manage a relief fund for the widows and children of the HMS Captain disaster THE LOSS OF H.M.S. CAPTAIN. TO THE EDITOR OF THE HERALD. Sir, By the Mail this afternoon, I received the inclosed appeal on behalf of the widows and families of the officers and men who perished in H.M. late ship Captain. The details of this appalling accident by which Captain Hugh T. Burgoyne, V.C.; Captain Coles, C.B.; and nearly 500 officers and men lost their lives, are now generally known to the public. May I, through the influence of your journal, kindly request the assistance of the New South Wales community, whoso liberality to, and sympathy with, the Navy on all occasions, has deservedly won the gratitude of all connected with the Service. Hugh Burgoyne was one of our most rising men, and his loss will be severely felt by the whole profession, as also that of Captain Coles, whose untiring zeal in endeavouring to carry out his invention cost him his life. Subscriptions will be thankfully received by Mr. Underhill, at 46, Phillip-street, up to the departure of the Clio, on 1st proximo, and by Captain Middleton, Commissariat, after that date. I have the honour to be, Sir, your most obedient servant, J. H. STIRLING, Commodore. H.M.S. Clio, at Sydney, 25th November. "At a meeting of officers held at the Royal Naval College, Portsmouth, on the 13th September, 1870, when Admiral Sir James Hope, G.C.B., was appointed president, and at which a large and influential number of the Royal Navy were present, Captain George Hancock, R.N., of H.M.S. Duke of Wellington, was voted to the chair, "It was resolved,— That the following officers should form a committee for the purpose of raising a fund for the relief of the widows and relatives of those who perished in the appalling accident which befel her Majesty's late ship Captain, when in company with the Channel Squadron, off Cape Finisterre, on the morning of the 7th September, 1870, by which Captain Hugh Talbot Burgoyne, V.C., R.N., Captain Cowper Phipps Coles, N.N., and nearly 500 officers, men, and boys, lost their lives — . . . Mr. E. P. Bechervaise, R.N.; . . . Henry Kirkham, Esq., hon. sec.; to be called the "Captain Relief Fund Committee." "That the above members, the commanders-in-chief and captains of her Majesty's ships on the home and foreign stations, together with the bankers and agents in the United Kingdom, be requested to receive subscriptions in aid of the bereaved families by this sad catastrophe. . . .http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13217473 THE LOSS OF H. M. S. CAPPAIN. The Sydney Morning Herald LXII, 10,146 New South Wales, Australia 26 November 1870 26 October 2020 7 National Library of Australia 1870 12 1871 1871 01 1871 02 1871 03 New telegraph office for Ballarat ready for business NEWS AND NOTES. . . . The Electric Telegraph Office will be opened for business in the new public buildings on Monday. The entrance to the lobby and receiving window is under the Post-office colonnade near the money-order office. There is no admittance for the public in Lydiard street.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article197561084 NEWS AND NOTES. The Ballarat Star XVI, 60 Victoria, Australia 11 March 1871 17 October 2020 2 National Library of Australia New Ballarat telegraph office ready for commencement BALLARAT. (FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.) FRIDAY, March 10. . . . The new telegraph office, adjoining and forming part of the same range of buildings as the Post-office and Treasury, is just finished, and the wires are all ready laid to be connected with the instruments to-morrow night, when possession of the new premises will be taken by Mr. Bechervaise, the local master. The new office is very neatly fitted up, and has all the most recent improvements for disconnexions and protection against lightning. Arrangements are also made to prevent the messengers knowing the purport of the messages they deliver, as all the messages in future will be given to them in closed envelopes. On Monday morning business will be commenced in the new offices.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article5844102 BALLARAT The Argus (Melbourne) 7,723 Victoria, Australia 11 March 1871 17 October 2020 6 National Library of Australia Lovely detailed description of the technical workings of the new Ballarat telegraph office NEWS AND NOTES. . . . The new Electric Telegraph-office in connection with the Post-office, is to be opened today for business. The old telegraph office, has been found far too small, and very inconvenient for some time past and the occupation of the new building will be a source of satisfaction to the officials and to the public. The public room of the new office, is reached from the Post-office colonnade, and in this room is the receiving window through which telegrams are passed to the receiving clerk into the operating room. This is a fine apartment, the dimensions of which we have already given in a description of the new building. In this room the four recording instruments are placed. They are constructed on the American principle, and the message is printed by electricity on a ribbon of paper which passes through the recorder, in cipher characters. Over each recorder is a lightning arrester, which conducts the lightning to the earth and prevents it damaging the instruments, while all communication on any particular line can be immediately cut off by the simple turning of a small catch or "switch." Each of the recording instruments is worked by a small battery, independent of those used in the transmission of messages. In another room are the four batteries, working the four Melbourne wires, the four going to Beaufort, Creswick, Lintons, and Buninyong, and one used by the Railway Department. Each of these batteries consists of thirty cells, or glass jars filled with sulphuric acid and water, into each of which hangs a piece of zinc and platinum. These are connected with the wires. The batteries are taken down and renewed or cleaned once a month. The messengers now have a room to themselves, and the messages are only seen by the despatch clerk, a great improvement on the former system. The portions of the new building to be used for a sub-treasury and land office will be occupied as soon as furniture is procured. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article197561114 NEWS AND NOTES. The Ballarat Star XVI, 61 Victoria, Australia 13 March 1871 17 October 2020 2 National Library of Australia The Ballarat Courier slower to report on the new telegraph office, but even more detailed THE NEW TELEGRAPH OFFICE. In appropriating the west wing of the Post Office, which has been only recently completed, to the purposes of the Electric Telegraph Office, the Government have evinced a disposition to cede a measure of justice to Ballarat, and to recognise the importance of the local branch of the department. The old Telegraph Office, situated in Lydiard street, had long been found unsuitable. In an architectural point of view it was an eyesore; while, as regarded the public, it was found from the first most inconvenient and totally inadequate for the proper transaction of business. The exterior was unsightly, and the interior incommodious and badly lighted, so that the transfer of the office to the new building cannot but be proportionately gratifying to the officials and the public generally. The lobby or room in which the telegrams intended for despatch are written is situated at the south-west angle of the building, and is entered from the colonnade. This apartment is lofty and well lighted, being about 15 feet square, and fitted up with a ledge of ample extent, so as to afford every accommodation for writing. A large shipping case, composed of polished cedar, occupies the centre of the room. To the right on entering is the receiving window looking into the operators' room. This is a large apartment, the dimensions being about 70 feet in length and 25 in width, lofty, and lighted by three semi-circular topped windows, looking into Lydiard street. The wires are introduced from outside, at the most northerly window, and connected with the instruments, of which there are five, fixed to a long table of highly polished cedar running the greater length of the apartment. The instruments are constructed upon the American or Morse's principle, which combines to an astonishing degree all the requirements of speed and accuracy. The batteries with which they are connected are erected in an anteroom. Here the electrical current is generated by means of glass cells or jars completely insulated. There are forty to each instrument. These cells are filled with sulphuric acid and water, in which is immersed a piece of platinum and zinc. The various cells are arranged on shelves, and are connected by wires with the main wire communicating with the instrument. The process of telegraphing appears extremely simple, but to become a good operator there is required not only considerable intelligence, but a certain amount of natural adaptability. A long ribbon of paper passes through the instrument, and on this are slightly punctured the cypher marks embodying the telegraphic message. The punctures, or rather indentations, are imparted to the surface of the revolving ribbon by a key that is raised and lowered in such a manner as to produce the effect desired. The words are written by a sort of stenography. For instance, a dot preceding a horizontal stroke indicates the letter A; and by varying the number and position of the dots, together with the length of the stroke, an entire alphabet is constructed. This seems complicated, but the reverse is the fact: the operator, if at all expert, being able to forward words at the rate of thirty-five a minute, with almost unerring accuracy. Over each instrument is a lightning arrester, which has the effect of preventing the ingress of lightning and the possible destruction of the machine, the current being turned off in another direction, by simply moving a catch or "switch." When not turned off, the lightning is conducted down a wire, which, descends into the ground. By a similar description of catch, the communication can be opened with or severed from the other telegraph stations. It is intended to erect two additional instruments for the purposes of a special line between Ballarat and Beaufort, and Ballarat and Creswick, some complaints having been made as to the want of sufficient facilities for telegraphing to and from those places and their immediate neighborhood. At the end of the operators room is a small apartment for the use of the messengers, who receive the telegrams enveloped through a small window, thus shutting them off from the interior of the office. This is a considerable improvement upon the system which formerly prevailed. The fittings and furniture of the office are very superior, and have been erected or furnished under the immediate supervision of the telegraph master, Mr Bechervaise, who certainly deserves well of the Government and the public, on the one hand, owing to his long and faithful service, inasmuch as we believe he is one of the oldest civil servants in Ballarat, and on the other, from his uniform courtesy and diligence in the discharge of his onerous and important duties.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article191644265 THE NEW TELEGRAPH OFFICE. The Ballarat Courier 1180 Victoria, Australia 28 March 1871 17 October 2020 3 National Library of Australia 1871 04 1871 05 The impending completion of a new town high point is another opportunity for Bechervaise's mail announcements NEWS AND NOTES. . . . At the suggestion of Mr Bechervaise, the arrival of the English mail will be signalled from the town-hall tower as soon is it is finished.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article197562922 NEWS AND NOTES. The Ballarat Star XVI, 121 Victoria, Australia 23 May 1871 17 October 2020 2 National Library of Australia 1871 06 1871 07 1871 08 1871 09 Several telegraph offices now open for business on Sundays TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION ON SUNDAYS. On and after Sunday, 24th September, telegraphic communication will be available between the following stations:— Melbourne, Geelong, Ballarat, Queenscliff, Castlemaine, Sandhurst, Echuca, Beechworth, Maryborough, Warrnambool, Belfast, and Portland, from 9.30 to 10 p.m. Press messages, or private messages relating to sickness, death, and arrival or departure of friends by land or sea, will be transmitted and received. The Minimum Rate of Charge is — Private messages, 2s 6d, for 28 words or under; Press messages, 2s 6d, for 58 words or under; ordinary rates for every additional word. A box will be fixed at the Telegraph-office door, labelled "Telegram box, to be cleared at 9.30 p.m. Sundays." The fee for messages is to be enclosed with telegram. A distinct address and signature is to be placed on each telegram. Further information on the subject may be obtained on weekdays at any telegraph office in Victoria. WM. P. BECHERVAISE, Manager. Electric Telegraph Office, Ballarat, 21st September, 1871.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article197566152 Advertising The Ballarat Star XVI, 229 Victoria, Australia 26 September 1871 17 October 2020 2 National Library of Australia 1871 10 1871 11 1871 12 Bechervaise and two sons holidaying in Tasmania SHIPPING INTELLIGENGE. HOBSON'S BAY. . . . CLEARED OUT.— DEC. 8. . . . Tamar, s.s., 308 tons, W. H. Saunders, for Launces-ton. Passengers: cabin — Mr. and Mrs. Turner, Mrs. Wrixon, Mrs. Walker, Mr. and Mrs. Ayre, Mr. and Miss Auld, Mr. and Mrs. A. Scott, Mr. and Mrs. Stephens, Mr. and Mrs. Candy, Messrs. Richards, Bechervaise, Hammond, Goode, Hullingen, G. Danier, Abrahams, Gomm, Lipscombe, Henry G. Scott, jun., Masters Bechervaise (two); and five in the steerage. Hudson and Watkins agents.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article5857727 SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE. The Argus (Melbourne) 7,956 Victoria, Australia 9 December 1871 17 October 2020 4 National Library of Australia As previous Shipping Intelligence. ARRIVALS. Dec. 9.— Steamship Tamar, 308 tons, W. H. Saunders, from Melbourne; G. Fisher, agent. Passengers — Miss Florence Browne, Miss Auld, Mrs Walker, Mrs Wrixon, Mr and Mrs Stephens, Mr and Mrs A. Scott, Mr and Mrs Turner, Mr and Mrs Candy, Mr and Mrs Ayre, Messrs. Scott, Auld, Henry, Bechervaise and 2 sons, Hammond, Abrahams, Hulling-ham, Damer, Good, Gomm, Richards, Lips-combe, Johnson; 16 steerage. . . .http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article233000838 Shipping Intelligence. Cornwall Advertiser , 125 Tasmania, Australia 12 December 1871 26 October 2020 2 National Library of Australia 1872 1872 01 Bechervaise and two sons return from Tasmanian holiday SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE. HOBSON'S BAY. . . . ARRIVED.— Dec. 30. . . . Southern Cross, T.S.N. Co.'s s.s., 342 tons, E. Lucas, from Hobart Town 28th ult. Passengers — saloon: Rev. R. D. P. Harris and Mrs. Harris, Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Paterson, Mr. and Mrs. Lawaon, Mr. and Mrs. Stephens, Mr. and Mrs Chamberlain, Mrs. C. Allison and Miss Allison, Miss Fairley, Miss Dowdell, Miss James, Miss Thomas, Miss Kilburn and Masters Kilburn (2), Capt. Pascoe, R.N.; Messrs. Travers, Walpole, J. Hughston, Mulligan, W. P. Bechervaise, Masters Bechervaise (2), Messrs Bellin; Harris, and 8 in the steerage. Hudson and Watkins, agents.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article5858363 SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE. The Argus (Melbourne) 7,974 Victoria, Australia 1 January 1872 17 October 2020 4 National Library of Australia Bechervaise's son Herbert does well in Competitive Exam Government Advertisements. Education Office, 4th January, 1872 THE following LIST, showing the result of the COMPETITIVE EXAMINATION for exhibitions, open to pupils in Common Schools, held in December, 1871, is published for general information. The eight boys whose names appear at the head of the list are the successful candidates. No candidates will benefit by the result until a certificate of his age from the registrar of the district be furnished, in case he was born in Victoria; or, in case he was born elsewhere, a statutory declaration as to the place and date of birth his father or guardian. By order of the Board of Education, R. F. KANE, Secretary. Maximum number of marks, 680. No. Name. No. of Marks. No. of School. Name of School. . . . 43. Bechervaise, Herbert 228 424 Mount Pleasanthttp://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article5858523 Advertising The Argus (Melbourne) 7,978 Victoria, Australia 5 January 1872 17 October 2020 3 National Library of Australia Belated report of Bechervaise's departure from Hobart after brief visit with two sons Shipping. . . . PORT OF HOBART TOWN.— Dec. 28, passengers per s.s. Southern Cross, for Melbourne — Mrs and Miss Allison, Mr W., Miss and Master Kilburn, Mr Bechervaise and two sons, Master Halmes, Rev. R. D. Poulett-Harris and Mrs Harris, Mr and Mrs Law-son, Mr and Mrs Stephens, Captain Pascoe, R.N., Mr Mulligan, Mr. G. Hughston, Miss Dowdell, Miss Thomas, Miss Chamberlain, Master F. Belbin, Miss James, Miss Farley, Mr and Mrs Paterson; 5 steer-age.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article233098126 Shipping. Weekly Examiner I, 1 Tasmania, Australia 6 January 1872 27 October 2020 7 National Library of Australia A former operator for Bechervaise dies in the construction of the Overland Telegraph NEWS AND NOTES. . . . Mr Kraagen, who recently died for want of water on the line of the overland telegraph from South Australia, was formerly a member of the telegraph staff, under Mr Bechervaise, in Ballarat. He was a good operator, and took so large an interest in telegraph matters that he placed himself under Mr Todd, the able director of telegraphs for South Australia, and, as has been seen, perished in the performance of his duty.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article197626048 NEWS AND NOTES. The Ballarat Star XVII, 13 Victoria, Australia 15 January 1872 17 October 2020 2 National Library of Australia 1872 02 Bechervaise announces the opening of the Emerald Hill telegraph office NEWS AND NOTES. . . . We are informed by Mr Bechervaise, telegraph master, Ballarat, that telegraphic communication is now established with Emerald Hill.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article197626607 NEWS AND NOTE. The Ballarat Star XVII, 34 Victoria, Australia 8 February 1872 17 October 2020 2 National Library of Australia Benefit for the orphan children of Bechervaise's former staffer The Late Mr. C. Kraegen.— On Monday evening an entertainment was given by some of our German fellow-colonists at the National Hotel, Pirie-street, for the benefit of the orphan children of the late Mr. C. Kraegen, a Telegraph-master, who died on the overland line while en route for his station. About 300 persons were present at the performance, amongst them many English people. The programme opened with an overture spiritedly played by the Concordia Band. A lady then spoke an appropriate prologue. After this followed a one-act drama by Theodor Korner, entitled "Die Suhne." The dramatis personae who were three in number, went through their parts with eclat, showing that they had thoroughly studied their task. After an interval "Love's Request," sung by an English lady, was so well rendered that an encore was demanded, and in response "Only" was sweetly presented. The "Sleeping Duet" from "Il Trovatore" was effectively given by two German ladies. Then the mirth-provoking "Sneezing Song" was produced by an English amateur, who caused even more amusement by his rendering of "Nobody's Child." A duet from "Figaro" was excellently given, and it was redemanded. The proceedings closed with a side-splitting farce called "Ein gebildeter Hausknecht," in which the performers acquitted themselves very creditably. The affair was decidedly successful throughout, and at the end vociferous calls were given for the stage manager, but he did not appear. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article39264851 NOTICES AND ORDERS OF THE DAY. South Australian Register XXXVII, 7876 South Australia 13 February 1872 18 October 2020 5 National Library of Australia The full report of the circumstances of the passing of Bechervaise's former staffer C. W. J. Kraegen in the S. A. Register THE OVERLAND TELEGRAPH ROUTE. No. VIII. By Central Australian. The country from the Charlotte Waters north-ward thus far is decidedly better than anything seen yet; but it is unfortunately badly watered in dry seasons, and liable to be very wet in others. The soil is almost all sand, of a saffron colour, and its depth ranges from six inches to as many feet. This sand forms into ridges part of the way, say from 60 miles north of Charlotte Waters, one succeeding another for a distance of about 50 miles. Through this soil the pulling is terribly heavy and the progress correspondingly slow, but there is some compensation for the sandy monotony in the improved appearance of the country. At nearly 100 miles from Charlotte Waters the River Finke is joined by the Hugh, and the road leaves the course of the former for the latter, which it continues to follow and cross repeatedly. At this time of the year both are dry, but it is believed that water can be had in either at any low-lying point by digging a foot or two. Running into these rivers on each side are beautifully well-grassed gullies abounding in shrubs of varied size and description, also with fine sheaoak and stunted pine-trees. These gullies, ending as they generally do at the river bank, seem to lead the traveller in all instances direct from the upland of sand to a verdant forest, for the gums that grow along the banks end the view, forming a charming sylvan picture. The shrubs hereabout flower profusely, and as the various blossoms have a nice scent it is quite a pleasure to travel amongst them. There are violet, orange, pale blue, pink, yellow, purple, lavender, and lilac blossoms at every step, and as they contrast with every variety of green the effect is lovely. Of course we have mulga, myall, and wattle, also what some of the travellers decide on calling native orange; but it is a perfect pomegranate, and although not just now quite ripe, the fruit is well formed, and ought not to be mistakable. At present the fruit is about the size of hen eggs, but quite green; it has the smell of chlorodyne and the usual sweet-bitter taste. The native orange is altogether different from this, which already shows the purple pomegranate pips inside the skin. At a place where the Alice Creek joins the Hugh River were found two holes dug, and whilst camped one night was received the mail from Adelaide with papers of November 25. The bag had been sent on to overtake us from Charlotte Waters. This night there arrived a team from the North going down country, and enquiries were made of the persons with the dray for one of our party who had been lost sight of for over a week, but they had not seen or heard aught of him, nor could we by any means find out where he was; meantime the party pushed ahead, making as good use of the time as possible. When about four or five miles from Rocky Camp, on the Hugh, and almost abreast of Mount Burrell, a horse in one of the teams received a sunstroke, and within an hour was dead. The heat was intense, but in the evening a fine thunderstorm and shower cooled the air a little for a brief period. Two days later it rained again, and the following day more showers fell. These are doing much good in keeping the grass fresh, but I am afraid there was not enough rain to replenish the water in the holes and creeks, which seem to be drying rapidly. At Rocky Camp a snake, which was over five feet in length and had a good-sized rat inside, was killed, and one of the party skinned the reptile, intending to make a belt. The skin was beautifully marked, and this being the time that snakes appear to best advantage, it shines brilliantly in the sun. At Minnie's Creek the company camped in one of the prettiest natural basins ever seen. It is completely surrounded by low grassy hills, the herbage is green, and water is abundant in a fine rocky pool close at hand, whilst all around the blossoming shrubs looked their very best, and glittered like countless diamonds in the setting sun. We camped; it was just after a shower, and the general effect was grand. A Terrible Journey. The relation of an unfortunate and disastrous affair now comes, and it seems best to give the facts as they were told by one of the persons concerned. He said:— On, or about the 2nd of this month, whilst we were all at Charlotte Waters, anxiously awaiting the arrival of drays that were expected daily with battery material, we had to fit up before proceeding. It was decided by Mr. Clarke, who is in charge of the telegraphic operators, that as the 31st was rapidly approaching, and as the operators for Stations Nos. 2, 3, and 4 were respectively 250, 450, and 650 miles or so from their stations, it would be advisable that the three should push on ahead of the main body, and by forced march reach each one his station before January 1, 1872, to be prepared to work should the line be ready. Good horses would be supplied, of course, and fresh ones could be had in exchange to go on from No. 2. He reckoned that at 30 miles a day, and a push on the 8th, after starting, the officers could make Station No. 2 by the evening of the 12th, Station No. 3 on the 20th, and Station No. 4 on the 28th, the start to be made from Charlotte Waters on De-cember 4. We got the route written out, eight days' provisions packed on a horse, three swags on another, and each man mounting his horse said good-by, and in high spirits left. We made the Goyder that night, and camped. This was the first stated stopping-place, and is 30 miles from Charlotte Waters. We had had to thrash one, apparently the better of the pack-horses, to get him to the camp in time. On the 5th we made the first crossing of the Finke after a deal of trouble with that same nag, and it was now made clear that he could not go the stages. We had made about 29 miles, and had to go 33 on the morrow. On the 6th we had trouble all the way, and had to go very slowly, when we ought to have travelled a shade faster; and near sunset we found ourselves at a place where the track went to the left of the line down a gully that evidently went to the creek. We followed this track about five miles, at say barely two miles an hour. The pack-horse absolutely refused to stir, when we removed his pack to a saddle-horse and walked ahead, leaving the useless brute behind. About half a mile further the Hugh was reached at a place where it was per-fectly dry, and we had to go thirsty to bed. In the morning, whilst two packed up and loaded the horses, a third went to find the animal we left behind on the previous night; but the horse had not been too tired to travel off, and was therefore nowhere to be found. As we had no time to hunt up a lazy useless brute, and knew he would be sure to make to the water, where the party coming up behind would find him, we started, and having found a pool up the Hugh about two miles we breakfasted, and rearranged the loading. The solitary pack horse had to carry the load, also the saddle of the other beast, and each of us took his swag on in front. By this means we carried all the things, intending at the first good camp to leave any surplus, such as the extra pack-saddle, &c., for the wagons behind to pick up. About 5 o'clock we arrived at the junction of the Hugh and Alice Creek, and as it was set down in the directions that water could also be got eight miles from this point, it was deter-mined to push on a little further. We camped that night without water, and, making an early start, got to the supply ahead for breakfast. We had ridden only about 20 miles, and were not content with this slow progress. It would have been better had we stayed at the Alice and Hugh altogether. Just after sunrise on December 8 we left the camp, and made for water. Our hearts were as light as the morning was beautiful, and we pushed on steadily; first one and then another singing snatches of this or that song, until it struck us we had certainly gone fully the distance we ought to have travelled, and we began looking about. By this time the sun was very warm. The horses felt it severely, and so did we, especially as we had not yet had break-fast. We examined the track carefully for the leading-off one that was to take us to the water. We hunted for that, followed track after track, and with every every fresh disappointment the desire for what we sought seemed to increase intensely; at the same time it became evident that the horses were getting distressed. The empty pack-saddle was taken off the pack-horse and stuck in a tree with a note attached, and off we went again, but had not gone far when a saddle-horse laid down in the road. This was convincing proof that the horses were becoming knocked up, and every likely place was tried for the only thing that would relieve them and set ourselves up again. Therefore we continued pushing on as well as we could, and oh, joy! came to a tree in a creek on which was read in letters punctured in tin and affixed there the announcement that water was to be had at the junction of that creek and the Hugh, about a mile from that spot; the next water by the road ten miles, or what we took to be such. Off we sped down the creek. What to us was a mile of hot sand and pebbles now — we would have water in a few minutes, and all would be well. We got to the place, looked at the hole, found it dry, dry; went down the Hugh in the hot sand and blazing sun, but gave that up, and returned. We dug with hands, tomahawks, knives — we had no shovel — but still no water could be got, and the terrible disappointment made all now feel the want much more than would have been the case but for being assured by the punctured tin announcement that water was to be had there about; besides, the efforts in the scorching white sand, walking in it to a depth of six inches, digging as far as our arms would reach, perspiring and choking, had thoroughly exhausted two of us to such an extent that we had to lie down and rest. Then the question arose, "what are we to do?" It was getting late; we had certainly now 11 miles to go for water, with a doubt of getting it then, as it also was said to be in the Hugh, and the two of us who worked were now absolutely exhausted. After much debate it was determined to follow up the channel of the Hugh, which took a course a little west of that followed by the road, and try for water at any likely spot. Away, then, through the hot sand, to and fro, first to one place on the east side, then back over a hundred yards of sand to what appeared a certainty on the west, but still upward and still unsuccessful, until the Hugh turned too far westward, and we determined to leave it, cut the track, and follow it to water if we could. Taking an obtuse angle, by about 5 o'clock we struck the telegraph line, and the two who had worked in the sand being now thoroughly "done up" lay on the ground. The proposal was made that as the pack-horse was in need of a spell, the saddle-horse that had succumbed before could now hardly travel, two of us were really knocked up, and as the water could not surely be over five or six miles off at furthest, the third man should take his own and the other comparatively fresh saddle-horse, and with three water-bags proceed at his best speed. There was, it seemed, time to get to the water before dark, and the return was easy either by road or line. Besides, the third member of the party was really fresh, and being the lightest would affect the horses the least. The proposition was "jumped at;" away he went promising to be back soon, and we meantime felt assured that the rest would serve the two tired horses that remained, and enable them to go on after all had a drink. We waited, thirsted, and still waited through many hours of a very close warm night, but still no water came, and as patience had run out when the moon rose we packed up, and leading the horses started on foot after the messenger. It would be impossible briefly to tell all the speculations made and discussed to account for his non-return. He had abandoned us! He had lost his horses! He had lost his way! But, horror of horrors, he had not found water! These with many other surmises arose, and none had any comfort in them for us, who were now almost speechless and helpless for want of a drink. We made little progress; the horses travelled slowly, and we had often to lie down, put our nostrils close to the ground, and thereby obtain a breath of comparatively cool air — a thing we could not get whilst walking. The sun rose red; no doubt the sight was grand — the god of day in all his majesty and by his glorious light obliterating the effect of the pale moon and still paler stars; but we had no eye for the beautiful in nature this morning. We felt rather that the weather prognostications of old people, who tell us that "a red sunrise means a hot day," were likely to be realized to our particular disadvantage; and it was so, for a hotter day it would be almost folly to desire or seek. We got to a creek at last, and this must certainly be the "Rocky Creek" of the written directions it was thought, for we had now certainly come far more than 10 miles from that notice on the tree. How gladly we hailed the creek; how willingly admitted that it was very "rocky," although the largest rock seen would have satisfied a rabid macadamist, and gone clean through a two and a half inch ring; but it was "Rocky Creek" surely. We followed down — how far cannot be said — then left the creek and sought elsewhere, but got no water; and as ever and anon we had to get back to the road in case the messenger with the water should have returned, we wearied ourselves going to and fro, and, although travelling much, did not go far, and so Saturday passed away. On Sunday we could hardly stir. What I had been doing at intervals I cannot say, but I think my dreadful giddiness then and deafness now to be in some way the result of the sufferings then experienced for want of water, and my companion says I talked an awful lot of "bosh." I am sure he did — "gabbled" is the word — unintelligibly, and laughed occasionally, but somehow we managed to try again for water in the creek — it must be there — and so at it we went again on Sunday morning, wearing finger nails off and drawing blood from the fingers until our want of success left but one resource — one horse might be shot, and its blood would help us to make an effort to get on. We shot a horse — the weakest — and having got what we desired from that source, again sought the road and rested. We had a good supply of liquid now — a quart-potful each — and might rest a little before starting, and we did. At last when we had partly emptied our quarts, and had to violently shake what remained before we could make any part of it liquid, we joined our strength and put on the pack-saddle, with some bread, tea, and sugar only, and getting on the top of all, let the horse go. Neither tasted food from Thursday night, the 7th — could not swallow if we had tried — and were too weak to guide the horse, which had only a halter on; therefore he did much as he liked, and as he chose to take us in the way we wanted to go, why, we let him, or rather, he took us. How hot it was! The sun poured down upon us, and I really thought we should never get over the plain!; but we did. We sat and suffered; the poor horse crawled, and doubtless also suffered. He seemed to go at the rate of about half a mile an hour — he could not have gone a mile an hour — but whether one or the other it seemed an eternity before we got to the timber. On we crawled, until on rising a bank we saw the bed of the Hugh once more. The horse pricked up his ears, mended his pace, reached the steep rocky bank, and of a sudden (thank the Lord !) we saw water — a small pool 18 inches by 30, and only a foot deep; but water. Down the steep hill we went, got off the horse's back somehow, and simultaneously man and beast plunged into the blessed liquid to satisfy an appalling thirst that had lasted from 8 o'clock on Friday morning, December 8, until about 2 p.m. on the Sunday following. And now the question what had become of our companion arose. We could not tell, of course, nor could we find strength all at once to try to discover. We rested the balance of that day, eating nothing, but "swigging" water like a couple of dissipated fishes. On Monday, the 11th, we determined that as we could not go forward we would go back and meet the wagons. If our companion had gone out, he would be all right; if he had gone back, it was our duty to follow and help him, and, failing to find him, give the alarm at least. Monday was, however, lost, because we had to manufacture a water-bag; and to do that it was necessary to get at one of the swags in which was some canvas. The swags and packs were therefore brought forward; we then found that we had travelled about four miles the previous day. The bag was made, and filled with water to soak it, and on Tuesday, having first planted our companion's swag and some bread, and posted a proper direction on a place he would be sure to see should he come there, and secured everything carefully, off we went for the Alice and Hugh, a distance of about 34 miles. We led our horse and walked all the way. At the creek we found we had read 16 for 10 miles, and thus misled our selves. We arrived at the Alice that same night about half-past 8 o'clock, very tired indeed. We could not proceed next day. The liquid we had drunk was causing pains; we were stiff after the long walk; also we expected the wagons next night, so we waited Wednesday and Thursday; but feeling better on Friday, packed up, and seeing that the wagons would not come to us, started to go to them. One of us had so injured a foot on Tuesday's journey that it was found necessary to put him on the top of the pack, and in this order off we went for the old depot No. 2, where we arrived in about six hours, after walking through 16 miles of sand, just in time to see some of the other party arriving from the opposite direction. They had found our pack-horse, had heard nothing of our companion, were surprised and distressed at our troubles, and glad to see us so far well. The wagons came up next day, and from Mr. Boucaut we received the greatest kindness. On the following day — the Sunday — we started with the wagons on the way back again, arriving at the Rocky Camp on December 20. The party of operators referred to were:— C. W. J. Kraegen, Station 2; J. F. Mullen, Station 3; R. C. Watson, Station 4. Mr. Kraegen went on for water, and up to our arrival at Rocky Camp nothing had been heard of him. It had been determined to institute a strict search at this camp to pick up the track of the missing man, and it was intended to do all that was possible to ensure finding him. Every one was resolved to do all he could, and every confidence was felt and expressed as to the result being favourable. Meantime, one of the party had been following the telegraph line, because it was known there was a break in it somewhere between Charlotte Waters and Station 2, and as we had just encamped at Rocky Camp the lineman arrived, and reported the Finding of Mr. Kraegen's Body. He had come on it at an angle-post about three miles from our camp, and brought in his belt, found lying at his feet, and on which was his revolver, loaded all round, cartouch-box, and pouch. Arrangements were immediately made, and Messrs. Boucaut, Clarke, Watson, Mueller, Young, who found the body, Loudon, and Holzerland proceeded to the place and identified the body. He left no scrap of writing; had no marks about him; lay on his stomach, resting his head on the left arm, and holding his hat as if shielding his head from the morning sun. His head was to the east, his face to the south, and not the faintest mark of a struggle appeared. He had evidently lain down exhausted, and quietly died for want of water nine or ten days before we saw him. A grave was dug as near the spot as the stony nature of the ground permitted, and he was wrapped in a blanket and interred. Mr. Boucaut read the Church of England burial service over the remains, and caused a rough fence to be erected round the grave, against which bushes were placed to protect our departed companion's last earthly resting-place from the native dogs. An inscription, punctured in tin, to the following effect was attached to a stout board, and fixed in place of a headstone:— "In memory of C. W. J. Kraegen, aged 40, who perished here for want of water, about 12/12/'71. Buried 20/12/'71." The camp was sad that night, and it has been so for many nights since, for Kraegen was a favourite with all. He was a widower, and leaves three children, now at school at Goulbourn, N.S.W. Mr. Boucaut has by unanimous request taken charge of such property as he left here. As a close to this sorrowful affair it may be stated that the two survivors were very weak and ill when they rejoined the wagons. They were, however, as well provided for as it was possible under the circumstances, and went on with the wagons on the 17th, on which day they revisited the Alice, where they camped for the night. Mr. Boucaut did all in his power to render the two as comfortable as could be managed, whilst the attention of Mr. Flint to the wants of the sick men deserves particular recognition. It was intended to have closed this paper at Minnie Creek, where most of it was written; but as no opportunity served to forward it, the document has been brought on to the McClure Springs, where we have halted at a capital watering-place with plenty of good grass. We have been joined since unharnessing by two empty wagons bound south, and by them I forward this, hoping you may get it soon. The drivers of the down teams tell us that there has been much rain up country. The Hugh, they say, was five feet deep just after they crossed, about 10 miles up from here, today, and as the river is almost a hundred yards wide at the place indicated, with a level sandy bed, readers will easily form some idea of the immense body of water there must have come into it from somewhere. It is raining while this is written, and looks very black towards the North, as if a lot of rain was falling on the MacDonnell Ranges. The reports of the completeness of the line all agree that it is now fit to work as far as the end of Section E — a distance by road of about 1,650 miles from Adelaide. The country travelled through after leaving the Minnie is the finest, most picturesque, and pleasant traversed in South Australia. The peculiar construction of the James Ranges, with their many little coves, gulches, grass to the top, pretty trees, shrubs, and flowering plants, is prominently brought under notice by reason of the road going up a narrow defile between the hills, and following it for miles. We crossed the Hugh several times whilst in the ranges, also smaller watercourses, and remarked that their several beds are not so sandy as further down; but the crops of pebbles are very large. Green grass can be had at every step; some of it very tall, some short; but all apparently good fodder. Water, too, is abundant. The principal trees not previously noticed are a kind of poplar which has a very bitter tasted leaf, and whose bark gives forth a strong scent like chlorodyne, and the fig, which is in good bearing, but the fruit is not quite ripe. A flowering plant like a rose grows here, armed with perfect shaped thorns — the flower is a beautiful cloth of gold colour; hollyhocks are numerous, as are the parachylia, convolvuli, native cucumber, and a plant with a pretty white flower. Truly the drive through these valleys is a perfect treat. The road is not difficult, and the soil is a dun-coloured loam with some few pebbles intermixed. When the Alice Springs are reached, where Station 2 is to be built, the mileage will be made out and forwarded, and it will be seen the information published in the Observer last November was correct as regards the distance the operators were to have travelled by the end of the year — to wit, 1,200 miles from Adelaide; but the calculation that this would be the end of Section E has been based on the line measurements, and not on the actual length of road to be travelled, which cannot be less than 1,650 miles from the capital to Attack Creek — the place where Station 4 is to be built. McClure's Springs, Hugh River, December 25, 1871.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article39259545 THE OVERLAND TELEGRAPH ROUTE. South Australian Register XXXVII, 7879 South Australia 16 February 1872 18 October 2020 5 National Library of Australia Abridged report by the Ballarat Star on the circumstances of the passing of Bechervaise's former staffer Kraegen THE OVERLAND TELEGRAPH. DEATH OF MR. KRAEGEN FROM THIRST. Some time since we mentioned that Mr Kraegen, who died from thirst on the line of the Overland Telegraph, was formerly in the Ballarat Telegraph-office, under Mr Bechervaise. A correspondent of the S. A. Register, one of the party which nearly succumbed to thirst, gives life-like particulars of the disaster, from which we abridge the following account:— An advance party of three operators — C. W. Kraegen, J. F. Mullen, and R. C. Watson — was despatched from Charlotte Waters on the 8th December to the new station posts in the desert, with written directions as to the watercourses they would find. In the evening, after a hot and exhausting day’s travel, they came, says the writer, to a tree in a creek on which was read in letters punctured in tin and affixed there the announcement that water was to be had at the junction of that creek and the Hugh, about a mile from that spot; the next water by the road ten miles, or what we took to be such. Off we sped down the creek. What to us was a mile of hot sand and pebbles now — we would have water in a few minutes, and all would be well. We got to the place, looked at the hole, found it dry, dry; went down the Hugh in the hot sand and blazing sun, but gave that up, and returned. We dug with hands, tomahawks, knives — we had no shovel — but still no water could be got, and the terrible disappointment made all now feel the want much more than would have been the case, but for being assured by the punctured tin announcement that water was to be had thereabout; besides, the efforts in the scorching white sand, walking in it to a depth of six inches, digging as far as our arms would reach, perspiring and choking, had thoroughly exhausted two of us to such an extent that we had to lie down and rest. Then the question arose, "what are we to do?" After much debate it was determined to follow up the channel of the Hugh, which took a course a little west of that followed by the road, and try for water at any likely spot. The proposal was made that as the pack horse was in need of a spell, the saddle-horse that had succumbed before could now hardly travel, two of us were really knocked up, and as the water could not surely be over five or six miles off at furthest, the third man should take his own and the other comparatively fresh saddle-horse, and with three water bags proceed at his best speed. The proposition was "jumped at;" away he went, promising to be back soon, and we meantime felt assured that the rest would serve the two tired horses that remained, and enable them to go on after all had a drink. We waited, thirsted, and still waited through many hours of a very close, warm night, but still no water came, and as patience had run out when the moon rose we packed up, and leading the horses started on foot after the messenger. It would be impossible briefly to tell all the speculations made and discussed to account for his non-return. He had abandoned us! He had lost his horses! He had lost his way! But, horror of horrors, he had not found water! These with many other surmises arose, and none had any comfort in them for us, who were now almost speechless and helpless for want of a drink. We made little progress; the horses travelled slowly, and we had often to lie down, put our nostrils close to the ground, and thereby obtain a breath of comparatively cool air — a thing we could not get whilst walking. We wearied ourselves going to and fro, and although travelling much, did not go far, and so Saturday passed away. On Sunday we could hardly stir. My companion says I talked an awful lot of "bosh." I am sure he did — "gabbled" is the word — unintelligibly, and laughed occasionally, but somehow we managed to try again for water in the creek — it must be there — and so at it we went again on Sunday morning, wearing finger nails off and drawing blood from the fingers until our want of success left but one resource — one horse might be shot, and its blood would help us to make an effort to get on. We shot a horse — the weakest — and having got what we desired from that source, again sought the road and rested. We had a good supply of liquid now — a quart-potful each — and might rest a little before starting, and we did. How hot it was! The sun poured down upon us, and I really thought we should never get over the plain; but we did. We sat and suffered; the poor horse crawled, and doubtless also suffered. He seemed to go at the rate of about half a mile an hour. On we crawled, until on rising a bank we saw the bed of the Hugh once more. The horse pricked up his ears, mended his pace, reached the steep rocky bank, and of a sudden (thank the Lord!) we saw water — a small pool 18 in. by 30 in., and only a foot deep; but water. Down the steep hill we went, got off the horse's back somehow, and simultaneously man and beast plunged into the blessed liquid to satisfy an appalling thirst that had lasted from eight o’clock on Friday morning 8th December, until about two p.m. on the Sunday following. We rested the balance of that day, eating nothing, but "swigging" water like a couple of dissipated fishes. On Monday, the 11th, we determined that as we could not go forward we would go back and meet the waggons. We led our horse and walked all the way. At the creek we found we had read sixteen for ten miles. We arrived at the Alice after walking through sixteen miles of sand, just in time to see some of the other party arriving from the opposite direction. They had found our pack-horse, but had heard nothing of our companion. One of the search party which was organised came on the body of Mr. Kraegen at an angle-post about three miles from our camp, and brought in his belt, found lying at his feet, and on which was his revolves, loaded all round, cartouch-box, and pouch. He left no scrap of writing; had no marks about him; lay on his stomach, resting his head on the left arm, and holding his hat as if shielding his head from the morning sun. His head was to the east, his face to the south, and not the faintest mark of a struggle appeared. He had evidently lain down exhausted, and quietly died for want of water nine or ten days before we saw him. A grave was dug as near the spot as the stony nature of the ground permitted, and he was wrapped in a blanket and interred. Mr Boucant read the Church of England burial service over the remains, and caused a rough fence to be erected round the grave, against which bushes were placed to protect our departed companion’s last earthly resting-place from the native dogs. An inscription, punctured in tin, to the following effect was attached to a stout board, and fixed in place of a headstone:— "In memory of C. W. J. Kraegen, aged forty, who perished here for want of water about 12 | 12 | ’71. Buried 20 | 12 | ’71."http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article197626921 THE OVERLAND TELEGRAPH. The Ballarat Star XVII, 47 Victoria, Australia 23 February 1872 17 October 2020 4 National Library of Australia 1872 03 1872 04 Bechervaise announces the opening of the telegraph station at Fryerstown NEWS AND NOTES. . . . Mr Bechervaise, telegraph-master, informs us that on this day telegraphic communication will be opened with Fryerstown, near Castlemaine.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article197628390 NEWS AND NOTES. The Ballarat Star XVII, 102 Victoria, Australia 29 April 1872 17 October 2020 2 National Library of Australia 1872 05 1872 06 Bechervaise announces a telegraphic connection to Europe, albeit with intermediate horse express TELEGRAPH TO EUROPE. The following notice has been published by the Superintendent of Electric Telegraphs — South Australia, Adelaide, Port Darwin, and London. Telegraph Despatch of First Messages to Europe. Messages will be received at any South Australian Telegraph Office, for transmission to London and other places in connection with the British and Australian Telegraph Company's Cable, during the ordinary office hours, on Tuesday next, the 25th instant. The Messages will be forwarded from Tennant's Creek by horse express over that portion of the line at present incomplete. (Signed) W. J. Cunningham, pro. Superintendent of Electric Telegraphs, South Australia. Telegraph Messages, for Europe and the East, will be received up to 8 p.m. on the 25th instant, at any telegraph station in Victoria (where full particulars as to charges can be ascertained), for transmission to Adelaide and thence in accordance with the above notice; but this department will not be responsible for any delay that may occur beyond the limits of Victoria. W. Turner. J. W. Bechervaise, Manager Telegraph Station, Ballarat, 24th June, 1872.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article219155921 Advertising The Ballarat Star XVII, 151 Victoria, Australia 25 June 1872 17 October 2020 2 National Library of Australia 1872 07 Bechervaise reports still no telegram from Europe NEWS AND NOTES. At ten o'clock on Sunday night, Mr Bechervaise, telegraph-master, informed us that there was up to that time no sign of a telegram having been received from Europe by the Trans-Australian telegraph.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article219156067 NEWS AND NOTES. The Ballarat Star XVII, 156 Victoria, Australia 1 July 1872 17 October 2020 2 National Library of Australia Bechervaise announces commencement of Hawthorn telegraph office NEWS AND NOTES. . . . We are informed by Mr Bechervaise, telegraph-master, that telegraphic communication was yesterday established with Hawthorn.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article219156167 NEWS AND NOTES. The Ballarat Star XVII, 160 Victoria, Australia 5 July 1872 18 October 2020 2 National Library of Australia Bechervaise again advertising telegrams to Europe via the Overland Telegraph with temporary horse express gap-filler GENERAL TELEGRAPH NOTICE. Telegraphic Messages for Europe and the East. Telegrams will be received up to 8 p.m. of the 8th instant at any Telegraph Station in Victoria (where full particulars as to charges can be ascertained) for transmission to London and other places, in connection with the British and Australian Telegraph Company’s cable via Adelaide and Port Darwin. The messages will be forwarded from Tennant's Creek per horse express, over that portion of the line at present incomplete. This department will not be responsible for any delay that may arise beyond the limits of Victoria. WM. P. BECHERVAISE, Manager. Electric Telegraph Office, Ballarat, 5th July, 1872.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article219156187 Advertising The Ballarat Star XVII, 161 Victoria, Australia 6 July 1872 18 October 2020 2 National Library of Australia Proposal for telegraph station masters to act as an employment service MELBOURNE. 26th July. (FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.) A proposal to establish a national labor office under government superintendence was brought before the hon. the Chief Secretary this afternoon by a numerous deputation, introduced by the Hon. Howard Spensley, M.L.A. The attention of the Chief Secretary was called to the success which had attended a similar establishment in San Francisco, and it was suggested that the services of the telegraph station masters throughout the colony might be secured for the purpose of transmitting daily information to a central labor office in Melbourne, so that persons requiring employment might, by payment of a fee of one shilling, be enabled to ascertain where their labor could be made available. It was stated that the expense of the whole machinery need not amount to more than £1400 per annum, while it had been calculated that the income from fees would reach about £2100. After some conversation as to the details of the proposal, Mr Francis expressed the opinion that a properly matured scheme of the kind proposed would be highly useful as "a labor barometer." He concluded his remarks by requesting the deputation to supply him with further particulars respecting the Californian scheme above alluded to, and promised to take the matter into consideration. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article219156678 MELBOURNE. The Ballarat Star XVII, 179 Victoria, Australia 27 July 1872 18 October 2020 2 National Library of Australia 1872 08 Bechervaise announces that telegrams may now be sent overnight for a fee, opening of the Overland Telegraph just a footnote TELEGRAPH NOTICE. The following Order in Council, dated 19th August, has been approved:— Telegrams may be forwarded from and to any station in Victoria during the night, on special notice being given at any station before 8 p.m. Minimum charge:— Private messages, fifty-eight words or under, five shillings; and one penny each additional word. Press messages, one hundred and eighteen words or under, five shillings; and one halfpenny each additional word. Should messages be tendered after 8 p.m. without special notice, and be transmitted, above rates to be charged. Sunday telegrams are in future to be charged according to above rates. All previous Orders in Council relating to charges on telegrams transmitted after ordinary hours of business are hereby cancelled. Telegraph communication is now established with Port Darwin. The rate of charge is 16s for the first ten words; each additional word 1s 2d; address and signature of telegram exclusive. W. P. BECHERVAISE, Manager.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article219157345 Advertising The Ballarat Star XVII, 203 Victoria, Australia 24 August 1872 18 October 2020 2 National Library of Australia Bechervaise announces that the Brunswich telegraph office is now open for business NEWS AND NOTES. . . . We are informed by Mr W. P. Bechervaise, telegraph-master, Ballarat, that on Wednesday telegraphic communication was established with Brunswick. The office at that place is under the charge of Mr Joseph George, postmaster.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article219157457 NEWS AND NOTES. The Ballarat Star XVII, 207 Victoria, Australia 29 August 1872 18 October 2020 2 National Library of Australia 1872 09 1872 10 Bechervaise announces opening of Chewton telegraph office NEWS AND NOTES. . . . Mr W. P. Bechervaise, telegraph-master, Ballarat, informs us that telegraphic communication has this day been established with Chewton.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article219158356 NEWS AND NOTES. The Ballarat Star XVII, 240 Victoria, Australia 7 October 1872 18 October 2020 2 National Library of Australia 1872 11 Always the innovator, Bechervaise liaises with Ballarat Turf Club for provision of a dedicated telegraph live to the race course NEWS AND NOTES. . . . Mr. Clibborn, the active secretary of the Ballarat Turf Club, and Mr Bechervaise, telegraph-master, were on Thursday out at Dowling Forest Course, and all along the line of the proposed telegraph communication between Ballarat and the course. The matter was conclusively settled in favor of the work, and we believe the line will be in operation at the next meeting of the club. This will be an immense advantage to everybody in the least interested in racing affairs. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article219196017 NEWS AND NOTES. The Ballarat Star XVII, 274 Victoria, Australia 15 November 1872 18 October 2020 2 National Library of Australia Bechervaise announces commencement of Brighton telegraph office NEWS AND NOTES. . . . Mr W. P. Bechervaise, telegraph master, informs us that telegraphic communication was on Wednesday established with Brighton.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article219196151 NEWS AND NOTES. The Ballarat Star XVII, 279 Victoria, Australia 21 November 1872 18 October 2020 2 National Library of Australia 1872 12 Bechervaise announces a temporary telegraph office at the Ballarat Turf Club races (Australian first?) NEWS AND NOTES. . . . With reference to the Ballarat Turf Club races, Mr W. P. Bechervaise, telegraph master, Ballarat, has forwarded us the following notice for publication:— "The Telegraph-office at the Ballarat racecourse will be opened from noon on Thursday, 5th December, and each day of the meeting, till thirty minutes after the last race has been run. There will be no delivery of telegrams by messenger, but a list will be posted outside the office showing the names of persons for whom telegrams await delivery at the window."http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article219196488 NEWS AND NOTES. The Ballarat Star XVII, 291 Victoria, Australia 5 December 1872 18 October 2020 2 National Library of Australia Bechervaise's son Herbert Price places 37th in competitive exam Education Office, December 5, 1872. NOTICE.— The following list, showing the RESULT of the COMPETITIVE EXAMINATION for exhibitions open to pupils in common schools held in November 1872, is published for general information. The eight boys whose names appear at the head of the list are the successful candidates. No candidate will benefit by the result until a certificate of his age from the registrar of the district be furnished, in case he was born in Victoria; or, in case he was born elsewhere, a statutory declaration as to the place and date of birth by his father or guardian. Proof must also be given that the candidates have been pupils in common schools for 12 months previous to the 21st November, 1872. B. F. KANE, Secretary Board of Education. Maximum Number of Marks, 680. No. Name of Candidate. No. of Marks. Roll No. Name of School 37 Bechervaise, H. P. 278 424 Mount Pleasanthttp://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article5843835 Advertising The Argus (Melbourne) 8,265 Victoria, Australia 6 December 1872 27 October 2020 3 National Library of Australia The temporary telegraph office is a great success BALLARAT TURF CLUB SPRING MEETING. FIRST DAY - THURSDAY, 5TH DECEMBER . . . Everything is so well arranged at the course that it is quite superfluous to speak in terms of praise either of the officials or the police, and at these meetings the public seem to give no trouble to anyone. The course was very well kept by Tommy Wilson, on old Blue-?in, and two very small lads, also in scarlet, acted as assistants. There is now capital accommodation for the Press in the stand, and a room is provided for their use. Other places might well follow the good example set by Ballarat in this respect. The Telegraph-office proved a great success, and Mr Bechervaise and his assistants had quite a rush of business; and there is no doubt that the line will pay. It is a very great convenience, and the Press and the public both appreciate it. Mr J. T. Sleep acted as timekeeper. The first race was The Telegraph Stakes, of 50 sovs. Entrance 1 sov. Half a mile. Handicap. . . . . http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article219196535 BALLARAT TERF CLUB SPRING MEETING. The Ballarat Star XVII, 292 Victoria, Australia 6 December 1872 18 October 2020 3 National Library of Australia As previous BALLARAT TURF CLUB SPRING MEETING. THIRD DAY, SATURDAY, 7TH DECEMBER. . . . The telegraph station was a very great convenience, and was so well patronised that the club will not have to pay anything under the guaranty they gave. Mr Bechervaise, who was personally in charge, was, as usual, attentive and obliging and his staff got through their work very well. Mr Bechervaise wishes to acknowledge on his own behalf, and on that of his assistants, the courtesy shown by the stewards, and Mr Clibborn, and the obliging things done by Tommy Wilson, the clerk of the course, and to thank the stewards for their hospitality. . . . http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article219196573 BALLARAT TURF. CLUB SPRING MEETING. The Ballarat Star XVII, 294 Victoria, Australia 9 December 1872 18 October 2020 2 National Library of Australia Bechervaise announces that Overland Telegraph again interrupted NEWS AND NOTES. We are informed by Mr Bechervaise, telegraph manager, that the Trans-Australian line is again interrupted between the Peak and Charlotte Waters.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article219196651 NEWS AND NOTES. The Ballarat Star XVII, 297 Victoria, Australia 12 December 1872 18 October 2020 2 National Library of Australia Bechervaise announces that Overland Telegraph again restored NEWS AND NOTES. Mr W. P. Bechervaise, telegraph manager, informs us that the defect in the Trans-Australian line between the Peake and Charlotte Waters, has now been repaired.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article219196705 NEWS AND NOTES. The Ballarat Star XVII, 299 Victoria, Australia 14 December 1872 18 October 2020 2 National Library of Australia Another house removalist causes grief to Bechervaise's telegraph wires NEWS AND NOTES. . . . At the City Police-court, on Tuesday, John Lennon, the proprietor of the house-removing machine, was charged by Mr Bechervaise, telegraph station-master, with breaking the telegraph wires on the Ararat route. It appears that McLennon, for some time past has given the telegraph department some trouble by breaking wires when removing large wooden houses, and Mr Bechervaise on this occasion summoned him. Mr Gaunt cautioned the defendant, but said he was liable to be punished for a misdemeanor.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article219196794 NEWS AND NOTES. The Ballarat Star XVII, 302 Victoria, Australia 18 December 1872 18 October 2020 2 National Library of Australia 1873 1873 01 Summary of temporary telegraph station at Ballarat Race Course RACING EVENTS. The Ballarat Turf Club Spring Meeting was held on 5th, 6th, and 7th December, under the most favorable auspices. On this occasion a line of telegraph was constructed from the course at Dowling Forest to Ballarat. Mr Bechervaise and his assistants had quite a rush of business, and the Press and the public both appreciated the convenience. Stewards — Messrs A. Kelly, A. Fisken, N. R. Macleod, R. L. Bell, and G. G. Morton. Judge — Mr John Simson. Starter — Mr A. Fisken. Handicapper — Mr E. T. Barnard. Clerk of the course — Mr T. Wilson. Weigher — Mr J. Hinds. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article219197093 RACING EVENTS. The Ballarat Star XVIII, 1 Victoria, Australia 1 January 1873 18 October 2020 4 National Library of Australia 1873 02 1873 03 1873 04 Bechervaise announces that submarine cable between Singapore and Batavia is still interrupted NEWS AND NOTES. Mr Bechervaise informs us that the submarine cable is still interrupted between Singapore and Batavia.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article199003656 NEWS AND NOTES. The Ballarat Star XVIII, 80 Victoria, Australia 3 April 1873 18 October 2020 2 National Library of Australia 1873 05 Bechervaise advises Ballarat Shire Council that telegraph line soon to be extended to Learmonth BALLARAT SHIRE COUNCIL. Monday, 12th May. Present — The President, and Crs Gilchrist, Baird, Read, Edwards, Mitchell, and Findlay. Correspondence.— . . . . Extension of the Telegraph Wire to Learmonth.— In answer to Cr Read, who had proposed to move in the matter, the president stated that at a recent inter-view with Mr Bechervaise regarding this extension he was informed that the cost of the construction would be placed on the Estimates for the present year, and the work executed in due course. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article199004542 BALLARATSHIRE COUNCIL. The Ballarat Star XVIII, 113 Victoria, Australia 13 May 1873 18 October 2020 4 National Library of Australia Bechervaise assists in raising funds for an orphaned neice of a late friend NEWS AND NOTES. . . . At a meeting of a few of the friends of the late Mr John Cathie, held on Friday evening, the Hon. J. B. Humffray in the chair, it was decided to open subscription lists to raise funds for the funeral expenses, and also to make some provision for the maintenance, education, and future care of Mr Cathie’s orphan niece. Mr Batten was appointed treasurer, and Mr Bechervaise hon. secretary. Both gentlemen will be glad to receive subscriptions, and we will take charge of any that may be left at this office.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article199004649 NEWS AND NOTES. The Ballarat Star XVIII, 117 Victoria, Australia 17 May 1873 18 October 2020 2 National Library of Australia Bechervaise announces opening of a new telegraph station at Leigh Road railway station (now Bannockburn) NEWS AND NOTES. . . . Mr Bechervaise informs us that telegraphic communication has been opened with the Leigh road railway station. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article199004723 NEWS AND NOTES. The Ballarat Star XVIII, 120 Victoria, Australia 21 May 1873 19 October 2020 2 National Library of Australia Bechervaise announces opening of Stratford telegraph office NEWS AND NOTES. . . . Mr Bechervaise informs us that a telegraph office has been opened at Stratford.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article199004852 NEWS AND NOTES. The Ballarat Star XVIII, 125 Victoria, Australia 27 May 1873 19 October 2020 2 National Library of Australia Bechervaise attends the Levee at the start of the new Governor's first visit to Ballarat THE GOVERNORS VISIT. Seldom has a season of pleasure or a public rejoicing in Ballarat been more auspiciously inaugurated than were the proceedings of yesterday on the arrival here of his Excellency Sir George F. Bowen, Governor of the colony of Victoria. To the lieges of Ballarat the day was set apart not only as a holiday for the reception of the Queen's representative, but also as a day of rejoicing in honor of the 54th anniversary of Her Majesty's birth; and, as if to do honor to the occasion, even the elements were propitious, and "Queen's weather" gladdened the hearts of her subjects. A fresh genial breeze made the morning invigorating, but the bright afternoon sun tinged everything with a golden ray that added even more than its some-what faded name to the charms of the "Golden City." During his Excellency's future, and we sincerely hope, long career as Governor of this colony, he will visit many towns, and receive many such addresses of hearty welcome and congratulation as those which were presented to him by our public bodies yesterday. But we doubt whether in any part of these wide dominions, or under even the most favorable circumstances, he will meet with a more genial, hearty, and pleasant reception than that which was awarded him yesterday, on his first visit to the Town and City of Ballarat. . . . THE LEVEE As his Excellency entered the hall the bells were fired nineteen times — the customary number for a Governor. This part of the day's proceedings had been well arranged, and was a much more successful ceremony than most people had expected. The front entrance to the hall was prettily decorated with flowers and ferns, and so also was the staircase leading to the large room, where the presentations were made. The passage leading from the head of the stairs to the reception-room was divided into two and the room itself was divided into compartments by a floral division. The room was laid with a beautiful carpet, and at one end was the dais, sur-mounted by the Royal ensign, while round the room were displayed many bannerets and wreaths, which lent both a gay and brilliant appearance to the scene. Those who were presented entered by one passage, and passing round the division of the room in front of his Excellency, left by the other. At about two the presentations commenced. His Excellency, with his aide-de-camp, passed from the committee-room to the hall, accompanied, at his Excellency's request, by the two mayors, Councillor Lewis, Rev. Mr Henderson (moderator of the Presbyterian Assembly, in the robes of his office), the Hon. J. G. Francis, the Hon. A. Fraser, and Messrs Jones, Clarke, and James, M.L.A. Others who had the right of entry followed — the clergy, the members of the two councils and of shires and borough councils, his Honor Judge Rogers, and a few gentlemen, chiefly those who had attended to present addresses taking precedence. The following was the list of presentations: — . . . Wm. P. Bechervaise . . .http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article192280932 THE GOVERNOR'S VISIT. The Ballarat Courier VII, 1854 Victoria, Australia 29 May 1873 19 October 2020 3 National Library of Australia Bechervaise in the Governor's part which tours the local district THE GOVERNOR'S VISIT. The visit of his Excellency the Governor to Ballarat and the surrounding district would have been incomplete without an inspection of the pastoral, agricultural, and mining area that extends from our north-western boundary to the auriferous leads in the neighborhood of Clunes. This had been seen from the initiation of the movement to entertain his Excellency, and certainly the arrangements made for giving effect to that object were each as reflect the utmost credit upon all parties concerned. The carriages intended to convey the vice-regal party to Clunes were in readiness at Craig's hotel at half-past nine yesterday, and shortly afterwards a start was made. The Chief Secretary was unable to remain in Ballarat, having been telegraphed for from Melbourne the previous evening, and he in consequence left Ballarat by the early train. Amongst those who accompanied his Excellency were the mayor of Ballarat City, and Mrs Claxton; Mr Baird, mayor of the Town of Ballarat; Major Pitt, A.D.C.; Major W. C. Smith, Mr Robert Lewis, Mr Joseph Jones, Mr John James, Mr James McDowall, Mr Reeves (mayor of Geelong), Mr Permewan, Mr Wanliss, Mr Sleep, Mr Caselli, Mr Ivey, Mr Donald Gunn (president of the Ballaratshire Council), Mr Bath, Mr Henderson (assistant traffic manager of the Victorian Railways), Mr Bechervaise, &c., &c. The start was made at half-past nine, Inspector Ryall and a number of mounted troopers bring in attendance as a guard of honor. Lady Bowen was too unwell to accompany the party. The cortege, on leaving Craig's, proceeded up Sturt street, turning off on the north, and taking the detour of the lake on the west side, until the road to Learmonth was reached. The weather was cold and threatening from the first, and as the party advanced the clouds became more dense each moment until, as the ranges were reached, it became evident that rain, and heavy rain, was imminent. Nevertheless the horses pushed on. The houses along the roadside were adorned with bunting, and the scattered rural population put in an appearance in groups as the visitors swept past, cheering lustily and otherwise demonstrating their desire to participate in the general welcome accorded to Her Majesty's representative. Learmonth was reached about eleven o'clock. The available population turned out en masse for the occasion, all attired in holiday garb, and looking as joyous and comfortable as could be wished. About 150 juveniles were assembled near the shire hall, and as the Governor drove up they sang the National Anthem, at the conclusion of which three cheers were given by the large crowd congregated for his Excellency the Governor and the other visitors. The president and members of the shire council were in readiness at the entrance with an address. This was read by Mr Richmond, the secretary, and was as follows:—http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article192281750 THE GOVERNOR'S VISIT. The Ballarat Courier VII, 1856 Victoria, Australia 31 May 1873 19 October 2020 2 National Library of Australia 1873 06 The PMG approves Bechervaise teaching telegraphy at the Ballarat Mechanics' Institute At a meeting of the Mechanics' Institute Committee, held on Tuesday evening (present — Messrs Claxton, president; Embling, Anderson, James, Bade, I. J. Jones, Stansfield, Thompson, Whitelaw, Campbell, and J. P. Marshall), the following letters were received:— From Monsieur Rayroux, offering to take charge of the French class now without a teacher, Signor Matheo having been compelled by ill-health to leave Ballarat. It was resolved to accept Monsieur Rayroux's offer. — From the Postmaster-General, with permission for Mr Bechervaise to take charge of a class for the study of telegraphy. — From the School of Design, asking that the restriction, by which competition for prizes to the amount of £10 offered by the committee was confined to those pupils who are members of the institute, be removed. It was re-solved to adhere to the original terms of competition. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article192279781 No title The Ballarat Courier VII, 1860 Victoria, Australia 5 June 1873 19 October 2020 2 National Library of Australia 1873 07 Bechervaise requests school-teachers to caution their pupils about stone throwing at telegraph insulators By request, we draw the attention of school-teachers in the districts around Ballarat to the wanton destruction, by the boys, of the telegraph insulators, caused by stone-throwing. Mr Bechervaise thinks that a caution administered by the head-teachers to the youths would have the desired effect. The lads in the locality of Mount Rowan have gives the most offence.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article192278441 No title The Ballarat Courier VII, 1893 Victoria, Australia 14 July 1873 19 October 2020 2 National Library of Australia Bechervaise announces interruptions in the submarine cables from Hong Kong We learn from Mr Bechervaise that the great northern cables between Hong Kong, Amoy, Shanghai, and Nagasaki, are interrupted. Telegrams have therefore, for the present, to be posted at Hong Kong.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article192276536 No title The Ballarat Courier VII, 1899 Victoria, Australia 21 July 1873 19 October 2020 2 National Library of Australia Annual report of the Ballarat Turf Club favourably notes the establishment of a temporary telegraph office at the racecourse BALLARAT TURF CLUB. The annual meeting of the members of the above club was held on Monday afternoon, at Craig’s hotel; Mr A. Kelly occupied the chair. The secretary read the following report and balance-sheet:— "At the commencement of the racing year we beg to present you with a financial statement of the receipts and expenditure during our term of office, and we have much pleasure in congratulating you upon the present highly prosperous position of the club. Since the election of the committee a large amount of work has been done, and numerous improvements have been carried out at the racecourse. The saddling paddock has been much enlarged and levelled throughout; the lawn and members’ carriage paddock have been ex-tended; a telegraph-office has been opened under the supervision of Mr Bechervaise, and at the present time everything is in excellent order, and the trees, shrubs, and plants flourishing. A very successful race meeting was held in the spring, and a winter steeplechase meeting on the 17th of this month. The late secretary of the club, Mr Thomas S. Clibborn, having been appointed secretary to the Australian Jockey Club, resigned his position, to the regret of your committee, on the 30th May. At a meeting, held to elect his successor, Mr E. C. Moore was unanimously chosen. . . . http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article199006264 BALLARAT TURF CLUB. The Ballarat Star XVIII, 179 Victoria, Australia 29 July 1873 19 October 2020 2 National Library of Australia 1873 08 1873 09 1873 10 1873 11 1873 12 Bechervaise again provides telegraph facilities at Ballarat Turf Club Spring meeting, react quickly to line problems B.T.C. SPRING MEETING. FIRST DAY.— THURDAY, 4TH DECEMBER. Patron — His Excellency the Governor. Stewards — Messrs A. K. Finlay, R. Le Poer Trench, G. G. Morton, Herbert Power, and Hector Wilson. Judge — Mr John Simson. Starter — Mr A. Fisken. Clerk of the course — Mr T. Wilson. Secretary — Mr E. C. Moore. Thursday was the first day of the Ballarat Turf Club Spring Meeting, which has so far passed off most successfully. Formerly the spring meeting lasted for three days, but the club have thought it advisable to make it only two days, and to add one day to the autumn meeting. By this arrangement the public will be able to witness just as many days' racing at Dowling Forest in the course of the year, and perhaps more conveniently than before. . . . The telegraph office on the course, under the charge of Mr Bechervaise and a staff of assistants, was a great convenience to the public, and the operators must have been kept pretty busy during the day. Not long before the first race started it was discovered that there was something wrong with the line on the Creswick road, by which communication between the race course and Ballarat was interrupted. It was rather fortunate that this was discovered in time, for Mr Bechervaise and those under his direction were only just able, by dint of great exertion, to put everything straight before the line was required.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article201608500 B.T.C. SPRING MEETING. The Ballarat Star XVIII, 290 Victoria, Australia 5 December 1873 19 October 2020 3 National Library of Australia Bechervaise announces the opening of the Alexandra telegraph office NEWS AND NOTES. . . . Mr Bechervaise informs us that on and after the 18th instant telegraphic communication will be open with Alexandra.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article201608770 NEWS AND NOTES. The Ballarat Star XVIII, 301 Victoria, Australia 18 December 1873 19 October 2020 2 National Library of Australia 1874 1874 01 Bechervaise again goes the extra mile to get local news out Mr Bechervaise is always so anxious to accommodate the public, that no person will read the following from the Herald with the least surprise:— "That any news of the cricket match at Ballarat was received in Melbourne on New Year's Day is entirely due to the courtesy displayed by the manager of the Ballarat Telegraph Office. The conductors of this journal had been told at Melbourne that the Ballarat office would be open all day, but no instructions to that effect were received at the latter place. Accordingly, when our representative went to the Ballarat office, he found it closed. On looking up the manager, it was found that all the hands had gone till six o'clock. Mr Bechervaise at once intimated that he would have an operator looked up, and the office opened at half-past three. At three o'clock, the office was opened, and the anxious public placed in possession of news. Had our reporter been a quarter of an hour later, the manager of the Ballarat office would have left his quarters for the day, and the public have been without the news till after six p.m. When a gentleman voluntarily sacrifices his holiday, to suit the public, the act deserves recognition." http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article192284200 No title The Ballarat Courier VIII, 2042 Victoria, Australia 5 January 1874 19 October 2020 2 National Library of Australia 1874 02 1874 03 The temporary telegraph at the Ballarat Turf Club sees record business for the Grand National BALLARAT TURF CLUB GRAND NATIONAL MEETING. SECOND DAY.— FRIDAY. Stewards — Messrs A. K. Findlay, R. Le Poer Trench, G. G. Morton, H. Power, A. Wilson. Judge — Mr James Simson. Starter — Mr A. Fisken. Time-keeper — Mr Sleep. Clerk of the Course — Mr Thomas Wilson. The morning of the great day of the Steeplechase Meeting opened very unpropitiously, as a stiff northerly breeze was blowing, raising clouds of dust in all parts of the town, and deterring many from venturing on a trip to the Forest. However, some thousands were bold enough to brave the disagreeables of the road. Nearly every vehicle in Ballarat was pressed into service, and between 5000 and 6000 people had assembled on the course by the time the Grand National was run. . . . Mr Bechervaise was kept very busy, with his assistants, in the telegraph office, more mes-sages being dispatched than at any previous meeting. . . . http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article192282708 BALLARAT TURF CLUB GRAND NATIONAL MEETING. The Ballarat Courier VIII, 2107 Victoria, Australia 21 March 1874 19 October 2020 2 National Library of Australia Bechervaise assists in raising funds for the widow and children of murdered telegraph station master With reference to the Barrow's Creek telegraph station murder, we understand that Mr Stapleton, the late station-master, has left a widow and four children very badly provided for. A subscription is being raised on their behalf, and Mr Bechervaise, our local telegraph master, will be happy to receive donations in aid. This is a case well deserving the sympathies of the public. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article192282662 No title The Ballarat Courier VIII, 2108 Victoria, Australia 23 March 1874 19 October 2020 2 National Library of Australia 1874 04 Bechervaise returns to Melbourne after a stay in Hobart SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE. . . . CLEARED OUT.— April 22. Southern Cross, s.s., 343 tons, E. Lucas, for Melbourne. Passengers — Cabin: Mrs. Ryan, Miss E. Mansfield, Miss Seward, Misses Dean (2), Miss Knowles, Mr. Yates and 3 children, Dr. H. L. and Mrs. Atkinson, Miss J. Carns, Miss Crocker, Mrs. Henry Reed, Miss Jackson, Miss Chamberlain, Mrs. Dowd and child, Dr. MacMillan, Master M. Alexander, Messrs. Chapman, Finlayson, H. Cook, Jordan, Geo. Wilson, W. P. Bechervaise, Cox, J. Brock, C. Hall, E. A. Macpherson, McKillop, and 15 steerage.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article8929528 SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE. The Mercury XXIV, 4243 Tasmania, Australia 23 April 1874 19 October 2020 2 National Library of Australia As previous SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE. PORT OF MELBOURNE. ARRIVED HOBSON'S BAY. . . . Southern Cross, s.s., 342 tons, E. Lucas, from Hobart Town 22nd instant. Passengers — cabin: Dr. H. L. Atkinson and Mrs Atkinson, Mrs H. Reed, Mrs B. Ryan, Mrs Dowd and child, Miss Seward, Miss Cearin, Miss Coker, Miss Knowles, Misses Deans (two), Miss Jackson, Miss Chamberland, Miss Mansfield; Messrs. Chapman, Finlayson, H. Cook, J. Brock, E. A. McPherson, C. Hall, Jordan, McKillop, G. Wilson, W. P. Bechervaise, McMillan, Cox, Yates and three children, Master W. Alexander; and twenty-two in the steer-age. Hudson, and Watson agents.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article88232674 SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE. Bendigo Advertiser XXI, 5892 Victoria, Australia 27 April 1874 19 October 2020 2 National Library of Australia 1874 05 Bechervaise loans some Wheatstone equipment for the Fine Arts Exhibition at the Mechanics' Institute NEWS AND NOTES. . . . The Fine Arts Exhibition at the Mechanics' Institute last night was largely attended, both in the hall and the upper room; the hall more largely, of course, as besides the pictures there were the attractions of a concert, in which Miss Bessie Harrison, Mr Henry Mordaunt, Mr Herbert, and Mr. Williams took part. Comic and sentimental and operatic music were given, and added materially to the pleasantness of the evening. Mr Bechervaise has sent some of Wheatstone's telegraphic apparatus, the use of which he explained in the hall. Upstairs, Mr Bardwell’s automaton photographer, a galvanic apparatus, and a sewing machine worked by water-power, afforded much amusement. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article201973654 NEWS AND NOTES. The Ballarat Star XIX, 118 Victoria, Australia 19 May 1874 20 October 2020 2 National Library of Australia Victorian telegraph station masters, including Bechervaise contribute to the Stapleton Relief Fund PUBLIC NOTICES. STAPLETON RELIEF FUND. The Committee beg to acknowledge the following Contributions towards the Stapleton Relief Fund:— . . . Total Telegraph Department, £221 1s., less expenses, £2 2s. = £219 19s. Collected in Victoria:— Thomas Green, Castlemaine, £1 1s.; W. P. Bechervaise, Ballarat, £1 1s.; J. Nichol, Daylesford, £1; D. W. Forbes, Echuca, £1; H. W. Bristow, Kyneton, £1; W. Bardwell, Ballarat, £1; W. Blandford, Ballarat, 2s. 6d.; F. H. O'Connell, Dunolly, 10s.; J. H. Kibble, Inglewood, 10s. 6d.; J. T. Harper, Inglewood, 5s.; C. M. Maplestone, Maryborough, £1 1s.; J. Thwaites, Creswick, £1; Thos. Reed, Maldon, 10s.; J. L. Collier, Clunes, £1; James Collis, Talbot, 10s.; G. E. Groves, Kilmore, 10s.; D. W. Bale, Castlemaine, 5s. = £12 6s. Total, £944 6s. 6d.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article196749624 Advertising Evening Journal VI, 1642 South Australia 27 May 1874 20 October 2020 4 (SECOND EDITION) National Library of Australia Bechervaise awaits Government approval to be lecturer at telegraphy classes NEWS AND NOTES. . . . Numerous enquiries having been made as to the telegraphy class at the School of Mines, we may mention that so soon as the authority of the Government has been obtained for Mr Bechervaise to act as lecturer, a class will be formed, to which ladies will be admitted, subject to compliance with the statutes in respect to nomination.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article201973833 NEWS AND NOTES. The Ballarat Star XIX, 125 Victoria, Australia 27 May 1874 20 October 2020 2 National Library of Australia As previous It is announced in our advertising columns that a class in telegraphy will be at once formed at the Ballarat School of Mines under the charge of Mr W. P. Bechervaise. Instruction will be given by Mr Bechervaise every Tuesday at seven o'clock in the evening, and on Saturday at two. Students are requested to enrol themselves at once with Mr Barnard, the registrar.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article192285398 No title The Ballarat Courier VIII, 2166 Victoria, Australia 30 May 1874 20 October 2020 2 National Library of Australia As previous INGENIO EFFODERE OPES. THE SCHOOL OF MINES, BALLAARAT. A CLASS in TELEGRAPHY, under the direction of Mr W. P. BECHERVAISE, will be FORMED, to meet on Tuesdays at 7 p.m., and on Saturdays at 2 p.m. Students are requested to attend at my office for the purpose of being enrolled. W. HY. BARNARD, Registrar pro tem.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article201973897 Advertising The Ballarat Star XIX, 128 Victoria, Australia 30 May 1874 20 October 2020 3 National Library of Australia 1874 06 Bechervaise's telegraphy class already has 16 enrolments This evening a class in telegraphy will be opened at the School of Mines, under Mr Bechervaise. Sixteen students have already entered for instruction.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article192285924 No title The Ballarat Courier VIII, 2168 Victoria, Australia 2 June 1874 20 October 2020 2 National Library of Australia Bechervaise now included in list of lecturers at School of Mines for Telegraphy class Education. INGENIO EFFODERE OPES. THE SCHOOL OF MINES, BALLAARAT. VISITOR: His Excellency the Governor. PRESIDENT: His Honor Sir Redmond Barry. VICE-PRESIDENT: His Honor Judge Rogers. TRUSTEES: His Honor Sir Redmond Barry. Somerville Livingstone Learmonth, Esq. Rivett Henry Bland, Esq. COUNCIL: The President and the Vice-President. *The Hon. Sir Charles Gavan Duffy, M.P. *The Hon. John A. MacPherson, M.P. *The Hon. Duncan Gillies, M.P. *The Hon. William McLellan, M.P. *F. McCoy, Esq., Professor, University of Melbourne. *Vacant. J. M. Bickett, Esq. H. B. Caselli, Esq., J.P. P. Chauncy, Esq., J.P. J. M. Davey, Esq. Joseph Flude, Esq. R. F. Hudson, Esq., M.D. Robert Lewis, Esq., J.P. James McDowall, Esq., J.P. James Oddie, Esq., J.P. R. M. Serjeant, Esq. E. Steinfeld, Esq., J.P. J. F. Usher, Esq., M.D., L.A.H.D. J. Williamson, Esq. The Mayor of the City of Ballaarat; and *The Chairman, for the time being, of each of the seven Mining Boards of Victoria. *Honorary Councillors. ADMINISTRATIVE COUNCIL: The President and the Vice-President. J. M. Bickett, Esq. H. R. Caselli, Esq., J.P. P. Chauncy, Esq., J.P. J. Flude, Esq. R. F. Hudson, Esq., M.D. R. M. Serjeant, Esq. J. F. Usher, Esq., M.D., L.A.H.D. The Chairman of Mining Board, Ballaarat. President of Examiners — His Honor Judge Rogers. Honorary Auditor — Richard Ford, Esq. "To fit the miner by a general review of phenomena observed, and processes used in various localities, to adopt what is most suitable to the particular locality." "— — to form links in the chain of improvements." Warington W. Smyth, M.A., Cambridge. APRIL TERM (b. 13th April; e. 20th June), 1874. SUBJECTS and LECTURERS: Mathematics .. .. John Victor, T.C.D. Mining and Land Surveying .. .. Fredk. Ive, Auth. Surv. Mechanics .. .. John Victor, T.C.D. Natural Philosophy .. .. ditto Principles and Practice of Mining .. .. Robert Malachy Serjeant Mechanical Engineering .. .. Andrew Croll Mineralogy .. .. — Geology as applied to Mining .. .. ditto Metallurgy and Assaying .. .. Joseph Flude. Chemistry .. .. Joseph Flude. Telegraphy .. .. Wm. P. Bechervaise. Persons thinking of becoming Pupils are particularly invited to attend The School, and observe the method adopted of imparting instruction. . . .http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article201973959 Advertising The Ballarat Star XIX, 130 Victoria, Australia 2 June 1874 28 October 2020 4 National Library of Australia Detailed report of Bechervaise's telegraphy class at the School of Mines NEWS AND NOTES. . . . The class for instruction in telegraphy, at the School of Mines, which was opened on Tuesday evening, has proved to be a great success. Twenty pupils, eighteen ladies and two gentlemen, began the course of instruction, that being the full number for which there is at present accommodation. Many more are anxious to join, and have paid the term fees, so as to secure the right to admission as vacancies occur. We believe that the council of the school intend to erect a gallery round the lecture-hall, so as to afford more space for pupils and instruments, and thus meet the demand for instruction. Mr Bechervaise was the lecturer, and instructed the pupils in the mysteries of the telegraphic alphabet. At the close of the lecture he presented each with his or her name and address written in the telegraph characters on a slip of paper, for each to study in the interval between the next lecture. Mr Bechervaise had to do all the work of arranging the instruments himself, as he did not receive the help from his assistants which he expected. The total number of pupils now attending the School of Mines is 86. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article201973985 NEWS AND NOTES. The Ballarat Star XIX, 131 Victoria, Australia 3 June 1874 11 December 2020 2 National Library of Australia As previous, further detail of content NEWS AND NOTES. . . . The telegraphic class at the School of Mines, under Mr Bechervaise, met on Tuesday evening, and from the progress the students have already made in their studies since the commencement, it is apparent that the whole class are earnest in what they have commenced. Mr Bechervaise is certainly a most explicit and practical lecturer on telegraphy, and, while verbally explaining the use of the instruments and force of electricity and its uses, practically demonstrates the uses and power and combination in a manner to be understood by all. The lecture on Tuesday evening commenced by a description and demonstration of the voltaic or galvanic current, after which the mode of making the local circuit was made plain, the lecturer impressing upon his pupils the necessity of thoroughly understanding these rudiments before attempting more difficult matters in connection with telegraphy. The connection between the main and local currents was then graphically explained, after which the students were again practised on the telegraphic alphabet, both by sound and sight. At the conclusion of the lecture several of the ladies visited the Telegraph office, when the purpose of the lecture was more practically demonstrated, many of the necessary instruments not having yet been fixed at the school. So far as the class has already advanced, both Mr Bechervaise and his pupils must be complimented upon the progress made after a course of only three lectures, some of the pupils giving ready answers to questions put by the lecturer, while they were under examination. A few visitors attended during the lecture, and appeared to take great interest in the proceedings. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article201974139 NEWS AND NOTES. The Ballarat Star XIX, 137 Victoria, Australia 10 June 1874 20 October 2020 2 National Library of Australia Bechervaise's 20 students in telegraphy class revealed as overwhelmingly female MISCELLANEA. . . . The School of Mines, thanks to the unflagging energy of Mr Barnard, the registrar, the hearty interest taken in the school by some other of our local men, and the merits and importance of the education given at the school, have made that seminary the first of its kind in these colonies. The newest addition to the curriculum is the study of telegraphy. A class, comprising eighteen ladies and two gentlemen, has been recently formed under the auspices of Mr Bechervaise, the superintendent of the Ballarat Telegraph-office.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article201974226 MISCELLANEA. The Ballarat Star XIX, 140 Victoria, Australia 13 June 1874 20 October 2020 4 National Library of Australia School of Mines details officers & staff for the coming financial year, Bechervaise as lecturer in telegraphy, McGowan and Ellery as examiners Education. INGENIO EFFODERE OPES. THE SCHOOL OF MINES, BALLAARAT. VISITOR: His Excellency the Governor. PRESIDENT: His Honor Sir Redmond Barry. VICE-PRESIDENT: His Honor Judge Rogers. TRUSTEES: His Honor Sir Redmond Barry. Somerville Livingstone Learmonth, Esq. Rivett Henry Bland, Esq. COUNCIL: The President and the Vice-President. *The Hon. Sir Charles Gavan Duffy, M.P. •The Hon. John A. MacPherson, M.P. *The Hon. Duncan Gillies, M.P. *The Hon. William McLellan, M.P. *F. McCoy, Esq., Professor, University of Melbourne. *Vacant. J. M. Bickett, Esq. H. B. Caselli, Esq., J.P. P. Chauncy, Esq., J.P. J. M. Davey, Esq. Joseph Flude, Esq. R. F. Hudson, Esq., M.D. Robert Lewis, Esq., J.P, James McDowall, Esq., J.P. James Oddie, Esq., J.P. B. M. Serjeant, Esq. E. Steinfeld, Esq., J.P. J. F. Usher, Esq., M.D., L.A.H.D. J. Williamson, Esq. The Mayor of the City of Ballaarat; and The Chairman, for the time being, of each of the seven Mining Boards of Victoria. * = Honorary Councillors. ADMINISTRATIVE COUNCIL: The President and the Vice-President. J. M. Bickett, Esq. H. R. Caselli, Esq., J.P. P. Chauncy, Esq., J.P. J. Flude, Esq. R. F. Hudson, Esq., M.D. R. M. Serjeant, Esq. J. F. Usher, Esq., M.D., L.A.H.D. The Chairman of Mining Board, Ballaarat. President of Examiners — His Honor Judge Rogers. Honorary Auditor — Richard Ford, Esq. "To fit the miner by a general review of phenomena observed, and processes used in various localities, to adopt what is most suitable to the particular locality." "— — to form links in the chain of improvements." Warington W. Smyth, M.A., Cambridge. JULY TERM (b. 13th July, e. 19th September), 1874. SUBJECTS and LECTURERS: Mathematics .. .. John Victor, T.C.D. Mining and Land Surveying .. .. Vacant. Mechanics .. .. John Victor, T.C.D. Natural Philosophy .. .. ditto Principles and Practice of Mining .. .. Robert Malachy Serjeant Mechanical Engineering .. .. Andrew Croll Mineralogy .. .. — Geology as applied to Mining .. .. ditto Metallurgy and Assaying .. .. Joseph Flude. Chemistry .. .. Joseph Flude. Telegraphy .. .. Wm. P. Bechervaise. Persons thinking of becoming Pupils are particularly invited to attend The School, and observe the method adopted of imparting instruction. JUNE and NOVEMBER EXAMINATIONS. Subjects. Examiners. Euclid (1st six books) .. .. G. J. Russell, M. A. & John Lynch, Auth. Surv. Algebra to Quadratic Equations .. .. ditto . Logarithms .. .. ditto. Trigonometry .. .. ditto. Description and use of Mathematical Instruments .. .. John Lynch, Auth. Surv. & P. C. Fitzpatrick, C.S. Drawing, including Plans and Sections, and plotting from Field Book .. .. ditto. Mining and Land Surveying .. .. ditto. Levelling .. .. ditto. Calculations of Areas and Quantities .. .. ditto. Principles and Practice of Mining .. .. R. M Serjeant Drawing Plans for and construction of Machinery .. .. John Lewis. Selected Specifications .. .. ditto. Mechanics — Theoretical and Applied with calculation of strength and strain of Materials .. .. ditto. Natural Philosophy, including Heat Hydraulics Hydrostatics — the Steam Engine .. .. ditto. Mineralogy .. .. G. H. F. Ulrich, F.G.S. Geology to Mining .. .. ditto. Metallurgy — Theoretical and Practical .. .. J. Cosmo Newbery, B.Sc. Assaying .. .. ditto. Inorganic Chemistry — Theoretical and Practical .. .. ditto. Telegraphy .. .. R. L. J. Ellery, F. R. S. & Sam. W. McGowan. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article201974434 Advertising The Ballarat Star XIX, 148 Victoria, Australia 23 June 1874 20 October 2020 4 National Library of Australia 1874 07 1874 08 Bechervaise raised from fourth to third class in the Civil Service NEWS AND NOTES. . . . After eighteen years’ service in the Telegraph Department of this colony we are glad to record the fact that Mr Bechervaise has been raised from the fourth to the third-class in the Civil Service. This increase in status is accompanied by increase in pay, and after seventeen years' residence in Ballarat, there are many people who will join us in our congratulations to Mr Bechervaise upon this recognition of his telegraphic skill and general efficiency. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article199327403 NEWS AND NOTES. The Ballarat Star XIX, 182 Victoria, Australia 1 August 1874 20 October 2020 2 National Library of Australia As previous We are very glad to learn that Mr Bechervaise, our telegraph master, yesterday received notification from headquarters, that he had been promoted from the fourth to the third class of the Civil Service. This means improved status in the service, and an increased, and annually increasing, salary to that zealous and obliging official. Mr Bechervaise has had charge of the telegraph department of Ballarat for the last seventeen years, and has always given the fullest possible satisfaction to every person having business relationship with it. The promotion in this instance has been well earned, and we are glad that the opportunity is afforded to us of publicly stating this fact. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article191558900 No title The Ballarat Courier VIII, 2220 Victoria, Australia 1 August 1874 20 October 2020 2 National Library of Australia 1874 09 Postmistress at Gordon, one of Bechervaise's pupils with a view to dual duties as telegraph master Mr W. Clarke, M.L.A., yesterday presented a petition to the hon. the Postmaster-General, from 300 of the inhabitants of Gordon and Egerton, praying for the establishment of a telegraph office at the former place. At present the telegraph line from Ballarat to Ballan extends in front of the post office at Gordon, and it requires only a few yards of wire to carry the line into the office at Gordon. Mr. Turner stated that the post-mistress at Gordon was now taking lessons in telegraphy from Mr. Bechervaise, in the Ballarat office, and as soon as she was proficient in the art an office would be opened at Gordon. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article191558121 No title The Ballarat Courier VIII, 2248 Victoria, Australia 3 September 1874 20 October 2020 2 National Library of Australia Bechervaise again listed as lecturer in Telegraphy for School of Mines, fourth term Education. INGENIO EFFODERE OPES. THE SCHOOL OF MINES, BALLAARAT. VISITOR: His Excellency the Governor. PRESIDENT: His Honor Sir Redmond Barry. VICE-PRESIDENT: His Honor Judge Rogers. TRUSTEES: His Honor Sir Redmond Somerville Livingstone Learmonth, Esq. Rivett Henry Bland, Esq. COUNCIL: The President and the Vice-President. *The Hon. Sir Charles Gavan Duffy, M.P. *The Hon. John A. MacPher-son, M.P. *The Hon. Duncan Gillies, M.P. *The Hon. William McLellan, M.P. *F. McCoy, Esq., Professor, University of Melbourne. *Vacant. J. M. Bickett, Esq. H. R. Caselli, Esq., J.P. P. Chauncy, Esq., J.P. J. M. Davey, Esq. Joseph Flude, Esq. R. F. Hudson, Esq., M.D. Robert Lewis, Esq., J.P. James McDowall, Esq., J.P. James Oddie, Esq., J.P. R. M. Serjeant, Esq. E. Steinfeld, Esq., J.P. J. F. Usher, Esq., M.D., L.A.H.D. J. Williamson, Esq. The Mayor of the City of Ballaarat; and *The Chairman, for the time being, of each of the seven Mining Boards of Victoria. *Honorary Councillors. ADMINISTRATIVE COUNCIL: The President and the Vice-President. J. M. Bickett, Esq. H. R. Caselli, Esq., J.P. P. Chauncy, Esq., J.P. J. Flude, Esq. R. F. Hudson, Esq., M.D. R. M. Serjeant, Esq. J. F. Usher, Esq., M.D., L.A.H.D. The Chairman of Mining Board, Ballaarat. President of Examiners — His Honor Judge Rogers. Honorary Auditor — Richard Ford, Esq. "To fit the miner by a general review of phenomena observed, and processes used in various localities, to adopt what is most suitable to the particular locality." "— — to form links in the chain of improvements." Warington W. Smyth, M.A., Cambridge. OCTOBER TERM (b. 12th October, e. 19th December), 1874. SUBJECTS and LECTURERS: Mathematics .. .. John Victor, T.C.D. Mining and Land Surveying .. .. C. Wm. Thomas, Auth. Surv. Mechanics .. .. John Victor, T.C.D. Natural Philosophy .. .. ditto Principles and Practice of Mining .. .. Robert Malachy Serjeant Mechanical Engineering .. .. S. Keast Mineralogy .. .. — Geology as applied to Mining .. .. ditto Metallurgy and Assaying .. .. Joseph Flude. Chemistry .. .. Joseph Flude. Telegraphy .. .. Wm. P. Bechervaise. Persons thinking of becoming Pupils are particularly invited to attend The School, and observe the method adopted of imparting instruction. JUNE and NOVEMBER EXAMINATIONS. Subjects. Examiners. Euclid (1st six books) .. .. G. J. Russell, M. A. & John Lynch, Auth. Surv. Algebra to Quadratic Equations .. .. ditto . Logarithms .. .. ditto. Trigonometry .. .. ditto. Description and use of Mathematical Instruments .. .. John Lynch, Auth. Surv. & P. C. Fitzpatrick, C.S. Drawing, including Plans and Sections, and plotting from Field Book .. .. ditto. Mining and Land Surveying .. .. ditto. Levelling .. .. ditto. Calculations of Areas and Quantities .. .. ditto. Principles and Practice of Mining .. .. R. M Serjeant Drawing Plans for and construction of Machinery .. .. John Lewis. Selected Specifications .. .. ditto. Mechanics — Theoretical and Applied with calculation of strength and strain of Materials .. .. ditto. Natural Philosophy, including Heat Hydraulics Hydrostatics — the Steam Engine .. .. ditto. Mineralogy .. .. G. H. F. Ulrich, F.G.S. Geology to Mining .. .. ditto. Metallurgy — Theoretical and Practical .. .. J. Cosmo Newbery, B.Sc. Assaying .. .. ditto. Inorganic Chemistry — Theoretical and Practical .. .. ditto. Telegraphy .. .. R. L. J. Ellery, F. R. S. & Sam. W. McGowan. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article199328554 Advertising The Ballarat Star XIX, 227 Victoria, Australia 23 September 1874 28 October 2020 4 National Library of Australia 1874 10 The temporary telegraph office at the Ballarat Turf Club again does good business BALLARAT TURF CLUB SPRING MEETING. FIRST DAY.— THURSDAY, 15TH OCTOBER. Stewards — Messrs C. Ayrey, A. Chirnside, H. Eddington, H. Fisher, C. W. Gibson, W. Leonard, G. G. Morton, N. R. Macleod, H. Power, Le Poer Trench, A. Wilson. Judge — Mr H. Fisher. Starter — Mr J. Johnston. Clerk of the Course — Mr T. Wilson. Handicapper — Mr E. T. Barnard. Thursday was the first day of the Ballarat Turf Club Spring Meeting, and may be said to have passed off as successfully as could be desired, the weather being beautifully fine, the running very fair, and the attendance quite up to the average, although not so numerous as has been seen on some occasions on the course. . . . . The telegraph-office was under the charge of Mr Bechervaise, who, with his usual courtesy, assisted by a good staff of assistants, disposed of the messages with the utmost rapidity. The office must have done a good business during the day. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article199329110 BALLARAT TURF CLUB SPRING MEETING. The Ballarat Star XIX, 247 Victoria, Australia 16 October 1874 20 October 2020 3 National Library of Australia Bechervaise makes a donation to the School of Mines The School or Mines.— Subscriptions and donations received from 11th September to 15th October, 1871, acknowledged with thanks, were as follow:— Bechervaise, W. P., Ballarat, £1 1s; . . . http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article199329107 CHEAP GARDENING. The Ballarat Star XIX, 247 Victoria, Australia 16 October 1874 20 October 2020 3 National Library of Australia Establishment of the Pigoreet telegraph office, subject to the postmaster attending Bechervaise's telegraphy classes The hon. the Postmaster-General has intimated to Mr W. Clarke, M.L.A., that the telegraph line will be extended to Piggoreet, provided the local postmaster qualifies for the office by attending the telegraph class under Mr Bechervaise at the School of Mines, Ballarat.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article191558871 No title The Ballarat Courier VIII, 2297 Victoria, Australia 30 October 1874 20 October 2020 2 National Library of Australia 1874 11 1874 12 Bechervaise again supervising the temporary telegraph office at the Ballarat Turf Club BALLARAT TURF CLUB MIDSUMMER MEETING. FIRST DAY.— FRIDAY, 4TH DECEMBER. Stewards.— Messrs C. Ayrey, A. Chirnside, H. Ed-dington, Hurtle Fisher, C. W. Gibson, W. Leonard, Geo. G. Morton, N. R. Macleod, H. Power, R. Le Poer Trench, and A. Wilson. Judge — Mr A. Fisken. Handicapper — Mr. E. T. Barnard. Starter — Mr J. Johnson. Clerk of the Course — Mr T. Wilson. The two days midsummer meeting of the Ballarat Turf Club commenced on Friday, at the Dowling Forest racecourse, but it cannot be said that the opening was very auspicious, the attendance of the public being very meagre, although the patrons and members of the club mustered in very fair numbers. The lawn, saddling paddock, and grand-stand did not present any very material change from previous meetings of the club, but there was a marked falling-off in the outside reserve, the attendance there not exceeding 400 persons, a large proportion of whom were intent on business. . . . The telegraph-office on the course was personally superintended by Mr Bechervaise, who was not kept so busy as usual on these occasions.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article208250076 BALLARAT TURF CLUB MIDSUMMER MEETING. The Ballarat Star XIX, 290 Victoria, Australia 5 December 1874 20 October 2020 4 National Library of Australia Bechervaise is presented with a gold locket by his telegraphy class students at the end of term NEWS AND NOTES. . . . A very interesting affair took place at the close of the instruction given at the class in telegraphy at the School of Mines on Wednesday evening. There were nineteen students present, and Mr Kyran John O'Dee, on behalf of the students in the first class, presented Mr Bechervaise, the manager of the local Electric Telegraph-office, and instructor in the telegraphy classes, with a handsome gold locket, on which was the following inscription:— "A slight token of esteem to W. P. Bechervaise, Esq., from the first class in Telegraphy, Ballarat, 9th December, 1874." In making the presentation Mr O'Dee complimented, his instructor on the admirable manner in which he had imparted to the students the instruction in telegraphy. A feeling response was made by Mr Bechervaise.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article208250187 NEWS AND NOTES. The Ballarat Star XIX, 294 Victoria, Australia 10 December 1874 20 October 2020 2 National Library of Australia 1875 1875 01 Bechervaise again listed as lecturer in Telegraphy at School of Mines for first term 1875 Education. INGENIO EFFODERE OPES. THE SCHOOL OF MINES, BALLAARAT. VISITOR: His Excellency the Governor. PRESIDENT: His Honor Sir Redmond Barry. VICE-PRESIDENT: His Honor Judge Rogers. TRUSTEES: His Honor Sir Redmond Barry Somerville Livingstone Learmonth, Esq. Rivett Henry Bland, Esq. COUNCIL: The President and the Vice-President. *The Hon. Sir Charles Gavan Duffy, M.P. *The Hon. John A. MacPherson, M.P. *The Hon. Duncan Gillies, M.P. *The Hon. William McLellan, M.P. *F. McCoy, Esq., Professor, University of Melbourne. *Rev. John I. Bleasdale, D.D., F.R.S. J. M. Bickett, Esq. H. R. Caselli, Esq., J.P. P. Chauncy, Esq., J.P. J. M. Davey, Esq. Joseph Flude, Esq. R. F. Hudson, Esq., M.D. Robert Lewis, Esq., J.P. John Walker, Esq. James Oddie, Esq., J.P. R. M. Serjeant, Esq. J. F. Usher, Esq., M.D., L.A.H.D. J. Williamson, Esq. The Mayor of the City of Ballaarat; and The Chairman, for the time being, of each of the seven Mining Boards of Victoria. *Nominations vested in the Crown. ADMINISTRATIVE COUNCIL: The President and the Vice-President. J. M. Bickett, Esq. H. R. Caselli, Esq., J.P. P. Chauncy, Esq., J.P. J. Flude, Esq. R. F. Hudson, Esq., M.D. R. M. Serjeant, Esq. J. F. Usher, Esq., M.D., L.A.H.D. The Chairman of Mining Board, Ballaarat. President of Examiners — His Honor Judge Rogers. Honorary Auditor — Richard Ford, Esq. "To fit the miner by a general review of phenomena observed, and processes used in various localities, to adopt what is most suitable to the particular locality." "— — to form links in the chain of improvements." Warington W. Smyth, M.A., Cambridge. JANUARY TERM (b. 11th January, e. 20th March), 1875. SUBJECTS and LECTURERS: Mathematics .. .. John Victor, T.C.D. Mining and Land Surveying .. .. C. Wm. Thomas, Auth. Surv. Mechanics .. .. John Victor, T.C.D. Natural Philosophy .. .. ditto Principles and Practice of Mining .. .. Robert Malachy Serjeant Mechanical Engineering .. .. Samson Keast Mineralogy .. .. — Geology as applied to Mining .. .. ditto Metallurgy and Assaying .. .. Joseph Flude. Chemistry .. .. Joseph Flude. Telegraphy .. .. Wm. P. Bechervaise. Persons thinking of becoming Pupils are particularly invited to attend The School, and observe the method adopted of imparting instruction. JUNE and NOVEMBER EXAMINATIONS. Subjects. Examiners. Euclid (1st six books) .. .. G. J. Russell, M. A. & John Lynch, Auth. Surv. Algebra to Quadratic Equations .. .. ditto . Logarithms .. .. ditto. Trigonometry .. .. ditto. Description and use of Mathematical Instruments .. .. John Lynch, Auth. Surv. & P. C. Fitzpatrick, C.S. Drawing, including Plans and Sections, and plotting from Field Book .. .. ditto. Mining and Land Surveying .. .. ditto. Levelling .. .. ditto. Calculations of Areas and Quantities .. .. ditto. Principles and Practice of Mining .. .. R. M Serjeant Drawing Plans for and construction of Machinery .. .. John Lewis. Selected Specifications .. .. ditto. Mechanics — Theoretical and Applied with calculation of strength and strain of Materials .. .. ditto. Natural Philosophy, including Heat Hydraulics Hydrostatics — the Steam Engine .. .. ditto. Mineralogy .. .. G. H. F. Ulrich, F.G.S. Geology to Mining .. .. ditto. Metallurgy — Theoretical and Practical .. .. J. Cosmo Newbery, B.Sc. Assaying .. .. ditto. Inorganic Chemistry — Theoretical and Practical .. .. ditto. Telegraphy .. .. R. L. J. Ellery, F. R. S. & Sam. W. McGowan. . . .http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article208250958 Advertising The Ballarat Star XX, 12 Victoria, Australia 14 January 1875 28 October 2020 4 National Library of Australia Bechervaise announces the opening of the Horsham Telegraph Office NEWS AND NOTES. . . . Mr Bechervaise informs us that telegraphic communication is now open to Horsham.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article208251116 NEWS AND NOTES. The Ballarat Star XX, 18 Victoria, Australia 21 January 1875 11 December 2020 2 National Library of Australia 1875 02 1875 03 Bechervaise visits Sydney SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE. HOBSON'S BAY. . . . CLEARED OUT.— MARCH 25. . . . You Yangs, s. s., 457 tons, A. Thrussell, for Sydney. Passengers — saloon: Mrs. McLauchlan, Mrs. Dyer and child, Mrs. Murphy, Miss Gorman, Miss Walker, Miss Bishop, Mrs. Davis and four children, Mrs. Coggins, Misses Coggins (two), Mrs. James, Mrs. Danks, Mrs. Wilkinson, Messrs. B. G. Davies, M.L.A., J. D. Langridge, M.L.A., John Martin, H. Walker, John Johnson, Edward Hassel, F. Pearson, Donald McRae, R. James, W. P. Bechervaise, H. Hedderwich, R. E. Lewis, A. B. Solomon, Wm. Powell, John Danks, A. H. McMillan, F. E. Beaver, J. Scott, G. Ford, W. S. Cox, T. T. Cutbush, A. B Joske, S. Hellier, J. Murphy, L. Duval, P. B. Turnbull, James Turnbull, David Young, E. N. Glass, W. H. Gallop, Bavin; and 52 in the steerage. W. H. Smith, agent.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article11514322 SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE. HOBSON'S BAY. The Argus (Melbourne) 8,980 Victoria, Australia 27 March 1875 20 October 2020 4 National Library of Australia 1875 04 Bechervaise heads back to Melbourne from Sydney CLEARANCES.— April 1. Wentworth (s.), 650 tons, Captain Paddle, for Melbourne. Passengers — Mrs. Bruce, Miss Bruce, Mrs. C. Jones, Mrs. Walton, Mrs. O'Sullivan, Mrs. Cooper, Mrs. Jones, Mrs. Jamieson, Mrs. J. J. Lade, Messrs. R. Outran, W. McArthur, W. Bruce, C. M. Maxwell, J. E. Beaver, E. Myers, F. Desailly, G. Desailly, Walton, Master Walton, W. P. Bechervaise, O'Sullivan, W. T. Cooper, Gotch, A. C. Heunerbine, E. S. Holland, Majendi, and 18 in the steerage.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article28402443 CLEARANCES.—APRIL 1. The Sydney Morning Herald LXXI, [?]04 New South Wales, Australia 2 April 1875 21 October 2020 4 National Library of Australia Bechervaise arrives back in Melbourne SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE. HOBSON'S BAY. . . . Arrived . . . April 4 . . . Wentworth, s.s., 954 tons, B. Paddle, from Sydney. Passengers — saloon: Mr. and Mrs. William Bruce, Mr. and Mrs. O'Sullivan, Mr. and Mrs. Walton, Mr. and Mrs. W. T. Cooper, Mrs. Chas. Jones, Miss Bruce, Mrs. J. J. Lade, Mrs. Jones, Messrs. W. R. Outram, W. McArthur, C. M. Maxwell, F. E. Beaver, E. Myers, W. P. Bechervaise, E. S. Holland, Gotch, Magendie, Huenerbein, Master Walton; and 11 in the steerage. W. P. White and Co., agents.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article11514746 SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE. HOBSON'S BAY. The Argus (Melbourne) 8,987 Victoria, Australia 5 April 1875 21 October 2020 4 National Library of Australia Bechervaise listed by School of Mines as Telegraphy lecturer INGENIO EFFODERE OPES. THE SCHOOL OF MINES, BALLAARAT. VISITOR: His Excellency the Governor. PRESIDENT: The Hon. Sir Redmond Barry. VICE-PRESIDENT: His Honor Judge Rogers. TRUSTEES: The Hon. Sir Redmond Barry. Somerville Livingstone Learmonth, Esq. Rivett Henry Bland, Esq. COUNCIL: The President and the Vice-President. *The Hon. Sir Charles Gavan J. M. Davey: Esq. Duffy. *The Hon. John A. MacPherson, M.L.A. *The Hon. Duncan Gillies, M.L.A. *The Hon. William McLellan, M.L.A. *F. McCoy, Esq., Professor, University of Melbourne. *Rev. John I. Bleasdale, D.D., F.R.S. W. H. Barnard, Esq. J. M. Bickett, Esq. H. R. Caselli, Esq., J.P. P. Chauncy, Esq., J.P. J. M. Davey, Esq. Joseph Flude, Esq. R. F. Hudson, Esq., M.D. Robert Lewis, Esq., J.P. James Oddie, Esq., J.P. R. M. Serjeant, Esq. J. F. Usher, Esq., M.D., L.A.H.D. John Walker, Esq. J. Williamson, Esq. The Mayor of the City of Ballaarat; and The Chairman, for the time being, of each of the seven Mining Boards of Victoria. *Nominations vested in the Crown. ADMINISTRATIVE COUNCIL: The President and the Vice-President J. M. Bickett, Esq. H. R. Caselli, Esq., J.P. P. Chauncy, Esq., J.P. J. Flude, Esq. R. F. Hudson, Esq., M.D., J.P. R. M. Serjeant, Esq. J. F. Usher, Esq., M.D., L.A.H.D. The Chairman of Mining Board, Ballaarat. President of Examiners — His Honor Judge Rogers. Honorary Auditor — Richard Ford, Esq. "To fit the miner by a general review of phenomena observed, and processes used in various localities, to adopt what is most suitable to the particular locality." "— — to form links in the chain of improvements." Warington W. Smyth, M.A., Cambridge. APRIL TERM (b. 12th April, e. 19th June), 1875. SUBJECTS and LECTURERS: Mathematics .. .. John Victor, T.C.D. Mining and Land Surveying .. .. C. Wm. Thomas, Mining and Auth. Surv. Mechanics .. .. John Victor, T.C.D. Natural Philosophy .. .. ditto Principles and Practice of Mining .. .. Robert Malachy Serjeant Mechanical Engineering .. .. Samson Keast Mineralogy .. .. — — Geology as applied to Mining .. .. — — Metallurgy and Assaying .. .. Joseph Flude. Chemistry .. .. Joseph Flude. Telegraphy .. .. Wm. P. Bechervaise. Persons thinking of becoming Pupils are particularly invited to attend The School, and observe the method adopted of imparting instruction. JUNE and NOVEMBER EXAMINATIONS. Subjects. Examiners. Euclid (1st six books) .. .. G. J. Russell, M.A.; John Lynch, Auth. Surv. Algebra to Quadratic Equations .. .. ditto. Logarithms .. .. ditto. Trigonometry .. .. ditto. Description and use of Mathematical Instruments .. .. John Lynch, Auth. Surv.; P. C. Fitzpatrick, C.S. Drawing, including Plans and Sections and plotting from Field Book .. .. ditto. Mining and Land Surveying .. .. ditto. Levelling .. .. ditto. Calculations of Areas and Quantities .. .. ditto. Principles and Practice of Mining .. .. R. M. Serjeant. Drawing Plans, for and construction of Machinery .. .. John Lewis. Selected Specifications .. .. ditto. Mechanics — Theoretical and Applied with calculation of strength and strain of Materials .. .. ditto. Natural Philosophy, including Heat Hydraulics Hydrostatics — the Steam Engine .. .. ditto. Mineralogy .. .. G. H. F. Ulrich, F.G.S. Geology as applied to Mining .. .. ditto. Metallurgy — Theoretical and Practical .. .. J. Cosmo Newbery, B.Sc. Assaying .. .. ditto. Inorganic Chemistry — Theoretical and Practical .. .. ditto. Telegraphy .. .. R. L. J. Ellery, F.R.S.; Sam. W. McGowan. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article208252916 Advertising The Ballarat Star XX, 83 Victoria, Australia 8 April 1875 21 October 2020 4 National Library of Australia Bechervaise again makes a donation to the School of Mines The School of Mines, Ballarat.— Subscriptions received since 11th March to 8th April, 1875, and acknowledged with thanks:— L. Ballhausen, Running Creek, Ovens, £2 2s; James Coghlan, Ballarat, £1 1s; William Fly, Ballarat, 5s; W. L. Gilbert, Cardigan, 10s 6d; London Chartered Bank of Australia, Ballarat, £2 2s; Samuel Steel, Ballarat, £1 1s; Union Bank of Australia, Ballarat, £2 2s; J. F. Usher, M.D., Ballarat; £1 1s; M. P. Whiteside, Ballarat, £1 1s; total, £11 5s 6d. Towards the Pyrites, Fund:— W. P. Bechervaise, £1 1s; J. Flude, £1 1s; Accident Fund, Happy Valley Company, Ovens, £8 13s 9d. Towards the Endowment Fund:— J. Ware, Yallay-Poora, £20; Buninyongshire Council, £5.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article208252960 PROVINCE ELECTION. The Ballarat Star XX, 84 Victoria, Australia 9 April 1875 22 October 2020 3 National Library of Australia 1875 05 Comprehensive background and overview of Bechervaise's telegraphy classes at the School of Mines THE SCHOOL OF MINES. IX. The invention, par excellence, of the present century is the electric telegraph as now in use all over the civilised world — in land, in mighty ocean's bed, instantaneously transmitting men's thought between stations separated by the thickness of a wall, or the breadth of the boundless sea. And yet how very few people there are in the colony or amongst the world's mass of humanity who know anything at all about the first principles of telegraphy. In this respect at least their education has been neglected. In telegraphy the first observed fact of amber attracting small bits of feather, the germ of the noble invention of the telegraph, lay entombed, unproductive for centuries. This was frictional electricity, and the experiment, though so easy of performance and so old, even now astonishes most people. Variations of the phenomenon — a piece of sealing-wax being substituted for the amber always amuses children, and those of larger growth are also sometimes surprised when passing a vulcanised comb through their hair of a frosty night in a dry room by the sparks emitted with reports of lilliputian artillery. But the amusement and surprise are all the result of the observed phenomena, no enquiry being made as to the cause and nature of the facts. Unfortunately this is the way of the world, and hence from the time of Thales to William IV., the electric telegraph was developing. All the great nations of the earth seem to have had a finger in the pie — the canny Scot, the inventive Yankee, the experimental German, Frenchman, and Italian, and the practical Englishman have all in their day and generation added "line upon line, here a little, there a little" to the latest, as well as the greatest, of practical science-arts. But we must close our introductory remarks, our business being to present to our readers a word-picture of the School of Mines classes in the art. By the way, the full title of the school includes "Industries;" and whether the council thought telegraphy came under that heading, or desired "to take time by the fore-lock," and to instruct the students in what may come to be imprest into the service of mining, we know not; it is, however, evident that the responsibility has been wisely undertaken, for since the formation of classes nearly twelve months ago, under the superintendence of Mr Bechervaise, the manager of the Electric Telegraph office in this city, no fewer than 62 students have joined them, of whom 22 have satisfactorily passed their exanimation in the subject. The first step a student takes, after purchasing his textbook and hiring a manipulator, or key (which can be done at the school), is to learn his - —, — - - -, — - — - (A.B.C.) and all he can about the sources of electricity, voltaic and galvanic batteries (the youthful experiment of receiving a shock from the copper penny on one surface of his tongue and a piece of zinc on the other coming strangely to his remembrance), the direction of currents, all about "open" and "closed" circuits, electromotive force, tension, quantity, induction, magnetism, construction of lines, insulation, and putting offices in circuit. All this information he can readily acquire by attending his class twice a week at the hour of seven in the evening. But something more than this is requisite to pass examination. He must also be up in manipulating, so as to transmit messages accurately and quickly, and in receiving, that is, in reading those sent to him. To accomplish all this a portion of the lecture-hall has been fitted-up as a class-room, with the several instruments and a circuit of two terminal stations, formed by a line run across the hall between two instruments on opposite sides of the room, with twain batteries, the opposite poles of which are connected to earth plates just outside the main building. It was a long time before people found out that the earth had anything to do with the telegraphing of signals. It may be remembered that in the last generation the air seemed to monopolise the art, as the telegraph semaphore at the Admiralty in Westminster, which, some forty years ago, wind and weather permitting, used to flap out its messages. The earth being itself a conductor was, of course, as usual, only an accidental discovery. However, the fact of the earth's powers in the forming of circuits is now part and parcel of telegraphic knowledge, and Mr Bechervaise has a nice contrivance — an earth-switch he calls it — by which the circuit now formed between instruments A and B at the school can be divided. Four instruments are on the "short circuit" for the purpose of practice in manipulation. The text books used are by Calley, Sabine, Noad, and Pope, the last-mentioned being an expensive American work, copies of which have been obtained from New York and supplied to students, only recently, at the publishing price. Sabine's little book, published by Weale at 3s, is both a cheap and useful manual, and with that helper many an hour can be profitably spent by the student in the lecture-hall between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. in good hard practice. The system of telegraphy taught in the school is known as "The Morse recording system," and all the several parts of the requisite apparatus are well worth investigation, and the diagramatic arrangement of the wires forming the different connections between relay, register, key, battery, &c., is very good and instructive, if not novel. The students in these classes are of both sexes, and come from Little River, Clunes, Mount Pleasant, Sebastopol and Ballarat. Some of them were previously operators in telegraph-offices. No clearer evidence could be demanded, that the technical instruction afforded by the school in telegraphy is a public want. In concluding this division of our papers, the classes, we may be allowed to remark that the methodical arrangements whereby students can avail themselves of the attainments of gentlemen well up in the several matters of which they are masters, and of practising with apparatus of superior quality, are potent elements of success. Indeed, all that is done at the School of Mines, Ballarat, seems to be on principle, and on good and high principle too. On entering the school a person makes the usual declaration, that he will faithfully obey the statutes and rules, and submit respectfully to the constituted authorities; thereupon he becomes an enrolled student, and as such receives a "charge" or address, of which the following is the purport:— Having become associated with an honorable institution, honorable on account of its seeking to elevate those who thus join themselves to it, by imparting to them a thorough, scientific, and practical education in the subject of their choice, it will doubtless be the desire of the student, as it is his duty, to endeavor on his part to maintain its dignity. The subject of study being of his own choosing, it is expected that the student will excel in it; this he can only hope to attain to by diligent care. And at the council by admitting him to the privileges of a student, to a certain extent places in his keeping the school's honor, he should do all in his power to preserve it inviolate, and on no account to behave so as to bring discredit on the school, but to look forward to the time, when his labors shall be rewarded with the highest honor the school can bestow upon him, namely a certificate of competency.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article208328657 THE SCHOOL OF MINES. The Ballarat Star XX, 111 Victoria, Australia 11 May 1875 11 December 2020 3 National Library of Australia 1875 06 1875 07 Bechervaise again listed as lecturer in Telegraphy for School of Mines INGENIO EFFODERE OPES. THE SCHOOL OF MINES, BALLAARAT. VISITOR: His Excellency the Governor. PRESIDENT: The Hon. Sir Redmond Barry. VICE-PRESIDENT: His Honor Judge Rogers. TRUSTEES: The Hon. Sir Redmond Barry. Somerville Livingstone Learmonth, Esq. Rivett Henry Bland, Esq. COUNCIL: The President and the Vice-President. *The Hon. Sir Charles Gavan Duffy. *The Hon. John A. MacPherson, M.L.A. *The Hon. Duncan Gillies, M.L.A. *The Hon. William McLellan, M.L.A. *F. McCoy, Esq., Professor, University of Melbourne. *Rev. John I. Bleasdale, D.D., F.R.S. W. H. Barnard, Esq. J. M. Bickett, Esq. H. R. Caselli, Esq., J.P. P. Chauncy, Esq., J.P. J. M. Davey, Esq. Joseph Flude, Esq. R. F. Hudson, Esq., M.D. Robert Lewis, Esq., J.P. James Oddie, Esq., J.P. R. M. Serjeant, Esq. J. F. Usher, Esq., M.D., L.A.H.D. John Walker, Esq. J. Williamson, Esq. The Mayor of the City of Ballaarat; and Chairman, for the time being, of each of the seven Mining Boards of Victoria. *Nominations vested in the Crown. ADMINISTRATIVE COUNCIL: The President and the Vice-President. J. M. Bickett, Esq. H. R. Caselli, Esq., J.P. P. Chauncy, Esq., J.P. J. Flude, Esq. R. F. Hudson, Esq., M.D., J.P. R. M. Serjeant, Esq. J. F. Usher, Esq., M.D., L.A.H.D. The Chairman of Mining Board, Ballaarat. President of Examiners — His Honor Judge Rogers. Honorary Auditor — Richard Ford, Esq. "To fit the miner by a general review of phenomena observed, and processes used in various localities, to adopt what is most suitable to the particular locality." "— — to form links in the chain of improvements." Warington W. Smyth, M.A., Cambridge. JULY TERM (b. 12th July, e. 18th Sept.), 1875. SUBJECTS and LECTURERS: Mathematics .. .. John Victor, T.C.D. Mining and Land Surveying .. .. C. Wm. Thomas, Mining and Auth. Surv. Mechanics .. .. John Victor, T.C.D. Natural Philosophy .. .. ditto. Principles and Practice of Mining .. .. Robert Malachy Serjeant Mechanical Engineering .. .. Samson Keast Mineralogy .. .. — — Geology as applied to Mining .. .. ditto. Metallurgy and Assaying .. .. Joseph Flude, Chemistry .. .. Joseph Flude. Telegraphy .. .. Wm. P. Bechervaise. German .. .. — — Persons thinking of becoming Pupils are particularly invited to attend The School, and observe the method adopted of imparting instruction. JUNE and NOVEMBER EXAMINATIONS. Subjects. Examiners. Euclid (1st six books) .. .. G. J. Russell, M. A & John Lynch, Auth. Surv. Algebra to Quadratic Equations .. .. ditto. Logarithms .. .. ditto. Trigonometry .. .. ditto. Description and use of Mathematical Instruments .. .. John Lynch, Auth. Surv. & P. C. Fitzpatrick, C.S. Drawing, including Plans and Sections, and plotting from Field Book .. .. ditto. Mining and Land Surveying .. .. ditto. Levelling .. .. ditto. Calculations of Areas and Quantities .. .. ditto. Principles and Practice of Mining .. .. R. M. Serjeant. Drawing Plans for and construction of Machinery .. .. John Lewis. Selected Specifications .. .. ditto. Mechanics — Theoretical and Applied with calculation of strength and strain of Materials .. .. — — Natural Philosophy, including Heat Hydraulics Hydrostatics — the Steam Engine .. .. ditto Mineralogy .. .. G. H. F. Ulrich, F.G.S. Geology applied to Mining .. .. ditto. Metallurgy — Theoretical and Practical .. .. J. Cosmo Newbery, B.Sc. Assaying .. .. ditto. Inorganic Chemistry — Theoretical and Practical .. .. ditto. APRIL and OCTOBER EXAMINATIONS. Telegraphy .. .. R. L. J. Ellery, F.R.S. & Sam. W. McGowan. . . . http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article208329856 Advertising The Ballarat Star XX, 155 Victoria, Australia 1 July 1875 22 October 2020 1 National Library of Australia Bechervaise announces opening of Maffra telegraph office NEWS AND NOTES. . . . Mr Bechervaise informs us that a telegraph-office has been opened at Maffra, Gippsland. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article208330474 NEWS AND NOTES. The Ballarat Star XX, 177 Victoria, Australia 27 July 1875 22 October 2020 2 National Library of Australia 1875 08 Bechervaise announces the opening of the Blackwood telegraph office with Miss Louise Hansen in charge NEWS AND NOTES. . . . Mr Bechervaise informs us that on and after today the Electric Telegraph office at Blackwood will be opened. Miss Louise Hansen is the officer in charge. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article208331228 NEWS AND NOTES. The Ballarat Star xx, 204 Victoria, Australia 27 August 1875 22 October 2020 2 National Library of Australia 1875 09 Bechervaise announces the opening of the Oakleigh telegraph office NEWS AND NOTES. . . . Bechervaise informs us that a telegraph-office is now open at Oakleigh.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article208331728 NEWS AND NOTES. The Ballarat Star XX, 223 Victoria, Australia 18 September 1875 22 October 2020 2 National Library of Australia 1875 10 Bechervaise again listed as lecturer in telegraphy for the final 1875 term at School of Mines INGENIO EFFODERE OPES. THE SCHOOL OF MINES, BALLAARAT. VISITOR: His Excellency the Governor. PRESIDENT: The Hon. Sir Redmond Barry. VICE-PRESIDENT: His Honor Judge Rogers. TRUSTEES: The Hon. Sir Redmond Barry. Somerville Livingstone Learmonth, Esq. Rivett Henry Bland, Esq. COUNCIL: The President and the Vice-President *The Hon. Sir Charles Gavan Duffy. *The Hon. John A. MacPherson, M.L.A. *The Hon. Duncan Gillies M.L.A. *The Hon. William McLellan, M.L.A. *F. McCoy, Esq., Professor, University of Melbourne. *Rev. John I. Bleasdale, D.D., F.R.S. W. H. Barnard, Esq. J. M. Bickett, Esq. H. R. Caselli, Esq., J.P. P. Chauncy, Esq., J.P. J. M. Davey, Esq. Joseph Flude, Esq. Aug. Hoelscher, Esq. R. F. Hudson, Esq., M.D. Robert Lewis, Esq., J.P James Oddie, Esq., J.P. R. M. Serjeant, Esq. Asr. S.M.B. J. F. Usher, Esq., M.D., L.A.H.D. John Walker, Esq. J. Williamson, Esq. The Mayor of the City of Ballaarat; and The Chairman, for the time being, of each of the seven Mining Boards of Victoria. *Nominations vested in the Crown. ADMINISTRATIVE COUNCIL: The President and the Vice-President. J. M. Bickett, Esq. H. R. Caselli, Esq., J.P. P. Chauncy, Esq., J.P. J. Flude, Esq. R. F. Hudson, Esq., M.D., J.P. R. M. Serjeant, Esq. J. F. Usher, Esq., M.D., L.A.H.D. The Chairman of Mining Board, Ballaarat President of Examinations — His Honor Judge Rogers. Honorary Auditor — Richard Ford, Esq. "To fit the miner by a general review of phenomena observed, and processes used in various localities, to adopt what is most suitable to the particular locality." "— — to form links in the chain of improvements." Warington W. Smyth, M.A., Cambridge. OCTOBER TERM (b. 11th Oct., e. 18th Dec.), 1875. SUBJECTS and LECTURERS: Mathematics .. .. John Victor, T.C.D. Mining and Land Surveying .. .. C. Wm. Thomas, Mining and Auth. Surv. Mechanics .. .. John Victor, T.C.D. Natural Philosophy .. .. ditto. Principles and Practice of Mining .. .. Robert Malachy Serjeant Mechanical Engineering .. .. Samson Keast Mineralogy .. .. — — Geology as applied to Mining .. .. ditto. Metallurgy and Assaying .. .. Joseph Flude. Chemistry .. .. Joseph Flude. Telegraphy .. .. Wm. P. Bechervaise. German .. .. F. J. Thomas, B.A. French .. .. Ado. Rayroux, Univ. Paris Persons thinking of becoming Pupils are particularly invited to attend The School, and observe the method adopted of imparting instruction. JUNE and NOVEMBER EXAMINATIONS. Subjects. Examiners. Euclid (1st six books) .. .. G. J. Russell, M. A & John Lynch, Auth. Surv. Algebra to Quadratic Equations .. .. ditto. Logarithms .. .. ditto. Trigonometry .. .. ditto. Description and use of Mathematical Instruments .. .. John Lynch, Auth. Surv. & P. C. Fitzpatrick, C.S. Drawing, including Plans and Sections, and plotting from Field Book .. .. ditto. Mining and Land Surveying .. .. ditto. Levelling .. .. ditto. Calculations of Areas and Quantities .. .. ditto. Principles and Practice of Mining .. .. R. M. Serjeant. Drawing Plans for and construction of Machinery .. .. John Lewis. Selected Specifications .. .. ditto. Mechanics — Theoretical and Applied with calculation of strength and strain of Materials .. .. — — Natural Philosophy, including Heat Hydraulics Hydrostatics — the Steam Engine .. .. ditto Mineralogy .. .. G.H.F. Ulrich, F.G.S. Geology applied to Mining .. .. ditto. Metallurgy — Theoretical and Practical .. .. J. Cosmo Newbery, B.Sc. Assaying .. .. ditto. Inorganic Chemistry — Theoretical and Practical .. .. ditto. APRIL and OCTOBER EXAMINATIONS. Telegraphy .. .. R. L. J. Ellery, F.R.S. & Sam. W. McGowan.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article200184756 Advertising The Ballarat Star XX, 237 Victoria, Australia 5 October 1875 22 October 2020 4 National Library of Australia Brief comment on the strange attraction of Bechervaise's telegraphy classes NEWS AND NOTES. . . . Mr Bechervaise's telegraphy classes are patronised by all sorts of people. There seems to be a fascination in the art, apart from its value in bread-winning, but the greater portion of the students, of course, look to it as a stepping stone to government employment.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article200184788 NEWS AND NOTES. The Ballarat Star XX, 238 Victoria, Australia 6 October 1875 15 December 2020 2 National Library of Australia 1875 11 Ballarat Postmaster, William Thacker, passes NEWS AND NOTES. . . . We are sorry to record the death, at 5 p.m. on Sunday, of Mr Thacker, postmaster, Ballarat. He was seized with an apoplectic attack at 2 a.m. on Thursday, and never spoke or betrayed any sign of consciousness from that time till death. The deceased, who was in his 60th year, was one of the oldest government officers, having for some thirty years been in the Civil Service of Victoria. For twenty years he was stationed in Geelong, whence he came five years ago to Ballarat, and in both places he proved himself to be a most efficient officer. He has left a widow and two children. The remains of deceased will be conveyed by midday train on Tuesday to Geelong for burial, the funeral moving from the Geelong station on the arrival of the train.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article200185519 NEWS AND NOTES. The Ballarat Star XX, 266 Victoria, Australia 8 November 1875 31 October 2020 2 National Library of Australia Death notice for the Ballarat Postmaster, William Thacker DEATH. THACKER.— On Sunday, 7th November, at 5 p.m., at the Post-office, Ballarat, William Thacker, Postmaster, in the sixtieth year of his age.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article200185506 Family Notices The Ballarat Star XX, 266 Victoria, Australia 8 November 1875 31 October 2020 2 National Library of Australia Post-office officials carry the remains of William Thacker to the Geelong train NEWS AND NOTES. . . . The remains of the late Mr Thacker will be conveyed from the Post-office to the Geelong train at eleven o'clock this morning, and will be followed by all the Post-office officials dressed in their new uniforms of scarlet and black. The coffin will be carried by some of the officers in the Post-office.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article200185537 NEWS AND NOTES. The Ballarat Star XX, 267 Victoria, Australia 9 November 1875 31 October 2020 2 National Library of Australia As previous, Bechervaise one of the pall-bearers in the funeral cortege NEWS AND NOTES. . . . The remains of Mr Thacker, late postmaster in Ballarat, were conveyed to Geelong on Tuesday by the midday train. The funeral cortege from the post-office to the railway station was of such a character as to show at once the respect in which the deceased was held by those who had for many years worked under his direction. Eight postmen, dressed in their new scarlet uniform, with a band of crape round the left arm, carried the coffin to the station; four of them carried it to Mair-street, and the other four finished the mournful ceremony. Several post-men led the procession, and the following persons acted as pall-bearers, viz., Messrs W. P. Bechervaise, T. Harte, O. M. Nicholson, and J. Whitehead. Amongst the mourners was Mr Henry Thacker, of Geelong, brother of the deceased. The coffin was placed in the railway hearse and taken to Geelong, where, we understand, it was borne to the grave by the Geelong postmen. A very large number of persons lined each side of Lydiard street whilst the funeral procession went to the Western Railway-station. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article200185561 NEWS AND NOTES. The Ballarat Star XX, 268 Victoria, Australia 10 November 1875 31 October 2020 2 National Library of Australia Bechervaise is promoted to postmaster Ballarat with responsibility also for telegraph office NEWS AND NOTES. . . . Mr Bechervaise has been appointed postmaster for Ballarat, with charge also of the telegraph station. In the combined departments Mr Bechervaise will have thirty-six permanent officers under him, and in mail times a dozen or so more, so that the responsibilities and labor of the double office will, obviously, be no small burden. But, then, Mr Bechervaise is so experienced a captain already that we have no doubt he will very efficiently discharge his onerous duties. He has in-creased his crew certainly, and a David Blair sort of fellow hints at our elbow that the s-crew will also be increased, so we suppose the advent of so courteous and capable a gentleman as Mr Bechervaise to this new double office will be satisfactory all round.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article200185609 NEWS AND NOTES. The Ballarat Star XX, 270 Victoria, Australia 12 November 1875 22 October 2020 2 National Library of Australia As previous, from the Argus BALLARAT. (FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.) FRIDAY EVENING. . . . Mr. Bechervaise, for many years superintendent of the telegraphic station here, has been appointed postmaster, in the room of the late Mr. Thacker, deceased, and will continue to fill the double appointment.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article7424795 BALLARAT. The Argus (Melbourne) 9,178 Victoria, Australia 13 November 1875 22 October 2020 5 National Library of Australia As previous, from the Age NEWS OF THE DAY. . . . The Star states that Mr. Bechervaise has been appointed postmaster for Ballarat, with charge also of the telegraph station. The promotion was made in consequence of the death of Mr. Thacker, the previous post-master.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article202165796 NEWS OF THE DAY. The Age 6481 Victoria, Australia 13 November 1875 22 October 2020 4 National Library of Australia Bechervaise now responsible for notices for both post office and telegraph office POST-OFFICE NOTICE. Mails for the United Kingdom, Europe, America, &c., will be made up at this office on Wednesday, the 1st December, for despatch by the Royal Mail Steamship China. The times appointed for closing are:— For Registered Letters at 4 p.m.; for Ordinary Letters, Packets, and Newspapers, at 6 p.m. Money Orders on the United Kingdom will not be issued after 1 p.m. on Wednesday, 1st December. A Supplementary Mail for Letters only will be made up for despatch via Queenscliff, on Thursday morning, the 2nd December, at 5 o'clock. WM. PHILIP BECHERVAISE, Postmaster. Post and Telegraph Office, Ballarat, 23rd November, 1875.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article200185968 Advertising The Ballarat Star XX, 285 Victoria, Australia 30 November 1875 31 October 2020 2 National Library of Australia 1875 12 Sample Bechervaise housekeeping POST-OFFICE NOTICE. Mails will be made up at this office for the undermentioned places:— Mails for Honolulu, San Francisco and London, will be made up on Monday, 13th instant, for despatch to Sydney. The time appointed for closing is, for letters, newspapers, and packets, Five a.m. Letters &c., for the United Kingdom and the Continent of Europe, will not be forwarded by this route unless fully pre-paid and specially endorsed "Via California." WM. PHILIP BECHERVAISE, Postmaster. Post and Telegraph Office, Ballarat, 7th December, 1875.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article200186187 Advertising The Ballarat Star XX, 294 Victoria, Australia 10 December 1875 31 October 2020 2 National Library of Australia 1876 1876 01 Bechervaise again listed as lecturer in telegraphy for first term 1876 at School of Mines INGENIO EFFODERE OPES. THE SCHOOL OF MINES, BALLAARAT. VISITOR: His Excellency the Governor. PRESIDENT: The Hon. Sir Redmond Barry. VICE-PRESIDENT: His Honor Judge Rogers. TRUSTEES: The Hon. Sir Redmond Barry. Somerville Livingstone Learmonth, Esq. Rivett Henry Bland, Esq. COUNCIL: The President and the Vice-President. *The Hon. Sir Charles Gavan Duffy. *The Hon. John A. MacPherson, M.L.A. *The Hon. Duncan Gillies M.L.A. *The Hon. William McLellan, M.L.A. *F. McCoy, Esq., Professor, University of Melbourne. *Rev. John I. Bleasdale, D.D., F.R.S. W. H. Barnard, Esq. H. R. Caselli, Esq., J.P. P. Chauncy, Esq., J.P. J. M. Davey, Esq. Joseph Flude, Esq. Aug. Hoelscher, Esq. A. Hoelscher, Esq. Robert Lewis, Esq., J.P James Oddie, Esq., J.P. John Osborne, Esq. R. M. Serjeant, Esq. Asr. S.M.B. J. F. Usher, Esq., M.D., L.A.H.D. John Walker, Esq. C. M. Watson, Esq. J. N. Wilson, Esq. The Mayor of the City of Ballaarat; and The Chairman, for the time being, of each of the seven Mining Boards of Victoria. *Nominations vested in the Crown. ADMINISTRATIVE COUNCIL. The President and the Vice-President. W. H. Barnard H. R. Caselli, Esq., J.P. P. Chauncy, Esq., J.P. J. Flude, Esq. A. Hoelscher, Esq. R. M. Serjeant, Esq. Asr. S.M.B. J. F. Usher, Esq., M.D., L.A.H.D. The Chairman of Mining Board, Ballaarat. President of Examinations — His Honor Judge Rogers. Honorary Solicitor — The Hon. H. Cuthbert, M.L.C. Honorary Auditor — Richard Ford, Esq. "To fit the miner by a general review of phenomena observed, and processes used in various localities, to adopt what is most suitable to the particular locality." "— — to form links in the chain of improvements." Warington W. Smyth, M.A., Cambridge. JANUARY TERM (b. 17th Jan., e. 18th March), 1876. SUBJECTS and LECTURERS: Mathematics .. .. John Victor, T.C.D. Mining and Land Surveying .. .. C. Wm. Thomas, Mining and Auth. Surv. Mechanics .. .. John Victor, T.C.D. Natural Philosophy .. .. ditto. Principles and Practice of Mining .. .. Robert Malachy Serjeant Mechanical Engineering .. .. John James. Mineralogy .. .. — — Geology as applied to Mining .. .. ditto. Metallurgy and Assaying .. .. Joseph Flude. Chemistry .. .. Joseph Flude. Telegraphy .. .. Wm. P. Bechervaise. German .. .. F. J. Thomas, B.A. French .. .. Ado. Rayroux, Univ. Paris Persons thinking of becoming Pupils are particularly invited to attend The School, and observe the method adopted of imparting instruction. JUNE and DECEMBER EXAMINATIONS. Subjects. Examiners. Euclid (1st six books) .. .. G. J. Russell, M. A & John Lynch, Auth. Surv. Algebra to Quadratic Equations .. .. ditto. Logarithms .. .. ditto. Trigonometry .. .. ditto. Description and use of Mathematical Instruments .. .. John Lynch, Auth. Surv. & P. C. Fitzpatrick, C.S. Drawing, including Plans and Sections, and plotting from Field Book .. .. ditto. Mining and Land Surveying .. .. ditto. Levelling .. .. ditto. Calculations of Areas and Quantities .. .. ditto. Principles and Practice of Mining .. .. R. M. Serjeant. Drawing Plans for and construction of Machinery .. .. John Lewis. Selected Specifications .. .. ditto. Mechanics — Theoretical and Applied with calculation of strength and strain of Materials .. .. — — Natural Philosophy, including Heat Hydraulics Hydrostatics — the Steam Engine .. .. ditto Mineralogy .. .. G. H. F. Ulrich, F.G.S. Geology applied to Mining .. .. ditto. Metallurgy — Theoretical and Practical .. .. J. Cosmo Newbery, B.Sc. Assaying .. .. ditto. Inorganic Chemistry — Theoretical and Practical .. .. ditto. MARCH and SEPTEMBER EXAMINATIONS. Telegraphy .. .. R. L. J. Ellery, F.R.S. & Sam. W. McGowan. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article200186698 Advertising The Ballarat Star XXI, 3 Victoria, Australia 4 January 1876 22 October 2020 4 National Library of Australia Bechervaise commences his classes Seventeen new students have joined the classes at the School of Mines this term. As yet many of the old students have not put in an appearance. Last night the lecturers in attendance were Mr Bechervaise in telegraphy, and Mr Rayroux in French. To-night Mr Flude in chemistry, Mr C. W. Thomas in surveying, and Mr F. J. Thomas in German, will attend.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article210999419 No title The Ballarat Courier XVIII, 2682 Victoria, Australia 25 January 1876 22 October 2020 2 National Library of Australia Bechervaise's son, Herbert Price, a pupil-teacher at Ballarat East school, a good cricketer CRICKET. . . . A cricket match, between the Ballarat City and Ballarat East pupil-teachers, will be played on the City Oval on Saturday next. The teams will be chosen from the following:— City — P. McGregor, J. M. McGregor, Harvey, Burns, Glasson, Sutton, Smith, White, Cor-let, Bell, Gilbert, and Frazer. East — Bechervaise, Partridge, Duffy, Blight, Eudy, Hocking, Gray, Bailey, Bradley, Payne, Conlon, Oldfield. Wickets to be pitched at 9 o'clock.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article200187241 CRICKET. The Ballarat Star XXI, 23 Victoria, Australia 28 January 1876 1 November 2020 3 National Library of Australia 1876 02 As previous, Bechervaise's son, Herbert Price, a pupil-teacher at Ballarat East school, a good cricketer The following players will represent the B.C.C. to-day on the Eastern Oval against the Queen Victoria C.C. at two o'clock sharp:— Messrs Bryce, C. D. Figgis, Herbert, Turner, Scates, Franklin, Bennett, Dale, Mackay, Field, Thompson, Williams, and Bechervaise. In consequence of this contest, the match which was to have been played between the Queen Victoria C.C. and the Ballarat North C.C. stands postponed.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article211002029 No title The Ballarat Courier XVIII, 2693 Victoria, Australia 5 February 1876 1 November 2020 2 National Library of Australia As previous, Bechervaise's son, Herbert Price, a pupil-teacher at Ballarat East school, a good cricketer, plays in the Ballarat Cricket Club first eighteen A match was played on Saturday, at the Eastern Oval, between the B.C.C. first eleven and the next eighteen. The eighteen went in first, and made 47. The first eleven followed, and gained an easy victory, with seven wickets and 33 runs to spare. The following are the scores on both sides:— Eighteen. Pateman, b Mackay ..... 8 Crow, c Franklin, b E. Figgis ..... 1 R. Harry, b Mackay ..... 1 Sherard, b B. Figgis ..... 8 Williams, b Mackay ..... 2 Bryce, b E. Figgis ..... 0 Wimble, run out ..... 5 Toms, b Mack ..... 1 Wilkinson, run out ..... 3 Turton, run out ..... 6 Keenan, b Mackay ..... 0 Young, b E. Figgis ..... 4 Bechervaise, b Herbert ..... 6 Dimelow, not out ..... 6 Lambert, b Herbert ..... 0 Blakey, run out ..... 0 Rolands, c E. Figgis, b B. J. Figgis ..... 1 Porritt, b J. Figgis ..... 0 Total ..... 47 First Eleven. Williamson, b Bryce ..... 7 B. J. Figgis, b Bryce ..... 4 Oldham, c Bryce, b Bechervaise ..... 21 Franklin, not out ..... 23 Turner, not out ..... 11 Byes, 3; wide, 1 ..... 4 Total (with three wickets down) ..... 70 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article210999555 SECOND ELEVEN QUEEN VICTORIA C.C. V PHŒNIX FOUNDRY C.C. The Ballarat Courier XVIII, 2701 Victoria, Australia 14 February 1876 1 November 2020 3 National Library of Australia Myrniong telegraph office opens under a pupil of Bechervaise A telegraph office has been opened at Myrniong, under the charge of Mr G. M. Simmons, who was taught telegraphy at the School of Mines, Ballarat, by the lecturer, Mr Bechervaise. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article210999224 No title The Ballarat Courier XVIII, 2705 Victoria, Australia 18 February 1876 22 October 2020 2 National Library of Australia Typical housekeeping for Bechervaise POST OFFICE NOTICE. Mails for the United Kingdom, Europe, America, &c., will be made up at this office on Wednesday, 23rd February, for despatch by the R.M.S. China. The times appointed for closing are:— For registered letters, ordinary packets, and news-papers, at six p.m. Money orders on the United Kingdom will not be issued after one p.m. on Wednesday, the 23rd Feb-ruary. A Supplementary Mail, for letters only, will be made up for despatch via Queenscliff on Thursday morning, 24th February, at five o'clock. WM. PHILIP BECHERVAISE, Postmaster. Post and Telegraph Office, Ballarat, 17th February, 1876.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article210999234 POST OFFICE NOTICE. The Ballarat Courier XVIII, 2705 Victoria, Australia 18 February 1876 1 November 2020 2 National Library of Australia 1876 03 Typical housekeeping for Bechervaise POST-OFFICE NOTICE. Mails for Fiji, Honolulu, San Francisco, and London, will be made up at this office at half past five o'clock on the morning of Tuesday, 7th March. Letters, &c., for the United Kingdom and the Continent of Europe will not be forwarded by this route unless fully pre-paid and specially endorsed, "Via California." WM. PHILIP BECHERVAISE, Postmaster. Post and Telegraph Offices, Ballarat, 29th February, 1876http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article200228444 Advertising The Ballarat Star XXI, 51 Victoria, Australia 1 March 1876 1 November 2020 2 National Library of Australia As previous, Bechervaise's son, Herbert Price, a pupil-teacher at Ballarat East school, a good cricketer, plays in the Ballarat Cricket Club second eleven NEWS AND NOTES. . . . The following second eleven of the B.C.C. will play at Gordon on Saturday against the local club, viz.:— Messrs Embling, Sweeney, Morey, sen., Slater, Thompson, Pateman, Young, Keenan, Bechervaise, Sherrard, sen., and Bryant. The team will start from Welling-ton's livery stables, Armstrong street, at a quarter to 9 a.m.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article200228654 NEWS AND NOTES. The Ballarat Star XXI, 59 Victoria, Australia 10 March 1876 1 November 2020 2 National Library of Australia As previous, Bechervaise's son, Herbert Price, a pupil-teacher at Ballarat East school, a good cricketer, plays in a team of pupil teachers against the Ballarat Cricket Club and top scores for his team CRICKET. B.C.C. V PUPIL TEACHERS. A match was played yesterday, on the Eastern Oval, between teams chosen from the above, and re-sulted in a very close game. Victory was declared in favor of the B.C.C., who made 78 against their oppo-nents' 74. For the B.C.C. Scates made the highest score — 33, not out — by very fair play, only one other of the eleven getting into double figures. Pateman, for the same side, carried off bowling honors. The most noteworthy features in the play of the pupil teachers were the excellent bowling of Harvey and the batting of Bechervaise, the 20 runs made by the latter being put together by a very creditable display of cricket, without giving a chance. The following are the scores:— B.C.C. Antcliffe, b Harvey ... 0 F. M. Franklin, c Gray, b Penhall ... 10 R. Pateman, b Harvey ... 5 W. Coxon, run out ... 4 G. Williams, thrown out ... 7 E. Scates, not out ... 33 R. Harry, b Harvey ... 5 Blaikie, b Harvey ... 2 Rowlands, b Harvey ... 2 Wilkinson, b Harvey ... 4 Dawe, b Harvey ... 0 Sundries ... 6 Total ... 78 Pupil Teachers. P. Young, b Pateman ... 5 P. McGregor, b Pateman ... 0 J. C. Corlett, b Pateman ... 14 Bechervaise, not out ... 20 Harvey, c Scates, b Harry ... 0 T. Gray, b Pateman ... 4 Blight, b Pateman ... 0 R. Gray, b Pateman ... 15 Burns, run out ... 2 P. Axford, c and b Coxon ... 0 Sundries ... 14 Total ... 74http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article210996234 CRICKET The Ballarat Courier XVIII, 2730 Victoria, Australia 18 March 1876 1 November 2020 4 National Library of Australia 1876 04 Bechervaise supervises an experimental internal telegraph line within the School of Mines NEWS AND NOTES. . . . The Electric Telegraph Department has consented to a line being laid down to connect the office of the registrar of the School of Mines with the school laboratory, and Mr Bechervaise is now superintending the work.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article200229307 NEWS AND NOTES. The Ballarat Star XXI, 81 Victoria, Australia 5 April 1876 22 October 2020 2 National Library of Australia Bechervaise is again listed as lecturer in telegraphy for April/June term at School of Mines INGENIO EFFODERE OPES. THE SCHOOL OF MINES, BALLAARAT. VISITOR: His Excellency the Governor. PRESIDENT: The Hon. Sir Wm. Foster Stawell, Kt. VICE-PRESIDENT: His Honor Judge Rogers. TRUSTEES: The Hon. Sir Redmond Barry. Somerville Livingstone Learmonth, Esq. Rivett Henry Bland, Esq. COUNCIL: The President and the Vice-President. *The Hon. Sir Charles Gavan Duffy. *The Hon. John A. MacPherson, M.L.A. *The Hon. Duncan Gillies, M.L.A. *The Hon. William McLellan, M.L.A. *F. McCoy, Esq., Prof. University of Melbourne. *Rev. John I. Bleasdale, D.D., F.G.S. W. H. Barnard, Esq. H. R. Caselli, Esq., J.P. P. Chauncy, Esq., J.P. J. M. Davey, Esq. Joseph Flude, Esq. Aug. Hoelscher, Esq. Robert Lewis, Esq., J.P James Oddie, Esq., J.P. John Osborne, Esq. R. M. Serjeant, Esq. Asr. S.M.B. J. F. Usher, Esq., M.D., L.A.H.D. John Walker, Esq. C. M. Watson, Esq. J. N. Wilson, Esq. The Mayor of the City of Ballaarat; and The Chairman, for the time being, of each of the seven Mining Boardsof Victoria. *Nominations vested in the Crown. ADMINISTRATIVE COUNCIL. The President and the Vice-President. W. H. Barnard, Esq. H. R. Caselli, Esq., J.P. P. Chauncy, Esq., J.P. J. Flude, Esq. A. Hoelscher, Esq. R. M. Serjeant,Esq. Asr. S.M.B. J. F. Usher, Esq., M.D., L.A.H.D. The Chairman of Mining Board, Ballaarat. President of Examinations — His Honor Judge Rogers. Honorary Solicitor — The Hon. H. Cuthbert, M.L.C. Honorary Auditor — Richard Ford, Esq. "To fit the miner by a general review of phenomena observed, and processes used in various localities, to adopt what is most suitable to the particular locality." "— — to form links in the chain of improvements." Warington W. Smyth, M.A., Cambridge. APRIL TERM (b. 17th April, e. 24th June), 1876. SUBJECTS and LECTURERS: Mathematics .. .. John Victor, (T.C.D.), J.P. Mining and Land Surveying .. .. C. Wm. Thomas, Mining and Auth. Surv. Mechanics .. .. John Victor, (T.C.D.), J.P. Natural Philosophy .. .. ditto. Principles and Practice of Mining .. .. Robert Malachy Serjeant Mechanical Engineering .. .. John James. Mineralogy .. .. — — Geology as applied to Mining .. .. ditto. Metallurgy and Assaying .. .. Joseph Flude. Chemistry .. .. Joseph Flude. Telegraphy .. .. Wm. P. Bechervaise. German .. .. F. J. Thomas, B.A. French .. .. Ado. Rayroux, Univ. Paris Persons thinking of becoming Pupils are particularly invited to attend The School, and observe the method adopted of imparting instruction. JUNE and DECEMBER EXAMINATIONS. Subjects. Examiners. Euclid (1st six books) .. .. G. J. Russell, M. A & John Lynch, Auth. Surv. Algebra to Quadratic Equations .. .. ditto. Logarithms .. .. ditto. Trigonometry .. .. ditto. Description and use of Mathematical Instruments .. .. John Lynch, Auth. Surv. & P. C. Fitzpatrick, C.S. Drawing, including Plans and Sections, and plotting from Field Book .. .. ditto. Mining and Land Surveying .. .. ditto. Levelling .. .. ditto. Calculations of Areas and Quantities .. .. ditto. Principles and Practice of Mining .. .. R. M. Serjeant. Drawing Plans for and construction of Machinery .. .. John Lewis. Selected Specifications .. .. ditto. Mechanics — Theoretical and Applied with calculation of strength and strain of Materials .. .. — — Natural Philosophy, including Heat Hydraulics Hydrostatics — the Steam Engine .. .. ditto Mineralogy .. .. G. H. F. Ulrich, F.G.S. Geology applied to Mining .. .. ditto. Assaying, including Metallurgy — Theoretical and Practical .. .. J. Cosmo Newbery, B.Sc. Inorganic Chemistry — Theoretical and Practical .. .. ditto. MARCH and SEPTEMBER EXAMINATIONS. Telegraphy .. .. R. L. J. Ellery, F.R.S. & Sam. W. McGowan. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article200229389 Advertising The Ballarat Star XXI, 83 Victoria, Australia 7 April 1876 22 October 2020 4 National Library of Australia Bechervaise announces that the Port Darwin-Java submarine cable again interrupted NEWS AND NOTES. . . . Mr Bechervaise notifies that as the Port Darwin and Java cable is now interrupted foreign telegrams will not be received till further notice.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article200229767 NEWS AND NOTES. The Ballarat Star XXI, 97 Victoria, Australia 25 April 1876 11 December 2020 2 National Library of Australia 1876 05 Typical housekeeping for Bechervaise POST OFFICE NOTICE. Mails for Fiji, Honolulu, San Francisco, London, will be made up at this office at half-past five o'clock on the morning of Tuesday, 2nd May. Letters, &c., for the United Kingdom and the Continent of Europe will not be forwarded by this route unless fully prepaid, and specially endorsed "Via California." WM. PHILIP BECHERVAISE, Postmaster. Post and Telegraph Offices, Ballarat, 25th April, 1876.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article210995720 POST OFFICE NOTICE. The Ballarat Courier XVIII, 2770 Victoria, Australia 4 May 1876 1 November 2020 2 National Library of Australia 1876 06 Bechervaise announce opening of Durham Ox telegraph station (near Boort) NEWS AND NOTES. . . . Mr Bechervaise informs us that telegraph communication is now opened with Durham Ox.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article200230988 NEWS AND NOTES. The Ballarat Star XXI, 142 Victoria, Australia 16 June 1876 16 November 2020 2 National Library of Australia Typical housekeeping for Bechervaise POST OFFICE NOTICE. Mails for Fiji, Honolulu, San Francisco, London, will be made up at this office at half-past five o'clock on the morning of Tuesday, 27th inst. Letters, &c., for the United Kingdom and the Continent of Europe will not be forwarded by this route unless fully prepaid, and specially endorsed "Via California." WM. PHILIP BECHERVAISE, Postmaster. Post and Telegraph Offices, Ballarat, 20th June, 1876.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article200231175 Advertising The Ballarat Star XXI, 148 Victoria, Australia 23 June 1876 1 November 2020 2 National Library of Australia 1876 07 Bechervaise again listed as telegraphy instructor at School of Mines for third term 1876 INGENIO EFFODERE OPES. THE SCHOOL OF MINES, BALLAARAT. VISITOR: His Excellency the Governor. PRESIDENT: The Hon. Sir Wm. Foster Stawell, Kt. VICE-PRESIDENT: His Honor Judge Rogers. TRUSTEES: The Hon. Sir Redmond Barry. Somerville Livingstone Learmonth, Esq. Rivett Henry Bland, Esq. COUNCIL: The President and the Vice-President. *The Hon. Sir Charles Gavan Duffy. *The Hon. John A. MacPherson, M.L.A. *The Hon. Duncan Gillies, M.L.A. *The Hon. William McLellan, M.L.A. *F. McCoy, Esq., F.G.S., Prof. University of Melbourne. *Rev. John I. Bleasdale, D.D., F.G.S. W. H. Barnard, Esq., F.GS. H. R. Caselli, Esq., J.P. P. Chauncy, Esq., J.P. J. M. Davey, Esq. Joseph Flude, Esq. Aug. Hoelscher, Esq. Robert Lewis, Esq., J.P James Oddie, Esq., J.P. John Osborne, Esq. R. M. Serjeant, Esq. Asr. S.M.B. J. F. Usher, Esq., M.D., L.A.H.D. John Walker, Esq. C. M. Watson, Esq. J. N. Wilson, Esq. The Mayor of the City of Ballaarat; and The Chairman, for the time being, of each of the seven Mining Boards of Victoria. *Nominations vested in the Crown. ADMINISTRATIVE COUNCIL. The President and the Vice-President. W. H. Barnard, Esq. H. R. Caselli, Esq., J.P. P. Chauncy, Esq., J.P. J. Flude, Esq. A. Hoelscher, Esq. R. M. Serjeant,Esq. Asr. S.M.B. J. F. Usher, Esq., M.D., L.A.H.D. The Chairman of Mining Board, Ballaarat. President of Examiners — His Honor Judge Rogers. Honorary Solicitor — The Hon. H. Cuthbert, M.L.C. Honorary Auditor —Richard Ford, Esq. "To fit the miner by a general review of phenomena observed, and processes used in various localities, to adopt what is most suitable to the particular locality." "— — to form links in the chain of improvements." Warington W. Smyth, M.A., Cambridge. JULY TERM (b. 17th July, e. 23rd September), 1876 SUBJECTS and LECTURERS: Mathematics .. .. John Victor, (T.C.D.), J.P. Mining and Land Surveying .. .. Charles Wm. Thomas, Mining and Auth. Surv. Mechanics .. .. John Victor, (T.C.D.), J.P. Natural Philosophy .. .. ditto. Principles and Practice of Mining .. .. R. M. Serjeant, Asr. S.M.B. Mechanical Engineering .. .. — — Mineralogy .. .. — — Geology as applied to Mining .. .. ditto. Metallurgy and Assaying .. .. Joseph Flude. Chemistry .. .. Joseph Flude. Telegraphy .. .. Wm. P. Bechervaise. German .. .. F. J. Thomas, Prin. Bal. Co'. French .. .. Ado. Rayroux, Univ. Paris Persons thinking of becoming Pupils are particularly invited to attend The School, and observe the method adopted of imparting instruction. JUNE and DECEMBER EXAMINATIONS. Subjects. Examiners. Euclid (1st six books) .. .. G. J. Russell, M. A & John Lynch, Auth. Surv. Algebra to Quadratic Equations .. .. ditto. Logarithms .. .. ditto. Trigonometry .. .. ditto. Description and use of Mathematical Instruments .. .. John Lynch, Auth. Surv. & P. C. Fitzpatrick, C.S. Drawing, including Plans and Sections, and plotting from Field Book .. .. ditto. Mining and Land Surveying .. .. ditto. Levelling .. .. ditto. Calculations of Areas and Quantities .. .. ditto. Principles and Practice of Mining .. .. R. M. Serjeant, Asr. S.M.B. Drawing Plans for and construction of Machinery .. .. John Lewis. Selected Specifications .. .. ditto. Mechanics — Theoretical and Applied with calculation of strength and strain of Materials .. .. — — Natural Philosophy, including Heat Hydraulics Hydrostatics — the Steam Engine .. .. ditto Mineralogy .. .. G. H. F. Ulrich, F.G.S. Geology applied to Mining .. .. ditto. Assaying, including Metallurgy — Theoretical and Practical .. .. J. Cosmo Newbery, B.Sc. Inorganic Chemistry — Theoretical and Practical .. .. ditto. MARCH and SEPTEMBER EXAMINATIONS. Telegraphy .. .. R. L. J. Ellery, F.R.S. & Sam. W. McGowan. MARCH, JUNE, SEPTEMBER, and DECEMBER EXAMINATIONS. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article200231411 Advertising The Ballarat Star XXI, 157 Victoria, Australia 4 July 1876 23 October 2020 4 National Library of Australia Bechervaise announces commencement of new telegraph station at Riddell's Creek NEWS AND NOTES. . . . Mr Bechervaise informs us that telegraphic communication has been established with Riddell's Creek.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article200231420 NEWS AND NOTES. The Ballarat Star XXI, 157 Victoria, Australia 4 July 1876 23 October 2020 2 National Library of Australia Bechervaise announces commencement of new telegraph station at Cooktown, Queensland NEWS AND NOTES. . . . Mr Bechervaise informs us that telegraphic communication has been established with Cooktown, Queensland.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article200231550 NEWS AND NOTES. The Ballarat Star XXI, 161 Victoria, Australia 8 July 1876 11 December 2020 2 National Library of Australia 1876 08 Typical housekeeping for Bechervaise POST OFFICE NOTICE. Mails for the United Kingdom, Europe, America, &c., will be made up at this office on Monday, the 4th September, for despatch by the R.M.S. Assam. The times appointed for closing are:— For registered and ordinary letters, packets, and newspapers, at six p.m. Money orders on the United Kingdom will not be issued after one p.m. on Monday, 4th September. A Supplementary Mail, for letters only, will be made up for despatch via Queenscliff on Tuesday morning, the 5th September, at five o'clock. WM. PHILIP BECHERVAISE, Postmaster. Post and Telegraph Offices, Ballarat, 25th August, 1876.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article207828157 POST OFFICE NOTICE. The Ballarat Courier XIX, 2867 Victoria, Australia 26 August 1876 1 November 2020 2 National Library of Australia 1876 09 Herbert Price commences the cricket season after winter lay off NEWS AND NOTES. . . . The cricket season will be opened on Saturday by a match on the Oval between teams chosen from the married and single members of the B.C.C. The married team will be chosen from the following players:— Messrs Hunt, Field, Franklin, W. H. Figgis, Mackay, Oldham, Orr, Pamphilon, Thompson, Scates, Watson, Campbell, Slater, and Ferguson; and the single from the following:— Messrs G. Antcliff, Broken-shire, Bennett, Bechervaise, S. E. and C. D. Figgis, Henderson, Morey, Pobjoy, Reid, Williamson, Sherard, Wilkinson, and Wimble. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article199831118 NEWS AND NOTES. The Ballarat Star XXI, 231 Victoria, Australia 28 September 1876 1 November 2020 2 National Library of Australia 1876 10 Bechervaise steps in for the mayor of Ballarat to accompany VIPs on tour Mr Rae, Commissioner of the New South Wales Railways, paid a visit to Ballarat on Saturday. He was accompanied by the Hon. J. Woods, M.L.A. The two gentlemen made a rapid tour of the town, Lake Wendouree, and the Botanic Gardens, under the guidance of Mr Bechervaise, our post and telegraph master. The mayor was prevented from doing the honors of the occasion by having to leave Ballarat by the afternoon train for Melbourne, but his worship and Mr Rae had a short chat on the railway platform before his departure. Mr Rae and Mr Woods returned to Melbourne by the evening train, the former gentleman previously (missing line) that during his rambles through Australia he had not come across a town outside of Melbourne and Sydney that approaches Ballarat for the excellence of its streets, or for the beauty of its buildings.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article207827910 No title The Ballarat Courier XIX, 2904 Victoria, Australia 9 October 1876 23 October 2020 2 National Library of Australia Bechervaise again makes a donation to the School of Mines THE SCHOOL OF MINES. The administrative council of the School of Mines met on Thursday evening last, the 12th inst., his Honor Judge Rogers vice-president, being in the chair. The following donations since last meeting were reported as having been received and acknowledged with thanks:— Annual Report Department of Mines, New South Wales, 1875, by the Hon. J. Lucas, M.L.A., Minister of Mines; Prize Essays, 1860, by the Victorian Government; Catalogue, Educational Division, South Kensington Museum, by W. H. Barnard, F.G.S.; artificial coal pressed from Lal Lal lignite, by Allan de Lacy; Right Rev. Dr Thornton, £2 2s; A. A. Mayou, of Queensland, £1 1s, towards the expenses of the school; and Alex. Millan, Elaine, £1, for pyrites works; and W. P. Bechervaise, £1 1s, to the endowment fund. Accounts amounting to £15 11s were passed for payment, . . . http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article199831504 THE SCHOOL OF MINES. The Ballarat Star XXI, 245 Victoria, Australia 14 October 1876 23 October 2020 4 National Library of Australia Bechervaise again listed as telegraphy instructor at School of Mines for fourth term 1876 Education. INGENIO EFFODERE OPES. THE SCHOOL OF MINES, BALLAARAT. VISITOR: His Excellency the Governor. PRESIDENT: The Hon. Sir Wm. Foster Stawell, Kt. VICE-PRESIDENT: His Honor Judge Rogers. TRUSTEES: The Hon. Sir Redmond Barry. Somerville Livingstone Learmonth, Esq. Rivett Henry Bland, Esq. COUNCIL: The President and the Vice-President. *The Hon. Sir Charles Gavan Duffy, M.L.A. *The Hon. John A. MacPherson, M.L.A. *The Hon. Duncan Gillies, M.L.A. *The Hon. William McLellan, M.L.A. *F. McCoy, Esq., F.G.S., Prof. University of Melbourne. *Rev. John I. Bleasdale, D.D., F.G.S. W. H. Barnard, Esq., F.G.S. H. R. Caselli, Esq., J.P. P. Chauncy, Esq., J.P. J. M. Davey, Esq. Joseph Flude, Esq. Aug. Hoelscher, Esq. Robert Lewis, Esq., J.P. James Oddie, Esq., J.P. John Osborne, Esq. R. M. Serjeant, Esq. Asr. S.M.B. J. F. Usher, Esq., M.D., L.A.H.D. John Walker, Esq. C. M. Watson, Esq. J. N. Wilson, Esq. The Mayor of the City of Ballaarat; and The Chairman, for the time being, of each of the seven Mining Boards of Victoria. *Nominations vested in the Crown. ADMINISTRATIVE COUNCIL. The President and the Vice-President. W. H. Barnard, Esq., F.G.S. H. R. Caselli, Esq., J.P. P. Chauncy, Esq., J.P. J. Flude, Esq. A. Hoelscher, Esq. R. M. Serjeant, Esq. Asr. S.M.B. J. F. Usher, Esq., M.D., L.A.H.D. The Chairman of Mining Board, Ballaarat. President of Examiners — His Honor Judge Rogers. Honorary Solicitor — The Hon. H. Cuthbert, M.L.C. Honorary Auditor —Richard Ford, Esq. "To fit the miner by a general review of phenomena observed, and processes used in various localities, to adopt what is most suitable to the particular locality." "— — to form links in the chain of improvements." Warington W. Smyth, M.A., Cambridge. OCTOBER TERM (b. 16th October, e. 23rd December), 1876. SUBJECTS and LECTURERS: Mathematics .. .. John Victor, (T.C.D.), J.P. Mining and Land Surveying .. .. Charles Wm. Thomas, Mining and Auth. Surv. Mechanics .. .. John Victor, (T.C.D.), J.P. Natural Philosophy .. .. ditto. Principles and Practice of Mining .. .. R. M. Serjeant, Asr. S.M.B. Mechanical Engineering .. .. — — Mineralogy .. .. — — Geology as applied to Mining .. .. ditto. Metallurgy and Assaying .. .. Joseph Flude. Chemistry .. .. Joseph Flude. Telegraphy .. .. Wm. P. Bechervaise. German .. .. F. J. Thomas, Prin. Bal. Gram. School. French .. .. Ado. Rayroux, Univ. Paris Persons thinking of becoming Pupils are particularly invited to attend The School, and observe the method adopted of imparting instruction. JUNE and DECEMBER EXAMINATIONS. Subjects. Examiners. Euclid (1st six books) .. .. G. J. Russell, M. A & John Lynch, Auth. Surv. Algebra to Quadratic Equations .. .. ditto. Logarithms .. .. ditto. Trigonometry .. .. ditto. Description and use of Mathematical Instruments .. .. John Lynch, Auth. Surv. & P. C. Fitzpatrick, C.S. Drawing, including Plans and Sections, and plotting from Field Book .. .. ditto. Mining and Land Surveying .. .. ditto. Levelling .. .. ditto. Calculations of Areas and Quantities .. .. ditto. Principles and Practice of Mining .. .. R. M. Serjeant, Asr. S.M.B. Drawing Plans for and construction of Machinery .. .. John Lewis. Selected Specifications .. .. ditto. Mechanics — Theoretical and Applied with calculation of strength and strain of Materials .. .. — — Natural Philosophy, including Heat Hydraulics Hydrostatics — the Steam Engine .. .. ditto Mineralogy .. .. G. H. F. Ulrich, F.G.S. Geology applied to Mining .. .. ditto. Assaying, including Metallurgy — Theoretical and Practical .. .. J. Cosmo Newbery, B.Sc. Inorganic Chemistry — Theoretical and Practical .. .. ditto. MARCH and SEPTEMBER EXAMINATIONS. Telegraphy .. .. R. L. J. Ellery, F.R.S. & Sam. W. McGowan. MARCH, JUNE, SEPTEMBER, and DECEMBER EXAMINATIONS. . . . FEES.—Payable in advance. . . . In Telegraphy .. .. 1 1 0 . . . http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article199831723 Advertising The Ballarat Star XXI, 253 Victoria, Australia 24 October 1876 23 October 2020 1 National Library of Australia 1876 11 Herbert Price Bechervaise plays well in a match between Corio and Ballarat CRICKET. . . . Corio v. Ballarat.— A match was played on Saturday on the Ballarat Eastern Oval between the above clubs, and resulted in a victory for the Ballarat. The proceedings were opened about 12 o'clock by the Corio, who had won the toss, going to the wickets, Thomas and Cuthbertson being the pioneers. Both batsmen played very cautiously, and it was not until four overs had been delivered, that 10 appeared on the semaphore. Thomas seemed to be well set, and a long score was predicted for him, but in playing forward to one of Bechervaise's he was stumped by Antcliffe, the general opinion being that the umpire's decision, to say the least of it, was doubtful. 1—7—13. Vieusseux next made his appearance, but evidently was in a hurry to get back to the pavilion, as he quietly put the first ball de-livered to him into Figgis' hands, at short slip. 2—0—13. Immediately afterwards "How's that?" was heard all over the field, and Cuthbertson had to retire, being well caught at the wickets. 3—7—15, and Corio faces looked very glum. A stand of some duration, however, was now made between France and Berghoff; the former contenting himself with playing in his usual careful style, while the latter punished the bowling to some effect. When the score stood at 32, Berghoff played . . .http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article150636393 CRICKET. Geelong Advertiser 9,165 Victoria, Australia 20 November 1876 1 November 2020 3 National Library of Australia Reduced attendance at Ballarat Turf Club means reduced turnover at the temporary telegraph station there BALLLARAT TURF CLUB. SPRING MEETING. FIRST DAY.— FRIDAY, 24TH NOVEMBER. Stewards — Messrs A. Chirnside, R. Le Poer Trench, G. G. Morton, J. Winter, W. Wilson, J. O. Inglis, C. W. Gibson, N. A. Wilson, N. R. Macleod, A. E. Ffrench, C. Ayrey. Judge — J. Simson. Starter — W. Brazenor. Secretary — James Johnston. Clerk of the course — T. Wilson. The Spring Meeting of the club for the season 1876 cannot be termed a great success, and the fact is accounted for in a variety of ways. Our readers are well posted up in all matters relating to the late disadvantageous circumstances under which the club’s committee has for the past few months labored, which, added to not very genial weather, and the fact that times are rather dull in and around Ballarat, will account, in a great measure, for the meagre attendance at Dowling Forest on Friday. There were, perhaps, 800 persons on the ground. The lawn, stand, and saddling paddock were greatly robbed of their usual attractions owing to the thin muster, but the course and the countryside about never looked better as far as nature’s beauties were concerned. . . . Under Mr Bechervaise's management the telegraphic arrangements on the ground were all that could be desired, though the amount of business got through must have been small. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article199832558 BALLLARAT TURF CLUB. The Ballarat Star XXI, 284 Victoria, Australia 25 November 1876 23 October 2020 4 National Library of Australia Bechervaise and two children depart Melbourne for Launceston SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE. HOBSON'S BAY. . . . CLEARED OUT.— Nov. 28. . . . Tamar, 308 tons, W. H. Saunders, for Launceston. Passengers — cabin: Miss Bechervaise, Master Bechervaise, Mr. and Mrs. Sadlier, Rev. J. Carey, Messrs. A. G. Murray, Bechervaise, Rosser, and Murnane; and 20 in the steerage. Chas. Hudson, agent.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article5911437 SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE. The Argus (Melbourne) 9,504 Victoria, Australia 29 November 1876 1 November 2020 4 National Library of Australia 1876 12 Bechervaise and two children depart Hobart for Melbourne after fortnight's stay SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE. . . . CLEARED OUT.— December 18. Alhambra, s.s., 497 tons, M. Muir, for Melbourne. Saloon passengers — Mr. Bechervaise and two children, Mrs. Miles, Miss Niel, Mr. Hunter, and two in the steerage.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article8949969 SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE. The Mercury XXIX, 5053 Tasmania, Australia 19 December 1876 1 November 2020 2 National Library of Australia As previous, family arrives back in Melbourne SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE. PORT OF MELBOURNE. ARRIVED HOBSON'S BAY. December 20.— Alhambra, s.s., 497 tons, T. Muir, from New Zealand 13th instant, via Hobart Town 18th instant. Passengers — saloon: From New Zealand — Miss Stanley, Mrs Isaacs, Mrs McCormack, Miss Joyce, Mrs Patten, Mrs Furmell, Dr. G. Henry; Messrs Ralph, Williamson, Mowatt, Kneen, J. F. Fisher, A. T. Anderson, Holder, Block, and Master Hurst. From Hobart Town — Mrs Neid, Mrs Miles and child, Mr Bechervaise and family (two), Mr Hunter; also, Mr Donaldson (chief officer), Mr Palmer (second officer), Mr Robinson (chief engineer), Mr Cree (second engineer), Mr Rowe (third engineer), Mr Birch (purser), and Mr Lovering (chief steward), and the crew of the wrecked steamer Otago; and 97 in the steerage. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article88244801 SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE. Bendigo Advertiser XXIII, 6715 Victoria, Australia 22 December 1876 1 November 2020 2 National Library of Australia Bechervaise's son Herbert Price Bechervaise passes the Civil Service Examination THE UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE. . . . CIVIL SERVICE EXAMINATION. At the matriculation examination, held in the October Term, 1876, the following per-sons passed the examination qualifying themselves for admission into the ordinary division of the civil service of Victoria:— . . . Herbert Price Bechervaise, S. S.; . . . http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article5912853 THE UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE. The Argus (Melbourne) 9,526 Victoria, Australia 25 December 1876 23 October 2020 6 National Library of Australia Herbert Price Bechervaise selected to play with the Ballarat Cricket Club team against the All England Eleven NEWS AND NOTES. The match committee met on Tuesday evening and selected the following players to represent, Ballarat against the All England Eleven:— Antcliffe, Bechervaise, Brokenshire, Barclay, Bennett, Bell, Boyle, Coulsell, Cleverley, W. H. Figgis, S. E.. Figgis, Goldsmith, Hunt, Harry, A. J. E. Morey, J. Morey, Nettle, Oldham, Pobjoy, Pamphilon, Scates, and Watson; emergency, Williamson and Sherard. Any of the above players who cannot take part in the match are requested to intimate the same to the secretary on or before Thursday evening next. In the list chosen it will be seen that Williamson does not occur. He is put down as an "emergency" man, but we think that most players will admit that he would have proved in all probability such an emergency as the English bowlers would have found rather tough to get over very patiently. Searcy, the Melbourne player, is said to have refused to play, as he concurred in the general objection here to non-district players. The choice of Boyle and Goldsmith may or may not prolong the game, but it will give a chance of some better play, and will rob the result of half its value in the event of a victory for the twenty-two. Mr Dyte has been chosen scorer, and Mr Neep umpire. We congratulate the committee on the unexceptionable character of this portion of their work. The scorer is a good one, and the umpire a man able at all points of his very important office.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article199833375 NEWS AND NOTES. The Ballarat Star XXI, 310 Victoria, Australia 27 December 1876 1 November 2020 2 National Library of Australia Herbert Price Bechervaise gets a warts and all assessment of his cricketing CRICKET. FOLLIES AND FAILINGS OF THE MEMBERS OF BALLARAT C.C. PICKED TO PLAY AGAINST THE ALL-ENGLAND ELEVEN, ON NEW YEAR'S DAY. Antcliffe — Good bat; but nervous when swift bowling is introduced; good long-field Bechervaise — Good field, sure catch; ugly bat; left-hand change bowler Brokenshire — Hard hitter, with good defence; good field, but return of ball very bad Barclay — Cannot form an opinion, having not seen him play lately Bennett — Fine bat, with splendid back play, and good hitting powers; fair field Bell — Good field, sure catch; may try to hit Shaw out of ground, but fail Boyle — Good all round man; Melbourne player Coulsell — Splendid wicket-keeper; reliable bat; no field Cleverly — Pretty bat, good bowler, good field; in fact, best all round in team W. H. Figgis — Splendid bat, good field; my choice for highest scorer S. E. Figgis — Splendid slow round-arm bowler; cramped style of batting, but sure; fair field H. Hunt —Good man, but very much abused Harry — Least said the better A. J. E. Morey — Splendid fast bowler, good field in slips; may or may not get runs J. Morey — Fair fast bowler, good field in slips; may see second ball, but very doubtful; worth his place for bowling and fielding Nettle — Good promising wicket-keeper; good bat, with fine wrist play; splendid field Oldham — Very nervous, inclined to dance whilst batting; showy field Pobjoy — Promising colt; fair bat, splendid field, and change bowler Pamphilon — If once set, will play splendid innings; bad field; change bowler Scates — Fair long-stop; only point in his favor Watson — Splendid defence, with good leg-hitting, and wonderful cutting powers; good field, change bowler. An Old Cricketer.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article207828110 CRICKET. The Ballarat Courier XIX, 2974 Victoria, Australia 30 December 1876 1 November 2020 3 National Library of Australia 1877 1877 01 Herbert Price Bechervaise in the Ballarat Cricket Club team to play the All England team THE ALL ENGLAND MATCH. Today the match between the Ballarat Twenty-two and the All England Eleven will commence on the Eastern Oval at noon. The names of the Twenty-two chosen were as follow:— Antcliffe, Bechervaise, Brokenshire, Barclay, Bennett, Bell, Boyle, Coulsell, Cleverley, W. H. Figgis, S. E. Figgis, Goldsmith, Hunt, Harry, A. J. E. Morey, J. Morey, Nettle, Oldham, Pobjoy, Pamphilon, Scates, and Watson; emergency, Williamson and Sherard. On Saturday Boyle telegraphed to say he could not play, and Williamson has been selected to fill his place. C. M. Watson has been chosen captain. It is very positively stated that Goldsmith will yet refuse to play; should that be the case, Sherard will fill his place. The English team is as follows:— Lillywhite (captain), Armitage, Charlwood, Emmett, Greenwood, Hill, Pooley, Shaw, Southerton, Selby, and Ullyett, Jupp standing umpire. The grandstand has been thoroughly repaired and suitable accommodation provided for the Press and scorers. Opposite to the grandstand, on the other side of the Oval, a board will be erected to show the names of the men batting. The Englishmen will arrive here from Melbourne by the first train this morning. The Mayor of the City and some of our leading citizens, with a host of cricketers, will meet them at the station. The mayor will show the visitors over the City-hall, and some other of our public buildings, and then hand them over to the B.C.C., who will entertain them at Craig's hotel, and afterwards escort them to the Oval. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article199825672 THE ALL ENGLAND MATCH. The Ballarat Star XXII, 1 Victoria, Australia 1 January 1877 2 November 2020 3 National Library of Australia Detailed report of the match references Herbert Price Bechervaise THE ALL ENGLAND MATCH. Judging from the attendance at the Eastern Oval on Monday, no less than the excellent cricket shown by the All England Eleven and by the B.C.C. Twenty-two in the field, the Ballarat Cricket Club may be congratulated on having achieved a success. The accounts given of the different matches played by the Englishmen in Melbourne and other places had excited a widely-spread feeling of desire to witness their play. It was feared that the internecine squabbles that have racked the cricket club for some time would have in some measure destroyed the public interest, but instead of doing so, they only appear to have whetted it. Several thousand persons assembled at and about the Western railway station on Monday morning to welcome the English eleven, and on the arrival of the first train the visitors were received by the Mayors of the City and Town, Mr Watson, captain of the B.C.C. Twenty-two, and many of our leading citizens. The Englishmen were then driven in one of Cobb’s coaches to the City-hall, Ellis’ brass band playing before them. The roads were lined with people, and before leaving the railway station three hearty cheers were given for the visiting team. Champagne was opened at the City-hall, the mayor, in a neat little speech, welcoming the team that had played so pluckily in Melbourne, and Mr Lillywhite (captain) responding. After breakfast, which was prepared for them at Craig’s, the visitors were driven up Sturt street as far as the Hospital, then down to the Eastern Town-hall, where the Mayor of Ballarat East gave them a cordial invitation to inspect the building at 11 next morning. This they accepted, and then, as it was getting late, drove to the Oval. The weather in the morning looked threatening. A cold wind was blowing, and the sky was overcast with clouds, and the attendance at the scene of action was but meagre, so meagre that the faces of the match committee perceptibly lengthened, and fears were evidently entertained that the match was not to be a pecuniary success. Matters, happily, turned out capitally. From 1 o'clock until 3, there was a constant stream of people into the grounds, and when at 3 the sky quickly cleared, and the sun shone out brilliantly, there were about 7500 spectators of the match. Of these, 6500 paid at the gates, the others were members of the club, with the numerous boys who had slipped in without paying. The grand stand, slightly renovated for the occasion, was filled, and the members' reserve crowded. All the seats were occupied, the ladies being in the majority, and the little lawn in front, with the brilliant hues of the dresses worn by the ladies promenading thereon, and the gaily colored caps of the cricketers, looked like a large flowerbed. The Oval itself was ringed with eager faces set six or seven deep; every available bough bore strange fruit in the shape of juvenile humanity, while the space in front of the Pavilion was packed. All the hotels on the ground seemed to be doing a thriving trade, at least towards the close of the day, and everybody seemed to enjoy the scene. The brass band stationed in the members' reserve played at intervals dreamy waltzes or sparkling galops, and outside, in front of the Pavilion, a man with a horrible street organ, tortured the ear of the musical listener. A man with a strangely marked board, and bursting with money and love of his fellow men, was offering to bet anybody any sum upon the turn-up numbers of certain dice. Those who played, however, generally found that they were rather poorer when they left off than when they began. Men wandered about with marvellous scarlet and azure balloons, and did a rare trade, as is their custom in holiday time. As it was expected before midday that Goldsmith would refuse to play, the match committee of the B.C. C. selected Sherard to fill his place, the team with this addition being as thoroughly local as the most rabid opponent of the committee could desire. Lillywhite, the English captain, having won the toss, elected to send his men first to the wickets, this being precisely what the local men wished. Ullyett and Selby were the first to wield the willow to the bowling of E. Morey and E. Figgis, who bowled the whole of the innings from the north and south wickets respectively. The remaining members of the local team were disposed of as follows:— Coulsell, wicket-keeper; Scates, long-stop; Antcliffe, long-slip; J. Morey, third man; Bechervaise, cut; Oldham, point; Pobjoy, cover-point; Pamphilon, second mid-off; Bennett, second cover-point; Watson, mid-off; Cleverley, long-off; Nettle, long-on; W. H. Figgis, mid-on; Brokenshire, extra long-on; Williamson, second mid-on; Barclay, square-leg; Hunt, short-leg; Sherard, long-leg; Harry, draw; Bell, second long-leg. Ullyett, at the south end, took the first ball from E. Morey, which was neatly snicked for 3, and the remaining three balls of the over passed without scoring. E. Figgis then bowled to Ullyett at the north end, and the second ball was cut for 1. In the first ball of the next over Ullyett was beautifully caught by E. Figgis at short slip, and retired after making 4. 1—4—4. Emmett, the famous left-hand batter and bowler, then took Ullyett's place opposite Morey, and a cut to leg was neatly stopped by Hunt. In the next over E. Figgis missed a rather difficult catch at short slip, and the over passed without scoring. The next ball Selby cut for 2, the ball being smartly returned by A. Bennett. There seemed to be a bumpy spot at the south wicket, for Emmett at intervals during the batting worked very hard to flatten with his bat the place where Morey pitched each ball. Another maiden, Coulsell wicket-keeping very smartly, and the B.C.C. backing up well. Emmett then slipped a ball for 1, which was well stopped by Antcliffe. The left-hand man ran out to hit a very seductive ball from E. Figgis; the ball dropped short, shot in, and the batsman was beautifully stumped by Coulsell. 2—1—7. This pretty bit of cricket was universally applauded, and throughout the game Coulsell proved himself a smart and most efficient wicket-keeper. Greenwood then faced E. Figgis, and blocked the last ball of the over. The last ball of the next over Selby hit to leg for 1, the ball being missed by Scates, and stopped by Harry at long-leg. A bye was then stolen off a swift ball from Figgis, and a hit to point for 1 by Selby closed the over. 10 up. A neat cut was stopped by J. H. Morey, and the over was a maiden one. Selby then made a very pretty cut for 2, and followed it by another for a single. In the next over Selby made a drive to mid-on for a single, and a drive by Greenwood to long-on was well stopped by W. H. Figgis. Off the last ball of the next over, bowled by E. Morey, Greenwood made a magnificent hit for 4 into the willows by the grand stand, which was hailed with cheers from the spectators. A run was then neatly stolen for a ball that dropped midway between the wickets, and the B.C.C. men seemed to awaken to the fact that smart fielding was becoming necessary. A maiden over bowled by Morey followed. Greenwood cut for a single, and 20 appeared on the scoring-board. Another run was stolen for a very short hit, and backers of the Englishmen began to look jubilant. A hit by Greenwood to point was stopped by Oldham, and one to leg by Hunt. Greenwood sent a ball from Figgis in the next over a skyer to Bennett, at long-leg far back, and was neatly caught, the spectators cheering. 3—6—21. Charlwood next appeared, and Morey bowled a maiden. Selby made a hit for a single, which was stopped and quickly returned by Sherard at long-off. Another short run was stolen by Charlwood, to the disgust of the local players and the delight of the onlookers, followed by a hit to long-field for a single. More patting of the wicket followed, the ground appearing very bumpy. Selby then made a capital cut for a couple, Bechervaise being rather slow in returning it. Selby hit the third ball of the next over to square-leg under the chains for 3. . . .http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article199825685 THE ALL ENGLAND MATCH. The Ballarat Star XXII, 2 Victoria, Australia 2 January 1877 2 November 2020 2 National Library of Australia Bechervaise announces the opening of the telegraph office at Portsea NEWS AND NOTES. . . . Mr Bechervaise informs us that a telegraph-office has been opened at Portsea.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article199825863 NEWS AND NOTES. The Ballarat Star XXII, 8 Victoria, Australia 9 January 1877 23 October 2020 2 National Library of Australia Bechervaise donates ore specimens to the School of Mines The administrative council, of the School of Mines met on Thursday evening, 11th instant; Mr A Hoelscher in the chair. Accounts amounting to £73 13s 2d were passed for payment, thereby increasing the bank overdraft, as no portion of the grant-in-aid had been received. The following donations, made since last meeting up to the end of the year 1876, had been acknowledged with thanks:— T. A. Hardy, Ballarat, tridescent quartz, Township Quartz Reef Company; Government Statist, Melbourne, parts VIII. and IX.: Statistical Register of Victoria, 1875; Hon. T. MacDermott, M.L.A., "Diamonds and Precious Stones," Emanuel, 1867; Louis Ballhausen, Running Creek, three specimens argentiferous galena, India; W. P. Bechervaise, three specimens tin ore, and detonating cap for cannon; Smith Tibbets, Coburg, iron ore; Hope claim, Running Creek, £1 1s; J. Flude, £2 2s, pyrites fund. At the meeting of the council which followed, E. S. Harris, of Beechworth, and Professor Tate, A.L.S., F.G.S., of Adelaide, were appointed honorary correspondents of the school. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article207822336 No title The Ballarat Courier XX, 2986 Victoria, Australia 13 January 1877 23 October 2020 2 National Library of Australia Bechervaise again listed as telegraphy instructor at School of Mines for first term 1877 INGENIO EFFODERE OPES. THE SCHOOL OF MINES, BALLAARAT. VISITOR: His Excellency the Governor. PRESIDENT: The Hon. Sir Wm. Foster Stawell, Kt. VICE-PRESIDENT: His Honor Judge Rogers. TRUSTEES: The Hon. Sir Redmond Barry. Somerville Livingstone Learmonth, Esq. Rivett Henry Bland, Esq. COUNCIL: The President and the Vice-President. *The Hon. Sir Charles Gavan Duffy, M.L.A. *The Hon. John A. MacPher-son, M.L.A. *The Hon. Duncan Gillies, M.L.A. *The Hon. William McLellan, M.L.A. *F. McCoy, Esq., J.P., F.G.S., Prof. Univ. of Melbourne. *Rev. John I. Bleasdale, D.D., F.G.S. W. H. Barnard, Esq., F.G.S. H. R. Caselli, Esq., J.P. P. Chauncy, Esq., J.P. J. M. Davey, Esq. Joseph Flude, Esq., Aug. Hoelscher, Esq. Robert Lewis, Esq., J.P. James Oddie, Esq., J.P. John Osborne, Esq. R. M. Serjeant, Esq. Asr. S.M.B. J. F. Usher, Esq., M.D., L.A.H.D. John Walker, Esq. C. M. Watson, Esq. J. N. Wilson, Esq. The Mayor of the City of Ballaarat; and The Chairman, for the time being, of each of the seven Mining Boards of Victoria. *Nominations vested in the Crown. ADMINISTRATIVE COUNCIL. The President and the Vice-President. W. H. Barnard, Esq., F.G.S. H. R. Caselli, Esq., J.P. P. Chauncy, Esq., J.P. J. Flude, Esq. A. Hoelscher, Esq. R. M. Serjeant, Esq. Asr. S.M.B. J. F. Usher, Esq., M.D., L.A.H.D. The Chairman of Mining Board, Ballaarat. President of Examiners — His Honor Judge Rogers. Honorary Solicitor — The Hon. H. Cuthbert, M.L.C. Honorary Auditor — Richard Ford, Esq. "To fit the miner by a general review of phenomena observed, and processes used in various localities, to adopt what is most suitable to the particular locality." "— — to form links in the chain of improvements." Warington W. Smyth, M.A., F.R.S., F.G.S. JANUARY TERM (b. 15th January, e. 24th March), 1877. SUBJECTS and LECTURERS: Mathematics .. .. John Victor, (T.C.D.), J.P. Mining and Land Surveying .. .. Charles Wm. Thomas, Mining and Auth. Surv. Vic., and Lic. Surv. N.S.W. Mechanics .. .. John Victor, (T.C.D.), J.P. Natural Philosophy .. .. ditto. Principles and Practice of Mining .. .. R. M. Serjeant, Asr. S.M.B. Mechanical Engineering .. .. — — Mineralogy .. .. — — Geology as applied to Mining .. .. ditto. Metallurgy and Assaying .. .. Joseph Flude. Chemistry .. .. Joseph Flude. Telegraphy .. .. Wm. P. Bechervaise. German .. .. F. J. Thomas, Prin. Bal. Gram. School. French .. .. Ado. Rayroux, Univ. Paris Persons thinking of becoming Pupils are particularly invited to attend The School, and observe the method adopted of imparting instruction. JUNE and DECEMBER EXAMINATIONS. Subjects. Examiners. Euclid (1st six books) .. .. G. J. Russell, M. A & John Lynch, Auth. Surv. Algebra to Quadratic Equations .. .. ditto. Logarithms .. .. ditto. Trigonometry .. .. ditto. Description and use of Mathematical Instruments .. .. John Lynch, Auth. Surv. & P. C. Fitzpatrick, C.S. Drawing, including Plans and Sections, and plotting from Field Book .. .. ditto. Mining and Land Surveying .. .. ditto. Levelling .. .. ditto. Calculations of Areas and Quantities .. .. ditto. Principles and Practice of Mining .. .. R. M. Serjeant, Asr. S.M.B. Drawing Plans for and construction of Machinery .. .. John Lewis. Selected Specifications .. .. ditto. Mechanics — Theoretical and Applied with calculation of strength and strain of Materials .. .. — — Natural Philosophy, including Heat Hydraulics Hydrostatics — the Steam Engine .. .. ditto Mineralogy .. .. G. H. F. Ulrich, F.G.S. Geology applied to Mining .. .. ditto. Assaying, including Metallurgy — Theoretical and Practical .. .. J. Cosmo Newbery, B.Sc. Inorganic Chemistry — Theoretical and Practical .. .. ditto. MARCH and SEPTEMBER EXAMINATIONS. Telegraphy .. .. R. L. J. Ellery, F.R.S. & Sam. W. McGowan. MARCH, JUNE; SEPTEMBER, and DECEMBER. EXAMINATIONS. . . .http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article199826037 Advertising The Ballarat Star XXII, 14 Victoria, Australia 16 January 1877 24 October 2020 4 National Library of Australia Bechervaise participates in a rescue on Lake Wendouree SUBMERGED.— A very awkward accident occurred to a party of ladies and gentlemen who were "fishing" at Lake Wendouree on Saturday (says the Courier). Mr. Raymond, of the Survey office, with his wife and two other ladies and several children, accompanied by two gentlemen, made up a party for an afternoon's outing on the lake, and went there well provided with fishing tackle and bait, and provisioned for a longer voyage than it was their lot to take on that occasion. Having engaged a sailing boat they made for McDowall's Island, where, under the friendly shade of the umbrella tree, they hoped to entice the voracious perch to swallow hook baited with the lively minnow. As a preliminary to fishing operations the anchor was cast, and the inexperienced mariners then made fast the mainsail. The weather was fine, and the wind rather puffy, but no inconvenience had been felt on this account, and there was no look-out for squalls. Suddenly, when the party (all of whom were in high spirits, and generally enjoying the situation) least expected the approach of disaster, a quick powerful breeze came up, found resistance in the secured mainsail, and in a twinkling the yielding boat was capsized. The ladies, lightly and fashionably attired, were soused headlong into the waters of the lake, the gentlemen ditto, and the children for a moment or two disappeared from view. All quickly came to the surface, and feminine voices in distress were soon heard crying for assistance, which, fortunately, for those immersed, was soon at hand. The accident was witnessed by several persons, who bore down upon the drenched ones, and succeeded in rescuing them from their perilous position. Mr. Bechervaise, Mr. Barren, and Mr. Ford, were sailing or rowing near by, and lent valuable aid, each one taking some of the party into his boat and conveying them safely to shore. Except the fright and the ducking we have not learned that the ladies or children suffered by the accident; and the gentlemen have certainly gained something by it — experience in the management of fishing craft.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article88270428 THE BENDIGO ADVERTISER Bendigo Advertiser XXIV, 6,741 Victoria, Australia 23 January 1877 3 November 2020 2 National Library of Australia 1877 02 Bechervaise's advice sought on best means to link the Ballarat fire stations At a joint meeting of the officers of the City and Ballarat Fire Brigades, held at the Buck's Head hotel last night, it was resolved that the two captains, Messrs Morris and Williams, be empowered to wait upon Mr Bechervaise, of the Telegraph Department, in order to devise the best means of establishing electric communication be-tween the two brigade stations, and bring up a report on the matter at some future meeting.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article207824995 No title The Ballarat Courier XX, 3014 Victoria, Australia 15 February 1877 24 October 2020 2 National Library of Australia 1877 03 Herbert Price Bechervaise plays in a match between Ballarat Cricket Club & City Cricket Club CRICKET. BALLARAT v. CITY. This match was begun on Saturday on the Eastern Oval, and attracted a good deal of attention. The Ballarat Club put forward anything but a first eleven, many of the best players it seems being for some reason out of the match. Nor was the City team first-class or a full one. Oldham captained the Ballarat, and Coulsell the City men, the former going to the wickets first. Before five men were put out over 100 runs had been made, Harry contributing 31 and C. Sherard 51. The remainder of the team soon went out, the total of the innings being 123. The City men went in, and when stumps were drawn, three wickets had fallen for 55 runs, Cleverley having made 19 and J. Morey 15. The match will be continued next Saturday. The following are the scores:— B.C.C. Harry, run out .. .. 31 Herbert, b Cleverley .. .. 4 Pamphilon, l b w, b Cleverley .. .. 10 C.Sherard, c Ditchburn, b J. Morey .. .. 51 Oldham, b T. Bell .. .. 5 A. Sherard, c Ditchburn, b Bell .. .. 6 Bechervaise, c Ditchburn, b Bell .. .. 0 Field, b Morey .. .. 0 Goode, not out .. .. 13 Mackay, b Cleverley .. .. 2 Lempriere, b Cleverley .. .. 0 Sundries .. .. 1 Total .. .. 123 C.C.C. Cleverley, b Field .. .. 19 Ditchburn, c Herbert, b Bechervaise .. .. 5 Pateman, not out .. .. 13 J. Morey, c Lempriere, b Pamphilon .. .. 15 E. Williams, not out .. .. 3 Total, for three wickets .. .. 55 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article199827310 CRICKET. The Ballarat Star XXII, 55 Victoria, Australia 5 March 1877 3 November 2020 3 National Library of Australia Fire Brigade fails to consider Bechervaise report due to lack of quorum BALLARAT FIRE BRIGADE. The monthly meeting of the Ballarat Fire Brigade was held on Monday, 5th March; Captain Morris in the chair. The secretary's report dealing with routine matter was adopted, as also was the treasurer's report and the financial statement for the month, both of which were considered satisfactory. There had been four fires during the month, and the attendance at each had been good. The telegraph committee's report set forth that the Captains of the City and Town brigades had, in accordance with the resolution passed at a former meeting, waited upon Mr. Bechervaise with reference to the arrangement of telegraphic communication between the two stations. A meeting called to consider the report of the interview with that gentleman had lapsed for want of a quorum. It was stated that the brigade had been represented at the firemen's picnic at Geelong. . . .http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article199827347 BALLARAT FIRE BRIGADE. The Ballarat Star XXII, 56 Victoria, Australia 6 March 1877 16 November 2020 2 National Library of Australia Bechervaise's usual housekeeping POST OFFICE NOTICE. Mails for the United Kingdom, Europe, America, &c., will be made up at this office on Wednesday, 21st instant, for despatch by the R.M.S. Assam. The times appointed for closing are — For registered letters, ordinary letters, packets, and newspapers, at six p.m. Money orders on the United Kingdom will not be issued after one p.m. on Wednesday, the 21st instant. A Supplementary Mail, for letters only, will be made up for despatch, via Queenscliff, on Thursday morning, 22nd instant, at five o'clock. Letters for the United Kingdom, and foreign countries via the United Kingdom, bearing a late fee of 6d each, will be received up to 11 a.m. on Thursday, 22nd instant, for despatch via Geelong. WM. PHILIP BECHERVAISE, Postmaster. Post and Telegraph Offices, Ballarat, 12th March, 1877.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article199827751 Advertising The Ballarat Star XXII, 69 Victoria, Australia 21 March 1877 3 November 2020 2 National Library of Australia Herbert Price Bechervaise again selected to play against the All-England Eleven The following are the names of the twenty-two selected to play against the All-England Eleven, viz.:— Messrs G. Antcliffe, Bechervaise, J. Brokenshire, A. Bennett, R. Coulsell, H. Cooper, Bell, E. Figgis, Field, Franklin, Herbert, Harry, Hunt, Nettle, Norman, Pobjoy, Pateman, Pamphilon, J. Sherard, A. E. Morey, J. Morey, C. M. Watson, Mackay, and Goode. It will be observed that Mr Cleverley, who made so good a stand against the English bowling on the last occasion, has not been chosen. We regret to have to add, too, that Mr C. M. Watson will be unable to play, and thus the loss of, without doubt, the best captain of a cricketing team in Ballarat.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article207819698 No title The Ballarat Courier XX, 3044 Victoria, Australia 22 March 1877 3 November 2020 2 National Library of Australia 1877 04 Bechervaise again listed as telegraphy instructor at School of Mines for second term 1877 APRIL TERM (b. 16th April, e. 25th June), 1877. SUBJECTS and LECTURERS. . . . Telegraphy .. .. Wm. P. Bechervaise. . . . MARCH and SEPTEMBER EXAMINATIONS. Telegraphy .. .. R. L. J. Ellery, F.R.S. & Sam. W. McGowan. . . .http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article199828057 Advertising The Ballarat Star XXII, 79 Victoria, Australia 3 April 1877 24 October 2020 4 National Library of Australia Bechervaise's daughter Charlotte Alice Bechervaise (age 13) achieves Second Honors in Upper School of Queen's College Ballarat QUEEN'S COLLEGE, BALLARAT EASTER TERM, 1877. Honor List. Upper School.— First Honors — Misses M. Crawford, C. Crawford, M. McIntyre, S. Kent, J. Walker, M. Walker. Upper School.— Second Honors — Misses C. Bechervaise, A. Stansfield. Lower School.— First Honors — Misses M. Hoelscher, A. Wilson, F. Cadden, N. Campbell, M. Craw-ford, A. Harris, W. Harris. Lower School.— Second Honors — Misses L. Finnis, B. Herring, F. Campbell. M. DIXIE, Principal. C. TURNBULL, Master. L. AKINS. M. McINTYRE. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article207818694 Advertising The Ballarat Courier XX, 3054 Victoria, Australia 4 April 1877 3 November 2020 4 National Library of Australia Bechervaise's former premises being promoted to house a museum NEWS AND NOTES. . . . The City Council has now a chance of getting an excellent building for the proposed museum, which cannot fail to prove very attractive. Mr Bechervaise, the postmaster and telegraph manager, is about to shift his quarters to the Post-office, and we understand that the Telegraph-office will be vacant. Under these circumstances the City Council would do well to see if the building cannot be got for the museum, as the building is suitable, and the site an excellent one.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article199828126 NEWS AND NOTES. The Ballarat Star XXII, 82 Victoria, Australia 6 April 1877 24 October 2020 2 National Library of Australia As previous NEWS AND NOTES. . . . Mr Bechervaise informs us that the department wishes to keep the ground at the rear of the old Telegraph-office, and that some use will be found for the building. The City Council is not at all likely to want the ground in question, but the building appears to be available for the proposed museum, if the matter is gone properly about, as it is quite clear the department can do without it, seeing that it has done so for many years.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article199828155 NEWS AND NOTES. The Ballarat Star XXII, 83 Victoria, Australia 7 April 1877 24 October 2020 2 National Library of Australia As previous A MUSEUM. TO THE EDITOR OF THE STAR. SIR,— Having noted in a recent issue of the Star, in the report of last meeting of the City Council, that no reply to the application of the council for the use of the old Telegraph-office lately occupied by Mr Bechervaise had been received from the Postmaster-General, I wish to enquire through your columns if the members of council are earnest in this matter. Is a museum a desideratum in Ballarat? Is the site suitable, and the building itself adapted to the purpose? For my own part, I reply most readily to each of these questions in the affirmative. The building may easily be made to suit the reception of such specimens of art, &c., as would immediately form the nucleus of what may become in time an important repository of rare objects. Again, the site itself is an excellent one. That it is desirable, moreover, that Ballarat should have among other things its museum, is beyond a question of doubt. I would ask, what are the attractions that draw so many of our inland population during holiday seasons, and as leisure or opportunity affords at other times, to the metropolis? Why, its parks, its gardens, its aquatic amusements, free library, museums, and picture galleries. Paterfamilias and pleasure-seekers in general sweep past our picturesque and hospitable city, beholding nothing, it may be, beyond a few scattered buildings as the iron horse moves onward. Not the faintest suspicion of our possessing aught to recreate the mind or charm and delight the sense of visitors crosses their thoughts. I say, Sir, it is our own fault, as it will also be our sure loss, if we do not by every rational method increase the attractions of town and city. We have advantages second to no other inland city in the colonies for making it the resort of, not our neighbors only to the north and west of Ballarat, but of the people also of more distant places and the metropolis itself. Every little helps, and the newer idea of a museum is indeed a valuable one. I trust the council will not lose sight of the subject, nor use slack energy in following it up. The old Telegraph office is no longer necessary to the department of the Postmaster-General, now that the offices of telegraph manager, and postmaster are combined in one person, and it is therefore not necessary nor expedient that the old building which the citizens desire to have for a laudable object should be withheld with the merely objectless view of possessing it. The citizens through their council have a perfectly legitimate claim upon the Government in this matter, and I trust the opportunity will not be allowed to pass of turning it to good account. Presuming the museum to be an accomplished fact, I know a gentleman who intends to contribute to its primitive collections a few curiosities, as well as some useful hints to the trustees as to classification, &c.— Yours, &c., MUSEUMhttp://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article199828614 A MUSEUM. The Ballarat Star XXII, 97 Victoria, Australia 24 April 1877 24 October 2020 3 National Library of Australia 1877 05 Bechervaise again donates to the School of Mines THE SCHOOL OF MINES. The monthly meeting of the administrative council of the school was held on Thursday evening, the 10th instant, at 8 o'clock; Mr P. Chauncy, J.P., in the chair. A large amount of correspondence was read, after which accounts to the amount of £122 15s 3d were passed for payment. Since last meeting the following donations had been made and acknowledged with thanks:— Copies of papers by proprietors, viz.:— Avoca Mail, 20th and 21th April, and 1st May; Benalla Standard, 24th and 27th April, and 8th May; Colonist, Nelson, N.Z., 10th April; Westport Times, N.Z., 10th April. S. R. Krone's "System and machinery for dry crushing and concentrating ores," with plan accompanying, presented by Major J. T. Sleep; No. 1265, "Journal of Society of Arts," London; "Ventilation of rooms generally," presented by Mr Lecturer, W. P. Bechervaise; http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article199829147 THE SCHOOL OF MINES. The Ballarat Star XXII, 112 Victoria, Australia 12 May 1877 24 October 2020 4 National Library of Australia Bechervaise provides detailed explanation as to telegram delivery delay With reference to the complaint made by a correspondent in our columns the other day as to the delay that occurred in the delivery of a telegraphic message in Ballarat, we have obtained the following satisfactory explanation from Mr Bechervaise: — "The telegram addressed to Mr Arthur, Queen street (any part of which is outside the mile circle marked on the telegraph map), was received from Sandhurst on the 1st May, at 11.36 am.; and as the operators did not know the person, and the cabman would not risk obtaining the money with-out a guarantee, a memo, was sent to the Sandhurst office at 11.52, asking for 1s 6d, the cost of delivery, to be guaranteed. No reply bring received from Sandhurst at 3 p.m., a copy of the telegram was posted to Mr Arthur, so as to catch the afternoon delivery by letter carrier. At 3.20 a reply was received from Sandhurst, stating the cost of delivery was paid there, and the telegram was then delivered and signed for by Mr Arthur at 3.45."http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article207819013 No title The Ballarat Courier XX, 3089 Victoria, Australia 15 May 1877 24 October 2020 2 National Library of Australia Further on possible museum NEWS AND NOTES. . . . We have reason to believe that our correspondent "Museum," in his letter published on Wednesday, is mistaken as to the motives which he imputes to Mr Bechervaise relative to the old Telegraph-office quarters. Mr Bechervaise is, we believe, indifferent as to who gets the building when he vacates it, and he may, therefore, perhaps see his way to help the City Council in getting it for so useful a purpose as a museum.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article199829282 NEWS AND NOTES. The Ballarat Star XXII, 116 Victoria, Australia 17 May 1877 24 October 2020 2 National Library of Australia Bechervaise to be approached to extend afternoon delivery of letters NEWS AND NOTES. . . . At the meeting of the Town Council on Friday evening, reference was made to the desirability of an afternoon delivery of letters over a wider range in Ballarat East than at present. Several councillors spoke on the subject, pointing out the mistaken economy of the postal department, and it was resolved that the mayor and town clerk should take the matter in hand. They will probably communicate first with Mr Bechervaise, and should he not be able to make a change, the Postmaster-General will be asked to do so. The request is certainly a reasonable one, and there should be no difficulty in granting it.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article199829327 NEWS AND NOTES. The Ballarat Star XXII, 118 Victoria, Australia 19 May 1877 24 October 2020 2 National Library of Australia 1877 06 Typical housekeeping for Bechervaise POST OFFICE NOTICE. Mails for the United Kingdom, Europe, America, &c., will be made up at this office on Monday, 11th instant, for despatch by the R.M.S. Travancore. The times appointed for closing are — For registered letters, ordinary letters, packets, and newspapers, at six p.m. Money orders on the United Kingdom will not be issued after one p.m. on Monday, the 11th instant. A Supplementary Mail, for letters only, will be made up for despatch, via Queenscliff, on Tuesday morning, 12th instant, at five o'clock. Letters for the United Kingdom, and foreign countries via the United Kingdom, bearing a late fee of 6d each, will be received up to 11 a.m. on Tuesday, 12th instant, for despatch via Geelong. WM. PHILIP BECHERVAISE, Postmaster. Post and Telegraph Offices, Ballarat, 4th June, 1877.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article199837743 Advertising The Ballarat Star XXII, 132 Victoria, Australia 5 June 1877 3 November 2020 2 National Library of Australia Bechervaise reports that unreliable Bass Strait cable again restored NEWS AND NOTES. . . . Mr Bechervaise informs us that telegraphic communication with Tasmania was 3 p.m. on Monday.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article199837938 NEWS AND NOTES. The Ballarat Star XXII, 138 Victoria, Australia 12 June 1877 3 November 2020 2 National Library of Australia 1877 07 Bechervaise again listed as telegraphy instructor at School of Mines for third term 1877 JULY TERM (b. 16th July, e. 22nd Sept.), 1877. SUBJECTS and LECTURERS. . . . Telegraphy .. .. Wm. P. Bechervaise. . . . MARCH and SEPTEMBER EXAMINATIONS. Telegraphy .. .. R. L. J. Ellery, F.R.S. & Sam. W. McGowan. . . .http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article199838842 Advertising The Ballarat Star XXII, 168 Victoria, Australia 17 July 1877 24 October 2020 4 National Library of Australia 1877 08 Usual housekeeping for Bechervaise POST OFFICE NOTICE. Mails for the United Kingdom, Europe, America, &c., will be made up at this office on Monday, 6th August, for despatch by the R.M.S. China. The times appointed for closing are — For registered letters, ordinary letters, packets, and newspapers, at six p.m. Money orders on the United Kingdom will not be issued after one p.m. on Monday, the 6th August. A Supplementary Mail, for letters only, will be made up for despatch, via Queenscliff, on Tuesday morning, 7th August, at five o’clock. Letters for the United Kingdom, and foreign countries via the United Kingdom, bearing a late fee of 6d each, will be received up to 11 a.m. on Tuesday, 7th August, for despatch via Geelong. WM. PHILIP BECHERVAISE, Postmaster. Post and Telegraph Offices, Ballarat. 30th July, 1877.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article199839321 Advertising The Ballarat Star XXII, 182 Victoria, Australia 2 August 1877 3 November 2020 2 National Library of Australia Bechervaise leads vote of thanks to a lecturer at the Town Mission Debating Society and is in turn nominated to lecture himself NEWS AND NOTES. . . . At the meeting of the Town Mission Debating Society on Thursday evening, 9th instant, Mr M. Hosking in the chair, Mr Robert Lorimer delivered a most interesting and instructive lecture upon "Heat." He handled his subject in a masterly manner, his quotations and illustrations were singularly apt, and he was attentively listened to throughout by all present. In proposing a vote of thanks to the lecturer, Mr Bechervaise expressed his regret that the Town Mission-hall had not been filled on the occasion, and he included in his motion a request to Mr Lorimer to re-deliver his lecture when he could make it convenient to do so. The proposition was seconded by Mr M. Hosking, the town missionary, who made a few remarks, as to the pleasure he felt assured all had experienced in hearing Mr Lorimer. The motion was vociferously and unanimously carried. Mr Bechervaise was requested to favor the society with a lecture, which he promised to do at some future time, the subject to be "Electricity, and other hidden forces as applied to modern telegraphy." In complying with this wish he took occasion to point out the advantages obtainable at the School of Mines, advocating its claims and giving some few particulars with reference to the different classes at that admirable institution, concluding by inviting all to visit the school and see for themselves. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article199839546 NEWS AND NOTES. The Ballarat Star XXII, 190 Victoria, Australia 11 August 1877 24 October 2020 2 National Library of Australia Bechervaise's son Herbert Price Bechervaise concludes 4 years as pupil teacher Mount Pleasant School, appointed Beaufort State School Mr H. Bechervaise, who has been a pupil teacher at the Mount Pleasant school for over four years, and has completed his course, has been appointed second assistant in the Beaufort State school, No. 69. Yesterday a movement was started to make him a presentation of some sort before he leaves the school. The teachers and scholars subscribed, and during the day purchased a handsome gold albert and locket. Prior to dismissing the school, the scholars having been assembled in one room, Mr Nicholls, head teacher, made the presentation, wishing the recipient every success in his new situation. Mr Bechervaise responded with a few appropriate remarks, and thanked all present for their unexpected mark of esteem. This pleasing ceremony was brought to a close by the scholars joining in three hearty cheers for their late teacher.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article207823227 No title The Ballarat Courier XXI, 3177 Victoria, Australia 25 August 1877 3 November 2020 2 National Library of Australia 1877 09 Typical housekeeping for Bechervaise POST OFFICE NOTICE. Mails for the United Kingdom, Europe, America, &c., will be made up at this office on Monday, 3rd September, for despatch by the R.M.S. Tanjore. The times appointed for closing are — For registered letters, ordinary letters, pockets, and newspapers, at six p.m. Money orders on the United Kingdom will not be issued after one p.m. on Monday, the 3rd September. A Supplementary Mail, for letters only, will be made up for despatch, via Queenscliff, on Tuesday morning, 4th September, at five o'clock. Letters for the United Kingdom, and foreign countries via the United Kingdom, bearing a late fee of 6d each, will be received up to 11 a.m. on Tuesday, 4th September, for despatch via Geelong. WM. PHILIP BECHERVAISE, Postmaster. Post and Telegraph Offices, Ballarat, 27th Angust,1877.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article199840175 Advertising The Ballarat Star XXII, 210 Victoria, Australia 4 September 1877 4 November 2020 2 National Library of Australia 1877 10 Bechervaise's lady telegraphy students awarded certificates THE SCHOOL OF MINES. The quarterly meeting of the council of the School, was held on 11th inst. Present — His Honor Judge Rogers, vice-president (in the chair), Messrs Flude, Bickett, Hoelscher, Caselli, J.P.; Usher, M.D.; and Barnard. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. It was unanimously resolved that Robert Etheridge, jun., F.G.S., be appointed honorary correspondent for Edinburgh. That the reports of the examiners be adopted, and certificates granted as follows:— In telegraphy — Elizabeth Margaret Hamilton Mackintosh, with credit ; John August Louis Luth, with credit; Laura Maria Cook, James Paul Harris, and Richard Hain, jun. That leave of absence for October term be granted to Mr Examiner Lynch, at his request, in consequence of his son intending to present himself for examination in December next, and that Prof. Andrew, M.A., be politely requested to prepare the papers for this examination. Draft bill of incorporation, so far as prepared, laid on the table, the vice-president undertaking to complete it. The meeting then adjourned, after which the usual monthly meeting of the administrative council was held. A large amount of correspondence was read, and accounts to the amount of £64 9s were passed for payment. The following donations, made since last meeting, were acknowledged with thanks:— Issue of following newspapers from proprietors, viz., Ballarat Star, Ballarat Courier, Avoca Mail, and Benalla Standard; catalogue, &c., Messrs Scanlan, jun., and Co., Walsall, England; a quantity of shavings, Mr J. Butterworth, contractor; Thorpe's Inorganic Chemistry Non-Metals, Ed. 1874, Mr T. Newbury; the Engineer, weekly issue of from 1865-1877 (inclusive), with exception of a few numbers missing, Mr W. H. Shaw; box of minerals, Mr P. Mathews; loan of model of self-acting brake for winding engines, Mr. W. McLeish; monthly record of the results of observations in meteorology, terrestrial magnetism, taken at the Melbourne Observatory during May, 1877, Government astronomer; £1 1s from Mr. A. Lewers, J.P., Creswick, and 5s from Mr. F. Ellsworth, Talbot, toward the Government fund; Mr W. P. Bechervaise, £1 1s. It was resolved that the School’s architect be requested to prepare plans and estimates for the east fence. It was reported that since last meeting thirty-one visitors had inspected the School, and eight fresh students had been enrolled. The council then adjourned.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article199841212 THE SCHOOL OF MINES. The Ballarat Star XXII, 244 Victoria, Australia 13 October 1877 24 October 2020 4 National Library of Australia Bechervaise again listed as telegraphy instructor at School of Mines for fourth term 1877 OCTOBER TERM (b. 15th Oct., e. 22nd Dec.), 1877. SUBJECTS and LECTURERS. . . . Telegraphy .. .. Wm. P. Bechervaise. . . . MARCH and SEPTEMBER EXAMINATIONS. Telegraphy .. .. R. L. J. Ellery, F.R.S. & Sam. W. McGowan. . . .http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article199841425 Advertising The Ballarat Star XXII, 252 Victoria, Australia 23 October 1877 24 October 2020 1 National Library of Australia 1877 11 Typical housekeeping for Bechervaise POST-OFFICE NOTICE MAILS for FIJI, HONOLULU, SAN FRANCISCO, and LONDON will be made up at this office on Tuesday, the 13th instant, for despatch to Sydney. The time appointed for closing, for letters, packets, and newspapers, is 11 a.m. Letters, &c., for the Continent of Europe will not be forwarded by this route unless fully prepaid and specially endorsed "via California." WM. PHILIP BECHERVAISE, Postmaster. Post and Telegraph Offices, Ballarat, 9th November, 1877.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article199282051 Advertising The Ballarat Star XXII, 270 Victoria, Australia 13 November 1877 4 November 2020 2 National Library of Australia Bechervaise again assists the Ballarat Turf Club with temporary telegraph office BALLARAT TURF CLUB SPRING MEETING. SECOND DAY.— FRIDAY, 23RD NOVEMBER. The attendance at Dowling Forest on the second day of the races was somewhat better than on the first, and there must have been about 3500 persons on the ground, some 400 of whom went by train to Sulky Gully, and walked thence to the course. His Excellency Sir George Bowen, and the party who were with him on the first day, attended the races on Friday, with the addition of the Hon. J. Woods. The lawn was well filled with ladies, who by reason of the fine weather were able to present themselves in bright summer costume, and the general effect of the sight from the grand stand was very pretty indeed. . . . The arrangements connected with the racing were perfectly carried out by the secretary and stewards, and Mr Bechervaise, who was in charge of the telegraph-office on the ground, and gave the utmost satisfaction to the public, desires to acknowledge the kindness of Mr Johnston and Mr T. Wilson, the clerk of the course, to himself and his staff. . . .http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article199282332 BALLARAT TURF CLUB SPRING MEETING. The Ballarat Star XXII, 280 Victoria, Australia 24 November 1877 24 October 2020 3 National Library of Australia 1877 12 O. M. Nicholson acting Postmaster in Bechervaise's stead POST-OFFICE NOTICE. WM. PHILIP BECHERVAISE, Postmaster. MAILS for AUCKLAND, HONOLULU, SAN FRAN-CISCO, and LONDON will be made up at this office on Monday, 10th December, for despatch to Sydney. The time appointed for closing, for letters, newspapers, and packets, is 11 a.m. Letters, &c., via the United Kingdom, for the Continent of Europe will not be forwarded by this route unless fully pre-paid and specially endorsed "via California." O. M. NICHOLSON. Acting-Postmaster. Post and Telegraph Offices, Ballarat, 7th December, 1877. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article199282626 Advertising The Ballarat Star XXII, 291 Victoria, Australia 7 December 1877 4 November 2020 2 National Library of Australia Bechervaise youngest child Philip Burton Bechervaise wins honours in Arithmetic at Christ Church Grammar School CHRIST CHURCH GRAMMAR SCHOOL HONOR LIST. Arithmetic.— Class V.— G. Thompson. Class IV.— J. M. Gray, H. Bade, P. Bechervaise. Class III. — W. McCartney. Class II.— C. King. Class I.— J. Flegaltaub. Writing.— Class V.— S. Clark. Class IV.— G. Jones. Class III.— T. Thomson. Class II.— F. Miller. Class I.— E. Bailey. Reading.— Class V. — P. Lewis. Class IV.— J. McDowall. Class III.— T. Thomson. Junior Class Boxhorn. French.— Senior Class — P. Lewis. Latin.— Senior Class — W. Durose. Junior Class — T. Thomson. Geography.— Class V.— J. Holmes. Class IV.— L. Axford. Class III.— T. Miller. Junior Class — E. Miller. Mensuration.— Arthur R. Bailey. Grammar.— Class V.— G. Thomson. Clare IV.— W. Durose. Class III.— A. Drury, J. R. Jopling. Junior class — A. Bartrop. Orthography.— Class V.— P. Lewis. Class IV. — R. McCartney. Class III.— T. Miller. Class II.— Wm. McCartney. Class I.— C. Hogg. Mental Arithmetic.— Senior Class — G. Thomson. Junior Class — R. McCartney. History.— Class V.— A. R. Bailey. Class IV.— L. Axford. Class III.— T. Miller. General Improvement.— C. Bailey, G. Bailey, A. Bailey.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article211535964 Advertising The Ballarat Courier XXI, 3277 Victoria, Australia 20 December 1877 4 November 2020 3 National Library of Australia Bechervaise's daughter Charlotte Alice Bechvaise wins honours and prizes at Queen's College QUEEN'S COLLEGE. PRIZE LIST. Class Prizes. First Honors at Four Quarterly Examinations .. .. Miss M. McIntyre First Honors at Four Quarterly Examinations .. .. Miss J. Walker First Honors at Three Quarterly Examinations .. .. Miss M. Walker First Honors at Two Quarterly Examinations .. .. Miss B. King First Honors at Two Quarterly Examinations .. .. Miss M. B. Young First Honors at Two Quarterly Examinations .. .. Miss R. McVitty Fourth Class. First Honors at Three Quarterly Examinations .. .. Miss C. Bechervaise First Honors at One Quarterly Examinations .. .. Miss A. Stansfield First Honors at One Quarterly Examinations .. .. Miss L. Claxton Third Class. First Honors at Four Quarterly Examinations, and highest class marks for the year .. .. Miss M. Hoelscher First Honors at Four Quarterly Examinations .. .. Miss F. Cadden First Honors at Four Quarterly Examinations .. .. Miss A. Wilson First Honors at One Quarterly Examination .. .. Miss G. Crawford First Honors at One Quarterly Examination .. .. Miss L. Finnis First Honors at One Quarterly Examination .. .. Miss B. Herring Second Class. First Honors at Three Quarterly Examinations .. .. Miss N. Campbell. First Honors at One Quarterly Examination .. .. Miss A. Shoppee First Honors at One Quarterly Examination .. .. Miss L. Niven First Honors at One Quarterly Examination .. .. Miss A. Preshaw First Honors at One Quarterly Examination .. .. Master A. H. Barnard First Honors at One Quarterly Examination .. .. Master H. I. Barnard. First Class. First Honors at Three Quarterly Examination .. .. Miss F. Campbell. There are two young ladies in the Fourth Class, Miss S. Smith and Miss M. Proctor, who have been very industrious, and I regret that they have not been at school long enough to compete with their class-fellows. Special Prizes. Latin, I. (Presented by Mr Turnbull) .. Miss J. Walker Latin, II. (Presented by Mr Turnbull) .. Miss R. McVitty Music, I. (Senior School) .. Miss M. B. Young Music, II. (Junior School) .. Miss F. Campbell. Drawing, I (Presented by Mr Braun) .. Miss L. Claxton Drawing, II. Class Drawing (Presented by Mr Bruun) .. Miss E. Akins, Miss Bechervaise (Ties) Mathematical Prize .. Miss M. McIntyre, Miss M. Walker (Ties) English Essay, I. prize .. Miss R. McVitty English Essay, II. .. Miss F. Bailey English Essay (Junior School) .. Miss F. Cadden Singing, I. .. Miss A. Wilson Singing, II. .. Miss F. Shoppee Needlework (Senior School) .. Miss E. Cave Needlework (Junior School) .. Miss A. Smith Best Arithmetic (Junior School) .. Miss A. Finlayson Best-liked girl .. Miss A. Crawford Punctuality .. Miss M. Hoelscher. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article199282948 Advertising The Ballarat Star XXII, 303 Victoria, Australia 21 December 1877 4 November 2020 3 National Library of Australia 1878 1878 01 Telephone experiments by Bechervaise foreshadowed VICTORIAN MEMS. . . . Telephone experiments are to be made in Ballarat shortly by that enterprising electrician, Mr. Bechervaise. The apparatus is in process of construction, and we hear that representatives of the Press are to be invited to witness its trial.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article257956297 VICTORIAN MEMS. The Albury Banner and Wodonga Express New South Wales, Australia 19 January 1878 4 November 2020 17 National Library of Australia At the Juvenile Industrial Exhibition, Bechervaise to assist with Kirklands telephone demonstration and his own Morse / Wheatstone telegraph apparatus THE JUVENILE INDUSTRIAL EXHIBITION. (FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.) BALLARAT, SATURDAY EVENING. At the regular meeting of the executive committee of the Juvenile Industrial Exhibition, held last night, the honorary secretary stated that there had been received to date 1,476 applications for space, embracing over 2,000 exhibits and requiring 1,145½ square feet of floor space 2,136ft. of table space, and 7,268ft. of wall space; total, 10,549 square feet; but this did not include the model railway, with its stations, bridges, locomotives, trucks, wagons, &c., nor the traction engine, all of which would be shown in the market-shed separately. Of the exhibitors, 768 were males and 708 females. The contributions to the exhibition are as follow:— Victoria, 1,408 entries; New South Wales, 32; New Zealand, 30; Tasmania, 4; South Australia, 1; and Western Australia, 1. The principal Victorian contributors are:— Ballarat 586; Melbourne, 336; Geelong, 151; Sandhurst, 65; Creswick, 28; Daylesford, 20; Clunes, 14; Castlemaine, 12; and so on to districts with only one entry each. The secretary said the exhibits were beginning to come in well, and applications for space were still being made, and he thought the capacity of the hall would be taxed to its utmost. A gentleman present desired to know if non-competitive exhibits would be still received, because there were some manufacturers who had expressed their wish to show some very interesting articles if they would be permitted, and the committee decided to permit such to be received to date of opening. It was stated that Mr Long, of Ballarat East, had promised to transfer one of his lolly manufacturing machines to the exhibition, with a lad to work it daily, to show how the sweets were made. A master printer had also promised to send one of his printing presses, with a lad to work it daily. With regard to the working of Mr Kirkland's telephone it was stated that Mr Bechervaise, the local telegraph superintendent, had most kindly offered every assistance in his power, and had offered to attend himself occasionally, and to send one of his operators too, if the department did not object. He also recommended the committee to get two of Morse's and two of Wheatstone's instruments to show the working of the telegraph system, which will be done. Among the latest special novelties to be shown are a model flour mill, and a model marine-engine, both to be kept at work daily to show their respective actions. No answers had yet been received from any of the friendly societies, the volunteers, or the fire brigades, on the matter of a procession on the opening day, but Major Sleep having consented to act as marshal on that day, he was appointed to the office. The committee decided to whom cards of invitation should be forwarded for the opening day, and the entrance-fee for that and the following day was fixed at 2s. 6d. each. The secretary said he had written to the city and town councils, requesting them to make some arrangements for the reception and entertainment of His Excellency the Governor on the opening day. The tender of Mr Bruun to provide a band on each evening of the exhibition was accepted.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article5919001 THE JUVENILE INDUSTRIAL EXHIBITION. The Argus (Melbourne) 9,865 Victoria, Australia 28 January 1878 24 October 2020 7 National Library of Australia 1878 02 Bechervaise also getting involved in telephone experiments Mr Bechervaise intends to make experiments here in a day or two with a telephone apparatus constructed in Melbourne.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article199284004 No title The Ballarat Star XXIII, 29 Victoria, Australia 2 February 1878 24 October 2020 2 National Library of Australia Detailed report of the telephone experiments by Bechervaise, Challen, Blandford, James THE TELEPHONE. Very interesting and successful experiments with the last great revelation of science, the telephone, were made on Sunday at the Ballarat and Melbourne telegraph offices simultaneously. Sunday was selected as the day for experiment, not that the gentlemen operating have not due respect for the fourth commandment, but because on that day only the telegraph lines are not used, and the work of important scientific trial of a great discovery can be carried on without interruption. At the Melbourne office Mr James and a few other gentlemen attended at 11 a.m., the time agreed upon, while Messrs Bechervaise, Challen, Blandford, Macaw, Whitelaw, with a few gentlemen specially invited, and the representatives of the Press, occupied the Ballarat office. Mr P. R. Challen, a clever electrician employed at the Melbourne office, and a member of the Torpedo Corps, is, we are informed, the gentleman, who constructed the first telephones ever seen in Victoria, from some of which results completely satisfactory have been obtained. He obtained his idea of the instrument from the description of Professor Bell’s given by the Scientific American, though he never anticipated obtaining the results detailed by some American papers. Mr. Challen's telephone is constructed thus:— A magnetised steel bar about 6 inches long forms the core; at one end of this, thin silk-covered copper wire, in quantity proportionate to the resistance of the line, is wound; the core is then enclosed in a wooden case; close to and in front of the coil of wire a very thin plate of iron called the diaphragm is fixed, and the upper part of the wooden case forms a kind of bell or sound concentrator. The ends of the copper wire are connected with the telegraph or connecting wire between the two persons who wish to talk, and each person having a telephone, communication is established. The person speaking holds his telephone to his mouth, letting it touch his chin, and speaks into it in a clear, distinct manner. The sound causes the diaphragm to vibrate, and these slight vibrations so affect the magnetised steel bar that by an electromagnetic effect a current of electricity is created in the encircling coil of wire. Flashing along the line of communication to the second telephone, it passes reversely through the coils, and affecting the magnetism of the bar causes the diaphragm to vibrate and produce sounds similar to those shouted into the sending telephone. The sound itself does not travel, but, by an application of that marvellous agent electricity, is reproduced. In 1861 one Reiss, of Frankfort, constructed a telephone which transmitted musical sounds, and anticipations of it seem to have existed for very many years. Professor Bell brought it to its present pitch, and by experiments such as are now being made all over the world, we may hope to reach in earnest that imaginative account given in jest by an American journal, wherein it was stated that a large audience could sit in a room and listen to a concert given in another room 30 miles away, the sound coming by telephone with as much distinctness as though the audience and the singers were only 30 feet apart. Messrs Bechervaise and Challen acted as conductors of the experiments here, and a lively conversation with the Melbourne operators commenced. On placing the telephone to the ear to listen for the answer, the words came in a faint thin tone, but one so exquisitely clear that the very inflexions of the speaker’s voice could be noticed. "Cooey," from its open, vowel sound, could always be heard, but sibilant and guttural sounds did not always come plainly. At times the answers were wonderfully distinct, every word falling on the ear with refreshing clearness. The voice always, however, seemed to be refined, and, as it were, thinned away until the sounds seemed to come from fairy-like creatures seated in the recesses of the telephone. The voice of Mr Bechervaise was recognised by Mr. James, and friendly greetings were exchanged. The Melbourne men said that it rained, and asked to be cheered with a song. They were regaled with "Hold the fort," the strains of which they did not recognise! Whether this was due to the slips of the singers, or to want of knowledge of religious matters on the part of the hearers, remained an open question. The Melbourne operators then sang ‘"God Save the Queen, taking different parts. The melody came through with the utmost distinctness, the tenor voice sounding remarkably clear. The fairy sounds were so attractive that "Encore" was shouted from this end and the peal of laughter that burst from the lips of those who had been singing was plainly audible here, 100 miles from the vocalists. Conversation followed, and everyone had a chance of hearing for himself the replies from Melbourne. At half past 12, after the most successful experiments yet made, an appointment was made for 3 o’clock, and the parties separated. At 3 a large party, including a few ladies, assembled in the Ballarat office, and experiments made again. A flute was played at the Melbourne end, a telephone being placed on it. At this end the sound resembled "horns of Elf-land faintly blowing," every note coming with a purity and distinctness very pleasing. Communication now began to change for the worse, and frequently words and whole sentences of a speech seemed to be arrested, or to only reach the ear in a series of funny crackles. It was stated that heavy rain was falling, and that disturbing electrical influences were prevalent, so that the second sitting was closed early. Mr Challen will, we believe, remain here, and some more experiments may be made tonight. The success attending the operations here is apparent when we state that from Sydney to East Maitland only "Cooey" would travel, and that from Melbourne to Albury, 190 miles, only an occasional word could be communicated. Here ordinary conversation could be heard, though the telephone had to be held closely to the ear. Challen has substituted for a magnetised piece of steel with soft iron core, as Professor Bell uses, a piece of steel without the iron. Mr H. Sutton, who made a very good pair of telephones on Professor Bell's principle, and who used them on Sunday, found them inferior in power to Mr Challen's.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article199284053 THE TELEPHONE. The Ballarat Star XXIII, 30 Victoria, Australia 4 February 1878 24 October 2020 3 National Library of Australia As previous, a slightly different report with some further detail Writing about the success of the telephone the Ballarat correspondent of the Clunes Guardian gives the following account of an experiment made last Sunday, between Ballarat and Melbourne, with the instrument: — The day was selected as being the only one on which the telegraph wires between Ballarat and Melbourne were open for the purpose of the experiment. The telegraph office was the scene of operations, the instrument used being one made by Mr Challen, of the Melbourne department, after Professor Bell's principle, and the operators were Mr. W. P. Bechervaise, head of the Ballarat department, and Mr Challen. A somewhat large party assembled on the occasion, and Melbourne was spoken with. "What is the weather like with you?" asked Mr Bechervaise through the telephone. Almost at once came the reply, very clear and audible, "Ah! Bechervaise, is that you old fellow?" The Melbourne operator had recognised the voice. Then came the reply. "It's raining here and gloomy; give us a song to cheer us up." Some of the ladies in the Ballarat office then sang "Hold the fort," when "thank you" was answered from Melbourne. The metropolitan operators then gave "God save the Queen," with telling effect; the strains of the grand old anthem reaching Ballarat so clearly as to enable a musical critic present to remark that the tenor in the choral parts was a very good and well trained voice. "Encore! encore!" was sent to Melbourne and was responded to by the singers with a merry peal of laughter, also distinctly heard in the Ballarat office. The experiments, it is stated, will prove more successful than any yet made in the colony. The distance of telegraph wires between the two sets of operators was, as your readers will probably be aware, over 102 miles.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article201449062 No title Avoca Mail 1,046 Victoria, Australia 8 February 1878 24 October 2020 2 National Library of Australia A detailed report of the Melbourne-Ballarat telephony experiments from the Melbourne end, sadly not identifying the persons there A Morning with the Telephone. One of our reporters writes:— Yesterday morning, hearing that some telephonic experiments were to be made at the Post-office, I made application to be allowed to witness them, which was courteously granted, and I was shown into a quiet little parlor, where six gentlemen and two little boys were standing watching one of their number, who was connecting three things that look like short thick stethoscopes, by means of fine covered wire, with a similar wire coming through the door, and one which I was told "had earth." These were the telephones, and the connections being made in about two minutes, one of the instruments was handed to me, and the others taken by two officers of the department. Putting his mouth near the mouthpiece of the telephone, one of them close to me cooeyed gently, and I almost dropped my instrument with astonishment. Distinct and clear came an answering cooey. It was faint, and sounded distant, as it well might, for the caller was in Ballarat! "How does it come over; can you hear us?" was the next question asked, and instantly the answer was returned, perfectly audible and distinct when the instrument was held close to the ear. "First-rate, we hear you capitally." "That's C—' said the person at the third telephone; and taking it from his ear he said in a mocking tone, "Poor Mr C—" "Poor Paddy—" came back immediately. At a distance of over a hundred miles two friends recognised each other's voices, and called each other by name! I tried my voice then, and slightly knowing one of the gentlemen at the other end, opened a conversation with him, in the course of which we reminded one another of things we had done together some months ago. After some ten minutes' talking by all parties, Ballarat said they were going to get "better earth" and a short pause was made, when they again called us and asked for a song, which was given, and encored from Ballarat, which wanted a second verse, saying there were about twenty-five persons in the office, and only three telephones, so that all wanted to hear. Ballarat then sang God Save the Queen, the three voices being distinct and the harmony recognisable. We then sang Sun of My Soul, which provoked Ballarat to say the tenor was shaky. That meant me — and it was vary shaky. For an hour and a half we alternately at either end sang hymns, the Old Hundredth being the most successful, and then making an appointment for the afternoon, put down our telephones. In the afternoon they were resumed, and flute and violin solos sent along the wire, much to the expressed pleasure of our hundred-mile off friends. A song, with flute obligato, the latter played by Mr G. W. Lloyd, was so much relished that they were urgent for an encore. A thunderstorm somewhere on the line now began to disturb the results, and after listeners had received two or three smart shocks, sounding as if a pistol had been discharged in the ear, the experiments were reluctantly brought to a close. This has been the most successful trial yet made. Listeners in Melbourne could hear the people in Ballarat laughing and talking in the room, though, as the speakers were not at the mouthpiece, no words could be distinguished. The ticking of the Morse instrument was plainly audible. In conversation with the gentlemen trying the experiment, I learned that the telephones, which have been made in the department by the officers themselves have been constructed solely from a description in the Engineer newspaper, none having been imported. Slow-sustained sounds travel the best. The letters r and w are very distinct. A telephonist, unless naturally quick-eared, and articulating distinctly, requires some practice, though others are successful at the first trial. The best in the colony is a little boy, of about eight years of age, who was the first to speak into a telephone, which was made by his father, an officer of the Telegraph department, and the wire extended from a bedroom to a kitchen in the experimenter's house. In using the instrument, the voice does not require to be raised above an ordinary speaking tone. What is the future of this wonderful discovery, now in its infancy, and not much more than a scientific toy — though used in two business establishments in this city — it is impossible to foresee. As the invention stands at present, by using a hundred instruments, a hundred people in Melbourne could hear a hymn sung or a sermon preached in Ballarat, and one wire between the cities would be sufficient. The atmospheric disturbances prevented the trial yesterday of the duplex, which has proved a success at short distances. By the duplex, messages can be spoken through the wire in contrary directions at the same time. The cheapness of the telephone is also a recommendation, the instrument costing very little, and no battery being needed. One single cell for ringing a bell to call attention — and that can be switched off when the telephone is working — is all that is required to make it practically useful. Further experiments will be shortly tried, and some new telephones are being constructed with a view to increase the sound if possible, and it is likely yet greater successes will be achieved by the courteous and intelligent gentlemen who so kindly gave me yesterday my Morning with the Telephone. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article244521618 A Morning with the Telephone. The Herald 1812 Victoria, Australia 4 February 1878 18 December 2020 2 National Library of Australia Bechervaise's son Walter Reed Bechervaise part of a team preparing a massive model of the Western Railway Station It is anticipated that all arrangements for the opening of the Juvenile Industrial Exhibition will be completed by Thursday morning, and, from the progress being made, this seems more than probable. A large number of packages arrived at the Alfred Hall yesterday, including the model of the Western railway station from the employes of the Phoenix Foundry Company. It is the work of three apprentices of the Phoenix Foundry — F. Stevenson, A. Clarke, and W. Bechervaise. The material is wood, the model being on a scale of about 1½ inches to the foot, and is a little over 12 feet by 10 feet in dimensions. The workmanship is excellent, and the model is a very creditable piece of work. The time taken in its construction was about three months.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article211539119 No title The Ballarat Courier XXII, 3323 Victoria, Australia 13 February 1878 24 October 2020 2 National Library of Australia It would appear that Sutton is the original inventor of what we would now call a telephone handset, Bechervaise in the wings A NEW TELEPHONE. Some interesting and very successful experiments in telephony were made few evenings ago at Mr H. Sutton's music warehouse in Sturt street, in the presence of Mr Oddie, Mr Bechervaise, the postmaster, Mr Blandford of the Telegraph-office, and several other gentlemen. The instruments experimented with were two of Professor Bell’s portable telephones (made by Mr Sutton), from which splendid results were obtained, and a new form of telephone, described by its inventor, Mr H. Sutton, as a compound telephone, and the general opinion of those who witnessed the experiments is, that in spite of the adverse circumstances under which they took place, this telephone is a great improvement on Professor Bell's. In all the experiments a resistance, equal to 30 miles of ordinary telegraph wire was used in the circuit. It appears whilst experimenting seven months ago with the horseshoe form of permanent magnet, the poles of which were surrounded with convolutions of fine wire and various diaphragms, he found that when subjecting a vibrating diaphragm to the action of both poles of the magnet at the same time, instead of the entire magnetic force being utilised in evolving electricity, that part of the force was neutralised in the diaphragm, which seemed to act in the same way as the keeper of a permanent magnet. He found by presenting only one pole of the same magnet to the diaphragm that a far stronger current was evolved, and knowing the action is reciprocal between each pole of the same magnet, the idea was suggested to place a coil of wire on both ends of a bar magnet. The compound form of telephone is the outcome of these and other experiments. This instrument is different from Bell's portable telephone, in that it consists of a curved magnet, surrounded by coils of wire at both ends. Each coil has a separate diaphragm, the curve of the magnet being so arranged that one diaphragm comes opposite the mouth of the operator, whilst the other diaphragm reaches his ear. The following good results are obtainable from the arrangement:— 1st. That he can both speak and listen at the same moment. 2nd. That it evolves more intensity of sound. 3rd. The timbre of sounds transmitted are reproduced more perfectly. 4th. When used as a transmitting instrument the results obtained from all other telephones of the ordinary form in the same circuit are considerably improved. 5th. The instrument is mounted on an adjustable stand, which leaves both hands of the operator free. In Professor Bell's arrangement two telephones are necessary, one held to the ear, another to the mouth, both hands being thus engaged. Mr Sutton's telephone being compound, opens up a new field for experimental research, and we understand that he is still engaged in experiments which may further improve the application of telephonic science.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article199284335 A NEW TELEPHONE. The Ballarat Star XXIII, 41 Victoria, Australia 15 February 1878 4 October 2020 4 National Library of Australia Further experiments with Challen's telephones NEWS AND NOTES. . . . Some fifty or so ladies and gentlemen gathered by invitation at the telegraph-office on Friday evening for the purpose of hearing some telephonic experiments in the shape of communication between the Ballarat and Melbourne offices, but owing to an unusual press of messages on all the lines, the experiments were not successful. Mr Challen, late of Buninyong and now of the the Melbourne office, was here with half a dozen telephones of his own construction, and as only partial communication was possible with Melbourne, Mr Bechervaise and Mr Challen kindly arranged that experiments should be made between an upper and the lower room through 100 miles of coil, and the party having divided, communications were soon established, and several songs were sung and distinctly heard. The pains and politeness of the operating gentlemen merit the thanks of all who were present, and we are pleased to learn that further opportunities will be afforded of testing the uses of the new and wonderful invention, in which lie we know not what immense possibilities and utilities in the future.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article199284369 NEWS AND NOTES The Ballarat Star XXIII, 42 Victoria, Australia 16 February 1878 24 October 2020 2 National Library of Australia Bechervaise exhibits at the Juvenile Industrial Exhibition OPENING OF THE AUSTRALIAN JUVENILE INDUSTRIAL EXHIBITION, BALLARAT. Yesterday was inaugurated what must be considered one of the most important events in the history of Ballarat, and which must result in incalculable benefits not only to our own community, but to the colony generally, as showing to the world the wonderful progress made by the rising generation of Australasia in industry, art, manufactures, and inventions. It is now some six months ago since our worthy fellow-citizen, Mr R. D. Bannister, published in these columns his idea of holding a juvenile industrial exhibition, not merely in a local sense, but having for its object the bringing together in one centre the handiwork of the youths and maidens in all parts of the colony, and so perceptible was the scheme he laid before the public, that success was almost then assured. Aided by a number of willing workers, who entered into the movement with vigor and determination, a large and influential committee was formed, who gave active assistance. The interest extended to all parts of Victoria and the neighboring colonies; and in answer to communications to the leading men in all large centres of population most encouraging promises of support were given. Such an exhibition as that intended, however, entailed hard work and determination; but the hon. secretary and committee were quite equal to it, and having appointed agents and subcommittees in other parts of the colonies, the latter became imbued with the enthusiasm of the promoters, and worked with a will. The result is an exhibition of which Ballarat and the colonies might well be proud — an exhibition of work which would do credit to the youth of any country in the world. It is, therefore, only due to the following gentlemen, who have originated and brought to a successful issue such a good work, that their services should be acknowledged by the community — at least by publicity. Executive committee:— Messrs Charles Seal (chairman), H. R. Caselli, J.P. (deputy chairman), Alexander Hunter (treasurer), James McDowall, J.P., George Smith, Jonathan Robinson, William Evans, J. C. Smith, Peter Matthews, Thos. Bodycomb, Henry Smith, J.P., Jas. Buley, C. J. Richardson, William Proctor, Joseph Flude, R. M. Serjeant, Jno., Whitehead, James Campbell, Hugh Reid, William Benson, James M. Main, W. H. Keast, Edwin Curtis, George O. Preshaw, John Macartney, Charles C. Shoppee, Henry Bradbury. The visitor to the Alfred Hall must undoubtedly be surprised at the collection of work there exhibited by the rising generation, and wonder at the progress made in the arts and manufactures, while he will be no less gratified at the thought that our young ladies have made rapid strides in the fine arts, and are quite equal to their mothers before them in the manufacture of household requisites of every description. Looking at the array of machinery, manufactures, implements, and artisans' work of all kinds, it is a matter for congratulation that we possess such an industrious and intelligent young community. It may be asked, too, whether much of this is not due to our protective policy, which, by giving employment to the sons and daughters of the soil has not aided in their advancement, and the answer must unquestionably be in the affirmative. One of our modern writers has said in reference to the coming race, that at the age of twelve they will commence to accumulate wealth from the results of their industry, and that in the youth of manhood they will be able to rest at ease on their previous earnings, thus realising the real philosophy of life. Are we too sanguine in hoping that, judging from the progress made during the last half-century in the technical instruction of young Australia, we are hurrying onwards to that happy result? Perhaps so; but to be practical we will now revert to the opening ceremony yesterday. The day could not have been finer for a processional display, and this, combined with the vice-regal visit, and the enthusiasm that appeared to be felt in connection with such a great and interesting undertaking as a Victorian Juvenile Industrial Exhibition in Ballarat, tended to create a great deal of excitement in the town. From early morning flags were flying from nearly every prominent building, and country people, and indeed many from Geelong, Melbourne, Sandhurst, and other places, arrived by the morning trains, and perambulated the streets during the forenoon, heightening the general effect. The tradespeople had been requested by the two mayors to observe a half-holiday, but though the shops generally were open during the forenoon there was little inclination to do business, and the afternoon was entirely given up to holiday-making. By the direction of Minister of Public Instruction, the State school children were allowed a general holiday, and they swelled the throng of those who assembled in the principal streets, as well to welcome the representative of royalty as to add to the eclat to the inaugural proceedings of the exhibition. The bodies composing the procession commenced to muster in Lydiard street, near the monument, about one o'clock, under the direction of the marshal, Major Sleep. The following took part:— Ballarat Fire Brigade, City Fire Brigade, Rechabites, I.O.O.F., Sons of Temperance, St Andrew's Society, Protestant Mutual Society, Protestant Alliance, Hibernian Society, A.O.O.F., M.U.I.O.O.F., Good Templars, Druids, A.I.O.O.F., German Association, G.U.O.O.F., Australian Natives. The bands of Mr Rosenblum's, Mr Armstrong's, and Mr Cox's schools were also present and played lively airs during the march. Before two o'clock. Major Sleep had the members of the procession lining the street from the station to Craig's hotel. About sixty of the B.V.R. with their new Martini-Henry rifles, paraded at the orderly-room, under the command of Captain Musgrove, and marched from thence to the railway station, where they formed a guard of honor to his Excellency. The members of the Prince of Wales Light Horse, too, under Captain Wilson, mustered in good force and formed the escort. Before two o'clock the reception party met at the terminus to welcome the Governor, the following being present:— The Hon. Sir Samuel Wilson, M.L.C.; the Hon. Henry Cuthbert, M.L.C.; the Hon. Major W. C. Smith, Messrs Brophy, Fincham, James, Bell, and Richardson, M.L.A's.; the mayor of the City, Mr J. W. Gray, and Mrs Gray and Mrs Claxton; the mayor of the Town, Mr D. Turpie; Councillors Long, Phillips, Morrison, Lewis, T. Williams, Josephs; and Messrs H. R. Caselli, H. Smith, McDowall, J. C. Smith, Flude, and McCartney (members of the committee of the exhibition), Mr Perry (town clerk), and Mr R. Ford (secretary to the Harbor Trust, who is at present on a visit to Ballarat for the purpose of escorting Sir John Coode). The special train, which left Melbourne at 11.5 a.m., reached Ballarat at 2.5 pm., and as the carriages drew up at the station the guard of honor presented arms, and the band played the National Anthem. The necessary introductions having been got over, the party (which consisted of his Excellency, Lady Bowen and three daughters, Major Pitt, Sir John Coode, the hon. the Minister of Railways (Mr John Woods) and the Hon. C. J. Jenner, proceeded to Craig's hotel, in carriages provided for them, the Alfred bells ringing out a merry peal meanwhile. The Light Horse escorted the vice-regal carriage, and the guard of honor followed the line of carriages. As the cortege moved along the avenue formed by the open lines of the several bodies, the people cheered lustily. Every available sightseeing position along the route was thronged with spectators, and a perfect mess of human beings, some thousands in all, followed in the wake. Inspector Babington, with great forethought, had taken care that the public should not be allowed inside the southern platform, and hence there was no crowding or confusion, and the procession — thanks to Major Sleep's arrangements — formed naturally and in good order, the open lines closing in and marching behind, each society doing this as its turn came. At Sturt street, the procession, with the exception of the carriages, turned down the northern side, and marched round the gardens, turning into the southern side, and back to Lydiard street, and proceeding round by the intersection of Armstrong street, back again to Craig's hotel to await the Governor and his party, who were lunching there privately. Shortly before three o'clock his Excellency's carriage was again set in motion, and, followed as before, proceeded down Bridge street and the Main road as far as the intersection of Humffray street, up that street, and back to the Alfred Hall by way of Victoria and Bridge streets. The guard of honor awaited him at the door of the building, where he was lustily cheered. Meantime, the hall had been rapidly filling. The portion of seats set apart for ladies was filled to overflowing long before the Governor's arrival. . . . In the north-east corner of the hall is stationed a case of exhibits from the Ballarat School of Mines, including a collection of cut crystals, gems, and laboratory requisites worthy of special inspection. Mr Bechervaise, telegraph and postmaster, also exhibits a couple of Morse's recording instruments, and a similar number of Wheatstone's apparatus, which are fitted up in the four corners of the hall, connecting the whole by wire. These are under the care of one or other operators of the local office who may be present, and, in their usual courteous manner explain the science of telegraphy to the interested visitors. An electric ball is also shown by the department. The north-eastern division of the hall is devoted principally to the exhibits of collections and devices in shells, stuffed birds, animals, and preserved insects — all of exceeding beauty. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article211540002 OPENING OF THE AUSTRALIAN JUVENILE INDUSTRIAL EXHIBITION, BALLARAT. The Ballarat Courier XXII, 3326 Victoria, Australia 16 February 1878 24 December 2020 2 National Library of Australia Further successful experiments with Challen's telephones Very successful experiments were made on Saturday and Sunday, in Ballarat, with the telephone. On Saturday evening, at the invitation of Mr J. Oddie, about twenty-two gentlemen sat down to an excellent dinner at Craig's hotel, which was given in connection with a telephonic seance. Mr Bechervaise, chief of the Ballarat Telegraph Office, occupied the chair, and Mr Mayor Gray the vice-chair. After dinner, and the usual toasts, Mr Bechervaise gave a short address on electricity in general, and Mr Challen read a paper also treating of electricity, more particularly in connection with the telephone, and giving a description of the telephone and how it worked. Experiments were then made with the instrument, wires having been brought into the hotel from the main telegraph line, and connection having been established between two rooms In the hotel a good distance apart, very successful results were obtained. Voices were distinguished without difficulty, and the persons named to whom they belonged. Singing was also successfully transmitted. The experiments were kept up until a late hour, when the company separated well satisfied with the outcome of the experiments. On Sunday morning, the telephone was called into requisition between the Ballarat and Melbourne telegraph offices. "Cooeys" were heard very plainly from Melbourne, and singing also. One of the operators in Melbourne, being asked who was speaking, named correctly, first Mr Challen and then Mr Bechervaise. The Sunday morning experiments were altogether very successful. The fact that singing is transmitted much easier and plainer than ordinary speaking points to the conclusion that the best way to carry on a conversation with the telephone is in a high-pitched voice, or by intoning. Further experiments may be looked for at no distant date. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article211540283 No title The Ballarat Courier XXII, 3327 Victoria, Australia 18 February 1878 24 October 2020 2 National Library of Australia As previous, a more detailed report in the Star, Bechervaise oversights telephone experiments driven by Challen TELEPHONIC SEANCES. Twenty or thirty gentlemen were invited by Mr James Oddie, the Maecenas of local telephony, to dine at Craig's hotel on Saturday evening, for the purpose of hearing some explanations of and experiments with the telephone. Mr Bechervaise, chief of the Ballarat post and telegraph department, presided, and the Mayor of the City, Mr J. W. Gray, occupied the vice-chair, the company including Mr Challen, the Melbourne telephonist, who has made this branch of science a special study. As is common at Craig’s, the dinner was well served, and when the heavier business of the table was over, Mr Bechervaise explained in a short speech the nature of electro-telegraphy, and Mr Challen then in a longer address detailed the development of telephony, from Professor Bell's experiments with the human ear to the construction of the telephone with it's tiny diaphragm, the representative of the human tympanum. Mr Bechervaise told the company he had learned to put aside the word "current" in connection with electricity, and to use the word "force" instead, but what the force was he did not pretend to say. Mr Challen appeared to regard the force by which sounds were transmitted by the magneto-electric apparatus, by telegraph or telephone, as molecular, not vibratory. He also had some doubts, therefore, whether the coils of wire which were used in telephonic experiments to represent given mileage distances did really so represent the distances expressed. Mr Challen said he had been, he thought, the first in this hemisphere to experiment largely in the construction and use of the telephone, and he complimented Mr Sutton, of Ballarat, on his successes, and hoped that they might be mutually helpful. He expressed his sense of the very great compliment paid him that night, and of the generous hospitality afforded by the host, Mr Oddie. Mr P. Cazaly and Mr J. Robson added vocal and instrumental music to the charms of the evening, and Mr Bechervaise drew visions of private telephonic boxes at telegraph stations, where Brown, Jones, or Robinson, taking his key with him, could go and have a chat with Mrs. Brown, Jones, or Robinson, a few hundreds or thousands of miles distant. Mr Flude, of the School of Mines, had intended to say something bearing upon the science of motion, but the time had grown late, and he contented himself with moving a vote of thanks to Mr Challen for his interesting address and his experiments, to which Mr Challen briefly responded. A vote of thanks was also passed, accompanied by musical honors, to Mr Oddie, for his hospitality and his interest in the new development of applied science, Mr Oddie replying in a few modest words. Then came the experiments. Wires had been placed round the dining-hall, and thence along passages to another room in the hotel, the company divided, each party haying telephones attached to the wires, and thus, through coil distances ranging from 98 to 200 miles, conversations were held and songs sung with entire success. It was stated that Professor Bell had conversed at 1500 miles, and heard a man's breath at 100 miles, a quite credible statement now, for, as Mr Bechervaise remarked, he had had instantaneous replies at 1500 miles by telegraph, and was, for his part, quite ready to believe anything. Mr Challen, with a magnetic coil and a common biscuit-tin in place of the telephone proper, obtained similar results to those obtained with the telephone, thus showing that the transmission of sounds is possible with very rude material. On Sunday morning a number of gentlemen assembled at the Telegraph-office, and took part in some further telephonic experiments, which were arranged by Mr Bechervaise and Mr Challen, whose name has come rather prominently forward lately in connection with the construction of telephones. Four instruments were placed in circuit here, and communication was held with the Melbourne office, where it appeared there were only a few operators at the time. A quartette party here sang several sacred airs, and "Home, sweet home," which the Melbourne man said he heard very distinctly, and he mentioned the names of the airs. As the experiments proceeded it was found that someone else had entered the Melbourne office, the operators in which were prevailed upon to sing, and the first thing that came through distinctly was recognised immediately us "Sunny days," after which the music of "The brother's lullaby" was reproduced in the Ballarat telephones. Between the singing a more or less continuous conversation was kept up, and a solo sang in Melbourne, though it was not recognised by the gentlemen in, the Ballarat office, was heard here very plainly. A musical box was placed in circuit here, and the music from it was heard in Melbourne. The proceedings closed by "God save the Queen" being sung and repeated in Melbourne, every note being heard here distinctly. Mr Bechervaise considered these experiments to be the best yet held in Ballarat, and hopes that at the next seance things will go better still.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article199284396 TELEPHONIC SEANCES. The Ballarat Star XXIII, 43 Victoria, Australia 18 February 1878 25 October 2020 4 National Library of Australia Bechervaise's son Walter Reed Bechervaise exhibits at the Juvenile Industrial Exhibition AUSTRALIAN JUVENILE INDUSTRIAL EXHIBITION. The success of the Australian Juvenile Industrial Exhibition seems to be more pronounced than even its most sanguine supporters anticipated. Up to the close of the exhibition last night 1370 persons had entered the hall, including the representatives of single and family season tickets, and the general opinion that was expressed regarding the display was one of unqualified admiration. The receipts for the day amounted to £70 96 6d, of which £21 was for season tickets. It is not only, amongst the residents of Ballarat that this gratifying view of the exhibition is entertained. Strangers from all parts of the colony keep dropping in, and so great is the enthusiasm that a special apprentices train has been arranged for to leave Sandhurst at half-past seven on Wednesday morning, and Castlemaine at half-past eight o'clock, to arrive in Ballarat about one o'clock, and start on the return journey about five p.m. In the hurry of getting things ready for the opening of the exhibition, there was little classification of the exhibits. This, indeed, could not have been done, for the exhibits then were, and still are, incomplete; but things are beginning now to be put into better order, and we trust that classification will go on steadily. . . . CLASS III.— Building materials, decorations, and models of building — This is an interesting division in connection with the exhibition and when there is a little more order in the way of classification, will no doubt prove very attractive. The railway station model, rather a clever piece of work, has not yet been finished. It is being put together in the machinery yard, having been manufactured by the following apprentices at the Phoenix Foundry, viz.:— F. Stephenson, A. Clark, R. Bodycomb, and Walter Bechervaise. . . .http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article211537658 AUSTRALIAN JUVENILE INDUSTRIAL EXHIBITION. The Ballarat Courier XXII, 3328 Victoria, Australia 19 February 1878 25 October 2020 3 National Library of Australia Another report of the experiments (Ballarat correspondent of Camperdown Chronicle), author waxing poetic BALLARAT. (FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.) BALLARAT, February 23. . . . I was one of a party invited to a telephonic seance at Craig's hotel on Saturday evening, the affair including an elegant banquet at the charges of Mr. James Oddie, a liberal patron of the new discovery, or the new development of old discoveries. Mr. Bechervaise, our post and telegraph master, presided, and the city mayor, Mr. J. W. Gray, was in the vice chair. Mr. Challen, the leading telephonist in Melbourne was present with several telephones, and after dinner the party