History of wireless telegraphy and broadcasting in Australia/Topical/Biographies/William Philip Bechervaise/Notes/1880s

3 William Philip Bechervaise - Notes & Transcriptions - 1880s 1880 1880 01 Bechervaise in the chair of the monthly meeting of the Telegraph Electrical Society Victoria The Telegraph Electrical Society held its usual monthly meeting last night, at the Melbourne Athenæum, Mr. W. P. Bechervaise presiding. The hon. secretary called attention to the practical progress made by Edison's loud-speaking telephone, which is now extensively used in London, and appears to be giving great satisfaction. This telephone (Edison's "electro-chemical") was described at the society's meeting in June last by Mr. Daniel, and an account of it was given in the last journal (No. 15) issued by the society. Diagrams of the instruments, with further description, will appear in journal No. 16, now in course of preparation. Mr. Geo. Smibert resumed the subject of "Wheatstone's Bridge," which was commenced at the last meeting, and gave some interesting explanations of the theory of this method of measuring electrical resistance. Two new members, Messrs. Burrill Johnson and C. O. Smith, were elected. There was a very good attendance of members.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article5969877 The Argus. The Argus (Melbourne) 10,470 Victoria, Australia 8 January 1880 17 November 2020 5 National Library of Australia Bechervaise distributes a telegram promoting a memorial to Sir Rowland Hill MEMORIAL TO SIR ROWLAND HILL. The following telegram has been received from London, by Mr W. P. Bechervaise, the manager of the Telegraph office in Melbourne, with a request that it be published in the journals:— London, Jan. 10. The Chairman sends from the Lord Mayor of London to the Mayor of every municipality which can be reached by our system the following telegram, a response to which will be telegraphed free. The message commences:— Today is the 40th anniversary of the introduction of the Postal system by Sir Rowland Hill. A Mansion House committee is now formed to commemorate the event by an International Memorial. Looking at the immense commercial, intellectual, and social advantages derived by the world at large through this reform, might I claim your hearty sympathy and support in this movement by placing it before your fellow-countrymen.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article62029476 MEMORIAL TO SIR ROWLAND HILL. Gippsland Times 2303 Victoria, Australia 12 January 1880 17 November 2020 3 (Morning.) National Library of Australia Further controversy around Bechervaise Mr. Patterson, who has been hinting at something dreadful about his predecessor in the Post-office, launched his bolt yesterday. He read a list of names of officers who, he said, Mr. Ramsay had promoted over seniors in the service; and he said corruption of that kind was worse than Black Wednesday. Mr. Ramsay denounced the document as a fabrication, declared that he did not know one of the officers by name, said he would ask for a select committee, and if it could be proved he had promoted one man apart from seniority and the recommendation of the permanent heads, he would resign his seat, and not enter the House again, and he invited Mr. Patterson to do the same. Allusions were made to the appointments by Mr. Patterson over their seniors of Mr. Jackson and Mr. Bechervaise, and Mr. Patterson's reply that he had taken the best men for the posts was met with laughter and ironical applause, as it seemed to the Opposition members that he admitted the practice for which he was blaming Mr. Ramsay.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article5971655 The Argus. The Argus (Melbourne) 10,482 Victoria, Australia 22 January 1880 11 December 2020 5 National Library of Australia Post and Telegraph Department Victoria under scrutiny in Parliament for practice in promotions, including Bechervaise PARLIAMENT. LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY. WEDNESDAY, JAN. 21. The SPEAKER took the chair at half past 4 o'clock. . . . Mr. PATTERSON.— And that was exactly the kind of account the Chief Secretary would furnish. Was there any other charge they wished to make against the Government? Mr. MCINTYRE.— Woods' brake. Mr. PATTERSON.— Perhaps he could knock that stump down too. What did that charge amount to? Simply this, that the Minister of Railways had given the result of his inventive genius to the country for nothing. (Great laughter.) Mr. KERFERD.— He sold it to a joint-stock company. Mr. WOODS.— What is that to you. (Renewed laughter and Ministerial cheers.) Mr. PATTERSON.— He had made a present of the brake to the country, and all he was really charged with was for having fixed it on to the trains. Mr. GAUNSON.— As Mr. Milligan promised to do with him. Mr. PATTERSON:— The present was a most valuable one, so valuable that it had enabled a place in his (Mr. Patterson's) district, viz., Chewton, to have a railway station. Formerly the engineer-in-chief declared that it was impossible to stop trains on the incline there with safety, but the new brake made that "impossibility" quite easy. As he had said when the dissolution was first announced, the Government were able to meet any charge which might be levelled at them. The hon. member for East Bourke (Mr. Ramsay) had all along been particularly rough on the Government. He had talked for instance about the dismissal of civil servants, or what some people chose to call Black Wednesday, but he (Mr. Patterson) would tell him of another way of injuring the public service. The promoting of civil servants out of their turns and over the heads of their seniors was infinitely worse, and the hon. member had himself been guilty of that conduct. When Postmaster-General the appointments he made included the promotion of one officer over 60 seniors, and 12 over 30 seniors without reference to their qualifications. Mr. RAMSAY.— Slander. There is not a single word of truth in it. Mr. PATTERSON proceeded to refer to a paper (Cheers from the Government side.) Mr. RAMSAY.— Tell us what you are going to read from. An HON. MEMBER.— A statement from a spy in his department. Mr. PATTERSON said he had asked the officers of the department to furnish him with a correct return of the promotions the hon. member for East Bourke made during his term of office and the return he had received was interesting. The hon. member grew eloquent on the previous night in denouncing the Government for having raised the higher salaries. Yet first in the return he (Mr. Patterson) had obtained was the name of Mr. Turner whose salary he had raised from £900 to £1,000. Then came that of Mr. S. W. McGowan, who received an increase of from £700 to £800. Mr. H. P. Bance was raised from £620 to £700. Mr. RAMSAY.— That was one of those you killed, I believe. Mr. PATTERSON.— Then he promoted Mr. L. S. Daniel over 20 seniors, Mr. D. Mickle over 26 seniors, Mr. C. Millar over 26 seniors, Mr. J. W. Wallace over 31, and Mr. A. Cumming over 32. What could become of the public service under such an administration? Could they compare Black Wednesday with a proceeding of such character? ("No.") Mr. RAMSAY.— Would the hon. gentleman allow him to speak? Mr. PATTERSON.— He would do nothing. He had the hon. member in his grasp, and would hold him like a vyce. (Cheers and counter cheers.) He would prove that the hon. member with all his protestations of honesty, honour and respectability was not fit to be a Minister of the Crown. Mr. RAMSAY.— Is the return signed? Mr. PATTERSON.— It was furnished to me by the head of the department, and I will guarantee that every line of it will be verified. Mr. KERFERD.— It is not signed. Mr. PATTERSON said the mere fact of an official document not being signed did not prove the falsehood. Mr. RAMSAY.— It is a downright falsehood. Mr. PATTERSON could say that if a statement was furnished to him which was not in accordance with facts he knew how to deal with a civil servant. (Ironical cries of "Hear, hear," and laughter.) The document was based on authority that he would receive ten times before he would receive that of the hon. member for East Bourke. Mr. SERVICE.— Did you appoint Mr. Bechervaise over Mr. James? (Hear, hear.) Mr. PATTERSON said that was on account of greater fitness and because he was altogether a better man. (Cries of "Oh," and loud laughter from the Opposition.) He would proceed with the list. H. W. Jenvey was appointed over 35 seniors, W. Blandford over the heads of 38, and W. E. Miller over 64 seniors. All those promotions were made at the recommendation of Mr. Robert Ram-say, and was there ever any case made out against this Government like those? Mr. SERVICE.— You promoted Jackson over McGowan. Mr. PATTERSON replied that no one could say he did not put the right man in the right place. Mr. McGowan was in the telegraph branch, and Mr. Jackson was the clerk in the Post-office immediately succeeding Mr. Turner when the latter retired. Mr. KERFERD.— You promoted Jackson's brother in law over 11 men who were his seniors. Mr. PATTERSON said the hon. member for the Ovens was unhappy, and was speaking without the book. Mr. RAMSAY stated that he had been in the House 10 years, and that was the first time any charge of the kind just made by the Postmaster-General had been made against him. He knew the House had only a few days to sit, but before the session closed he would move for a select committee to inquire into the matter, and he did not care if all the members of it were appointed from the Government side of the House. He would also say solemnly that if there was a single atom of truth in one of the statements of the Postmaster-General — that he ever made an appointment in either of the departments he was connected with except on the reports of the official heads of the departments — he would resign his seat, and would never re-enter Parliament as long as he lived. (Hear, hear.) Was the Postmaster-General prepared to take the same course? Mr. PATTERSON replied that the hon. member was not going to shelter himself behind the fact that Mr. Turner might also have recommended the appointments. He would accept the challenge on the ground that the hon. member approved of the recommendations to place the men over the heads of their seniors. Several HON. MEMBERS.— That is not the point. Mr. RAMSAY solemnly asserted that the statement which had been made was utterly without a particle of foundation. He did not know one of those individuals by sight, not a single member of the House ever spoke to him about them, and he never made an appointment except on the recommendation of the permanent heads of the two departments he had been connected with. Mr. CARTER noticed that whenever a political crime was brought against the Ministry which weighed heavily upon them they always put the Minister of Public Works up in their defence, and he gave that hon. member credit for being particularly clever and adroit in concealing their criminality.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article5971625 PARLIAMENT. The Argus (Melbourne) 10,482 Victoria, Australia 22 January 1880 17 November 2020 7 National Library of Australia As previous, further parliamentary debate PARLIAMENT. LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. Tuesday, Jan. 27. . . . Mr. PATTERSON said the hon. member for East Bourke had taken occasion to refer to an incident that took place in the House some time ago, but he would remind that hon. member that exhibitions of feeling did not prove a want of personal courage. The hon. member had endeavoured to make out two or three things with respect to these appointments. He said, first, that he appointed a board to inquire into the distribution of bonuses to certain skilful operators, but that had nothing to do with the matter with which he was charged. Then he fell back upon a report of Mr. Turner, in which it was said that the other colonies were bid-ding high for skilful operators. Did he act upon that? Mr. RAMSAY.— Yes, as the papers show. Mr. PATTERSON.— No, the hon. member did not. The report was dated September, 1874, and the appointments and classification took place November, 1876, more than two years afterwards. Mr. Turner on the 3rd March, 1875, called attention to the fact that the department must be pre-pared to deal liberally with those operators. The same course had been adopted with regard to bonuses every year. He supposed the hon. member would not deny that he made those appointments. Mr. RAMSAY.— I have shown that I did not make a number of them. Mr. PATTERSON said he had a document signed by the deputy postmaster-general and the accountant stating that the promotion of McGowan and Bance was given by the hon. member, and the schedules were signed "R. R." Hon. MEMBERS.— Shame, shame. Mr. PATTERSON said Mr. Cuthbert fell into a similar trap, as a few days before the general election the hon. member (Mr. Ram-say) made several appointments out of order and seniority, and Mr. Cuthbert signed them. Mr. GILLIES.— Is this a new charge? Mr. PATTERSON.— Yes. Now, the hon. member chose to say that he did not appoint Miller at all. Mr. RAMSAY.— I said the return produced by the hon. member showed that I did not make the appointment. If that is wrong I shall investigate further. Mr. PATTERSON.— Mr Turner, in his report, says, "Mr. Miller is a very zealous and efficient officer" — Mr. RAMSAY rose to a point of order. He hoped the hon. member meant to deal fairly with him. He had asked the deputy post-master general for all the documents in connexion with the affair, but the paper which the Postmaster-General had commenced to quote from was not shown to him, and he had not seen it. He objected to a letter not laid upon the table of the House being read. Mr. PATTERSON said he would lay it on the table when he had read it. Mr. COOPER, on the point of order, asked whether it was worth while to discuss further charges, which would only embitter the committee, and waste time. Mr. PATTERSON said Mr. Turner stated that Mr. Miller was a zealous and efficient officer, but was not a competent operator, and would not be affected by the bonus proposals at all. Mr Langton, on the 15th May, 1874, said that he could not promote Mr. Miller to the 4th class. After that Mr. Ramsay wrote that Mr. Miller was to be appointed to the 4th class, unless any vacancy should previously occur, in which case he was to have it. Mr. RAMSAY.— The appointment was made on the recommendation of the permanent head of the department. Mr. PATTERSON.— That is no excuse. Mr. MCINTYRE.— It was in the case of Mr. Woollard. Mr. PATTERSON said the hon. member as a Minister was not justified in making the appointment because it was recommended by the permanent head of the department. Mr. SERVICE.— How was it wrong? Mr. PATTERSON.— It was wrong to all those men who were passed over. No previous Minister had made promotions in the way the hon. member had. Mr. RAMSAY.— That is not true. Mr. PATTERSON.— And no member had been more forward in denouncing the Government. First the hon. member had said that the charge against him had been carefully prepared, but he could state that those papers had been ready two months be-fore. Then in the next breath that he was charged with not being prepared because the deputy postmaster-general had sent down the papers not properly signed. The policy of the Opposition had been to make attacks upon the Government, and the Government were justified in self defence in calling attention to the public acts of previous Administrations. The acts he complained of could not possibly be justified. If the public officers were consulted the whole body would condemn them because they created disorganisation, and caused civil servants to lose faith and hope in the public service. (Laughter, and ironical cheers.) The hon. member might presently tell him that he had done the same thing himself in the cases of Mr. Jackson and Mr. McGowan. They must permit him to say that Mr Jack-son had been eight months longer in the public service than Mr. McGowan had, that he was in the same classification, and that he (Mr. Patterson) chose Mr. Jackson because he was the fittest for the position. As to the remark that he placed Mr. Bechervaise over Mr. James that was not correct, because Mr. James had £600 a year, while Mr. Bechervaise had only £500. Mr. GAUNSON.— Mr. Bechervaise is in the senior position. Mr. PATTERSON said Mr. James was at Ballarat whilst Mr. Bechervaise was in Melbourne, and he thought it was a good plan to move officers about from one station to another. The hon. member for East Bourke, he considered, had made out only a very poor defence. Mr. GILLIES would have preferred if the Postmaster-General instead of delivering the remarks he had just made had said he would withdraw the charges. If there was any-thing at all in the charges made the other evening against the hon. member for East Bourke, it was that he had been guilty of grossly improper conduct in regard to appointments. The hon. member for East Bourke had now proved that in three of the cases, those of Messrs. Turner, McGowan, and Bance, he was not responsible for the appointments in any way, that they were settled by his predecessor, that the promotions were put on the estimates, and that the Assembly approved of them. If there was anything wrong in the appointments they should have been challenged when they were before Parliament. It was too late now to charge a Minister with improper conduct about them, as all the Minister did was to approve of them after they had been made by Parliament and signed by the Governor in Council. As to the other cases the hon. member for East Bourke had proved they were referred to a board. Mr. PATTERSON.— Not as to classification. Mr. GILLIES.— They were referred to a board as to bonus. Mr. PATTERSON.— That is done every year. . . .http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article5972365 PARLIAMENT. The Argus (Melbourne) 10,487 Victoria, Australia 28 January 1880 17 November 2020 9 National Library of Australia 1880 02 Bechervaise chairs the monthly meeting of the Telegraph Electrical Society Victoria The usual monthly meeting of the Telegraph Electrical Society was held on the 4th inst. at the Melbourne Athenaeum, Mr. W. P. Bechervaise presiding. A paper on "Thermo-electricity" was read by Mr. L. S. Daniel, who illustrated his remarks by means of instruments kindly lent for the occasion by Mr. Ellery. The system of obtaining currents of electricity by applying heat to the junction of two different metals is one which of late years has made great advances, and it is already much used for electroplating and other purposes, including telegraphy, while its extreme sensitiveness may be best under-stood when it is stated that thermo-electric piles have been constructed which are readily affected by the heat of the fixed stars. Two new members — Mr. M. L. Bagge, of Melbourne, and Mr. E. F. Innes, of King George's Sound — were elected.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article5973909 The Argus. The Argus (Melbourne) 10,497 Victoria, Australia 9 February 1880 18 November 2020 5 National Library of Australia Bechervaise organises additional resources at Maldon telegraph office to accommodate Service's election speeches The Maldon speeches of Mr. Service are severe tests of the Telegraph department. On Thursday evening over 26,000 words were despatched from the Maldon office, over 12,000, or about half that number coming to this paper. A special staff was sent up under the charge of Mr. J. C. Macaw, and both at Maldon and Melbourne the work was done with the utmost efficiency, the arrangements made by the general manager, Mr. W. P. Bechervaise, working excellently. By half past 1 o'clock the whole of the country and town press had been served, and this is the quickest time yet accomplished.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article5974610 The Argus. The Argus (Melbourne) 10,502 Victoria, Australia 14 February 1880 18 November 2020 7 National Library of Australia 1880 03 Bechervaise is a judge at the Intercolonial Juvenile Industrial Exhibition, including the Philosophical Instruments section with a number of future wireless experimenters as exhibitors INTERCOLONIAL JUVENILE INDUSTRIAL EXHIBITION, 1879-80. The first Intercolonial Juvenile Industrial Exhibition has now reached its most interesting stage. The judges have completed their onerous duties. All the prizes have been awarded, and to-day we are able to publish the list in full. This list will be eagerly and anxiously scanned by the thousands of young competitors. To those who find their names there it will give joy and honour, and we con-gratulate such of our young friends on their success. Those who have been less fortunate will, no doubt, feel some measure of disappointment, but we trust that it will only be a disappointment that will stimulate them to such renewed exertion and application as will ensure higher excellence in the future. These exhibitions are of no little importance. Apart from the benefit they must be to the rising generation, they are calculated to be of great service to the state. To say the least, they will do infinitely more towards fostering native industry than all the artificial protective tariffs that could be invented. The Executive Committee of the present Exhibition deserve no little credit for the energy they have thrown into the undertaking. Success has attended their efforts so far, and the only problem which remains to be solved is the financial result. The patronage they have received, however, has been most gratifying. Since the opening on the 23rd of December there have been about 123,000 visitors, and, if as is expected, 117,000 more patronise it between this date and the 3rd of April, closing day, a satisfactory balance sheet will be produced. As compared with the committees of the Ballarat, Sandhurst, and Geelong exhibitions, the executive of the intercolonial one have been handicapped by a charge of £1,000 for the use of the Eastern Market, whereas the former received generous assistance from their local corporations. The liabilities they incurred at the outset have not, however, hampered their management, but have, on the contrary, stimulated their efforts to make the exhibition popular. Four nights every week they have had juvenile concerts or band performances, and on the other two nights — Thursday and Saturday — high class musical entertainments have been given under the direction of Mr Summers. The attendance on Thursday and Saturday nights was always enormous, and enterprise was thus rewarded. Then large excursions were attracted from up country. The Presbyterian Sunday-schools of Ballarat sent down a company of 1,000, about 1,500 came from Talbot and district, 1,300 from Sale, Rosedale, and neighbourhood, 1,500 from Castlemaine, 1,200 from Dunolly, 1,000 from Newstead, and other excursions are looked for during the present month from Ballarat, Sandhurst, Echuca, and the North-Eastern district. Moreover, it is expected that the exhibition will prove one of the greatest attractions during the Easter holidays. With regard to the manner in which the youths of this and the neighbouring colonies responded to the invitation of the committee to send in exhibits, it may be mentioned that the total number of exhibits displayed is 20,125. The entries for competition numberered in all 5,839. They were arranged and classified as shown in the following table:— CLASSIFICATION AND NUMBERS OF EXHIBITS. Class. Entries. 1. Machinery, models of same, and models of mines .. .. 95; 2. Castings and fittings in iron, copper, brass, zinc, tin, &c. .. .. 150; 3. Agricultural and other implements, and models of same .. .. 37; 4. Carriages and vehicles of every description, and models of same .. .. 28; 5. Models of buildings, building materials, and decorations .. .. 36; 6. Gilding, embossing, and enamelling on glass, painting, graining, and sign writing .. .. 91; 7. Furniture, inlaying-work, rustic work, basket-work, and household requisites in wood; also toys .. .. 131; 8. Glass, glassware, pottery, articles of plastic ware, and bricks .. .. 24; 9. Harness, saddles and bridles, leather, skins, furs, &c. .. .. 54; 10. Boots and shoes of every description .. .. 77; 11. Ropes, matting, and brushware .. .. 14; 12. Textile fabrics, spun and raw silk, &c. .. .. 17; 13. Men's clothing and hats, also materials for same, shawls, blankets, and woollens .. .. 19; 14. Ladies' and children's dresses, millinery, underclothing, dressed dolls, plain and fancy needlework, lacework, knitting, netting, hosiery, &c. .. .. 1127; 15. Ladies' ornamental and artificial work .. .. 690; 16. Collections and devices, in any natural production .. .. 124; 17. Paintings in oil and water colours, pencil and crayon drawings, either from nature or copies .. .. 1484; 18. Modelling, sculpture, turning and carving .. .. 121; 19. Architectural drawings, plans, mapping, and penmanship .. .. 698; 20. Printing, lithographing, engraving, and bookbinding .. .. 97; 21. Photography .. .. 34; 22. Jewellery, clocks, watches and ornaments in the precious metals and minerals .. .. 88; 23. Philosophical and mathematical instruments, also instruments of every description .. .. 62; 24. Musical instruments .. .. 10; 25. Boats, models of same, and life-saving apparatus .. .. 29; 26. Mineralogical and geological collections, dyeing, tanning, chemical, pharmaceutical, and microscopical preparations; perfumery, oils, &c. .. .. 51; 27. Aquariums, both salt and fresh water, and fish globes; wardian cases, pot plants, and seeds of every description .. .. 13; 28. Jams, jellies, preserves, marmalade, dried fruits, bottled fruits, sauces, and pickles .. .. 24; 29. Confectionery, biscuits, cakes and articles of domestic cookery .. .. 29; 30. Hams, bacon, cheese, and butter .. .. 8; 31. Collections of soap, candles, blacking, spices, soda crystals, powders, mustard, &c. .. .. 13; 32. Essays poems, and compositions on any subject .. .. 209; 33. Musical compositions .. .. 66; 34. Articles of any description not before enumerated .. .. 89; Total .. .. 5839. . . CLASS XXIII. PHILOSOPHICAL INSTRUMENTS, &c. Jurors: Mr. W. P. Bechervaise and Mr. B. Greening. J. B. Kirkland, Carlton, collection of philosophical instruments — Gold medal, and £2 2s., the gift of Dr. Kirkland. Geo. F. Trowbridge, Richmond, compound and dissecting microscopes — Gold medal and £1 1s. T. L. Warnacke, Richmond, microscope — Silver medal. Chas Whiting, East Melbourne, lenses for microscopes, telescopes &c. — First-class certificate. John Doody, Melbourne, mercurial barometer — First-class certificate. G. W. Selby, jun., South Yarra, mercury air pump — First-class certificate. Geo. Hall, Ballarat, induction coil — First class certificate, and trophy value £2 2s., given by Messrs. Edwards and Kaul. Geo. W. Selby, jun., South Yarra, induction coil — Silver medal. A. W. Hyde, Richmond, induction coil — First-class certificate. W. S. T. Magee, Ballarat, electric pile — First-class certificate. George Hall, Ballarat, insulated copper wire — First-class certificate. A. M. Nelson, Carlton, electrifying machine — Silver medal. T. L. Warnacke, Richmond, telegraph key, &c. — First-class certificate. A. L. Hardham, West Melbourne, indicator — First-class certificate. Edward Fletcher, Carlton, electric motor and galvanoscope — Second-class certificate. E. A. Gosewinckle, Emerald-hill, collection of spectacles — Silver medal. G. W. Sturrock, Carlton, drawing-board and T square — First-class certificate, and £1 1s., the gift of Mr. R. L. J. Ellery. J. F. Crow, Collingwood, drawing board and T square — second class certificate. P. S. McDonnell, East Melbourne, cedar models of the propositions of the 1st and 2nd books of Euclid — First-class certificate. W. A. Edwards, Ballarat, case of surgical appliances — Trophy, value £3 3s., given by Messrs. W. Wood and Co. . . . CLASS XXV. MODELS OF STEAM, SAILING, AND ROWING BOATS AND LIFE-SAVING APPARATUS. Jurors: Mr. W. P. Bechervaise, Mr. H. R. Murray. V. W. D. Broughton, Melbourne, model of an iron-clad — Gold medal, and £3 3s., gift of Sir Redmond Barry. . . .http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article5977101 INTERCOLONIAL JUVENILE INDUSTRIAL EXHIBITION, 1879-80. The Argus (Melbourne) 10,519 Victoria, Australia 5 March 1880 18 November 2020 10 National Library of Australia Bechervaise again chairs the monthly meeting of the Telegraph Electrical Society Victoria The Telegraph Electrical Society held its usual monthly meeting on Wednesday at the Melbourne Athenaeum, Mr. Bechervaise presiding. The systems of "duplex," "diplex," and their combination into the "quadruplex" system of telegraphy were explained by Mr. George Smibert, and it was resolved that diagrams of the different circuits included in these systems should be prepared and distributed, in order that the members might more easily understand them. Mr. W. Macourt exhibited an ingenious form of soldering iron, his own invention, which he had found to be very much better adapted for soldering joints on a telegraph line than the method in ordinary use. He also showed a pair of "spur climbers," used by telegraph line repairers, the invention of Mr. H. Deering, of the Telegraph department, which had been proved to be very much superior to the old fashioned ones used hitherto. Sketches of these two improvements are to appear in the society's next journal. There was a good attendance, three new members being pro-posed for election.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article5977093 The Argus. The Argus (Melbourne) 10,519 Victoria, Australia 5 March 1880 18 November 2020 5 National Library of Australia 1880 04 Bechervaise likely again chairs the monthly meeting of the Telegraph Electrical Society Victoria The Telegraph Electrical Society held its usual monthly meeting at the Melbourne Athenaeum on Wednesday, when Mr. George Smibert resumed the subject of "Duplex and Quadruplex Telegraphy," which he had commenced at the last meeting of the society, his explanations of this complicated system being made clear by the aid of some carefully prepared diagrams. The duplex system is now regularly used between Melbourne and Sydney, and works most satisfactorily. Three new members were elected — Messrs. F. S. Andrews, J. C. W. Chandler, and J. Skinner, all these gentlemen being attached to the South Australian Overland Telegraph service.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article5981462 The Argus. The Argus (Melbourne) 10,548 Victoria, Australia 9 April 1880 18 November 2020 5 National Library of Australia 1880 05 Bechervaise participates in telephony experiments between Melbourne and Ballarat, extending to Castlemaine Some very successful experiments with the Edison-Bell Telephone were made yesterday afternoon on the telegraph line from Melbourne to Ballarat. Trials on such long lines have to be held on Sunday, owing to the wires being so fully occupied through the week. Mr. Jackson, deputy Postmaster-General; Mr. McGowan, superintendent of telegraphs; and Mr. Bechervaise, manager of the Melbourne Telegraph Office, conducted the experiments at this end of the line. The Postmaster-General was to have been at Ballarat, but was suddenly called out of town. Conversation between Melbourne and Ballarat was carried on very easily, a number of people listening at the same time in each place. Then a line to Castlemaine was connected from this end of the Ballarat line, the circuit being from Ballarat to Melbourne and thence to Castlemaine, a total distance of 165 miles. The additional length of line seemed to make no difference in the result; whatever was said at either of the three places was distinctly heard at both the others. Castlemaine favoured Melbourne and Ballarat with several tunes on the cornet, and a lady at Melbourne sang to Ballarat and Castlemaine.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article5972319 The Argus. The Argus (Melbourne) 10,586 Victoria, Australia 24 May 1880 20 November 2020 5 National Library of Australia Bechervaise attends the Governor's Levee for the Queen's Birthday THE QUEEN'S BIRTHDAY. The 61st anniversary of Her Majesty's Birthday was yesterday celebrated by the holding of a number of public amusements. The weather, though dull, was not unfavourable for outdoor sports. The chief event of the day was to have been the Volunteer review in Albert-park, but owing to the large attendance of spectators and the inadequacy of the arrangements for keeping them in orderly array, the military display had to be greatly curtailed. At the levée held by His Excellency at Government-house the presentations were unusually numerous. The football match on the East Melbourne cricket ground was witnessed by about 8,000 spectators, and there were also many onlookers at the bicycle tournament on the Warehousemen's ground, the 25-mile contest being a novel attraction. The Hunt Club races had their share of patronage. Melbourne appeared to be filled with country visitors during the day and evening. The amusements at the theatres and the popular concert at the Town-hall were well attended. A detailed account of the day's doings will be found below:— THE GOVERNORS LEVEE. His Excellency the Governor, pursuant to custom, held a levée at Government house in honour of the day. The large and representative attendance furnished ample evidence of the loyalty of Her Majesty's subjects in this colony. Those gentlemen who presented cards for the private entrée were received in the drawingroom, but the remainder of the ceremony took place in the ballroom. Precisely at 11 o'clock His Excellency entered the ballroom, followed by the gentlemen who had been admitted to the private entrée, amongst whom we noticed the Premier, who wore the Windsor uniform; other Ministers of the Crown, the President of the Legislative Council, the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, judges, heads of religious denominations, foreign consuls, members of the Executive Council, and military officers. The general presentations then took place, and were quickly over. Subjoined are the names of the gentlemen who presented cards of entrée:— . . . L. W. Bell, R. S. Bradley, R. B. Burke, Mars Buckley, Ernest Arthur Barker, Albert B. Boyd, Dr. Thomas Black, Thomas a'Beckett, John Benn, Isaac Barnet, Henry Butler, Henry Bolger, John B. Bennett, George M. Bradshaw Henry Burrows, John Buncle Geo. W. Burston, C. Baker, Councillor Bowen, Charles F. E. Brown, A. T. Best, J. S. Butters, Saml. Burston, Rev. Dr. Bromby, Alfred Berry, William Bowen, Hon. Robert Byrne, Rev. James Ballantyne, Frederick Bowman, Hon. Wm. Bayles, Albert E. Burbank, — Brook, George Bell, George Blackwood, Dr. Edward Barker, Andrew H. Brown, Dr Browning, William Burrow, Wm. P. Bechervaise, Gilbert Wilson Brown, Geo. Gordon Blair, Arthur R. Blackwood, Joseph Bowring, J.P. ; Alexander Black, John Blackwood, James George Beahey, M.D., M.R.I.A. ; James S. Butler, George Middleton Barthold, Edward Barry, Richard Balderson, Mayor of St Kilda , A. C. Brownless, jun. ; Joseph Bosisto, Thos. Wm. Beckwith, Thomas Brisbane, Joseph Brady, James Blackwood, William Barker, Sir Redmond Barry, Councillor Benjamin, Hon. Thomas Bromell, M.L.C. ; R. Black. . .http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article5951023 THE QUEEN'S BIRTHDAY. The Argus (Melbourne) 10,587 Victoria, Australia 25 May 1880 20 November 2020 5 National Library of Australia 1880 06 Bechervaise likely chairs the monthly meeting of the Telegraph Electrical Society Victoria The monthly meeting of the Telegraph Electrical Society was held last night, at the Melbourne Athenaeum. Theiler's "Mechanical Duplex" was explained by Mr. Geo. Smibert. A communication was received from Dr. W. Siemens, of Berlin, asking for an exchange of the journals of the society, for those published by Professor Zetzche, of that city. Three new members were elected, Messrs. A. M. Atkyn, Thos. Biddle, and J. W. Watt.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article5965751 The Argus. The Argus (Melbourne) 10,595 Victoria, Australia 3 June 1880 20 November 2020 5 National Library of Australia James to return to the Melbourne Telegraph Office, Bechervaise on leave of absence We understand that Mr. T. R. James, who was formerly manager of the Melbourne Telegraph office, and who was removed by the ex-Postmaster-General to Ballarat, is to return to his former post. Mr. Bechervaise, who was brought to Melbourne, receives a temporary leave of absence.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article5965959 The Argus. The Argus (Melbourne) 10,603 Victoria, Australia 12 June 1880 20 November 2020 7 National Library of Australia As previous, further detail NEWS AND NOTES. . . . Mr T. R. James, latterly acting as post and telegraph master here, has been transferred to his former position in Melbourne, and Mr Bechervaise, formerly filling the function of post and telegraph master in Ballarat, will resume his wonted position among us in the beginning of the ensuing month. In the meantime two of the senior officers of the establishment will discharge the duties, Mr Nicholson officiating in the postal department, and the telegraph department being under the supervision of Mr Blandford.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article202512379 NEWS AND NOTES. The Ballarat Star XXV, 141 Victoria, Australia 14 June 1880 20 November 2020 2 National Library of Australia Detailed analysis of the circumstances of Bechervaise's impending return to Ballarat Ordinarily an exchange of post and telegraph masters in this town would call for no comment, because, so long as an efficient officer is placed here by the Government, it matters little whether Mr Jones, Mr Smith, Mr Brown, or Mr Robinson presides over the local branch of the Post and Telegraph Department. All that the public desires in such a case is that every attention shall be paid to local requirements; that there shall be no disturbances in the combined offices to create scandal abroad, or confusion within, and that a vigilant eye shall be kept around to prevent any letters being robbed of their contents, should a black sheep find his way into the local branch of the service. All this having been provided for, we say, the people of Ballarat care very little, under ordinary circumstances, who has charge of their central post and telegraph office, or what arrangements the Government choose to make to secure efficiency in that quarter. But an event of this kind has lately occurred here which cannot be regarded with the same indifference, because it not only involves a wrong to the telegraph branch of the department as a whole, but it also treats a gentleman who has long been known in this town with extreme discourtesy; and the public is bound to feel interested in a step which carries with it conditions of this nature. Readers of yesterday's Courier will have noticed that Mr James has been removed from Ballarat to Melbourne, and Mr Bechervaise from Melbourne to Ballarat, thus restoring the state of affairs which prevailed at the Post and Telegraph offices in Melbourne and Ballarat respectively, before, and for some time after, Mr Patterson took office. The object of these transfers is plain enough. It is to undo what the Berry Government did; the present Government having laid themselves out to do this sort of thing ever since they got on the Treasury benches; and we may remark, in passing, that some of the silliest and most costly freaks have been the consequences of their reckless and muddle-headed attacks upon their predecessors' administration. Mr Patterson, who proved himself to be the best Postmaster-General this colony ever had, was not satisfied with the way in which the telegraph branch of the service was conducted. It seemed to him that a more active man than Mr James was required at headquarters; and he made enquiries to see whether such a man was in the service. Mr Patterson soon found there was such a man in Mr Bechervaise, the then manager of the Post and Telegraph Office, Ballarat. Enquiries satisfied Mr Patterson that Mr Bechervaise was an excellent administrator, a strict disciplinarian, a most vigilant supervisor of small as well as large details, and just the very man he wanted in the Telegraph Office, Melbourne; and, a long interview which he had with him afterwards, confirmed the soundness of this information. We would not say a word against Mr James's probity, or his desire to discharge his duties efficiently. But he has not the quickness of movement, and the sharpness of mind of Mr Bechervaise; and hence Mr Patterson determined that Mr Bechervaise should be taken down to Melbourne, and Mr James sent to Ballarat; the latter losing nothing, in the way of salary, by the transfer. No sooner was the change made than a large amount of influence was set to work to restore Mr James to Melbourne; but Mr Patterson was inexorable. He saw that Mr Bechervaise suited the Melbourne position better than Mr James; and, in the public interest, he determined that Mr Bechervaise should remain in Melbourne. So matters continued up to the retirement of the Berry Ministry; and there can be no doubt that the telegraph service, and the public also, was considerably benefited by Mr Bechervaise's presence in the metropolitan office. Now what has followed, is what we described yesterday, and what is repeated above. To political influence the Service Government have given way, the more especially as the act harmonised with their desire to upset all that the Berry Government had done; and, accordingly, Mr James goes back to Melbourne, and Mr Bechervaise comes up to Ballarat to resume his old position. The rationale of all this is easily worked out. Firstly, a very useful officer is displaced, for a worthy man, no doubt, but not Mr Bechervaise's equal, as the administrator of the working details of a large and important department. Therefore, the service is bound to suffer by what has been effected. Secondly, a man who has thrown all his energies into the department, and carried out a number of useful reforms, is thrust back in the service, although everything shows that no one could have deserved the promotion better than Mr Bechervaise proved himself to deserve it during the time he was in the metropolitan office. And thirdly, a precedent is set which will deter Ministers for all time doing anything to reform or improve the departments, because they will see, in the pranks which the Service Government have played, that any changes which they make to benefit the service and meet the requirements of the public, if it does not dovetail in with the wishes and aims of the officers transferred, are almost sure to be undone by their successors, with any amount of abuse and obloquy added. The Service Government are to be thanked for attaining these miserable ends; and none but bunglers of the most pronounced order would be guilty of such contemptible and senseless conduct. Locally, we rejoice at Mr Bechervaise's return to Ballarat, where his appearance will be hailed with no small pleasure. But looking at the requirements of the Telegraph Office as a whole, a great mistake has been committed in this case; and there is not an officer in the whole service who will not readily endorse this conclusion. However, everything is in a state of upheaval just now; and the above is one of the penalties which the Victorian community has to pay for landing a Conservative Government in office.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article250050328 No Title The Ballarat Courier XXVI, 4047 Victoria, Australia 15 June 1880 20 November 2020 2 National Library of Australia As previous BALLARAT. (from our own correspondent.) Thursday. 24th June. . . . Mr. Bechervaise is to come back to his old position here, and Mr. James has gone to take his old place in the Melbourne office. James' friends say the Service Government has thus righted a wrong done by Mr. Patterson, the late P.M.G., and the Courier says the Service Government has undone a good thing done by the greater acumen of a shrewder P.M.G.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article88885311 BALLARAT. Bendigo Advertiser XXVII, 7,793 Victoria, Australia 26 June 1880 20 November 2020 3 National Library of Australia As previous, commentary on the commentary BALLARAT. FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT. BALLARAT, JUNE 25. . . . There was hot work in some quarters, too, when Bechervaise, our late post and telegraph master, was taken hence, and made to rule over the Melbourne office. Patterson did this because he did not like James who was sent up here in place of Bechervaise, or because he, Patterson, thought our Bechervaise was the only man to put the Melbourne office right. But now Service is in, Bechervaise and James are to take their old places again, and as Bechervaise used to say he would rather live in Ballarat at a less salary, I hope he is pleased. The Courier "gives it" to the Government for daring to undo what Mr. Patterson did. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article34470296 BALLARAT. Camperdown Chronicle VI, 600 Victoria, Australia 29 June 1880 20 November 2020 3 National Library of Australia 1880 07 As previous, further commentary TOWN TALK. . . . We notice that Mr. W. P. Bechervaise, one of the most able members, as he is one of the oldest, of the telegraphic service of the colony is, after about twelve months' relief service in Melbourne, about to resume duty at Ballarat. The metropolitan office may suffer by the change, but Ballarat will undoubtedly be a gainer.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article150652572 TOWN TALK. Geelong Advertiser 10,194 Victoria, Australia 23 July 1880 20 November 2020 2 National Library of Australia 1880 08 Bechervaise returns to his former duties in Ballarat TOWN TALK. . . . We were in Ballarat the other day, and found our old friend Mr Bechervaise settled down again to the management of the Post and Telegraph department. Before Mr Bechervaise left Melbourne he was entertained by the staff of the Telegraph branch, some 70 or 80 of whom assembled to wish him "good bye," and a very pleasant evening was spent. An unanimous feeling of good will towards Mr Bechervaise was expressed, and general regret evinced at his departure. On his arrival at Ballarat a troop of private friends and many of the officers of his department were there to meet him, with whom we exclaim "may his shadow never grow less."http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article150649431 TOWN TALK. Geelong Advertiser 10,110 Victoria, Australia 11 August 1880 20 November 2020 2 National Library of Australia Bechervaise returns to housekeeping at Ballarat BALLARAT POST OFFICE NOTICE. Mails for the United Kingdom, Europe, America, &c., will be made up at this office on Thursday, 2nd September, for despatch by R.M.S. Malwa. The times appointed for closing are — For registered letters, ordinary letters, packets, and newspapers, at 6 p.m. Money orders on the United Kingdom will be issued up to 1 p.m. on Thursday, 2nd September. A Supplementary Mail, for letters only, will be made up for despatch, via Queenscliff, on Friday morning, 3rd September, at 5 o'clock. The Southampton route having been discontinued, all letters, packets, and newspapers for the United Ingdom will be forwarded for the future via Brindisi at the rates formerly charged via Southampton. WM. PHILIP BECHERVAISE, Postmaster, Post and Telegraph Office, Ballarat, 26th August, 1880.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article202515012 Advertising The Ballarat Star XXV, 208 Victoria, Australia 31 August 1880 21 November 2020 2 National Library of Australia 1880 09 As previous BALLARAT POST-OFFICE NOTICE. Mails for the United Kingdom, Europe, America, &c., will be made up at this office on Tuesday, 14th September, for despatch by R.M.S. Bangalore. The times appointed for closing are — For registered letters, ordinary letters, packets, and newspapers, at 6 p.m. Money orders on the United Kingdom will be issued up to 1 p.m. on Tuesday, 14th September. A Supplementary Mail, for letters only, will be made up for despatch, via Queenscliff, on Wednesday morning, 15th September, at 5 o'clock. The Southampton route having been discontinued, all letters, packets, and newspapers for the United Kingdom will be forwarded for the future via Brindisi at the rates formerly charged via Southampton. WM. PHILIP BECHERVAISE, Postmaster. Post and Telegraph Office, Ballarat, 7th September.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article202515411 Advertising The Ballarat Star XXV, 218 Victoria, Australia 11 September 1880 21 November 2020 2 National Library of Australia 1880 10 Bechervaise's son Herbert Price Bechervaise appears to be living now in Melbourne CRICKET CHATTER. BY FELIX. . . . I hear that Bechervaise, a good all-round man from Ballarat, has thrown in his lot with Richmond. He ought to prove a valuable acquisition, especially in bowling.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article142172011 CRICKET CHATTER. The Australasian XXIX, 759 Victoria, Australia 16 October 1880 21 November 2020 12 National Library of Australia 1880 11 Bechervaise returns to his duties as starter with the Ballarat Yacht Club AQUATICS. The third event in the match for the President's Trophy on Saturday at Lake Wendouree was a thoroughly enjoyable race. The weather was fine, a good breeze was blowing, and the yachts made a capital race, some excellent sailing being displayed. The steamer Wendouree, with the members of the club and their friends on board accompanied the race. Mr Bechervaise officiated as starter, and Mr H. R. Caselli as judge. After an exciting race the boats came in in the following order:— . . . .http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article200652090 AQUATICS. The Ballarat Star XXV, 279 Victoria, Australia 22 November 1880 21 November 2020 2 National Library of Australia A case of alleged official corruption on Bechervaise's watch NEWS AND NOTES. . . . A rumour was freely circulated throughout the city on Monday that a young man engaged in the telegraph service in connection with the Ballarat East office had been detected intercepting information passing on the lines; and further, it was alleged that he had entered into an arrangement with a well-known broker on the Corner to supply him with intercepted and other messages, for which he was to be duly recompensed. This very serious charge was freely circulated, and it was said that good and substantial proof could be brought forward to substantiate its truth. It is also stated that the accused official admits having received money from the broker, but says it was given to him merely as a loan. Suspicion was first excited by the alleged fact that the broker was in the habit of passing over as much as £4 at a time to the accused on receipt of a telegram. It had been remarked on previous occasions that matters of public interest passing along the lines had been made known to friends and others within a remarkably short time from when the message had been received.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article200652125 NEWS AND NOTES The Ballarat Star XXV, 280 Victoria, Australia 23 November 1880 21 November 2020 2 National Library of Australia As previous, further details THE CHARGE AGAINST A TELEGRAPH OFFICER. — Respecting the charge which has been made against a telegraph officer the Star says:— A rumor was freely circulated throughout the city on Monday that a young man engaged in the telegraph service in connection with the Ballarat East office had been detected intercepting information passing on the lines; and further, it was alleged that he had entered into an arrangement with a well-known broker on the Corner to supply him with intercepted and other messages, for which he was to be duly recompensed. It is stated that the accused official admits having received money from the broker, but says it was given to him merely as a loan. Suspicion was first excited by the alleged fact that the broker was in the habit of passing over as much as £4 at a time to the accused on receipt of a telegram. It had been remarked on previous occasions that matters of public interest passing along the lines had been made known to friends and others within a remarkably short time from when the message had been received. The Evening Post says in reference to this matter:— Inquiry by us this morning at the head office, did not result in any substantiation of the rumor, so far as the officer in charge, Mr. W. P. Bechervaise, was concerned, and we sincerely trust, for the sake of the department generally, that some misunderstanding in the matter exists. We understand however from a private source that a certain J.P. of Ballarat recently visited Melbourne, and had an interview with the young man George Yates, at present an inmate of Pentridge, from whom the facts, upon which the above-mentioned rumour is based, were gathered. Until instructions are received from the metropolitan authorities, however, the matter will not assume any definite shape, so far as official inquiry is concerned, though it is understood that the case of Yates is to be brought under the notice of Parliament, with a view, probably to a remission of sentence.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article88640092 Advertising Bendigo Advertiser XXVII, 7,922 Victoria, Australia 24 November 1880 21 November 2020 3 National Library of Australia Bechervaise again attends to his duties as starter with the Ballarat Yacht Club BALLARAT YACHT CLUB REGATTA. Wednesday, 24th November. Commodore, O. E. Edwards; captain, E. Morey; treasurer, T. Mann; judge, H. R. Caselli, starter, W. P. Bechervaise; timekeeper, J. T. Sleep; secretary, Wm. Downie. The fourth annual regatta of the Ballarat Yacht Club was held on Wednesday at Lake Wendouree. The day opened gloomy and wintry-looking, and the dull aspect of the weather no doubt deterred many from visiting the scene of the contests who otherwise would have been present. A fine fresh wind was blowing, and as far as sailing was concerned more excellent weather could not be desired. One could not help at times contrasting the past, when Wendouree was a reedy swamp, a covert for the wild fowl and duck, and when the wind whistling through the rushes, and the plash, plash! as the teal rose one after an-other into the air from the flags and water-weeds . . . The boats took up their mooring off View Point at about 11 o’clock, and were sent off by Mr Bechervaise shortly afterwards. They went away well together, and with spinnakers flying rounded the Garden Island, and closed up to the south buoy. Rounding the buoy the Maid of Kent held the leading position, with the following boats in the order named:— Kathleen, I.X.L., Ballarat East, Argyle, and Albion. The first three boats kept well together, the remainder trailing out astern. In the second round the Kathleen getting to windward of the Maid of Kent going round the Garden Island, and being well handled by the captain, succeeded in cutting her out. In this position they came up to Brace's buoy, which they weathered in the order named, but coming down to the south buoy the Kathleen fell off, and failing to get round the Maid, came to the fore and took up the lead, which she maintained to the finish, with the Kathleen, I.X.L., and Ballarat East in the order named, the two remaining boats being some distance astern. However, owing to the allowance for length; the 'final order of merit was somewhat changed . . .http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article200652206 BALLARAT YACHT CLUB The Ballarat Star XXV, 282 Victoria, Australia 25 November 1880 21 November 2020 3 National Library of Australia Vic Government to take a monopoly on telephony in the State MELBOURNE. 27th November. (FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.) . . . The Government intend pushing on with business in the Committees of Supply and Ways and Means next week, so as to deal with the financial questions arising out of these first, and permit the Council to have reason-able opportunity to discuss them. As it is the time is very short in which to allow of opportunity for members in both Chambers to deal with such measures as those for reducing the salaries of his Excellency the Governor, and his Ministers when it is remembered, that the Land Tax Bill and the Land Act Amendment must certainly provoke discussion. The Reform of the Constitution and Plural Voting Bills will have to stand aside until next session, for if the House is to be up by Christmas, and the Ministry mean to strain every nerve to complete business by that time, it would be impossible to debate them in the Lower House alone. The only new measure likely to be introduced besides those already known is the Telephone Bill, extending to that invention much the same privileges as those enjoyed by its elder brother, the telegraph. But for the information of settlers it may be mentioned that the new Land Bill (Mr Richardson's) while extending the term of tenure of the squatter for one year deals, satisfactorily with the desire of the selectors to come under the shilling an acre clause, and removes the existing impediments thereto; and, in addition, applies fresh legislation to the run-holders in the mallee. So useful and so necessary is this measure that it is to be regretted that it will come forward at so advanced a period of the session as will prevent its being thoroughly threshed out.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article200652336 MELBOURNE. The Ballarat Star XXV, 285 Victoria, Australia 29 November 1880 21 November 2020 3 National Library of Australia 1880 12 Report on alleged corruption at Ballarat Post Office with the minister MELBOURNE. (FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.) 7th December. . . . The Postmaster-General has had under consideration the report of Detective Lomax with respect to certain irregularities in connection with the Telegraph-office at Ballarat. As the accused denies the charge preferred against him, the Minister has decided upon appointing a board to enquire into the matter.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article200652700 MELBOURNE. The Ballarat Star XXV, 293 Victoria, Australia 8 December 1880 21 November 2020 3 National Library of Australia Bechervaise likely driver to clarifying statement distinguishing Ballarat (West) and Ballarat East Post Offices in respect alleged corruption NEWS AND NOTES. . . . We have been requested to state that the announcement in our Melbourne correspondent's letter of the appointment of a board to enquire into the statement regarding certain irregularities in connection with telegrams, should have referred to the office in Ballarat East, and not Ballarat, the head office.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article200652733 NEWS AND NOTES. The Ballarat Star XXV, 294 Victoria, Australia 9 December 1880 21 November 2020 2 National Library of Australia Herbert Price Bechervaise? sells household effects at Emerald Hill MONDAY, DECEMBER 13. At Eleven a.m. Unreserved Sale of Useful and Nearly New HOUSEHOLD FURNITURE and EFFECTS. Glenlyon-house, 189 Albert road, Between Clarendon and Moray Streets (Fronting the Park), EMERALD HILL. To New Arrivals, Parties Furnishing, Boardinghouse Keepers, Dealers and Others. BUCKHURST and BUXTON are instructed by the proprietor, — Bechervaise, Esq., who is leaving the district, to SELL by AUCTION, on the premises as above, His household furniture, nearly new and in good order, including handsome Brussels carpet, tapestry and felt do, fine rosewood loo table, drawing and dining room suites, fenders and irons, music canter-bury and whatnots, 4 chests drawers, 12 very nice new single and medium size French and half-tester iron bedsteads and bedding, 5 washstands and ware, toilet tables and glasses, mahogany hall table and chairs, &c. Terms — Cash. No Reserve.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article5967896 Advertising The Argus (Melbourne) 10,759 Victoria, Australia 11 December 1880 21 November 2020 3 National Library of Australia Bechervaise attends meeting to form a Ballarat Swimming Club A meeting was held at the Mechanics' Institute last night, for the purpose of forming a swimming club, and arranging a series of matches. Mr Ince occupied the chair. The chairman addressed a few remarks to the meeting, showing the necessity of swimming as an accomplishment. Mr Bechervaise proposed, and Mr A. Main seconded — "That a swimming club be formed," which was carried unanimously. A deputation, consisting of Messrs Ince, Main, Baker, Miller, and the secretary, was appointed to wait on the City Council, and ask if they would make any concession towards a club; and also if they will set apart two days in the year for holding swimming matches at the baths. After a hearty vote of thanks to the chair, the meeting adjourned till Tuesday next. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article249275066 No Title The Ballarat Courier XXVII, 4207 Victoria, Australia 17 December 1880 22 November 2020 2 National Library of Australia Telegraph linesman accidentally killed at Ballarat NEWS AND NOTES. . . . A fatal accident occurred on Saturday fore-noon to a telegraph line repairer, named Nehemiah Barnes, while engaged in operations near the Guiding Star hotel. It appears that the unfortunate man had ascended a telegraph pole to make some repairs, when it broke off close to the butt, and he was precipitated violently to the ground, his head striking the earth and being literally crushed in. He was forthwith conveyed to the Hospital in an insensible state, blood issuing from his mouth and ears. All the medical assistance that could be rendered was forthcoming, and the wardsmen sat up all night with the sufferer, but human aid was unavailing, and he breathed his last on Sunday evening. The deceased, who was a married man with a family, resided near the Telegraph-office, in Lydiard street.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article200653149 NEWS AND NOTES. The Ballarat Star XXV, 303 Victoria, Australia 20 December 1880 22 November 2020 2 National Library of Australia Death of Barnes attributed to negligence by inspector of telegraphs LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY. Tuesday, 21st December. . . . THE LATE FATAL ACCIDENT TO BARNES. Mr Mason drew the attention of the Post-master-General to a recent fatal accident at Ballarat to a line repairer named Barnes, which, it was stated, was due to the negligence of the inspector of telegraphs. Mr Langridge said he was not acquainted with the circumstances of the case, but would make enquiries.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article200653228 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY. The Ballarat Star XXV, 305 Victoria, Australia 22 December 1880 22 November 2020 3 National Library of Australia 1881 1881 01 Ballarat Star journalist careful to protect Bechervaise and specify alleged corruption was at Ballarat East Post Office NEWS AND NOTES. . . . We are informed that the board appointed to enquire into the accusations made against a Ballarat East telegraph official of revealing the contents of telegrams, will sit next week for the purpose of investigating the circumstances. The officer in question is now relieved from duty, and it is only fair that the investigation should take place as soon as possible. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article200653778 NEWS AND NOTES. The Ballarat Star XXVI, 6 Victoria, Australia 7 January 1881 22 November 2020 2 National Library of Australia Bechervaise attends a subscription banquet to celebrate the first 25 years of Ballarat City THE FIRST 25 YEARS OF BALLARAT CITY. A subscription banquet, in celebration of the completion of the first quarter of a century of Ballarat West municipality was held at Craig's hotel, last night. Mayor Lewis (the present mayor and one of the oldest public men of the city) presided, and the vice-chairs were filled by Councillor W. Scott, of Ballarat East, and Mr Hy. Cherry. There were present the following gentlemen:— On the right of the chairman — The hon. Major Smith, Minister of Education; Messrs G. R. Fincham and Brophy, M.L.A.; Rev. W. Henderson; Messrs J. Fry, H. Costin, W. Tulloch, G. Smith, C. Bailey, H. B. Chalmers, G. C. Robinson, A. Mercer, R. C. Young, Councillor W. Scott, Messrs W. O. Burrows and W. B. Withers, Councillor Theo. Williams, Messrs A. Orr, B. Hepburn, W. P. Bechervaise, H. R. Caselli, Councillor D. Turpie, and Mr J. B. Humffray. On the left of the chairman — The Hons. Hy. Cuthbert and P. Russell, M.L.C.; Mayor W. Robertson (Ballarat East), Messrs J. McDonald and R. M. Serjeant, Sub-inspector Babington, Messrs G. Perry, R. Trengrove, J. Richards, J. B. Cathcart, J. Lake, G. Lovitt, C. C. Shoppee, Henry Cherry, T. Wells, J. McDonald, J. M. Main, J. Fitzgerald, M. Whiteside, Councillor J. Phillips, Councillor F. M. Claxton, and Councillor J. N. Wilson. After a very good spread, supplied by Host Thompson, had been exhaustively discussed, the chairman rose and proposed the usual toasts, which were duly honored. . . .http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article249276697 THE FIRST 25 YEARS OF BALLARAT CITY. The Ballarat Courier XXVIII, 4233 Victoria, Australia 18 January 1881 22 November 2020 3 National Library of Australia Bechervaise part of team within Ballarat Yacht Club organising competition on Lake Wendouree for Governor's visit SPORTING INTELLIGENCE. AQUATICS. The committee of the Ballarat Yacht Club met at the club-rooms on Tuesday evening, when Commodore Edwards presided, and there was a good attendance. The hon. secretary reported as to the wish of the president (Sir Samuel Wilson) that an aquatic spectacle be provided on Saturday afternoon next, when his guests — his Excellency the Governor and the Earl and Countess of Ellesmere — would visit Ballarat and Lake Wendouree; also that he had been informed by Mayor Lewis that the City and Town Council intended receiving the vice-regal party and providing a steamer for their accommodation at Wendouree. It was agreed to invite all the owners of yachts to have their craft at the starting moorings at 2.30 p.m. on Saturday next. Commodore Edwards and the hon. secretary were deputed to wait upon Mayor Lewis on Wednesday afternoon, in order to ascertain what arrangements are being made by the two councils. Messrs Bechervaise, Mann, and Downie were appointed handicappers for Saturday's proceedings, with the following result:— Viola, Grand Flaneur, and Reporter, at scratch; Pinafore, 1 min.; Victoria, 1 min.; Kathleen, 1 min. 30 sec.; Maid of Kent, 2 min.; Endeavour, 2 min.; Albert, 2 min.; Argyle, 2 min. 30 sec. The event will be three times round the sailing course, for a prize to be fixed before the day without entrance money. Scratch rowing matches will also be improvised for the occasion, and should the weather prove favourable a very enjoyable afternoon may be anticipated.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article200654266 SPORTING INTELLIGENCE. The Ballarat Star XXVI, 17 Victoria, Australia 20 January 1881 22 November 2020 3 National Library of Australia Postmaster-General Langridge announces that no possibility of further employment for young lady telegraphists for some time, certain to impact upon Bechervaise's telegraphy classes The Postmaster-General wishes it to be known that there is no possibility of any young ladies being engaged in the Postal or Telegraph department for some time to come. Every day he receives numerous applications from those who have qualified themselves as telegraphists and the books of the department contain the names of several hundred applicants, but all the offices are filled. The "bill room," where a record of the contents of each letter bag was formerly kept, has been abolished and a record of only registered and insufficiently stamped letters is now kept. This places four young ladies at liberty and some difficulty is experienced in finding employment for them in the other offices. In some cases three and four sisters of families in comfortable, if not affluent, circumstances are said to be employed in the department, and Mr. Langridge proposes shortly to dispense with the services of some of these, in order to afford openings for indigent but well educated and qualified young ladies. A report upon the number and position of the female employés in the postal and telegraph offices is now being prepared by Mr Jackson for the Postmaster-General. Since Mr. Langridge's acceptance of office, he has not made one fresh appointment, but the vacancies which have occurred in the postmastership of both Geelong and Sandhurst have enabled a general promotion to take place throughout the department.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article5981775 The Argus. The Argus (Melbourne) 10,793 Victoria, Australia 20 January 1881 22 November 2020 5 National Library of Australia Bechervaise acts a starter for Ballarat Yacht Club at Lake Wendouree competition for Governor's visit THE VICE-REGAL VISIT. His Excellency the Marquis of Normanby and party arrived in Ballarat on Saturday morning from Ercildoune, the estate of Sir Samuel Wilson, by the train arriving at ten minutes to 11 o'clock. Their worships the Mayors of City and Town, Major Smith, the Rev. Mr. Kildahl, Subinspector Babington, Cr Phillips, Mr Perry (city clerk), and several other gentlemen received the vice-regal party at the Ballarat West railway station, where they were briefly welcomed by the mayors, and the carriages in. . . . The visitors were next driven to LAKE WENDOUREE, passing by the Hospital on the way. Capt. Hennah's steamboat, the "Ballarat," was in waiting, and the party, with a number of friends embarking, it steamed up the lake. As it neared the yachts lying at their moorings off View Point the crews on board gave a hearty cheer. The signal to "go" was given, and the following-named boats shook out their gibs, and went away before a strong south-east breeze:— Grand Flaneur, Capt. Morey; Pinafore, Capt. T. Bailey; Reporter, Capt. Hathorn; Viola, Capt. Wm. Bailey; Victoria, Commodore Edwards; Kathleen, Capt. A. Gates; Albert, Capt. G. Davis; Maid of Kent, Capt. Thurling; Argyle, Capt. McDougall; Endeavour, Capt. T. Ward; Ballarat East, Capt. J. Taylor. In the first round the Reporter took the lead, but in the second she was replaced by the Grand Flaneur, who maintained the position to the finish of the race, which was three times round the course. The order and times of the three leading boats were as follow:— 1, Grand Flaneur, 1 hour 29 min. 5 sec.; 2, Pinafore, 1 hour 31 min. 35 sec.; 3, Reporter, 1 hour 31 min. 40 sec. Mr H. R. Caselli acted as judge, and Mr Bechervaise as starter. . . .http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article200654403 THE VICE-REGAL VISIT. The Ballarat Star XXVI, 20 Victoria, Australia 24 January 1881 22 November 2020 3 National Library of Australia Bechervaise plays a minor part in the response to the serious train accident at Beaufort THE RAILWAY COLLISION AT BEAUFORT. No new facts have come to light with regard to the serious and unfortunate collision that occurred at Beaufort on Wednesday, but the following additional details are taken from the Ballarat Courier of yesterday:— At a quarter to eleven o'clock on Wednesday morning a mixed train left Stawell for Ballarat. . . . The following telegram as to the condition of the sufferers was received at the Railway department yesterday:— Saw Drs. Shiels and Owen at the hospital at fifteen minutes past twelve, they say Mrs. Spencer passed a bad night; now in precarious state. The boy Mazzini dangerously injured; others doing well and likely to recover.— W. P. BECHERVAISE. . . .http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article204048423 THE RAILWAY COLLISION AT BEAUFORT. The Age 8,099 Victoria, Australia 28 January 1881 22 November 2020 3 National Library of Australia Portion of Inquiry into corruption at Ballarat East Post Office to be conducted at Bechervaise's post office NEWS AND NOTES. . . . The departmental enquiry in reference to a charge against Mr Whitelaw, of the Ballarat East Telegraph-office, of having given information respecting the contents of telegrams received by him in connection with his office as telegraphic clerk, will be held today, at the Melbourne Post-office, at 2 o’clock. Mr Wm. S. Whitelaw, we hear, went down to Melbourne on Wednesday. The local enquiry on the same subject will be held on next Wednesday, at 2 o'clock, at the Ballarat Post-office. The Hon. Robert Ramsay will preside as chairman of the board of enquiry, and the other members will be Messrs Charles Le Cren and Frederick Call. Summonses in the case have been issued through Mr Sub-inspector Babington.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article200654541 NEWS AND NOTES. The Ballarat Star XXVI, 24 Victoria, Australia 28 January 1881 22 November 2020 2 National Library of Australia As previous NEWS AND NOTES. . . . The board recently appointed by the Government to enquire into the charges made against Mr Whitelaw, a telegraph operator at Ballarat, of having divulged the contents of telegrams transmitted through that office, held a first sitting at the Melbourne General Post-office on Friday. The charge has (we learn from the Daily Telegraph) been made by a young man named Yates, formerly a clerk in the office of Mr Stoddart, sharebroker, Ballarat, but who is now a prisoner at Pentridge, and is to the effect that Whitelaw systematically acquainted Stoddart with the contents of mining telegrams passing through the office. The members of the board — the Hon. R. Ramsay, Mr Call, P.M., and Mr Le Cren, the secretary for Public Works — will not conclude their labours for several days, as it will be necessary for them to visit Ballarat this week to examine witnesses.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article200654634 NEWS AND NOTES. The Ballarat Star XXVI, 26 Victoria, Australia 31 January 1881 22 November 2020 2 National Library of Australia 1881 02 Brief, almost misleading report of the Whitelaw investigation The board appointed to investigate the charge brought against Mr Whitelaw, post and telegraph master for Ballarat East, sat yesterday in the Treasury buildings. The board consists of Messrs Ramsay, Call, and Le Cren. Mr Watson appeared to watch the case on behalf of Mr Thomas Stoddart, sharebroker, and Detective Lomax on behalf of the department. The charge preferred against Mr Whitelaw was that in 1877 he gave information to Mr Stoddart respecting telegrams passing through the office, and received moneys in payment for the same. The witnesses examined were — Messrs Bechervaise, Blandford, Yates, Stoddart, Glenny, and Whitelaw, L. Pritchard, C. Yates, and telegraph messengers Graham, Robson, and Sullivan. The latter gave evidence to the effect that he took a memo from Mr Whitelaw to Mr Stoddart in 1877, and that was the only memo he took out that year. Messrs Bechervaise and Blandford were of opinion that the latter part of the evidence was incorrect, as memos were often sent out of the office, for instance in case of accident to the line, to apprise any person who had sent a telegram that the answer would be delayed. The answer to the charge was Mr Whitelaw had owed Mr Stoddart £2 — a loan — and that he repaid this sum. This was the only money passing between them. Mr Stoddart produced the blocks of his cheque books for 1877-78, and it was there shown that this £2 was the only amount paid to Mr Whitelaw. The charge has practically broken down, and the board, after examining the blocks of the cheque books, had no desire to continue the investigation. The board sat previously in Melbourne, and examined George Yates and messenger Sullivan. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article249278283 No Title The Ballarat Courier XXVIII, 4247 Victoria, Australia 3 February 1881 23 November 2020 2 National Library of Australia Bechervaise makes input to placement of fire hose-reel near post office BALLARAT CITY FIRE BRIGADE. The ordinary monthly meeting of the above brigade was held at the station on Tuesday evening; Captain Hennah in the chair, and thirty-five members were present. Correspondence — From the Postmaster-General, the Hon. Major Smith, and Mr Bechervaise, re site for hose-reel station in Lydiard street. Received; and it was resolved to accept the conditions under which the favor was granted, and to thank the officers of the department for the promptitude shown in the replies to the brigade's correspondence.— From the Ballarat Water Commission, thanking the brigade for turning out on the occasion of the late fire at the water reserves. Received.— From the City Council, re vote to the demonstration committee. Referred to the brigade's delegates on that committee.— From the Soldiers' Hill Juvenile Temperance Fire Brigade, thanking the brigade for loan of torches. Received.— Received.— Some other correspondence of a routine character was received and dealt with.— The finance committee's report, recommending the payment of accounts to the amount of £39 17s 6d, was received and adopted.— The captain reported re steam fire-engine. Adopted.— The secretary ported that five fires had occurred during the month, at which the attendance was up to the average; and that he had received donations of £2 2s each from Messrs Marshall, and Chalk; also some other donations to the steam fire-engine fund, already acknowledged. Report adopted.— Resolved— "That as the roll is full, Messrs McGeary and Grant be placed on the reserve list. Messrs L. Bateman and T. Gray were proposed as new members. The roll was then called, and after the usual vote of thanks the meeting closed.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article249278345 BALLARAT CITY FIRE BRIGADE. The Ballarat Courier XXVIII, 4247 Victoria, Australia 3 February 1881 24 November 2020 4 National Library of Australia More comprehensive report of the Whitelaw proceedings by the Ballarat Star THE CHARGE AGAINST MR WHITELAW. The local enquiry into the charge preferred against Mr W. S. Whitelaw, post and telegraph master in the Town office, was held in the post-office, Ballarat West, on Wednesday morning, before the special board appointed for that purpose, and including the following gentlemen:— The Hon. Robert Ramsay (chairman), Mr Charles Le Cren, and Mr Frederick Call. The charge against Mr Whitelaw was that he did give certain information to Mr Thomas Stoddart, mining broker, of Ballarat, concerning the contents of telegrams which passed through his (Whitelaw's) hands, and were not directed to or intended for that gentleman, and that for thus supplying news Whitelaw received money from him. The first enquiry before the board was held in the Melbourne General Post-office on Friday last, when George Yates and a young man named Sullivan were examined. Sullivan at that enquiry stated that when he was engaged in the Ballarat Post-office in 1877, as messenger, he constantly took memoranda from Whitelaw to Mr Stoddart, and that this circumstance was exceptional, he having conveyed no other memoranda to other gentlemen from him. Geo. Yates, at one time employed in Mr Stoddart's office as a clerk, asserted that memoranda had been received by that gentleman from Whitelaw whilst he (Yates) was in his employment, and that cheques had within his knowledge been paid over to Whitelaw by Stoddart, in exchange for the memoranda, which contained mining intelligence of use to the latter named. On Wednesday the following named witnesses were examined:— Messrs Bechervaise, Blandford, Glenny, Alfred Yates, Charles Yates, Lewis Pritchard, J. J. Pritchard, and messengers Graham, of Creswick, and Robson. Detective Lomax, conducted the case on behalf of the department; Mr C. M. Watson watched the proceedings on behalf of Mr T. Stoddart. Messrs Bechervaise and Blandford, who were inclined to attach but little importance to the testimony of Sullivan, bore testimony to the high character for probity and integrity borne by Mr Whitelaw during his term of office in the Ballarat Post office. The messengers gave evidence to the effect that they had taken memoranda from Whitelaw to Stoddart, but admitted that there was nothing unusual in this, as they frequently took memoranda from the office to gentlemen on the Corner and in other parts of the city. Mr Glenny was examined, and described how his suspicion was aroused in the matter. He had waited upon Whitelaw immediately after hearing the rumour, and was informed by him that he had received money from Stoddart. Mr Stoddart produced the blocks of the cheque-books used by him from the beginning of 1877 to the beginning of 1878. Examination of these blocks conclusively proved that he had not been in the habit of giving cheques to Mr Whitelaw. Mr Stoddart admitted having given £2 to Mr Whitelaw in May, 1877, as a loan, which sum was afterwards repaid him by that gentleman. As accounting for the passing of memoranda from Whitelaw to Stoddart, the former admitted that he had speculated in certain mines, but denied in toto that he had furnished any information to the latter which had not been intended for him but for others. The evidence of the Yates, father and son, and other witnesses, was in the nature of hearsay, and they knew of nothing touching on the point at issue of their own knowledge. The labours of the board, as far as concern the taking of evidence, are now, we believe, at an end, and its decision will be made known in the course of a few days.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article200654774 THE CHARGE AGAINST MR WHITELAW. The Ballarat Star XXVI, 29 Victoria, Australia 3 February 1881 23 November 2020 3 National Library of Australia Bechervaise again performs the duties of starter for Ballarat Yacht Club SPORTING INTELLIGENGE. AQUATICS. FIRST CONTEST FOR THE HEPBURN TROPHY. The first event in the competition for the beautiful and valuable service of plate presented as a trophy by Mr B. Hepburn, took place on Lake Wendouree on Saturday afternoon, 5th February. The weather was unfavourable for sight-seekers, the bright, scorching sunlight, coupled with the whirling clouds of dust that filled the streets, acting no doubt as a deterrent to intending visitors. However, so far as the sailing match was concerned the weather conditions could scarcely have been more favourable. There was a fine steady "close reefed" gale blowing from the south-east, and the sky was so bright that the spectators on the margin of the lake could see distinctly the positions of the boats throughout the race. With the exception of the presence of some visitors, including a sprinkling of the fair sex, there were no signs of unusual activity about the lake until about half-past 2 o'clock p.m., when some of the yachtsmen began to put their boats in trim. Eventually, "the sails were unfurled to the sighing wind," and the yachts were brought round into their respective positions at View Point. The following were the competitors:— The Argyle, sailed by Mr A. Clinton; the Viola, sailed by Mr R. Thurling; the Pinafore, sailed by Mr T. Bailey; the Grand Flaneur, sailed by Mr E. Morey; the Reporter, sailed by Mr G. Hathorn; the Victoria, sailed by Commodore Edwards; the Ballarat East, sailed by Mr T. Taylor; and the Faugh-a-Ballagh, sailed by Mr T. Gill. By this time Gill's Wendouree steamer, freighted with a number of the leading local nautical spirits, and also containing Mr Bechervaise, starter, and Mr W. Downie, secretary, was lying alongside the pier, and the judge and timekeeper, Mr H. R. Caselli, J.P., had stationed himself at his post. Everything being in readiness Mr Bechervaise gave the signal for starting, and a fair start was effected. Just at starting, however, the Faugh-a-Ballagh had her mast carried away within two or three feet of the boards. Away the others went scudding before the gale, the display of canvas, though not so extensive as usual, being still very beautiful. The Wendouree, with her yachting freight, steamed up in the rear, and afforded a nice view of the competition. As rounding the garden island the first time, the Viola was slightly ahead, with the Victoria second, Grand Flaneur third, and the others in a cluster, but as rounding Brace’s buoy the position had somewhat changed, for though the Viola was still first, the Pinafore had taken second place, with the Reporter third, Grand Flaneur fourth, and Victoria fifth, and they proceeded on towards View Point in that order. As passing View Point the Wendouree steamer remained for a few minutes to allow such of the passengers as wished to disembark an opportunity of doing so. In the second round Pinafore took the lead, maintaining it through the remainder of the race. Towards the close the interest in the contest increased, and there was a cheer for the Pinafore as she came in leading the van, with Grand Flaneur second, Viola third, and the Argyle fourth. The time in which the three rounds were completed was as follows:— Pinafore, 1 hour 22 min.; Grand Flaneur, 1 hour 22 min. 30 sec.; Viola, 1 hour 23 min.; Argyle, 1 hour 37 min. 55 sec. The time allowance was ½ min. per foot. . . .http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article200654904 SPORTING INTELLIGENGE. The Ballarat Star XXVI, 32 Victoria, Australia 7 February 1881 24 November 2020 3 National Library of Australia First report of the outcome of the Whitelaw Board of Enquiry Our Melbourne correspondent, in his letter of last night, states that the board of enquiry to enquire into the charges against Mr Whitelaw, telegraph master of Ballarat East, has sent in its report, which completely exonerates the accused. The Minister has endorsed the finding.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article200654938 NEWS AND NOTES. The Ballarat Star XXVI, 33 Victoria, Australia 8 February 1881 24 November 2020 2 National Library of Australia Main body of the report of the Whitelaw Board of Enquiry, by no means comprehensive THE WHITELAW BOARD. (FROM OUR MELBOURNE CORRESPONDENT). Tuesday. The following is a copy of the report of the above board regarding certain charges made against Mr W. S. Whitelaw:— "We have carefully considered the question submitted to us in this matter, having held three sittings on the subject. "After examining messenger Sullivan at the General Post-office, Melbourne, we proceeded to Pentridge, and took the evidence of the prisoner Yates there. On the 2nd instant we proceeded to Ballarat and took the evidence of the following witnesses:— Lewis Pritchard, James Pritchard, Henry Glenny, Charles Yates, Thomas Stoddart, Alfred Yates, E. J. Toy, R. J. Graham, Wm. Robson, W. P. Bechervaise, and Mr Blandford. We also carefully examined the whole of the block cheque-books produced by the witness Stoddart, and found that there was only one entry of a loan by Stoddart to Whitelaw — that on the 11th May, 1877, for £2, which had subsequently been repaid. "We are clearly of opinion that there are no grounds for the charge, which evidently originated from the prisoner Yates, formerly a clerk in Stoddart's employ, and who seems to have been prosecuted by Stoddart and subsequently convicted. "The fact that he did not make use of the information which he now discloses in order to prevent his prosecution by Stoddart weighs considerably with us in coming to the conclusion at which we have unanimously arrived. In the course of the enquiry it incidentally transpired that Whitelaw had two small transactions in mining shares with Mr Stoddart about six years ago, and although that does not immediately affect the present enquiry, the board suggest that the regulation prohibiting officers in the telegraph service from having any interest whatever in mining transactions should be strictly enforced. "We attach herewith the evidence taken by the board. "Robert Ramsay, Chairman. "F. Call. "Charles Le Cren. "Melbourne, 4th February, 1881."http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article200655011 THE WHITELAW BOARD. The Ballarat Star XXVI, 33 Victoria, Australia 9 February 1881 24 November 2020 2 National Library of Australia Bechervaise elected treasurer of the Ballarat Regatta Committee NEWS AND NOTES. . . . The Ballarat Regatta Committee met on Tuesday night at Lester's hotel to make arrangements for the forthcoming regatta at Lake Wendouree on Monday next; Mr H. R. Caselli occupied the chair. There was a good muster of members of both the City and the Ballarat Rowing Clubs present. The secretary reported having received a letter from Dr O'Connor, Bishop of Ballarat, forwarding a donation of two guineas; also from the Corio Bay Rowing Club, respecting the value of trophies in connection with the Challenge Cup; and various other correspondence. Mr W. P. Bechervaise, Mr W. Pobjoy, and Mr J. Garbutt were unanimously elected as treasurer, starter, and judge respectively. A letter was read from the City Council, notifying that the afternoon of Monday next would be proclaimed a holiday, in accordance with the request of the committee, and arrangements were made for a deputation to wait on the banks and the shopkeepers to obtain their consent to close for the half day. It was also decided that the hon. Minister of Education be asked to grant a State school holiday for the occasion, to all schools within a radius of ten miles. In the programme were arranged two yachting events, the first of which will start at 12 o'clock. Several matters of minor importance were then disposed of, and the meeting adjourned till Thursday, when the entries will be received for the various events, which promise this year to be more numerous than usual.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article200655253 NEWS AND NOTES. The Ballarat Star XXVI, 39 Victoria, Australia 16 February 1881 24 November 2020 2 National Library of Australia 1881 03 Rumour that Bechervaise to be appointed to inspectorship of post and telegraph offices LATEST INTELLIGENCE. (BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH.) (FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.) VICTORIA. BALLARAT, 28th February. Mr. Bechervaise, it is said, is to be removed from here, and be appointed to an inspectorship of post and telegraph offices.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article88631320 LATEST INTELLIGENCE. Bendigo Advertiser XXVIII, 8,006 Victoria, Australia 1 March 1881 24 November 2020 2 National Library of Australia Bechervaise again acts as starter for the Ballarat Yacht Club SPORTING INTELLIGENCE. THE STODDART TROPHY. A considerable number of the local lovers of aquatics, including a sprinkling of the fair sex, assembled at Lake Wendouree on Saturday afternoon, 12th March, to witness the competition in the second event for the Stoddart Trophy. The cloudy and threatening aspect of the weather in the forenoon no doubt prevented the attendance from being larger. However, the rain held off, and the event was very enjoyable. The time fixed for starting was half-past 3 o'clock p.m., and shortly before the appointed hour the competitive yachts, six in number and well manned, were in proper position, with their sails spread to the south-west breeze. The Reporter was sailed by Captain Hathorn, the Pinafore by Captain T. Bailey, Grand Flaneur by Captain Morey, the Viola by Captain W. Bailey, IXL by Captain Gill, and the Victoria by Captain Pritchard. The judge and timekeeper, Mr H. R. Caselli, J.P., the starter, Mr Bechervaise, and the secretary, Mr W. Downie, were at their posts as usual, evincing much interest in the discharge of their duties, and leaving nothing undone "officially" that could help to bring off the affair with eclat. Everything being in readiness, Mr Bechervaise gave the word, the moorings were slipped, and a fair start was effected, the yachts going off in pretty close companionship in a south-west gale. In the course to Brace’s buoy there was some beating; the buoy, however, was first rounded by the Reporter, with Pinafore second, the Viola third, and the others following. These positions were maintained till the second round, when the Reporter, falling off in speed, enabled Pinafore to gain Brace’s buoy in one tack, and come within two or three lengths of the former. There was no noteworthy alteration, in the positions of the other yachts. In the third round Grand Flaneur improved her pace and gained third position, the winners of the event passing the judge's stand as follows:— Reporter, first; time, 1 hour 35 min. 50 sec. Pinafore, second; time, 1 hour 37 min. 10 sec. Grand Flaneur, third; time, 1 hour 37 min. 25 sec. Owing to the shifting of the wind towards the close of the match, the other yachts, in spite of the gallant and determined efforts of the experienced crews, were spread about considerably, and were not timed. Up till the present the points gained by the victorious yachts are as follow:— Reporter, 8; Pinafore, 8; Grand Flaneur, 2; and IXL, 2. After the event was concluded the official business was wound up at Lake View hotel, and it was decided that the next event take place on next Saturday afternoon, at half-past 3 o'clock. Some fervent aspirations were expressed for a good downpour of rain in the interim to raise the water in the lake; and among the jocular compliments interchanged it was remarked that Mr T. Mann, who formerly took such an interest in rowing, had turned his attention to yachting, and was now main-sheet man of the Grand Flaneur, having gained this honour not by sticking close to his desk and never going to sea, but by active and efficient service on board.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article219327199 SPORTING INTELLIGENCE. The Ballarat Star XXVI, 61 Victoria, Australia 14 March 1881 24 November 2020 3 National Library of Australia The Ballarat Regatta Committee winds up with a vote of thanks to office bearers including Bechervaise NEWS AND NOTES. . . . The Ballarat Regatta Committee held their final meeting last night at Lester's hotel, for the purpose of winding up affairs in connection with the regatta of 1881. The secretary, Mr W. J. Gates, presented the balance-sheet, which was read and adopted, showing the receipts to be equal to the expenditure, all accounts rendered being paid, and cash in the hands of the treasurer for some trophy accounts not yet presented. The chairman complimented all present on the successful termination of their labours. The meeting terminated with a unanimous vote of thanks to the chairman, Mr H. R. Caselli, and to the hon. treasurer, Mr W. P. Bechervaise.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article219327276 NEWS AND nOTeS. The Ballarat Star XXVI, 63 Victoria, Australia 16 March 1881 24 November 2020 2 National Library of Australia The reduced class numbers in Telegraphy at School of Mines clearly reduced NEWS AND NOTES. . . . The board of examiners, Messrs R. L. J. Ellery, F.R.S., and S. W. McGowan, superintendent of telegraphs, Victoria, conducted an examination in telegraphy at the School of Mines yesterday. The following are the successful candidates who passed:— Miss Mary Skelton (with credit), Miss Jessie Budden, and Miss Annette Budden. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article219327646 NEWS AND NOTES. The Ballarat Star XXVI, 72 Victoria, Australia 26 March 1881 24 November 2020 2 National Library of Australia Long treatise on the benefits of keeping females in the public service after marriage, cites telegraphists as a specific case where extended experience is beneficial MARRIED FEMALE TEACHERS. TO THE EDITOR OF THE STAR. SIR,— As you are aware, Mr Quick, M.P., has given notice in the Legislative Assembly of his intention to ask the hon. the Minister of Public Instruction if he intends to cause female teachers to retire from the service of the Education Department when they get married, and by so doing, to place the Education Department upon the same footing as the Postal Department, from which females are compelled to retire upon their marriage. I trust you will allow me space to point out the want of analogy, between the two cases, and to make some general remarks on the subject. Females in the Postal Department (I except the Telegraph Department) have not to pass any special examination to qualify themselves for their positions; they have not to undergo any special training; nor is the nature of the duties they have to perform such as is considerably improved by experience and length of service; neither can they be looked upon as having any professional standing. The duties which, I am informed, are generally performed by females in the Postal Department are — Selling stamps, tying up mailbags, heating sealing-wax, obliterating postage stamps, stamping letters, sorting letters, making up and despatching mails, and other like light duties, the performance of which does not bring into play the exercise of any high intellectual powers; nor does continued experience in these duties necessarily make a person more expert in the performance of them. With the majority of the females in the Education Department the case is entirely different. Before they can obtain employment, they must pass a fairly stiff examination, and must show that they are "apt to teach," this latter giving a professional value to their abilities. Take the case of a female who obtains a trained teacher's certificate. Before being allowed to even enter the institution, she must pass a difficult elementary examination, such as matriculation or first-class pupil teacher's. She has then to spend at least two years in the training schools, and besides passing a higher examination in elementary subjects, has to pass in singing, drawing, drill, gymnastics, Latin, French, history, Euclid, algebra, physiology, botany, chemistry, and others, which I cannot just now call to mind. Again, her education costs the State something like £150, and it is compulsory up her that she shall teach for at least four years in any school to which she may be appointed, and she has to find security to the extent of £100 that she will do so. Now, if a trained teacher, should teach for the mere minimum length of time required by the department, the average cost of her education a year will be £150 divide 4 = £37 10s, and another teacher will then have to be trained in her place at a similar cost. But suppose that she should remain in the department for say twenty years, the cost of her training would be only £150 divide 20 = £7 10s per annum; so that the longer she taught the smaller would be the ratio of the cost of her education to the State. To what advantage, then, is it that we should give the above-quoted high-class education to females if they must compulsorily quit the service when they get married? I think it will be generally admitted by most that experience and length of service are requisite and necessary to produce a good teacher. The longer a teacher is employed, the more experienced will she become. I think also it will be admitted that an educated and experienced married woman is above all others the most fitted to impart elementary knowledge to children. Her sympathies are larger than those of young girls, and from practical knowledge in her own home she acquires an additional experience in managing the little ones at school. Who, for instance, is more fitted to be the teacher of an infant class than an educated and experienced mother of a family? I shall now cite an example as to the relative merits of the same teacher under different circumstances.— A female teacher passes for a trained teacher’s certificate. She gets employed in a school for four years, and then gets married and leaves the service. The same woman is allowed to continue to teach, and continues to do so for say twenty years. Under which of these conditions is she the more useful to the State? Why, unquestionably in the latter case. In the first instance we have a female who possesses a certain amount of literary knowledge, and a certain theoretical amount of teaching ability. She enters the schools, and just as she has served a four years' practical apprenticeship she leaves. In the second instance we find the same woman continuing to teach, continuing to obtain additional experience, and her influence in the school greatly increased through her having become a married woman, in whom the parents of the children would have much more confidence than they would have in a young girl, whom they would look upon as one who entered the teaching profession simply as a makeshift until "she got married." There cannot be the slightest doubt but that married females in a school raise its tone and morale, and from time immemorial it has been the notion amongst English people that a married couple should be at the head of a mixed school of boys and girls. The late Board of Education fostered and encouraged marriage amongst teachers by every means in their power. They held that when teachers got married there was a likelihood of their remaining in the profession for life. So also has it been the policy of the Education Department up to the present time, but they have made the wise provision, that where the head teacher's wife is employed in the same school she shall receive 20 per cent. less income than any other female would be entitled to in the same position. From personal knowledge — and I have had the experience of a quarter of a century in the matter — I believe that the schools conducted by head teachers and their wives are among the very best in the colony, both in education and morality. Four of the best conducted training schools in the colony are conducted by head teachers and their wives. I must admit, also, that married females, almost without exception, are the best teachers in the colony, and we have a practical proof of this in the Ballarat schools alone, in which most of the first assistants are married females, and well known to be thoroughly good teachers. I don't think that there is any duty in connection with the Post-office that an intelligent female might not be able to learn in six months, but it takes half a lifetime to make a sound practical teacher. Another argument against dismissing female teachers on their marriage is, that this practically places an embargo on matrimony. For this reason alone I do not believe in dismissing females, even from the Postal Department, on their marriage. Victoria bears the unenviable notoriety of being the colony whose marriage rate is the lowest in Australasia; of being a land, in fact, "where her maidens are not given to marriage."— Yours, &c., WATCHMAN.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article219327683 MARRIED FEMALE TEACHERS. The Ballarat Star XXVI, 73 Victoria, Australia 28 March 1881 24 November 2020 3 National Library of Australia 1881 04 Bechervaise again acts as starter for the Ballarat Yacht Club SPORTING INTELLIGENCE. THE MILLARD TROPHY. Saturday afternoon last was all that could be wished for yachting, the weather being fine with a good breeze from the east, and as a consequence a large number of persons were present to witness one of the most interesting contests of the season, namely, the first event for the Millard Trophy, for which seven yachts took up moorings. These comprised the Grand Flaneur (Captain Morey), Viola (Captain W. Bailey), Pinafore (Captain T. Bailey), Reporter (Captain Hathorn), Victoria (Captain Thurling), Kathleen (Captain Gill), and Argyle. At the appointed hour Mr Bechervaise sent the fleet off on the port tack, when the lot squared away for Brace’s, the Reporter, Pinafore, and Victoria being in the van, and rounding the beacon in the order named, the first two almost lapping, while the remainder came almost abreast a short distance astern. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article219327942 SPORTING INTELLIGENCE. The Ballarat Star XXVI, 79 Victoria, Australia 4 April 1881 24 November 2020 3 National Library of Australia The insufficient depth of the Whitelaw inquiry seems to have resulted in similar questions being raised about the Bendigo telegraph office TELEGRAPHIC SECRECY. THE members of the Bendigo Stock Exchange have resolved upon petitioning the Postmaster-General in reference to some matters in connection with the local telegraph office. Judging by current rumors, it seems time some action was taken in getting the Minister to make searching inquiry into the working of the local branch of the Telegraphic Department. In a paragraph published by us a few days ago it was stated that through a laxity of system which seems to prevail in the office, the messengers have ample opportunities of learning the contents of passing telegrams, and although the operators are bound to secrecy, as regards information passing through their hands, no such obligations seem to hinder the messengers. They may be cautioned, but a caution with youths is a lax tether upon their consciences. There is, however, a great deal more behind the scenes than the messengers' question in the grievance, which the deputation from the Stock Exchange desire to lay before the Minister. This hidden grievance is but indirectly implied, and a mistaken leniency of feeling upon the part of the gentlemen who will interview Mr. Langridge may not make this grievance perfectly plain. It has been felt throughout mining circles for a long time past that the local telegraph office is not a secret means of communication between broker and broker, or client and broker, and, although we cannot point to any direct evidence in support of it, we may state that there has been strong suspicion that the contents of telegrams have been improperly made use of by individuals interested in market operations. It is only the other day that an instance occurred of the contents of a telegram, from a gentleman in Melbourne to his broker, becoming mysteriously known to a large investor in mining, and it is strongly alleged that one of the rules of the Department, to the effect that none of the employes shall engage in mining speculation, has not been strictly observed. Again, we hear it affirmed, that a certain individual has boasted that he is enabled to learn the contents of messages intended for other people. If such a state of affairs exists, what guarantee, has any one that the contents of messages, which are supposed to be exclusively one's own, have not been purloined on the road? What certainly indicates something being wrong in the Department, is the action of several brokers sending their messages in cypher or couched in phrases understood only by their correspondents; but how far is this telegraphic code applicable to the large business transacted through the office? There can be little doubt but that the major portion of those who use the telegraph may unknowingly incur serious loss through the dishonesty of corrupt officials. Whether such officials exist in the Sandhurst telegraphic office or not it is the duty of the Postmaster-General to find out. We are forced to direct the attention of the Minister to this subject, because for some time past the feeling of dissatisfaction in connection with the Telegraph Department has been gradually increasing, and it is but due both to the department itself and the public that a thorough inquiry should take place. The whole of the officers in the department may be most unjustly maligned, or perhaps all may suffer through the dishonesty of one or a few. It is unjust that they should rest under a stigma in the eyes of the public outside if they are innocent, and it is equally unjust to the public if the department contains a solitary being who is unscrupulous as to how he obtains his information, and how he uses it. Besides, what will the outside public think of our Government institutions if such a system is allowed to prevail unchecked? Will they not have the evil American Boss Tweedism system before their eyes, and refuse to entrust important private affairs to the Telegraph Department, when they feel that such matters may be made public use of? We speak thus plainly upon this subject, because it is false delicacy to imagine that an injury is done to anyone by calling attention to the matter. It would be decidedly wrong in the public interest for us to keep silent when rumor is busy with a hundredfold tongue upon the question, and we feel it our duty to draw the Minister's attention to the advisability of having a thorough inquiry, and removing the cause of complaint, whatever it is. There has been great apparent laxity in the department, and it is obvious that the fault should be immediately remedied, in order to restore the confidence of the public in an institution which carries secrets which are supposed to be as inviolate there as in the proverbial grave. If the telegraphic authorities tacitly sanction the communication of the contents of private telegrams to every Tom, Dick, and Harry, for whom they are not intended, we might just as reasonably expect that the contents of every letter passing through the post-office should be treated in the same manner. And, if a system of corrupt practices exists at all we may fairly inquire to what limits it is likely to be confined? If one section of a department observes another section using with impunity information which is not intended for them, it may naturally be suspected that they will endeavor to make use of the same advantages, and then into what a rotten condition that department may fall. We, therefore, repeat that the finger of suspicion having been pointed at the local telegraph office it is the bounden duty of the Minister to thoroughly inquire into the matter, and see upon what grounds the current rumors of the day are being founded. Until he does so no trust can be placed in the inviobability of messages passed through the local office.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article88632562 TELEGRAPHIC SECRECY. Bendigo Advertiser XXVIII, 8,040 Victoria, Australia 9 April 1881 24 November 2020 2 National Library of Australia Internal inquiry into allegations of security breaches at Bendigo Post Office NEWS AND NOTES. . . . In consequence of allegations having been made in the local press as to a want of secrecy in connection with the transmission of messages through the Sandhurst telegraph office, the Postmaster-General has (the Age states) directed one of the inspectors of the department to inquire into and report on the matter.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article219328377 NEWS AND NOTES. The Ballarat Star XXVI, 90 Victoria, Australia 18 April 1881 24 November 2020 2 National Library of Australia 1881 05 Bechervaise acts as judge, timekeeper and starter in the Millard Trophy, in the absence of other officials THE MILLARD TROPHY. The fifth event for the above was sailed on Saturday afternoon. A good burster was blowing from the N.N.W., with heavy rain and squalls, but, true as steel, the "hardy Norsemen" mustered in force. There was some delay in the arrangements, owing to many untoward circumstances, and the Victoria (Lieut. Thurling, R.N.R.), was all behindhand, she appearing to have her mainsail bent where her jib ought to have been. Why will he not keep his bob-stay taut? However, at last (four p.m.) there were six fine yachts at their moorings, ready for the starter's stentorian "let go," and when it was given the sight reminded an old salt of the ancient sea distich, so often sang at war time, "When Britons made the foeman run," after a "yard-arm to yard-arm" bout:— . . . The result of the spin was — Pinafore, 1; Reporter, 2; Argyle, 3; Flaneur, 4; Kathleen 5; Victoria, 6; but the time allowance gave Argyle first place, and Kathleen second, with Pinafore third. The points now stand — Grand Flaneur 11, Reporter 10, Kathleen 13, Pinafore 6, Viola 3, Argyle 7. It is therefore expected that a settlement of Mr Millard's handsome prize will be made next Saturday. Mr Bechervaise acted as judge, timekeeper, and starter. He also had to "Tail on the fall With the cook, steward, and all," The other officers being absent, it was supposed coursing, but what kind of "coursing" these aged people indulge in is best known to themselves. Messrs Goodall, Stoddart, and Millard, owners of the Reporter, Pinafore, and Victoria respectively, are generally to the fore in their own vessels, but were missed on this occasion, and as for "Old Admiral Ward," he must have another little game on, as his venerable figurehead has not "made its number" for some time past.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article249287068 THE MILLARD TROPHY. The Ballarat Courier XXVIII, 4327 Victoria, Australia 9 May 1881 24 November 2020 4 National Library of Australia Bechervaise appointed as one of two vice-presidents of the newly-formed Ballarat Gymnastic Institute NEWS AND NOTES. . . . A meeting was held at Lester's hotel yesterday evening, for the purpose of considering the rules of the proposed gymnasium club, and to enrol members. There were about twenty-five gentlemen present, and Mr Rosenblum was voted to the chair. Mr H. A. King, secretary pro tem, read a report from the subcommittee appointed to draw up the rules, and to select a suitable site for a gymnasium. The report stated that a site north of the Alfred Hall had been fixed upon, and application to be made to the Town Council for a lease of the land for twenty-one years; also that the application had been favourably received, and the land would be obtained at a nominal rent. The action of the subcommittee was approved. It was unanimously resolved that the name of the club be "The Ballarat Gymnastic Institute." The rules were considered seriatim. The subscription was fixed at one guinea per annum, with 10s 6d. entrance fee. It was decided to try to obtain the use of the Alfred Hall until a building was erected. The number of the committee was fixed at seven, with a president, two vice-presidents, a secretary and treasurer; all of the offices to be honorary. It was decided that the appointment of an instructor be postponed for the consideration by the general body of members at a meeting called for the purpose. The committee was empowered to spend the revenue for the benefit of the club. It was decided that no person under sixteen years of age be admitted to membership in the club. The following officers were appointed:— Mr H. A. King, secretary; Mr Rosenblum, president; Messrs Bechervaise and Garbutt, vice-presidents; Mr Baylee, treasurer; and Messrs F. Smith, G. Gross, H. Young, Alfred Bennett, W. Madden, A. Anderson, and D. Brophy, M.L.A., were elected members of committee. The successful candidates present returned thanks for the honour conferred on them. We may add that the mayors of the City and Town, and the Minister of Education for the time being, are the trustees of the club. Complimentary votes of thanks were passed, and the proceedings closed with a hearty vote of thanks to the chair, three cheers for the club, led by Mr Bechervaise, and a vote of thanks to the press.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article219329436 NEWS AND NOTES. The Ballarat Star XXVI, 118 Victoria, Australia 20 May 1881 24 November 2020 2 National Library of Australia Bechervaise plays a prominent part at proceedings to end the year of the Ballarat Yacht Club SPORTING INTELLIGENCE. THE MILLARD TROPHY. On Saturday afternoon, pursuant to arrangement, the tie between the Reporter and Kathleen for the above trophy was sailed off in the presence of a goodly number of the lovers of nautical sport. Mr H. R. Caselli, J.P., judge, Mr Bechervaise, starter, and Mr W. Downie, secretary, were at their posts as usual. The Reporter went away leading, and maintained that position throughout, thereby carrying off the trophy. The time was as follows:— Reporter, 1 hour 30 min.; Kathleen, 1 hour 37 min. 15 sec. A sweepstakes event was also sailed, the competitors being Pinafore, Grand Flaneur, Argyle, and Victoria. It was a blind handicap. The distance was twice round the course, and, at the conclusion of a splendid contest, the Argyle was the winner. After the sports had been finished the committee adjourned to Lake View hotel, to wind up the business. Mr J. Hickman occupied the chair. The routine matters having been settled, Mr Bechervaise called upon the company to drink the health of the donor of the trophy, Mr Millard. They were glad to have received such a trophy, and glad that Mr Millard had joined their ranks. The trophy had been given in a grand spirit, and had been well received by the members of the club and the public generally. All had done their duty nobly in the affair, and he had great pleasure in proposing "Mr Millard's Health." The toast was heartily drunk with musical honours. Captain Thurling, in the absence of Mr Millard, returned thanks for that gentleman. Mr Caselli then rose to propose "The health of the winner of the trophy, Captain Hathorn," and congratulate that gentleman on having carried off the prize after such a tough contest, that being the seventh race for the trophy. It was satisfactory that the contest had been so tough, as the public had thereby been afforded a greater amount of pleasure. The toast was heartily drunk with musical honours, and Captain Hathorn expressed the pleasure he experienced at being the winner in such a hard contest of such a grand trophy. He also remarked that it would be gratifying to Mr Goodall, who kept the boat there for his pleasure. Captain Hathorn also expressed the pleasure he experienced at seeing Mr Leggo and Mr Ware present, and he concluded by thanking them heartily on behalf of Mr Goodall and himself. It was then arranged that an officers' run take place next Saturday between Messrs Caselli, Bechervaise, Downie, and Mann, the crews to be drawn for by the club on Friday evening. Captain Hathorn then proposed "The Unsuccessful Competitors," speaking in complimentary terms of those gentlemen, and particularly of Captain Gill. The toast was heartily drunk, and Captain Gill returned thanks, expressing himself satisfied that everything had been carried out "square." (Applause.) Mr T. Mann, in the absence of Captain Morey, returned thanks for that gentleman. Mr Adam Clinton also returned thanks, and congratulated the club on the marked improvement in the yachts, claiming credit for the boat built in the bush at Linton, as the main cause of the progress that had taken place. Mr T. Bailey also responded, and spoke of the ability of his crew. Mr Bechervaise explained that Mr Edward Williams was unavoidably absent, having had to officiate as "chucker-out" at a football arrangement. The company being all anxious to know what sort of new capacity Mr Williams was acting in, Mr Bechervaise, amid general laughter, proceeded to explain to the effect that Mr Williams had informed him that the nature of the service was, that when any spectator entered the ground without paying his entrance fee it was his (Mr Williams') duty to "chuck" the intruder over the fence. (Prolonged laughter.) The chairman then expressed the pleasure he felt in looking back over the season's yachting that there had been no disputes, their affairs having been conducted in the most satisfactory manner. Mr Leggo said that he wished to say a few words in response to the kind reference that had been made to him. He had been ill and unable to attend, but he was glad to see the club progressing. He proceeded to speak of the ability of the yachtsmen, and concluded by again thanking them for the kind manner in which they had received him. Mr Ware also responded, remarking that when he left Ballarat, Lake Wendouree was a swamp covered with reeds, and he was astonished when he came back to see a beautiful lake covered with boats. After a few more remarks he concluded by stating that although he could not render much service as a yachtsman he would be happy to make ballasting. (Applause.) Mr Caselli proposed ‘"Mr T. Bailey's Health," remarking that he had come green to the nature of the lake and the boats on it, but he was always faithfully at his engagements, and had made astonishing progress. The toast was drunk with musical honours, and Mr Bailey responded, stating that he had one of the best crews in the Pinafore that ever sailed a boat in Victoria. Mr Bailey concluded by proposing "The Crews," which was drunk with musical honours. Mr T. Saunders responded, stating that he was one of the first yachtsmen on Lake Wendouree, and he wished to remain a member of the yacht club. He eulogised the captain as having "hardly ever" used a bad word at sea. (Great laughter.) Mr T. Mann responded on behalf of the absent crew of the Flaneur. Mr Morey, jun., who was called on, also made a few remarks very appropriately. The proceedings, which, as will have been seen, were of a very jovial character, then terminated with a vote of thanks to the chair.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article219329518 SPORTING INTELLIGENCE. The Ballarat Star XXVI, 120 Victoria, Australia 23 May 1881 24 November 2020 3 National Library of Australia 1881 06 Bechervaise involved in some teething troubles for the Ballarat Gymnastic Institute A meeting of the Ballarat Gymnastic Association committee was held last night, at Brophy's Hall. The application by a circus company for the use of the Alfred Hall has so greatly complicated matters the committee decided to apply for the use of the Eastern Market shed, till a building of their own can be erected. It was stated that the Mayor of Ballarat East was willing to allow them to commence boarding up the shed at once, and that a majority of the councillors had promised that if this were done they would confirm the action of the mayor. The conditions on which the services of Mr Reichmann can be secured, were agreed to; but owing to a strong protest by Messrs Bechervaise, H. A. King, and Madden, against the fee (£1 1s per quarter) at present fixed for admission to ladies' class, the committee determined to endeavor to have it reduced. The bulk of the apparatus required is expected from Melbourne towards the end of the week, and the appliances in process of manufacture in Ballarat will also be ready in a few days. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article249289416 No Title The Ballarat Courier XXVIII, 4347 Victoria, Australia 1 June 1881 24 November 2020 2 National Library of Australia Scrutiny of a female telegraphist appointment which appears to indicate nepotism NEWS AND NOTES. . . . The Ballarat correspondent of the Ararat Advertiser writes:— "An appointment made some time since in the Post and Telegraph Department in this district, has caused some apparently justifiable dissatisfaction in the office here, and illustrates the inherent badness of the existing system of administration of the Civil Service. An unmarried young woman, who was taught telegraphy in Ballarat, has been appointed post and telegraph mistress in an office in this district; appointed over the heads of married men many years her senior in the service, men who helped to teach her, men who have waited for years for appointments like hers, men who have to rent houses for their wives and families here, whilst this single young woman, their junior, is appointed over their heads, and has a suite of rooms she can make no use of. But her family is said to have political influence, and there lies the secret, and so seeming injustice is done. Of course, so demoralising a system, demoralising both to the Minister and the service, as well as demoralising to the earwiggers who work the political wires, can only be got rid of by a reform that shall take appointments out of the hands of political heads of departments, and place the power in the hands of a non-political board, guided by such regulations as shall secure fair-play to merit and seniority. The young woman in question is not a member of the much-billeted family of Mr James, member for for Ballast East, but she is a member of a family who grip upon the State dugs is pretty strong.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article219330087 NEWS AND NOTES. The Ballarat Star XXVI, 134 Victoria, Australia 8 June 1881 24 November 2020 2 National Library of Australia Ballarat Gymnastics Institute opens with Bechervaise a major driver NEWS AND NOTES. . . . Messrs Bechervaise and Rosenblum attended at the Town Council meeting yesterday evening as a deputation from the Gymnasium Association. As they heard the council confirm the Mayor's action in granting the site for the gymnasium, and refer the matter to the works committee to draw up the necessary regulations, there was little for the deputation to say on the subject, except to thank the council for the kindly interest they had taken in the matter. The Ballarat Gymnasium was formally opened last evening in the presence of a large concourse of the members and their friends. The opening ceremonial was performed by Mayor Lewis, and several congratulatory speeches were made by Messrs Rosenblum, Bechervaise, and others. Mayor Robertson, who was detained by the meeting of the Town Council, afterwards arrived, in company with Crs Scott, Phillips, and other councillors. Mayor Robertson addressed those present briefly, as also did Mr. Scott. A slight refection was also provided for those present, and after the ceremonies attending the opening had been performed, a few members went through several feats on the appliances in the room.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article219330217 NEWS AND NOTES. The Ballarat Star XXVI, 137 Victoria, Australia 11 June 1881 24 November 2020 2 National Library of Australia Bechervaise instrumental in the establishment of the Ballarat Eclectic Association, but not an officeholder NEWS AND NOTES. . . . A meeting of gentlemen was held at Craig's Royal hotel last evening, with the object of establishing an Eclectic Society in Ballarat. There were about twenty present, the chair being occupied by Mr W. P. Bechervaise. The chairman stated that at a preliminary meeting held on Monday, the 5th inst., a sub-committee was appointed to review the rules of the Eclectic Association of Victoria, and the sub-committee had now completed their labours. The present meeting had been convened principally for the purpose of considering if such an association were necessary in Ballarat. If it were so considered, it would be for the meeting to give the society a name, and elect a president and other officers. Mr Mills moved, and Mr Alroe seconded — "That an association be formed, to be called the Eclectic Association of Ballarat." The resolution was unanimously carried. The rules of the Eclectic Association of Victoria were then read over by the chairman, and a short discussion took place as to the desirability or otherwise of excluding political questions from all discussion, it being eventually decided to refer the matter to the committee to frame a regulation for the purpose of excluding politics. The election of officers then took place, with the following result:— President, Mr C. B. Finlayson; vice-presidents, Messrs Shaw and Stevens; committee, Messrs Williams, Mills, Palmer, Alroe, and Vallins; secretary, Mr Lorimer; treasurer, Mr Williams. The meeting then adjourned until Monday evening, the 20th instant, on which date the committee will send in a report with reference to the rules and regulations of the society.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article219330307 NEWS AND NOTES. The Ballarat Star XXVI, 139 Victoria, Australia 14 June 1881 24 November 2020 2 National Library of Australia Emerging controversy on the proposed new post office for Ballarat East The Town Council has just received from the Postmaster-General a communication which will not only furnish the members with a fertile topic at its next meeting, but will, if we mistake not, create a good deal of dissatisfaction in the municipality. We do not care to go into the subject at great length until the facts of the case are fully brought out at a meeting of the council; but it is due to the inhabitants to keep them, au courant respecting municipal affairs. Doubtless, every resident was delighted to observe that the recent proposed improvements for the township included the erection of a new post and telegraph office. We can readily imagine the pleasure experienced by the burgesses for some time past in noticing in the reports of the council meetings the assiduity with which the council was going to work to procure the most eligible site obtainable, and get all other preliminaries arranged. Now, this work, as we have every reason to believe, was undertaken on the understanding that £1000 would be granted by the department towards the purchase of a site, and that a grant for building purposes would be placed on the Estimates at a future time. From all we can gather, it was from the Hon. Mr Langridge's own words that the councillors were left under the impression that Government aid would be given, as already stated, and hence the confidence with which they entered upon the works. To be brief, a plan was prepared, as suggested by the Minister, showing the site unanimously agreed upon by the Council, and obtainable inside the sum said to have been promised towards the purchase of the ground. The site in question is opposite the Munster Arms hotel, on the northern side of the Melbourne road,, and is admirably situated for the convenience of the public, as several main roads converge towards that point; besides, it is near the railway station, and close to many of the leading thoroughfares. But why enlarge on the suitability of the site? The communication just fresh from the department has brought the project to an abrupt termination, informing the council in very plain terms that the building leased in 1869 for post-office purposes is considered suitable, and sufficiently commodious for the present requirements of the department. And further, that Mr Langridge is not aware of any promise having been made that a new post and telegraph office should be erected in Ballarat East. So the building now leased for post-office purposes is considered perfectly commodious for the present requirements of the department ! Are the requirements of "the people" not worthy of consideration? Time was when everything was done well "hardly" done, but, at least, said to be done — in the interests of "the people," but now it seems that things are being done in the interests of the department. We happen to know a little more on this subject, but we are not at liberty to divulge it just at present. Mr Langridge’s various conversations with, and promises to, certain members of the council will, we opine, furnish some very instructive disclosures at no distant date, and the public will probably also have an opportunity of learning that it has been stated, on what Dickens would call "the best authority," that the influence of one individual in the township, brought to bear at headquarters in Melbourne, has had the effect of thus getting the interests of the whole of "the people" in the municipality set aside in favour of his own. Can it be that "the people's" Government legislates in this spirit for "the people?" We shall await the denouement with more than usual curiosity.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article219330388 No title The Ballarat Star XXVI, 141 Victoria, Australia 16 June 1881 24 November 2020 2 National Library of Australia 1881 07 Typical housekeeping for Bechervaise BALLARAT POST-OFFICE NOTICE. Mails for Auckland, Honolulu, San Francisco, and London will be made up at this office on Tuesday, 12th July, for despatch to Sydney. The time appointed for closing for letters, packets, and newspapers, is 6 p.m. Letters for the Continent of Europe by this route must be marked "Via California." WM. PHILIP BECHERVAISE, Postmaster. Post and Telegraph Offices, Ballarat, 6th July, 1881.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article219331387 Advertising The Ballarat Star XXVI, 161 Victoria, Australia 9 July 1881 24 November 2020 2 National Library of Australia 1881 08 Bechervaise attends the ceremony for the laying of the foundation stone of the Ballarat Baths and subsequent ceremonies LAYING THE FOUNDATION-STONE OF THE BALLARAT EAST BATHS. The ceremony of laying the foundation-stone of the Ballarat East baths was performed on Saturday by Mayor Robertson, in the presence of a large number of residents of Ballarat East and West, and representatives of both municipal councils. The site for the baths is a reserve at the corner of Peel and Eastwood streets, on the southwest side. The basin will measure 80 feet by 187 feet, and will increase in depth from 3 feet to 8 feet. The ground was covered with sludge and tailings, which have been cleared off down to the original surface. No trial shafts have been sunk to discover whether there is any old ground, drives, or shafts below this, so that there is room for grave doubts as to what lies beneath the foundations. The contractors are Messrs Lewis and Roberts, and the contract price £1300, which does not include cement. The work is to be finished by the 1st of December. As an initiation of the ceremony, Councillor Scott introduced Messrs King and Fitzherbert (the assistant engineers) to the mayor. Mr Fitzherbert read a document relating to the laying of the stone, and naming the councillors present, which was placed underneath the stone in a bottle along with copies of the daily papers, and a penny. Mr Scott then introduced the contractors, on behalf of whom he presented a silver trowel to Mayor Robertson, who then delivered a short address. He said they were all well aware that the structure about to be erected would supply a long felt want, inasmuch as bathing, during the summer months in this climate was as desirable and requisite as food. Apart from the question of health, how many homes had been saddened by children being drowned when swimming in dangerous waterholes? The Town Council had long felt the necessity of a remedy, but, hitherto, difficulties had prevented the accomplishment of its object. These had at length been overcome, so that in a few months the town would be in possession of the largest swimming-baths in Australia, and of the benefits they would confer there could be no doubt. The stone was then lowered, and the mayor declared it to be well and truly laid, expressing a hope that the Great Architect of the universe would bless the undertaking, and protect the workmen from accident. The mayor then publicly thanked the contractors for their gift, which, he said, was rendered more valuable from the fact that it was manufactured by a townsman, Mr Bennett. He mentioned also that the assistant engineers were the sons of townsmen. They were under the care and guidance of the council's engineer, who had such confidence in them that he had entrusted the supervision of this work almost entirely to them. The mayor earnestly begged the State school teachers to inculcate into the minds of scholars the necessity of learning to swim, which, taken in conjunction with the gymnasium lately established in the town, could not fail to be of immense advantage. The mayor apologised for the absence of Mr James, M.L.A., but stated that Mr Brophy was present. Mr Brophy thanked the mayor and council for their kind invitation to be present. He hoped that not alone State school teachers, but every teacher and every parent would make their children go to the baths. In conclusion he congratulated the town and district on the initiation of this highly useful structure, which he believed would be carried out successfully. Mayor Wilson, of the city, who was then called upon, said it must be a matter of sincere congratulation to all to see the designs of such magnificent baths before them. There could be no jealousy between the East and the West because it did not matter where children learnt to swim, so long as they really learnt. These baths were twice or four times the size of the City baths. They would prove of incalculable benefit, and he wished the Town Council every success in the undertaking. Councillor Williams, who was the next speaker, said that when he first started the question of baths in the council, he never thought it would have such a conclusion. Mr Molloy then made a few remarks, after which Mayor Robertson proposed a vote of thanks to the Water Commission, its chairman, and officers, for the services they had rendered, and intended to render in future. Cheers were then given for the contractors and for the mayor, which brought the first portion of the proceedings to a termination. The mayor then invited the gentlemen present to the Town Hall, where refreshments were laid in the council hall. The mayor occupied the chair, and Councillor Williams the vice-chair; the company numbering about forty. The customary loyal toasts having been disposed of, the mayor proposed "The Parliament," coupled with the name of Mr Brophy. Mr Brophy, in reply, said he believed the present Parliament would prove, by its patriotism, that it would do more work, perhaps, than had been accomplished for many years past. That was his belief. The Government now in power meant well, and intended to do what was right. The Constitutional party, with which he was associated, would assist it, and with the assistance of that party, and of a great number of the Liberal party, would do good honest work. There were sufficient laws already if they were only carried out, but the mining laws would probably be revised. The mayor apologised for the absence of the chairman of the board of advice. He then proposed the toast of "Health and prosperity to the City Council," which was replied to by Mayor Wilson and Councillors Lewis and Salter. Cr Williams proposed, "Success to the undertaking," connected with the names of the contractors and engineers. Mr Roberts replied on behalf of the contractors, saying he had no fear as to the trustworthiness of the baths. Messrs King and Fitzherbert also replied. Mr Anderson proposed the health of the "Swimming Club," which was replied to by Messrs Ince, McGowan, Batten, and Bechervaise, Mr McGowan stating that 200 boys were taught every year to swim by the club. Mr Webb then proposed the health of the "Teachers," and Messrs Molloy, Kildahl, Potter, Date, and Ryan (Geelong) replied. Councillor Phillips proposed the health of the "Officers of the City and Town Councils, and of the Water Commission." Messrs Fraser and Cathcart replied. Mayor Wilson then proposed the healths of the "Mayor of Ballarat East and the Town Council." Mayor Robertson and Councillors Phillips and James replied, and the company then broke up.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article249746932 LAYING THE FOUNDATION-STONE OF THE BALLARAT EAST BATHS. The Ballarat Courier XXIX, 4411 Victoria, Australia 15 August 1881 24 November 2020 3 National Library of Australia Bechervaise demonstrates the telephone system established between the police camp and the reformatory NEWS AND NOTES. . . . Yesterday forenoon several gentlemen were present, at the invitation of Mr Bechervaise, to witness a trial of telephonic communication that has been established between Mr Sub-inspector Kennedy's office, at the police camp, and the Reformatory, beyond Lake Wendouree, telegraphic communication having been superseded by telephone. The results of the trial were very satisfactory, conversation in an ordinary tone being distinctly heard at either end of the line. Captains Hennah and Morris, of the Ballarat City and Ballarat brigades, were present, and were so impressed with the perfection of the apparatus that they intend to have similar communication established between the Eastern and the Western fire brigade stations. The instruments are manufactured by the Crossley Telephone Company, London, and Mr J. T. Sleep is the Ballarat agent. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article202592152 NEWS AND NOTES. The Ballarat Star XXVI, 201 Victoria, Australia 25 August 1881 24 November 2020 2 National Library of Australia 1881 09 Bechervaise on another committee for a ball for ex-May Lewis, which concludes successfully with a financial surplus NEWS AND NOTES. . . . The final meeting of the committee of the return ball to ex-Mayor Lewis took place yesterday evening at Lester's hotel, when there were present Messrs Webb, Caselli, Bechervaise, King, jun., and O. E. Wilson, hon. secretary. The treasurer's accounts showed a surplus of £15 after all expenses were paid, and it was decided to give £10 of this amount to the Ladies' Benevolent Clothing Society, and the remaining £5 to the Female Refuge. Votes of thanks were passed to the treasurer and secretary, and to Mr Alex. Kelly, who had initiated the affair. The success of the ball, we may add, has given great satisfaction, and the charitable way in which the surplus proceeds have been allocated will be the means of diffusing a little happiness in many a poverty-stricken home. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article202592576 NEWS AND DOTES. The Ballarat Star XXVI, 208 Victoria, Australia 2 September 1881 24 November 2020 2 National Library of Australia Bechervaise appointed as starter and committee member of the Ballarat Yacht Club at annual meeting BALLARAT YACHT CLUB. The annual meeting of the Ballarat Yacht Club was held last evening at Gill's Lake View hotel. There were present about twenty members, the chair being occupied by Mr E. Morey. Annual Report.— The annual report was submitted as follows:— "In placing this the fourth annual report before you, your committee have to congratulate the members upon the success that has attended the club since its formation, and especially during the past season. The financial position of the club, as will be seen by the balance-sheet, is very satisfactory — due to the generosity of patrons, the increase of members, and the economy observed by your committee and officers. The receipts for the past season amount to £255 19s 2d, made up by a small balance from last year, subscriptions, donations, and entrance moneys; while the expenditure (which chiefly includes prizes and expenses in connection with the annual regatta, hire of steamer for members during the season, &c.) amounts to a like sum, less £40 13s 3d, which lies to the club's credit in the bank as a nucleus towards the ensuing season's proceedings. The members on the roll number 119, composed of a good percentage of the principal residents of Ballarat and district, together with gentlemen in Geelong, Melbourne, and elsewhere, and during the ensuing season we have every reason to believe the members' roll will be considerably augmented. The formal opening of the season 1880/1 took place on the 9th October, when the occasion was honored by the presence of Sir Samuel Wilson (president of the club) and Lady and Miss Wilson, who were accompanied by Sir William and Lady Robinson and other distinguished guests. The ceremonial was an unqualified success, aided in a great measure by the combined efforts of the Ballarat and City Rowing Clubs, a number of whose crews turned out to form in’ procession. . . . Election of Officers.— The following officers were elected for the ensuing season:— President, the Hon. Philip Russell, M.L.C.; vice presidents, Messrs Andrew S. Chirnside, jun., and B. Hepburn; commodore, Mr E. Morey; vice-commodore and captain, Mr W. Bailey; secretary, Mr W. Downie; treasurer, Mr T. Mann; executive committee, Messrs E. Millard, T. Stoddart, J. Goodall, J. Jones, J. H. Were, and E. Williams; sailing committee, Messrs Pritchard, Bechervaise, Hathorn, T. Bailey, T. Gill, and R. Thurling; starter, Mr Bechervaise; judge, Mr H. R. Caselli.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article202593176 BALLARAT YACHT CLUB. The Ballarat Star XXVI, 218 Victoria, Australia 14 September 1881 24 November 2020 3 National Library of Australia 1881 10 Bechervaise takes the opportunity of the season opening to show council where and what lake improvements are necessary, participates in the celebrations LAKE WENDOUREE. THE OPENING OF THE YACHT AND ROWING SEASON. This event took place on Saturday. It had been determined by the committees of the yacht and rowing club's to present to the public a grand spectacle in the shape of a procession on the opening day, but "man proposes," &c., and in this case disappointment was the order of the day, for a regular northerly gale was blowing, and it was quite impossible for the rowing people to join — the sea was so high that no rowing boat could have lived in it — and hence the best that could be done was for the yachts, which were all "close reefed," to go in line around the sailing course. Prior to the opening, the lake and gardens committee of the City Council, including his Worship Mayor Wilson, Crs R. Lewis, Cr Salter, Mr Perry (town clerk), and Mr Woods (city inspector of works), met the Yacht Club Committee, the latter having chartered Gill’s steamer Wendouree for the purpose of steaming slowly around the northern channel in order that certain improvements suggested by the yacht committee might be pointed out. The greater number of the yachtsmen were busily engaged with their respective craft, but the council were attended by Messs Downie and Bechervaise, who explained what was necessary. This being accomplished to the satisfaction of all parties a landing at View Point was effected. By this time, a large number of spectators had arrived, and the president of the yacht club, the Hon. Philip Russell, Mr B. Hepburn, vice-president, and some other visitors having been taken aboard the Wendouree, the order was given by Commodore Morey to the vice-commodore and captains to follow. When the yachts stood away with a free wind to Brace's buoy, having rounded this they hauled their wind, and lay over to the north shore, and then bore up for View Point, followed by the Wendouree and other steamers and boats. By this time the wind had dropped, and the sea had gone down, but as the president and other visitors had to leave, an adjournment was made to Gill's Lake View hotel, where refreshments had been laid in the upper room. Commodore Morey called upon all present to charge, and then "The Healths of the President and Vice-Presidents", were drunk in bumpers of champagne. These gentlemen having responded, Mr Vice-Commodore W. Bailey proposed the toast of "The Mayor and City Councillors," to which the mayor responded, and called upon the company to drink "Prosperity to the Ballarat Yacht Club." Messrs Morey, W. Bailey, Bechervaise, Downie, and Caselli replied to the toast in fitting terms. There was a fine band on the balcony of the hotel and on the lawn during the afternoon discoursing sweet music, and enlivening the proceeding; and although things were not carried through as well as might have been under more promising conditions, still matters went off very agreeably, and we hope, and have no doubt, that a prosperous season for yachting and rowing was inaugurated on Saturday.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article202594054 LAKE WENDOUREE. The Ballarat Star XXVI, 236 Victoria, Australia 4 October 1881 25 November 2020 3 National Library of Australia Bechervaise reports against installing a time ball at the City Hall Tower NEWS AND NOTES. . . . The City Council was asked a short time ago by Mr J. R. Jopling to erect a time ball on the City tower, and the subject was referred to Messrs Bechervaise and Sleep for report. The former only has complied, and, according to his report, the cost of making necessary alterations to the tower and staff would be about £100; the annual hire of the electric power £5. His experience of the old time ball, which formerly stood near the site of the present railway station, gave him the impression that it was of little advantage to the public, especially when the trouble and expense were taken into consideration. The finance committee, acting on this report, recommended that no action be taken by the City Council in the matter. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article202594991 NEWS AND NOTES. The Ballarat Star XXVI, 253 Victoria, Australia 24 October 1881 25 November 2020 2 National Library of Australia As previous, a more detailed report by the Courier CITY COUNCIL. MONDAY, 24th OCTOBER. Present — The mayor (Cr Wilson), and Crs Claxton, Hickman, Morrison, Lewis, Salter, Thompson, and Brophy. . . . FINANCE.— . . . 2. Letter J. R. Jopling, urging the erection of a time ball on City tower, together with report by Mr Bechervaise on the same subject — The committee invited the opinion of Messrs Bechervaise and Sleep on the subject, but the former gentleman only complied. According to his exhaustive report, the cost of making necessary alterations to the tower and staff would be about £100; the annual hire of the electric power, £5. Mr. Bechervaise remarks in addition that only one time-ball is in use in the colony, viz., at Williamstown and that it is maintained for the special benefit of the shipping; also, that he had considerable personal experience of the old timeball which formerly stood near the site of the present railway station, and his impression was that very little advantage was gained by the public from that form of making known the time, especially when the trouble and expense were taken into consideration, for it should be understood that unless the greatest care, precision, and regularity be observed in the working of such a public signal it would be unreliable and useless. We therefore recommend that no action be taken. It is fitting here to mention that upon complaints being made as to difference of time between the city clock and that of the railway station, a daily test extending over three weeks was made between the city clock and the electric time, on one occasion only was there any difference, the clock being then one minute slow. Adopted. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article249281163 CITY COUNCILS. The Ballarat Courier XXIX, 4472 Victoria, Australia 25 October 1881 25 November 2020 4 National Library of Australia 1881 11 Bechervaise acknowledges complaints re telegraph poles CITY COUNCIL. Monday, 7th November. Present — The Mayor (Mr J. Noble Wilson), and Crs Claxton, Hickman, Salter, Thompson, Lewis, Major Smith, A. T. Morrison, and Brophy. Correspondence.— From W. P. Bechervaise, acknowledging complaint re telegraph poles in Sturt street, and had forwarded it to the Chief of the Department.— Received. . . .http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article202595693 CITY COUNCIL. The Ballarat Star XXVI, 266 Victoria, Australia 8 November 1881 25 November 2020 3 National Library of Australia Bechervaise attends, but does not exhibit, at a scientific evening at the School of Mines NEWS AND NOTES. . . . A number of persons interested in scientific pursuits assembled by invitation last evening at the School of Mines, in order to witness various mechanical exhibits and beautiful experiments, shown by several enthusiasts in the cause of science. The proceedings were opened by Mr James Oddie, the vice-president, who delivered a practical address bearing upon the object of the meeting. Professor A. Mica Smith gave a simple explanatory speech upon science, and illustrated his remarks by nice experiments with the Geisler vacuum tubes. Mr R. H. Sutton exhibited a novel apparatus for storing electricity, and explained its principles in suitable terms. The construction of an electro-magnetic engine and a Morse telegraph sounder, shown by M. A. Carmichael, junr., was greatly admired. Mr Bechervaise spoke in a complimentary manner upon the successful efforts of the exhibitor. After several chemical experiments had been made by Mr A. Burbidge the meeting terminated with the usual votes of thanks. It is intended to hold a fortnightly series of the above class of entertainments at the School of Mines, in order to inculcate a love of scientific pursuits in the minds of the younger folk of Ballarat.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article202596080 NEWS AND NOTES. The Ballarat Star XXVI, 274 Victoria, Australia 17 November 1881 25 November 2020 2 National Library of Australia 1881 12 At a further School of Mines scientific entertainment, Bechervaise moves that a new class be established in applied chemistry and electricity CHEMICAL AND ELECTRICAL INDUSTRY CLASS. The third entertainment of the series in connection with the School of Mines was held last evening in the lecture-room. The promoters of the class were determined that the affair should be placed on a firm basis, and accordingly issued invitations to numerous young people to attend. Judging by the number, about 130, of intelligent looking youths and young ladies present, their wish was gratified. Mr Oddie, the vice-president of the institution, presided, and delivered the opening address. Afterwards Professor A. Mica Smith explained the construction of a spectroscope, kindly lent by Mr E. Figgis. He showed with it the effects of the flames upon various metals, and enumerated many metals that had been discovered in the sun by its means. The illustrations also furnished by Mr Smith were greatly admired. Messrs Burbidge and Olden, two young chemists, respectively gave experiments with the Geisler vacuum tubes and in the department of chemistry, Messrs Carmichael, Hall, and Crisp exhibited some electric motor machines at work. The chairman, towards the conclusion, thanked the audience for the attention paid to the efforts of the gentlemen who had endeavored to instruct them that evening. The School of Mines had initiated the class for the ulterior object of inducing young men to secure the advantages of the institution by enrolling themselves as students. He instanced the wonderful nature of electricity, a power destined to supersede all other motive power. A desire was evinced to form the discipline of the school upon the model of the Technological institutions in Great Britain, so as to embrace a vast range of subjects. An idea had been mooted that a mechanical class should be established, so that with lathes and other proper appliances the students could be engaged in forming machines for the use of students in applied electricity. He advised the audience to be present at the next meeting, when a sewing-machine would be exhibited at work through the agency of electricity. Mr Bechervaise then submitted the following resolution:— "That this meeting would most gratefully appreciate the establishment of a class at the School of Mines for practical, mechanical, and technical instruction in applied chemistry and electricity; also that his worship the mayor of the city be invited to present the foregoing prayer for the favorable consideration of the council of the School of Mines." The motion was unanimously carried. Votes of thanks to all concerned in the pleasures afforded to the audience were passed, and the proceedings terminated. Afterwards, many availed themselves of the opportunity of inspecting the spectroscope and other exhibits.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article202596841 CHEMICAL AND ELECTRICAL INDUSTRY GLASS. The Ballarat Star XXVI, 285 Victoria, Australia 1 December 1881 25 November 2020 3 National Library of Australia Bechervaise part of a group seeking establishment of a swimming club at the Ballarat East baths NEWS AND NOTES. . . . A meeting of gentlemen interested in the formation of a swimming club in connection with the new baths at Ballarat East was held last evening at the Mechanics' Institute, when about 20 gentlemen were present, and Mr Bechervaise presided. After some remarks from the chairman, it was decided that a swimming club should be forthwith formed, Mr J. Walker being appointed to act as hon. secretary. A deputation, consisting of Messrs Wheeler, Batten, Bechervaise, and the hon. secretary, was appointed to wait upon the council this evening with regard to the matter, and the same gentlemen were also appointed as a sub-committee to draw up rules, &c., to lay before an adjourned meeting to be held on Wednesday next at Mechanics' Institute at 7.30 p.m. The matter was entered into very heartily by the gentlemen present, and there is every prospect of a strong club being formed within a few weeks.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article202596805 NEWS AND NOTES. The Ballarat Star XXVI, 285 Victoria, Australia 1 December 1881 25 November 2020 2 National Library of Australia Lack of supply of fee stamps implies criticism of Bechervaise NEWS AND NOTES. The electoral registrars were busy yesterday issuing rights, and the Ballarat West proper division several hundreds were applied for. The demand was so great that no fee stamps were obtainable in the city, and consequently each applicant had to deposit his shilling with the registrar in order to obtain his right. This fact tends to prove that some other arrangements should be made for the supply of fee stamps on special occasions. The number of electors'-rights issued on the general roll for 1881, Ballarat West, is 1005; and for the supplementary roll for 1881, 50; making a total number of 1055. The number on the general roll for 1880 was 1743, thus showing a deficiency of 688 votes, according to Mr D. Christy's return. Mr Michell, electoral registrar for Ballarat East, reports having issued during the half-year 563 electoral rights. The return from the deputy registrar, Mr W. H. Ward, has not yet come to hand, but this, it is supposed, will increase the number by close upon 150 rights. The returns from Ballarat East are considered satisfactory, and show that the ratepayers are fully determined to exercise their franchise at ensuing elections. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article202596852 NEWS AND NOTES. The Ballarat Star XXVI, 286 Victoria, Australia 2 December 1881 27 November 2020 2 National Library of Australia As previous NEWS AND NOTES. . . . A deputation, consisting of Messrs Bechervaise, Wheeler, and Batten, waited upon the Town Council yesterday for the purpose of suggesting several matters as to the control of the new town baths. Among other things recommended was the admission of members of the Ballarat Swimming Club at half prices, the construction of proper ladders, the erection of parallel and horizontal bars, &c., by which it was thought the baths would be made a popular and attractive place of resort. The council asked that the whole of these matters should be placed in writing, when they would receive due consideration. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article202596852 NEWS AND NOTES. The Ballarat Star XXVI, 286 Victoria, Australia 2 December 1881 25 November 2020 2 National Library of Australia As previous, further detail TOWN COUNCIL. Thursday, 1st December. SPECIAL MEETING. Present — The Mayor (Mr Theo. Williams), in the chair; and Crs Josephs, Phillips, Wood, Ferguson, James, Turpie, and Scott. . . . Deputations.— A deputation, consisting of Messrs Bechervaise, Wheeler, and Batten, was introduced to the Town Council by Cr Scott, in connection with the new swimming baths. Mr Bechervaise stated that he, in company with the gentlemen accompanying him, had been appointed from a meeting held the previous evening, to wait upon the council, to ask for certain concessions to be made to members of the swimming club. He considered the new baths to be the best of the kind he had yet seen in the colony. Mr Batten said the meeting held the previous evening was well attended, and it was then determined that a deputation should wait upon the council to ask for certain concessions. They asked that members of the club should be admitted at half rates. It was pointed out that the reasons for asking this concession was that the swimming club were foremost in getting up matches, teaching juveniles, &c. It was pointed out that no direct benefit would accrue to members of the club, seeing that the membership fee was £1 10s of which would consequently accrue to the council. Mr Bechervaise, who brought under the notice of council other matters connected with the baths, such as the placing of the steps breast-wise, two spring boards, horizontal and parallel bars, &c. It also came as a suggestion from the Swimming Club that the baths should be opened with a series of matches, and that annual prizes should be offered. The mayor requested the deputation to send in their views in writing to the council, and these would be duly considered. Mr Bechervaise thought that having a good strong swimming club in connection with the baths would go a great way towards making the baths the success deserved. The deputation then thanked the council and withdrew. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article202596843 TOWN COUNCIL. The Ballarat Star XXVI, 286 Victoria, Australia 2 December 1881 25 November 2020 3 National Library of Australia As Courier report, a little different to the earlier Star report CHEMICAL AND ELECTRICAL INDUSTRY SOCIETY. The third meeting of the above society was held on Wednesday evening last, the chair being occupied by Mr James Oddie, the president of the society. The attendance at the meeting was far greater than at either of the previous ones, there being no less than from 130 to 140 present, including several ladies. Mr Oddie in a few pertinent remarks opened the meeting, and called upon Professor Smith, who very ably explained a spectroscope, kindly lent by Mr Figgis. The instrument is used to detect the presence of metals, &c., in any substance, and the professor stated that so minute is the analysis known as spectroscopic analysis, that, if the 180,000,000th part of a grain of potassium were placed in the flame of the spectroscope, it would be detected as once. By this instrument also, most of the substances in the sun have been found out; and several new metals have been brought to light that were never before known to exist. Professor Smith was followed by Mr William Burbidge, one of the assistants at the School of Mines, who showed his proficiency in electricity by several very pretty experiments with the "Geisler" vacuum tubes, kindly lent by Mr Flude, and in explaining the working of several electro-motors constructed by Messrs H. H. Crisp, and Carmichael. This young gentleman also showed an experiment with hydrogen and oxygen, by bottling them up together, and then lighting them by the electric spark, the result being an explosion something similar to that of a pistol. At the conclusion of the experiment, Mr O. L. Olden, another of the assistants at the School of Mines, entertained the audience by several illustrations in chemistry. The President then informed those present that the next meeting would be held on Wednesday, the 14th December, and requested the members to bring their friends with them, at the same time stating that there would be exhibited a sewing machine worked by electricity. He concluded by stating that electricity was a subject to which everybody should give his or her mind, as it was the power that would undoubtedly in a few years, revolutionise the world. Mr Bechervaise then put the following motion to the meeting:— "That this meeting would most gratefully appreciate the establishment of a class at the School of Mines for practical mechanics, and technical instruction in applied chemistry and electricity also that his worship the mayor of the City be invited to present the foregoing petition for the favorable consideration of the council of the School of Mines." The motion was seconded by Mr E. Figgis, and carried unanimously. A vote of thanks to the gentlemen who had so kindly entertained the audience brought the meeting to a close. At the conclusion of the meeting several of the members availed themselves of the opportunity of examining more closely and viewing the effects of the spectroscope.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article249284783 CHEMICAL AND ELECTRICAL INDUSTRY SOCIETY. The Ballarat Courier XXIX, 4505 Victoria, Australia 2 December 1881 25 November 2020 4 National Library of Australia Bechervaise springs to his defence of criticism than fee stamps unavailable NEWS AND NOTES. . . . Mr W. P. Bechervaise, referring to a statement in yesterday's issue that no fee stamps were obtainable on Thursday, desires us to state that for the last few days he has taken special precautions to have available a large supply of one shilling fee stamps in order that he should be able to supply the demand for them. He also particularly notified the licensed vendors of this, and on Thursday evening, before closing, sent round to several of the vendors, giving them a similar reminder. Mr Bechervaise also called on Mr Christy and intimated the same to him. On Thursday night he had not less than 1000 shilling fee stamps left on hand. We may remark that our paragraph had reference more particularly to the applicants for electoral rights from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., and it is a fact that between these hours no fee stamps could be obtained from licensed vendors in the city. We fully believe that the fault is not that of Mr Bechervaise, and hence our recommendation that some other plan of selling fee stamps after hours than at present should be adopted. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article202596902 NEWS AND NOTES. The Ballarat Star XXVI, 287 Victoria, Australia 3 December 1881 27 November 2020 2 National Library of Australia 1882 1882 01 Bechervaise again performs starter duties for Ballarat Yacht Club SPORTING INTELLIGENCE. AQUATICS. THE CONTEST FOR MR GOODALL'S TROPHY. The weather being beautifully fine at Lake Wendouree on Saturday, induced many persons to pay this favorite spot a visit, in order to witness the contest for the trophy presented by Mr Goodall, a member of the Ballarat Yacht Club. The prize is valued at £30, it being a stipulation in the conditions of the race that the captain of the winning boat receive the trophy. The weather was all that could be desired for yachting purposes, a fine stiff south-westerly breeze blowing during the afternoon, which had the effect of driving the competing craft through the water at a quick rate. The distance travelled by the yachts was about 10½ miles (four rounds) the winning boat doing the work in 1 hour 25 min. A steamer was chartered by the club to convey judges, members of committee, reporters, and others over the course during the progress of the race, and a most enjoyable afternoon was spent by those who had assembled to witness the contest. The stately appearance of the yachts in the pleasant gale was an object of admiration, and regret was expressed when two of the competing craft were compelled to retire through accident. Mr Bechervaise, as usual, was allotted the position of starter, while Mr H. R. Caselli, J.P., officiated as time-keeper and judge, both gentlemen giving satisfaction. At 3 o'clock the following competing boats were at their moorings off View Point, viz.:— Reporter, Viola, Pinafore, Grand Flaneur, Duke, and Flying Scud. At the words, "let go," the fleet got away well together, but shortly after parting with the ropes the Flying Scud showed in front, the Pinafore being close astern. This position was maintained until Brace's buoy had been reached, when the Duke came to the front, followed by the Flying Scud, Viola, and Reporter. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article200665020 SPORTING INTELLIGENCE. The Ballarat Star XXVII, 323 Victoria, Australia 17 January 1882 27 November 2020 3 National Library of Australia Bechervaise again appointed to the Council of the School of Mines SCHOOL OF MINES. ANNUAL MEETING. The annual meeting of governors and subscribers in connection with the School of Mines was held yesterday afternoon; there being present about twenty, including the Right Rev. Dr Thornton. The chair was occupied by the vice-president, Mr James Oddie. REPORT.— "The council, in accordance with the statutes of the school, present to the governors and subscribers a report of operations and proceedings, together with a duly audited and certified correct statement of receipts and expenditure for the year 1881. A decrease to balance in credit will be observed, and must be better understood when it is stated that the expenditure for the past and previous year has been largely in excess of the gross receipts, and that during the period named a total sum of £1498 17s 1d has been absorbed by buildings and repairs, machinery, and museum. . . . ELECTION OF COUNCIL.— The election of members of council by ballot then took place, and resulted in the following being appointed:— Messrs S. E. Figgis, Bechervaise, Nicholls, Rosenblum, and Martell. VOTES OF THANKS.— Votes of thanks were then passed to the press and chairman, and the meeting was brought to a termination. COUNCIL MEETING. A council meeting was afterwards held for the purpose of electing an administrative council for the ensuing year, when the following were appointed:— Messrs Caselli, Figgis, Rosenblum, Williams, Nicholls, Martell, and Mann. A finance committee, consisting of the vice-president, and Messrs Nicholls and Caselli was also appointed. The meeting then adjourned. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article249290019 SCHOOL OF MINES. The Ballarat Courier XXX, 4549 Victoria, Australia 25 January 1882 27 November 2020 4 National Library of Australia 1882 02 Bechervaise appointed hon. treasurer of annual regatta committee NEWS AND NOTES. . . . A joint meeting of the Ballarat and Ballarat City Rowing Club committees was held at Lester's hotel last evening to take the necessary steps for holding the Ballarat Annual Regatta this year. Mr Cazaly was elected chairman of the meeting. It was resolved that a regatta committee be formed, consisting of six members from each of the rowing clubs, and the same number from the Yacht Club, and that this committee be empowered to make all the necessary arrangements for holding the regatta on Monday, the 13th of March next. Mr H. A. King was appointed hon. secretary to the regatta committee, Mr W. P. Bechervaise hon. treasurer, and Mr W. J. Gates collector, while it was resolved to request Mr J. Noble Wilson, Mayor of the City, to take the office of president. The meeting then adjourned. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article200666140 NEWS AND NOTES. The Ballarat Star XXVII, 31 Victoria, Australia 7 February 1882 27 November 2020 2 National Library of Australia Bechervaise attends committee meeting of Ballarat Swimming Club as president NEWS AND NOTES. . . . A meeting of committee of the Ballarat Swimming Club was held at the Mechanics' Institute last evening, the president, Mr Bechervaise, presiding. Friday, the 3rd March, was the date fixed for holding the annual tournament, subject to the consent of the City Council. The Mayor of Melbourne, having consented that the "George Gall" bequest cup shall be competed for at Ballarat this year, that prize was included in the programme. After other business the committee adjourned to Friday evening. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article200666210 NEWS AND NOTES. The Ballarat Star XXVII, 32 Victoria, Australia 8 February 1882 27 November 2020 2 National Library of Australia Bechervaise attends meeting of committee of the Ballarat Gymnastic Association A meeting of the committee of the Ballarat Gymnastic Association was held on Wednesday evening at Brophy's hotel; the President, Mr E. I. Rosenblum, in the chair. Present — Messrs Bechervaise, Gross, F. Smith, and H. A. King (hon. secretary.) It was decided to take immediate steps to appoint a thoroughly qualified resident instructor, also to time the opening day as early as possible. Other business having been transacted, the committee adjourned.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article249291795 No Title The Ballarat Courier XXX, 4563 Victoria, Australia 10 February 1882 27 November 2020 2 National Library of Australia 1882 03 Bechervaise attends meeting of Chemical and Electrical Industry Society NEWS AND NOTES. . . . The Chemical and Electrical Industry Society met again on Wednesday evening last, and although the audience was not large it was very attentive. The chair was taken by Mr Oddie, the president of the society, who, after a few introductory remarks, called upon Professor Smith to proceed with his very interesting lecture, or rather course of lectures, on "Applied Chemistry." This the professor very lucidly did, the art of dyeing being the subject chosen for the evening's lecture. The lecturer explained the various dyes which were used in ancient times, and which are being used at the present time, and also very clearly showed the method of dyeing now in common use. This proved very interesting indeed, and the audience no doubt greatly appreciated it. During the evening the members had an opportunity of examining several of the dyes which had been spoken about, they having very kindly been sent up with some samples of dyed wool by the manager of the woollen mill at Sunny Corner. The minutes of the previous meeting having been read and confirmed, and a vote of thanks having been accorded Professor Smith for his very interesting course of lectures, on the motion of W. P. Bechervaise, seconded by Mr Martell, the meeting closed. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article200668770 NEWS AND NOTES. The Ballarat Star XXVII, 70 Victoria, Australia 24 March 1882 27 November 2020 2 National Library of Australia Bechervaise both judge and treasurer for Ballarat Annual Regatta BALLARAT ANNUAL REGATTA. Judges — Messrs W. P. Bechervaise and H. R. Caselli. Starter — Mr W. Pobjoy. Time-keeper — Major Sleep. Honorary treasurer — Mr W. P. Bechervaise. Committee — Messrs J. N. Wilson (president), E. Williams, McWhae, Holding, Grant, A. Smith, C. P. Bennett, Lester, Foley, Cazaly, Morey, W. and T. Bailey, Caselli, Mann, Downie, Gibbs, Hollander, R. Toy, J. J. Fitzgerald, Cameron, Kortlang, and Rennie. The Ballarat annual regatta took place on Lake Wendouree yesterday, but did not by any means prove as successful as those held on previous years. Although the weather was rather sultry, the heat was somewhat modified by a cool breeze, which prevailed throughout the whole day. There was, as usual on such occasions, a large display of bunting in the vicinity of the lake, and from Gill's hotel across the road to the lake was stretched a row of flags, which presented a gay appearance. The regatta would appear to have been taken very little interest in by business people, as scarcely a single shop in the principal streets of the city and town was to be seen closed in honor of the occasion. The non-observance of a public holiday of course had the effect of militating to a great extent against the attendance, and in the afternoon, when at its thickest, it could not have exceeded 2000 persons. . . .http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article249294185 BALLARAT ANNUAL REGATTA. The Ballarat Courier XXX, 4590 Victoria, Australia 14 March 1882 27 November 2020 2 National Library of Australia 1882 04 Bechervaise supports deputation seeking assistance to have lady telegraphist appointed at Learmonth BALLARATSHIRE COUNCIL. Monday, 3rd April. Present:— President Uren, and Crs Dalgleish, Baird, Findlay, Edward, Feery, and Rennie. . . . Deputation.— Mr Thos. Bath, who was introduced by Cr Baird, appeared, he said, to plead the claims of Miss Isabella McKay, who has for over three years acted for her deceased sister, the late Miss Grace McKay, as post and telegraph mistress, Learmonth. He spoke in high terms of praise of the young lady, and only asked that the council would use its influence to have her placed permanently on the staff. In addition, he said that she was known to be one of the best operators on the line, and Mr Bechervaise said the young lady should have his strongest recommendation. The council unanimously agreed in the heartiest manner to carry out Mr Bath's wish, nearly every councillor present speaking in highest terms of Miss McKay; and it was resolved, on the motion of Cr Baird, seconded by Cr Feery, that the secretary write to Government in support of Miss McKay's claim as post and telegraph mistress at Learmonth. Mr Bath thanked the council for their cordiality of accord, and said it would be an act which they would never have any reason to regret, and then withdrew. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article200669471 BALLARATSHIRE COUNCIL. The Ballarat Star XXVII, 80 Victoria, Australia 5 April 1882 27 November 2020 2 National Library of Australia Bechervaise attends Council meeting of School of Mines, Certificates in Telegraphy awarded THE SCHOOL OF MINES, BALLARAT. A special meeting of the administrative council was held on Wednesday, the 19th instant, at half-past three p.m. Present — The vice-president (in the chair), S. E. Figgis, F. J. Martell, W. H. Nicholls, and E. I. Rosenblum. The meeting was convened to consider the business to be submitted at council meeting at half-past four p m. A report of the subcommittee, appointed 17th February, was submitted, recommending the adoption of the following syllabus for first, second, and third years' course in chemistry:— Practical, first year — Jones; theoretical chemistry, physics, and non-metals. Third year — Theory, Roscoe, Jones, Sibson, and Johnson; practice, qualitative analysis. Second year — Frezenius, qualitative, general chemical theory, and principles of quantitative analysis; and that examinations be held half-yearly, candidates obtaining honors to awarded a free scholarship, tenable for one year. The adoption was also recommended of syllabus for study in elementary course in geology for first term (April):— Formation of the earth's crust; sedimentary, volcanic, plutonic, and metamorphic rocks; composition of sedimentary rocks; silicious, argillaceous, calcareous, ferruginous rocks; stratification; deposition of fossils; consolidation of strata; upheaval, descension, denudation of strata; syncline, anticline, dip, strike, faults. Text-books — Student's Elements of Geology, by Sir Chas. Lyell; Page's Introductory Text Book, Duke's School Manual of Geology; illustrations and examples taken from Australian geology, and, whenever practicable, from the geology of the Ballarat district. Second term, lithology; third term, chronological classification of rocks. A synopsis of of the lectures to be given before the commencement of each course. The vice-president stated that it had been suggested that a class in agricultural chemistry might be formed, and the registrar was instructed to insert an advertisement in the local newspapers directing special attention to persons desirous of joining the classes in elementary geology and agricultural chemistry. Two members of the administrative council were appointed a visiting committee for the ensuing month. With reference to the institution of popular science lectures in connection with the school, the names of several gentlemen were submitted, to whom invitations were directed to be sent. The quarterly meeting of the council was then held, there being present, in addition to the above-mentioned — Councillors W. P. Bechervaise, J. Campbell, J.P.; and H. R. Caselli, J.P. Business — 1. To confirm minutes. 2. To grant certificates. 3. To consider and make arrangements for ensuing (April) term. 4. To determine amount of stipend to be paid to demonstrator in chemistry. 5. To consider such other matters as the vice-president may submit. 6. General. The minutes of meeting held 11th January last were read and confirmed. The examiners' reports on materia medica and telegraphy examinations, held at the school 31st March ultimo and 6th April instant, respectively, were read, and certificates granted to the undermentioned candidates, as recommended by the examiners:— In Materia Medica — James Edward Gribble. In Telegraphy — Henry Slade (with credit), Catherine Mitchell (with credit), Edwin Redgrave Doward, Margaret Davies, Charles Joshua Hall, John Henry Nelson, Emily Linton Austin, William Phillips, and Julia Williamson. The vice-president stated that a sub-committee had been appointed to prepare and submit a report on arrangements to be made for ensuing (April) term. This, as previously stated, was received, considered, and adopted at special meeting of administrative council, convened for the purpose, and their action in the matter confirmed. The stipend of demonstration in chemistry was fixed at £150 per annum. The vice-president gave a resume of the business which had occupied the attention of the administrative council during the past quarter, referring to the attempt to institute popular science lectures in connection with the school. Also, the desirability of establishing a class in agricultural chemistry, and the support given to the proposal. The matter of purchase of the Preshaw collection, for which Messrs Goodall, Ham, Morey, and Stoddart had subscribed the sum of £50, in equal proportions, was left in the hands of the vice-president. The architect (Mr Caselli), reported that a small addition to the tower, to cover in a testing bench, would have to be erected before the apparatus could be utilised. A return, showing the attendance of members at council meetings, was ordered to be prepared and submitted at next meeting. The council then adjourned.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article249296347 THE SCHOOL OF MINES, BALLARAT The Ballarat Courier XXX, 4623 Victoria, Australia 22 April 1882 28 November 2020 1 (Supplement to THE BALLARAT COURIER) National Library of Australia Bechervaise responds to criticism of his letter carriers NEWS AND NOTES. . . . In yesterday's issue of the Star a paragraph was inserted drawing attention to the alleged carelessness of some of the letter carriers whilst on their rounds. It is but fair to Mr Bechervaise, the local postmaster, to state that he has at all times proved his willingness to make the office over which he has charge a model one in every respect; but there must necessarily be faults which he has no power to remedy unless he is afforded the necessary information. It is our duty to give all publicity to such complaints as that which appeared yesterday, but it would be well if the sufferers would also supply Mr Bechervaise with the information, as we have no doubt that he would enquire into the matter, and if the case was proved against any of the employees that the delinquent would be properly dealt with. It is but right to add that it would only be fair to the office and to the letter carriers if such a course was adopted, and if errors of commission or omission were reported promptly to Mr Bechervaise he would at once be able to check mistakes and carelessness.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article200670694 NEWS AND NOTES. The Ballarat Star XXVII, 99 Victoria, Australia 28 April 1882 28 November 2020 2 National Library of Australia 1882 05 Bechervaise attends a farewell dinner to Lewis, locomotive master at Ballarat VALEDICTORY BANQUET TO MR LEWIS. A large number of the friends of Mr Lewis, late locomotive superintendent at Ballarat, but whose promotion and subsequent removal to Sandhurst we recently recoded, entertained that gentleman last evening at Brophy's hotel, Sturt street. A very elegant repast had been prepared for the occasion, the catering having been entrusted to a such worthy hands as Mr McKenzie of Bridge street. The chair was occupied by Mr Hickman, one of the proprietors of the Union Foundry, the guest of the evening being seated at his right hand. The vice chair was taken by Mr Spillman, while there were present Mr W. P. Bechervaise, Mr Bodycombe, Mr Shaw, jun., Mr Sewell, Mr Reid, Mr Jonathon Robinson, and many others more or less connected with the iron trade. The customary formal toasts having been disposed of, that of the guest of the evening was proposed in felicitous terms by the chairman, and received with three times three. Mr Lewis, in responding, expressed the gratitude he felt at seeing the many warm friends present who had honoured him by attending the complimentary meeting, more especially when he called to mind the fact that on his arrival in Ballarat he had not the pleasure of being personally acquainted with many he was now glad to reckon as esteemed friends. He thought it a fortunate thing for him that departmental regulations had brought about his removal to the famous city of Ballarat, as he had thus been brought into contact with gentlemen of great and varied experience, who readily extended to him the hand of good fellowship. It was no wonder, therefore, that he left Ballarat with a sorrowing heart. In saying "Goodbye," he sincerely trusted that health, happiness, and prosperity would be the lot of everyone present. It had been his ambition to perform the duties of his office, wherever located in a fair and honourable manner, and he was glad to find that he had succeeded in leaving such an impression on the minds of those with whom he had been associated, (Cheers). The toast of the "Locomotive Department" was next proposed, and suitably responded to by Mr Sewell. Several other toasts followed, while the enjoyment of the evening was greatly increased by songs, &c., contributed by several of the friends present.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article200671796 VALEDICTORY BANQUET TO MR LEWIS. The Ballarat Star XXVII, 115 Victoria, Australia 17 May 1882 28 November 2020 2 National Library of Australia Bechervaise attends end of season celebrations for Ballarat Yacht Club BALLARAT YACHT CLUB. The yachting season of 1881-2 was formerly concluded yesterday afternoon by a crews' sailing-match, in which seven yachts contested. The weather was eminently suitable for a good contest, the wind blowing fresh from a northerly direction, and consequently one of the most interesting matches of the season was the result. The steamboat Wendouree followed the boats around the course. When a start was effected the Grand Flaneur led for the first round, the Pinafore being second, and the rest of the yachts a fair distance away. However on passing View Point the Darlie Bay was was first with the Grand Flaneur second, the other boats being well in the rear. On the second course the Pinafore was first round the garden's buoy, with the Grand Flaneur second, Darlie Bay third, and the Reporter fourth. The positions were reversed on reaching Brace's buoy, when the Reporter led followed by the Pinafore, Grand Flaneur and Darlie Bay in the order named. Darlie Bay crept up, and passing Edward’s buoy reached home first and was declared the winner. The Duke also passed the others, coming in second; the Reporter, after a close race, obtaining third place by two feet over the Pinafore, the remaining boats being far behind. The Darlie Bay was captained by Mr W. Pritchard, the Duke by Mr P. Morey, the Reporter by Mr A. J. E. Morey, and the Pinafore by Mr C. Robinson. A DINNER was afterwards held in the evening at Gill's Lake View hotel, when the crews were entertained by the officers of the club. The catering was performed by Mr McKenzie, of Bridge street, in his usual complete style. Vice-commodore Wm. Bailey occupied the chair, being supported on his right by Mr W. P. Bechervaise, and on his left by Mr Wm. Downie; Captain Hathorne filled the vice-chair. The usual loyal toasts were disposed of, after which the chairman proposed the toast of "The Absent Commodore, Mr Edward Morey." In doing so he spoke eulogistically of the commodore's services to the club, stating that the latter gentleman had been at the helm of affairs during the past season, and that he had worked hard to get trophies to keep the club on a firm basis. He thought that it was the present company's duty to drink the health of the absent commodore in an enthusiastic manner. The toast was received with musical honours. Mr A. J. E. Morey, who replied on behalf of his father, said that he was deeply gratified at the way in which the toast was received. He was glad that the efforts of the commodore were appreciated, and stated that in a few months his father would doubtless be amongst them again, with the models of a boat that would perhaps "lick all creation," or at least the yachts on Lake Wendouree. He again thanked the company for its reception of the toast, and sat down amidst cheering. The following toasts were, subsequently given and duly responded to:— "The crews," "the vice-commodore, Mr Bailey," "Captain Hathorn," the donors of the seasons trophies," "the starter, Mr Bechervaise," "The judge, Mr Caselli," "The captain and officers of the club," "The press," "The musical talent," and "The host and hostess." During the evening occasion was taken by the chairman to present Mr W. Downie, hon. secretary of the club with a silver cruet and wine stand, as a token of their appreciation of his services, on the part of the members. The health of the recipient was also drunk, and Mr Downie suitably acknowledged the gift. The National Anthem brought the proceedings to a close.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article200671999 BALLARAT YACHT CLUB. The Ballarat Star XXVII, 118 Victoria, Australia 20 May 1882 28 November 2020 3 National Library of Australia Post office employee sustains injury at work, Bechervaise thanks first responders A painter named John Cornwall, a single man, met with a nasty accident yesterday when engaged painting a telegraph pole in Dana street. The ladder he was standing on slipped, and he fell to the ground, a distance of some 14 or 15 feet, sustaining some contusions and a severe shaking. His point-pot, containing come red paint, fell with him, and its contests splashed up in his face, nose, and month, giving him a very sanguinary appearance. Some employees at the Union Foundry observed his mishap, and hastened to his assistance. Finding that he suffered from the effects of his fall, they conveyed him to the Hospital, where his injuries were attended to. Cornwall stating that he feared he had swallowed some of the paint, the resident surgeon administered an emetic, but it was found that though he got a mouthful of the pigment, none made its way into his gullet. He was admitted into the accident ward, Dr Owen recommending him to rest for some days. Cornwall is in the employ of the Postal Department, and Mr Bechervaise desires to thank the foundry employes who conveyed the sufferer to the Hospital.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article250058724 No Title The Ballarat Courier XXX, 4650 Victoria, Australia 24 May 1882 28 November 2020 2 National Library of Australia 1882 06 Bechervaise appointed to the Administration Council of School of Mines, submits a report on telegraphy classes THE SCHOOL OF MINES, BALLARAT. The ordinary monthly meeting of the administrative council was held at the school on Wednesday, 7th inst., at 4.30 p.m. Present — Councillors H. R. Caselli, J.P. (in the chair), S. E. Figgis, F. J. Martell, W. H. Nicholls. The minutes of meeting held 3rd May ultimo were read and confirmed. The correspondence for the past month was submitted, and the accounts, amounting to £314 11s 1d, were passed for payment. The following donations, received since last meeting, were thankfully acknowledged:— Local newspapers daily, Avoca Mail, Buninyong Telegraph, Port Denison Times, Gordon Advertiser, Northern Miner, The Chemist and Druggist, Proprietors; catalogue of the trustees, officers, and students of the University of Pennsylvania, 1881-2, secretary of the University of Pennsylvania; monthly railway time, &c., May and June, 1882, A. Lester; annual Reports, Department of Agriculture, 1873, 1874, 1875, secretary for Agriculture; Reports of the Chief Inspector of Mines, 1881, of the Mining Surveyors, and Registrars, quarter ended 31st March, 1882; Mineral Statistics of Victoria for the year 1881; Prodromus of Palaeontology of Victoria, Decade VII; specimens of Grapholite slate from Fryerstown; Sphenopteris from Western Port, Trilobite from Melbourne, and Sandstone from the Grampians, Secretary for Mines; A treatise on the theory of Algebraical equations, Library of Useful Knowledge; Mathematics, vols 2 and 3, Simon Morrison; five maps, counties of Bourke, Grant, Grenville, Ripon, Talbot, Secretary for Lands; Statistical Register of the Colony of Victoria, part 1; Blue Book; Index to Statistical Register for 1880, Government Statist; specimens of fossil fruit, lignite, shale, of tertiary age, and Chloritic slate of Silurian age, Smith Tibbits; 26 vols, of scientific books, unknown donor; Messrs Bateman, Clarke and Co., £2 2s; Bank of Australasia, £2 2s; Bank of Victoria, £3 3s; B. Trewhella, £2 2s; S. S. Thomas; X. Gasser, £1 1s; Messrs Eyres Bros, £1 1s; Messrs W. Downie and Co., £1 1s; Dr Usher, £1 1s; Messrs O'Farrell and Son, £1 1s; E. Rowlands, £1 1s. The minutes of the visiting committee were read, and Crs Caselli and Figgis appointed for the ensuing month. Mr Mann's resignation as a member of the administrative council was submitted, and ultimately accepted with extreme regret, Mr. Mann desiring to retire in favour of some gentleman who could devote more time to the duties required; Mr Bechervaise was appointed in the room of Mr Mann. A report in reference to telegraphy class requirements, furnished by Mr Bechervaise, was adopted by the council, with thanks for the service rendered. The architect reported completion of contract for tower, and the council urged the necessity for having the apparatus for testing vacuum and steam pressure gauges made available as early as possible. About 250 feet of show cases purchased from the French court at the late international exhibition being found unsuitable for to purpose intended, instructions were given the advertise them for sale. Preparations were in progress for the accommodation of as large a number of persons as possible at the lecture on "Alchemy" to be delivered at the school this (Friday) evening by Mr Foord. Prizes to the amount of £3 3s, given by Mr Flude for the three best drawings competed for by students in mechanical drawing class had been awarded to P. Gay, 1st; T. A. Cowper, 2nd; and H. C. Major, 3rd; the work having been adjudged by Mr Shaw, assisted by Mr Eyres mechanical draughtsman at the Phoenix Foundry. The hearty thanks of the council were evoked by a presentation to the library of the school of 26. vols., scientific works made through Councillor Figgis by an unknown donor. Mr Figgis tabled a notice of motion relative to certain privileges to be accorded to past students of the school for discussion at the next meeting, and the council adjourned.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article202122515 THE SCHOOL OF MINES, BALLARAT The Ballarat Star XXVII, 135 Victoria, Australia 9 June 1882 28 November 2020 4 National Library of Australia Bechervaise makes a farewell presentation to Blandford, his senior operator of many years, includes list of all staff PRESENTATION TO MR WM. BLANDFORD. The officers of the Ballarat Telegraph Office last evening gave expression of their good feeling towards Mr Blandford, the senior operator, who is leaving for Melbourne, by presenting him with a very elegantly arranged and tastefully written address, accompanied by an album. Mr Bechervaise, in making the presentation, passed some very high encomiums upon the qualities of the recipient, at the same time reading a communication from the Deputy Postmaster-General, giving his sanction and approval. Mr Blandford feelingly replied. Mr Bechervaise's remarks were supplemented by several of the senior officers, whose testimony was heartily applauded. The proceedings terminated with the best wishes of those present for Mr Blandford's welfare, the greatest good feeling prevailing. The address, which was executed Mr W. N. Lansley in his best style, was as follows:— "To William Blandford, Esq., Electric Telegraph Office, Ballarat. Dear sir,— On the eve of your departure for Melbourne, we, the undersigned, your brother officers, desire to express our unqualified esteem for you personally, and our admiration of your capabilities as a telegraphist. We have at all times found our official intercourse with you most pleasurable, and we have to record our sense of deep regret at the severance of your connection with this office. We trust that the change may materially benefit your health, and prove in all other respects beneficial. With best wishes for the health, happiness, and prosperity of yourself and family.— We are, dear sir, your faithful friends, W. P. Bechervaise, F. Binsted, W. Campbell, E. B. Goode, R. Hain, L. Pritchard, E. Milne, K. Griffiths, W. Smith, D. Ballingall, E. J. Toy, A. Bennett, J. Jolly, A. Drummond, T. C. Williams, J. D Hutson, T. T. Martin, E. R. Doward, J. C. Briggs. Ballarat. 27th June, 1882.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article250060674 PRESENTATION TO MR WM. BLANDFORD. The Ballarat Courier XXX, 4680 Victoria, Australia 28 June 1882 28 November 2020 2 National Library of Australia 1882 07 Bechervaise attends as councillor Administrative Council of School of Mines, donates several publications of the Telegraph Electrical Society of Victoria THE SCHOOL OF MINES, BALLARAT. The ordinary monthly meeting of the Administrative Council was held at the School on Wednesday, 5th instant, at half-past 4 p.m. Present — Mr James Oddie, J.P., vice-president (in the chair); Crs W. P. Bechervaise, H. R. Caselli, J.P., S. E. Figgis, F. J. Martell, and W. H. Nicholls. Apologies for absence were received from Crs the worshipful the Mayor of Ballarat East and E. J. Rosenblum. The minutes of meeting held 7th June ultimo were read and confirmed. The following donations received since last meeting were acknowledged with thanks, viz:— Local newspapers, daily; Avoca Mail, Gordon Advertiser, Northern Miner, Buninyong Telegraph, The Chemist and Druggist, proprietors; appendix, "New Vegetable Fossils of Victoria," Baron Von Mueller; agricultural statistics of Victoria for the year ending 31st March, 1882, Government Statist; Comptes, Rendus des Seances, serie iii., No. 14, Societe Entomologique de Belgique; Programme for the First Annual Exhibition of the National Mining and Industrial Association, Denver, U.S., S. T. Armstrong; report of the committee of the Victorian Chamber of Manufactures, the secretary; Parliamentary debates, session 1882, Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 31. Parliamentary papers, Government Printer, New Zealand; prospectus of the Royal School of Mines, Clawsthal, 1881, two copies, the secretary; monthly export prices current and trade report, Burgoyne, Burbidges, and Co., London; report on Working Men's College, New South Wales, A. L. Elphinstone; record of observations in meteorology, terrestrial magnetism, &c., for March, April, and May, 1881, Government astronomer; modern form of the telephone, by J. D. Doyle; the Telegraph Electrical Society, Melbourne, transactions Nos. 1 to 4, and journal Nos. 5 to 14; an address by L. S. Daniel; the Telegraphic Journal and Electrical Review, London, vol. iv., Nos, 77, 87, 79, 91, 93, vol. v, 95, 97, 99, 101, 103, 105, 107, 108, 109, 111, 113, and 115; W. P. Bechervaise; 13th annual report of the Aeronautical Society of Great Britain, two papers from the proceedings of the Royal Society; Nos. 217 and 218, 1882, communicated by the president, "On a new electrical storage battery," by the donor, H. Sutton; rock crystals, I. Butsen; specimens of copper ores from Burra Burra mine, S.A., Mr West, per favour Mr Morrison; specimens of marbles, S.A., Mr Todd, per favour Mr Morrison; Mr J. Oddie, J.P., £25; his Worship the Mayor of Ballarat East, £6 6s; Andw. Martin, £1 1s; S. Steele, £1 1s; P. Papenhagen, £1 1s; W. Monie, £1 1s; W. V. Jakins, M.D., £1 1s; R. F. Hudson, M.D., £1 1s; Messrs Magill and Coghlan, £1 1s; Messrs Rogers and Cos., £1 1s; J. Noble Wilson, J.P., £1 1s; Messrs I. and J. Roff, 10s 6d. The correspondence for the past month was submitted, and the accounts, amounting to £253 1s 5d, were passed for payment. It was decided that on Wednesday next the Professor of Chemistry should hold examinations of scholars from State schools attending his lectures with a view to advancing the more proficient to a higher class, and of these again, in cases of special merit, to award free scholarships tenable for one year. The following motion, notice of which had been given at previous meeting, was carried:— "That certificated students on payment of one guinea per annum be allowed the use of the school library, and that passed students in chemistry or metallurgy be allowed the restricted use of the laboratories, under the supervision of the professor." Referring to the erection of workshops, the vice-president pointed out the expediency of obtaining the advice, assistance, and suggestions of competent practical persons, and to this end it was resolved that a special meeting, including examiners of engineers, be convened for the consideration of this important branch of the school work. The architect (Mr Caselli) reported that Messrs Ellery and Shaw had made an inspection of the tower, and informed him of the requisites necessary for making it available for testing, &c., and the council gave instructions to have the work completed without further delay. The vice-president referred to the very scant accommodation afforded by the schools buildings for museum, lecture room, and class room purposes, and it was resolved to make application to the Government to place a sum of £2,000 on the supplementary estimates to enable the council to erect suitable additional buildings. It was reported that a Field Club and Science Society had been successfully established in connection with the school, and an application for the use of a room for a drawing class was granted. The council then adjourned.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article202124266 THE SCHOOL OF MINES, BALLARAT. The Ballarat Star XXVII, 160 Victoria, Australia 8 July 1882 28 November 2020 4 National Library of Australia 1882 08 Typical housekeeping for Bechervaise BALLARAT POST OFFICE NOTICE. Mails for the United Kingdom, Europe, America, &c. will be made up at this office on Monday, 31st August, for despatch by the R.M.S. Ravenna. 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 be issued (latest time) from nine a.m. to half-past ten a.m. on Monday, 14th August. Money orders on India, Cape of Good Hope, Germany, and America will not be issued later than twenty-four hours prior to the time of closing for money orders on the United Kingdom. WM. PHILIP BECHERVAISE, Postmaster. Post and Telegraph Offices, Ballarat, 10th August, 1882.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article250063480 Advertising The Ballarat Courier XXXI, 4719 Victoria, Australia 12 August 1882 28 November 2020 2 National Library of Australia 1882 09 Bechervaise attends meeting of Administrative Council of School of Mines THE SCHOOL OF MINES, BALLARAT. The ordinary monthly meeting of the administrative council was held at the school on Wednesday, 6th instant. Present — Mr James Oddie, J.P., vice-president, in the chair, Councillors W. P. Bechervaise, H. R. Caselli, J.P., S. E. Figgis, F. J. Martell, W. H. Nicholls, and E. I. Rosenblum. The minutes of meeting held 2nd August ultimo, were read and confirmed. The correspondence for the past month was submitted, and the accounts, amounting to £336 4s 3d, were passed for payment. The following donations received since last meeting were thankfully acknowledged:— . . .http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article250065191 THE SCHOOL OF MINES, BALLARAT. The Ballarat Courier XXXI, 4743 Victoria, Australia 9 September 1882 28 November 2020 2 National Library of Australia Bechervaise leads a presentation to staffer Nichols on the occasion of his marriage Mr George Nichols, an officer of the General Post Office, Ballarat, was, last evening, the recipient of a handsome writing-desk, suitably inscribed. The occasion of the presentation by his brother officers was to commemorate a most important event, viz., the marriage of Mr Nichols. Mr Bechervaise, the postmaster, who presented the memento, spoke in a most feeling manner of the satisfactory relations existing between Mr Nichols and the staff. After the former had replied, three cheers were given for the newly-made Benedict, and "one cheer more" for his bride. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article250065403 No Title The Ballarat Courier XXXI, 4746 Victoria, Australia 13 September 1882 28 November 2020 2 National Library of Australia Overview of history of telegraphy classes at School of Mines, likely written by Bechervaise, notes his appointment as examiner in Ellery's stead THE TELEGRAPHY CLASS AT THE SCHOOL OF MINES. We learn that an examination in telegraphy will be held at the School of Mines on Thursday (to-morrow) and that fourteen candidates will present themselves. It may, therefore, be interesting to many of our readers if we give a brief account of this class from its inception. In 1874, at the urgent request of the then council of the school, and by permission of the Government, the telegraphy class was organised and placed upon a proper basis by Mr Bechervaise, who was for several years the lecturer and instructor, but on the transfer of that gentleman to take charge of the telegraph branch, Melbourne, in 1879, Mr W. D. Campbell, a former student, and an officer of the Telegraph Department, was appointed to the post. The two gentleman named, it will be seen by a reference to the school returns, have been eminently successful in their work, and many of the gentlemen and ladies who qualified themselves have received during the past few years appointments in the postal and telegraph service of this and the other colonies, and numbers of young men connected with the telegraph offices at Ballarat and surrounding towns have, upon the strength of their certificates of the school, received promotion. There is thus substantial proof of the good work achieved in this particular class, and we happen to know a number of young persons who have from time to time studied in other branches of science at our School of Mines, and who have by the knowledge thus gained been able to make a good start in life. This speaks volumes, and should be the means of causing a substantial addition to the students rolls at the school. For the information of intending future students at the telegraphy class, we may state that examinations take place half-yearly, and the course of instruction embraces the construction and uses of the several instruments in the Morse and other systems; the making up of Voltaic batteries, the direction and force of currents, operating; testing scientifically for faults of all descriptions at a telegraph office in the batteries, instruments, or any part of the connections, and also on the lines at any distance, together with a knowledge of magneto-electricity and electromagnetism, the mode of generating the same, &c., &c. These, with much additional information, the student requires to become thoroughly au fait in before he or she can with any prospect of success, put in an appearance for examination. Messrs R. L. J. Ellery, the Government astronomer (who was, by the way, at one time an officer in the Telegraph Department), and Mr Samuel W. McGowan, chief inspector of postal and telegraph service, have always been the examiners in this class; but we understand that the former gentleman has been compelled, in view of his numerous engagements, to resign his appointment, and Mr W. P. Bechervaise has, on the nomination of Messrs Ellery and McGowan, been appointed to the vacant examinership.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article250065837 THE TELEGRAPHY CLASS AT THE SCHOOL OF MINES. The Ballarat Courier XXXI, 4752 Victoria, Australia 20 September 1882 28 November 2020 4 National Library of Australia Bechervaise first time assistant examiner in telegraphy at School of Mines NEWS AND NOTES. . . . Mr McGowan, chief inspector of the Post and Telegraph Department, will, with the assistance of Mr Bechervaise, local postmaster, commence the examination in telegraphy at the School of Mines this morning. The can-didates, 14 in number, will commence their work at 9 o'clock. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article202128918 NEWS AND NOTES. The Ballarat Star XXVII, 224 Victoria, Australia 21 September 1882 28 November 2020 2 National Library of Australia 6 of the 9 women to present to the telegraphy examination pass, one with credit NEWS AND NOTES. . . . An examination in telegraphy was held yesterday, at the School of Mines, Messrs S. W. McGowan and W. P. Bechervaise officiating as examiners. Fourteen candidates presented themselves to undergo the ordeal, of whom nine were young ladies. The examination was a good test of the candidates' knowledge of the principles of telegraphy. The highest number of marks that could be secured was 300, and a candidate to pass was compelled to obtain at least 250 marks. The results were that eight were passed by the examiners, the names of whom are as follow:— Frank Duncan, Clunes (credit), 289; Susanna Watts Tregaskis (credit), 281; Annie Ella Jordan, 271; Margaret Ellen Brophy, 267; Ida Amelia Hellaten, 265; Susan Elizabeth McKenna, 262; Agnes Stewart Heatly, 254; William Dunn, 250.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article202128959 NEWS AND NOTES. The Ballarat Star XXVII, 225 Victoria, Australia 22 September 1882 28 November 2020 2 National Library of Australia 1882 10 Bechervaise attends monthly meeting of administrative council of School of Mines THE SCHOOL OF MINES, BALLARAT. The ordinary monthly meeting of the administrative council was held at the School on Wednesday. Present — Mr James Oddie, J.P., vice-president, in the chair; Councillors W. P. Bechervaise; H. R. Caselli, J.P.; S. E. Figgis, F. J. Martell, W. H. Nicholls, and E. I. Rosenblum. The minutes of meeting held on 6th September ultimo were read and confirmed. The correspondence for the past month was submitted, and accounts amounting to £310 15s 4d were passed for payment. The following donations, received since last meeting, were thankfully acknowledged:— http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article250067309 THE SCHOOL OF MINES, BALLARAT. The Ballarat Courier XXXI, 4772 Victoria, Australia 13 October 1882 28 November 2020 4 National Library of Australia 1882 11 Bechervaise, as president Ballarat Swimming Club presents the annual report BALLARAT SWIMMING CLUB. The annual meeting of members was held last night at the Mechanics' Institute, Mr W. P. Bechervaise (the president) in the chair. There was a large attendance of members, and Mr Caselli apologised for the absence of the city mayor. Annual Report —"Your committee took office in January last, and in presenting a brief report to the members and subscribers of the work done during the past season, they desire to remark that though many difficulties were encountered in collecting sufficient monies to bring off the annual swimming matches last March; still it is pleasing to record that the tournament was an unqualified success, which was in a great measure owing to the kindness of his worship the mayor of Melbourne, and Mr E. G. Fitzgibbon, town clerk, trustees in the Geo. Gall Bequest Cup, for allowing the same to be competed for in our matches. Also to Mr J. Noble Wilson, mayor of the city, who followed the good example of his predecessor in office, Mr Robert Lewis, by donating from his mayor's allowance the sum of £5, the Ballarat Yacht Club, who generously gave £5 5s, and the Hon. Francis Ormond, £3 3s; the thanks of the committee are due to these donors, with several other gentlemen who kindly helped. At the early part of the season, when the eastern baths were about to be opened, your president and other gentlemen waited upon the Town Council to render assistance and offer suggestions for the conducting of the business of the baths there, but more especially with a view to the establishment of a second swimming club at Ballarat East. But although the swimming club was not then formed, it is to be hoped that every effort will be made without loss of time to establish strong clubs in the city and town; and also, that the proposed ladies' club will be numerously attended. In concluding their report your committee desire to heartily thank the local press for the great assistance rendered.— W. P. Bechervaise, President; A. W. Bennett, Hon. Secretary. The balance-sheet gave the receipts for the year at £58 4s 3d, and the expenditure at exactly the same amount. The directors reported the accounts correct. The report and balance sheet were then adopted. The following officers were then elected:— Patrons, Mayor Claxton (City), and Mayor Ferguson (town); president, Mr Bechervaise; vice-presidents, Messrs R. Baker and J. Josephs; committee — Messrs R. Lewis, O. E. Wilson, R. Ince, F. W, Claxton, S. Abrahams, H. E. Smith, W. Downie, Jas. Walker, Hy. Walsh, E. J. Rosenblum, and Dr Whitcombe. Messrs Caselli and Rosenblum then brought before the meeting the advisability of forming a ladies' swimming club, with Miss Elphinstone Dick as instructress. The meeting promised its hearty support to such a club, and Mr Caselli will meet the committee next week to take steps to put the ladies' club on a proper footing. The matters of the subscriptions for ladies, gentlemen, and youths were referred to the forthcoming committee meeting, but it was unanimously resolved that ladies should be eligible for election as members of the club. A strong committee having been formed, there is little room for doubt that the club will have a successful season. A hearty vote of thanks was passed, to Mr Alf. Bennett, the able secretary of the club, and as he could not undertake the secretarial duties this season, Mr J. S. H. Hammond was elected his successor. The meeting closed with the usual compliment to the chair.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article202698573 BALLARAT SWIMMING CLUB. The Ballarat Star XXVII, 261 Victoria, Australia 3 November 1882 28 November 2020 3 National Library of Australia Bechervaise performs starting duties at 6th annual Ballarat Yacht Club regatta SPORTING NEWS. BALLARAT YACHT CLUB REGATTA. President, the Hon. Philip Russell; vice-presidents, Messrs G. G. Morton, and B. Hepburn; Judge, Mr H. R. Caselli; starter, Mr W. P. Bechervaise; treasurer, Mr T. Mann; committee, Messrs E. Morey, W. Bailey, E. Millard, T. Bailey, J. Hickman, E. Williams, E. Morey, jun., G. Hathorn, J. Goodall, T. Stoddart, and W. Pritchard; secretary, Mr William Downie. The sixth annual regatta in connection with the Ballarat Yacht Club took place, at Lake Wendouree yesterday. Fine warm weather was experienced, the only drawback being the very light breeze which prevailed, and which in a great measure prolonged the sailing con-tests. There was a good attendance of spectators, though at the same time the gathering was expected to have been more numerous, from the fact that a half-holiday was observed by nearly the whole of the business people of the city and town. . . .http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article202699411 SPORTING NEWS. The Ballarat Star XXVII, 274 Victoria, Australia 18 November 1882 28 November 2020 4 National Library of Australia 1882 12 Bechervaise attends the first annual competition of the Ballarat Gymnastic Association BALLARAT GYMNASTIC ASSOCIATION. The first annual competition in connexion with the above association was held on Friday evening, the 24th November, in the presence of a large number of members and their friends, including a large percentage of ladies. Mr. Andrew Anderson, J.P., presided, and in opening the proceedings apologised for the absence of Mr. Rosenblum, the president (whose indisposition prevented him from being present). Messrs. G. Gross, the instructor, and H. A. King, the late secretary, conducted the proceedings, which consisted of a variety of cleverly performed feats, in which muscle and agility were well displayed. Included in the programme was a "tug of war," in which sides were chosen by Messrs. Chalmers and Hammond. This exercise was exceedingly well contested, and was finally won by the team of the former, amidst a deal of applause on the part of the audience. In the boys' class, Master William Young secured the champion prize, he being best at the horizontal bar, the Roman rings, and the horse. The prize is a very handsome silver medal, and the winner had no easy task to secure it. In the members' competition, Mr. J. S. H. Hammond was successful in taking the champion prize, he having won the horizontal bar, slanting ladder, and parallel bar exercise. The prize consisted of a beautiful gold Maltese cross, and was the gift of Mr. H. A. King. The winner in this case did excellent work. Mr. H. Chalmers won the horse exercise, Mr. J. Walker the horizontal ladder, and Mr. W. Shackles (after a good contest) secured the prize for Roman rings and dumb-bells. At the conclusion of the competition Mr. Andersen spoke in complimentary terms of the success attending the efforts of Mr. Geo. Gross as instructor during the past year, and stated that many who were not then present had attained great proficiency as gymnasts as well as physical benefit, and that a very large number of state school teachers who had lately joined the class had shown a marked improvement, and heartily appreciated the great benefit derivable from such splendid exercise. Mr. Gross returned thanks, and briefly pointed out the advantages of physical training, which was essential in assisting mental culture. Mr. W. P. Bechervaise then called for three hearty cheers for Mr. H. A. King, who had been the life and soul of the association since its inception. Three cheers were also given to Mr. Gross, after which Mr. H. R. Caselli proposed a cheer for the chairman, and the proceedings terminated.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article138646361 BALLARAT GYMNASTIC ASSOCIATION. The Australasian XXXIII, 870 Victoria, Australia 2 December 1882 28 November 2020 14 National Library of Australia 1883 1883 01 Bechervaise again appointed to the School of Mines administrative council COUNCIL MEETING. A meeting of the council was then held to elect an administrative council for the ensuing year, also a financial committee. The following gentlemen were elected an administrative council:— Messrs Caselli, Figgis, Rosenblum, Bechervaise, Williams, Nicholls, and Martell. Messrs Nicholls and Caselli and the vice-president were elected a finance committee. The meeting then adjourned.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article202702714 COUNCIL MEETING. The Ballarat Star XXVIII, 18 Victoria, Australia 20 January 1883 28 November 2020 3 National Library of Australia 1883 02 Bechervaise appointed chairman and treasurer for the annual Ballarat regatta SPORTING NEWS. ROWING. A meeting of the committees of the two rowing clubs was held at Lester's hotel last evening; Mr Bechervaise was appointed chairman and treasurer, and Messrs H. A. King and R. Toy, secretary and assistant secretary respectively. It was resolved that the regatta committee should consist of six members from each of the two racing clubs, and six from the yacht club. The secretary was directed to ascertain date of Geelong regatta before the next meeting.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article202703648 SPORTING NEWS. The Ballarat Star XXVIII, 33 Victoria, Australia 7 February 1883 28 November 2020 3 National Library of Australia Bechervaise attends administrative council meeting of School of Mines THE SCHOOL OF MINES, BALLARAT. The ordinary monthly meeting of the administrative council was held at the school on Wednesday last. Present — Mr James Oddie, J.P., vice-president, in the chair; Councillors W. P. Bechervaise, H. R. Caselli, J.P., S. E. Figgis, F. J. Martell, W. H. Nicholls, and Theos. Williams, J.P. The minutes of last meeting, held 10th January ultimo, were read and confirmed. The correspondence in and out for the past month was submitted, and the accounts presented accounting to £212 5s 9d, were passed for payment. The following donations, re-ceived since last meeting, were thankfully acknowledged:— . . .http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article254654324 THE SCHOOL OF MINES, BALLARAT. The Ballarat Courier XXXII, 4874 Victoria, Australia 10 February 1883 29 November 2020 4 National Library of Australia 1883 03 Bechervaise, as President, presents prizes for swimming club tournament A most enthusiastic meeting of the members and competitors of the Ballarat Swimming Club was held at the Mechanics' Institute last evening, when the prizes for the late tournament were presented to the successful competitors by Mr W. P. Bechervaise, the president of the club. During the presentation Mr Bechervaise spoke of the advantages to be derived from swimming, and passed many eulogiums on the proficiency attained by members generally, also paying many high commendations to recipients of prizes. He trusted that the financial position of the club would be as good next season as at present. A vote of thanks was passed to Mr Bechervaise for the able and efficient manner in which he performed the onerous duties appertaining to the office of president of the club, also a vote of thanks to the committee, whose untiring energies had been the means of bringing the season to such a successful termination. The meeting then adjourned. We were shown yesterday some very hand-some gold and silver prize medals, manufactured by Mr S. Abrahams, Sturt street, for several of the winners at the late Ballarat Swimming Club matches. The medals are in different forms, and are exceedingly credit-able specimens of the jeweller's art. They will be on view at Bardwell's Royal Studio to-day. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article254657373 No Title The Ballarat Courier XXXII, 4897 Victoria, Australia 9 March 1883 29 November 2020 2 National Library of Australia Bechervaise attends monthly meeting of administrative council of School of Mines THE SCHOOL OF MINES, BALLARAT. The ordinary monthly meeting of the administrative council was held at the school on Wednesday last. Present — Mr H. R. Caselli, J.P., in the chair; Councillors W. P. Bechervaise, F. J. Martell, W. H. Nicholls, and E. J. Rosenblum. The minutes of previous meeting, held 7th February ultimo, were read and confirmed, and the accounts presented, amounting to £347 14s, were passed for payment. The following donations, received since last meeting, were thankfully acknowledged:— Copies of local newspapers daily, Avoca Mail, Buninyong Telegraph, Gordon Advertiser, the Federal Australian, Northern Miner (Charters Towers), Port Denison Times, and the Chemist and Druggist; proprietors. Copy of the 18th annual report of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Boston, U.S.A.; secretary. Copy of the second triennial report of the Pharmacy Board of Victoria, 1883; secretary. Journal of the Society of Telegraph Engineers and of Electricians; W. P. Bechervaise. Parliamentary debates, New Zealand Government. Monthly record of results of observations in meteorology, terrestrial magnetism, &c., Government astronomer; fourth annual report in connection with friendly societies. Government statist; four large photographs of gold nuggets, R. M. Serjeant, J.P.; scale for correcting "surcharge" of the gold bullion assay, as used in the Royal Mint, G. Foord; specimen of hematite from Barrow, Lancashire, A. Hanson; collection of oligocene fossils, mollusca, whale bones, and sharks' teeth from Grange Burn and Muddy Creek, near Hamilton, G. Telford; twelve specimens of limestone, with fossil anthrozoa, bryozoa, and other mollusca of lower miocene type; four specimens of basalt, scoria, and tuffa (newer volcanic); and one specimen of olivine from newer volcanic lava, Mount Gambier, S.A.— Dr. Pinnock; model of improved quartz crushing battery, A. Simeon; lyre bird, A. Boyle, Fernshaw, per favor of the vice-president; Messrs Curcier and Adet, Melbourne, £1 1s; Charles Kent, M.R.C.S., £1 1s; L. Stansfield, £1 1s; Ballarat Hardware Company, £1 1s; Band and Albion Consols, per favor of Mr D. Cameron, £2 2s; J. Taplin, 10s. The correspondence in and out for the past month was submitted and dealt with by the council. The acting-registrar was instructed to convey the thanks of the council to Mr Wall, for kindly consenting to devote two evenings a month to the instruction of the members of the telescope company in astronomical science. Mr Wall will meet the young people at the school on the evenings of Thursday and Friday, the 15th and 16th of March instant, when it is expected that arrangements will be made with other gentle-men to assist in the work. An application for contributions to the Technological Museum, Sydney, recently destroyed by the burning of the Garden Palace, in which it was then located, received the favorable consideration of the council. It was resolved that the curator be requested to prepare a collection of specimens for presentation to the museum. The reports of the visiting committee for the past month were highly satisfactory, with the exception that it was observed with regret that some of the students attended very irregularly. It was suggested that means be adopted with a view of securing as full attendance as circumstances might permit. An improvement in this direction, it was considered, would tend to the benefit of the students and to the credit of the lecturers engaged in their instruction. A gentleman residing at Mansfield, desirous of patenting a new stop-action applicable to mining safety-cages, by letter requested the council to take the initiative in petitioning the Government to make concessions to designers of new mining appliances by remitting the fees payable to the Attorney-General under the patent laws. The council expressed their willingness to encourage by every means in their power ingenuity exerted on behalf of the miner, but declined to take action on present information. Tenders for the supply of firewood were laid on the table, and the tender of Mr Thos. Whyatt, of Sulky Gully, was accepted. The following notices of motion were given for next meeting:— 1. Redistribution of terms. 2. To place a sum of money in bank as a fixed deposit bearing interest, to be appropriated to scholarships. 3. To confirm the appointment of the present acting registrar as registrar of the institution, with a suitable increase of salary. 4. To limit sundry expenditure to £5 per month. The council then adjourned.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article254657482 THE SCHOOL OF MINES, BALLARAT. The Ballarat Courier XXXII, 4898 Victoria, Australia 10 March 1883 29 November 2020 4 National Library of Australia Bechervaise acts as Umpire and Committeeman at Ballarat Annual Regatta BALLARAT ANNUAL REGATTA. The annual regatta was held at the lake yesterday, and proved, as far as the racing was concerned, one of the finest, if not the finest, ever held in Ballarat. The entries were unusually numerous, and the finishes of the principal races were of a most exciting character. The affair was well conducted, but as we must strive to attain perfection we would suggest to the authorities of the clubs most interested in the success of the Ballarat regatta to consider, as their next improvement, the advisability of having the course properly surveyed, and also of having some means arranged for timing the races. Major Sleep attended the regatta yesterday ready to officiate as timekeeper, but there were no means of signalling either the start or the finish of a race, and it was consequently impossible to time the winners. In other respects the events were very well conducted and had the weather been fine would doubtless have drawn some thousands more to the lake than did assemble during the afternoon on the Eastern walk and View Point. The day was too cold to tempt many ladies to the lake side, but there was nearly 2000 spectators; for all that, on the banks near the boathouses and at View Point. The racing was most interesting, and much above the average of past regattas. The Maiden Sculls fell to Robertson of the Ballarat club; Barnes, the City representative, having one of his sculls broken early in the contest in a collision with the Ballarat man. . . . The following gentlemen officiated, as designated, in conducting the regatta:— Judges — Messrs H. R. Caselli and J. Garbutt. Starters — Messrs G. Lovitt and Pobjoy. Timekeeper, Major Steep. Umpire, Mr W. P. Bechervaise. Committee — Messrs W. P. Bechervaise (chairman), Captain E. Williams, J. McWhae, A. Lester, H. H. Gall, — Earle, J. Shevill, R. Foley. Commodore E. Morey, W. Bailey, T. Bailey, H. R. Caselli, J. Hickman, W. Downie, Captain P. Cazaly, A. Gibbs, A. Hollander, A. McNaughtan, J. Fitzgerald, A. M. Lyle, and W. T. Luplau. . . .http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article254657620 BALLARAT ANNUAL REGATTA The Ballarat Courier XXXII, 4898 Victoria, Australia 10 March 1883 29 November 2020 4 National Library of Australia Bechervaise, typical house-keeping BALLARAT POST OFFICE NOTICE. Mails for Auckland, Honolulu, San Francisco, and London will be made up at this office on Tuesday, 20th March, for despatch to Sydney. The time appointed for closing for letters, packets, and newspapers is 6 p.m. Correspondence will not be forwarded by this route unless, fully pre-paid, and specially endorsed. "Via California." WM. PHILIP BECHERVAISE, Postmaster. Post-Office, Ballarat, 16th March, 1883. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article202705631 Advertising The Ballarat Star XXVIII, 66 Victoria, Australia 17 March 1883 29 November 2020 2 National Library of Australia Bechervaise and McGowan conduct the telegraphy examinations for the School of Mines, majority of participants women The January term examinations for the certificate of competency in the art of telegraphy were conducted at the School of Mines yesterday, by Messrs S. W. McGowan, chief inspector telegraph and postal service, and W. P. Bechervaise, the school's examiners in that subject. The following is a list of the successful candidates:— George Odlum, Mrs Mary Hope James, and Miss Emily Ford, passed with credit; Miss Hannah Duffy, Miss Ellen Fussell, George Alexander Cormack, Edwin Jones, and Miss Sarah May Boyd, passed.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article254658964 No Title The Ballarat Courier XXXII, 4908 Victoria, Australia 22 March 1883 29 November 2020 2 National Library of Australia 1883 04 Bechervaise's nephew Edward from Geelong wins trophy for sailing match at Lake Wendouree An interesting sailing-match for a trophy, presented by Commodore Morey, took place on Lake Wendouree on Saturday, and resulted in a win for Mr. E. Bechervaise's Flying Scud. An adjournment was subsequently made to the club room, where the trophy was formally presented to the winner by the donor. It was then arranged that a Hepburn Trophy (valued at £25) should be sailed under the same conditions as previous ones, viz., 15 points; 4, 3, 2 for first, second, and third boats; and that the first event should take place on Saturday (to-day), at 3 p.m. Mr. Hepburn having been unanimously elected a life member, the meeting closed.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article221753801 Yachting Items. Weekly Times 709 Victoria, Australia 7 April 1883 29 November 2020 5 National Library of Australia Bechervaise attends final meeting of Phoenix Foundry demonstration committee (100 locomotives produced) The final meeting of the Phoenix Foundry demonstration committee was held last evening in the City Hall, the mayor (Mr F. M. Claxton) in the chair. The report by the hon. secretary and treasurer was of a most satisfactory character, and the whole of the accounts were passed for payment, with the exception of the caterer's, which was left for settlement in the hands of Messrs Spillman and Bechervaise. It was elicited that there would be a credit balance of £20, and it was resolved that this sum be devoted towards the purchase of a scientific instrument for presentation to the School of Mines, and to be suitably inscribed as the gift of the Shaw banquet committee. The mayor complimented the committee on the manner in which it had carried out the whole arrangements, and stated he had never known a committee which had done so much work in so short a time. A hearty vote of thanks was passed to the secretary, and a suggestion made that a memento be given to Mr Spillman, but that gentleman declined the proposal, and added that his work had been a labor of love, and he was pleased to know that the demonstration had been so successful. It was then resolved that the minute-book, together with photographs of the 100th engine and the scene of the demonstration, as also copies of the reports in the local papers be presented to the City Council to be placed within its archives. Votes of thanks were passed with three times three cheers to the mayor and Mr Jas. Oddie, after which an adjournment was made to the mayor's room, and several toasts proposed and responded to, and congratulations ex-pressed at the satisfactory result of the demonstration. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article254661411 No Title The Ballarat Courier XXXII, 4930 Victoria, Australia 18 April 1883 29 November 2020 2 National Library of Australia 1883 05 Bechervaise on the committee of the Electric Telegraph Rowing Club ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH ROWING CLUB. On Saturday and Monday last the members of the above club held handicap sculling races for a trophy presented by the vice-president of the club. The following are the results:— Murn (40sec.) beat Bigley (20sec.) by two lengths; Mansfield (25 sec.) beat Bartlett (10sec.) by three lengths; Davis (20 sec.) beat Abbott (35sec.) by two lengths; Richards (at scratch) beat Johnston (at scratch) by half a length; Wilkinson (23sec.) beat Williams, the latter capsizing near the winning post; Joynes (10sec.) beat Heggie (35sec.) by a length; Mans-field (23sec.) beat Davies (20sec.) by a length. Tied Murn beat Davies, Joynes beat Wilkinson, Mansfield beat Murn. Final Heat.— Mansfield beat Joynes. Mansfield has, therefore, become the first winner of the tophy, which has to be won twice, not neces-sarily in succession. The cup is a very handsome one, standing a foot high, supported by three oars placed crosswise on a blackwood pedestal. Water lilies and scenes suggestive of rowing are engraved upon the bowl, and the following inscription is upon the rim:— Vice-presidents trophy, presented to the E.T.R.C. W. P. Bechervaise, G. S. Caldwell, T. Gay, J. D. Gillan." In addition to the above, the winner upon each occasion receives a gold medal.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article8516789 ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH ROWING CLUB. The Argus (Melbourne) 11,503 Victoria, Australia 4 May 1883 29 November 2020 9 National Library of Australia Bechervaise, as president Ballarat Swimming Club, organises a testimonial for the ladies' swimming instructor Miss Sheedy, the instructress of the ladies' swimming club, has during the past season rendered such valuable assistance to the members of the club that some of them intend presenting her with a testimonial in appreciation of her services. All information necessary can be obtained from Mr Bechervaise (president) or Mr Hammond (secretary), of the Ballarat Swimming Club. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article254662761 No Title The Ballarat Courier XXXII, 4949 Victoria, Australia 10 May 1883 29 November 2020 2 National Library of Australia 1883 06 As previous report AQUATICS. . . . The Electric Telegraph Rowing Club last month held the first series of competitions for the vice-presidents' cup, presented by Messrs. W. P. Bechervaise, G. W. Caldwell, T. Gay, and G. D. Gillan, The races created some excitement at the time amongst the operators, clerks, and messengers (of whom the club is chiefly composed), as to who would be the winner. W. Mansfield having proved victorious, his fellow-messengers, in appreciation of his victory, determined to present him with a diamond locket, and met at the Electric Telegraph-office on Monday evening for the purpose. Mr. W. C. Garritty, in a neat and appropriate speech, made the presentation, the recipient suitably responding. The meeting afterwards resolved itself into a social gathering, and a pleasant evening was spent. The Electric Telegraph Rowing Club held Trial Fours on Wednesday, four crews competing, with the following results:— First Heat: Johnston, Murn, Mansfield, and Williams, against Brown, Peretz, Matthews, and Drummond; won by the former. Second Heat: Johnston's crew against Howard, Peacock, Joynes, and Cohen; a splendid race, ending in a win for Johnston's crew. Final Heat between Johnston's crew and Bartlett, Carter, Wilkinson, and Heggie, was won by Johnston's crew by half a length. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article221753274 AQUATICS. Weekly Times 718 Victoria, Australia 9 June 1883 29 November 2020 5 National Library of Australia 1883 07 Bechervaise fails to satisfy council requirements for sightly telegraph poles It being necessary to arrange some proper method of collecting the telephone wires in Sturt street near the Corner, Mr Bechervaise, at the request of the city mayor, has submitted two plans for doing so. As the proposed method necessitated the erection of three poles forming the comers of a triangle in, or partly in, the gardens in front of the Corner, the councillors considered the matter in committee, as they felt that it was right that the central telephone-bearers should be made as sightly a structure as possible. The councillors expressed a disinclination to have the gardens, which have been so recently set right, disturbed.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article254666970 No Title The Ballarat Courier XXXII, 4995 Victoria, Australia 3 July 1883 29 November 2020 2 National Library of Australia Bechervaise attends full meeting of Council of School of Mines THE SCHOOL OF MINES, BALLARAT. The ordinary quarterly meeting of the council was held at the school on Wednesday last. Present — Mr James Oddie, J.P., vice-president (in the chair). Councillors W. P. Bechervaise, H. R. Caselli, J.P., S. E. Figgis, I. J. Jones, J.P., W. H. Nicholls, E. I. Rosenblum, and Theophilus Williams, J.P. An apology for unavoidable absence was received from Councillor F. J. Martell. The minutes of quarterly meeting held 4th April last, and of special meeting of the council held 23rd of the same month, were read and confirmed. The reports of examiners for The School's certificates of competency were read, and certificates granted to the candidates who passed the prescribed examinations as follow:— . . . .http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article254668416 THE SCHOOL OF MINES, BALLARAT. The Ballarat Courier XXXIII, 5004 Victoria, Australia 13 July 1883 29 November 2020 4 National Library of Australia 1883 08 Typical housekeeping for Bechervaise BALLARAT POST OFFICE NOTICE. Mails for Auckland, Honolulu, San Francisco, and London will be made up at this office on Tuesday, 7th August, for despatch to Sydney. The time appointed for closing for letters, packets and newspapers is 6 p.m. Letters, &c., via the United Kingdom, 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-Office, Ballarat, 3rd August, 1883.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article202509508 Advertising The Ballarat Star XXVIII, 185 Victoria, Australia 4 August 1883 29 November 2020 2 National Library of Australia 1883 09 1883 10 1883 11 Typical housekeeping for Bechervaise BALLARAT POST OFFICE NOTICE. Mails for Auckland, Honolulu, San Francisco, and London will be made up at this office on Tuesday, 27th November for despatch to Sydney. The time appointed for closing for letters, packets, and newspapers is 6 p.m. Letters, &c. via the United Kingdom, 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-Office, Ballarat, 23rd November, 1883. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article201618726 Advertising The Ballarat Star XXVIII, 280 Victoria, Australia 23 November 1883 29 November 2020 2 National Library of Australia 1883 12 Bechervaise chairs special general meeting of Ballarat City Rowing Club CITY ROWING CLUB. A special general meeting of the City Rowing Club was held last night at Brophy's hotel; Mr W. P. Bechervaise in the chair, and about 40 members present. The resignation of the hon. secretary, Mr Rd. Toy, was tendered and accepted with regret, and it was decided that a letter be sent thanking him for his past services. The election of the hon. secretary of the club was then proceeded with, and resulted in Mr John G. Rennie being elected to that office. It may be added that Mr Rennie some two years ago filled the secretarial post in the club in question. During his term of office he gave the greatest satisfaction to the members; therefore, his re-election to his old position will no doubt be hailed with pleasure by his fellow oarsmen. The next business dealt with was the drawing of the ties for the scratch pair races to commence to morrow. The results were as follow:— Matthews v Bayley, McNaughton v Tootel, Lumsden v Shaw, Wheatland v Rennie, Barber v Dawson, Fitzgerald v Lawrie, Mountain v Hollander, Jamieson v Dobson, Aikin v Lewis, Trahar v Joy, Wheeler v Barnes, Hunt v Pobjoy, Strachan (walkover). The following heats will be rowed tomorrow afternoon:— Lumsden v Shaw, Barber v Dawson, Wheatland v Rennie. A vote of thanks to the chair closed a very successful meeting.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article201619842 CITY ROWING CLUB. The Ballarat Star XXVIII, 298 Victoria, Australia 14 December 1883 29 November 2020 3 National Library of Australia Rumour that Bechervaise to be promoted to inspectorship TOWN TALK. . . . It is rumored that Mr Bechervaise, the postmaster at Ballarat, is to be promoted to the vacant inspectorship caused by the dismissal from the Government service of Mr Pitman. Should the promotion take place, as rumored, Mr Fisher, postmaster at Geelong, will be entitled, by seniority, to take charge of the post-office at Ballarat.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article150383238 TOWN TALK. Geelong Advertiser 11,026 Victoria, Australia 20 December 1883 29 November 2020 3 National Library of Australia Bechervaise again performs starter duties for Ballarat Yacht Club THE BALLARAT YACHT CLUB REGATTA. President.— The Hon. Philip Russell, M.L.C.; vice-presidents, Messrs G. G. Morton and B. Hepburn; judge Mr H. R. Caselli; starter, Mr W. P. Bechervaise; treasurer, Mr T. Mann; committee, Messrs E. Morey, W. Bailey, E. Millard, T. Bailey, J. Hickman. C. Stewart, R. Orr, W. Gale, M. Griffiths, E. Williams, E. Morey, jun., G. Hathorn, W. Pritchard, T. Gill, A. Clinton, and T. Stoddart; secretary, Mr W. Downie. The seventh annual regatta of the Ballarat Yacht Club took place at Lake Wendouree yesterday. Favourable weather was experienced, but the attendance was not large. The paucity of spectators was, no doubt, in great measure due to the non-observance of the weekly half-holiday, owing to the approach of the holidays. With respect to the regatta, however, it may be stated that the sport proved of a highly interesting and enjoyable character. It is pleasing to hear visitors from Melbourne and other places speak in glowing terms of the enterprising and go-ahead disposition of Ballarat aquatic men. Yesterday a gentleman well-known in Victorian yachting circles, was heard to say that the Ballarat Yacht Club was the best of its kind in the colony, and its position was due to the perseverance, determination, and enterprise of the members. The matches of the Ballarat Yacht Club undoubtedly form one of the leading attractions to visitors in Ballarat, and in its absence Lake Wendouree would, indeed, be almost comparatively unknown to those who periodically spend a short time in the city. But, when one glances at the list of officers and committee of the club, there need be little wonder at the excellent position which it occupies in the aquatic world of Victoria. In the roll are to be seen the names of Ballarat's most prominent citizens, including the professional man, the commercial man, and the mining speculator. The efforts of the committee are ably seconded by their energetic and courteous secretary, Mr William Downie, a gentleman who devotes all his spare time to furthering the interests of his club. Yesterday's programme was not a long one, but nevertheless each event was highly interesting and exciting. On the ground during the day we noticed the Mayor of the City (Mr J. Hickman, J.P.), the Hon. Philip Russell, M.L.C., and several city councillors. Prout's brass band discoursed inspiriting music on View Point until after 5 o'clock. The water in the lake was not smooth, but still, with the fairly strong north westerly wind, a better day for boat sailing purposes could not be desired. That old and favourite aquatic gentleman, Mr H. R. Caselli, J.P., as usual, made an excellent and impartial judge, while Mr Bechervaise, in his capacity of starter, gave the utmost satisfaction. Those members of the committee present were conspicuous for their courtesy to visitors, as well as for their anxiety to make the regatta a success. For the nonce, Private Paterson, of the Ballarat Rangers, acted as an artilleryman. He at regular intervals, at the starts and finishes, fired a small piece of artillery, and carried out his duties in a satisfactory manner. Ample provision was made for members and others. The steamer Wendouree was used by the judge, the members of committee, the members of the press, and lady friends. The steamer Ballarat was chartered by the club for members and lady friends. Liberal prizes were given in each event. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article201620328 THE BALLARAT TAGHT CLUB REGATTA. The Ballarat Star XXVIII, 305 Victoria, Australia 22 December 1883 29 November 2020 4 National Library of Australia 1884 1884 01 Typical housekeeping for Bechervaise Mail Notice. MAILS are made up in the POST-OFFICE BALLARAT, for the undermentioned place and their suboffices at the times given below. . . . . The various sections of telegraph lines included in the Ballarat district are as follow:— Extending from Ballarat to Buninyong, Rokewood, Streatham, Clunes, Beaufort, Meredith, Bacchus Marsh, Mount Blackwood, and Daylesford. All telegraph offices in Victoria are open for transaction of business at ordinary rates — viz., ten words or under, 1s, and every additional word 1d — between the hours of 8.30 a.m. and 8 p.m. (Sundays excepted). The night and Sunday arrangements, together with the rates pertaining thereto, with all other information on telegraph matters, are published in the "Monthly Postal and Telegraph Guide." Immediate notice of any breakage of lines or defects likely to cause an interruption to the circuit, conveyed to the Postmaster, Ballarat, will greatly facilitate the prompt restoration of communication and transaction of business. WM. PHILIP BECHERVAISE, Postmaster.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article201621091 Advertising The Ballarat Star XXIX, 7 Victoria, Australia 9 January 1884 29 November 2020 4 National Library of Australia Bechervaise chairs the committee for the Ballarat Regatta BALLARAT REGATTA. A meeting of the regatta committee was held at Lester's hotel, on Tuesday evening; Mr Bechervaise in the chair. It is purposed to hold the regatta on the 7th March next. Fair progress in all the preliminaries was re-ported. Mayor Hickman was present and stated he would be happy to do all in his power both as mayor and as a private citizen to further the cause; also at any time to assist in anything that would tend to add to the at-tractiveness of the lake.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article201621877 BALLARAT REGATTA. The Ballarat Star XXIX, 20 Victoria, Australia 24 January 1884 29 November 2020 3 National Library of Australia 1884 02 Bechervaise elected umpire for the Ballarat Regatta BALLARAT REGATTA. A meeting of the regatta committee was held at Lester's hotel, on Tuesday night; Mr Bechervaise presided. Mayor Hickman and Messrs Garbutt, Claxton, and Caselli were elected as judges; Mr Bechervaise was appointed umpire. The regatta will be held under the patronage of the following gentlemen:— Hon. Phillip Russell, Hon. Francis Ormond, Hon. Henry Cuthbert, Hon. Major W. C. Smith, Mr G. Fincham, Mr. F. M. Claxton, Mr J. Hickman, Mr John Ferguson, Mr J. N. Wilson, Mr D. Brophy, Mr Thos. Bath, Mr C. Salter, Mr B. Hepburn, and Mr J. Shiels.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article202584277 BALLARAT REGATTA. The Ballarat Star XXIX, 50 Victoria, Australia 28 February 1884 1 December 2020 3 National Library of Australia 1884 03 Bechervaise makes every effort to locate a missing letter containing £5 cash Three weeks ago a resident of Ballarat (says the Courier) posted a letter containing a £5 note at the Ballarat Post Office, to a firm in Melbourne. Very imprudently, he did not register the letter, though this was because it was too late to do so, and the sender did not care to wait till next day. The letter and its contents never reached their destination. Mr. Bechervaise was at once communicated with. We learn that, after careful enquiry in every direction, no trace whatever of the missing letter can be found by the Post Office authorities.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article201530254 Advertising Avoca Mail 1,673 Victoria, Australia 25 March 1884 1 December 2020 3 National Library of Australia 1884 04 Bechervaise attends a meeting to establish a memorial to the Eureka Stockade, notes he was a digger on the periphery of the events, appointed to the memorial committee PROPOSED MEMORIAL AT THE EUREKA STOCKADE. A meeting, called by advertisement, was held at Craig's hotel last evening, to devise means to work the site of the Eureka Stockade in token of an historic event in connection with Ballarat and the colony generally. Cr Robert Lewis, of Ballarat City, was voted to the chair, and there were present Crs Morrison, Salter, Williams, Gregory, Walker, Roff, and Ellsworth, and Messrs Hy. Josephs, Bechervaise, Dyte, Spain, Persse, Sayers, Osborne, Wattis, Laidlaw, Christie, Wightwick, Hayes, Hall, W. Perry, and Hannington. The chairman explained the object of the meeting, and said that some steps ought to be taken to mark the spot, as the old pioneers were gradually passing away. The matter should have been attended to years ago, and the speaker hoped that the present movement would not be an abortive one. Cr. Morrison then apologised for the absence of the Mayor of the City, for Mr J. Noble Wilson the chairman of the Water Commission, and for Mr John Robson. As convener of the meeting, Cr. Morrison said that he had been obliged to give short notice to attend, as there had been especial reasons. Some time ago, when the Ministry of the day had been taken out to the water reserves, they had returned by the Eureka Stockade, and the absence of any memorial was strongly noticed. On another, occasion Mr Berry had promised to do what he could in placing a memorial on the place, and the speaker believed that Mr Bent had made the same promise. The speaker had a proposal to make which he thought would chime in with the views of everyone. They should get some of the condemned guns (68 pounders) lying about Melbourne, some fathoms of the chain cable, and as many tons of old iron as they could to do the work. Mr Service, who had been in Ballarat a few days ago, promised that they should get all they required if immediate application were made, but unless prompt measures were taken the stuff would be sold during the week. His proposal was, that they should get a granite or stone obelisk; that the cannon should be placed at the four angles of the reserve, and that railings could be put up manufactured of the old iron, which doubtless the ironfounders would willingly cast for the purpose. He had been told that for the sum of £300 they could put up a handsome stone monument on a heavy base. As it was a national matter, doubtless if they could raise £150 the Government would not object to pay £150 towards the object. It was a matter which should be pressed upon the members for the district, in order that their co-operation should be gained. Cr Roff advocated the raising of a memorial as the events of the Eureka Stockade were historic in the annals of the colony, and said that visitors would naturally enquire as to the history of Ballarat. As the events would become more widely known Ballarat would be sure to increase in interest. For that reason the pioneers as well as all persons in the town should take part and endeavour to carry out Mr Morrison's proposal. Some time ago there had been a movement on foot when it was proposed to erect a monolith, and Mr Caselli, the architect, had submitted several plans, which were laid upon the table, but, unfortunately, the attempt to raise a memorial proved abortive. The Eureka Stockade had given the colony a constitution second to none on the face of the globe, in which there were all the rights and liberties any man had a right to enjoy, and for that reason a memorial should be erected in memory of the diggers, who fell in fighting for constitutional rights. The speaker said that he had been associated with the eventful time, as he had George Black, for whose apprehension £500 was offered, in hiding. One of his (the speaker’s) young shopmen was in the stir, and the speaker gave him £5 to clear out to Melbourne. This, young man had rushed to him and said, "Oh God, they’re all slaughtered; give me some money, I'm off to Melbourne." The speaker then started to the place and saw the dead bodies. The "Gingerbeer man" was lying on the ground, his chest heaving violently. The speaker got assistance and tried to carry the man to a tent. The man's cap fell off and a great gash through his forehead was disclosed. The speaker, in concluding his remarks urged them to support Cr Morrison's proposal. Mr C. Dyte moved "That Cr Morrison be appointed secretary pro tem." The motion was carried. Mr Dyte then moved "That immediate application be made to the Government for the necessary material, towards building the monument. Mr Thomas Marks said that he had guided Peter Lalor to town in February, 1855, after the riots, and as an old moulder and furnace-man he would have great pleasure to melt all the metal required. As a member of the Old Identities' Association, he thought the old identities would do all they possibly could towards the erection of a memorial. Cr Salter, in seconding the resolution, hoped that the effort would have a successful issue, and if they put up a monument now, perhaps their "youngsters" would in the future raise an even more substantial memorial. The resolution was unanimously carried. Mr Marks said that steps ought to be taken to have the flags and pikes restored to Ballarat. Nothing came of the suggestion. Mr Bechervaise said that although he had not been present at the Stockade, he had been bunted by the troopers while digging. He proposed that they should at once form a committee, appoint a treasurer, and by that means get some money. He thought that if £150 were raised they would have no difficulty in getting £150 from the Government. He though a 1s subscription should be initiated, as many of the old identities would like to have "a finger in the pie." Upon Mr Bechervaise's suggestion a committee was formed, consisting of the Mayors of the City and Town, and Messrs Salter, Lewis, Hoff, Williams, Bechervaise, Spain, Josephs, Wilson, Dyte, and Hall. Mr Dyte said that it seemed to him the movement was a national affair, in which Ballarat was directly concerned. He advocated that the City and Town Councils should bear their share, as by that means every ratepayer would subscribe. As it was a general rule that those who subscribe were called upon to subscribe to everything, he thought the suggestion was a good one. Cr Ellsworth thought that the best possible way for the movement to be initiated was for all in the room to subscribe at once, and as far as he was personally concerned he would give £1 towards the object. In his opinion the Stockade had hastened the period of constitutional liberty by many years, and at present they enjoyed one of the best constitutions to be found any where. No doubt they enjoyed as much freedom and security for life and property, and therefore they ought to be extremely grateful to the men for the stand they took upon the occasion. Whatever the people did, it would be but a poor memento of the heroism displayed by the men under the circumstances they were placed in. The speaker moved that a subscription-list be now opened. Mr Hall, as an old resident since January 1853, seeing everything that occurred up to the end of the Stockade, when the prisoners were tried and acquitted, he knew very well that the liberty and freedom of those men were felt in the people's heart and rejoiced in. He had felt glad that the present meeting had been called, and had felt it his duty to attend. He would readily give as far as he was able to any movement or memorial for the diggers. He was one of the party, and remembered the time when Johnson was unhorsed at the rear of Mr William Lakeland’s property in those days. The place where Johnson was unhorsed was situated now at the back of Mr Isaac Jonas’s property in Bridge street. When Johnson was unhorsed, a determined spirit came over the diggers. The speaker once was come upon by a person named "Mr Shylock," who demanded £5 because the speaker had not a license. The license had expired two days before, and he had not been able to get another in time. He in company with others — some 100 — appeared at the camp next day, were told that they were fined £5 each, and were let go to get new licenses. From that time the diggers became determined as they had not come 16,000 miles to be trodden down. He thought that the subscription should not be confined to Ballarat, but that they should extend their operations to other places, in order to let all the old identities subscribe. Cr Williams thought that a one shilling subscription should be initiated in order to make the movement as general as possible, and he thought the young people especially would be glad to subscribe. A general subscription would cause everyone to take more interest in the matter. Mr Bechervaise proposed as an amendment upon Cr Ellsworth's motion, "That all matters of detail, regarding subscriptions, &c., be left to the committee." O. Salter seconded the amendment. His view was that they should receive subscriptions from 1s to £1, giving all classes a chance to contribute. Cr Ellsworth's notice was withdrawn, and the amendment, having become the motion, was carried. Mr Marks apologised for the absence of the president (Mr Graham) of the Old Identities' Association; and Mr Osborne, the secretary of that body, said that its members would contribute towards the memorial. On the motion of Mr Wattis, Cr Morrison was appointed hon. treasurer. A suggestion of Cr Morrison, that a mass meeting should be held, at which Mr John Robson could deliver an oration upon the Stockade, was left with the committee to deal with. On the motion of Cr Williams, a hearty vote of thanks was accorded Messrs Morrison and J. Noble Wilson for the steps they had taken in bringing the question of a memorial at the Eureka Stockade under the notice of the Premier. A vote of thanks to the chairman terminated the proceedings. It was announced by the hon. treasurer that the sum of £20 had been subscribed in the room. The committee then met to discuss matters of detail.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article202586938 PROPOSED MEMORIAL AT THE EUREKA STOCKADE. The Ballarat Star XXIX, 91 Victoria, Australia 17 April 1884 29 October 2020 4 National Library of Australia Bechervaise appointed a collector of monies for the Eureka Stockade Memorial Fund A STOCKADE MEMORIAL.— Mr W. P. BECHERVAISE and Mr E. W. SPAIN are appointed Collectors for Ballarat West. Mr HENRY JOSEPHS and Mr THEO. WILLIAMS are appointed Collectors for Ballarat East. A. T. MORRISON, Hon. Secretary. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article202586983 Advertising The Ballarat Star XXIX, 92 Victoria, Australia 18 April 1884 1 December 2020 3 National Library of Australia Bechervaise attends a meeting of the Eureka Stockade Memorial committee NEWS AND NOTES. . . . The Eureka Stockade Memorial committee met at the hon. secretary's office on Thursday evening. Present — Messrs R. Lewis (chairman), Salter, Roff, Josephs, Williams, Hall, Dyte, Béchervaise, and Spain. Letters were read from the Premier and the Minister of Defence, respecting the cannon and other material required. The hon. secretary reported that 250 circulars and 200 collecting lists had been issued, and collections, amounting to £29 7s received and deposited in the City of Melbourne Bank. The matter of a public mass meeting in the Alfred Hall, and also the compilation of a memoir of the Stockade was held over. The committee are anxious that all subscriptions should be promptly handed in, so that they may be in a position to order the granite monolith before the winter sets in.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article202587434 NEWS AND NOTES. The Ballarat Star XXIX, 99 Victoria, Australia 26 April 1884 29 October 2020 2 National Library of Australia 1884 05 Meeting to be called of old Eureka Stockade pioneers NEWS AND NOTES. . . . We learn that the Stockade Memorial Committee intend shortly to call a meeting of Old Pioneers to give their personal experiences in matters relating to the Stockade. It is expected that a large amount of accurate information of an interesting nature will be forthcoming. The suggestion is an excellent one, and can scarcely fail to be attended with a very satisfactory result.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article202588861 NEWS AND NOTES. The Ballarat Star XXIX, 120 Victoria, Australia 21 May 1884 1 December 2020 2 National Library of Australia Meeting of the Eureka Stockade Memorial Committee, Bechervaise certainly in attendance THE EUREKA STOCKADE MEMORIAL. The Eureka Stockade Memorial Committee met last evening at the office Mr A. T. Morrison, Lydiard street. Mr Harry Josephs occupied the chair. Subscriptions amounting to £19 5s 6d were paid in. A poetic contribution about the stockade was received from Mr J. W. Mills, Chancery Lane, and referred to a sub committee appointed to compile all literary matter referring to the eventful period of '54. Communications with donations were received from the following:— New Kohinoor, Buninyong Estate, North Australasian, Band and Albion Consols, Bungareeshire, and from the Allandale Natives Association. Correspondence from the Defence Department regarding guns, carriages and mountings; also from the Railway Department, regarding the transit of same, was received and acknowledged. A letter from the City Council of Sandhurst, sympathising with the movement, was also received. It was decided that designs be invited for the proposed memorial, the same to be exhibited at the forthcoming Fine Arts Exhibition. It was also resolved that a public meeting of old pioneers be convened, at which the varied personal experiences of the old stockade days could be given. After some routine business, the meeting closed with a vote of thanks to the chairman.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article202588891 THE EUREKA STOCKADE MEMORIAL. The Ballarat Star XXIX, 120 Victoria, Australia 21 May 1884 1 December 2020 4 National Library of Australia Star journalist voices strong, if verbose, support for the Eureka Stockade Memorial project The members of the Eureka Memorial Stockade Committee are meeting with a fair amount of success in the praiseworthy business which they have in hand. Throughout the district there appears to be a desire to render assistance to the long-delayed movement, and this is especially noticeable among the old pioneers who were on the Eureka or adjoining goldfields in the memorable year 1854. The site upon which stood the historical Stockade has been allowed to go too long unhonoured; but it is to be hoped, now that the matter has been taken up with vigour by several leading citizens, that a substantial and lasting memorial will be erected as a reminder of the struggle which the early diggers of Ballarat made for liberty and legitimate freedom of action. There is one thing particularly pleasing about the movement which is now on foot relative to the Eureka memorial, and that is that a good many of the leading mining companies of the Ballarat and Creswick districts are coming forward with support, and it must also be gratifying to find an important and influential body like the Sandhurst City Council sympathising with the Eureka Stockade Memorial Committee. There are residing in Sandhurst many persons who were in Ballarat during the stirring times of long ago, and there are also scattered, it may be said, all over the world people who "dug in Ballarat," as some old pioneers put it, about the year 1854. It has been said that no matter what part of the world one goes to, he is sure to find a native of Great Britain or Ireland, and it may, in a measure, be stated that an old Ballarat digger is to be met with in every country where the English language is spoken. By the report of the last meeting of the Eureka Stockade Memorial Committee we notice that it has been resolved to convene a public meeting of pioneers, at which the varied personal experiences of the old Stockade days could be given. The decision is an excellent one, and the gentleman who made the suggestion has a happy knack for business. By all means let a mass meeting of old identities be called, and if the Alfred Hall will not afford the necessary accommodation for the "men of historic time," recourse must be had to an open air assemblage, in order to speak of what took place in days gone by. The Eureka riots now form a subject of history, and it would be well to have the historical records of the troubled period supplemented, though at this late period, 30 years afterwards, by explanations and opinions of some of the actors of 1854. We have said that many of the old diggers are still alive and well, and that they are scattered broadcast. Yes, we have met in various parts of Australia and New Zealand men who wrought in Ballarat when nothing was to be seen in the shape of dwellings but calico tents and perhaps a wooden shanty here and there. We have heard these old Ballaratites descant upon the Government tyranny prior to the Eureka riots, and one and all, though truly loyal to the Crown, were of opinion that the authorities of the time were responsible for the open rebellion which took place among the diggers. Would it not be well to advertise the proposed public meeting of old Ballarat pioneers in the principal papers of Victoria, and invite the presence of as many as possible of those who are now living away from this district? Would it not be a good plan to endeavour to induce the humane and popular Government of the present day to grant free or cheap railway passes to all such Ballarat pioneers, now in Victoria, who may present orders for passes from the secretary to the Memorial Committee? This Eureka Stockade public meeting and subsequent Memorial demonstration should not be allowed to pass by like a flash in the pan. If properly carried out, and we have no reason to think otherwise, it will prove one of the biggest events ever witnessed in Australia. Therefore, no time should be lost to fully mature the movement, and place on record for the perusal of the rising generation the causes which led up to the celebrated Eureka Stockade. With respect to the public meeting, we trust that the proper persons, men who really know how things stood at the period of the riots, will come to the front and place the facts fairly before the public. It is a duty that a good many pioneers owe the yet uninformed sections of society upon this point, particularly as there are to be found not a few persons who bitterly condemn the action of those who resisted the rule of the Government of the day. As there are persons, then, who, through ignorance, perhaps, entertain such opinions anent the Eureka riots, the question arises, "Who is right?"— the greater portion of the public, who sympathise with the present movement, or the few who denounce the noble fellows who fell in a just cause? Liberty has never been won by silence, and grinning and bearing oppression. The man who, while in possession of health of body and mind, submits to tyranny, would be anything but a credit to his race, and the bowing to the rule of the tyrant would be a display of cowardice, the name of which is detested by persons of spirit and manliness. The diggers of '54 fought for liberty, and liberty succeeded their efforts. The liberty that was gained on the Eureka 30 years ago has since spread, and in the fight each man, in a manner, no doubt, asked, in the words of Patrick Henry, "Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery! Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but, as for me, give me liberty or death." Many, indeed, died on the Eureka for liberty, and their bones are now resting together in the grave in the Old Cemetery. We are not surprised to find that there are ordinarily sensible and far-seeing men who denounce, sometimes in publichouse bars, the diggers of the Eureka as rebels. Even representatives at the council table raise their voice against the action of the diggers. We know that in all rebellious movements in every nation there is a variety of feeling. For instance, at the American Declaration of Independence many in the United States were not only secretly but openly hostile to the course of the proceedings in relation to the movement of that time. The French Revolution was denounced by such a master statesman as Edmund Burke, and even to this day many who owe to that event much of the freedom they enjoy speak of it with hatred. It would be well, perhaps, for the opponents of the proposed Eureka Stockade Memorial movement to call a counter-meeting in order to put forward arguments, which, from the opponents' point of view will go to show that the rioters were in the wrong. The residents of this district who do not agree with the action which the diggers pursued, in throwing up a stockade and declaring war against tyrannical orders, should, as a matter of justice to the flunkeys who put the tyrannical rule of the Government of 1854 in force, let the rising generation and new comers in the colony know the case from a sympathising direction. The oppositionists would have their utterances taken down by the reporters, and the public would then have both sides of the question. Many of the clearest-headed men amongst us, who arrived in the colony after the Eureka riots, and have been depending for information on supposition from one and another, freely admit that they are unable to satisfy themselves as to whether the rebellion should have gone beyond moral force. We have heard many a new arrival in the colony say, when speaking of the Eureka riots, "I am told that the diggers were in the wrong; they acted rather hastily in opposing the Government." Such nonsensical remarks will not be heard when the story of the Eureka is fully told at the proposed public meeting, and published in the press of the colony. There is already in existence a "History of Ballarat" by an able journalist of long standing, but the sad tale of 1854 requires to be again sent forth among the people of the present day. As we have said, the upholders of the rule of the Government of 1854 can have their meeting, and the sooner the better. Then, before the memorial is placed in position the newcomers and the rising generation would be in possession of the case of the diggers' sympathisers as well as the arguments put forth by the opponents of the movement now being so successfully carried on towards maturity. Should the opponents have a meeting, no efforts should be spared to get those of the Eureka digger-hunters who are yet alive, and some of them doing well, to address the assemblage on the reasons they had for doing the dirty work. But we are afraid the opponents would not respond warmly to the invitation to hold a meeting. Let the Eureka Stockade Memorial Committee take heart in their exertions. They have a noble cause in hand, and they have the sympathy and support of a noble, liberty-loving people. "Municipal Reform," an esteemed and able correspondent, in yesterday's Star suggested that steps should be taken for the erection of a monument after the style of the Burke and Wills, in Collins street, Melbourne, with the Hon. Peter Lalor as the main figure, surrounded by Captain Ross, Messrs Thonean, Raffaelo, and other subordinates — the whole with the view to the further expansion of our municipal freedom. This is a capital idea, and one thoroughly in keeping with the practical, progressive nature of the old and influential pioneer "Municipal Freedom," who, with other pioneers, is known throughout the length and breadth of this wide district. Now that we are about to have a celebration in memory of the men who, on a Sunday morning in 1854, fell in the cause of liberty at the Eureka, let us try if it is not possible to carry out the suggestion of our correspondent. We have a Burke and Wills monument, to the memory of the celebrated explorers who perished at Cooper's Creek, and there is also to be seen in the main thoroughfare of Ballarat a monument to the memory of Galloway, the founder of the eight hours' movement in Victoria. To crown all, the public should come forward and erect on a high part of Sturt street a monument such as that mentioned by "Municipal Freedom." If the majority of the people of this district gave only a shilling per head, it would put up something substantial, which would be an ornament to the city, as well as a tribute to the noble dead. This need not interfere with the raising of the memorial on the Eureka diggings. In conclusion, we must say that, from all we have heard, we are strongly of the belief that the official oppression at the time of the Eureka riots was maddening and intolerable, and that it produced its natural consequences.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article202588981 No title The Ballarat Star XXIX, 122 Victoria, Australia 23 May 1884 1 December 2020 2 National Library of Australia Bechervaise leads a flotilla across Lake Wendouree as part of the ceremonies for presentation of Stoddart statues PRESENTATION OF STATUES TO THE CITIZENS OF BALLARAT. Queen's Birthday (Saturday) witnessed the formal presentation of 12 handsome statues of Carrara marble by Mr Thomas Stoddart, who has lately returned from a trip to Europe, to the mayor and councillors of the City of Ballarat in trust for the citizens. The figures, representing Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter, Hercules, Mercury, Hebe, Leda, Pomona, Flora, Bacchante, and Flora Farnese, were executed in Italy, expressly to the order of Mr. Stoddart, who, designing to make Ballarat his future home, thus endeavoured to further beautify a portion of it, already beautified by the hand of nature and art. Accordingly the statues were brought out from Italy, and the City Council, a few months ago, made preparations to place them in advantageous positions, calculated to display the symmetrical outlines of the figures. The best judgment has been shown by the committee in selecting the sites. The statues greatly enhance the attractions of the gardens, and Mr Stoddart is deserving of all praise for the munificent gift of such a noble collection to this, the "City of Gardens." The surroundings of the statues, as far as the flowers and shrubs are concerned, enhance the general effect, but a striking difference is made in some parts, notably where the eyes of the visitors are turned on the statue and next on a dilapidated house in which the eagles are confined. Doubtless, when the City Council wakes up to these defects in the general arrangement, they will be remedied for all time. As the visitors strolled through the gar-dens on Saturday universal encomiums were passed on the various figures. Criticism was remarkable for its absence, but the comparisons that prevailed were in some instances highly amusing. Upon this subject we cannot forbear to quote an ingenious comparison drawn by an old lady, who had pondered deeply for a few seconds upon the proportions of "Winter," represented by the sculptured figure of a old man shivering in his mantle. The elderly lady remarked, "That's not much unlike Mr Stoddart himself." A few intimate acquaintances of Mr Stoddart had a quiet grin over the striking comparison, and even the living subject indulged in hearty laughter. Upon the Sicilian marble pedestals of the statues the inscription "Presented by Thomas Stoddart, 1884," is cut in each. The figures Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter, Hercules, and Mercury have been executed by Bertezzi; Hebe, Leda, and Pomona, by B. Raggi; Flora by G. Marchetti; Bacchante and Flora Farnese by Giovanni Udoy. Those visitors who have even a slight acquaintance with the myths and legends of the ancients will doubtless feel double interest, and find their knowledge intensified by viewing some of the statues, while those who have not dipped into classical lore will yet find interesting matter in contemplating the beautiful objects. The statuary presented by Mr Stoddart does not alone adorn the gardens, but possesses educational influence which is certain to animate the hearts of youthful visitors. However, we must hark back to the description of the ceremonials attending the presentation, and therefore must transport our readers to the other side of the lake at View Point. The steamer Ballarat was lying at the Point, waiting for the guests of the City Council, and Gill's steamer, engaged by the B.Y.C., likewise waited for passengers. At or about half-past 2 o'clock Mr Bechervaise, the marshal of the flotilla, got the line in order, the steamers beforementioned being in the van, with the B.Y.C. miniature fleet in the centre, and several crews from the City Rowing Club in the rear. Then the procession skirted the south shore, and at funeral pace described a half-moon to the gardens, were about 1000 spectators were drawn up on the steamboat landing to witness the disembarkation of the lucky ladies and gentlemen, who had been treated to a snail-pace passage across the stormy waters of our own Lake Wendouree. The gathering ground for the multitude was around a circular enclosure, into which the privileged few were admitted. Among those present were Messrs W. C. Smith, H. Bell, and G. R. Fincham, M's.L.A.; the mayor of the City (Mr John Hickman), Crs Claxton, Lewis, Salter, Thompson, McDonald, Little, and Morrison, of Ballarat City; and Cr Leckie, a councillor, both for Buninyongshire and Sebastopol. A large number of representative people also were:in attendance.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article202589111 PRESENTATION OF STATUES TO THE CITIZENS OF BAL LARAT. The Ballarat Star XXIX, 124 Victoria, Australia 26 May 1884 1 December 2020 3 National Library of Australia Disagreement between Bechervaise and Whitehead is formally aired NEWS AND NOTES. . . . The disagreement between Mr Bechervaise, postmaster at Ballarat West, and Mr John Whitehead, a responsible officer, was partly ventilated yesterday. The latter reported the postmaster, and yesterday Mr. George Smibert, inspector of post and telegraph offices, took a good deal of evidence. This will be duly considered by the heads of the postal department, and if the case is sufficiently important the matter will be referred to a board. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article202589407 NEWS AND NOTES. The Ballarat Star XXIX, 130 Victoria, Australia 31 May 1884 1 December 2020 2 National Library of Australia Ceremony for the laying of foundation stone of new Ballarat East post office NEWS AND NOTES. . . . The laying of the foundation-stone of the new Post and Telegraph Offices, Ballarat East, the tender for which was accepted on Thurs-day, will be celebrated by a public ceremony on the 20th June next. The matter of arranging for this, it will be remembered, was left in the hands of the mayor at the last meeting of the council. By resolution of the council, the Ministry, or such members as can attend, will be invited to be present at the ceremony. It is probable that the proceedings will include a banquet in the afternoon, to be followed by a ball in the evening.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article202589407 NEWS AND NOTES. The Ballarat Star XXIX, 130 Victoria, Australia 31 May 1884 1 December 2020 2 National Library of Australia Bechervaise attends meeting of Eureka Stockade Memorial Committee NEWS AND NOTES. . . . A meeting of the Eureka Stockade Memorial Committee was held at the office of the hon. secretary on Friday evening, Mr Henry Josephs in the chair. Correspondence was read from the hon. the Premier, stating that four 64lb guns and carriage would be forwarded to Ballarat in a few days; also, from the Railway Department, in reference to freight of guns. Subscriptions from the employes of the Gas Company, Sulisman Parba and Band and Barton companies, also collections made by Messrs Josephs, Bechervaise, Hall, and Spain were paid in.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article202589407 NEWS AND NOTES. The Ballarat Star XXIX, 130 Victoria, Australia 31 May 1884 1 December 2020 2 National Library of Australia 1884 06 The cause of the Whitehead/Bechervaise dispute is identified BALLARAT, May 31. Mr. George Smibert, Inspector of Post and Telegraphic Offices, conducted an enquiry on Friday, into certain charges preferred by Mr John Whitehead, an officer of the Ballarat West Post Office, against Mr Bechervaise, the postmaster. It is alleged that the latter ridiculed Mr. Whitehead's notions concerning the Blue Ribbon movement, and ordered the latter to remove the blue ribbon off his coat during office hours. Mr Smibert took a great deal of evidence in order to deter-mine whether or not the matter is sufficiently important to go before a board.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article9023307 Intercolonial Telegrams, The Mercury XLIV, 4,460 Tasmania, Australia 4 June 1884 1 December 2020 3 National Library of Australia Eureka Stockade Memorial Committee takes their case to council TOWN COUNCIL. Friday 6th June. Present — His worship the mayor (Cr Ferguson) and Crs Williams, Roff, Russell, Ellsworth, Walker, Gregory, and Scott. . . . Eureka Stockade Memorial.— Cr Williams introduced a deputation from the Eureka Stockade Memorial Committee, consisting of Messrs R. Lewis, W. P. Bechervaise, A. T. Morrison, H. Joseph, C. Dyte, and Hall. Mr Morrison explained to the council the steps which had been taken by the memorial committee, and said they would like to know if what they had done had met with the approval of the council. They also wished to ask the council to assist them in fencing in the ground. He referred to the fact that sometime ago a grant had been promised by the Government to the council for the improvement, and the committee now asked the council to make application to obtain the grant to fence and plant the site. The committee were not politically influenced, and only hoped to erect on that historical spot a monument that would be credit to the City and Town and the surrounding district. Messrs Lewis, Bechervaise, and Dyte also spoke, stating that the committee had not come before the council sooner, not from any want of discourtesy, but in order that the arrangements might be more matured. The deputation thanked the council and withdrew. On the motion of Cr Scott it was decided — "That this council agree with the request made by the deputation as to the reserve and the object they have in view, and that the mayor act on behalf of the council in the matter." http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article202589825 TOWN COUNIL. The Ballarat Star XXIX, 136 Victoria, Australia 7 June 1884 1 December 2020 4 National Library of Australia The Bechervaise / Whitehead dispute considered trivial NEWS AND NOTES. . . . The dispute between the postmaster at Ballarat West, and Mr John Whitehead turns out to be of a trivial character, as reported to the department heads by Mr Smibert, the inspector of post and telegraph offices. The Postmaster-General, however, has resolved to transfer Mr Whitehead to Melbourne at that officer's own request.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article202589933 NEWS AND NOTES. The Ballarat Star XXIX, 138 Victoria, Australia 10 June 1884 1 December 2020 2 National Library of Australia As previous, alternate detail MELBOURNE. Monday Evening. (FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.) . . . The Postmaster-General has received the report of Mr George Smibert, the Inspector of Post and Telegraph Offices, who visited Ballarat a few days ago for the purpose of enquiring into the disagreement between Mr Bechervaise, the Ballarat West Postmaster, and Mr John Whitehead, a responsible officer. Mr Smibert's report shows that both parties were to blame, but any further difficulty in the matter has been avoided, as Mr Whitehead, by his own request, will be transferred to Melbourne. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article202589930 MEEBOURNE. The Ballarat Star XXIX, 138 Victoria, Australia 10 June 1884 1 December 2020 4 National Library of Australia Eureka Stockade Memorial Committee to receive the 4 x 64lb guns and carriages NEWS AND NOTES. At a special meeting of the City Council held yesterday there were present the Mayor, and Crs Morrison, Salter, Thompson, Lewis, McDonald, and Claxton. . . . Mr A. T. Morrison has received a telegram from Major Snee, stating that the four 64 pounder guns and carriages, together with a sling waggon, have been forwarded to Ballarat. The Stockade Memorial Committee meet at the Eastern railway station today, at 3 o'clock, to take delivery of the guns, and thence escort them to the Eastern Town Hall reserve, where they will be temporarily placed prior to removal to the site of the memorial upon the Eureka. There has been a large demand for the Star containing the Eureka Stockade papers already published, and in order to prevent disappointment with regard to securing No. II paper, we notify that it will appear in tomorrow's issue. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article202590090 NEWS AND NOTES. The Ballarat Star XXIX, 141 Victoria, Australia 13 June 1884 1 December 2020 2 National Library of Australia Further progress of Eureka Stockade Memorial Committee NEWS AND NOTES. The fifth paper on "The Eureka Stockade" will be published in Saturday's Star. In today's issue appears a short but interesting sketch on the same subject from one who evidently had some vary unpleasant experiences of the period in question. . . . The committee of the Eureka Stockade Memorial met on Tuesday evening. Present — Mr H. Josephs (in the chair), Mayor Ferguson, Messrs Salter, Spain, Bechervaise, Wilson, Rolf, Dyte, Hall, and Morrison. Donations were paid in from the employes at the loco. sheds, at E. Rowland's factory, and at Munro's foundry; from the Borough of Buninyong, from the Melbourne and Ballarat Company, and North Maxwell's Company; from Mr Niven; and collections made by Messrs Howard, Josephs, and Bechervaise. A considerable amount of correspondence was dealt with; and accounts amounting to £11 16s 9d were passed for payment. Five designs for the memorial were submitted. After some discussion, the committee postponed coming to a final decision until next meeting. It was resolved that the inscription upon the memorial be "Eureka Stockade, Sunday Morning, December 3rd, 1854." A hearty vote of thanks was passed to the Town Council of Ballarat East for the sympathy and practical support accorded. It was resolved that the collectors be urged to use their best endeavours and that all collecting lists be handed in to the hon. treasurer by Monday, 14th proximo, so that the committee would be in a position to judge of the funds available for commencing building operations. Votes of thanks were passed to Mr Hugh Gray and Mr George Wicks for contribution of stockade relics.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article202590403 NEWS AND NOTES. The Ballarat Star XXIX, 146 Victoria, Australia 19 June 1884 1 December 2020 2 National Library of Australia Ceremony for laying of foundation stone for new Post and Telegraph office for Ballarat East THE NEW POST AND TELEGRAPH OFFICES, BALLARAT EAST. LAYING THE FOUNDATION STONE. Although a town of some 16,000 inhabitants, spread over an extensive area, Ballarat East has until lately possessed no offices of her own for the transaction of postal and telegraph business, an inconvenience which has been considerably felt by the Eastern residents. Previous to 1879 a receiving-box in the Main road was the accommodation, but in the latter year the building in Victoria street, the present post office, was leased from Mr James Long for a period of five years, and has since the expiration of the lease been held at a yearly rental. The difficulties that arose in the meantime as to a site for a new building to be erected by the Government finally resulted in the Humffray street and Main road site being chosen by a ballot of the ratepayers. Further difficulties arose, and although efforts were made to have the building gone on with, its erection was unaccountably delayed. At last the contract for the erection of the retaining wall, at a cost of some hundred pounds, was let by the present Government, and, on its completion, tenders were called for the erection of the main building. Mr Daniel Brown, of Ballarat, was the successful tenderer at the figure of £3050. The building will be a two-storey brick structure, with porticos somewhat similar to that at the city edifice. It will contain a large room for letters, and accommodation for telegraphic and money order business, with extra rooms for the residence of the postmaster, and when completed will form a handsome addition to the architecture of the Town. This being the first public building erected in Ballarat East, it was decided by the Town Council to celebrate the laying of the foundation stone in a worthy manner. . . .http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article202590562 THE NEW POST AND TELE-GRAPH OFFICES, BALLARAT EAST. The Ballarat Star XXIX, 148 Victoria, Australia 21 June 1884 1 December 2020 4 National Library of Australia 1884 07 Further meeting of the Eureka Stockade Memorial committee EUREKA STOCKADE MEMORIAL. A meeting of the executive committee was held on Tuesday evening; Mr R. Lewis in the chair. Present — Messrs Ferguson, Bechervaise, Josephs, Williams, Roff, Spain, Morrison, Hall, Dyte, and Wilson. Donations were received from the following mining companies: Royal Saxon, Maxwell's, New Britannia, Kong Meng, and Imperial; also; Australian Natives' Association, Ballarat, Creswick, and Stawell branches; Buninyong Miners' Association, St. John's Church Improvement Society, Tinsmiths' Society, Typographical Society; from Messrs Wanliss, Wilson, Serjeant, McGovern, McDonald, Salter, Oddie, Russell, Glenn, Lieutenant-Colonel Smith, Hickman, Ferguson, Hill, Fincham, and others. Poetic contributions from J. W. Mills and William Walker, of Ballarat, and William Rankin, of Craigie, were received with thanks. Seven designs for the memorial were submitted; those marked "Piper," "King," and "Pioneer" were highly approved of, and ultimately the design of Mr H. A. King, of Ballarat East, was accepted. It was decided that specifications be prepared, with the view of calling for tenders forthwith. The committee meet on the ground, in company with the Town Council, on Friday, 25th instant, for the purpose of selecting the site, as there appears a conflict of evidence as to the actual position of the Stockade.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article201116015 EUREKA STOCKADE MEMORIAL. The Ballarat Star XXIX, 169 Victoria, Australia 16 July 1884 1 December 2020 3 National Library of Australia Bechervaise part of the group which assembles at Eureka Street to identify the Stockade location and the location of the proposed memorial THE EUREKA STOCKADE MEMORIAL. The committee of the Eureka Stockade memorial movement and a number of old pioneers, including a number of those who had fought with the diggers on the memorable occasion, assembled on the site of the struggle yesterday afternoon to mark the best place on which to erect a suitable memorial of the event. There was an attendance of fully 200 persons, and many ladies graced the affair by their presence, while the younger generation was also represented in force. Included among those present were Mr John Noble Wilson (chairman of the Water Commission), the mayor of the Town (Mr John Ferguson), Crs Lewis, Morrison, Walker, Gregory, Roff, Williams, Ellsworth, Scott, ex-Crs Turpie and Josephs, Messrs Bechervaise, John and James Robson, Lester, White, C. Dyte, Esmond, Osborne, Hall, Delahunty, Cavanagh, Marks, and several Eureka Stockaders. Messrs James Russell and John James M's.L.A., also attended. The assemblage scattered in different directions over the Eureka, and excited "con-fabs" took place between old identities as to the spots on which the varied scenes transpired in connection with the struggle. Mr C. Dyte pointed out the site of the store he was keeping at the time, and Mr Lester, of Lester's hotel, indicated the precise locality of an hotel he was keeping in those days. Diversity of opinion was great as to the sites of the Albion hotel, the blacksmith's shop, and other notable buildings at the time of the stockade. It was evident that the memory of the struggle and the causes that led up to it were still green in the hearts of many an old pioneer, and nothing seemed to give them greater pleasure than to give information to the young people regarding the occurrence. However, while willing to afford facilities to the young men to acquire knowledge on this head the old pioneers could not agree with each other as to the precise localities of the events themselves. Sometimes it seemed as if another "riot" was inevitable, and that the aid of the police would have to be called in, the military in these days being out of the question. One man could tell the exact boundaries of the Stockade, because he was aware of the spot on which his tent stood, near at hand, it being there his wife presented him with their eldest born son. Mr C. Dyte waa very much interested in showing the spot where the "Jew gingerbeer man" was found beneath the slabs with nine bullets imbedded in his body. Others sought to identify the site of the Stockade by the line of march of the soldiers on their way to attack the insurgent diggers. Others again fixed the locality by the site of the blacksmith's shop, where the smith with brawny arms hammered out iron for the manufacture of pike-heads, the smith himself afterwards receiving the testimony of the soldiers' advance by the deadly contact of a bullet with his forehead. Mr Delahunty, who now resides at Buninyong, also had his say to this effect:— The night before the attack he was standing sentry, and had received orders from Arthur Vern to shoot any man who attempted to pass out of the stockade. He in common with others was told at midnight by a certain captain to "turn in," which he did. Some time in the morning when the firing began he rushed out of his tent, and as it was dark he made for the "Nottingham tree," which had, however, been cut down. He then found Peter Lalor, and assisted the latter to a tent where another wounded man lay. Then Delahunty went back into the stockade and fetched "Father Smith" to attend to Lalor. Mr Delahunty was confident that he could fix the site of the struggle beyond question. Matters seemed to be approaching to a crisis, and as refreshments were not provided ad lib on the ground propositions for sundry adjournments for whisky, lemonade, ginger ale, and hop bitters were mooted, until the chairman of the committee (Cr Lewis) rose to the occasion and suggested that the veteran stockaders should gather in a circle, and one at a time to express his opinion as to the real site. Cr Roff, with one or two henchmen, was indefatigable in gathering in the "devoted few," and by wildly flourishing his umbrella the councillor in question did succeed. The gravity of a council of Red Indian braves and warriors, as described by Fenimore Cooper, did not prevail. An eager, anxious throng, suggestive of a railway deputation, all wished to speak at once, and notwithstanding the gesticulations and "Order, order" of Cr Roff and oily eloquence of the chairman, order could not be maintained. The excited thoughts of other days surged through the brains of Old Pioneers. and each wished to be heard. Above the din Cr Lewis' voice could be distinguished asking "Are we in the boundaries of the stockade?" Cries of "Yes, yes," "No, No," "You're wrong," "Will you be quiet?" "Keep your temper." At this stage a few practical men accompanied Mr Esmond and others to a place which they said was the best and proper site on which to place the monument, viz., in the centre of the ground. Mr John James, M.L.A., then informed the other crowd that he and his wife had walked up to the Eureka that day in order to show definitely the spot. He graphically described the site of his tent in those days, and described how the bullets whistled round the tent to the danger of himself, wife, and children. After the firing had ceased he and his wife went out and saw the stockade inflames, and also the wounded men. The applause which greeted this portion of his speech must have been as "balm of Gilead," to Mr James, and he wanted it as shown by his concluding remarks. The universal opinion was that the stockade was situated to the north of Eureka street, but Mr James' claim that it was on the southern side of the road, was received with strong expressions of dissent and laughter. The circle was by this time completely broken up and Cr Roff's ambition to form "another circle" was once more put to the test. At this stage, however, calls were made that the "few practical men" had fixed upon the site for the memorial and the place was surrounded. The Mayor of the Town then asked for an expression of opinion to the question whether it was the centre of the stockade. A few dissentient voices alone were raised. A peg was then driven into the ground to mark the spot, and three rousing cheers were given by the spectators. The memorial will, therefore, be placed in a commanding position, some 30 or 40 yards away from Eureka street. The design for the monument has been prepared by Mr H. A. King, who is now engaged in preparing the specifications of the work. Tenders will be called in a few days, to be dealt with at a meeting of the committee next week. The sum of £170 has been obtained, mostly in small subscriptions; and the committee are £30 short of the required amount for the erection of the memorial. The angles of the stockade will be mounted with cannon, donated for the purpose by the Service Government.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article201116461 THE EUREKA STOCKADE MEMORIAL. The Ballarat Star XXI X, 178 Victoria, Australia 26 July 1884 29 October 2020 4 National Library of Australia 1884 08 Further meeting of Eureka Stockade Memorial committee EUREKA STOCKADE MEMORIAL. A meeting of committee was held on Tuesday evening. Present — Messrs H. Josephs (in the chair), Wilson, Bechervaise, Ferguson, Roff, Williams, Hall, and Morrison. A considerable amount of correspondence was read and received. Donations from Messrs Lowenstein, Denovan, Trenworth, Archer, Grubb, Kay, Smith, an old Stockader, Delahunty, and Collins; from Berry Console Company, Bootmakers Union, Golden Stream Company, Mount Rowan Company, Majorca Miners' Association, t