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1
The International
“AUSTRALIAN TRAVELLING GAVEL”
COLLECTION
VICTORIA
Travelling Gavel
No. 1
Presented March 1993
2
V. Wor. Bro. Rick Howes
Creator of the
AUSTRALIAN TRAVELLING GAVEL COLLECTION
GAVEL NO. 1
Presented to the Lodges of “Victoria” to Promote and Unite Masons,
“And to Promote Visitation”
Assistance in making this book.V. W. Bro. Walter Billington (Wal)…........Computer
assistance
V. W. Bro. George L. Davies (Les)….. …. ................Computer assistance
David Mott……………………………….…..........…. Computer assistance
Alistair Harding….........................................................Computer assistance
Barbara (Mrs)..........….................................................Assistance
Irene Mott……………………………………… Making bags for Gavels
W. Bro. Colin Taylor, Cheshire, England:.....Donated the Website
W. Bro. Eric Mole, Cheshire, England: Donated the Website Hosting
*****************
To contact
V.W. Bro. Rick Howes
6 George Street, WYONG 2259
NEW SOUTH WALES
AUSTRALIA
Phone:. (02) 4352 1748
International
Phone
+61 02 4352 1748
Mobile; 0414 718 299
Email Address
rbhowes@tpg.com.au & ricksgavels@gmail.com
Website: www.travellinggavels.com
3
FACTS ABOUT VICTORIA
AUSTRALIA
Victoria is located in the south-eastern corner of mainland Australia, the state of Victoria occupies an area
of around 227,000 square kilometres which is approximately 3% of the area of land covered by Australia
as a whole. As one of the most compact states in Australia, Victoria is serviced by an extensive land
transport network, with most places well under a day's travel from each other.
Just less than 32% of total land in Victoria is in public hands, most of which is made up of conservation
reserves including State Parks, National Parks, and other nature reserves, making Victoria a popular
choice for exploring natural attractions and observing native wildlife.
Victoria is home to around 5 million people (at December 2004), 3.5 million of which live in the suburbs
which constitute the state's capital city of Melbourne Victoria is Australia's second most populated
state, beaten only by New South Wales which has around 6.7 million residents. Melbourne is also the
country's second largest city, with Sydney the only bigger centre with a population of around 4.2 million
Victoria is a state of Australia, in the south-east of the country.[1] Geographically the smallest
mainland state, Victoria is bordered by New South Wales, South Australia,
and Tasmania on Boundary Islet to the north, west and south respectively.
Victoria is Australia's most densely populated state, and has a highly centralised population,
with almost 75% of Victorians living in Melbourne, the state capital and largest city.
HISTORY
After the founding of the colony of New South Wales in 1788, Australia was divided into an
eastern half named New South Wales and a western half named New Holland, under
the administration of the colonial government in Sydney. The first European settlement in the
area later known as Victoria was established in October 1803 under Lieutenant-Governor David
Collins at Sullivan Bay, Victoria on Port Phillip. It consisted of 402 people (5 Government
officials, 9 officers of marines, 2 drummers, and 39 privates, 5 soldiers' wives, and a child, 307
convicts, 17 convicts' wives, and 7 children). [5] They had been sent from England
in HMS Calcutta under the command of Captain Daniel Woodriff, principally out of fear that
the French, who had been exploring the area, might establish their own settlement and thereby
challenge British rights to the continent.
4
In the year 1826 Colonel Stewart, Captain S. Wright, and Lieutenant Burchell were sent in
H.M.S. Fly (Captain Wetherall) and the brigs Dragon and Amity, took a number of convicts and
a small force composed of detachments of the 3rd and 93rd regiments. The expedition landed at
Settlement Point (now Corinella), on the eastern side of the bay, which was the headquarters
until the abandonment of Western Port at the instance of Governor Darling about twelve months
afterwards.[6][7]
Victoria's next settlement was at Portland, on the west coast of what is now Victoria. Edward
Henty settled Portland Bay in 1834.[8]
Melbourne was founded in 1835 by John Batman and John Pascoe Fawkner. From settlement
the region around Melbourne was known as the Port Phillip District, a separately administered
part of New South Wales.
Melbourne, Victoria Capital
This information was copied from
Wikipedia the Free Encyclopedia
5
The International
“Australian Travelling Gavel Collection”
*
VICTORIA
The first
of
12 International Travelling Gavels
Helping to get Masons visiting Lodges that they have never visited before as they
pass on this Gavel to the next Lodge
There-fore, bringing and uniting our Masonic Lodges together
As one
Introduction of
GAVEL No. 1
“VICTORIA”
1993
Designed, crafted and presented
By
Very Worshipful Brother
Richard (Rick) Howes PDGIW
of
Lodge Wyong Tuggerah Lakes Lodge No. 247
New South Wales
Australia
6
Introduction
This book tells the story of a Travelling Gavel, which started its journey‘s in Victoria,
Australia March 1993.
Which will include State Flags and State and town Statistics of where the Travelling
Gavel visited, also interesting items of each town? Also included will be all the letters
which I received back from all the participating Lodges, coloured pictures, and photos
This is a Geography and History lesson Masonic style, made possible by the generosity
of Masonic Lodges, throughout Victoria and South Australia, as they inturn sent back to
me information on their Lodges, towns, their towns industry, climate, tourism, culture,
history and much more
This Travelling Gavel was presented into Masonic Lodges through-out Victoria
and South Australia
7
Introduction
Index
Page
Adastral Lodge No. 397
Lodge of Aviation No. 531
Lodge Arlington No. 182
Lodge Warrions No. 83
Lodge Leura No. 50
Plus information on Camperdown
Lodge Memories No.663
13
14
21
22
22
23
26
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Lodge Coralline No. 210
And about Mount Gambia
28
28
Lodge Lucindale No. 213
Lodge Penola No. 181
Information on Penola and Naracoorte
Lodge Naracoorte No. 42
Lodge Goroke No. 585
Lodge Tatiara No. 68
Bob Hawke, Past Prime Minister of Australia
Lodge Tintinara No. 209
Lodge Kingston No. 161
Lodge Marlborough No. 179
29
30
30
32
34
35
37
38
40
41
VICTORIA
Maroondah Lodge No.607
Yarra Valley Lodge No. 860
Donna Buang Lodge No. 324
Albert Edward Lodge No. 59
Mansfield Lodge No. 158
Lodge Faithful No. 625
Lodge Merriwa No. 535
Myrtleford Lodge No.222
Belvoir Lodge No. 727
Rutherglen Lodge No. 188
Wangaratta Lodge of St. John No. 66
Beechwood Lodge of St. John No.14
Currajong Lodge No. 184
Benambra Lodge No. 153
Wodonga Lodge No. 156
Millewa Lodge No. 47
Echuca
Vietnam Veterans Memorial Lodge No. 921
Ned Kelly, The Bush Ranger
A Thank you to Victoria and South Australia
46
50
52
54
55
57
59
60
62
65
66
67
70
77
79
82
82
88
93
95
.
8
Victoria Travelling Gavel
Australia
Founded 1889
Click onto ~Statistics of Victoria Australia on Google
Capital; Melbourne
Area; 237,629 sq km Population;5,022,300
Website; www.vic.gov.au
United Grand Lodge of Victoria, A.F.& A.M.
1889 2004
2000 481 Lodges
24,314 members
2004 408 Lodges
18,912 Members
In 2011 there were 481 Lodges with 24, 000 members
This Travelling Gavel was presented into Victoria
in March 1993
The 1st of 12 Travelling gavels
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Founded 1884
Statistics for South Australia (State)
Capital; Adelaide Population; 1,542.0
Statstictics
for South Australia
South Australia
And
Northern Territory Lodge
1884 ~ 2000
149 Lodges
6,000 Members
4,593 Members
2004 116 Lodges
In 2011 there were 149 Lodges with 6,000 Members
This gavel had been sent back home to NSW
& was represented back to Victoria 8th March 1999
Sunshine West;
This was the 1st & last Lodge to hold this Travelling Gavel
9
Contact
The United Grand Lodge of Victoria
Is the representative body for Victorian Freemasonry
300 Albert Street
East Melbourne
Victoria, 3002
Australia
P. O. Box 154
East Melbourne, Victoria, 8002
Australia
All correspondence should be addresses to the Grand Secretary
Phone:- Local, 9411 0111
From elsewhere in Australia:
03 9411 0111
From outside Australia:
+61 3 9411 0111
Fax No. Local:- 9416 1468
From elsewhere in Australia:03 9416 1468
From outside Australia:+61 3 9416 1468
United Grand Lodge of Victoria
http://www.freemasonsvic.net.au
******
AUSTRALIAN POPULATION
Change over previous year
Change over
previous year
Population at
enDecemberquarter 2010
New South Wales
'000
7 272.2
'000
87.9
%
1.2
Victoria
5 585.6
85.8
1.6
South Australia
1 650.4
15.6
1.0
Queensland
Western Australia
Tasmania
Northern Territory
Australian Capital Territory
Australia(a)
4 548.7
2 317.1
509.3
229.9
361.9
22 477.4
76.0
47.4
3.9
1.9
6.9
325.5
1.7
2.1
0.8
0.8
2.0
1.5
10
“The Gift of a Writer”
―
Why wasn‟t I given the gift to write!, I lay awake at night thinking of what I can write, when I should
be sleeping, I think of all the wonderful things that I can include, only to wake up in the morning with all
those thoughts completely gone. What I should do, is jump out of bed and write them down, that means
that I wouldn‘t ever get to sleep, can‘t have that happening.
When it comes to finding items to write about on the internet, I find that almost everything I want to
write, or copy for that matter, the websites have a copyright, which in most cases I had to write to them to
ask them for permission to copy certain items.
Out of all the website that I‘d enquired about, Tourist Information Centres and Masonic Lodges, there
was only a few that objected for me to copy from, now I know that it‘s hard to believe, one or two of
these were Masonic Lodges and they call it brotherly love.
These 12 Travelling Gavels that I have being presented into the vast Masonic Fraternity throughout the
world, since I first started this time wasting project back in 1993, these Travelling Gavels have been
presented into around 800 Masonic Lodges and Grand Lodges throughout 35 countries, that means that I
have to, if I write about all of these 12 Gavels and where they have been, I have to write about one
thousand towns etc.. Now without the help from the internet, this would be totally impossible. Every
Lodge that receives one of these Gavels was asked to send back to me the following information:(1) Their Lodge and number, Which Province or generally where they are in the world
(2) W/Masters and Secretaries names, Titles, and a contact Email address
(3) The date that they received the Gavel & the date that they passed it on
(4) Some information about their Lodge, town, towns industry, climate, tourism, culture, History of their
Lodge and town and general information.
You‘d be surprised if I told you, of the amount of Lodges that couldn‘t carry out this small request for
me. As I write about the Masonic Lodges around the world, I was astounded to see what seems like
hundreds of Masonic Lodges that have surrendered their Charters. I am fully aware that in most Lodges
they have an ageing membership and getting new young men to join is a near impossible task. I think that
there is so much for young men of today to get involved into, that they simply don‘t, won‘t or can‘t find
the time.
I think that the Freemasons of today show too much animosity among one another for some reason or
another, Masons are supposed to be better men, not children that sometimes don‘t know better, I rest my
case.
These Travelling Gavels being presented all over the world have made 1000‘s of new friends among the
Masons, when they represent them, they always pass them on to a Lodge that they had never visited
before, which means that they are bringing our world of Lodges closer and uniting them as one. Little did
I think that this would ever happen when I presented that first Travelling Gavel into Victoria, Australia.
11
This is the story of the
International
Which was Designed and crafted by
Very Worshipful Brother.Richard (Rick) W. Howes, PDGIW
of Lodge Wyong No. 247, then Lodge Wyong Tuggerah Lakes No. 247
This Gavel is the first of 12 which was presented to Masonic Lodges throughout the world.To help to
promote our Craft of Freemasonry, and to spread Peace, Goodwill and Good fellowship to the
Brethren of the world. They were also presented to the world Lodges to Promote “VISITATION”
of the Brethren, as they in turn journey throughout their Towns, Cities, Districts, Provinces, their
Countries and even other countries to represent these Travelling Gavels to the next participating Lodge.
There are twelve (12) Travelling Gavels in this project; they were presented into the following Countries:
Australia, Victoria, 1993 Port Macquarie N.S.W, 1993 Tamworth N.S.W 1993
England 1994 – Alberta, Canada 1995 - .Western Australia 1995 – Ireland 1995
Malaysia 1995 – New Zealand 1996 – America 1998 – Ontario, Canada 1999
England No. 2 ~ 2002
This is how the Travelling Gavels started.
In 1977 my wife Barbara and I Journeyed to Queensland to participate in the National Fishing
Championships and Convention, which we attend every two years, to a different State each time, it was at
the Queensland Convention that I met Roy Turner, who happened to be in the Victorian Fishing Team,
from there, we kept in contact with each other. In 1991 when attending the National Fishing Titles, this
time in South Australia, one day I mentioned that I had joined the Masonic Lodge January 1990, not
much was talked about after that.
Early in March 1993 a W. Bro. From Adastral Lodge No. 397 in Victoria, rang me to tell me that my
mate Roy Turner was joining their Lodge in January 1993, he, was passed to the Fellow craft Degree in
February and that he was being Raised 22nd March, now that‘s pretty quick! Three months from joining to
Master Mason. I asked Barbara if she would come with me to Victoria and surprise Roy on his big night,
she agreed
Then I got this wild idea of making a Gavel to take with us to present into Adastral Lodge No.397, (this is
an R.A.A.F. Lodge) and then to be presented into Lodges throughout Victoria. My mate Harold Atkins of
Ice Castles Joinery in Wyong, made a box out of Australian Red Cedar and gave it to me for this
occasion and I went about to make my first ―
Gavel‖ ever, up till now I had never turned wood.
It was on the 22nd March 1993 that I presented this first Travelling Gavel into Adastral Lodge No.
397 in Sunshine West, Victoria.
The plaque on the top of this box read
12
―
HAVE GAVEL WILL TRAVEL‖
--TO PROMOTE & UNITE THE CRAFT –
PRESENTED BY
V. W. Bro. Rick Howes PDGIW.
IT WAS STATED THAT THIS TRAVELLING GAVEL WAS TO BE PRESENTED
TO THE NEXT LODGE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE
EACH TIME SHOWING
LODGE – MASTER - & DATE PRESENTED
PLEASE
--There is a poem that travels with this Gavel, which reads –
Now this little Gavel has a tale to tell,
Listen carefully and remember it well,
For soon you must send on its merry way,
It‘s important message to convey,
This gift comes from Wyong way,
From a travelling Brother from far away,
It‘s history we would like to share,
Because this Gavel is rather rare,
It is constructed of Cedar and Pine wood,
Its workmanship is really quite good,
It was once part of a famous old tree,
This is why we‘re sending on to thee,
Take care; it‘s our pride and joy,
If it could talk, and we wish it could,
Its story would be interesting and good,
Don‘t keep it for ever and a day,
But soon send it on its merry way,
Lots of Lodges we hope to see,
Listed inside and sent back to me,
This little Gavel was made to last,
To help promote and unite our Craft
The credit for this poem goes to a Brother from a Lodge in
Alberta, Canada
We included a few changes
This Travelling Gavel was presented into 38 Lodges throughout Victoria and
South Australia over the last ten (10) years from
March 1993 to March 2003
I will now explain it’s journey of this Travelling Gavel .
This article will explain about the Masonic Lodges that this Gavel was presented into , and of their
Towns and Cities, History, Culture, Industry, Tourism Etc. Etc
Victoria and South Australia.
On the 22nd march 1993 I presented this Travelling Gavel into Adastral Lodge No. 397, to the W. Master
W. Bro. L. A. Attard, while on visitation to their Lodge to witness the Raising of Bro. Roy Turner. Most
of the members of this Lodge are members of the RAAF
13
This is his letter back to me;
1st Lodge to receive this Travelling Gavel
A. F. and A. Masons of Victoria
1 August 1993
Bro. Rick,
I hope that this letter finds you in good health and excellent spirit.
Adastral Lodge visited the Lodge of Aviation on the 22nd July, and as a consequence we presented
the Travelling Gavel to the acting Worshipful Master W Bro. Des Davis who accepted it on behalf of
Wor. Bro. Ian Holloway and the Brethren of the Lodge of Aviation No. 531 on the Victorian
Register.
The Gavel was a big talking point later in the south. After some discussion with the Wor. Master, it
appears that there are two likely Lodges in contention for the Gavel, one in Canada and the other in
Tasmania.
The Lodge of Aviation‘s address is as follows;
The Secretary; W. Bro. John Whelan
P. O. Box 102
Broadmeadows Vic. 3047
Telephone;
(03) 309 1820
The W. Master; W. Bro. Ian Holloway
10 Justin Avenue
Glenroy Vic 3046
(Please note; Wor. Bro. Ian is of absence from the Lodge
Due to ill health)
Yours Fraternally,
L. A. Attard
Worshipful Master
Secretary; Bro. R. S. Meadowes
P. O. Box 590
Werribee Vic 3030
Phone; (03) 741-9304
The Travelling gavel was then presented to The Lodge of Aviation No. 531 This is their letter
14
2nd Lodge to receive this Gavel
The Lodge of Aviation No. 531
A. F. and A Masons of Victoria
―
Hominum Merceaturae Ad Astra Incoliunes‖
7th October 1993
Lodge Wyong No. 247
Dear Bro. Rick,
The gavel and instructions have been passed onto
Wor. Bro. E, J. Silver, Worshipful Master,
Arlington Lodge No. 182 U.G.L.V
Portarlington Victoria
4 Cullen Court
DRYSDALE
Victoria 3222
Phone; 052 513328
Yours Fraternally,
Ian Robert Holloway, W.M.
10 Justin Avenue
Glenroy Vic. 3046
Ph. (03) 306 4950
15
OUR FIRST FIFTY YEARS 1938-1988
During 1936-38 when commercial Aviation at the Essendon Airport was in it‘s infancy several
Freemasons employed by the various companies operating at the airport would meet with the object of
forming a lodge comprised comprised of Freemasons working in the aviation industry, several of those
meetings were held in the lounge of W. Bro. E. R. Chenery‘s home.
W. Bro. Chenery having established there were sufficient Freemasons interested in becoming foundation
members, the next step was to find a sponsor lodge, and having so much in common there was none better
than the Air Force Lodge, Adastral
No. 397.
Adastral agreed to the request, Wor. Bro. Chenery, W. Bro. Semmens and W. Bro. Keedle, assisted by
several other members of the aviation industry and the Officers and Brethren of the Adastral Lodge, the
Lodge of Aviation No. 531 was formed, and the proposal submitted to Grand Lodge for the Consecration
of the lodge and the Installation of W. Bro. Ernest Edgar Davis P.J.G.D and Investure of Officers, 43
Foundation Members were present.
The Consecration of the Lodge of Aviation under the United Grand Lodge of Victoria and numbered 531
on the register was carried out in No. 1 Lodge Room, 25 Collins Street on the 30th November 1938, by the
Most Worshipful Bro. William Warren Kerr C. M. E. C.B.E., Pro Grand Master assisted by Rt. W. Bro.
W. J. Byrne, Deputy Grand Master and Grand Officers.
The Lodge was opened in the three Degrees by W. Bro. Waddell, W.M. of the Adastral Lodge No. 397
with the Officers and Brethren who were sponsoring the petition. There were 15 W. Masters, 18 Past
Masters and 120 master Masons in attendance representing English, West Australian, South Australian,
Queensland, New South Wales, and Tasmanian Constitutions.
In the First Degree the Grand Secretary read the petition and Warrant which they signified by the sign of
fidelity, the Grand Chaplain gave a very interesting oration on the objects and ideals of Freemasonry, the
supplicatory prayer and the invocated followed.
The Most W. Grand Master then Consecrated the Lodge, the perambulations having been carried out, the
M. W. Pro Grand Master then Constituted the Lodge of Aviation No. 531 according to ancient form.
After the Qualifications odd the Master Designate had been assured he was presented, and having given
his assent to the ancient charges and regulations, was obligated as Worshipful Master.
For Installation and Banquet nights, each member received one invitation for a visitor, additional
invitations were available on application for the cost of two shillings and sixpence, this practice was
carried on for many years. Our Ladies nights were held at ―Or
mond Hall‖, Mowbray Street, Prahran, the
cost being five shillings and sixpence per double.
The foresight shown by the members of ―
Ad astral‖ in sponsoring their daughter Lodge
―
The Lodge of Aviation‖ has been rewarded by the promotion of the aspirate of Freemasonry within these
two Masonic Lodges.
Indeed a few years ago we had the unique experience of the four generations meeting at the Newport
Masonic Temple: - Robbie Burns No. 88 – Werribee No. 187 – Adastral No. 397- Aviation No. 531.
Our reflections of the past half century are tinged with pride at the achievements of our foundation
Brethren, many of whom have been called to the Grand Lodge Above and our sincere thanks are hereby
recoded of a token of our esteem.
The original D.C. was W. Bro. F. C. Penny, an active Grand Lodge team member who became a Grand
Director of the U. G. L.V., and after his death, his Grand Directors Baton was presented to the Lodge and
is still in use today.
The other active Grand Lodge team from Aviation were:
W. Bro. J. R. Kemp, Grand Steward
W. Bro. M. J. Darby, Assistant Grand Pursuivant.
16
There is with us today a very active Foundation Member in the person of Right W. Bro. William Eric
Semmens, P.S.G.W who received his 65 year jewel in 1987.
Eric or ―
Silver‖ as he is respectfully known was the Foundation Chaplain of the Lodge and held active
office till 1977, the last 26 years as Secretary.
We join him in acknowledging our duty and the responsibility which it is our trust and remains our
sincere wish that ―
The Lodge of Aviation‖ will prosper the spirit of brotherhood and good fellowship to
the continued success and development of our ancient fraternity.
It is also noted that Right W. Bro. Allan Martin of ―A
dastral Lodge‖ has maintained a very close
association with the Lodge, Allan on the occasion of our Consecration was a Steward but stood-in as J.D.
of our Sponsor Lodge. Allan received his 50 year Jewel in September of this year.
Assisting Most W. Bro. Henry Nathan P.G,M. and the 1987 Grand Lodge Team, is a Brother who was
present at our Consecration, now Right Worshipful Bro. Merv Davies P.D.G.M. and we are delighted to
have him share this, our Golden Anniversary with us today
At the 9oth Regular Meeting of the Lodge the evening was set aside for our official welcome home to the
Brethren who had returned from active service and a reunion of Foundation Members of the Lodge. The
W. Master S. E. Hampson welcomed all the returned Brethren who had served their country at home and
abroad, and extended a warm welcome to all Foundation members present.
The Wor. Master then asked all members present to rise and stand in silence in memory of those Brethren
who did not return, one being
Wing Commander Bro. D. T. Saville D.S.O., D. F. C. who lost his life over Hamburg, Germany.
“LEST WE FORGET
Also during this meeting, Past masters Jewels were presented to W. Bro. A. E. Shorland and W. Bro.A.
C. Smith, who had served two years as Worshipful Master and W. Bro W. G. Davis, the jewels were
presented by E. E. Davies P. J. G. D the reason that Past Masters jewels were not obtainable during the
war years.
At the 123rd meeting of the Lodge the Wor.Master called on all those Brethren who had not received their
volume of The Sacred law to present themselves and 20 Brethren came for-ward and Wor. Bro.
Semmens, Chaplain of the Lodge called on Rev. Bro. Mitchell, Chaplain of the Orbost Lodge to make the
presentation.
Rev. Bro. David Abbott, a past member of the Lodge of Aviation No.259 W.A.C. requested that the
motto of that Lodge be incorporated in the crest of our summons paper. It was used for the first time for
our 183rd meeting, ―
Hominum Mercaturae Ad Astra Incolumes‖ – ―
for Men and Merchandise Safe
Journey through the Air‖.
In the early days of 531, it was a common practice to charter an aircraft, provide the crew from Lodge
members and visit Lodges in Tasmania, and King Island. One of the first trips was in a DH86 flown by
Clarry Scott, Ben Broardman as 2nd Dickie, and Bill Edney as Flight Engineer, to attend the Installation at
the Nugara Lodge at Currie, on King Island.
During W. Bro. Kemp‘s year 1949-50, he charted a DC3 from A.N.A. for a weekend trip to Tasmania, to
visit the Mercy Lodge No. 21 at Devonport, 30 members were aboard the aircraft and they paid five
pound each to cover the cost of the aircraft and hotel accommodation, thanks to Capt. Ivan Holyman of
A.N.A. who loaned the aircraft to Jim Kemp provided he pay for the feul.
This was the fore runner of a number of visits between the two Lodges; unfortunately increasing costs
have all but wiped out group visits but many individual Brethren visit when on holidays.
A presentation of a Gavel was made to 531 by Bro. Grave-stock on behalf of the Ohakea Services Lodge
of Wellington New Zealand, as a token of friendship from members of that Lodge who had visited
Aviation during visits to Victoria.
On occasion of this our Golden Anniversary - we are gratified that the foundation laid by our Brethren at
the Essendon Airport just over 50 years ago have remained firm and unshak
17
ESSENDON AIRPORT
The Essendon airport is situated on an area originally known as St. Johns, named after an early
landowner. Although the airport was never wholly located within Essendon municipality until August
1979, the title was officially noted on 7 August 1923. Until 1943, the airport was wholly located within
the Broadmeadows Shire.
1839 - The area was used for grazing purposes, in the 1840-1850's the land was subdivided into smaller
blocks.
1919 - The Aero Club was founded, which operated out St. Johns site.
1921 - 19/3/21 - The Controller of Civil Aviation recommended the purchase of or lease of 38 hectares at
Fisherman's Bend for the location of the airport.
31/3/21 - A report was conducted on all suitable airport sites within 16kms of Melbourne. A shot list of
four sites was submitted: St.Johns, Glenroy, opposite Broadmeadows Army Camp, and Albion was
submitted, with the St.Johns site being preferred.
3/8/21 - A total of 37 hectares was to be acquired under the Land Acquisition Act 1906, for "Defense
Purposes". The maximum runway available is 640m.
1922 - Airport officially opens.
1923 - 7/8/1923 - St. Johns Field was officially given the title Essendon Aerodrome.
1925 - 3 hangers had been erected by the Commonwealth, Larkin Aircraft Co., Aero Engineering and
Construction Co. The field was also levelled and a wind indicator was installed.
1926 - Aero club started active flying/training. Using loaned 'Moth' aircraft.
1927 - First accident occurred when an Aero Club Moth collided with a piece of Larkin Aircraft Co.'s
Machinery.
1930 - Total of 4 Hangars and support residences had been erected.
1937 - First tower constructed - small glass box built on Aero Club building. Visual directions and control
were used: Aldis signalling lamp and Very signalling pistol.
1938 - Australian National Airways based their operations at the airport with regular flights to Adelaide,
Broken Hill, Tasmania and Sydney. Ansett Airways had also established a presence. 8 hangars had been
constructed and plans were formed for major developments.
26/2/1938 - ANA announced that 20,000 pounds would be spent on its building improvements.
4/8/1938 - The Major announced that 200,000 pounds was to be spent on the aerodrome, with a
connection of Treadwell and Bulla Roads.
1943 - Local display of a Lancaster Bomber took place.
1946 - Second tower constructed with H.F communications and modest control console and a 'daylight
plotter' - an elementary form of radar.
1949 - Training and flying by the Aero Club was transferred to the new airport at Moorabbin.
1950 - 20 December, First international passenger flight arrived from NZ. The old Aero Club building
was converted an International Terminal: a Customs area and passenger waiting room.
1956 - September - Present tower commissioned: New generation of tower, sloping windows to avoid
glare, state of the art console. Completed just in time for Olympic games.
1959 - Cossor Radar with range of 40miles was installed in tower. - November - Current International
Terminal building was opened
1960 - 2nd tower and Aero Club (old international terminal) buildings demolished and become the paved
apron area.
1970 - Airport now resides on 305 hectares of land.
1/7/1970 - International flights were transferred to the freshly built Tullamarine Airport.
1971 - 21/6/1971 - Commercial domestic flights moved to Tullamarine Airport.
1978 - 10/7/1978 - Partenavia P68B aircraft with a crew of two and one passenger crashed into houses
shortly after take off, 286 metres from the end of the runway. 6 members of an airport west family were
killed, and one received minor injuries. The aircraft was destroyed and the three occupants were seriously
injured.
1986 - 6 people were killed when an Air-ambulance crashed in an empty paddock after take-off.
1988 - January: Essendon Airport comes under the control of the Federal Airports Corporation (F.A.C.)
and has recorded a financial loss every year since.
1990 - Curfew conditions on operations between 11pm and 6am are introduced.
1993 - A light plane carrying 10 people on board smashed through the rooftops of five Essendon houses.
No one was killed.
 Several landings by flight pioneer Sir Charles Kingsford-Smith;
 Alan Cobham (an early pioneer) flew from England to Essendon Airport in a DH-50 float
plane in August 1926 to be met by 60,000 people who swarmed across the airport to the plane
when it landed;
18


The Beatles in 1964, they waved to thousands from the viewing deck of Essendon Airport's
main terminal building; and
The Queen's arrival for the 1956 Olympics. Airport staff directed 206 international flights
down safely in that week
Essendon Airport
ESSENDON AIRPORT CONTROL TOWER
24 - 2 - 2002
Magnificent young men in their flying machines
Once upon a time, Freemasons answered their summons, their lodge meetings on foot, or horseback or by
carriage or coach. Later the train, the omnibus and the train proved faster and more comfortable. Today,
most of us travel by car, some by bus or train.
But for one Victorian Lodge, the sky is the absolutely the dizzy limit. Aviation Lodge No. 531 V.C. do it
in style. Magnificent young men in their flying machine, and they do it in airline comfort.
The airline that bought 26 Masons across Bass Straight on an official visit to Mercy Lodge in Devonport
was in fact the first Douglas DC-3 to go into service between Victoria and Tasmania in 1938. The aircraft
V H-ABR named Kanana was the first of the Douglas Fleet owned by Australian National Airways, then
a subsidiary of Holyman Shipping Line whose house flag was painted on the rudder.
ALPHA-BRAVO-ROMEG is the oldest DC-3 on the Australian Register, having logged 67,609 hours in
service, before being retired in 1971. She has now been faithfully and beautifully restored into service by
the Ansett Australian Historical Aircraft Group.
The Victorian party comprised 16 members of Aviation Lodge (including the flight crew), together with
the W.M‘s and P.M‘s from nearby Lodges. The aircraft was under the command of W. Bro. Lionel
Griffiths with W. Bro. George Collins as First Officer and Bro. Ray Wenson as Flight Engineer. Amongst
their passengers was one that had flown in from Hong Kong to be part of the memorable event, a number
who, not surprisingly had never flown in a DC-3 aircraft and the who had never flown in any sort of
aircraft.
19
The Official visit was occasioned by the Installation of Bro. Bruce Plapp, Master Elect and the investiture
of the Officers to Mercy Lodge.
The Host Brethren of Mercy Lodge were enthusiastic in the reception of their visitors. During the corse of
the Installation Banquet a beautifully carved, polished and inscribed Huon Pine Gavel was presented to
the W.M. of the Aviation Lodge. Norman Drysdale, by the Mercy Tyler W. Bro. Geoff Herbert who
spoke of the growth and quality of Huon Pine.
On the following Sunday morning the visitors were taken by bus Driven by W.B. Barry Webb of Concord
Lodge on a tour of Mercy Bluff and the murals of Sheffield. The
new W.M. of Mercy Lodge entertained his visitors to lunch at
his country home in Spreyton. They were then delivered to the
airport to the return flight to Melbourne, stopping over at
Wynyard for re-fuelling. The DC-3 their track abeam King
Island, Westernport and Moorabin
―
The feeling in the cabin on landing‖, says the Aviation official
report of jubilation, and each and everyone on board expressed
admiration for the organisers for what had been a most
memorable weekend.
Airborne invaders of Victoria‘s Aviation Lodge about to board
their restored DC-3 airliner, ALPHA-BRAVO-Romeo at
Devonport to their return flight to Melbourne at the conclusion of their official visit to Mercy Lodge
As the Travelling Gavel is being presented into Lodges throughout the coastal region of Victoria, I must
mention of the most spectacular coastline which has to be seen to believe
The Great Ocean Road which runs around part of the coast of Victoria, which has many spectacular
sightings, it‘s on this section of the Australian coastline that claimed many ships in the early days in these
treacherous waters.
THE GREAT OCEAN ROAD
tThe Great Ocean Road clings to Victoria http://www.tourism.net.au/Victoria/Ocean/GORTA.html's
magnificent south-west coast, following the coastline for 300 km from Torquay to Warrnambool.
Commenced in 1919 and completed in 1932, the road
was dedicated to the memory of all those who fought in
the First World War and was actually built by returned
servicemen using only picks and shovels. Its completion
marked the end of a long history of isolation when the
only access to Melbourne and the western coastal
communities was by boat. The panoramic views of the
Great Ocean Road are breathtaking. The road takes you
along cliff edges, around hilly slopes, down onto the
edge of beaches, across river estuaries and up to
breathtaking headlands. The scenery changes so
dramatically that there are three identifiable sections to
the road - the Surf Coast, the Otway Ranges and the
Shipwreck Coast. And, with the declaration of parts of
the region as State and National Parks, preservation of
the natural attractions we enjoy today is guaranteed for
future generations. Gateway to the Surf Coast, and
Victoria's second largest city, is Geelong. A provincial
centre with metropolitan sophistication, it is one of
Victoria's most historically significant areas with more
than 200 of its buildings classified by the National Trust.
With the discovery of gold in the 1850's, the port was a
crucial link for those making their way to the goldfields. Today it‘s a centre of fashionable shopping,
wine making, artistic heritage, and cultural diversity, sporting leadership, excellent accommodation and
20
family activity. Further south is the Bellarine Peninsula, renown for its architecture, art and cuisine. It‘s
only a short drive to the world-famous surf beaches of Torquay, Bell's Beach and Jan Juc. And there's
good surfing to be had at Angelsea, Airey's Inlet, Lome, Wye River, Kennett River and Apollo Bay.
Beyond Anglesea, the Great Ocean Road leaves the coast and winds its way into the Otway Ranges. Well
known for their cool fern gullies, rushing streams, magnificent waterfalls and rainforest, you can enjoy
close contact with the local flora and fauna - even watch the famous glow-worms at Melba Gully.
Area Map of Great Ocean Road
Click onto these websites below for further information
Geelong
Queenscliff
Torquay
Anglesea
Lorne
Apollo Bay
Port Campbell
Princetown
Peterborough
Cape Otway
Warnambool
Port Fairy
Timboon
Cobden
Portland
Hamilton
Dunkeld
Mortlake
Camperdown
Colac
Johanna
Lavers Hill
Great Ocean Road Tourism Association
Visit the central Great Ocean Road Region
Take a side trip to Cape Otway, and become a privileged witness to the timeless battle between angry seas
and the rugged, surf-beaten shore. The lighthouse there is the oldest on the Australian mainland. Beyond
the cape's massive cliffs is the beginning of the infamous Shipwreck Coast, extending as far as Port Fairy.
Some 80 or more ships were lost during the 1 800s. The coast around Port Campbell and Peterborough is
unique to say the least.
People come from all over the world to see extraordinary rock formations of the Twelve Apostles and
Loch Ard Gorge, rivalling Ayers Rock and the Great Barrier Reef in their universal appeal. Further west
lies Warrnambool (with its historic Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, and its Southern Right Whales),
picturesque Port Fairy, and the deep water harbour of historic Portland, Victoria's first white settlement
and the State's oldest town. Just about every recreational past-time is available somewhere in Great Ocean
Road country. From fishing to boating to playing tennis, golf and other ball games. From hang-gliding
and abbsailing to bush walking and eco tours. From safe swimming for the children to surfing and scuba
diving for their older brothers and sisters. From nature trailing to picnicking and barbecuing. Enjoy
sightseeing, galleries, craft and pottery shops, good food and wine, museums, historic buildings and sites,
and trail riding. Visit a farm or a winery or a fauna park. And so the list goes on, with the promise of a
great time all year round. Above all, a week or two in this enchanting part of the world is a transforming
experience for those in tune with nature, in all its unspoilt variety.
21
The Travelling Gavel moved slowly as it was being presented into the various Lodges through-out
Victoria. The W. Master of Aviation Lodge No. 531 V.C, W. Bro. Stan Hallaway visited and presented
the Travelling gavel into –
3rd Lodge to receive this Gavel
Port Arlington Lodge No.182
Portarlington Masonic Centre Brown Street
PORTARLINGTON, Vic, 3223
Phone: (03) 5259 2524
Worshipful Master for 1994 was,
W. Bro. John Silver
25th march 1994
W. M. W. Bro. E. J. ( John Silver
4 Cullen Court
Drysdale
Victoria 3222
Phone; (052 ) 513326
On the 7th October 1993 I received the Travelling Gavel from W. Bro. Ian Hollaway, W. Master of
Aviation Lodge No. 531, U. G. L .V. . . .
I have since presented it to W. Bro. A. S. (Sam) Jones, W. master of –
Warrions Lodge No.83, U.G.L.V.
February 8th 1994
W. Bro. Jones address is ~
28 Quamby Avenue
Colac
Victoria 3250
Phone: (052) 314950
It was indeed an honour to receive this Travelling Gavel, so perfectly made and to travel its course around
Australia, for the benefit of Freemasonry in general.
We trust it will be returned to you in due course in the manner it was received.
Kindest regards and Fraternal greetings from all at Arlington Lodge
W. Bro. E. J. Silver
4 Cullen Crt
Drysdale, Vic. 3222
8th February 1994
Yours Fraternally
E. J. ( John ) Silver
W. M. Arlington Lodge No. 182
John Silver; Wor. Master Arlington Lodge No. 182 U. G. L. V.
Some information about Portarlington:
Portarlington is a historic coastal township located on the Bellarine Peninsula, 27km from the city
of Geelong, in the state of Victoria, Australia. The gently rising hills behind the town
feature vineyards and olive groves, overlooking Port Phillip Bay. Portarlington is a popular family
holiday destination and a centre of fishing and aquaculture (mussels). At one time the town claimed the
largest caravan park in the Southern Hemisphere, although the size has reduced considerably in recent
decades. At the 2006 census, Portarlington had a population of 3,021. Portarlington also has a large
number of Maltese, Croatian, Italian and Islander immigrants.
In 2002, the Victorian Coastal Strategy report named Portarlington as a potential site for a multi-million
dollar Safe Harbour development on the Bellarine Peninsula. In December 2005, private independent
22
consultants delivered a feasibility study which identified Portarlington as the preferred site for the
development. 99 km (62 mi) from Melbourne
This information is copied from, Wikipedia the Free Encyclopedia
4th Lodge to receive this Gavel
8th February 1994,
Warrions Lodge No. 83
83 Warrions St. John Lodge
Colac
Second Tuesday 7:30 pm (Rehearsal - 2nd Sunday or prior to meeting). Inst. - May (2nd Saturday)
Sec: VWBro. AS. (Sam) Jones, PGIW, 28 Quamby Avenue, Colac, 3250. Tel.: Pri. 5231 4950
Masonic Centre: 43 - COLAC
Re. The Travelling Gavel that was presented to me by W. Bro. Ian Hallaway – Aviation Lodge No. 531
V.C
I am pleased to advise you that I presented this Gavel to W. Bro. Sam Jones, W. Master of Warrions
Lodge No. 83 V.C. on 8th February 1994, this Lodge meets at Colac, Victoria.
It was indeed an honour to receive this Travelling Gavel, so perfectly made and to travel its course around
Australia, for the benefit of Freemasonry in general
We trust it will be returned to you in due course in the manner it was received. Kindest regards and
fraternal greetings from all at Arlington Lodge
W.M. Arlington Lodge No. 182
Again the Travelling gavel was due to be passed to another Lodge to fulfil its Journey.
The W. Master of Lodge Arlington No. 182,,W. Bro. John Silver, presented the Gavel to Lodge
Warrions No. 83, to W. Bro. Sam Jones U. G. L. V. 8th March 1994
28 Quamby Avenue
Colac
Victoria
Phone: 052 314 950
23rd June 1994
Lodge Leura No. 50
Victorian Constitution
Camperdown
Fourth Thursday 7:30 pm (December meeting 2nd Thursday). Inst. - October
Sec: W. Bro. JW. (Jim) Donald, P.J.G.D, 945 Lavers Hill Road, Cobden, 3266. Tel.: Pri. 5594 6257
Masonic Centre: 32 - CAMPERDOWN
The W. Master of Warrions Lodge No 83, W. Bro Sam Jones, visited
Leura Lodge No. 50. U.G.L. of Victoria, and presented the Travelling Gavel to their Worshipful
Master
W. Master; W. Bro. Clive Fisher
R. M. Box 2155
Camperdown
Victoria
Phone: 055 938 24
23
Camperdown
Camperdown-Gateway to pick the crop on the Western
Victoria Tourist Trail- is complimented by the scenic,
Crater Lakes and the volcanic outcrops in the surrounding
countryside. The Lookout atop nearby Mt. Leura gives the visitor
a perspective of the unusual landscape, stretching north across the
Plains to the to the Grampians.
The closest lakes to the town, Bullen Merri and Purrumbete,
which has been stocked with Quinnat salmon, are both top fishing
spots. A little further to the east lies Corangamite, Victoria‘s
largest salt water lake. A short drive to the south takes you to
Timboon, where you can sample the local dairy products at the
Timboon Farmhouse Cheese and stroll the Old Railway Line walk. From Timboon it is only an 18km
drive to the seaside village of Port Campbell and the spectacular Great Ocean Road. Anyone faintly
interested in ancient forms of transport should make a point of visiting the Camperdown Buggy Museum
whose extraordinary collection includes superbly restored carriages such as a French caleche, British
landau and a Victorian phaeton. The collection was put together by a man who adorned the Victorian
trotting scene for more than 50 years, Harold Lamb.
Camperdown - Victoria
Camperdown
Substantial rural service centre.
Camperdown is an attractive rural service centre of 3500
people located at the foot of Mount Leura, 193 km south-west
of Melbourne on the Princes Highway. It is distinguished by
a fine 2-km avenue of elms along the main street and is
situated on the world's third-largest volcanic plain which is
dotted with volcanic cones (Mount Leura being the largest in
the local area) and numerous lakes which have formed in
volcanic craters. The local economy is dominated by
dairying, fat lambs and cattle. There is a sales yard in town
and Bonlac milk products have a plant, although the main
works are at Cobden.
Prior to European settlement it is though that the Kuurn
Kopan Noot Aborigines lived in the area. The first whites in
The War Memorial with the Clock Tower
the area were probably a search party looking for missing
in the background
explorers Gellibrand and Hesse in 1837. The first settlers in
the district were John, Thomas and Peter Manifold from Van Dieman's Land. They took up a 100 000acre run in 1839 called 'Purrumbete', based on the northern shore of Lake Purrumbete. Their first hut was
replaced by Purrumbete homestead in 1842 and it is still standing. Funds were later provided by the
family for a public hospital, a road to the top of Mount Leura, extensions to the high school library and
the town's fine clock tower.
Prior to European settlement it is though that the Kuurn Kopan Noot Aborigines lived in the area. The
first whites in the area were probably a search party looking for missing explorers Gellibrand and Hesse
in 1837. The first settlers in the district were John, Thomas and Peter Manifold from Van Dieman's Land.
They took up a 100 000-acre run in 1839 called 'Purrumbete', based on the northern shore of Lake
Purrumbete. Their first hut was replaced by Purrumbete homestead in 1842 and it is still standing. Funds
were later provided by the family for a public hospital, a road to the top of Mount Leura, extensions to the
high school library and the town's fine clock tower.
A courthouse, the Leura Hotel, a school, a police station, a survey office and a store were all being
erected in 1859 and a Presbyterian Church was established in 1860. A Bible Christian Church was
24
completed in 1862 and St Paul's Anglican Church in 1864. The first post office, constructed in 1863, is
still standing.
A regular coach service from Geelong to Warrnambool commenced in the 1860s, stopping at
Camperdown en route. The early 1870s saw Cobb & Co commence a regular service between
Warrnambool and Camperdown
Garnet Walch visited the town in 1880, noting a population 'of about 2000'. Another late 19th-century
visitor, who was charmed with Camperdown, was English novelist Anthony Trollope.
The railway arrived in 1883 and a cheese factory opened in 1891 at a time when the area was dominated
by a few large landowning graziers who controlled the factory while the smaller landholders tended to
supply the milk. A large cooperative dairy factory was established in 1914. Camperdown became a
municipality in 1952 and a town in 1959.
A craft market is held in Finlay Ave on the first Sunday of each month from 9.30 a.m. to 3.00 p.m., tel:
(03) 5593 1177. The Leura Festival is held in the last week of February and a heritage day is celebrated
on the first Sunday in November.
LAKE Purrumbete was once famous for it's gargantuan trout from its seemingly bottomless depths. It
once held the world record for growth rates for 3-year-old rainbow trout at a mammoth 11.3kg!
At more than 60 meters deep, I'm sure there are still some true monsters dwelling that still evade capture.
The lake is located just before the town of Camperdown on the Princess Highway about 1½ hours drive
from Geelong.
The Lake Purrumbete Caravan Park has cabins, ice, public toilets, mooring facilities, jetties, fish cleaning
facilities, day parking and a dual lane concrete boat ramp capable of launching boats to 6 meters and
another boat ramp capable of launching boats to 4.5 meters during periods of good water level. All other
access to bank fishing is either by walking, private property or
boat.
The banks are heavily weeded at places, but the depth drops
sharply once away from the bank so wade with caution.
The lake is in a shallow volcanic crater that still renders the lake
'fishable' during moderate winds with decent boats.
The water is crystal clear most times of the year as the lake relies
totally on its own catchment rather than run-off like other lakes.
The lake is crawling with galaxid minnow, bullhead (or gudgeon),
mudeye, redfin fry, damsel nymphs and other aquatic insects.
Lake Purrumbete is stocked with rainbow and brown trout to 4kg
(av.1.3kg), Chinook salmon to 4kg (av. 1kg), eels to 4kg (av. 1kg)
and has a natural stock of redfin to 2kg (av. 700g).
Tony Dorner holds a 4.3 kg Purrumbete Chinook salmon
Best baits include salt-water baits such as glassies, bluebait, pilchards and whitebait. Traditional
freshwater baits include; live mudeye, minnow and locally trapped gudgeon.
Best rigs are unweighted baits for deep fishing and bubble or quill floats for fishing adjacent to the weed
beds.
Trolling is very popular and with the use of downriggers, planer boards and flat lines, you can greatly
enhance your chances of tackling with a Purrumbete resident.
Best lures for a bright day need to get deep due to the water clarity. Either use lead line, downriggers,
paravane or ultra-deep divers to attain the depth of the fish showing on your sounder.
Overcast days will see the fish remain on the surface a little longer and thus prolong activity. The local
redfin population respond well to jigs and deeply fished baits and lures as well as trout. Once a school is
located, they can often be tempted by a few quick twitches of an ice jig or Baltic Bobber.
25
Fish do not often respond to dry flies, but can be seen smelting on occasions.
Drifting the shallows on a calm day, with the aid of an electric motor can casting at rising or fossicking
trout can be very productive in this water due to its excellent bank side cover (in the form of weed beds)
for the fish.
Best lures often have flashy or sparkly paint jobs. Due to the clear water, the fish can see these lures from
a distance. Having said that, black lures are also a favourite in Lake Purrumbete so take a good spread.
11 December 2004, assassin
Location:
Type of Water:
Target Fish:
Bait\Lure\Fly:
Fish Caught:
Comments:
Naroghid Dam
3pm
Time:
Lake
Shore
Type of Fishing:
Redfin
Worms, minnows
25 x redfin @ 20cm-35cm
Just out Camperdown, past Bullen Merri about 10 minutes.
Redfin galore on any bait but you have to put up with the small
ones but some beauties in between them. Well worth a fish.
THE crater of Lake Bullen Merri was formed millions of years ago with a violent explosion. Today it is
home to some fantastic salmonoid fishing with maybe a future bass fishery in the making?
Lake Bullen Merri has a caravan park overlooking the massive crater at the northern end, 2 great boat
ramps and B.B.Q. and picnic facilities. Bank fishing is accessible almost the entire circumference of the
lake and water in excess of 20 meters can easily be cast to
The lake is stocked with Atlantic salmon, Australian bass and brown and rainbow trout. In its heyday,
salmon and trout of 6 and 8kg were caught here and the taxidermists were busy! There were then some
serious fish kills due to excess nutrients in the water. This saw the death of a magnificent lake and fish to
9kg were found washed up on some shores.
But today it has made an astounding comeback providing anglers with fish in excess of 4kg as I write
this.
With some sections of the lake exceeding 40 meters deep, a downrigger is a handy addition to a
fishermen's arsenal.
Best baits are mudeye, live dudgeon, minnow, Berkley Power bait and large scrub worms.
Best lures are Lofty's Cobras, Tassie Devils and minnow-styled diving lures such as merlins, Rapala and
Tilsans.
Best flies include BMS (Bullen Merri Special), stick caddis and smelt imitations.
Fishing after dark with live gudgeon under a float is very popular here for the lake's monster brown trout.
The Travelling Gavel was moved on to another Lodge, this time, the Wor. Master along with members of
Lodge Leura No. 50 – U.G.L.V W. Bro. Clive Fisher, visited –
26
8th February 1995
Lodge Memories No. 633
U. G. L. V.
W. Master of Lodge Memories No. 663, W. Bro. Colin Dyson
The Gavel was presented to Lodge Memories No. 663 on 8th February 1995 by W. Bro. Clive Fisher of
Leura Lodge No. 50 Victoria Constitution, to their W. Master; W. Bro. Colin Dyson
4 Albert Street
Portland
Victoria ~ Phone: 055 234 629
PORTLAND
Quick facts
Population approximately 11,000 362 kilometres west of Melbourne
Victoria‘s first permanent European settlement
Portland Maritime Discovery Centre.
When the pioneering Henty brothers recognised there was money to be made in the region, the result was
Portland – Victoria‘s first agricultural development and first permanent European settlement in 1834.
Today Portland boasts more than 200 beautifully maintained heritage buildings and private residences.
Take the self-guided Historic Buildings Walk, details of which are available from the Portland Visitor
Information Centre.
When the pioneering Henty brothers recognised there was money to be made in the region, the result was
Portland – Victoria‘s first agricultural development and first permanent European settlement in 1834.
Today Portland boasts more than 200 beautifully maintained heritage buildings and private residences.
Take the self-guided Historic Buildings Walk, details of which are available from the Portland Visitor
Information Centre.
While locals may want to keep it quiet, Portland also has some of the best surf this side of Bells Beach.
The choice spots are Bridgewater Bay, the Water tower, Blacknose, Crumpets, Yellow Rock, Whites
Beach and Murrells.
In 1880, Lieutenant James Grant made the first chart of the South Western area of the coastline of
Victoria. Sighting the area from ―L
ady Nelson‖, he named Portland Bay after the English Secretary of
State, the Duke of Portland
The first settlement in these areas was by sealers and whalers. Dutton established a shore based whaling
industry, with a hut and a garden in 1829. At the time Portland Bay was one of the best whale Ares in the
world and the annual catches ran into hundreds.
27
Edward Henty arrived on November 19th 1834 to be followed later by his brothers. The Hents were
farmers, although they had a share in the whale industry. The arrival of the Hentys can rightly be said to
have begun the settlement of Victoria. The first piece of soil that was turned was on December 6 th 1834 at
the Ploughed Field. This commenced Victoria‘s agricultural development. His first home-a-hut-was in the
vicinity of the present day Richmond Henty Hotel-Motel.
Most residents would assert that everything considered. Portland has emerged well in front from its early
competition with Melbourne. As is evident from over 200 beautifully maintained heritage buildings and
private residences in the City, Portland is proud of its history. It‘s a history which sees the city poised to
take a leading role in its region and show that the settlers who made Portland ―
Victoria‘s Birthplace by
the Sea‖ chose the location wisely.
Portland is an attractive and scenic holiday centre situated on Portland Bay 361 km west of Melbourne
and 75 km east, by road, of the South Australian border
Attractions
The Portland Foreshore can be argued that this is where the Victoria‘s history truly first began but it‘s a
fact that this area makes Portland what it is today.
Portland Harbour is a natural deep water port handling many hundred thousand tons of cargo each year,
the majority of which is exported as well as handling the local fishing fleet.
The Portland Botanical gardens were the first public gardens in Australia; they were established in 1857
by William Allitt, with the assistance of the curator of the Melbourne Botanical Gardens. Much of the
actual labour was carried out by Chinese illegal immigrant prisoners that customs were holding in
detention. The prisoners were actually paid for the work that they performed.
Visit our many interesting museums for informative information about Portland,
Such as: Battery Point, powerhouse Car Museum and RSL Memorial Lookout tower
Activities
Safe swimming in the bay
Picnic spots situated in the town and surrounds
Whether fishing the protected waters of the harbour from a jetty or trying your luck from a runabout in
the bay, your assured of a memorable days fishing.
The port is fully equipped with a double boat ramp and catch cleaning facilities open to the public 24
hrs a day.
Surfing at Lodge Beach
Water Sports such as; sailing, surfing and windsurfing
Portland Golf Club offers a variety of entertainment and leisure activities for both members and visitors
in peaceful, picturesque surrounds
The best fresh shell fish is available in the local restaurants
The Great South West Walk is a 250 km long walking track offering walkers a unique environmental
experience.
The Travelling Gavel, moving away from Portland, in Victoria was once again presented into another
Lodge, This time it was taken over the Border into
South Australia
The W. Master - W. Bro. Colin Dyson and members of Lodge Memories No. 633, visited and presented
the Travelling Gavel to
28
4th April 1995
Lodge Coralline No. 210
South Australian Constitution
Mount Gambia
The W. Master of Lodge Memories No. 663, W. Bro. Colin Dyson, presented the Travelling Gavel to the
Wor. Master of Coralline Lodge No. 210
Wor. Bro. Bruce Potter
68 Wehl Street ~ Mount Gambia ~ South Australia ~ Phone; 018 838 549
The Travelling Gavel having been in Mount Gambia, South Australia for one month, I will include some
of the Cities highlights
The Famous Blue Lake of Mount Gambia of South Australia
Mount Gambier the 'Blue Lake City' is South Australia's second largest City, located midway between the
major capital cities of Melbourne and Adelaide, set amidst a unique and ancient landscape of volcanic
craters, lakes, caves and mysterious underground aquifers.
Mount Gambier was sighted and named, in honour of Lord James Gambier, Admiral of the Fleet, by
Lieutenant James Grant in December 1800 whilst on a survey voyage in the Brig, HMS Lady Nelson.
Stephen Henty a grazier from Portland was the first white man to set eyes upon the wondrous Blue Lake
and used the Valley Lake crater to graze his stock.
The Henty brothers, who first settled in the area to graze cattle, never officially laid claim to the land and
were forced to leave when the first lease was granted to Evelyn Sturt, brother to the famous explorer
Charles Sturt. "Gambier town" as it was known in early years was founded by Hastings Cunningham
who in 1854 subdivided a section of 77 acres for the establishment of a town.
The first Town Council was formed in 1876 with Mount Gambier being officially declared a City in
1954. Today's Mount Gambier with a population approaching 24,000 people is the regional centre for
South East South Australia and Western Districts of Victoria, servicing the commercial, retail, social,
sporting and cultural needs of the region.
With a diverse and stable economic base, the Mount Gambier region is one of the most significant
contributors to the South Australian economy in both export and local income. The multi million dollar
softwoods timber industry continues to be a key contributor to the local economy and has heavily
influenced the social and cultural heritage of the city and the region.
The City has always been renowned for its spectacular gardens, quality recreational facilities and is
increasingly being recognized as a quality conference and event destination.
Mount Gambier boasts all the amenities of a progressive and vibrant City and is ideally located to attract
visitors from the Great Ocean Road, the Grampians, the nearby coastline and beaches or the Coorong who
are keen to experience the natural and cultural beauty of the Mount Gambier region.
29
Mount Gambier
"The best of the city in the heart of the country".
Again the Travelling Gavel was on the move. The W. Master, W. Bro. Bruce Potter and
members of Lodge Coralline Lodge No. 210 visited and presented the Gavel into 8th Lodge to receive this Gavel
18th May 1995
Lodge Lucindale No. 213
U.G.L.S
The Travelling Gavel was presented into Lodge Lucindale No. 213 on the 18th May
1995, to the W. Master, W. Bro.Ray Potterat
To their W. Master: W. Bro. Ray Potterat
P. O. Box 229
Lucindale
South Australia
Phone: 087 66 2268
Some information about LUCINDALE
A town which is small in size, yet big on hospitality
Lying directly along the local railway line, Lucindale was first settled in 1877. The town grew steadily in
its early years, but experienced a major boom following the Second World War, when soldier settlement
programs and wool prices saw a surge of development.
Today, Lucindale is a small country town typifying rural Australia. Community pride is one of its greatest
assets, with the town earning a number of State and National Tidy Towns Awards. While surrounding
land is devoted to prime beef, lamb, dairy and goat meat production, it also boasts the ability to diversify
into viticulture, forestry and cropping.
Each March, the population multiplies when Lucindale plays host to the annual South East Field Days.
The event has clearly put the town on the map, with up to 25,000 people flocking to Limestone Coast
Centre to see exhibits on agriculture, technology, craft and services. This versatile facility is the perfect
venue for expos, festivals and live performances.
The licensed Lucindale Country Club is another ideal function centre. An 18-hole golf course and the
Limestone Coast‘s only lawn tennis courts provide the perfect opportunity to mix business with pleasure.
The town itself has proven skills in catering for small groups or thousands of people, with the community
boasting the resources, skills and talent to provide visitors with a variety of experiences. Tailor-made
tours of local farms, wineries, galleries and attractions can be arranged through the local council office.
Accommodation is also arranged easily and promptly.
30
Relaxation is another major focus, with Lucindale boasting picnic spots aplenty! Centenary Park located
in the main street contains a large, fenced playground area, while the picturesque bird haven Jubilee Park
features a tranquil lake and island.
It‘s all yours to explore…..
When this Travelling gavel was first introduced into Victoria March 1993, the Lodges that received it
kept it in their Lodges for at least three months, when I first presented this Gavel, every Lodge passed it
on approximately every three months. It would appear that it is now being passed on every month, this is
very good, when you consider that these Travelling Gavels were being presented into Lodges to promote
Freemasonry and to get brethren visiting other Lodges on a regular basis.
The Gavel having been in Lodge Lucindale No. 213 (Lucindale) for one month, W. Bro. Ray Potterat and
some of his Brethren journeyed over to Naracoorte South Australia, and presented the Travelling Gavel
into
27th June 1995
Lodge Penola No. 181
U.G.L.S.
South Australia
Penola Masonic Hall
CWA Hall, Penola, South Australia, 5277
Lodge Type:Craft
District Type: SA - South East
Meeting:7: 30 pm, Fourth Tuesday, , Starting in Alternate Months
Secretary:Mr Alex Bowden
dclarkson@limestonecoast.net
(08) 8737 2954
Worshipful Master: Mr Douglas Redman 2012
The Travelling Gavel was presented into Lodge. Penola No. 181 on the 27th June 1995
To their W. Master: W. Bro. Adrian Zerk
P. M. Box 75
The Travelling Gavel was presented by the W. Master of Lodge Lucindale No. 213, W. Bro. Ray Potterat
of South Australia
Naracoorte 5271
South Australia
Phone; 078 36 3326
Penola
Historic town at the southern end of the rich Coonawarra/Penola wine district
Located 388 km south east of Adelaide, Penola is in the heart of one of South Australia's most productive
wine growing areas. To the north of the town lies the famous terra rosa soils of the Coonawarra which
have produced excellent red wines for the past century. The town is also famous as the central location in
the life of Mary McKillop, Australia's first saint.
Along the road from Penola to Coonawarra (a distance of only 7 km) there are a total of 21 wineries. [The
two entries on Coonawarra and Penola are designed so that if you are heading south from Coonawarra the
wineries are in the order you will experience them and if you are heading north from Penola they are in
correct order]. This is the result of an extraordinary situation where there are beautiful red soils (terra
rossa) stretching 14 km and lying on top of limestone. The town's name, although no one is exactly sure,
seems to derive from an Aboriginal word meaning 'wild honeysuckle' although other sources insist it was
a local Aboriginal word 'pena oorla' meaning 'wooden house' and referring to the first pub, the Royal Oak,
built in the district
31
The local Aborigines were the Bunganditj or Booandik group who lived on a diet of kangaroo, wallaby,
emu, wombat, fish, roots and seeds. They had lived in the district for tens of thousands of years but, with
the arrival of Europeans, their numbers declined rapidly. It is said that five Aborigines are buried in the
Penola cemetery but there is no evidence of their graves. The last of the local Aborigines died in 1902.
The first Europeans into the area were the Austin brothers who arrived in 1840 and established a run of
109 square miles based on what is now Yallum Park (see Coonawarra for more details). But the gold
rushes of the 1850s ensured that their dreams were not realised.
The man who was known as the Founder of Penola and the 'King of Penola' was Alexander Cameron
(1810-1881). He arrived in Sydney in 1839 and that year set out with his uncles and a range of animals
and travelled 1500 km from Sydney to the famed 'Australia Felix', west of Melbourne. In 1841 Alexander
crossed into South Australia and by 1844 Penola Station had been established. By 1850 Cameron had
built a pub, the Royal Oak, to supply liquor to the increasing number of travellers who were coming
through the Penola area. It was around this time that he gained freehold title to 80 acres stretching north
from the hotel. This was to be the site for the township of Penola. Christopher Sharam, a boot maker, built
his house on this land in 1850. He was quickly followed by a Mr Hailes, a blacksmith. Later that year
Cameron added another 80 acres to the original holding.
The real beginning for the settlement of the area occurred when John Riddoch purchased Yallum in 1861.
Riddoch was one of those larger-than-life characters who seem to squeeze five lives into a single lifetime.
He grew up in poverty in the highlands of Scotland (a result of the Highlands clearances) and in 1851
emigrated to try his luck on the Victorian goldfields. Within a few years he was a successful shopkeeper
and wine merchant on the Geelong goldfields.
He acquired 35,000 acres on which he ran 50,000 head of sheep. In keeping with his exalted status he
lived like a local lord (as can be seen for the richness of Yarram Park).
By 1863 Penola had acquired an unusual status in South Australia. It boasted the largest library outside
Adelaide. Not surprisingly, given its literary tradition, the poet Adam Lindsay Gordon, came to the
district and often stayed with John Riddoch. Three years later (1866) Mary McKillop, Australia's first
saint, built the first of many schools she was to construct in Australia and New Zealand. This remarkable
woman established a concept of egalitarian education which ensured education for children regardless of
their family's income or their social class. She founded the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart.
Another significant figure around this time was Father Julian Tenison Woods, a Catholic priest, who in
1866 actively assisted Mary McKillop to form the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart.
Around 1890 John Riddoch formed the Coonawarra Fruit Colony and 2,000 acres from Yarram Park were
subdivided into smaller holdings of 10-30 acres which were sold, at very reasonable terms, to a group of
farmers with the express idea that they all became vineyards and orchards. The secret of the district's
success was a strange rectangle, known as the 'Coonawarra cigar', of terra rosa (red soil). Here, according
to grape growers, was perfect soil which would produce perfect grapes which, if the locals knew what
they were doing, would produce near-perfect wines, particularly red wines.
It was out of this that the Coonawarra vineyards grew. In fact Riddoch insisted that the 'blockers', the
people who purchased the 'blocks' of land, had to plant one-third cabernet sauvignon to two-thirds shiraz.
It is no accident that today eighteen of the district‘s twenty one vineyards has, among their crops, healthy
acreages of both cabernet sauvignon and Shiraz grapes.
The vineyards were more successful than the wineries but wine wasn't really part of the Australian diet. It
was not until the 1960s that the exceptional soils of the area, and their ability to produce superb red wines,
was fully realised. It is worth noting that of the 21 wineries in the Coonawarra-Penola district only one,
Wynns Coonawarra Estate, dates from the nineteenth century (1896). Of the rest one (Rouge Homme)
appeared in 1954, seven came into production in the 1960s, four in the 1970s, five in the 1980s and three
in the 1990s.
It is significant that Penola is associated with two of Australia's most distinguished poets. John Shaw
Neilson was born in the town in 1872 (his home is now the tastings and cellar door for Hollick Wines and
Adam Lindsay Gordon worked in the area as a mounted policeman from 1853-54.
Naracoorte
Naracoorte and Lucindale are situated in the south east region of South Australia now known as the
Limestone Coast. Naracoorte Lucindale Council has a population of just over 8,500.
32
Naracoorte, being the major population centre with some 5,000 residents, is experiencing unprecedented
growth and development. Employment is blooming, with many landowners having embraced apple,
viticulture, potato, beef, aquaculture and blue gum production in addition the area‘s traditional wool and
cereal producing activities.
The Limestone Coast region has long been renowned for it‘s premium wines produced at Coonawarra (to
the south of Naracoorte) the pathway (to the north)
It is estimated that more than 10,000 hectares of vines have been planted within the Council area, with
names such as Wrattonbully, Russet Ridge and Stonehaven becoming increasingly well known
Naracoorte and Lucindale enjoy comprehensive education and health services, and a large range of
sporting facilities including football, tennis, bowls, basketball, squash, hocky, to croquet and polocrosse.
Golf enthusiasts can enjoy a round on one of the best championship 18 hole courses in South Australia,
and the Naracoorte racing club hosts events on a regular basis.
Eighteen kilometres south of Naracoorte is Bool Lagoon Game Reserve, a wetland of International
significance and one of the largest ibis rookeries in Australia. The lagoon is periodically dry, but when
filled becomes the home to a wide range og wetland wildlife, including several rare and endangered
species.
South Australia‘s only World Heritage Listed site, he Naracoorte Caves National Park, is situated 12
kilometres south of Naracoorte. The 600 hectare National Park comprises 26 caves, several of which are
open to the public. The Jewel in the Crown is the Victorian Fossil Cave, which contains one of the most
extensive fossil beds yet discovered, and is the only fossil site of which World Heritage significance that
is open to the public.
Within the National Park is the Wonambi Fossil Centre, a high tech multimillion dollar interpretive
facility that brings to life, through the magic of robotics, the prehistoric creatures that once roamed the
area.
Both Naracoorte and Lucindale have maintained a remarkable record of civic pride, reflected by their
success in both State and |National Tidy Town competitions. Each has won the National Title once, and
Naracoorte has received the accolade of South Australia‘s tidiest town record eight times
The Mini Jumbuck range of woollen products, exported throughout the world is manufactured in
Naracoorte. Whatever your tastes of interests, the Naracoorte Lucindale area has something for everyone.
It is not just a great [lace to visit or stay – it is a great place to live.
The W. Master, W. Bro. Adrian Zerk and members of Lodge Penola No. 181 then journeyed to and
presented the Gavel to –
10th Lodge to receive this gavel
25th July 1995
Lodge Naracoorte No. 42
U.G.L.S.
Naracoorte Masonic Hall
Church Street, Naracoorte, South Australia 5271
Lodge Type:Craft
District Type:SA - South East
Meeting: 8:00 pm, Third Wednesday, Every Month, Starting in
Secretary:Mr. Malcolm Johnston
penngwyne@gmail.com
(08) 8762 0240 or 0417 804 318
Care Officer: David Brighton, (08) 8762 3236
The Travelling Gavel was presented Lodge Naracoorte No. 42 on the 25th July 1995
33
To W. Bro. Warwick Greves, W.M
Box 575
Naracoorte 5271
South Australia
Phone; 087 622 713
The Gavel was presented by the W. Master to Penola Lodge No. 181, W. Bro. Adrian Zerk of South
Australia
Naracoorte
Major rural centre midway between Bordertown and Mount Gambier
Naracoorte is a large (population in excess of 5,000) country town some 330 km south-east of Adelaide
and 63 metres above sea level. Like so many Australian towns the correct spelling (it is derived from an
Aboriginal word) has ranged from Gnanga-kurt to Nanna-coorta, Narcoot, Nancoota, Narricourt,
Narcoota, Naracoorte . There is a similar problem with the meaning of the word. Some sources insist it
means 'place of running water' but equally reliable sources claim it means 'large waterhole' and even
referred to a specific waterhole in the area.
Prior to European settlement it is believed the Meintangk Aborigines lived in the district. They were
singularly unimpressed with the arrival of Europeans and continued to fight for their land well into the
1860s and 1870s. In fact it was as the result of a stock raid by Aborigines, and a party of Europeans
searching for the lost stock, that the Naracoorte Caves were first discovered
The area was settled in 1842 by the pioneer squatter George Ormerod. Two years later in 1845 William
MacIntosh, a prosperous Scot who owned most of the land around the site of the present township,
decided to establish a township. He named the town Kincraig after his birthplace in Scotland and duly
built a hotel and a store hoping to attract settlers to the town.
It was until the early 1850s, and the discovery of gold in Victoria, that the town began to grow. The gold
escorts made their way across South Australia to the coast. It became an important stopover point and, at
various times, the town was awash with miners moving to and from the diggings. It is said that in one
year more than 7000 Chinese (presumably many of those who had been illegally dropped at The
Coorong) passed through the town on their way to the diggings.
It wasn't until 1869 that Kincraig officially became Naracoorte. At the time it was recorded that 'Kincraig,
Naracoorte, Skyetown and Mosquito Plains ... these several names refer to one township ...' had decided
to adopt one name Narracoorte. Even that spelling would eventually change.
In spite of these developments Naracoorte developed slowly. Local government was proclaimed in 1870
when the town had a population of around 900. It wasn't until 1875 that it had its first newspaper
The railway (there are still old steam trains in Pioneer Park) reached Naracoorte in 1876 and this led to
slow and steady growth which led to the town becoming a municipality in 1924. Today it is a prosperous
and thriving rural centre serving the rich farmlands which surround it.
In recent times the area to the south of the town has seen the development of a significant wine industry
with extensive vineyards being planted at Koppamurra
St. Andrews Presbyterian Church
The steam train Pioneer Park
34
The Travelling Gavel was then presented to the W. Master of
16th August 1995
Lodge Goroke No. 585
U. G.L.S.
The Travelling Gavel was presented into Lodge Goroke No.585 on the 18th August 1995 to their Wor.
Master ~
W. Bro. Don W, Currie WM
34 Elizabeth Street
Edenhope
Victoria
Phone; 055 851 522
The Travelling gavels 11th move
Some information aboutEdenhope:
Small country service town
Edenhope is a small country town of 900 people situated adjacent Lake Wallace and amidst an undulating
landscape which is given over to wool and grazing. The administrative and business centre of the West
Wimmera shire, it is located on the Wimmera Highway 30 km from the South Australian border and 394
km north-west of Melbourne via Horsham (95 km north-east).
The lake was named after William Wallace who, in 1843, became the first white man to see it. The first
European settlers were the Hope family who established the Lake Wallace pastoral station in 1845. The
town's name derives from the fact that the Hopes were from the River Eden in Scotland.
A town site was surveyed and gazetted in 1862. The first Australian cricketing team, an all-Aboriginal
squad, trained here in 1868 prior to their departure. Their coach was T.W. Willis who founded Australian
Rules football.
Closer settlement of the area occurred in the 1930s.
On the second weekend in February the Henley-on-Lake Wallace Regatta is held, in conjunction with a
carnival and street procession.
Tourist Information
Edenhope Information Centre, tell: (03) 5585 1509 corner Elizabeth and Orme St. Tourist information
can be obtained from West Wimmera Shire Council, tell: (03) 5585 9900. Many species of waterbirds
habitat on Lake Wallace which is also a popular fly fishing lake.
Bowls, Fishing, Water Skiing, Boating.
Lake Wallace
The Wimmera Highway leads through Edenhope. If the visitor is approaching from the east, the first side
road on the right (Lake St) will take you around the perimeter of Lake Wallace. When full it is an ideal
spot for boating, waterskiing, swimming and fly-fishing for redfin and trout. There is a jetty and several
boat ramps.
Lake Wallace is also a waterbird haven where black swans nest in spring. There are bird hides and a
scenic walking track around the lake (5 km).
Edenhope ~ Victoria
Situated: 412km West of Melbourne
Population: 900 approx.
Approx. 30 klms from the South Australia Border
Cairn - Aboriginal Cricket Team
The cairn beside the lake in the grounds of the high school in Lake St recalls the first Australian
cricket team to tour England in 1868. This remarkable all-Aboriginal team trained on the shores of
Lake Wallace before departing for England. It is a commentary on the schedule of the side that
during their tour they played a total of 57 games winning 14, losing 14 and drawing 19. When they
returned to Australia they simply went back to the lives they had previously led. Many returned to
35
their tribal lifestyle. Their coach was Tom Willis who founded Australian Rules football. Ironically,
his father had been killed in Queensland in 1861 during a massacre of whites by Aborigines. Tom
Willis had only survived as a broken dray had prevented him joining up with the main party.
St Gregory's Vineyard
St Gregory's Vineyard is a one-man operation which is located west of town. Follow the road to Apsley
for about 10 km then turn right into Grub Lane. A short distance along is a telephone box at an
intersection. Turn left here and the vineyard is to the immediate right, told: (03) 5586 5225.
Bailey's Rocks
Bailey's Rocks are a natural formation of giant green granite boulders 38 km south of town on the road to
Dergholm. First surveyed and set aside as a reserve in 1875, they are named after John Bailey who
established a 1200-acre sheep property on a hill above the rocks in 1888. Families enjoyed picnics here
and danced at the Bailey home. A mining company began quarrying the granite from the site in 1970 but
a local campaign ended the destruction, though not before some damage had been done. A short
signposted side-road on the left leads off the main road to the Rocks. There are picnic facilities.
Lake Charlegrark
35 km north of Edenhope the road to Kaniva intersects with the Horsham-Bordertown Rd. Just by this
intersection is Lake Charlegrark where there are boating and picnicking facilities. This is a good spot for
fishing with Murray cod, redfin and yabbies to be had. On the rim of the lake, just south of the
intersection, are Lake Charlegrark Cottages for overnight accommodation, tell: (03) 5386 6281. The Lake
Charlegrark Country Music Marathon is held every year on the third weekend in February
Tom Mulraney's Horses
Lake Charlegrark Cottages can arrange for you to visit Tom Mulraney who takes pride in showing people
his lovely Clydesdale horses and he also has a collection of local artefacts. He is just around the corner
from the cottages but you need to make an appointment in advance so ring before passing through.
Lake Bringalbert
Water skiing is popular at Lake Bringalbert although there are no facilities. It is located along a sealed
road, 27 km north-west of Edenhope.
The Travelling Gavel was then presented into
2nd December 1995
Tatiara Lodge No. 68
Bordertown ~ South Australia
Mundulla Community Hall
Mundulla memorial Hall, Kennedy Street, Mundulla, South Australia 5270
Lodge Type:Craft
District Type :SA - South East
Meeting: 7: 30 pm, Second Thursday, Every Month, Starting in 8.00pm in summer
Secretary: Mr Dean Lock
(08) 8752 1187
Care Office: Mr. Harry Stokes Phone: (08) 8752 1187
Worshipful Master: Mr Dean Lock (2012)
W. Bro. Rick Howes
36
―
Kongal‖
Tom Oborn
Box 32
Mundulla 5270
South Australia
Home Phone; 087 587 219
Dear Rick,
Please find enclosed a print out of the book that is accompanying the Travel Gavel as you requested when
I spoke to you on Nov.16th.
You will notice that it is now in the hands of Stephen Brown W.M. of the Tintinara Lodge. Tintinara
being on the Adelaide - Melbourne highway about 200 km South East of Adelaide.
The Gavel is certainly creating a lot of interest where-ever it goes, your craftsmanship deservedly
drawing favourable comment.
May I, on behalf of the members of Tatiara Lodge, extend the compliments of the season to yourself and
the Brethren of Wyong Lodge No. 247
Yours Sincerely,
Tom Oborn, W.M. Tatiara Lodge
Number 68 South Australia Constitution.
Bordertown
South Australia
Substantial service town famous as birthplace
Of Australian Prime Minister, Bob Hawke.
Located 275 km east of Adelaide and 82 metres
above sea level on the border between
South Australia and Victoria, Bordertown has
Become a kind of symbolic point of difference
Between the two states. When Victorians fear an
Invasion, (usually during the football season),
The refer to South Australians massing at
Bordertown
The wheat silos at Bordertown
The area was first settled in the1840‘s when grazing leases
were taken out by Loudon McLeod (Nalang Station), John and
Charles Scott (Cannawigara Station) and John Binnie (Wirrega
Station). Around this time the area was known as ―
Tatiara‖ which was supposedly a local Aboriginal
name for ‗ good country ‗.
Like its name (which is unambiguously descriptive although the town is 19km from the border)
Bordertown was a very conscious creation. In July 1852, 120 allotments were sold ( the cost was 50
shillings for a quarter acre block) ‗ near Scott‘s wool shed and on the overland route from Adelaide to
Mount Alexander‘ as part of a plan to establish a town/depot where the gold escorts could rest on their
journey from the west Victorian goldfields to the Port of Adelaide. The problem was that the only route at
the time from Adelaide to Victoria was around the coast Captain Alexander Tolmer surveyed a route
through the 90 mile desert and it was on the basis of this survey that he suggested that a depot be
established on the border. He was apparently very upset when, even though the town was not on the
border, the authorities still decided to call it Bordertown. He thought it should be called ―
Tolmer‖.
37
After the gold rushes, the town continued to prosper as a major service centre. The surrounding area is
ideal wool and wheat country which is sufficiently rich to extend its produce to vineyards, cattle and a
variety of seeds and cereals.
The town‘s future as a transport centre was assured when the railway arrived in 1886.
Today Bordertown is a substantial and prosperous service centre.
Bob Hawke‟s family home and Memorabilia
This quite pleasant sandstone house was once the
Home of Australia‘s longest serving Labour Prime
Minister RJL (Bob) Hawke he was born here 9th
December 1929. It has been renovated and while it
Is used by the Tatiara employment support service
It does contain a number of photographs of the
Hawke House, the birthplace of RJL Hawke
Bordertown‘s most famous resident‘
Robert James Lee “Bob” Hawke was born in Bordertown,
South Australia on December 9, 1929
was the 23rd Prime Minister of Australia from March 1983 to December
1991 and therefore longest serving Australian Labor Party (ALP) Prime
Minister. Elections: 1983, 1984, 1987, 1990
After a decade as president of the Australian Council of Trade Unions, he
entered politics at the 1980 federal election and became Prime Minister
within three years. He became the longest-serving and most electorally
successful Labor Prime Minister, leading the ALP to four consecutive
federal elections between 1983 and 1990. He is Australia's third-longestserving Prime Minister
Located on Farquhar Street (it is just half a block away from the Westpac Bank In the main street). It is
open Mon-Fri... For details contact (08) 8752 2569
Bordertown Railway Station
A particularly impressive building indicating the importance of the town. It was completed in 1914. The
Railway arrived in the town 1886.
Bordertown Wildlife Park
Located on Western (Dukes) Highway, this unusual wildlife park allows people to view the animals from
outside the fences. There seems to be no access point although it is easy to see the kangaroos in the shade
and the interesting collection of native birds.
For details. (08) 8754 2074
Environs.
Clayton Farm Historic Site and
Agricultural Museum.
Located only 3km south of Bordertown on the Naracoorte Road, this is one of the most Interesting
historic farms in the country. The farm Was owned and operated by the family of Mr. August Gottfried
Weise (who took up the land in 1872
From 1872-1985. Today it has an extraordinary collection of historic farm buildings (all built ether by the
owners or by local tradesman) made from traditional materials ~ limestone, grasses and a variety of gums
~ and some outstanding and very significant farm machinery. There is a Vintage Field day on the October
long weekend. There is an excellent brochure which outlined the history of each of the buildings on the
site.
For details for opening times contact (08) 8752 2548
The pigsty and silage pits at Clayton Farm
Agriculture Museum
Bordertown Visitor Information Centre
81 North terrace
38
Bordertown SA 5268
Telephone: (08) 8752 0700
Facsimile: (08) 8752 0644
Email: btowninfo@lm.net.au
The Travelling was once again on the move, the W. Master of Tatiara Lodge No. 68 (Bordertown) W.
Bro. Tony Physick W/Master And a group of his Brethren travelled to Tintinara
And presented the Gavel into ~~
1st December 1995
Lodge Tintinara No. 209
To, their Worshipful Master. W. Bro. Stephen Brown
10 Chellew Street
Tintinara 5266
South Australia
Phone: 087 572 383
Tintinara
Tintinara
Tiny farming service centre on the edge of the desert.
Tintinara is located 191 km south-east of Adelaide and 18 metres above sea level on the road between
Murray River (Murray Bridge) and Bordertown. It is located on the edge of a desert area which starts with
the Little Desert in western Victoria and sweeps west to include Ngarkat and Mount Rescue Conservation
Parks.
The area was settled in the 1840s when graziers moved into the district with substantial flocks of sheep.
The 'Tintinara' homestead, including the woolshed and outbuildings, dates from this period.
No one knows how the town got its name. One body of opinion argues that 'tin-tin-yara' was an
Aboriginal term used to describe the group of stars Europeans know as Orion's Belt. This explanation,
first proposed in 1841, claims that it had the meaning of 'a group of youths who hunt kangaroos and emus
on the great celestial plain'.
A more prosaic, but no less fascinating, explanation was published in The Register in 1919. It told the
story: 'We had a smart young blackfellow in our employ, with a name that sounded like Tin Tin. We liked
the sound of it, and when choosing a name for the [pastoral] station, we put 'ara' at the end of it, and made
Tintinara of it. Tin Tin was of the Coorong tribe, and in his white moleskin trousers, blue shirt and
cabbage-tree hat, was worth looking at.
Being on the edge of the desert the land was harsh and unforgiving. For many years it was known as the
'90 Mile Desert'. The first settlement in the area occurred in 1852 when Police Inspector Tolmer created a
track from the Mount Alexander goldfields in Victoria across to Adelaide. One of the stopping points on
this track was the place where the old Homestead now stands which was used as a watering spot.
It was mostly covered with mallee scrub and it wasn't until the arrival of the 'scrub rippers' (which ripped
the mallee out and ploughed the soil at the same time) that any real agriculture started in the district.
Tintinara Homestead and Post Office
It appears to be closed and is certainly on private property but the people are very friendly and will show
you around. The homestead was built in 1865 and shortly afterwards it became the Post Office. For a time
it was a stopping point for the Tolmer gold escort which brought gold from the Victorian fields across to
Adelaide. It is interesting to note that the building was once papered with old copies of the Adelaide
Chronicle which are still quite legible. It is located on Homestead Road 10 km outside Tintinara and is
easy to locate because of the handsome old pine trees at the entrance.
39
Tintinara Woolshed and Outbuildings
The people at Tintinara Homestead will point you in the direction of the Woolshed and Quarters which
are only a few hundred metres down the road. This was also built in 1865. It is now nothing more than a
solitary old building standing in a paddock although it is worth noting that the limestone walls are 80 cm
thick and the roof timbers, some of which are 11 metres long, were carted here from Kingston South East.
It is recognised as an excellent example of a building from its era.
Tintinara Homestead
Tintinara Woolshed
The Travelling at this stage of it‘s journey‘s seemed to have slowed down somewhat, it certainly looks
like it was put in a cupboard and forgotten for some 11 months, I was wondering at this stage, what has
happened to that old Masonic spirit. The Gavel worked quite good up to this point. Hooray!! the Gavel is
moving again, this time the W. Master of Tintinara Lodge No. 209, W. Bro. Stephen Brown travelled to
Kingston and presented the Travelling Gavel to ~~
History of Tintinara and Surrounding Area
Police Inspector Tolmer pioneered a track from Adelaide to the Mt. Alaxander goldfields in Victoria and
by 1852 Government wells and direction boards were erected along this route. The wells at the
Homestead and Reedy Wells were regular watering points for Tolmer's Escort team.
The first settlers to the area were T.W & J.H. Boothby, sons of the Judge of the Surpreme Court of SA,
Benjamin Boothby. They Purchased a lease of 165 sq.miles and formed a station known as 'Tintinara' - a
name derived from their Aboriginal workman, Tin Tin, a member of the Coorong Tribe. The original
settlement is at the Tintinara Homestead, 7 km west of the township.
The Boothby brothers were followed by pioneers william Harding and George Bunn, who, in 1865, built
the magnificent 16-stand shearing shed. Features of the shed are the 80 cm thick limestone walls and the
supporting oregon timbers, almost 11 m long, which were carted from Kingston by bullock drays
Both the Tintinara Homestead and the shearing shed are classified by the National Trust.
40
Lodge Kingston No. 161
November 1996
Their W. Master is: W. Bro. G. T. Giles
Stewart Terrace
Naracoorte 5271
Secretary: T. W. Flint: Phone: 087 67 2659
Kingston
Kingston-on-Murray (including Moorook)
Small township on the Murray River
Kingston-on-Murray is a small township (population around 300) located 214 km north-east of Adelaide
on the mighty Murray River. It lies in the heart of a rich agricultural district and the area around the town
is characterised by vineyards and orchards. The town is important as one of the major Murray River
crossing points and it was common for cars and trucks to be waiting for the ferry on both sides of the
river. This changed when a new bridge was constructed taking the Sturt Highway around the edge of the
town.
The town was named after Charles Cameron Kingston who was Premier of South Australia from 189399. He was a hugely important figure in state and federal politics being involved in the drafting of the first
Federal constitution and becoming a minister in one of the early federal governments.
The town was first surveyed in 1915 and was originally named Thurk which was the name of the property
where the town now stands. There is also a Thurk island in the Murray River near Kingston.
Things to see
Kingston Estate Wines
Located on the Sturt Highway, Kingston Estate Wines are open by appointment only, Tel: (08) 8583
0244.
Banrock Station Wine and Wetland Centre
Superb wine and wetlands experience on the banks of the Murray. Nothing we can say can quite match
the excellent website created for the destination. Go to http://www.banrockstation.com.au and enjoy the
great virtual tour.
Cave Cliff Historic Reserve
Located 7km north west of Kingston on Murray this reserve (ask around town for directions) is a mixture
of cliffs, river flat and scrubland which is notable for a number of well preserved Aboriginal canoe
trees, a midden and a limestone cave which was used by Aborigines for thousands of
years.
Moorook
Part of the history of the river lands is a sense of 'working together and sharing the
riches'. The Hundred of Moorook was proclaimed in 1893 and Premier Kingston, trying
to deal with high levels of unemployment and bank failures, encouraged people to move
to Moorook where they could work together. The first group travelled up the Murray
River in the Gem (it can be seen at Swan Hill) in 1894 and while the government had provided them with
some supplies they were expected to kill kangaroos and ducks and catch fish in order to survive. They
built a simple village where there was no money for currency and mutual help was mandatory. They
planted vegetables and orchards to earn a living and to provide food. By the outbreak of World War I the
desire for independence had seen Moorook collapse. People wanted to be rewarded for their own efforts.
The area was occupied by soldier settlers after World War I.
Moorook Game Reserve
The Moorook Game Reserve is signposted beside the Kingston-Loxton road 4 km south of the Sturt
41
Highway. It is a pleasant and peaceful game reserve with sedges and reeds growing along the edge of
Wachtel's Lagoon.
The longer this Gavel stays in the network of South Australian Masonic Lodges, the longer it seems to
stay in one Lodge. There is ample information on this Travelling Gavel to tell all the Brethren in the
Lodges it visits of what to do and not do., so to speak!
The rules for this Gavels success is as follows ~~
On representing this Travelling Gavel, each Lodge is asked to send back to us
The following information ~~
Lodge & No.
W/Masters & Secretaries; Name & Title ~
Their full postal address, ~ Phone No‟s ~ & Email addresses
The date the Gavel was or will be presented into the next Lodge
A little information on your Lodge ~ Town ~ Towns Industry ~ Climate ~ Tourism
~ History Etc. Etc.
Always send us the name of the Lodge you presented the Gavel to
Inc. all particulars listed above.
<<<>>>
Lodge Tintinara had the gavel for 12 months, not the usual 3 months, Lodge Kingston
held this Gavel for 14 months.
This was the Gavels 15th move.
When this Travelling Gavel was introduced into the Masonic Lodges in Victoria in
March 1993, it was only to be presented into 15 Lodges before its return back to us in
NSW.
The W. Master of Kingston Lodge No. 161 presented the Gavel to the W. Master of ~
Lodge Marlborough No. 179
January 1997
Port Adelaide
W. M. W. Bro.P. J. Summons
4/3 Cocos Grove
West Lakes 5021
Phone: 088 235 9758
Secretary: S. J. (Sam) Andrews ~ Phone: 088 235 9758
Adelaide (including Burnside, Fort G Port Adelaide
Port Adelaide hosts a number of wonderful museums including the South Australian Maritime Museum,
which features collections on the maritime history, as well as the Australian Museum of Childhood,
National Railway Museum, South Australian Aviation Museum and South Australian Military Vehicles
Museum
Lanville, Glenelg)
Capital city of South Australia. A pleasant, gracious city which still retains the feeling of a large
country town.
42
Adelaide is so neat and regular. Spread out on either side of the Torrens River on the flat coastal plain
between Gulf St Vincent and the Mount Lofty Ranges it lies, an overgrown country town, laid out in a
series of neat, easy to follow, grids. Of course it was planned - even before it was settled.
In 1829 Edward Gibbon Wakefield proposed a scheme for careful and systematic colonisation. The plan
was to sell lots of Crown Land and to use the money to pay for the emigration of labourers. After two
abortive attempts to activate the proposal it finally became a reality in 1834 when the South Australian
Association was formed. It was soon after this that Wakefield quit the organisation arguing that the price
of land was too low. At this stage things were looking rather unpromising for the new colony.
Still, in spite of these problems, a fleet of eight ships captained by John Hindmarsh left England and
arrived at Holdfast Bay (now Glenelg) on 28 December
1836.
The settlers were forced to camp at Holdfast Bay while
Colonel William Light, the colony's first Surveyor-General,
chose a suitable site for the future settlement.
Light and Hindmarsh disagreed over the location of the site.
Light was accused of building the city away from the sea (to
the maritime-minded British this was an unforgivable error)
on an alluvial mud plain which was dusty in summer and
muddy in winter.
He also designed the city along a clearly defined grid pattern
with the two major centres - Adelaide Central and North
The tram terminus at Glenelg on the coast
Adelaide - surrounded by parklands. The effect was to be a
city which looked like a square figure eight. The result, still evident today, is that Adelaide is carefully
planned and neatly geometric.
Today few would dispute the verdict that Light is 'entitled to praise'. However some have seen Light's
sharp-edged street plan as a symbol of the kinds of people who live in Adelaide. Randolph Bedford, a
politician and regular contributor to The Bulletin, wrote in 1905: 'Adelaide is...rectangular in its streets,
and therefore precise in its ways; its conduct a peculiar mixture of democratic progress and Cornish
religiousness - its austerity modified by the climate.
The next fifteen months saw the colony degenerate into near-chaos. The land near the site of modern-day
Adelaide had been surveyed and sold by March 1837 but surveys of country areas were delayed and
simple supply and demand meant that property speculation became the colony's main industry.
Speculation meant that little land was used for agricultural purposes and so a black market in imported
food and supplies flourished.
By 1840, only three years after first settlement, the colony had a population of 14 000 free settlers but was
totally bankrupt. It was in this year that the South Australia Company, determined that the city would
succeed, developed the wharves and warehouses at Port Adelaide, and built a road between the port and
the emerging city.
Fortunately the city was saved from economic ruin in 1842 when huge copper deposits were found at
Kapunda. Three years later more copper was discovered at Burra.
Today there is no city in Australia quite like Adelaide. There are images of Adelaide with the slowflowing River Torrens, the beautiful parks and, inevitably, the churches. Dubbed 'the city of churches' it is
more the serenity of the city than the actual number of churches which conjures up this notion of religious
commitment.
It has a country town friendliness with an urbanity which
gives it a distinctively European feel. It is a city which can
still be traversed, from north to south and through the 'main
street', King William Road, without having to contend with
traffic jams. Even at peak hour it is possible to drive into the
city with a minimum of delay and anxiety.
With a population of nearly a million people Adelaide is
Australia's fourth largest city. It is one of Australia's few
planned cities and its broad streets give it a sense of
openness and cleanliness which is missing from the more
hap hazardous developments of Sydney and Melbourne.
Looking up King William Street
It is a typical Mediterranean-style city. Not only does it
enjoy a typical Mediterranean climate with an average rainfall of 560 mm and a temperature range from
15°C (July) to 29°C (February) - it typically experiences at least 18 days above 35°C in the summer
43
months - but it is designed for outdoor living. Its malls, parks, and the Torrens River flowing through its
centre are all conducive to leisurely walks, picnics and
'promenading'.
In the last half century, like all Australian cities, Adelaide
has sprawled. Its suburbs now spread for nearly 40 km to the
south reaching almost to the McLaren Vale wine growing
area. To the east they nestle into the Adelaide Hills and, to
the north, they spill into the industrialised sprawl of
Elizabeth (named after the reigning monarch and developed
in the mid-1950s) and Salisbury.
Adelaide was originally a 'farinaceous village' meaning that
it originally was the centre of a successful wheat growing
area. By the 1850s its economic base had expanded and the
Jolley¹s Boathouse on the River Torrens
hinterland was producing wool, fruit and wines which were
being shipped out through the port.
The twentieth century has seen this city, named after King William IV's wife Queen Adelaide, become a
typical multi-purpose modern city. It boasts a strong manufacturing base - chemicals, electrical goods,
textiles, motor vehicles, steel tubes; has its own oil refinery at Port Stanvac thirty km to the south; is the
state's administrative and cultural centre; and is an ideal
location for sport, recreation and tourism.
But all this misses the heart of Adelaide which is its urbanity
and sophistication. Often the brunt of jokes - Max Gillies
used to portray the typical Adelaide dweller a chap with a
rather plummy accent wearing a pink shirt and cravat and
speaking of 'things cultural' in a restaurant while sipping from
a glass of white wine - Adelaide really has managed to
capture the cultural high ground in recent years. Its Festival
Centre, on the banks of the River Torrens, boasts three
theatres and an outdoor amphitheatre. The Adelaide Festival
of Arts has attracted major artists from all over the world.
And Adelaide, for its population, has more restaurants than
any other Australian city.
Its attractiveness seems to have been perfectly captured by
the little known novelist Doris Egerton Jones who wrote:
'Adelaide is just a beautiful place; we drove through its nice
broad streets and past the Parklands. I think the big stretches The statue of John McDouall Stuart at the
end of King William Street
of green bordered with trees look so cool and countrified
within three minutes of the heart of the city. And then the little gardens of scarlet and purple dotted
amongst the close-kept lawns and the bank of colour on the Torrens side, and the low riot of gold and
green in the shade of the plane-trees before the Oval.'
Adelaide's Main Attractions
Any visit to Adelaide is really a three-pronged exercise.
There are the historic buildings, the parks and malls, and the
interesting outlying suburbs.
.
Ayers House
Situated at 288 North Terrace, Ayers House is an elegant
Regency building which was built in 1846 for William
Paxton. In 1855 the building was acquired by Sir Henry
Ayers, the prominent South Australian businessman and
politician (he was State premier), who carried out substantial Adelaide from a lookout in the Adelaide
Hills
extensions to the original structure. In 1858 he added a
library and built a number of bedrooms at the back and in 1859 he added the large eastern drawing room
(used sometimes as a ballroom) and the two bow windows at the front. The extensions were finally
completed in 1874 when the western wing was added. Ayers continued to live in the house until his death
in 1897. During that time Ayers House was used as a residence where he entertained large numbers of
prominent dignitaries. Today the house, which has been restored by the South Australian Government, is
open for inspection. It houses the National Trust of South Australia.
44
Botanic Gardens
One of the most delightful botanic gardens in Australia, this
delightful and historic garden was established in 1855. Open
from 7.00 am until a variable closing time it is a cool escape
beside the Torrens River. Among the most impressive
displays is the Museum of Economic Botany, a new
glasshouse (reputedly the largest in the southern hemisphere
it offers a display of tropical rainforest complete with a
permanently dripping roof), a magnificent wisteria arbour
and an avenue of Moreton Bay figs which were originally
planted in 1866. Of equal interest is the State Herbarium, an View across Adelaide from North Terrace
institute for research which boasts a collection of more than
half a million dried plants from all over the world. The collection of South Australian orchids and
mushrooms is considered to be of national importance. The Herbarium is located in the south-east corner
of the Botanic Garden. For further information contact the Adelaide Botanic Garden on (08) 8228 2311.
Adelaide Gaol
Located off Port Road which runs west from North Terrace, the old Adelaide Gaol is open to visitors for
self-guided tours Sunday through to Friday between 11.00 a.m. and 3.30 p.m. Guided tours are available
on Sundays at 11.00 a.m., midday and 1.00 p.m. The brochure available on the gaol offers a succinct
history: 'Adelaide Gaol is more than 147 years old. It was one of the public buildings constructed by
Governor George Gawler which marked the transformation of early Adelaide into a permanent
settlement.
'The first stage of the building was opened in 1841, with the remainder of the half decagon design
completed in 1847 ... Both remand and sentenced prisoners were accommodated at the Adelaide Gaol.
Female prisoners were housed in the gaol until 1969 ... Adelaide Gaol was used for the confinement of
prisoners as recently as February, 1988. Their graffiti adorns the walls and their magazines are still
scattered in the cells.' 45 hangings took place at the gaol, at four separate locations. Notable in the gaol is
the original bell which dates from 1837 (it was made in 1837 and arrived in Adelaide in 1841), the graves
area where all inmates hanged at the gaol are buried, and the unusual carved faces at the entrance.
Holy Trinity Church
Located at 87 North Terrace this Anglican church is known as 'The pioneer church of South Australia'.
The foundation stone was laid by Governor Hindmarsh in 1838. It was rebuilt and enlarged in 1844 and
again in 1888. The church clock was made by Vulliamy, the clockmaker to King William IV and Queen
Adelaide. More information about the church is available by contacting (08) 8212 2311
Migration Museum
Located at 82 Kintore Avenue off North Terrace and open from 10.00-5.00 (Monday and Friday) and
1.00 p.m. -5.00 p.m. (weekends), the Migration Museum is 'a social history of South Australian
immigration and settlement'. A combination of photographs, computerised information, recreated hostel
rooms, and audio visual displays it offers a rare and interesting overview of Australia's migration
programs since the early nineteenth century. The only museum of its kind in Australia it was opened in
1986. Entry is free.
.Parliament House
The Old Parliament House is located on North Terrace just west of King William Street. Open from 10.00
a.m. - 5.00 p.m. Monday - Friday and 12.00 - 5.00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, this award winning
museum with its sophisticated audio visual displays, its 'South Australia Story' show and shop and
restaurant offers an excellent over view of the political and social history of South Australia. The building
itself, nestled between the current Parliament House and the Adelaide Railway Station was built in 1855
and is a fine example of one of Adelaide's early public buildings.
St Francis Xavier's Cathedral
Located in Wakefield Street, this impressive building is the centre for Roman Catholic worship in
Adelaide. It was built progressively between 1856 and 1926. Like St Mary's Cathedral in Sydney it has
never been completed. The absence of the spire is notable. For more information about times of mass
contact (08) 8231 3551
45
Tandanya
Tandanya is the home of the National Aboriginal Cultural Institute and is located in the East End Precinct
of the city. The brochure explains that it 'provides a unique opportunity in Australia for visitors to
experience living Aboriginal culture in its historic context. Visitors may observe the production of
artifacts, enjoy traditional and contemporary music, theatre and dance, and purchase Aboriginal art and
craft of integrity - all on the one site.' Managed and controlled by local Aborigines Tandanya is an
excellent opportunity to explore the culture of South Australian Aborigines while remaining within the
Adelaide city limits. The name 'Tandanya' means 'place of the kangaroo', the original name for the
Adelaide city area used by the Kaurna people, the original land owners of the region.
Telecommunications Museum
A genuinely fascinating and unusual museum conveniently located in the city centre at 131 King William
Street (tel: (08) 8230 6601) it has separated sections devoted to Wireless Telegraphy, Beyond 2000, Early
Home Receivers, Telephony, External Plant, Radio Transmission, Optical Fibre, Telegraphy and Machine
Telegraphy. Given South Australia's importance in the history of Australian telecommunications
(particularly the connection of the Overland Telegraph Line with Europe) it is appropriate that this
museum, which is open from 10.30 a.m. - 3.30 p.m. (admission free) should be housed in Adelaide.
Adelaide Zoo
Located close to the city centre on the banks of the Torrens River and surrounded by the city's superb
Botanic Park, the Zoo is over 100 years old. Inevitably this means that its 1500 exotic and native
mammals, birds and reptiles are housed in a setting characterised by its Victorian elegance. Its popular
attractions include an Australian Wetlands Exhibit, a walk-through Australian Rainforest Exhibit and a
recreation of Seal Bay on Kangaroo Island. The zoo prides itself in its collection of endangered species
which include the Golden-lion Tamarin, Red Panda, Scimitar-horned Oryx and Persian leopard. It is open
from 9.30 a.m. - 5.00 p.m. every day of the year.
This is, inevitably, a brief list of the city centre's highlights. Beyond these are literally dozens of
interesting buildings and the visitor will certain want to explore the Rundle Mall and perhaps experience
Hindley Street at night, Adelaide's answer to Kings Cross. Further information can most readily be
obtained from the city's Information Centre on the corner of King William Street and North Terrace,
directly opposite the South Australian Parliament.
Suburban Adelaide
Fort Glanville
Located 14 km north-west of the city Fort Glanville is an extraordinary collection of buildings which
serve as a reminder of our colonial commitment to Britain. Throughout the nineteenth century the
Australian colonies had always been eager to involve themselves in Britain's military adventures. It was
this eagerness which resulted in the joint decision by the Governor of South Australia, Sir William Jervois
(a military engineer and expert on coastal defence) and Lieutenant-Colonel Peter Scratchley, to build a
number of defensive forts along the coast of Gulf St Vincent.
Fort Glanville was designed by scratchily, the contract for its construction was £15,893/12/7, and building
commenced in 1878. By the end of 1880 the fort was completed and the guns had been mounted and
fired. Its life was short. By 1900 it was being maintained by a caretaker.
The fort declined rapidly. It was used briefly during World War I, by the 1930s it was a campsite for Boy
Scouts and, in 1937, most of the metal on the site was removed for scrap. It was sold to the State
Government in 1951 and in 1981 was opened to the public. Today this interesting building with its
barracks, stores, ramparts and guns, is a fascinating reminder of an interesting footnote in our colonial
history. It is open the third Sunday of each month from 1.00 p.m. - 5.00 p.m. For more information
Contact: (08) 8337 0077.
46
Glenelg
No visit to Adelaide is complete without a 10 km trip down to
Glenelg. Today it is a typical seaside resort, all-the-fun-of-the-fair,
and place for Adelaide people to visit. Historically it was where
Adelaide really started. This was the place where, on 28 December
1836 Governor Hindmarsh proclaimed South Australia a British
province. It was originally named Holdfast Bay (apparently because
some ships successfully rode out a gale) but this was changed to
Glenelg, after Lord Glenelg, the Secretary of State for Colonies, in
1837.
Early life at Glenelg (while Colonel Light decided on Adelaide as
the major settlement) was impossibly hard. The settlers lived in mud
huts and tents for nearly six
Months. It is hard to imagine this as you marvel at the ornateness of
the Town Hall, walk along the jetty, play mini-golf in the huge
Amusement Park, or watch the trams come and go along Jetty Road.
The Buffalo, a tourist attraction
Of particular historic interest is the Old Gum Tree (now bent so that
sailing boat at Glenelg
it forms an arch) where Governor Hindmarsh reputedly read the
proclamation declaring South Australia a British colony.
A replica of the HMS Buffalo, the ship in which Governor Hindmarsh arrived, is located north of the
centre of Glenelg. It is used as a restaurant Contact (08) 8294 7000 for bookings.
***
Having received the Travelling Gavel back home from South Australia late 1998, after touring around
Victorian and South Australian Lodges for 5 years, I refurbished the whole Gavel structure, added more
engraving plates from 15 to 38. changed a few items on the box the Gavel travelled in, changed the time
each Lodge was to hold the Gavel, to see if it would speed up the representing times, which read, ~~
This Travelling Gavel MUST be represented soon after it‘s received into a Lodge
In march 1999 we travelled down to Phillip Island (Victoria) for the National Fishing Titles and
Convention, it was while we were at this Convention that I visited a Daylight Lodge in Ringwood,
Maroondah Daylight Lodge No. 607, which is also Wor. Bro. Roy Turner‘s Lodge.
He had left Adastral Lodge No. 397,and rejoined Maroondah Daylight Lodge No. 507. We must not
forget, it was this Bro. Roy Turner, the reason for having this Travelling Gavel in the first place.
On this visitation to the Ringwood Lodge I represented this Travelling Gavel to W. Bro. Turner for the
second time, this time at,
8th March 1999
The
Maroondah Daylight Lodge No. 607
Ringwood
Second Monday 10:00 am (January, no meeting) (Rehearsal - 1st Monday) Inst - April
WM: (2012) W.Bro. GR. Fairbairn, 2/2 Pearwood Street, Ringwood, 3134. Tel.: Pri. 9876 9444
Sec: V. W.Bro. LC. (Les) Johns, PGIW, 165 Plymouth Road, Warranwood, 3134.Tel.: Pri. 9876 6309;
Mob. 0409 352 352
Masonic Centre: 164 - RINGWOOD
As Maroondah Daylight Lodge No. 607, is in Ringwood, Victoria, I‘ll explain a little
about their town.
47
Ringwood Masonic Centre
Maroondah Daylight Lodge No. 607 2nd Monday at 10.00 am
(January, no meeting)
Installation:- - April
Secretary: W. Bro. Graham Dennis, PGStdB 03 9876 3188
Ringwood, Victoria
The eastern Melbourne suburb of Ringwood developed round the Log Cabin Inn which opened in 1850 to
accommodate wayfarers travelling to and from Gippsland and the Goulburn goldfields. The first residents
were timber-getters and paling splitters who eventually gave way to orchardists as the stands of trees were
cleared. As part of Maroondah City, Ringwood, which is 23km from the heart of Melbourne, is a strategic
centre, with lavish amounts of settable commercial space and a large shopping centre. The heritage walk
features spectacular views of the Dandenong Ranges. Many of the city‘s parks and reserves are wetland
sanctuaries for a variety of water fowl and other wildlife. Wombelano Park in East Ringwood conserves
7.5ha of bushland featuring a significant stand of remnant forest, wetland and wildlife habitat. The
reserve supports 25 species of birds and colonies of possums and bats. The reserve is networked by 2km
of walking track which skirts picnic grounds, playgrounds and toilets.
Ringwood is a residential suburb 23 km. east of Melbourne, situated on the Maroondah Highway.
The precursor of the Maroondah Highway was the track to the Gippsland and Upper Goulburn gold
fields, via Lilydale, and before that the track to Gippsland's pastoral runs. A Log Cabin Inn was opened in
1850 for travellers at the future site of Ringwood. Timber getters and paling splitters were the first
occupants of the district.
The Parish of Ringwood was surveyed and named by the early 1860s. The origin of the name is uncertain,
the likely derivation being from Ringwood in the New Forest, Hampshire, England. In 1864 the Parish
was brought within the Berwick Roads District, but transferred to the Upper Yarra Roads District a few
years later. In 1872 when the Roads District was made a shire, Ringwood was part of Lilydale shire.
In addition to timber and farming pursuits, antimony mining began at Ringwood. A large mine occupied
the site of the future civic offices and was operated until 1892. A primary school was opened in 1874. The
Log Cabin Inn became the Coach and Horses Hotel in the 1870s, and other stores and businesses opened
nearby. There was also development at Ringwood East where the Club Hotel and the Mechanics' Institute
were opened. The heavy soil was not particularly suitable for agriculture at first, but brick and tile making
began in 1884. Two years before the railway line was connected, from Camberwell to Lilydale. Churches
established their own buildings, beginning with the Catholic Church in 1872.
Orchard and berry growing were developed during the 1880s, and in 1896 a horticultural society was
formed. It held its first show the next year. In 1910 a Fruit growers' Association was formed and it built a
cool store near the railway
Station the next year. By then Ringwood was a railway junction, where the Upper Fern Tree Gully line
(1889) met the Lilydale line. Ringwood was described in The Australian Handbook, 1903, as Reticulated water and electricity were connected to Ringwood in 1915, a decade when the population
doubled to about 2,000 persons. The Ringwood Railway Estate of 85 "grand villa home sites" was
released, located approximately where the Scoresby freeway reservation now crosses Maroondah
Highway. The progress association became active and separation from Lilydale shire was urged. The
Ringwood borough was created on 22 October, 1924, coinciding with the opening of primary schools at
Ringwood North (1923) and Ringwood East (1924) and the electrification of the railway line (1923). The
Ringwood East station was opened in 1925 and the Heathmont station, immediately south of Ringwood
on the line to Upper Ferntree Gully, were opened in 1926. Civic pride was celebrated when the war
memorial clock tower was dedicated in 1927, since moved to one side from the middle of the highway.
Between 1924 and 1930 land subdivisions resulted in over 1,100 sites being released. Whilst not all were
taken up at once, population growth was steady. Numerous suburban amenities were opened - improved
electric lighting, new Council offices (1927), a baby health centre (1929), a fire station (1930) and a
concert hall (1936). A comprehensive sewerage scheme was planned during the 1920s, but its
commencement waited the post war years and there was a long catch-up period as post war housing
quickly spread.
48
Between 1946 and 1950, 450 houses were built and occupied in Ringwood. Over 80% of resident workers
found local employment in factories and light industries. Orchards were taken up and subdivision activity
extended to Heathmont and North Ringwood during the 1960s. In 1954 a high school was opened and in
1960 a co-educational Ringwood technical school was opened in the Heathmont area. On 19 March,
1960, Ringwood was declared a city, the year after the Council removed a landmark yellow-box gum tree
for the duplication of Whitehorse Road. The Council was conscious that its local economy could suffer if
it did not have a modern shopping centre, and it set aside 3.24 ha. for a civic centre, shopping area and car
park in 1959. The action resulted in protracted court proceedings, as it was considered to be beyond the
Council's powers, particularly as it involved the compulsory acquisition of land. The Council's decision
prevailed and the Eastland shopping centre was begun in 1966. The civic centre was completed in 1970.
Ringwood is designated as a metropolitan strategic district centre. By 1995 Eastland had a gross lettable
area of 37,000 square metres. A department store and a discount-department store gave it regional status.
The nearby Ringwood Square Shopping Centre (1982, 15,000 square metres), is sub-regional. Between
them is the Ringwood Market, a fully enclosed centre of 5,600 square metres. The Highway shopping
strip functions surprisingly well despite the
competition.
Yarra Valley
'Wine country'
If you‘re looking for a region within easy driving
distance of Melbourne that offers a sensational array
of sophisticated pleasures and dazzling scenery, they don‘t come much sweeter than the Yarra Valley.
Barely an hour‘s drive from the heart of Melbourne, this captivating region combines world-class food,
wine and spectacular natural attractions. Before you begin your tour of the region, pick up a copy of the
Yarra Valley Wine Touring Guide, a self-guided tour that starts with the smaller boutique wineries,
including Yering Farm, Seville Estate, Evelyn County Estate and Elmwood Estate. The guide is available
from any of the local visitor information centres.
Find cottages and self-contained accommodation in the Yarra Valley
The Yarra Valley is the coolest wine region on the Australian mainland, yet its ability to produce
outstanding wine is beyond question. Wine grapes have been grown in these flowing hills since 1838,
when a vineyard was planted at what is now Yering Station – the birthplace of the Victorian wine
industry. In 1889, a cabernet from the Yering Valley
Vineyard won a grand prix at the Paris Wine Exhibition,
the only wine from the Southern Hemisphere to achieve
such a distinction.
Home to more than 55 wineries, the Yarra Valley has
achieved good results with practically every variety of
grape. Its chardonnays and Rhine rieslings are an
unqualified success, and the gewerztraminer is regarded as
some of Australia‘s outstanding examples of that style.
The greatest strength of the Yarra Valley is its red
varieties, in particular its cabernet sauvignon and pinot
noir. But more recently, the region has been acknowledged
for its ability to produce great chardonnays, and the
famous French Champagne house Moet & Chandon chose
this area to grow the chardonnay grapes for its sparkling
wines, which can be sampled at the Domaine Chandon
winery.
Apart from its wines, the Yarra Valley is a prime source of
fresh produce, as you‘ll discover if you call in at the monthly Yarra Valley Regional Farmers‘ Market at
Yering Station.
Renowned for their fine food and quality produce, Yarra Valley markets are a great way to meet the
growers and stock up on fresh local produce, as well as handmade crafts, plants and seedlings. Time your
visit to coincide with one of these local weekend markets, or discover the joys of farm-gate shopping, the
foodie equivalent of wine-tasting at the cellar door. As you tour the region, keep an eye out for the
49
roadside stalls selling fresh produce along the Yarra Valley Food Trail, or pick your own fruit at local
berry farms. The region also produces freshwater salmon and trout, salmon caviar, ice cream, hazelnuts
and chestnuts, organically grown fruit, berries and vegetables, handmade cheese, pastas and preserves.
The Yarra Valley also has a lively festival calendar. An annual highlight is the Honda Yarra Valley Grape
Grazing Festival, when more than 20 wineries get together to choreograph a weekend of wine, food,
music, local produce and fun. In 2004, the event will be held on the weekend of 14-15 February.
Throughout the rest of the year, music features heavily on the Yarra Valley‘s list of festivals. Among the
highlights are Domain Chandon‘s Opera in the Vineyard; the Jazz in the Vines Festival at the Tarrawarra
Winery; and Rochford Wines Summer Music Festival at Rochford‘s Eyton Winery.
There are several tour operators that offer various food and wine tours
of the Yarra Valley, and leaving the driving to someone else makes
good sense if you plan a day of wine-tasting. Limousine tours, mini-bus
tours or bicycles are just some of the options, but one of the best ways
to experience the vineyards is from a hot-air balloon. Balloon flights
depart just after dawn and drift effortlessly and silently above a carpet
of forests, farms, and the green corridors of the vineyards, before
setting you down for a breakfast of sparkling wine and local produce at
one of the wineries. Several local operators offer balloon flights, and
thanks to the region‘s stable weather patterns, flights operate all year
round.
The Yarra Valley is also a great place to shop for all things handmade.
Visit the Yarra Glen Craft market on the first Sunday of each month,
stock up on pasta at The Yarra Valley Pasta Shop, and shop for gifts
and souvenirs at Redgum Gallery in Lilydale. In Marysville and Warburton you‘ll find galleries with
local products made from recycled timber and local clay.
If your taste in travel runs to wilderness as well as wine, continue past Healesville through the glorious
Yarra Ranges National Park to Lady Talbot Drive, just out of Marysville. The first 11 kilometres of this
48-kilometre scenic loop drive follows the Taggerty River through Marysville State Forest, then enters
the Yarra Ranges National Park. The first stop is the Phantom Falls car park, then a short walk to the
viewing platform. In spring, when the falls are fed by melting snow from Mount Margaret, they are at
their most spectacular, sending a veil of spray rolling through the valley.
The drive continues past a succession of wild wonders – including Keppel Falls, the Taggerty River
Valley, and The Beeches, an ancient rainforest with mossy stands of myrtle beech trees that soar into the
heavens. If the sun is shining, take the four-kilometre Beeches Walk loop track, which crosses the
Taggerty River where it meets Whitehouse Creek. The trees here are mountain ash, the second largest
species in the world after the California redwood.
―
The Yarra Valley is the coolest wine region on the Australian mainland, yet its ability to produce
outstanding wine is beyond question.‖
Picture of Lilydale Masonic Centre, looking from
Anderson Street Lilydale
The Travelling Gavel having left the town of
Ringwood, journeyed to Lilydale and was presented
into –
50
26th August 1999
YARRA VALLEY LODGE No. 860
A. F. and A.. Masons of Victoria
Consecrated June 1979
August 1999
Dear W. Bro. Rick Howes,
I write to acknowledge receipt of the Travelling Gavel.
Yarra Valley Lodge received it on Thursday 26th August 1999; it was presented to our Master by the
Worshipful Master Maroondah Daylight, W. Bro. Roy Turner.
W. Bro. Turner read to the members in the South that night the story of the Travelling Gavel.
W. Bro. John Wilson Master of our Lodge as requested, and then presented this Gavel in the same manner
to W. Bro. Robert Wallace of the Donna Buang Lodge No. 324 on the second Saturday 9 th October.
Yarra valley Lodge is a young Lodge by many standards only Consecrated in 1979, our sponsor Lodge is
the Orient Lodge of Lilydale No. 108 that meets in the same Centre. The Lilydale Masonic Centre is on
the corner of Anderson Street and
George Street. Lilydale and four Blue Lodges meet there, plus other orders.
Our town of Lilydale is the base of the Yarra Valley region and now boast some of
the best
wines in Australia: The town grew around the Mitchell quarries which produce
lime products from an
open cut mine on the edge of the town, we have a large population of Italian citizens and they have
built the Lilydale International Club on the Maroondah Highway heading out of town.
Once the home of Dame Nellie Melba, the world famous opera singer
Hope this information is what you require, if you need any further please don‘t hesitate to let me know
Yours Fraternally,
W.Bro. Graham Simpson
Secretary:- Yarra Valley Lodge
Phone:
- 03 5964 3784
2nd letter
December 1999
Details as requested:-
Phone:- 03 8727 1677
Master Yarra Valley Lodge No. 860
W. Bro. John R. Wilson
11 Ashton Avenue
Mooroolbark 3138
Secretary:- W Bro. Graham Simpson
Postal Address:-P. O. Box 107 Wandin North 3139 Victoria
Installation: 4th Thursday June
51
History of Lilydale
Lilydale (including Montrose, Wandin, Seville,
Coldstream and Dandenong Ranges National Park)
Dandenong‟s settlement noted for wine growing
Lilydale, 39 km west-north-west of Melbourne via the
Maroondah Highway, could be described as the gateway to
the Yarra Valley wine-growing area. In fact a profitable
wine industry developed at Lilydale in the 19th century on
the back of the rich red volcanic soils of the area. It got
under way with the planting of the Yarra Valley's first vines
in 1838 at Yering station to the north (see entry on Yarra
One of the many vineyards at Lilydale
Glen). The pioneers in this respect were William Ryrie, Paul
de Castella and Baron de Pury.
In 1856 a small number of locals petitioned the government to allow the formation of a local council. In
fact Lilydale was constituted as a district and the Upper Yarra Roads Board was constituted that year (it
did not hold its first meeting until 1862), bringing some form of local administration although Lilydale
shire was not formed until 1872.
The name Lilydale was taken from Lilly, the daughter of Paul de Castella, although locals changed the
spelling to accord with the spelling of the flower which presumably seemed more poetic. By the start of
the 1880s wine-growing was thriving, as was the lime industry. Locals lobbied successfully for the
extension of the Melbourne railway which arrived at Lilydale in 1882. However, the disease known as
phylloxera hit Australian vines late in the century and closed all the vineyards. It was not until quite
recently that the industry began to thrive once again. Today, boutique wines are a specialty of the area
where the vineyards trend to be quite small, owing to the price of land. There are also a number of
orchards, along with berry, herb and lavender farms. The population, in the 1996 census, was 10 694.
David Mitchell, the father of famous operatic diva Dame Nellie Melba, was one of the largest landholders
in the area. He owned a dairy, a bacon factory and once built a 16-km tramway to convey firewood to his
lime kilns. Dame Nellie (1861-1931) maintained her connection with the area during her adulthood.
While in Australia, and particularly after her retirement, she passed time in the hills and had a retreat at
Coldstream (5 km north of Lilydale). When she died large crowds lined the streets of the funeral
procession which conveyed her from Melbourne to Lilydale where it was met by a guard of honour who
conveyed the hearse to a gun carriage and from there to the Lilydale cemetery where she was laid to rest
in a family plot.
The Lilydale Agricultural and Horticultural Show is one of the state's largest such shows outside of
Melbourne. It is held in November. The Lilydale Antique Fair and Art Exhibition is held at Jean Eales
Pavilion at 27-29 Market St at the outset of October. At Wandin, 10 km south-east of Lilydale on the
Warburton Highway, the Victorian Cherry Festival falls in December and the Wandin Field Days are held
at the Wandin East Reserve in October. The Coldstream Country and Western Festival is held in
February.
.
Wineries
St Huberts Vineyard
St Huberts Vineyard was originally established in 1862 and replanted in 1966. It produces chardonnay,
sauvignon Blanc, roussanne, pinot noir, cabernet sauvignon, cabernet merlot, pinot noir/chardonnay and
sparkling wine. It is open weekdays from 9.30 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. and, on weekends and public holidays,
from 10.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. There are picnic, barbecue and playground facilities and Jazz in the Summer
is held every summer.
Yarra Valley Winery Tours
Yarra Valley Winery Tours offer personalised tours for travellers, social, business and conference groups
which include lunch, wine tastings at Yarra Valley wineries, a pick-up and return service and an on-board
tour host, tel: (03) 5962 3870.
Dandenong Ranges National Park
Dandenong Ranges National Park (3215 ha) is a very attractive and popular attraction which beckons
Melburnians who can gaze upon its western slopes on a clear day. It was declared in 1987, although this
declaration represented the amalgamation of diverse sections.
52
The Park offers opportunities for walking, sightseeing, picnicking, nature observation and car touring.
More than 350 plant species, 130 bird species, 31 species of mammals (most are nocturnal), 21 reptile
species and nine amphibian species have been recorded in the Park which is divided into five sections.
The Mt Evelyn Forest, on the northern slopes of the ranges, constitutes the smallest (180 ha) and newest
section of the Park. It is characterised by a combination of wet and dry forest types. The former features
manna gums and mountain grey gums with an understorey of fern gullies and creeks
while the latter consists of red stringy bark and long-leaved box eucalypts. Echidnas, goannas, native rats,
fan-tailed cockatoos, yellow-tailed black cockatoos, superb parrots and boobook, powerful and barking
owls live in this section of the park. Rarities include a few platypuses, the small grass tree and a local
form of the alpine grevillea.
13 January 2000
Donna Buang Lodge No 324, District
Meets at the Masonic centre 3488
2nd Saturday of each month, except
C/- 26 Hazelwood Road
Warburton Highway
January July and August
Warburton East Victoria 3799
Tel:- (03) 5966 5955, Fax:- C/- (03) 5966 9414
Thursday 13 January 2000
Dear W. Bro. Rick,
RE; AUSTRALIAN TRAVELLING GAVEL COLLECTION (VICTORIA)
On Saturday night (15 January) it will be my pleasure to pass on the Victorian Travelling gavel to W.
Bro. Norm Stace, Wor. Master of Albert Edward Lodge
No. 59 at Alexandra.
The Gavel was presented to this Lodge by the Yarra Valley Lodge No. 860 on 6 October 1999 and has
been much admired by members of the Lodge and visiting Brethren. Members of Donna Buang join me
in congratulating you on such a splendid idea which is bound to strengthen the bonds of Freemasonry, not
only around Australia but around the world.
I will include a copy of this letter with the other documents accompanying the Gavel to Wor. Bro. Norm,
plus three leaflets describing the Yarra Valley where we are located. I will also pass on a copy of the
Installation card from our meeting 9th May 1998. This marked our 75th Anniversary and was celebrated
by a re-enactment of the Consecration Ceremony by Most Worshipful Neville Smith, Past Grand Master
rand the 1998/99 Grand Lodge Ceremonial Team. The card also includes a brief account of our 75-year
History, enlarged photo copies of it‘s pages are attached.
We are grateful for the honour of having been chosen as one of the Lodges to be included in the journey
of this unique Victorian Travelling Gavel.
Yours Fraternally
Robert A. Wallace
Worshipful Master
Secretary:- W. Bro. Don Pasco PM
17 Berry‘s Road
Emerald
Victoria 3782
Installation 2nd Saturday May
Tel:- (03) 5968 5972
History of
53
Warburton ~ Victoria
Warburton is a town on the Yarra River 60 km. east of Melbourne, surrounded by foothills of the Great
Dividing Range.
In late 1959 gold was discovered in the Warburton area, at Britannia Creek west of Warburton and at
Scotchman‘s and yankee Jim,sw Creeks. A settlement called Yankee Jim‘s (named after the name of a
gold discoverer), was formed on thew creek. When an important lead was found in 1863 the name was
changed to Warburton, after Police Magistrate Charles Warburton Carr. As the gold began to run out,
mines moved northwards to the Yarra River flats and a new Warburton was formed, it was named, Upper
Warburton to distinguish it from Old Warburton on Yankee Jim‘s Creek.
In 1871 the first freehold land was taken up in the Warburton area, and ib 1875 a school was opened. In
1882 the Australian Handbook described
Warburton as –
On 19 October, 1888, the Upper Yarra Shire of 911 sq km. was proclaimed with Warburton as the
administrative centre. In 1890 a Methodist Church was built in Warburton. In 1894 the Warburton Village
Settlement east of Warburton, was established. It consisted of numerous small farms, inspired by the
Anglican Reverend Horace Tucker who persuaded the Government to pass a Village Settlement Act. The
Settlement became Wesburn. In 1901 when the population of Warburton was 195, the railway line fro,
Lilydale to Warburton was opened. Prior to then the transport was packhorse and coach, sufficient for the
carriage of gold and supplies but not for timber. Paling splitters had become active in the Warburton hills
in the late 1890‘s. The railway connection opened Warburton up to improve freight movement and to
tourism. The 1-05 picturesque Victoria published by the Victorian Railways emphasised the local scenery
and the numerous excursions to waterfalls and views from Warburton.
In 1906 the seventh day Adventist Church established a community at Wonwondah, one kilometre east of
Warburton. Their school attracted about 90 pupils of whom half were local children. Warburton had two
aspects which the Adventists wanted – a clean environment ( in keeping with their avoidance of alcohol
and tobacco) and copious water flow in local streams to power their printing works for the production of
religious literature. The established the Signs Printing Company building and workers cottages and
shortly afterwards open a Sanitarium and health – food factory, the forerunner of the Sanitarium Health
Company (1925)
Post war Warburton underwent steady if in unspectacular growth. The Upper Yarra High School was
opened in 1966 and the Olympic Swimming Pool in 1969. There was a surrender to the motor car age
when the railway line from Lilydale was closed on 13th December 1964. Warburton‘s role in the culture
life
Of the Upper Yarra Shire was enhanced by the opening of the Civil Arts Centre in 1980, becoming the
venue for annual Easter film festival .
The Warbuton strip-shopping area is the service centre for it‘s immediate region,
No significant centre exists in the Yarra Varra Valley and the nearest competitor downstream is Yarra
Junction. The strip has about 50 residence, mostly retail, but is constrained by a floodplain to the north
and the railway reserve on the south. The 1980‘s and the 1990‘s witnessed the greater consciousness of
history and preservation in the community. In 1998, the Shire‘s centenary trail along the former railway
line was opened. The following year saw the first Drought House and Old Time Festival and the Winter
Fest in 1991. The Warburton Bridges and River Walk Track was opened in 1993
Warburton‘s census population have been 195 (1901), 1,242 (1911), 1,405 including Warburton East
(1993)
In 1912 a bridle track to the Mount Donna Buang snow resort was opened and widened to two metres in
1924 by the Ski Club of Victoria. By the mid 1920‘s twelve hotels and guest houses were in Warburton,
including the ―
Mountain Grand‖ of 50 rooms offering the best wines and cigars as well as petrol for
motorists, hire-car services were also available, and trout catchcry restocked the streams with fish
Accommodation reached new heights in 1927 with the opening of the chalet, with space for 280 guests, it
was destroyed by fire in 1973
The Upper Yarra Shire offices were moved from Warburton to Yarra Junction, 10km. eastwards.
Warburton‘s tourism and timber industry were little affected by this. Cumming Smith Pty. Ltd. Had a
54
large timber seasoning works at east Warburton and a wood distillery plant at Britannia Creek. The
description of Warburton in the Australian Blue Book
Albert Edward Lodge No. 59
A. F. and A.
Masons of Victoria
Alexandra
Meets at the Masonic Hall, Alexandra
Third Thursday 7:30 pm (Dec., no meeting) (Reh - Thur and Mon. prior to meeting). Inst - October
WM: WBro. AE. White
Sec: WBro. SF. (Stuart) Dale, PJGD, PO Box 253, Alexandra, 3714. Tel.: Pri. 5772 2708; Mob. 0448 902
262; email. stuartda@bigpond.net.au
Masonic Centre: 4 - ALEXANDRA
Secretary; J. C. Larrit
56 Webster Street, Alexandra, 3714
28th August 2000
Dear Bro. Howes,
I wish to advise you that the ―T
ravelling Gavel‖ which was presented to Albert Edward Lodge No. 59, on
15th January 2000, was presented to Mansfield Lodge No. 158 on Wednesday 12 th July 2000 by the
Worshipful Master of Albert Edward Lodge, Wor. Bro. Norm Stace, accompanied by a number of his
Brethren.
The Worshipful Master of Mansfield Lodge is W. Bro. W. R. (Bill) White of 125 Highton Lane,
Mansfield 3722. The Secretary is Bro. C.G.(Gordon) McMillan.
We had our problems finding a recipient and time to effect a transfer of the ―
Gavel‖ but managed to
include a small amount of History of our Lodge
Yours Fraternally,
John C. Larrit P.J.G.D
Secretary.
History of
Alexandra ~ Victoria
Lodge Albert Edward No. 59 ~ District
Alexandra is a town (and until 1994, a shire), 90 km. North east of Melbourne.
Alexandra was situated in the north-central part of it‘s shire, other towns (going from north to south)
included Gobur, Kanumbra, Yarck, Cathkin, Koriella and south of Alexandra, Thornton, Snobs Creek,
Eldon, Acheron, Taggerty, Rubicon, Marysville, Buxton, St. Fillans and Narbethong. Snobs Creek is the
site of the trout hatchery, also in the south of the former shire is the Eildon and Cathedral Range State
Parks and the Lake Mountain snowfields.
Until 1866 Alexandra and the surrounding district were occupied by squatting runs, in June of that year
two employees of the Mount Pleasant Run found a quarts reef about two km. south-east of the future site
of Alexandra. Other gold-gearing locations were discovered soon afterwards, a notable one being along
the UT (Ultima Thule) Creek. A tributary of the Goulburn River. There was also a track of other diggings
along which supplies were brought, and the track passed through a red gate in the boundary between
55
squatting runs, the boundary more or less following the UT Creek, Red Gate became a small township on
UT Creek until named Alexandra in about 1867 after the Princess of Wales or the given name
(Alexandra) of the discoverers of gold in 1866.
Some nearby reefs were very rich, which attracted development to Alexandra Township, blocks were sold
and a school opened in 1867, and a Shire proclaimed on 3 rd September 1869. The Shire Hall (1877), later
the court house, is on the Victorian Heritage Register. Hotels were numerous and a range of shops existed
by 1870‘s, other than a greengrocer because Chinese market gardeners grew produce on the river flats. In
1875 The Australian Handbook described Alexandra as –
Alexandra was awkwardly located for connection by railways to Melbourne. It could have had a direct
line via the difficult Yarra Ranges or a spur from the Melbourne to Mansfield line. It achieved the latter in
1909. The line was seldom profitable, depending on freight from timber. Tourism was active, particularly
in the Shire‘s southern areas of Buxton and Taggerty, but most tourists came by road through the ranges.
The town had lodges, churched, a library and a mechanics‘ institute, but had lost about 40% of its
population since 1975. The Shire‘s population had declined about 15%
In the early post war years plans were made for enlargement of the Sugarloaf Dam, and 1955-6 the new
dam (Eildon) was completed. The dam was in the neighbouring Mansfield Shire, and the new township of
Eildon in Alexandra Shire.
Electricity was supplied in 1919 from a local power plant, until replaced by a more reliable CES supply in
1935. A swimming pool, playground and garden improvements gained Alexandra third place in the Ideal
Town Competition in 1931. Saw mills frew when the railway was connected and were an economic
mainstay until 1939 when bush fires stopped production. Most mills were rebuilt by 1943. During the
1920‘s the Sugarloaf Dam was built and several proposals for hydro-electricity considered. In 1949 The
Australian Blue Book provided description of the Alexandra Shire.
27th November 2000
Mansfield Lodge No. 158
Phone; 5755 3032
P. O. Box 315, Mansfield
Highett Street, Mansfield, Victoria 3722, Australia
A. F. and A. MASONS OF VICTORIA
Second Wednesday 7:30 pm (Reh - Monday prior to 2nd Wednesday). Inst - November - 2nd Saturday
WM: WBro. DL. Parsons,
Sec: WBro. NP. Moehr, PO Box 315, Mansfield, 3724. Tel.: Pri. 5779 1895; Mob. 0432 325 860; email.
nmoehr@pacific.net.au
Masonic Centre: 113 - MANSFIELD
Meets 2nd Wednesday of each month at 7.30 pm
27th November 2000
WORSHIPFUL MASTER
W. Bro. F. L. King
16 Bridge Street, Jamieson 3723
(03) 5777 0752
THE TRAVELLING GAVEL
The Gavel was presented to W. Master W. R. White by W. Master N. A. Stace of Albert Edward
Lodge No. 59 of Alexandra during a visit on July 12th 2000. This is the nearest Sister Lodge to
Mansfield and is approximately 65 km distant to the south-west.
On Tuesday, November 29th 2000 W. Master F. L. King and several members of Mansfield Lodge
No. 158 travelled to Benalla, 70km north, to pass the Gavel to W. Master G. R. Melville of Lodge
faithful No. 625.
56
Phone; 03 5762 2487
Secretary; W. Bro. C. F. Barnes P.G Std. R
9 McGill Street, Benalla 3672
Phone: 03 5762 1045
ABOUT OUR LODGE
Lodge 158 was formed in 1890 and celebrated it‘s Centenary in November 1990 wit a reconsecration ceremony followed by the Installation conducted by
the Grand Master.
The first meetings were held in the Master‘s house but were soon transferred to a hotel and then to
the Shire Hall. A Temple was built in 1904 at 30 Highett Street. This had been built by the 1.0.0.0.F.
in 1892 and had been converted for use as a picture theatre and dance hall. At first the supper room
was used as a Temple while the Temple was constructed in the main hall by volunteer labour. In
those days there was plenty of young and fir members.
Installations are well attended each year, with many visitors swelling the numbers. Ladied are also
present now days in the South for the banquet. The Ladies auxiliary and the social committee are
active in holding events and raising money for Lodge and local Charities.
Good use is made at holiday times and the Festival weekend at the time of the Melbourne Cup when
Mansfield holds it‘s Mountain Country Cup, it is an opportunity for fund raising with stalls and
sausage sizzles‘
ABOUT OUR TOWN
Mansfield, is a small country town in the north-east of Victoria near the Delatite River which
originally joined the Goulburn but now runs into Lake Eildon, a large storage which supplies water to
the orchards and dairy farms of Shepparton and other parts of northern Victoria. It is 180km from
Melbourne and is connected by good sealed roads.
There is a regular bus service, but trains no longer run.
MANSFIELD DISTRICT
Mansfield was first settled in 1840 by squatters who took up large runs for their sheep and
cattle. These were soon broken up into smaller holdings and the town steadily grew.
It now has a population of about 3000 (but the surrounding area has 8,500, not all permanent) a good
hospital, schools and shopping centre.
It was once an independent shire but became part of the Shire of Delatite when amalgamation took
place and the administration centre was moved to Benalla a larger town on the Hume Highway. This
is a sore point with the residents of Mansfield
It is a farming area. The farms are small compared to parts of Australia but have a reliable rainfall,
very cold winters with heavy frosts and hot summers. Beef, wool and fat lambs are the mainstay with
some diversification into seed production and exotic animals.
It is close to the Dividing Range and timber from the State forests has been an important industry
until recently. There are still some mills and some pine plantations.
Now the other most important industry is tourism, in winter, thousands pass through the town on
their way to the snow fields on Mount Bullet and Mount Stirling. In the summer they come for water
sports on the rivers and lake... Around the shores of Lake Eildon are numerous small settlements and
hobby farms.
Unlike many country towns, it is nit losing population and land values have been held. Mansfield‘s
main claim to fame (or ill-fame according to your thinking) is that it is a part of Kelly Country, i.e.
as in Ned Kelly of bushranger fame.
It was a short distance from the scene of the police murders in 1878, it was here that the ill-fated
detachment set out and it was to this town that the bodies were returned by a posse of local citizens.
Post mortems were carried out by the local doctor at the (then) small hospital and it is in the cemetery
further along Highett Street that the three policemen are buried. A monument erected by the State
Government to their memory stands at the junction of the two main streets (known to all of us,
―
The Kelly Monument”!!!! What else.)
57
In 1978 there was a commemoration ceremony to recall the events of this time, this town and
surrounding areas were also the setting and inspiration for the film
„THE MAN FROM SNOWY RIVER‟ although we can‘t lay claim to the poem, local horses and
horsemen and our hill featured in film and the premier, attended by the Prime Minister, was a red
letter day for the township
Secretary: Bro. C. G. McMillan
P. O. Box 315 Mansfield 3722
Phone: 03 5775 2382
21st Lodge to receive this Gavel
29th November, 2000.
Lodge Faithful No. 625
Benalla Street, Benalla, Victoria. Australia 3672
A. F. and A. Masons of Victoria
Meets Fourth Tuesday of the Month 7.30pm
Worshipful Master
W. Bro. C. R. Melville
W. Bro. R. Howes
The Travelling Gavel was presented to W. Bro. G. R. Melville by W. Bro. F. L. King of Mansfield
Lodge No. 158 on Tuesday 29th November 2000.
On Tuesday 13th February W. Bro. Melville together with several faithful Brethren travelled to
Wangaratta to pass the Gavel to W... Bro. A. Kerekes, Master of Merriwa Lodge No. 525.
Address: RMB 2947
Phone: (03) 5765 2258
Secretary:
W. Bro. T. G. Grant
P. O. Box 673 Wangaratta 3676
Phone: 03 5621 8117
Our Lodge has a membership of about 50, we meet on the fourth Tuesday of the
Month
Secretary: W. Bro. C. F. Barnes PG Std.B
9 McGill Street
Benalla 3672
Phone: (03) 5762 1045
I have enclosed programs of Consecration of the Lodge, also a very good brochure of Benalla and
District
Facts and History of
Benalla ~ Victoria
Lodge Faithful No. 625 District
Benalla has a population of
8,700,
Municipality population of 14,100 (2006)
Benalla is situated in the State of Victoria, 199 Klms North-East of Melbourne
58
Benalla location map
Benalla‟s waterways include
Broken River, Lake Benalla, Lake Mokoan
Transport Information
Major Roads:- Hume Highway and Midland Highway
Major Airports:-
Melbourne (Tullamarine) 194 Klms
Geelong (Avalon) 250 Klms
Albury NSW 109 Klms
Nearby Passenger Railway Station
Benalla
Benalla
Attractions
Catholic Church
Direction
Car via the Hume Hwy. Daily rail and coach services available from Melbourne and Sydney.
Town Information
first settled in 1839, Benalla is noted as having one of the finest displays of roses in the state. 2,000 rose
varieties have been selected on their individual appeal and suitability to the local climate. Home to the
Winton Raceway and marvellous Botanic Gardens
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Benalla (including Tatong)
Important and interesting rural centre
Benalla is an attractive centre of some 8700 people situated
on the Broken River 188 km north-east of Melbourne via the
Hume Freeway and 40 km south-west of Wangaratta on the
Broken River. Known as the 'Rose City' it is noted for its
public gardens.
Prior to European settlement the area was occupied by the
Yota-yota Aborigines. Hamilton Hume and William Hovell
discovered good pasture land to the south-east of the present
townsite in 1824. They named the river 'Swampy'.
Benalla Ceramic Mural on the banks of
Lake Benalla
22nd Lodge to receive this Gavel
13th February 2001
Merriwa Lodge No. 535
Ovens Street, Wangaratta, Victoria 3677
A. F. and A. MASONS OF VICTORIA
W. Bro. R. Howes
The Travelling gavel was presented to W. Bro. A. Kerekes by W. Bro. G. R. Melville of Lodge Faithful
No. 625 on Tuesday 13th February 2001.
The Gavel will be presented to W. Bro. K. J. Walker P.J.G.D. the
W. Master, of Myrtleford Lodge No. 222 on the 22 nd March 2001.
Address: 7 Thomas Street, Myrtleford, 3737 Phone: 03 5751 1098
Secretary: W. Bro. D. T. C. Robb, P. O. Box 344 Myrtleford 3737
Phone: 03 5756 2563
Merriwa Lodge was consecrated 29th July 1939.
Throughout the years it has remained a strong and active lodge, there are three Lodges in Wangaratta, two
evening Lodges, which are, Wangaratta St. John No. 66 and Merriwa No. 535.
One Daylight Lodge, Sir Dallas Brooks No. 888, with an average membership of 60 each and there is a
Mark and Chapter as well.
Merriwa is going quite well with good attendance at all our meetings, we manage to get one or two
candidates a year, most of our Officers are Master Masons and are keen to progress. I am enclosing a
photo of our Masonic Centre and two information booklets about the North-east District as well as lst
years Installation card.
A little bit about Wangaratta
This area is well renowned by it‘s wines and gourmet produce with a Milawa Gourmet Region, handmade
cheese, wine, mustard, bread an a variety of fruits and berries, it‘s also the gateway to the High Country
and surrounding lakes, it caters for all in all seasons, it‘s known as the ―
Jazz Capital‖ hosting the largest
jazz music festival in Australia.
I hope we can welcome you one day and extend a hand of friendship to any Brother passing through.
Merriwa Lodge meets on the second Tuesday of every month, excluding December at 7.30pm
Wangaratta
With its broad main street, historic buildings and riverside parklands, Wangaratta offers all the services of
a bustling rural city with the warm welcome of a traditional country town.
Its hospitality and range of events and attractions make Wangaratta a popular cosmopolitan city - a short
drive in any direction will lead you to world-class wineries, gourmet food, spectacular scenery and
historic towns.
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Local residents enjoy the city‘s many memorable festivals and events. The three-day multi-award
winning Wangaratta Festival of Jazz and Blues, held annually in hotels, concert venues and nearby
wineries, features a world-class line-up and is one of the biggest jazz events in Australia.
Locals also enjoy the surrounding touring routes. You can cycle or walk a section of the Murray to the
Mountains Rail Trail, or take a scenic tour along the Great Alpine Road - which extends from Wangaratta
across the Alps all the way to Bairnsdale and the Gippsland Lakes.
Climate and geography
The Warby Range State Park is located 10 km west of Wangaratta. It is characterised by waterfalls, forest
and woodlands, extensive areas of spring-time wildflowers and blackboys. There are excellent views
across to the Victorian Alps, and the extensive range of wildlife includes black wallabies, echidnas,
wedge-tailed eagles, lorikeets, barking owls and sugar gliders. In the north, The Killawarra State Forest
differs in its landscape and vegetation types and is populated by swamp wallabies, echidnas and bats.
The average temperature in summer (Dec-Feb) is 30°C. In winter (Jun-Aug) the average is 14°C. The
average rainfall is 670 mm.
People and cultures
Population
The total population of Wangaratta local council area is 26,657 (2003) and the population of the township
is 16,342 (2001).
Ethnicity
The majority of Wangaratta's residents are Australian born, with representation from 29 other countries,
including The United Kingdom, Italy, Germany, New Zealand and The Netherlands. New communities to
the region include the Greek and South African
Travel
Wangaratta is 235 km northeast of Melbourne and is accessible by car and train. The travel times from
Melbourne are:
23rd Lodge to receive this Gavel
22nd March 2001
MYRTLEFORD LODGE No. 222
Victoria Constitution
Fourth Thursday 7:30 pm (Reh - Tues prior to meet). Inst. - April (3rd Saturday)
Worshipful Master: W.Bro. G. Williams,
Secretary: W.Bro. N.J. (Neil) Geier, PO Box 344, Myrtleford, 3737. Phone: 5751 1490; email.
cyneil@bigpond.com
Masonic Centre: 133 - MYRTLEFORD (Click onto Myrtleford for further information)
W. Bro. Rick Howes
The Travelling gavel was presented to W. Bro. K. J. Walker, P.J.G.D. W. Master of Myrtleford Lodge
No. 222 on Thursday 22nd March 2001.
The Gavel will be presented to W. Bro. I. G. Kent, W. Master of Belvoir Lodge No. 727 on the 28 th April
2001.
W. Master; W. Bro. I. G. Kent
Myrtleford Lodge was consecrated on the 25th September 1912. The Lodge over the years has remained
strong and committed, and has a very impressive Masonic Centre situated on the Buffalo River road
which is quite a landmark in the area.
Myrtleford Lodge has about 50 members at present, Myrtleford has also a Mark Lodge
Myrtleford is situated 175 klms north-east of Melbourne in the Owen River Valley, a very beautiful area
in the foothills the Victorian high country and the Alpine snow fields.The town has a population of about
4,000 and is supported by tobacco, timber and vineyards, as the most prominent industry for the area.
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Myrtleford Lodge meets on the 4th Thursday of each month at 8pm and we would make any Brethren
visiting our Lodge very welcome.
We were pleased to have the Travelling Gavel presented to us and was quite a topic of discussion on the
night of presentation
Yours Fraternally,
W. Bro. K. J. Walker
WM., Myrtleford Lodge No. 222
Myrtleford Victoria
Myrtleford is a town of some 3500 people located 223 m above sea-level on the GreatAlpine Rd between
Wangaratta and Bright. It is beautifully positioned in the northern foothills of the Mt Buffalo Range
adjacent the Ovens River, Happy ValleyCreekandBarwidgee Creek. As a result of its location it serves as
a gateway to Mt Buffalo National Park and its associated skiing resorts. Myrtleford is 273 km north-east
of Melbourne via the Hume Freeway.
Beautiful scenery, tranquillity, rivers and mountain views will enchant visitors to Myrtleford nestled in
the Ovens Valley with Mt Buffalo providing a dramatic backdrop. The town is a flourishing commercial
centre and the hub for the timber, hops and tobacco industries as well as the expanding premium wine
grape market.
Tobacco plantation
Tobacco is an important crop in Victoria with 130
growers producing an average of 4 million kilograms
each season. This equates to a farm gate value of $27
million. This tobacco is produced on approximately
1400 hectares. All this tobacco is
manufactured domestically and the multiplier effect on
employment and manufacturing investment is
significant.
Tobacco is a member of the family Solonaceae, the
same family as potatoes and tomatoes. In Australia, flue
cured tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) is the only type of
tobacco grown.
Tobacco was first grown shortly after the first fleet arrived in Sydney, but these early attempts were
largely unsuccessful. Interest in tobacco growing increased in the early 1930's following the introduction
of American flue cured varieties. Areas with suitable soils and climate were identified and considerable
expansion occurred. This expansion was encouraged by both State and Federal Governments in the
1940s, '50s and early '60s. Despite this, between 1932 and 1948 the area planted in Victoria declined from
over 4,800 to 400 hectares.
In 1936 the Local Leaf Content Scheme was introduced by the Commonwealth Government as a form of
support to the industry. This scheme required manufacturers to use a set amount of locally grown tobacco.
This amount was initially 7.5%, which increased to 28.5% in 1960 and increased to 57% in 1977
The Travelling Gavel continued on it‘s Masonic journey, visiting Lodges through Victoria, this time it
was presented into Belvoir Lodge No. 727 in Wodonga, Victoria
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BELVOIR LODGE No. 727
Meets at the
Wodonga
MASONIC CENTRE
Jack Hore Place, Wodonga,
Victoria, 3690 Australia
Secretary
W. Bro George Reid
PO Box 442
Wodonga, 3689
Victoria, Australia
+61 2 6059 3153
02 60
Office Manager
Bro. Frank Walsh
21 2299 (Business Hours
O2 6024 4993 (AH)
Meetings
4th Wednesday every month except December, which is 2nd Friday.
Tyling
7.30pm.
Installation
4th Saturday in May,
Tyling at 6.00pm,
Rehearsals
2nd and 3rd Wednesdays at 7:30pm
At the May meeting in 1951 discussion took place that Wodonga sponsor the formation of a new lodge.
At the June meeting in 1951 a formal motion was moved by WBro Harris and seconded by W Bro Cook
that " Wodonga Lodge sponsor a new lodge to be known as Lodge Belvoir". At the regular meeting of
Wodonga Lodge on the 9' November 1951 W Bro Hartsman presented a petition for a new Lodge to the
WM of Wodonga Lodge, W Bro Lloyd. The WM received the petition which was duly signed and
forwarded to Grand Lodge.
It would take until October 1952 to see the formation of Lodge Belvoir. A special meeting was held of
Wodonga Lodge, on the 4th of October 1952, at 4.3 0 pm for 'The purpose being the Consecration of
Lodge Belvoir No.72 7 "
The ceremony of consecration and installation of the first WM of Lodge Belvoir, that being W. Bro O.
Hartsman a Past Master of Wodonga Lodge No 156. The Ceremony was duly carried out by M.W.Bro
R.A. Rowe Pro Grand Master accompanied by Grand Lodge Officers
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Wodonga
Twin town with Albury
Wodonga is located on the southern bank of the Murray
River and is the first town travellers reach in Victoria when
travelling south on the Hume Highway. As a twin town it is
covered in considerable detail in the Albury entry
The twin towns of Albury and Wodonga, although they are 7
km apart and on opposite sides of the Murray River, form a
large urban area which is the border between New South
Wales and Victoria. They have populations of 45,000
P.S. Cumbersome on the Murray River
(approx) and 35,000 (approx) respectively. The two are
near Wodonga
usually referred to as Albury-Wodonga. Albury is
indisputably the more interesting and attractive town.
Located 567 km south-west of Sydney via the Hume Highway and 183 m above sea-level it has a welldeveloped manufacturing industry and is an important service centre for the surrounding area which
supports agricultural, dairying and pastoral industries.
Albury (including Wodonga and Ettamogah)
Major City on the NSW-Victorian border.
The twin towns of Albury and Wodonga, although they are 7
km apart and on opposite sides of the Murray River, form a
large urban area which is the border between New South
Wales and Victoria. They have populations of 45,000
(approx) and 35,000 (approx) respectively. The two are
usually referred to as Albury-Wodonga. Albury is
indisputably the more interesting and attractive town.
Located 567 km south-west of Sydney via the Hume
Highway and 183 m above sea-level it has a well-developed The view of Albury from Monument Hill
lookout
manufacturing industry and is an important service centre for
the surrounding area which supports agricultural, dairying
and pastoral industries.
Building on long-established traditions Wodonga is one of the largest stock-selling and shipping centres
in Australia with importing and exporting facilitated by inland port status. It is, however, now little more
than a modern suburban area for people who live and work in the surrounding
area.
The Hume Dam
The Hume Dam, 16 km east of town, built between the end of World War I
and 1936, arose out of the River Murray Agreement. At the time it was the
largest dam in the southern hemisphere and one of the world's largest. Its
surface area is 20 190 ha, its total length 1.6 km, its capacity nearly three
million mega litres and it covers 343 km of shoreline. There are 29 regulating
gates, each 6 x 8 m, and a hydro-electric station has been established to best
utilise the volume.
There is plenty of good fishing in the area for trout, redfin and Murray cod.
Albury also has a golf club and Wodonga has the largest tennis complex in the
southern hemisphere. Day tours of the area, bush walking, winery tours, horse
riding and ballooning can be arranged by phoning the Gateway Information
Centre. A.W. Backpackers, at the corner of David and Smollett Sts, furnish
two-day camping and canoeing tours along the Murray as well as combined
canoeing-winery tours (02-6041 1822
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Rutherglen
Important wine growing district in northern
Victoria.
Although Rutherglen is a former goldmining town it is best
known as the centre of Victoria's long-established and most
important wine-producing district. Fortified wines and dry
reds are a specialty of this region. Rutherglen's charming
atmosphere is conjured by the main street - an historic
precinct with old timber buildings, veranda-fronted pubs,
antique and bric-a-brac shops and tearooms. It is located in
the easterly corner of the Murray River valley plains, 275
km north-east of Melbourne via the Hume Freeway and just
10 km from the Murray River, which forms the state border. Aside from wine production, tourism, wheatproduction, wool, dairy products and stock further buttress the local economy. The current population is
about 2500.
The land around Rutherglen was once occupied by the Whroo people, a subgroup of the Bangerang tribe
who lived a life based around the Murray River. It was estimated that there were 1200 Bangerang in
1841. Initially friendly to Europeans, they soon found their food sources destroyed or driven out by
clearing and the introduction of European stock. When, of necessity, they turned to that stock for food
they found themselves subject to punitive raids by white landowners. Reduced to dependency on
handouts and plagued with European diseases, dislocation and alcoholism, their communities were
devastated and, by 1860, there were thought to be only 60 Aborigines remaining in the north-east of the
state.
Rutherglen in Victoria is well know for it‘s fine wines from their thirteen or so wineries
Tourist Information
Rutherglen Visitor Information Centre is located in the Jolimont Centre at 13-27 Drummond St, tel: (02)
6032 9166, or free-call (1800) 622 871. It is situated in a building which was built in 1886 as a winery
and extended in 1946 and 1970. Tours of the wineries, by bus or chauffeur-driven service, can be
organised here and there are mountain bikes are for hire. Over the road is a cairn denoting the discovery
of gold near this point in 1860.
Historic Walk
Walk south along Drummond St, through Rutherglen Park and the Memorial
Gardens where there is a war cenotaph, to Lake King which was constructed
in 1877 as a water supply for the town. A swimming pool and jetty were
built and the local rowing club practiced here. Today there is a walking
path around the circumference of the lake which contains long-necked
tortoises and plenty of waterbirds.
The Wine Bottle Water Tower, Town Hill, Rutherglen
Lake Moodemere
Lake Moodemere is a former Aboriginal camp. One of their leaders, Tommy McCrae, was a noted artist
who camped on its shores and recorded its beauty for posterity. He died in 1901 and was buried on the
lake shore.
The lake's windless qualities have given rise to the state's oldest continuously operating rowing regatta
(on New Year's Day) which started in 1866. Although a natural lake it is connected by a pipe and valve
system to the Murray River for the occasional top-up.
Moodemere has many waterbirds, particularly black swans and pelicans. There are picnic, barbecue and
toilet facilities and plenty of fishing, boating, waterskiing, rowing and swimming opportunities. To get
there head west along the Murray Valley Highway for 6 km and take the signposted turnoff on the right.
Camel Treks
Linbrae Camel Farm Wine and River Treks undertake explorations of the district by camel, tel: (02) 6026
3452
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June 14th 2001
Rutherglen Lodge No. 188
A.F. and A. Masons of Victoria
Rutherglen
Second Thursday 7:30 pm (July. no meet.) (Reh - Last & 1st Thursday). Inst. - May, 3rd Sat at 6pm
WM: W. Bro. G. L. Oke, and or, W. Bro. S. R. Doig
Secretary: V. W. Bro. W. J. (Bill) Black, PGIW, PO Box 110, Rutherglen, 3685. Tel.: Pri. (02) 6032
9352; email. bilbey2@westnet.com.au
Masonic Centre: 171 - RUTHERGLEN
Secretary:- W. Bro. Bill Black PJGD
114 Ready Street
RutherGlen 3685
Tel: - (02) 60 329 352
Email:-bilby@netc.net.au
The Travelling Gavel was presented to W.Bro. J. E. Lloyd of Rutherglen Lodge on June 14th 2001 on the
last working night by Wor. Bro. L. G. Kent of Lodge Belvoir No. 727, I will be passing the Gavel to
Wangaratta Lodge of St. John on Wednesday July 23 rd 2001
Master: - W. Bro. R. J. Lack
87 Parfitt Road
WANGARATTA 3677
Tel: - (03) 5721 6426
Secretary: - W. Bro. N. Campbell
42 Taylor Street
WANGARATTA 3677
Tel: - (03) 5721 5803
Lodge Alexandra was the first Lodge formed in Rutherglen in approx. 1854 and went into recess in 1886.
Rutherglen Lodge subsequently consecrated in July 1902. I am pleased to be the 100 th Master and look
forward to the re-consecration ceremony in July 2002. Rutherglen has a membership of approximately
forth five and has a regular attendance of about seventeen at our meetings. We have had new members
initiated in both our previous years and are hopeful for two candidates this year.
Rutherglen has a population of approximately 2500, and is situated in the north-east of Victoria some
250 klms from Melbourne. It is the centre of the North-East Wine Region and famous for it‘s full- bodied
red wines and ports and muskets. We are fortunate to have several of the local winemakers as members
and enjoy the fruits of their labours in our South. The area is also a mixed farming area with sheep, cattle
and cropping. The town is situated within an hour‘s drive of the snowfields and some ten minutes drive to
the Murray River, which makes Rutherglen an ideal tourist destination. We are also fortunate to have
Uncle Toby‘s Manufacturing plant and Bunge‘s piggery, which are major employers in the area.
It is a privilege to be a part of the travels of this Gavel, which will obviously become of great historical
interest in years to come as well as serving its current purpose of promoting Freemasonry. Rutherglen
wishes you continued success in this undertaking and would be most happy to welcome any visitors to
our Lodge.
Yours Fraternally,
Steven Doig
Worshipful Master
RUTHERGLEN 188
The Travelling Gavel having been presented into
66
July 23rd 2001,
Wangaratta Lodge of St. John Lodge No. 66,
Last Wednesday 7:30 pm (Reh. - Monday prior to meeting) Inst - October (last Saturday)
Worshipful Master: W.Bro. EJ. Cameron, PJGD
Secretary: W.Bro. K.J. (John) Cleal, PGStdB, 10 Kensington Drive, Killawarra, 3678. Tel.: Pri. 5726
9274; email. raleigh@live.com.au
Masonic Centre: 204 - WANGARATTA
Brief History of Wangaratta Lodge of St. John Lodge No. 66
The first meeting of this Lodge which was originally No. 1455 E.C., now is No. 66 V.C. was held on
December 23rd 1872 ate the Royal Hotel (later known as the Pinsent)
In January 1873 a circular was received from the District Grand Master, stating that a Lodge in Ballarat
was endeavouring to gain support from Lodges reformation of a Grand Lodge of Victoria. The Brethren
were warned against receiving such correspondence into their Lodge.
For a number of years the Lodge progressed steadily and although there were candidates coming forward
regularly and a number of joining members, the increase was not large. Many resignations were noted in
the minutes due to members moving on to other places and jobs.
The Lodge continued to hold meetings in the Royal Hotel until 1881.
At the meeting held on February 27th 1889 it was unanimous vote to change from No. 1455 E.C. to No.
66 V.C. In 1902 a committee was appointed to look for a site suitable for a Temple, after inspecting many
sites, the present site in Ovens Street was decided on. Tenders were called and the tender of [647.18.0
was accepted, the Temple was dedicated in 1903. After the dedication, the Lodge settled down to a quite
time up to and during the War Years.
In 1933, interchange visitors between King Solomon Lodge No. 29 and St. John commenced. Brethren
conducted the Installation and presented a clock to the Lodge, it still has pride of place in the Lodge
Room. These visitors started on a regular basis, but later became Bi-Annual.
Many long and lasting friendships have resulted, unfortunately King Solomon Lodge handed in their
Charter but our contacts still exist.
In 1939 the Wangaratta Lodge of St. John sponsored a new Lodge – The Merriwa No. 657 and also in
1953 sponsored Moyhu Lodge No. 749. The Lodge has continued to prosper over the years and though
like most organisations membership numbers are dropping off, we hope the wheel will turn and interest
will be re-installed in this Lodge
The Travelling Gavel, was once again on the move to another lodge, this time to a lodge
at Beechworth,
67
8th January 2002
Beechworth Lodge of St. John No. 14
This was the 30th presentation of this Gavel. It was presented to,
W, Bro. Bernie Brunkew PG. Std.Br.
W. Bro. Rick,
I have inclosed a copy of a brief History of our Lodge, Author Copy, of which I have placed in the folder
with the Gavel.
The Gavel will be presented to the W. Master of Currajong Lodge No. 184 in Currajong on Thursday 10 th
January 2002.
Kind Regards,
W. Bro. Bernie Brunken PG STD Br.
I.P.M. Beechwood Lodge of St. John. No. 14
Beechworth Lodge of St. John No. 14
Beechwood nestles in the foothills of the Australian Alps about 550 meters above sea level, 267
kilometres north-east of Melbourne, handy to the famous Rutherglen vineyards not far from the famous
Murray River nor from the Hume Weir, near the nut and apple growing area of Stanley. It is a tranquil
spot of great beauty and historical value, claims to be Victorias best preserved gold town and is highly
rated by the National Trust. First settled in 1838, gold was discovered in 1852 and the area boomed as
only a gold town can. The boom town grew so quickly between 1852 and 1854 that on Friday 5 May
1854 a number of masons met at Bro. Morris Pinchins Freemasons Arms Hotel to consider what steps
should be taken to form a Masonic Lodge in the town.
It was agreed that it was desirable, with as little delay as possible, to form a Masonic Lodge in
Beechworth. The meeting place used as a Lodge Room was at the back of the Eldorado Hotel (in
Beechworth), and so, on the 27th of December 1854 the Lodge was duly held. And so Freemasonry
commences in the goldfield and the Lodge of St. John became the Mother Lodge of a great number of
Lodges in the North East.
The Lodge Building in Loch Street was consecrated in 1859 and is believed to be the oldest Lodge
Building in Australia, which was built for the purpose of the lodge and has been continually used as such
( some of the information has been taken from Wor. Stan Clarks book (“How Old is Your
Grandma”)
The Beechworth Lodge of St. John meets on the 3rd Thursday every month at 7.30, and it is known for it‘s
outstanding fellowship and hospitality
W. Bro. Bernie Brunken PGSTB
W. Master 2000-2001
68
Beechworth Gaol
The infamous inmates, including the
Kelly‘s and their harsh life behind bars.
This is the jail and cell that the Bush Ranger Ned Kelly was in the 1800‟s
Ned Kelly's Cell
Hero or Villian? Australia's most
Famous Outlaw and his days in
Beechworth.
In 1869, a 14-year-old Ned Kelly, Australia's most famous bushranger, was charged in the local
courthouse for assaulting and robbing Ah Fook but was found not guilty for lack of supportive evidence
Carriage & Harness Museum
Ford Street
Beechworth
Victoria 3747
Ph: (03) 5728 1188
Beechworth Tourist Attractions -
Beechworth used to be the centre for the goldfields in the Ovens Valley, and is now a pretty and historic
town. The Burke Museum tells about the history of the town, and its link with the goldfields.
There are plenty of other museums and historic sites you can visit around the town including the Carriage
Museum, Historic Courthouse and the MB Historic Cellars. A great way to see the historic sites is on the
Beechworth Stagecoach or on the historic tour offered by Beechworth Bus Lines.
If you don't have your own transport the you can get to Beechworth on the V/line buses from Melbourne.
If you do have your own transport then there is a great drive around Beechworth which you should
follow, called the Gorge Scenic Drive.
Lying on The Kelly Way, midway between Wangaratta and Wodonga, Beechworth‘s wide, tree-lined
streets and solid, dignified buildings - still draped in their original, distinguished fabric - are reminiscent
of the flamboyant, gold-rush days.
The interiors of these stately buildings of the late 1800s have been restored and now house restaurants,
guest lodges and antique and specialty shops. The old town hall, which was built in 1858, now houses the
Visitors Information Centre and, to the rear of the building is a tiny, dank cell that has become something
of a shrine.
Australia's most celebrated bushranger, Ned Kelly, was locked up in the cell for six months as a 15-yearold after being convicted in the nearby court house in 1870 for assaulting one Jeremiah McCormick.
69
Several other members of the Kelly family and his notorious 'gang' had brushes with the law in
Beechworth, and the granite court house, in which 13 people have heard their own death sentences
pronounced, was only pensioned off in 1989. It is now a museum. Gold was discovered by a shepherd at
nearby Woolshed Creek in the 1850s - a field which produced 31,800 kg of gold in 14 years and whose
romance lives on through the National Trust protected powder magazine.
A dynamic arts community offers its range of work through an arts precinct, while Beechworth also
presents the visitor with fine dining with a selection of wineries, restaurants, cafes and country pubs.
Festivals: Golden Horseshoes Festival (Easter), Drive Back Time Vintage Car Rally (May), Celtic
Festival (November)
Beechworth,
North East Victoria, Australia
Population (2001) 2,953
Post code:- 3747
Beechworth is part of the Legends, Wine & High Country Region with sensational views; historic
villages, Ned Kelly country and "Man from Snowy River" fame.
It is an excellent stop-over between Sydney and Melbourne travelling via the Hume Highway and taking
the scenic route between Wodonga and Wangaratta. The region is geographically varied, with towering
winter-snowed mountains, tree-covered ranges, magical lakes and wild rivers, and tranquil rural
farmlands.
World-famous wineries, several specialising in robust reds and fortified ports and muskets. Gourmet food
region - cheeses, mustards, bakeries, trout farms. Art galleries rose gardens, antique boutiques.
Cradled in the foothills of the Australian Alps, Beechworth is a fascinating and beautiful town of many
contrasts. A town, rich in history that offers a wonderful glimpse into centuries past. A place to discover
natural beauty… meandering streams and thundering waterfalls, deep rocky gorges, rolling green valleys
and stark granite outcrops.
"The Historic and Cultural Precinct is hailed as
Australia's finest heritage attraction."
The restored Historic and Cultural Precinct offers a wonderful glimpse into the past, with a museum,
parks and gardens and the courthouse where Australia's infamous bushranger 'Ned Kelly' and his mother
were tried. You can visit the cell where he was held in his youth and see the gaol where he, his mother
and sympathisers were imprisoned, and the court house where his final trial commenced.
More than 32 buildings are listed by the National Trust and Beechworth is regarded as Victoria's best
70
preserved historic gold mining town, containing a rich legacy from the last century. Gold was first
discovered in the Beechworth region in 1852. In fourteen years more than 4 million ounces or 115 tons of
gold was found - with a value of 2 billion dollars (1997 gold prices).
The town's wide tree-lined streets and solid local sandstone buildings are hauntingly reminiscent of the
bustling days when the streets rang with the clamour and excitement of the quest for gold.
The Beechworth region is rich with locally grown produce; fruit, vegetables, honey, nuts, apples,
preserves, with excellent restaurants, cafes, bakeries and food and wine retailers to showcase it.
Meander through the eclectic mix of shops and galleries, including antiques and old wares and local
handcrafts. It has a winemaking history dating back to the Gold Rush and a diversity in grape varieties
grown from classic French (particularly Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc and Shiraz), to
savoury Italian. From elegant whites to intense reds and velvety fortified. Wines are handmade by
Beechworth's independent winemakers.
"Beechworth is a place to enjoy four seasons - rich colours of
autumn and frosty winter mornings are contrasted by the
beautiful colours of heritage gardens in
spring and clear summer days."
10th January 2002
W. Bro. Rick Howes,
Corryong * Victoria Australia
Dear Sir and Brother,
I received your e-mail and attachments and was very impressed by the support evidence which gave one
great reading. I have printed each copy and at out June 2002 meeting I will present these at the second
time of rising. The information that you require is as follows.
10/01/02 received the Gavel from Rt. W. Bro. J. Lack on behalf of
Beechworth Lodge of St. John No. 14. Rt. W Bro. Lack spoke about the spirit in which you anticipated
the successful passing on of the gavel. Currajong Lodge held the gavel until 13/03/02 when Currajong
had a fraternal visit to Benambra Lodge No. 153 Installation which took place 13/04/02. Benambra Lodge
is located in Tallangatta some 78 klm from Corryong,) our nearest Victorian Lodge).
At the time of presentation the gavel was presented by me.
W. Bro. Phillip J. Thompson (WM of Currajong No. 184) to W. Bro. David Hindle the then WM of
Benambra Lodge. Lodge No. 153 took place 13/04/02 and W. Bro. A. J. G. Paton was installed into the
chair of King Solomon. (Phone number 0260717218) The best contact at Benambra Lodge is W. Bro.
Nicol Rumble (Secretary of Benambra Lodge) (Ph. 0260712726
Private or 0260712201 Bus.)
71
Details for your own records
Corryong is located some 130 km. from Aubury/Wodonga on the Victorian and New South Wales
Border. The drive to Corryong takes approximately 1hour and 30 minutes. The drive passes along the
Hume Weir and one travels through Tallangatta and then you are driving in very dangerous mountain
terrain. The weather influences the travelling time on has to endure. In winter snow and ice are a common
occurrence, in fact, one night in 1998 the road was closes and I had to detour some 186 km to get home.
The trip is extremely scenic and the vista which you are captured by is spectacular at ant time of the day.
In the evening the wildlife which is constantly on the road include, wallabies, kangaroos, wombats, dear,
goats, sheep plus many other nocturnal animals.
Corryong has a static population of approx. 1100 people and the surrounding districts included boost the
population to 3000. The major industries in the town are, schools, 2 State and one Catholic Primary
School, softwood mills, a good hospital, beef, dairy-farming and many exiting new industries. Wor. Bro.
P. K. Nankervis has a commercial mint cropping enterprise which they export the distilled mint to
overseas markets. It is interesting to see this operation when working.
Tourism is another aspect of regional Australia which is heavily touted to be the saving reace of rural
Australia. The biggest single feature is ―
The Man from Snowy River ‖Festival‖ held in April each year.
The actual person that Banjo Patterson Robinson wrote about in his poem is Jack Riley, Jack Riley was a
mountain cattle herdsman and the records state that he took ill and some five days later he arrived at the
Corryong Hospital where he later died. The headstone is very well restored and a feature of the history of
those mighty mountain men.
Corryong is also famous for the Great Snowy Mountains, Australia‘s greatest engineering project, the
upper reaches of the mountain streams are stored in dams and used to generate electricity. The township
of Khancoban is 21 km from Corryong and two power stations Murray 1 & 2 with a giant distribution
network. The pondage is used for leisure all year round.
Some of the best trout are caught in these waters.
There are several National Parks close to Corryong and perhaps the least unknown fact is that
The Mighty Murray River commences some 17 km from the Post Office. The swampy plains and Indi
Rivers join at a place called Bringenbrong, and it is here where the great river gains its name.
The RSL are very proud of the fact that they have the biggest single collection of photos ever assembled
of every service man and woman adorns their walls. It is amazing when one took school classes along to
the RSL what those young students learnt that day. Their questions to the RSL members were solemn and
sincere in their quest for learning. A very rare achievement indeed. As many of the students stated, these
were our families and relatives that little had been explained to them over the years.
Something to help you with your documentation of the gavels. I was a welding teacher employed at a
secondary college and I had the misfortune to crush my spinal cord in a simple accident. I have had
numerous operations to try to help me overcome disability and give me quality of life. My spine has three
fusions in the neck and the base of the spinal column , there are 6 screws combined with a plate to try to
keep the base of the spine together, I spent many days on life support in the Royal Melbourne Hospital
and it was there that I had the wonderful pleasure of meeting a surgeon who casually asked, ―
How Old is
Your Grandmother‖, I instantly replied 184. This small contact gave me inspiration to continue through
Freemasonry and be the Worshipful Master of Currajong Lodge. The Most Worshipful Grand Master and
his Grand Team installed me into the chart of King Solomon in a very much modified manner. This was
my singly greatest achievement of becoming a Master of a Freemasons Lodge.
I hope that you find the information interesting and please reply if you can find the time.
Thanking you for your outstanding achievement in Freemasonry.
Yours Fraternally Phillip J. Thompson
Worshipful Master
72
100 Years of Currajong Lodge No. 184
On a cold typical winter‘s day in Corryong something special was about to begin. A Masonic Lodge
was going to be formed. One must shut your eyes and quietly think what Corryong was like on 1899. The
roads were windy and travellers encountered an extremely hostile environment. The town had been
settled since 1838 and the main street had hitching rails and horse troughs located on both sides of the
street.
Several churches were offering service to the community and Corryong being known for its ideal
Mountain location. The train carriages in Melbourne had glass plate photos of the town. The slogan read
―
Welcome to Corryong‖ the beginning of Australia‘s future.
The most common sound in a quite town was the sound of the Blacksmith‘s hammer palling on his
anvil. The bellows pumping a ―
Horseless Carriage‖ was being repaired. The town had a good mix of men
all offering their skills. Yes, the time was right to form a Masonic Lodge.
The most important decision to be made was, what would the Lodge be named, the name
―
Towong‖ was moved and seconded.An amendment to the motion was suggested that being Currajong!
The amendment was accepted and hence the necessary procedures had to be followed and many meetings
had to be held prior to the day chosen for the Lodge to receive the Grand Lodge Warrant.
The Currajong Lodge met in the Presbyterian Church and the only lighting available was by eight
kerosene lamps. The Lodge borrowed from the bank of Australia, the sum of 100.0.0 to establish the
Lodge. It was decided at this same meeting that the Lodge night would be on a Tuesday nearest the full
moon.
Most of the necessary furniture and regalia was purchased from Messer‘s. P. Bashkir and Sons. The
quorum of members present further decided to provide a banquet for the Grand Lodge Officers. The
banquet was to be held at the Corryong Coffee Palace, (where Roger. C. Brown is located in Hansen
Street). Mrs Ordish, the proprietor was guaranteed 25 members would be partaking of his hospitality.
Everything was set for the formation of the Currajong Lodge.
The meeting on the Tuesday 17th October 1899 for the purpose of Consecrating and providing the
Constitutional proceedings to install the Worshipful Master. The Presbyterian Church had seated 24
Freemasons ready to be installed into their respective duties on the first official lodge meeting of the
Currajong Lodge were as follows:R.W. Bro. Thos. Ford. P.M, (P.G.J.W.) Acting as Deputy Grand Master
W.Bro.F. C. Jarrett PM 49 (NSW) & 78 Victoria
W. Bro.A. McIntosh IPM
153 Victoria
W. Bro. O. Wright PM
153 Victoria
W. Bro. W. H. Domington
153 Victoria
W. Bro. J. I. Hindle PM
153 Victoria
Bro. W. Campbell Lahore
116 Victoria
Bro. H. Lennox
153 Victoria
Bro. A. C. Morgan
61 Victoria
Bro. W. Farrell
Bro. J. L. Paterson
14 Victoria
Bro. R. E. McKenzie
153 Victoria
Bro. L. Wind
Bro. A. Read
Bro. B. Wheeler
Bro. J. Waters
Bro. W. McVean
Bro. J. Dobinson
Bro. W. Ordish
Bro. H. Harris
Bro. W. Brambly
Bro. P. Seemark
Bro. C. Lebner
153 Victoria
153 Victoria
153 Victoria
153 Victoria
153 Victoria
153 Victoria
153 Victoria
153 Victoria
153 Victoria
153 Victoria
153 Victoria
The consecration of the lodge saw Rt. W. Bro. Thos Ford, P.M. P.G.J.W. with the necessary officers of
the lodge. W. Bro. Jarrett was Chaplain and he offered a prayer.
W. bro. Hindle read the Grand Lodge dispensation appointing Rt. W. Bro. Ford as acting Deputy Grand
Master. The ceremony was very solemn and all present enjoyed an oration given by W. Bro. Jarrett. The
installation ceremony commenced and the WM Elect Rev. W. Campbell Lahore was then concluded.
Currajong Lodge was to grow and be nurtured by both Lodge No. 14 and Lodge No. 153.
An urgent telegram was sent to Messers. P. Blashki and Sons to provide the Masters Chair. The
Lodge asked if the Masters Chair could be delivered to Tallangatta the following week. Currajong Lodge
wired the sum of [5-15-0 to obtain an outstanding chair. The collection of the chair from Tallangatta
proved to be a great adventure for W. Bro. Rev. W. Campbell Lahore. A ―
Horseless Carriag‖ was hired
and the Masters chair was attached to the outside ready for the return to Corryong. The trip was
completed in one very long day. As the trip always took at least two days to complete, the total hiring cost
in 1900 was [1-0-0. W.M. Rev. Bro. Lahor stated that the ride in the ―
Horseless Carriage‖ was one of the
73
biggest adventures of his life. (In 1999 the same trip using a modern car takes approximately one (1)
hour).
On the 5th February 1901 a letter from Grand Lodge was read regarding the mourning of the Lodge
following the death of Her Late Most Gracious Majesty the Queen. The Secretary was instructed to place
on record the deep regret of the Lodge. In respect of her late Most Gracious Majesty Queen Victoria.
The Lodge Brethren wore Mourning dress for three months of a sign of great respect of the late
Sovereign.
The Lodge continued to grow and the advent of the first World War saw six Brethren enlist for active
duty. Only three returned and the Lodge members then decided to wear mourning dress as a mark of
respect for the fallen Brethren. A sad time for the entire Nation was echoed in Corryong as young men
went to war and many did not return.
The Lodge members decided to investigate the possibility of erecting their own Masonic Temple. Bro. A.
Albert was prepared to build one on very advantageous terms to the lodge. There was opposition to this
project and then Bro. A. Albert withdrew his offer.
Crisis in the Lodge!
Yes, the lodge was in crisis following the letter received from the Management of the Presbyterian
Church. The letter was regarding the supply of illumination during the Lodge meetings. Every member
present expressed in total indignation the treatment that was given to the Lodge. Members proposed in a
matter of urgency that the Currajong Lodge have it‘s own Masonic Temple.
The board of management of the Presbyterian Church then agreed to supply one tin of kerosene per
annum, the condition that only two lamps in lieu of Gloria Lights be used. The annual rent for the Lodge
was set at [ 8-0-0 including the Kerosene.
The Lodge purchased a block of land for [ 30-0-0 and Bro. Greenfield offered to supply a foundation
stone. The Lodge had bee be-quested a block of land but the location of same was decided not to be
suitable for the erection of a Masonic Temple, the parcel of land was then returned to the widow of W.
Bro. C. Lebner
The Big Decision.
The date was the 26th March 1920 and the motion was moved br bro. D. P. Greenham seconded by Bro.
Curtis that the tender by W. Bro. A. Alberts be accepted. The Lodge was now facing the biggest decision
ever made. How th meet the tender of [935010-0.
The Lodge received an unexpected offer from Bro. Greenfield of providing yhe necessary foundation
stone. The stone was to be suitably inscribed, the Brethren applauded this offer and accepted the gift from
Bro. Greenfield.
The date for laying the foundation stone was chosen. The next regular meeting of the Lodge was to be on
17th June 1921. Bro. E. McKenzie a foundation member was invited to lay the inscribed stone. At this
meeting the Brethren also suggested that the Lodge contact the Church of England requiring the hire of an
old organ. The vestry of the Church of England responded agreeing that Currajong Lodge could have the
organ without cost, the condition being that the Lodge care and maintain the instrument. (organ still in use
1999).
The foundation stone was then laid with 35 Brethren watching the date being 8 th July 1921. The WM.
Presented Bro. R. E. McKenzie the inscribed trowel and asked him to perform the laying of the
foundation stone. Bro. McKenzie declared the stone to be square, level, and perpendicular and ―
Well and
Truly Laid‖, The building construction continued and a ―
Notice of Motion‖ was given proclaiming that
the meeting of the ―
Currajong Lodge‖ No.184 be at the Masonic Temple, Hansen Street Corryong and
that the by-laws be amended accordingly.
The Big Event
Currajong Lodge was advised that M.W. Bro. F. T. Hickford, Grand Master, would be attending
the dedication ceremony. This would be the first of four visits to Currajong Lodge by ba Grand Master.
74
October 15th 1921 was a wet and cold day in Corryong but this did not deter the Brethren from warmly
welcoming the Grand Master. The Lodge was solemnly dedicated and Currajong Lodge then presented
the Grand Master with a suitable gift. . The Installation of Bro. W. Curtis followed into the chair of King
Solomon. The Grand Master presented the P.M. Jewel to W. Bro. A. S. Harris. This jewel is still
presented to each Past Master of the Lodge.
Throughout the 1920‘s the lodge continued to grow and visitors to Currajong Lodge found the trip much
easier owing to the number of cars available. The Lodge still did not have electric power until 1927, when
a small motor came available to become a generator, one could only imagine what the motor setup
looked like, this was a great improvement but somebody forgot to purchase the petrol/kerosene mix and
darkness suddenly overtook the Lodge room, also missing was the small kerosene lights and the kerosene.
The Master closed the Lodge and called a follow-up meeting in several days time.
The Great Depression saw Currajong face another financial crisis, the Treasurer advised the lodge that he
had accounts for payment and insufficient funds to meet these commitments, the WM paid the balance
and the Lodge had a credit balance of [1-0-0
The lodge again went into mourning following the sudden death of His Highness King Edward 7th. The
Nation was slowly recovering from the depression and members returned to the lodge but all facing
personal challenges to meet their own financial affairs. The lodge had a credit balance of [3-0-0 and the
future of Currajong Lodge looked doubtful, but an unknown benefactor provided the lodge with sufficient
money to relieve all brethren of their outstanding dues. A fine gesture indeed one would have to agree.
1936 saw the lodge receive the second Grand Master, His Excellency M.W. Bro. Lord Huntingfield.
Lord Huntingfield visited Corryong for the centenary of Corryong, the Brethren held a special meeting to
honour the visit of the Grand Master, again, the brethren provided a gift to Lord Huntingfield. This
special meeting was the quickest meeting on record, it lasted just 40 minutes.
It was 1939 and it was announced that our Nation was once again at war, brethren from Currajong
enlisted and as would be expected that visitors to the Currajong would not be visiting. The Lodge
purchased War Bonds to assist the National progress as and in all types of conflict many men and women
made the ultimate sacrifice. Several brethren were captured and spent many days in Prisoner of War
Camps. The return of service Men and women to their homeland provides Brethren present with a great
feeling of ―M
ateship‖ and extremely strong personal bonds. These friendships are still remembered in the
Lodge by recognizing the fallen Brethren with the ceremony of the ―
Vacant Chair‖ (at the time of writing
the word ―
Mastership‖ was to be included in the Prime Ministers preamble for the referendum to be held
in November of 1999.
The Australian Government decided to include emigration to the Nation like it was never seen before.
The Currajong Lodge was extremely fortunate that most of the migrants had applied to work, on the
biggest project ever undertaken anywhere in the world. The Snowy Mountains were going to be the home
for these migrants. Many of the Snowy Scheme personal was Masonic Brethren at the respective
homelands.
Currajong Lodge members grew rapidly and it was common to see many visitors and subsequently much
needed new members, every Lodge night a proposition was read for six years, quite a record which
cannot be achieved again.
During the construction of the Snowy Mountain Hydro Scheme, Her Highness Queen Elizabeth 2 nd
visited Khancoban and her Husband Prince Phillip made comment that ―
there must be some really skilled
craftsman present‖.
Corryong was accessible fro the ―Ou
tside World‖ by the excellent infrastructure that the Snowy
Mountains Hydro Authority provided.The Cudgewa rail transported all of the sheet steel to be rolled into
the penstock pipelines, as in all cases railway men are a great source of ingenuity are good Freemasons.
Several Masters were Station Masters and track gang members, the steel would arrive at the Hume factory
(now a timber plant) and it was common to see the universal greetings of Freemasons being given.
12th September 1970 saw the third Grand Master visit Currajong Lodge, the M. W. Bro. Professor S. L.
Townsend was to install W. bro. J. C. Whitehead into the chair of King Solomon.
The Grand Master and his officers charted a DC-3 aircraft but drama again occurred, the tipical Corryong
fog prevented the departure of the Grand Master and his officers, the Brethren of Currajong Lodge
promptly provided a lunch and the pilot contacted the Brethren and said that he could successfully
75
undertake a departure, the brethren quickly transported the Grand Team to the airport and watched the
departure. Upon their journey back into town the Corryong fog again descended. The power of the Grand
Master just cannot be taken for granted!
During the entire period of the Currajong Lodge, charity has always been a treasured feature of the
Lodge, in the early days all sorts of charities approached the Lodge for funds, the most common being the
Blind association, the Cottage Hospital Corryong (now the U.M.H.C.S.)
The Freemasons Homes and Hospital also were benefactors of the Currajong Lodge. The most interesting
request was when His Highness King Edward 7th died, a memorial was established and a Scholarship was
awarded. The memorial funds were provided to amputees and the Brethren suffering from hardship.
The Currajong Lodge in June 1999 opened the Lodge, welcomed the visitors and all of theis was
done whilst waiting for Bro. S. Cornes, the Lodge phone did not ring but several members were excused
to visit the Brother‘s home but to no avail, Bro. Cormes car required the service of a mechanic. The
interesting part being was that Lodge Benambra Brethren passed Bro. Cornes on the way, they were
travelling to visit his ceremony.
Throughout this History I have made reference to three Grand Masters the fourth is in attendance
today the M. W. Bro. Carl Bruce Stewart, Grand Master. Most Worshipful Grand Master, the
Currajong Lodge sincerely thank you and your Grand Team in you effort in attending today, we wish you
continued success during your time as Grand master and we hope that in some time in the future you can
return to Currajong Lodge No. 184.
In conclusion 100 years of minutes were read and the number of visitors tabulated to provide the Brethren
and visitors with a small insight of the Currajong Lodge. The information gained from a family history of
the upper Murray provided me with support information regarding the history of the Lodge.
As a Master Mason I have made rapid progress in my learning of Freemasonry and I sincerely thank the
Currajong Lodge for this experience. I wish all present on the 11th September 1999 a warm personal
welcome and a safe return to your homes
Yours Fraternally,
Brother Phillip J. Thompson
Master Mason, Member of Currajong Lodge No. 184
Some information on Corryong
Corryong
Home town of The Man from Snowy River
Small roadside metal silhouettes of the Man from
Snowy River stand beside the road at both ends of
Corryong, declaring that this is Man from Snowy
River Country. The claim has considerable legitimacy.
Not
only is Corryong the Victorian gateway to both the
Snowy Mountains and to Kosciusko National Park but
it is
generally accepted that a local named Jack Riley was
the
inspiration for 'Banjo' Paterson's famous poem 'The
Man
From Snowy River' (1890). Corryong is quite an
The Jarvis Homestead which was built in
attractive older-style country town of some 1500
1876 is at the back of the Man from Snowy
people which is situated at an elevation of 320 metres
and
River Museum
surrounded by spectacular countryside. The mountain
peaks, tree-clad ridges, alpine streams and granite boulders render it ideal territory for mountain-biking,
canoeing, bushwalking, horse riding, trout fishing, hang-gliding, white-water rafting and scenic drives. It
is located 437 km north-east of Melbourne via the Hume Freeway and Murray Valley Highway and 116
km east of Wodonga. Access from NSW is via Thredbo Village and Khancoban.
It is believed that the area was occupied by the Pallanganmiddang Aborigines prior to white settlement.
The first cattle station here was established c.1838 and this is still cattle country with local saleyards
76
handling 10 000 head a year. Walwa, 43 km to the north, was the home of Australia's first breed of beef
cattle, the Murray Grey, which was widely exported.
Explorer Paul Edmund Strzelecki passed through the area on his way to Gippsland in 1840. The district
was opened up for selection in the 1860s and, consequently, a township began to emerge to cater to the
needs of the small landowners. A school opened in 1872 and, in 1875, a Mr Miller transferred his store
from Koetong to Corryong. The townsite was surveyed in 1879 with land sales proceeding in 1882 - the
year the Court House Hotel became the town's first drinking establishment. The name derives from the
Aboriginal term 'Cooyong' meaning 'bandicoot'.
The town's major annual celebration is the Man From Snowy River Bush Festival in April. It includes a
commemorative ride along the route taken by those who brought the dying Jack Riley into town from his
mountain home. There is also a bush dance, muster and bush market.
Currying
Home town of The Man from Snowy River
Small roadside metal silhouettes of the Man from Snowy River stand beside the road at both ends of
Currying, declaring that this is Man from Snowy River Country. The claim has considerable legitimacy.
Not only is Corryong the Victorian gateway to both the Snowy Mountains and to Kosciusko National
Park but it is generally accepted that a local named Jack Riley was the inspiration for 'Banjo' Paterson's
famous poem 'The Man From Snowy River' (1890).
Corryong is quite an attractive older-style country town of some 1500 people which is situated at an
elevation of 320 meters and surrounded by spectacular countryside. The mountain peaks, tree-clad ridges,
alpine streams and granite boulders render it ideal territory for mountain-biking, canoeing, bushwalking,
horse riding, trout fishing, hang-gliding, white-water rafting and scenic drives. It is located 437 km northeast of Melbourne via the Hume Freeway and Murray Valley Highway and 116 km east of Wodonga.
Access from NSW is via Thredbo Village and Khancoban
It is believed that the area was occupied by the Pallanganmiddang Aborigines prior to white settlement.
The first cattle station here was established c.1838 and this is still cattle country with local sale yards
handling 10 000 head a year. Walwa, 43 km to the north, was the home of Australia's first breed of beef
cattle, the Murray Grey, which was widely exported.
Explorer Paul Edmund Strzelecki passed through the area on his way to Gippsland in 1840. The district
was opened up for selection in the 1860s and, consequently, a township began to emerge to cater to the
needs of the small landowners. A school opened in 1872 and, in 1875, a Mr Miller transferred his store
from Koetong to Corryong. The town site was surveyed in 1879 with land sales proceeding in 1882 - the
year the Court House Hotel became the town's first drinking establishment. The name derives from the
Aboriginal term 'Cooyong' meaning 'bandicoot'.
The town's major annual celebration is the Man From Snowy River Bush Festival in April. It includes a
commemorative ride along the route taken by those who brought the dying Jack Riley into town from his
mountain home. There is also a bush dance, muster and bush market.
77
13th March 2002
Benambra Lodge No. 153
Towong Street, Tallangatta, Victoria 3700
A. F. and A Masons of Victoria
Wor. Bro. R.. Howes
The Travelling Gavel was presented to V. W. bro. D. G. Hindle, P.G.I.WKGS on 13 th March 2002 (which
was David‘s last night of Master of Benambra).
By W. Bro. P. J. Thompson of Currajong Lodge No. 184, The Gave will be presented to W. Bro. A.
Brunton, the W. Master of Wodonga Lodge No. 156, by W. Bro. R. J. G. Paton, W. Master of Benambra
Lodge No. 153
Benambra Lodge was consecrated in 1889 which is 113 years old. The name of Benambra came from the
County of Benambra of which Tallangatta and District was in at that time, Benambra Lodge building is
located in the town of Tallangatta , which is situated 42km South-east of Wodonga on the Murray Valley
Highway.
In 1956 the township of Tallangatta was moved 8km from it‘s original location to the current position,
because of the construction of the Hume Weir which resulted in the flooding of the original township.
There is an historic marker located on the Murray valley Highway that over looks the remains of the
original town, the old Tallangatta Hospital building can still be seen, but many of the homes were
relocated into the new Tallangatta township. The only remaining slab hut in the district is Known as
Lord‘s Hut, has also been re-located from the Mitta Mitta Valley to behind the Hub art and craft shop in
Towong Street.
Tallangatta and districts are the places of the rolling green hills and a beautiful lake, ―w
hen it has water in
it‖ A big issue to the locals, as irrigation down the Murray River draws this water from the source.
Tourism has continually been developed in the area with many self-guided walks and scenic places to
visit, including Dartmouth Dam and Mitta Mitta River which feeds into the Hume Weir.
The primary industry in the area are,mainly agriculture, dairying, beef and sheep, persimmons, alpacas
and forestry.
A dairy festival is held in April and in October a very successful atrs festival was held for many years and
this was changed to the 50‘s festival when the town celebrated it‘s 50 th Anniversary of the move. The
Lemon Festival commenced 3 years ago and is held in May as part of the North-East Food Bowl, the
lemon was chosen to the theme because of the lemon tree that has continued to survive at the old town
site.
Benambra Lodge is a friendly and hospital Lodge, which has had a strong membership over the past
years, however, to aging members and a lack of candidates, we are suffering the same demise as other
Lodges, although, having said that, we have all office positions filled by Master Masons
Benambra Lodge 153 meets 2 nd Wednesday of every month.
Installation 2nd Saturday in April.
If you are passing or in the area you would be most welcome.
It is a pretty part of the world with masses of autumn colours, warm winter hospitality, and the blossoms
of spring and if we are ‗with water‘ boating and water sports in summer, not to mention fishing any time
of the year
Yours Fraternally,
V. W. Bro. D. G. Hindle P.G.I.WKGS
Tallangatta
Modern town which appeared when the original town was drowned in 1956.
78
Tallangatta, located 39 km east of Wodonga (338 km north of Melbourne) and 230 metres above sea
level, describes itself as 'The Town That Moved' and that is its central claim to fame.
Tallangatta was physically removed from the Murray River valley when the Hume Weir was built in the
1950s. There is now a plaque on the side of the Murray Valley Highway (the road from Corryong to
Albury) which reads 'The township of Tallangatta was originally situated in the valley immediately below
this point on land subject to inundation by waters of the Hume Reservoir. The transfer of the township by
the State Rivers and Waters Supply Commission to the new site five miles to the west was completed on
29 June 1956.'
In 1997, when the waters of the Hume Reservoir had reached an unprecedented low level, although it was
40 years after the town was drowned, it was still possible to make out, quite clearly, the streets and to see
the remnants of the old buildings. It was very easy to see the foundations of the NSW Bank which once
stood on one of the town's street corners. It was easy to see where Towong Street and the former Murray
Valley Highway ran through the valley.
The town which was drowned was established in the middle of the nineteenth century on land which was
reputedly the home of the Pallanganmiddang Aborigines. It had a brief brush with fame on 2 April 1865
when 'Mad Dan' Morgan, a notorious bushranger, crept into town on a moonless night and stole a
racehorse.
The town did not die with its transfer in the 1950s. Sadly, however, it lost much of its character and
became just another modern Australian suburb - albeit surrounded by agriculture and green fields. As you
drive through the rather unexceptional town (it is located just off the main highway) it is clear that much
of the building has occurred since the 1970s and that there are many modern 'suburban style' buildings.
There is no feeling that this is an old town. It is modern with a park in the middle of the main street.
Tallangatta is a small town with a population of 916 people (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2001
figures) in north-eastern Victoria, Australia, situated on the banks of the Mitta Arm of Lake Hume,
approximately 40 kilometres south-east of Albury-Wodonga
Tallangatta
Hume Weir
Benambra Lodge No. 153 presented the Travelling Gavel into a town called
Wodonga, to:-
79
12th July 2002
Wodonga Lodge No. 156
United Grand Lodge of Victoria
PO. Box 442 Wodonga, Victoria Australia 3690
W. Bro. R. Howes
The Travelling gavel was p [resented to W. Bro. Alwyn Brunton by W. Bro. Mike Paton (Benambra
Lodge) on Friday 12th July 2002. On Thursday 15th August I will be presenting the Gavel to W. Bro.
David Morgan of Millewa Lodge No. 47 at Echuca, Victoria.
Wodonga is located on the Victoria side of the Murray River (the longest river in Australia), and with the
New South Wales city of Albury is the first major city on the river as it meanders it‘s way to the sea in
South Australia some 2,500 river miles away.
The cities are the home for 90,000 people who are engaged in such industries as agriculture,education,
manufacturing, commerce and tourism. Numerous sports provide considerable recreation activities for the
locals as we are endowed with water ( a rare commodity in this vast dry land.)
For the number of eligible men, Freemasonry is not strong, Wodonga Lodge has been in existence for 115
consecutive years and not many Brethren have been required to serve in excess of one year as Master. We
meet on the second Friday of each month in the Masonic Centre located in Jack Hore Place Wodonga.
The street was named after a man who contributed much to Freemasonry. Due to the redesigning of the of
the City Centre, the street will become part of Elgin Boulevard.
We share the Masonic Centre with two other Craft Lodges, one night time Lodge (Lodge Belvoir No.
727) and one Daylight Lodge (Huon Daylight No. 874). The membership of each Lodge is approx. 45. At
the peak of the Masonic population after World War 11 and before the consecration of the Daylight
Lodge we enjoyed a membership of approximately 130 but at the time, many of the initiates moved out of
town to follow their employment.
The growth of the city because of industry, tourism and light industrial has seen more stability in the
membership even though it has declined.
Some of our members have recently been involved in the restoration and repair of historic mountain huts
used by the bush walking and snow fraternity which has been much appreciated. Our members also assist
the local show society in manning the admission gates and income earned by the Lodges is donated to
local charities. We also assist our local hospital with the proceeds of a lawn bowls day which is used to
purchase much needed equipment.
Shoul you ever have the opportunity of visiting Wodonga, a warm and sincere welcome awaits you at 156
As this Travelling Gave is one of 12 that is being presented into Lodges around the world, every
participating Lodge that receives this Gavel, received many letters which I had received back from the
many world Lodges, by sending these letters to all the participating Lodges, we, as well as they, learn
about Lodges from other parts of the world, also all about their Towns, Cities, States, Provinces and
Countries, therefore bringing our world of Lodges closer together.
Which brings me to the W. Master of Wodonga Lodge No. 156, W Bro Alwyn Brunton; this is one of his
letters.
Wednesday 24th July 2002
H. Rick, thanks for all the information, I read it over the weekend. I am going to compile the information
into a booklet to present to our Lodge for prosperity. Luckily I have access to a laser colour printer so the
photo‘s have come up well. I was very interested to read about the Gavel that went to Warwick Lodge in
Queensland, then to a procession of Warwick Lodges, one in Warwickshire, England and also New York
in America. I am from Warwick in Queensland and have visited there on a few occasions.
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My father was a member of Warwick and Killarney Lodge (a small town nearby). I went into the chair
exactly 40 years to the day 12th October 1961-2001
When my father went into the chair of the Killarney Lodge, dad was preparing to put me in the chair but
prostate cancer won the race in 2001.
We will inform you to where Wodonga Lodge presents the Gavel to.
Alwyn Brunton
Albury/Wodonga
Twin town with Albury ( Victoria and New South Wales)
Wodonga is located on the southern bank of the Murray River and is the first town travellers reach in
Victoria when travelling south on the Hume Highway. As a twin town it is covered in considerable detail
in the Albury entry
The twin towns of Albury and Wodonga, although they are 7 km apart and on opposite sides of the
Murray River, form a large urban area which is the border between New South Wales and Victoria.They
have populations of 45,000 (approx) and 35,000 (approx) respectively. The two are usually referred to as
Albury-Wodonga. Albury is indisputably the more interesting and attractive town. Located 567 km southwest of Sydney via the Hume Highway and 183 m above sea-level it has a well-developed manufacturing
industry and is an important service centre for the surrounding area which supports agricultural, dairying
and pastoral industries.
Albury / Wodonga
Albury Wodonga Gateway Visitor Information Centre
Lincoln Causeway, Wodonga - Tel 1300 796 222
History
The first known settlement of Wodonga was in 1835 when
pastoralists established an outstation in the area now known
as Bonegilla. The following year "Wodonga Station"
covering some 41,000 acres was settled on the south side of
Wodonga Creek by the Huon family whose origins were
French. The area grew rapidly with many squatter runs
being established and the discovery of gold in the district in
1850.
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In 1851 the separate colonies of New South Wales and Victoria were defined with the Murray River
becoming the border. Hence Wodonga became part of the new colony of Victoria. By 1869 the
population had grown to 500 and the first Police Station and Court House were erected.
The Rail line from Melbourne reached Wodonga in 1873 and in 1876 the Shire of Wodonga, covering an
area of 90 square miles, was gazette and the first Council elected.
In 1943 the Military started its long association with Wodonga when 1 Base Ordinance Depot transferred
from Melbourne. One of the earliest residents of Bonegilla was the 2/23 Battalion (more commonly
known as the "Rats of Tobruk'). Following WW2 Bonegilla became the home for many displaced
persons, escaping the refugee camps of war torn Europe many residents staying in the area after their
"acclimatization" term had ended.
Wodonga was officially declared Australia's "First Rural City" on 30th March 1973.
Geography
Located close to the south bank of the Murray River the city is surrounded by
beautiful hills and rich agricultural lands of North East Victoria.
Commerce
Wodonga boasts one of Australia's busiest cattle and sheep saleyards with
many thousands of animals sold annually.
Travel
Just an hour away from Sydney, Canberra or Melboune by plane, with several
services to choose from.
By car Wodonga is three hours from Melbourne and six hours from Sydney, on the Hume Highway.
Wodonga is also well serviced by coach and rail transport to the capital cities.
Sights
If you wish to walk to work, take your children on picturesque walks or bicycle rides, then Wodonga is
the city for you.
Twenty-three kilometres of bicycle and walking paths wind throughout the city linking her many parks
and recreational facilities as well as winding across the flood plains of the Murray River to link with
Albury's own network.
Leisure
Wodonga has a large variety of sporting and social clubs for all member of the family. The new sports,
leisure and entertainment centre is one of the finest of its kind in the area.
The Port of Albury
One of the most important factors contributing to Albury's
rapid progress in the late 1850's was the opening of the river
Murray to navigation. The first successful attempt to examine
the river was made by Captain Cadell in 1852 in a frail canvas
canoe. He found the river suitable.
He secured a paddle steamer in Sydney, sailing it to the
Murray mouth over the bar at Lake Alexandrina, and set about
establishing the Murray River trade.
As regular steamer services were placed in operation efforts
were made to have the many snags hastily removed from the
river. Albury's production of wheat and wool increased and the
link with Adelaide and South Australia seemed certain to grow stronger than that with Melbourne and the
more distant Sydney.
By 1857 merchandise from Adelaide carried by steamer to Albury exceeded 1 million pounds sterling. By
1866 there were 36 steamers plying the Murray.
At the start of the 1870's river trade from Albury was at its peak. A wharf was constructed near the
original crossing place. In 1872 the Lady Kaly left Albury towing a barge with 500 bales of wool and 600
bags of wheat, the largest load recorded. But the train lines were creeping ever nearer, their arrival to
cause the decline of river boat services.
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31st Lodge to receive this Gavel
MILLEWA LODGE No. 47
Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons of Victoria
Formerly of Echuca Lodge of advancement No. 1059 E.C
W.M. W. Bro. David Morgan
Wor. Bro. R. Howes
The Travelling gavel was presented to Wor. Bro. Bert Westerman of THE VIETNAM
VETERANS MEMORIAL LODGE No 921 in Melbourne on Saturday 19th of October,
after visiting the Echuca Lodge ~ Lauderdale Lodge ~ Kyabram Lodge Rochester St. John and Stability
Lodge.
Echuca is the closest town on the Murray River to Melbourne and in its hay day boasted a wharf of 1,200
meters which served a very large paddle steamer fleet, making it the 3rd largest port in Australia. Today
the wharf is the third of its original size and they have just reconnected the rail head between the port and
the Victorian Rail network, with tourism having a large impact on the local economy. Today Echuca /
Moama support a population in excess of 20,000 people and are the home of gas cylinder manufacture,
Nestles Yogurt, Leggo Tomato products and support a very large dairy industry through wet land
farming. The extreme temperature is -3 C overnight in winter to a maximum of 43 C in summer
Mullewa Lodge was originally founded by Wor. Bro. James Shackell on the 25 th March 1865 under the
English Constitution No. 1059 as the Echuca Lodge of advancement on the 26 th February 1880, the Lodge
changed its name to Mullewa which was the name of the current building that was their home. On the 26 th
March 1889 the Lodge reopened as Millewa No. 47 under the United Grand Lodge of Victoria and in
1907 Mullewa moved into their current Lodge which is now held to National Trust. Mullewa is the
Mother of Kyabram Lodge, 1913, Echuca Lodge 1948 and the Lauderdale Lodge, 1949
The Travelling gavel was taken to the above three lodges
by the WM of Mullewa Lodge No. 47, it was never left with
these Lodges.
With a strong historical past we are like a number of other
Lodges, 25% of our members are over 75 years however we
are only concentrating on quality candidates not quantity as we
look forward to our 150 years in Freemasonry. Our Lodge has
adopted the Echuca Special School as our community project
As with all Australian Lodges, our Lodge is always open to Freemasonry and our Brothers in the Craft.
Victoria Echuca
Historic inland river port.
ECHUCA
At one time Echuca was the state's most substantial inland river port. It is this aspect of its history that has
become the basis for the town's reorientation as a tourism centre, particularly since the restoration of the
old port area began in 1973. Paddle steamers again travel the local waters, albeit for purely recreational
and nostalgic purposes. Moreover, the survival of many original buildings has enabled a meaningful
renovation of the old streetscape. It was the port area's authentic appearance which attracted the makers of
All the Rivers Run who used it as the setting for their television series on the riverboat era.
Echuca is located 205 km north of Melbourne via the Hume and Northern Highways and 96 m above sealevel in a largely irrigated pastoral and agricultural district. There is some manufacturing and stock
saleyards in town but tourism is the main industry now.
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Prior to European settlement the area was occupied by the Yorta-Yorta Aborigines. Explorer Charles
Sturt passed through the district while overlanding cattle from Sydney to Adelaide in 1838 but the first
European in the immediate area was a British-born ex-convict named James Maiden, who took up the
Perricoota station c.1843-45. The area became known as Maiden's Punt when he established a punt
service and an inn on the northern bank of the river around 1845. It was the first cattle crossing on the
Murray River and thus became a major access route. A settlement grew as other businesses began to
cluster around the inn and thus Moama came to be gazetted in 1851.
Meanwhile, in 1850, another ex-convict named Henry Hopwood took over Isaac White's punt at a point
further downstream. Hence this latter area was initially known as 'Hopwood's Ferry'. In 1853 he added a
slab hotel, ensuring his custom by closing down the punt at nightfall just before the arrival of the
passenger coaches.
In 1852 the Mary Ann became the first paddle steamer to trade on the Murray; Moama being the
outermost stop on its maiden voyage. However, it was Hopwood who capitalised on the event and laid the
foundations of Echuca's success by suggesting the government establish a river port on the southern bank.
The river trade was to prove crucial to the economic development of the nation as it enabled the opening
up of Australia's interior, the extension of land given over to primary industries (particularly wool) and
the capacity of those properties to transport their goods to the national and international marketplace.
In 1854 the government surveyor approved the site chosen by Hopwood and renamed it 'Echuca', a YortaYorta term said to mean 'meeting of the waters'. Land sales proceeded in 1855 and by 1856 Echuca had
become dominant over Moama. In the subsequent years Echuca emerged as the colony's largest inland
port.
In the twelve months from June 1856-June 1857 around 150 000 head of livestock crossed the river at
Echuca. Noted steamboat operator Francis Cadell made the town his base, merchants and importers began
to set up shop in town and, for a time, leeches were exported to London for medical purposes. Settlement
was further encouraged by the 1862 Land Act which freed up land in the district.
The development of the port led to a proposal that the government link Melbourne directly to the river
trade by extending the emerging railway system to Echuca which was the closest Murray-River town to
the capital. Its arrival in 1864 further enhanced the material progress of the town with the population
trebling within twelve months. The rail link also prompted the construction, in 1865, of an enormous
wharf which would ultimately extend to 1.2 km.
Shipbuilding and foundries subsequently became substantial industries and Echuca further benefited from
the growing demand for local red-gum timber which proved ideal for wharves, railway sleepers, mining
props and building generally. A dozen timber mills were soon in operation.
The town reached its peak in the 1870s and 1880s and was nominated as a possible national capital in
1891. However, the development of the railway system, its extension to other Murray River towns, the
unreliability of water levels, the lack of a national strategy for the interstate river trade and improvements
in road transport ultimately led to the demise of the trade on the internal waterways. Fortunately however,
many of the old structures associated with the port were left standing, if neglected, when the focus of
business shifted to another part of town.
Pig farming and dairying developed in the 1890s and 1900s with the consequent establishment of bacon
and butter factories. Closer settlement expanded agricultural production, particularly with soldier
settlement after World War I. Echuca was declared a city in 1965.
The Riverboats, Jazz, Food and Wine Festival is held in February, the Rotary Steam, Horse and Vintage
Rally on the Queen's Birthday weekend in June, the Port of Echuca Steam Heritage Festival in October
and the Agricultural Show in November. The Southern 80 water ski race from Torrumbarry to Echuca
takes place in February.
Things to see:
Tourist Information
The Echuca-Moama Visitor Information Centre is located in the old Pump House (1884) which was built
to pump water from the river for the steam locomotives, hydraulic wool presses and hydraulic cranes on
the wharf. It is situated near the the 4000-ton, 580-metre iron bridge (1875) in a pleasant reserve with a
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lagoon and billabong and a range of birdlife in the treetops. The centre is open from 9.00 a.m. to 5.00
p.m. daily, tel: (03) 5480 7555 or free-call (1800) 804 446.
There are some good walking and cycling tracks along the river banks and around town and the
information centre will outline the routes for you on a town
map.
Port Of Echuca
The old port area is under the supervision of the 'Port of
Echuca' which has its headquarters at 101 Murray
Esplanade. It is open from 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. daily and is
responsible for the Wharf Museum Tour which explores the
port area, including the old wharf, paddle steamers and
barges, and historic buildings such as the Bridge and Star
Hotels, tel: (03) 5482 4248.
Two doors along you can watch a wood turner and
blacksmith working in the traditional manner.
The Cobb & Co Royal Mail coach outside
the Echuca Coach House
Horse-and-Carriage Rides
A horse-and-carriage service operates along Murray
Esplanade aboard immaculately restored buggies and carriages which operate regularly each day.
Wharf
The Echuca Wharf was originally built from 1865-1867. After extensions in 1877 and 1879 it ended up as
a 1.2-km structure with three levels to accommodate the changing level of the river. Unfortunately, due to
a shortage of wood, 80% of it was demolished in 1944. There is a vintage train on the adjacent track,
which was used to facilitate the exchange of goods at the wharf, as well as cranes and the old cargo shed.
The latter now features a video and a diorama which reflect on the port's history and working models
which demonstrate how the wharf worked when the boats
were in.
Riverboats
There are currently six riverboats operating out of Echuca
and offering cruises of various sorts along the Murray.
The P.S. Alexander Arbuthnot (1916), offers one-hour
heritage cruises, tel: (03) 5482 4248. The P.S. Canberra
(1912), takes visitors on a one-hour cruise with commentary
on a daily basis. You can inspect the original steam engine,
tel: (03) 5482 2711. The P.S. Emmylou offers 90-minute and
overnight cruises on a wood-fired steamer with a la carte
dining and a private cabin. The engine dates from 1906, tel:
The PS Adelaide, one of the oldest paddle
(03) 5480 2237.
steamers in the world
The M.V. Mary Ann is a fully-licensed cruising restaurant
offering lunch and dinner cruises with commentary, tel: (03) 5480 2200. The P.S. Pevensey (1909-11)
was used in the TV mini-series All The Rivers Run. It is used for one-hour heritage cruises, tel: (03) 5482
4248. The P.S. Pride of the Murray (1924) offers one-hour river cruises with commentary on a vintage
paddle wheeler, tel: (03) 5482 5244. The P.S. Adelaide (1866) is the third-oldest steam-driven boat in the
world. It is moored in the wharf area but is not used for cruises. However, there are occasional bargetowing demonstrations and short excursions.
Echuca Boat and Canoe Hire is located by the boat ramp in Victoria Park (tel: 03 5480 6208) and there
are a number of houseboat-hire services in town - Dinky-Di Houseboat Holidays (03 5482 5223), Magic
Murray Houseboats (03 5480 6099), Murray River Houseboats (03 5480 2343), Rich River Houseboats
(1800 032 643) and Riverina Houseboats (03 9772 9009).
Murray Esplanade Cellars
Opposite the wharf, at the corner of Murray Esplanade and Leslie St, are Murray Esplanade Cellars,
located within the old Customs House (1884) which serves as a reminder of the days when the two states
were separate colonies. The cellars offer sales and free tastings of local wines and are open daily, tel: (03)
5482 6058.
Sharp's Magic Movie House and Penny Arcade
A few doors north along Murray Esplanade, in what was the old Bond Store (1858), is Sharp's Magic
Movie House and Penny Arcade. This unusual attraction recreates the kind of place which was popular
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with holidaymakers at the turn of the century. There are a huge variety of old penny arcade machines and
the proprietors have an interesting collection of old films including old newsreels, shorts and early
Australian films. It is open daily from 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. and a ticket is valid all day, tel: (03) 5482
2361.
Star Hotel
Another few doors along is the former Star Hotel (1867)
which has an underground bar and escape tunnel. The hotel
lost its license in 1897 and consequently, although it
continued to serve customers, it built a special escape route
for drinkers so that they could get away during the police
raids which commonly occurred.
Echuca Farm Yard
Adjacent is Echuca Farm Yard which is situated in the old
The Star Hotel in the Port of Echuca
salt factory, where salt from Lake Kunat Kunat was
complex
processed from 1870-1920. It offers children the chance to
get close to, and feed, a range of farm animals and is open daily, tel: (03) 5480 7334.
Bridge Hotel
At the corner of Murray Esplanade and Hopwood Place is the Bridge Hotel. This two-storey building was
erected in 1858 by town founder Henry Hopwood across the way from his punt and pontoon bridge. It has
been restored to its original design, including upstairs rooms furnished in period style with an expansive
squatter's suite built for the accommodation of wealthy pastoralists. These rooms can be seen as part of
the Wharf Museum Tour.
Hopwood Gardens
On the other side of Hopwood Place is Hopwood Gardens, a lawned area with picnic and childrens' play
facilities. Bullock teams waiting to cross the river on Hopwood's punt once gathered here. Nearby, in
Murray Esplanade, is a log buggy which once transported red gum logs from the forests to the local
sawmills and, in an adjacent lawned area, the barge Alison (1907).
Courthouse and Museum
On the other side of the gardens is the old courthouse, built as the shire hall in 1872.
Opposite, at the corner of Dickson St and Warren St, is the Echuca Historical Society Museum, housed
within the former police station and lock-up (1867). It has old river charts, photographs and other material
relating to the river trade, the local timber industry, Henry Hopwood and the town. It is open from 11.00
a.m. to 3.00 p.m. on weekdays and from 10.00 a.m. to 3.00 p.m. on weekends, tel: (03) 5482 4225.
Holden Museum
Diagonally opposite, at the corner of Warren and Campbell Sts, is the National Holden Motor Museum
which has over 40 immaculately restored Holdens, rare prototypes, historic film footage and souvenirs. It
is open daily from 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m., tel: (03) 5480 2033. On the other side of Campbell St, adjacent
the Campaspe River, is the former Saleyards Hotel (1879), now the Cock-and-Bull Restaurant.
High Street
Walk back along Warren St and turn right into High St which has a multitude of specialty shops to cater
to the tourist trade. On the right-hand side is the former Bank of Victoria (1860), which retains its original
safe (it is currently a pancake parlour).
Aquarium
Over the road is the Murray River Aquarium which has a native fish and reptile display, tel: (03) 5480
7388.
World In Wax
A little further along is World in Wax which, in the manner of Madame Tussaud, displays realistic wax
effigies of a vast range of notable (and infamous) historic figures. There are also likenesses of monsters
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for the kids and 30 miniature dioramas. It is open daily from 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. at 630 High St, tel:
(03) 5482 3630.
High St Continued
On the other side of the road are the Shamrock Hotel (1885) and the Echuca Hotel. The latter was erected
in 1873 to replace the 1858 original which was built for famous explorer Thomas Mitchell. Turn right
into Leslie St and walk along to the banks of the Campaspe. It was here that Hopwood had another of his
punts.
Return along Leslie St and turn right, back into High St. To the right are the Classical design of the
former Bank of NSW, which was built in 1877 and now privately owned, and a store built by Henry
Hopwood which was the first brick building in Echuca (it is now an architect's office).
At High and Radcliffe, to the left, is the former Town Hall Hotel (1860s), now Fiori's Restaurant..
Cross Radcliffe St. To the right are Millewa Chambers, built as a Bond Store in 1878 (now a private
residence), and the former Redman's Commercial Hotel (1862), once a staging post for Cobb & Co on
their journey to Shepparton. There is a bridal shop on the lower floor.
The library, at High and Heygarth, was built in 1869 as a courthouse. It became the town hall in the 1920s
and the library in the 1950s. It is a simple building with decorative brickwork designed by W.C. Vahland
who designed some of Bendigo's more imposing buildings.
Cross over Heygarth St. To the left is the Anglican Church (1865) which features a stained-glass window
of its sponsor, Henry Hopwood.
Further south, adjacent the primary school at High and Pakenham is Sims Butter factory, built as a store
in the 1860s and now Tangled Garden Bookshop. The school was built in 1872 and was relocated to this
spot in 1994.
On the other side of Pakenham St, to the right, is the old Coffee Palace which was one of a chain of
Temperance Hotels throughout Victoria. Coaches left here on a daily basis for Bendigo and Melbourne
until the railway arrived in 1864. It is now privately owned and has recently been restored.
Hare St
Walk east along Pakenham St to the Hare St corner. St Andrew's Presbyterian (now uniting) Church was
built in 1889. Diagonally opposite is a marker. The wavy line records the height of the 1870 flood.
Head north along Hare St. At Hare and Percy is St Mary's Catholic Church (1865). The former Union
Club Hotel, on the other side of Percy St, was built as the Bank of Australasia in the 1870s (it is now a
chemist's). Just along Percy St is the town's oldest church, the Wesleyan (1865), although it has recently
been purchased by the Catholic Church who want to demolish it.
Wine Tasting and Sales
At the northern end of Hare St, cross over Radcliffe St to the corner with Murray Esplanade where you
will find the Echuca-Moama Wine Centre which has over 110 wines. It is open Wednesday to Sunday
and every day in school holidays, tel: (03) 5480 2005 .
Echuca Wharf Pottery
At Murray Esplanade and Little Hopwood St is Echuca Wharf Pottery which has hourly pottery
demonstrations. It is open daily from 9.30 a.m. to 6.00 p.m., tel: (03) 5482 6111.
Old Brothel and Steam packet
Turn into Little Hopwood St. To the left, set furtively back from the road, is that other mainstay of a busy
port - the old brothel (1875) which consists of two floors, each with three small rooms. Mannequins are
positioned in period dress.
The Steam packet Inn (1860s) is located at the corner of Murray Esplanade and Leslie St .
Echuca Gem Club/Railway Station
Echuca Gem Club has a display of jewellery and rock specimens which can be seen from 1.00 p.m. to
4.00 p.m. on Saturdays, 11.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. on Sundays and on school and public holidays, tel: (03)
5482 4642. They are located in the railway station (1879) in Sturt St. The enormous and well-made
engine shed (1864-65) serves as a reminder of Echuca's former significance as a railway terminus.
Oz Maze
Oz Maze has a large wooden maze built in the shape of Australia which offers the challenge of finding
your way through to each capital city. In the centre is an elevated platform (Ayers Rock) from which to
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regain perspective. The excursion takes about half an hour and is located near the roundabout by the
bridge, tel: (03) 5480 2220.
Raverty's Motor Museum
Raverty's Motor Museum is located at the corner of Ogilvie Ave (the Murray Valley Highway) and
Mitchell Rd. It has a collection of vintage and classic
vehicles, tel: (03) 5482 2730.
Victoria Park
Scenic Drive is a loop track which starts near the high school
in Crofton St and runs around the perimeter of Victoria Park,
at the north-western corner of town. It follows the Campaspe
River to its confluence with the Murray where there is a
picnic area overlooking the junction. .
The circuit then heads east, hugging the southern bank of the
river through a large river bend where there is a
billabong to the right and a swimming area. It then
An irrigation channel to the south of
return to Crofton St. Victoria Park has a memorial to
Echuca
Hopwood, a caravan park and a boat ramp. Echuca Boat and
Canoe Hire is located by the boat ramp in Victoria Park, tel: (03) 5480 6208.
Eastern Riverbank Trek
Another walking-cycling option is to follow the southern bank of the river westwards from the bridge
through Banyule Park State Forest and beyond, returning to the information centre via River Ave,
Goulburn Rd, Pakenham St and Sturt St.
En route there are picnic-barbecue facilities at Bowers Bend and a swimming area. Sawmills, an abbatoir,
a tannery and fellmonger, a shipyard and the houses of employees were once situated in this area.
Chambers Bend is the site of the first European habitation, where James Maiden established a punt
service c.1845. Today there is a boat ramp. Another way to get there is to follow the graded road that
heads north-east off Pakenham St through the forest and then turn right. Sunny Beach is 150 metres
downstream at Connors Bend (turn left off the graded road).
Campaspe Walk
Another walking-cycling option is to start at the corner of High and Anstruther Sts. Head west along
Anstruther, taking the footbridge over the Campaspe, then follow the western bank of the river as it heads
south past the Echuca Golf Course and a picnic-barbecue area, to the Murray Valley Highway.
Horse riding
Billabong Horse Trail Rides operate within the Banyule Park State Forest, tel: (018) 507 828.
Waterskiing
Brett Sands Water Ski Resort, tel: (03) 5482 1851 or Southern Cross Water Ski School with fully catered
water ski day trips, tel: (03) 5482 6897.
Torrumbarry Weir
Torrumbarry Weir is a very pretty location within a bushland setting with birdlife, fishing, barbecues,
playground equipment and a caravan park. Head north-west along the Murray Valley Highway for about
27 km to a signposted turnoff which is about 4 km past the tiny settlement of Torrumbarry.
Travel to arid northern Victoria and the riverboat town of Echuca. Cruise
down the Murray River on a paddle wheeler while listening to stories of
the old riverboat days.
Fare Includes: Tour of Bendigo and Talking Tram ride, Paddle wheeler
cruise, Port of Echuca tour, on-coach video.
This tour departs from the Melbourne Day Tour Centre: 180 Swanston
Street Walk, Mid Town Plaza at Bourke St Corner or your hotel.
***
88
While the Travelling Gavel was at Echuca Lodge No. 577, their W. Master took this Gavel to four of his
Fraternal visits to show them the New South Wales Travelling Gavel, each time taking the Gavel back to
his Lodge. These visitations were to:Laundervale Lodge No. 361
* Kyabram Lodge No. 225 *
St. John‟s of Rochester Lodge No. 75
* Lodge of Stability No. 352
The Travelling gavel was presented to W. Bro. Bert Westerman of THE VIETNAM VETERANS
MEMORIAL LODGE No 921 in Melbourne on Saturday 19th of October, after visiting the Echuca
Lodge ~ Lauderdale Lodge ~ Kyabram Lodge Rochester St. John and Stability Lodge
32nd Lodge receive this Gavel
24th February 2002
The Vietnam
Veterans Memorial Lodge No. 921
TOGETHER THEN: TOGETHER STILL: TOGETHER ALWAYS
Monday, 24th February 2002.
W. Bro. David L. Yole
Secretary
M10/203 Mountain Highway
Wantirna Victoria 3152
9801-7263 ; Phone/Fax
E-mail: Dvidyole@rabit.com.au
Mobile; 0409331753
W. Bro. Rick Howes
Dear W. Bro. Rick.
This well Travelled Gavel is to be represented to the Lodge that it started from ADASTRAL LODGE
No. 397 by W Bro. David Yole, P.G.Std.B Secretary of Vietnam Veterans memorial Lodge No. 921 on
Monday 24th February 2003. The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Lodge meets at the Valda Masonic Centre.
Salisbury Avenue Darebin Victoria on the 3rd Saturday of every month except December when we meet
on the 1st Saturday.
The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Lodge No. 921 was consecrated in April 1997 as a living breathing
memorial to those who served, suffered and died and to those who have died since. The petition was
signed by 35 Vietnam veterans from the Army, Navy and RAAF, rgw petition was a classed petition, but
the Lodge has an open door to any Veteran, non-veteran who may choose to be made a Freemason. The
Foundation Master was Wor. Bro. Gary Laurence Edwards P.G.Std.B ex armament futter 2nd RAR/NZ
ANZAC Battalion, Vietnam 1970-71 The Consecrating Team was most Borshipful Brother Carl Bruce
Stewart PGM and his team have the privilege of installing each new Master to the chair in perpetuity.
As you will notice the logo of the Lodge is the map of Vietnam, (North and South) with the Square and
Compasses overlaid
Thank You, David L. Yole, Secretary of Vietnam Veterans Memorial Lodge No. 921
89
MELBOURNE
Victoria
Melbourne
Capital City of Victoria
Melbourne is Australia's second largest city. Attractively
located on the the banks of the Yarra River and the shores of
Port Phillip, Melbourne is characterised by a sophistication
and a certain solidity of purpose. The essence of the city was
forged in the 1850s when it was the largest, and most
affluent, settlement in Australia as a result of its proximity to
the vast goldfields of Ballarat, Bendigo and literally dozens
of other smaller mining settlements in Victoria.
In the 1890s Mark Twain wittily observed: 'It is the largest
The Yarra River with Melbourne's CBD in
city of Australia, and fills the post with honour and credit. It
the background
has one speciality; this must not be jumbled in with those
other things. It is the mitred Metropolitan of the Horse-Racing Cult.'
History of the City
Like most Australian colonies the original reason for
the British occupation of Victoria was the fear of
possible French settlement. By the end of the eighteenth
century the coast had been explored extensively by both
British and French adventurers. Reacting to a perceived
French threat Lieutenant David Collins, accompanied
by a party comprising both convicts and free settlers,
landed on the shores of Port Phillip (near the modern
day site of Sorrento south of Melbourne) in October
1803 and a short-lived colony was established. By May
1804 Collins had gained permission to move the colony
to Van Diemen's Land and his brief attempt at
settlement had been abandoned.
The Yarra River with Melbourne‟s CBD in the
Background
In 1837 the township of Melbourne was surveyed and named and a magistrate, Captain William
Lonsdale, was sent from Sydney to maintain law and order. The attempts to stop settlement had clearly
failed and the administration of New South Wales was forced to deal with Victoria as a successful, and
semi-autonomous, colony. This was converted into a reality in September 1839 when Charles La Trobe,
the newly appointed Superintendant of the Port Phillip District, arrived from England. In his wake the
colony established of a separate police force, a customs office and, perhaps most importantly, a separate
Lands Office.
By 1 July 1851, when the colony of Victoria was officially proclaimed, there were already more than 80
000 people living south of the Murray-Murrumbidgee and over six million sheep were being grazed on
well-established properties
In theory Victoria would have remained a rural economy (although in 1851 it was true that more than 20
000 of the state's 80 000 people were living in Melbourne) but the discovery of gold changed everything.
The Gold Rushes
By November 1851 alluvial gold had been discovered at Clunes, Anderson's Creek, Buninyong, Ballarat,
Mount Alexander and Bendigo, which at the time was known as Sandhurst. The streets of Melbourne
were virtually deserted and, by early 1852, ships from all over the world were disgorging eager miners on
the wharves of Melbourne.
By 1854 the colony's population had grown from 80 000 to 300 000, the value of imported goods had
reached an extraordinary £18 million, and everything needed for mining, from food to houses and
equipment, was being shipped into the colony. In 1856 more than 86 million grams of gold were mined.
90
This would form the basis for unprecedented development which would establish Melbourne as
Australia's major financial centre and Victoria as an extremely wealthy colony.
A total of more than £100 million worth of gold was won
from the earth in the 1850s.
Southgate Arts and Leisure Precinct and
Crown Entertainment Complex
The southern bank of the Yarra River has undergone
considerable development over the past decade. The
Southgate Arts and Leisure Precinct is now an attractive
kilometre-long stretch of upmarket shops, cafes and
restaurants opposite the CBD. It provides access to the
tour boats that ply the Yarra, local motels and St Kilda R
Southgate Arts and Leisure Precinct and Crown Entertainment Complex
The Southgate Complex on the Yarra River
Melbourne, Victoria
Melbourne is the second largest city in Australia. The city occupies a broad open
basin, the lower part of which is Port Phillip Bay. The bay is large with a narrow
entrance.
Melbourne's commercial centre lies on the northern bank of the Yarra River, which
enters Port Phillip Bay to the north. Until recently there has been little to limit the
development of the city. Suburbs have spread most rapidly to the undulating
landscape of the Dandenong Ranges to the east. Corridors to the south-east and
north are now the focus of growth.
Melbourne was Australia's largest city at the time of
Federation (1901) and became the new nation's interim
capital and seat of Federal Parliament until 1927.
Population: 3 283 000 (1996 Census)
Australia's Size Compared
Australia is one of about 210 countries. At 7617930 km2, it comprises just five percent of the world's land
area (149,450,000 km2), yet it is the planet's sixth largest country after Russia, Canada, China, USA, and
Brazil. Australia is also the smallest continental land mass (or largest island).
Whilst the areas of Canada and the United States are similar to Europe, their populations are markedly
smaller, by factors of eighteen (3 persons per km2) and two (29 persons per km2) respectively. Australia is
not far behind in size, but its population compared to Europe is 30 times smaller. Japan's population
density is 336 persons per km2 and the United Kingdom's is 244 persons per km2, compared to Australia's
2.5 persons per km2.
An interesting comparison between the countries in the table is the ratio of the amount of arable land to
population, which provides some insight into the possible environmental stresses being exerted on their
landscapes.
Australia
Europe
Australia
British Isles
Australia
Japan
Australia
United States
91
The Victorian Travelling Gavel, being originally introduced into the Masonic Lodge system in 1993, first
presented into Adastral Lodge No. 397 in Sunshine West, March of 1993. It was presented into
approximately thirty seven (37) Lodges throughout Victoria and South Australia.
South Australia ~ 9 Lodges
Victoria ~ 28 Lodges
The terms for the period of having this Gavel in any one Lodge, was three months.
These Travelling Gavels are working Gavels. They were introduced into the Masonic Lodges to,
Spread Peace, Goodwill and Good Fellowship to all the Brethren where these Gavels went. They
were also presented into the Lodge system to Promote “Visitation” of the Brethren, as they
journeyed throughout Victoria and South Australia to represent this Gavel to the next Lodge.
I, as well as many Brethren have made many new friends, as they inturn represented this Gavel to
the next Lodge. We have received a vast amount of information back from these two States of
Australia.
Each participating Lodge was asked to send back to us, ===
The name of their Lodge and No.
W. Masters; name his full Postal address, Ph. No. and most essential E-mail
address
Secretaries; same as above
The date the Gavel was or will be presented to the next Lodge
Some information on their Town, Towns Industry, climate, tourism, culture,
history, etc.
And to always send all the information back to us on the Lodge that they represent
the Gavel to, especially contact information.
This much travelled Travelling Gavel‘s journeys has almost come to it‘s final destination.
On the 24th of February 2003, Worshipful Brother David Yole, P.G.Std.B. of The Vietnam Veterans
Memorial Lodge No. 921 presented this Travelling Gavel back into Adastral Lodge No. 397.
Was the first Lodge to hold this Gavel in March 1993 and they thought that it would be
appropriate to be the last Lodge to have it in February 2003?
This Much Travelled Gavel was sent back to us in New South Wales,
March 2003
***<>***
92
I may have mentioned this before, but I see that we should be reminded about serious
problems that Freemasonry has today.
Writing these Travelling Gavel books can be very daunting; I get to find out about the statistics of
Freemasonry in general. In past years there seemed to be Many thousands of Masonic Lodges scattered
throughout the world, as I see it today (2012) there has been a terrific amount of these Lodges that have
surrendered their Charters.
Freemasonry of today is more openenly talked about, where in days gone by, it was never discussed, we
here of radio and TV talk shows about Freemasonry, promoting our Craft, I think that it gas helped quite a
lot in regaining some new members, but there is still a lot of thing that can be done, if we are to retain our
wonderful Freemasonry.
Freemasonry is about Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth, there are a lot of Masons out there that don‘t
seem to follow this fact. There are a lot of Brethren in our world, that when they receive a higher Rank, it
goes to their head, when in fact, when one first joins Freemasonry, that we are all unite as one, therefore,
just because one has a higher rank, your no better that an Entered Apprentice, so to speak and we all
should be treated equally.
One thing that I would like to add is:Through writing these Gavel Books, I have found it very hard to find and copy items from Lodge
Websites, in some countries; you can‘t even download some Lodge websites unless you are in their
Province or for that matter, their country. If I managed to download a website, in most cases they have a
copyright forbidding one to copy anything from it, unless you first get their permission. I am a great
believer that everything written about Freemasonry should be totally free of copyright to all Masons to
read or copy, providing that it was appropriate for the correct use.
I feel that if Masonic Lodges don‘t open up a bit by helping their fellow Mason, we may see in the future
more Lodges surrendering their Charters.
My Masonic Proverb
Don’t leave something,
For him for tomorrow.
When you can do that something,
Yourself today
93
Before I conclude this story, I must mention about the notorious Bush Ranger, Ned
Kelly, who bough upheaval to the Victorians.
Ned Kelly
The Notorious, Australian Bush Ranger”
Edward (Ned) Kelly ~ Native Place, Victoria ~ Year of Birth, around 1856
Executed by hanging at Melbourne Goal, aged 25 years
Ned Kelly
Glen Rowan Cobb & Co Pty Ltd
37 Gladstone Street, Glenrowan, Victoria, Australia, 3675
Phone 03 5766 2409 Fax 03 5766 2650
E-mail: gdean@cnl.com.a
Has kindly given me permission to include the following information
on
Australia’s Bush Rangers
Click onto each one to learn about these Notorious Fellons

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ARMSTRONG
JAMES ATTERALL
GRAHAM BENNETT
BILL THE PUNTMAN
BOGONG JACK
ROBERT BOURKE
CHARLES BOW .
JOHN BOW
HENRY BRADLEY
JACK BRADSHAW
MATHEW BRADY
94
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WILLIAM BROOKMAN
RICHARD BRYANT
MICHAEL BURKE
JOHN CAESAR (alias "Black Caesar")
MARTIN CASH
GEORGE CHAMBERLAIN
THE CLARKE BROTHERS (Thomas & John)
FRANCIS CHRISTIE (alias "Frank Gardiner")
GEORGE COMERFORD
PATRICK DALEY
JAMES DALTON
JOSEPH DIGNUM (see George Comerford)
JOHN DONOHUE (alias "Bold Jack Donohue")JOHN DUNN

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JOHN FULLER (alias "Dan Morgan")
JOHN GILBERT
BENJAMIN HALL
MICHAEL HOWE
JOHN JAMES (alias "Johnstone")
HENRY JOHNSTONE (alias "Harry Power")
FREDERICK LOWRY
JAMES ALPINE MACPHERSON (alias "The Wild Scotchman")
FRANK McCALLUM (alias "Captain Melville")
GEORGE MELVILLE
JAMES MORGAN
PATRICK O'CONNOR (see also Henry Bradley)
GEORGE PENNY
ALEXANDER PIERCE
JOHN PEISLEY
ANDREW GEORGE SCOTT (alias “Captain Moonlight”)
THOMAS SMITH (alias "Captain Midnight")
JOHN VANE
FREDERICK WARD (alias "Captain Thunderbolt")
WILLIAM WESTWOOD (alias "Jackey Jackey")
95
In conclusion of the story of this book
Titled
“The Victorian Travelling Gavel”
Which was the first of 12 Travelling Gavels to be?
Presented into Lodges World Wide
The Title of the Travelling Gavels
“The International Travelling Gavel Collection”
Gavel 1
I would like to take this opportunity of thanking the Victorian and
South Australia Grand Lodges, for allowing this Travelling Gavel
project to be carried out. And for assisting me when I needed a little
help in tracking down this Travelling Gavel
Thank you very much
Also I like to thank all the participating Lodges of Victoria and South Australia,
without all the Brethren in these Lodges, this project wouldn‟t have worked
Thank you
I‘d also like to thank everyone that allowed me to copy from their websites Especially
Wikipedia the Free Encyclopedia
Creative Commons Deed
This is a human-readable summary of the full license below.
You are free:

to Share—to copy, distribute and transmit the work, and

to Remix—to adapt the work
Under the following conditions:
96

Attribution—you must attribute the work in the manner specified by the author
or licensor (but not in any way that suggests that they endorse you or your use of
the work.)

Share Alike—If you alter, transform, or build upon this work, you may
distribute the resulting work only under the same, similar or a compatible
license.
With the understanding that:

Waiver—Any of the above conditions can be waived if you get permission from
the copyright holder.

Other Rights—In no way are any of the following rights affected by the
license:

your fair dealing or fair use rights;

the author's moral rights; and
rights other persons may have either in the work itself or in how the
work is used, such as publicity orprivacy rights.
Notice—For any reuse or distribution, you must make clear to others the license terms
of this work. The best way to do that is with a link
to http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/

A MESSAGE FROM WIKIPEDIA
From Wikipedia Author, Susan Hewitt and Brandon Harris, Programmer,
Wikipedia Foundation
Ever wonder how Wikipedia can cover so many topics so well?
Ever since I was a girl, I‘ve been a total nerd about seashells and snails. I‘d bring home
all sorts of creatures. My mother wasn‘t too thrilled. I‘ve contributed to hundreds of
articles about gastropods. Now multiply that by 100,000 editors.. That‘s how we go 15
million articles. For this to keep working, we volunteers need a stable infrastructure on
which it work: Servers, tech staff, a leagal team to protect our independence and more.
Wikipedia is the #5 website in the world, but its infrastructure is maintained by a small
non-profit—all paid for by donations, just individuals giving $5 $20 $50, please pitch in
Wikipedia works because there‘s this unspoken light inside all of us that comes from
the desire to help educate, to help share knowledge. And that‘s what makes Wikipedia
so magical. If you stop and think for even a second, you‘ll realize how fabulous it is to
get information without paywall, and to not have to read ads. It‘s like a voice of sanity
in a crazy, consumerist world.
If you benefit from Wikipedia, please consider kicking in at least a small amount of
cash to support it if you can
Thanks
Wikipedia is the best by far website that I‘ve seen, you have done a splendid job in
gathering a vast amount of world data, for this you must be congratulated.
97
Brethren, if you use or copy from the Wikipedia Files, please, do the Masonic thing, by
sending them a donation of some kind, if it comes to the crunch, and you can‘t find out
what you want, if Wikipedia for some reason folded, it would be a great shame,
especially for the young folk, who use this site...
Send your Donations to this address
Our mailing address (for checks):
Wikimedia Foundation, Inc.
P.O. Box 98204
Washington, DC 20090-8204
USA
Susan Hewitt Wikipedia Author
And Brandon Harris Programmer, Wikimedia Foundation
<<<<<>>>>>
These 12 Travelling Gavels were originally presented into the following
Lodges;
Victoria, Australia, 1993 ~ Port Macquarie, N.S.W, 1993 ~ Tamworth, N.S.W. 1993 ~England,(1) 1994
~ Ireland, 1995 ~ Malaysia, 1995 ~ Western Australia, 1995 ~ Alberta, Canada, 1995 ~
New Zealand, 1996 ~ New York, U.S.A, 1998 ~ Ontario, Canada, 1999 ~ England (2) 2002
<<<>>>
They have been presented into the following countries;
Australian States; New South Wales * Victoria * Queensland * South Australia *
Western Australia
England * The Netherlands * France * Belgium * Germany * Scotland * Orkney islands
* Shetland Islands *Malta * Malaysia * Singapore * Ireland * New Zealand, North &
South Islands * Canada * America * Alaska * Wales * Syria-Lebanon * Cyprus *
Greece * Italy * Nova Scotia *
Newfoundland & Labrador * Wales
They have been presented into the following Grand Lodges;
New York * New Brunswick * Virginia * Columbia * Massachusetts * Connecticut *
New Hampshire *
Rhode Island *Vermont * Nova Scotia * Quebec * Saskatchewan * Alberta * Ontario *
Prince Edward Island * Alaska * Wales * Newfoundland & Labrador * Most
Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Ontario
Jurisdiction * Ladies Blue Lodge, Staffordshire, England, * & many other Grand
Lodges in Provinces around the world Including Ladies ( Blue Lodge ) Grand Lodge in
Staffordshire, Malaysia G/Lodge in Singapore
England, (almost every Province) * Syria-Lebanon * Cyprus * Greece * Italy
<<<>>>
These Traveling Gavels have been presented into approx.800 Lodges & Grand
Lodges
throughout 35 countries around the world
98
West Australia
Alberta, Canada
England Gavel 1
America
Ireland
Ireland
England 2 & Ontario
New Zealand
These 12 “Travelling Gavels” were presented into
the World of Masonic Lodges to
Spread Peace ~ Goodwill & Good Fellowship to all Brethren, they were
also presented into a vast number of Lodges to help to Promote
“VISITATION”
I have received back home the following Travelling Gavels ~
Alberta & Ontario Gavels, Canada ~ New Zealand ~ Victoria (Australia) ~
Western Australia
Port Macquarie Gavel, (Australia ~ England Gavel No. 2 ~
Port Macquarie &
Tamworth
Victoria Gavel
99
The International
Designed Crafted & Presented to the Lodges of the World by;
V.W. Bro. Rick Howes P.D.G.I.W
N.S.W. ~ Australia
ricksgavels@gmail.com
Website: www.travellinggavels.com
England (2) Gavels ~ Australia, ( 4 ) Gavels ) ~ New Zealand ~ Ireland ~ Malaysia ~ Canada (2)
Gavels ~ America
VICTORIA

Read more - Travelling Gavels

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