In September 2014 Dennis Ward and Ross McDonald decided to have a Remembrance Day Service at Kangaroo Ground War Memorial Park and Tower of Remembrance. It might seem odd that the structure built by the community has not been used for this purpose in twenty years, but the Eltham Shire that built it was renamed twenty years ago and internal structures changed and electorates changed.
In 1998 a Kangaroo Ground War Memorial Park and Tower of Remembrance Advisory Committee was formed by the Nillumbik Shire Council in response to letters written by Dean Stewart and Mick Woiwod. In 1998 Dennis Ward, Architect and Landscape Architect was invited to join the KGWMP Advisory Committee (the Committee was dissolved in 2013 by the NSC when the Memorials Committee was formed). Ross McDonald a long time member of the Eltham District Historic Society Inc is connected to the Tower by his Great Uncle, Harold Underwood McDonald DOW, 15/05/1917 of Arthur’s Creek.
Dennis and Ross in September 2014 had been to a Writing Workshop at Mill Park Library run by Liz Pidgeon, Historical and Genealogical Guru of Yarra Plenty Library Service and Blaise Van Heck of BusyBird Publishing. Ross had shown a photograph of Pearl, Harold’s fiance and Arthurs Creek Postie and Telephone Operator. Then in the foyer of the Library Ross showed me the photograph taken at his sister Ruby’s Wedding to Robert White, future Shire President. This story and many others are now included in ‘Fine Spirit and Pluck’, produced by obtaining a Federal Anzac Grant. It is available as a book and electronically at the Yarra Plenty Library.
EVOLUTION OF THE ELTHAM MEMORIAL PARK, KANGAROO GROUND
Extracts from TROVE, discovered by Liz Pidgeon, Local Historian, Yarra Plenty Library Service http://trove.nla.gov.au/list?id=90389 and compiled by Dennis Ward for the Friends of Kangaroo Ground War Memorial Park Inc. 30th May 2016.
Eltham and Whittlesea Shires Advertiser and Diamond Creek Valley Advocate (Vic. 1917 – 1922) Fri 9 Aug 1918
ELTHAM SHIRE COUNCIL. Memorial Park.
Cr White (President) said that some time back it was proposed that the Council obtain and place an honour board in the Council Chamber containing names of the lads who had enlisted. Just recently, however, it had been suggested that a more fitting memorial would be the obtaining of a piece of land on the summit of Garden Hill, Kangaroo Ground, and the formation of a memorial park in which a monument could be erected to represent the whole of the Shire. If a couple of acres could be obtained a gentleman had promised to donate £50, and another one would fence it, and other contributions, he was sure, could be obtained. Councillors generally expressed themselves as favourable to the proposal, and the President, Shire Secretary, and Shire Engineer were deputed to wait on Messers Mess Bros. and ascertain if they would gratuitously give the land.
Heidelberg News and Greensborough, Eltham and Diamond Creek Chronicle (Vic. 1916 – 1918) Sat 9 Nov 1918 Page 3
ELTHAM SHIRE COUNCIL. MONTHLY MEETING.
The councillors met at the council Shires Kangaroo Ground, on Monday. Crs. Hubbard (president), Mann, White, Taylor, Bath, Shallard, Gray, Studley and Mann. Mess Bros., Kangaroo Ground, stating that their price for two acres is £100 per acre – Councillors thought the price too high for the purpose (a memorial park), and on the motion of Crs. Gray and White it was decided to ask them to reconsider their price; if not the council intends to acquire the same.
Eltham and Whittlesea Shires Advertiser and Diamond Creek Valley Advocate (Vic. 1917 – 1922) Fri 7 Feb 1919 Page 3
ELTHAM SHIRE COUNCIL. ORDINARY MONTHLY MEETING
MONDAY, 3rd FEBRUARY, 1919.
The ordinary monthly meeting of this Council was held. at the Council Chamber, Kangaroo Ground, on Monday last. Present: President Cr. W. Hubbard, and Crs Baith, Gray, Mann, Murray, Shallard, Smedley, Taylor and White.
ENGINEER’S REPORT.
Gentlemen – I have the honor to report the following:
Memorial Park. The Engineer said that, in company with Cr White, he had inspected Garden Hill, and he would suggest that they take five chains along the road and four chains deep. To get a good approach, some land would have to be obtained from Miss White, about 12 panels along the road and 3 panels deep. He (the Engineer) would do the additional survey free, and also supervise the work of planting. Cr White undertook to interview his mother re land required.
Eltham and Whittlesea Shires Advertiser and Diamond Creek Valley Advocate (Vic. 1917 – 1922) Fri 21 May 1920 Page 2
KANGAROO GROUND MEMORIAL PARK
Consequent upon permission having been given by the Eltham Shire Council, a fairly well attended meeting of residents was held at the Council Chambers on the evening of May 12th to appoint a committee to carry out the work of beautifying the Soldiers’ Memorial Park, which is situated on Garden Hill.
Cr R. C. White was voted to the chair.
It was resolved that subscription lists be opened for the purpose of raising funds to carry out the proposed scheme of beautification, and also to erect, at a later date, a fitting monument to perpetuate the memory of those who fell in the Great War.
Mr. W. B. Thomas was appointed Hon. Secretary and Treasurer. A sub-committee, comprising Cr. White and Messrs. Bourchier and Thomas, was appointed to interview the Curator of the Melbourne Botanical Gardens with a view to ascertaining the class of ornamental trees most suitable for planting in the locality.
It was decided to arrange for a working bee on Saturday, 29th inst., for the purpose of forming and gravelling the track leading to the Park, and of carrying out other necessary works. It is hoped that not only local residents but all others in the Shire who are interested will turn out in force and lend a helping hand.
An effort is to be made to compile a complete record of the names of all persons who enlisted for service from the Shire and of those who made the supreme sacrifice whilst doing their duty.
Advertiser (Hurstbridge, Vic. 1922 – 1939) Fri 21 Jul 1922 Page 4
Soldiers’ Memorial.
SUGGESTIONS BY SOLDIERS.
The following proposals for the erection and maintenance of a suitable memorial to those of the Eltham Shire who fell in Great War 1914-1918, were submitted at the last meeting of the Eltham Shire Council by a deputation from Panton Hill:-
- That the site be the existing Memorial Park at Kangaroo Ground.
- That a cairn of local stone (cemented) be erected, sufficiently high to form a prominent and conspicuous land mark, and crowned with some suitable device. The object of the whole being made known by an inscribed metal plate.
III. That a flagstaff be erected.
- That facilities for visitors be ensured by the provision of a rotunda (overhead shelter) with tank.
- That a War Memorial Committee be appointed, under the presidency of the Eltham Shire Council, and composed of such persons as who, in the opinion of the Council, would prove competent to further the scheme arrived at. That the shire secretary and engineer be appointed (ex officio) to this committee. That sub-committees be formed in each town, or Riding, throughout the Shire under the presidency of the councillor responsible for that portion of the district. It is felt that this method would be preferable to a large and unwieldly committee, the members of which would have to travel long distances to meetings, and whose failure to attend would result in the loss of a quorum and consequent delay.
- That the monies required for such undertakings as are proposed be raised in either of the following ways:-
(a) By the grant of a sum of money by the Shire Council, sufficient to cover the expenses of whatever scheme is decided upon;
(b) That the sum of 1d. or 1½d. in the pound be deducted from, or added to, the rates for the ensuing year. If deducted the sum realised would, in the case of 1d. be £117 4s. 9d., and in that of 1½d. £277 16s 9d;
(c) That a public subscription be opened throughout the Shire — under the administration of the committees named in Clause V.— and the result subsidised £ for £ by the Shire Council ; (d) That sub-sections (a) or (b) be carried out by the Council, and that a public subscription be opened as in clause (c), but omitting that part as relates to subsidies.
VII. That a small sum be put aside annually by the Shire Council for the upkeep of the park. This to be administered by the Park Trustees, or, alternately, that instructions be issued to the road supervisor to see that this work is done.
VIII. That the Shire Council do its utmost to obtain a German field gun (to be mounted in the park) from the Defence Disposals Committee.
In conclusion, it is felt by those responsible for the submission of these suggestions that the onus of planting, keeping, and generally looking after a memorial of this kind should not be left entirely to the public, a very small percentage of whom show any material desire to attend to the wants of the park as it now stands, but who would be perfectly willing that labor should be employed upon it, and that one of the most beautiful spots in the district already dedicated to fallen soldiers should be made worthy of these sons of the Shire, and that future generations should have before them a perpetual example of the disinterested sacrifice of those men, who, with the A.I.F. generally, not only helped to retain the freedom which we within the Empire enjoy, but caused Australia to be spoken of with respect by the older nations of the world.
Advertiser (Hurstbridge, Vic. 1922 – 1939) Fri 25 Jan 1924 Page 3
Eltham Shire War Memorial
A meeting of those interested in the Eltham shire memorial was held in the shire hall, Kangaroo Ground, on Monday morning last. There were present:
Mesdames Bourchier, J. Bell, Goslin, Miss Bourchier; Crs. Smedley, Hubbard, Andrew, Bradbury, Shallard, Hall, Hewitt; Messrs P. J. McMahon, R. C. Bourchier, J. and C. Bell, J. B. Nicholas and D. Rodger.
Cr. B. Y. Hall, who was voted to the chair (on the motion of Cr. Smedley) explained that the council had promised £250 for a shire war memorial if the public would contribute a like amount. The public amount is in hand or in sight, and the meeting had been called to elect a committee and allow the work to be commenced. Mr. McMahon (shire secretary) had kindly acted as hon.secretary, and he would like to see him appointed. The shire engineer (Mr. McCormack) had offered his services and advice free of charge.
On the motion of Mr. J. Bell and Cr. Smedley, Mr. McMahon was appointed hon. secretary.
The chairman said a committee and name were required which would be representative of the whole shire.
Cr. Smedley said those who had been acting on the committee from Kangaroo Ground should be on the committee. Cr. Hubbard suggested that all those present be a committee and appoint an executive from them.
Mr. J. Bell said they could have a councillor from each riding and some one from each place, with power to add to their number.
Mr. Bourchier asked if the committee would get its authority from the council to spend the money?
Cr. Shallard said when the council agreed to give £250, and the people £250, the council would hand over the money to the committee to complete the scheme.
Mr. McMahon, in reply to a question, said the present committee had been entrusted with looking after the park.
On the motion of Messrs J. Bell and Bourchier, it was decided to appoint a committee to consist of the councillors, Messrs R. C. White, J. Bell, E. Coutie, G. Coutie, A. N. Jones, W. Wippell, snr., C. Wraight, Jas Mess, R. C. Bourchier, P. J. McMahon, J. B. Nicholas, D. Rodger, the Kangaroo
Ground park and bazaar committees.
Mr. Bourchier said he would like to see a representative from the outside districts, and then efforts would be made at various places, as they wanted the sum to grow.
On the motion of Cr. Bradbury and Mr. Nicholas it was decided that the president and secretary of every progress association in the shire be placed on the committee.
Cr. Smedley said Mr. P. F. Downer would be back in a few months, and he would like to see him on the committee. Yarra Glen has no progress association, but can send in names for the committee.
It was decided on the motion of Crs. Hubbard and Bradbury, that the name be the Eltham Shire War Memorial League.
The chairman said some provision should be made to look after the park and some shelter is also required.
Mr. Bourchier said the day is not far distant when a caretaker would be required.
Cr. Smedley said the engineer had suggested having a set of strong glasses and making a charge for the beautiful views which are to be seen from Garden Hill, and that sum go towards the upkeep of the park. When the public knows what the aim is there will be no trouble in getting more money.
Cr. Hubbard, referring to designs, said when Yarra Glen decided on a monument, they got selections from Melbourne and he thought a similar course could be followed in this case.
The chairman said the site of the memorial in Kangaroo Ground would be different from one in the city, as it lends itself to something rugged, instead of polished stone. The engineer had stated that the local stone —hard as flint—could be formed in to a column or obelisk. It would be cheaper and more effective, and could be added to.
Cr. Smedley said the engineer would give designs made from local stone.
The chairman brought up the question of incidental expenses, and the secretary said that matter could be left until a later period.
The people of Kangaroo Ground have contributed £208, and Panton Hill £10.
Mr. Rodger said he would like to see the proposed designs as soon as possible.
The secretary said he had seen a very appropriate one in Ladysmith, and he would write for a photo of it.
It was decided, on the motion of Cr. Hubbard and Mr. Bourchier, that the next meeting be held at 10 a.m. on the first Monday in March, before the council meets.
Mr. Bell proposed, and Cr. Andrew seconded, a vote of thanks to the chairman. Cr. Hall, in reply, said if he had not been a councillor he would not have been present, as he did not consider it the place for a returned soldier.
Mr. Rodger referred to the good work done by the committee up to the present, and moved, that a hearty vote of thanks be accorded them.
The secretary said a lot of the work had been done with picks and shovels.
The chairman seconded the motion, and said people working in the public cause are worthy of every support. The motion was carried by acclamation.
Advertiser (Hurstbridge, Vic. 1922 – 1939) Fri 14 Mar 1924 Page 2
War Memorial League.
A meeting of the committee of the Eltham Shire War Memorial League was held in the shire hall Kangaroo Ground, on Monday, 3rd March, there being representatives present from Hurstbridge, Panton Hill, Kangaroo Ground, Diamond Creek, Yarra Glen and Kinglake. Cr. Smedley presided until the arrival of the president (Cr. Campbell).
A letter was received from A. Sublet (hon. secretary of the Panton Hill Progress Association) and a cheque for £250 was received from the council.
On the motion of Cr. Hubbard and Mr. C. Bell, it was decided to open an account in the State Savings Bank, to be operated upon by the shire president, treasurer (Mrs. Gosling) and the hon. secretary (Mr. P. J. McMahon).
During the discussion on securing designs, Cr. Hubbard said they should have at least £750. Mr.Gilding said the memorial at Diamond Creek (red granite) cost between £700 and £800. Cr. Hall suggested allotting a certain amount for the memorial and then collect for other work, such as fencing and something to attract tourists.
Cr. Hubbard moved that not less than £750 be set aside for the memorial. Seconded by Mr. R. C. Bourchier, who pointed out that Kangaroo Ground had raised £200, and they might raise another £50. He suggested getting alternate designs for the work at £750 and £1000. The motion was carried.
It was decided on the motion of Cr. Smedley and Mr. Bourchier that the secretary (Mr. McMahon) and Engineer (Mr. McCormack) get designs.
The name of Mr. Reg. Hubbard was added to the Yarra Glen committee.
As the original committee was considered too big to meet very often, the following executive committee was elected, to attend to important business, and report to the general committee: Crs. Campbell, Smedley and Hall; Mr. McMahon hon. sec.); Mr. McCormack (engineer); Mrs. Bell, Mrs. Gosling and Miss Bourchier (Kangaroo Ground bazaar committee); Messrs Downer (Y.G.); Bell, and Bourchier (K.G); Rodger (P.H.) ; Barlee (Eitham) and Dr. Honman Montmorency).
All committees who have money in hand are requested to forward same to the treasurer.
Advertiser (Hurstbridge, Vic. 1922 – 1939) Fri 18 Apr 1924 Page 4
War Memorial League.
The monthly meeting of the Eltham Shire War Memorial League was held at Kangaroo Ground on the morning of Monday, April 7.
Present: Cr. Smedley (in the chair) Mesdames Bourchier, Creighton, Gosling, Bell, Miss Bourchier, Crs. Hall, Hubbard, Andrew, Shallard, Messrs McMahon C. Bell, Barlee, Dr. Honman, J. J. O’Connor, Bourchier.
The secretary (Mr. McMahon) reported that about thirty designs had been sent from technical schools and monumental masons for the proposed memorial. He had also received a couple of donations. It was decided that a personal canvas of the committee was not to be permitted.
On the walls of the shire room were placed the designs, which were minutely inspected, and Cr. Hall pointed out that the original idea was to have local stone, and none of the designs had provision for that. The secretary said some people had inquired about local stone but had not considered it. The shire engineer was sending one which included the local stone.
On the motion of Cr. Hall and Mr. Bourchier it was decided that the design approved of must provide for local stone. It was passed on the motion of Dr. Honman and Cr. Hubbard that the designs be referred to the executive committee, who will make a selection and refer them to the general committee.
On the motion of Mr. Barlee and Mrs. Bourchier three selected designs are to be shown in the principal townships with a view of enlisting support.
The cash in hand amount is £360 – another £250 is wanted. Panton Hill and Yarra Glen have promised to send further contributions.
The next meeting of the general committee. will be held on the morning of the first Monday in May.
Advertiser (Hurstbridge, Vic. 1922 – 1939) Fri 9 May 1924 Page 3
War Memorial League.
A meeting of the committee of the Eltham shire War Memorial League was held at Kangaroo Ground on Tuesday morning.
Present: Cr. Smedley (in the chair) Mrs and Miss Bourchier, Mrs Bell, Mrs Gosling, Cr. Hubbard, Messrs Bourchier, Rodger and McMahon.
The secretary reported that the executive committee had met on Friday last, and selected three designs for the monument – On the motion of Mr R. C. Bourchier and Cr. Hubbard, it was decided that the committee accept design No. 16, (submitted by the shire engineer, Mr. McCormack) with such modifications as may be agreed upon between the shire engineer and executive meeting, with expert advice.
It was pointed out that the design lends itself to the rough stone and will come within the limit of £750.
It will be 70 feet high and can be elaborated at any time – On the motion of Messrs Rodger and R. C.Bourchier it was decided that the design be sent to the various centres in the shire.- As the shire engineer is not making any charge for his design, and as a donor promised £5 for the best design, it was decided on the motion of Cr. Hubbard and Mr. Bourchier that the £5 be divided between the two next in order. which received the same number of votes, and came from students of technical schools.
Mrs. Bourchier was elected to the committee in place of Miss Bourchier.-The amount of money in hand is £-195, and Panton Hill has over £20 in hand to give.
When the designs are exhibited in the various places an effort will be made to raise more money as to reach £750.-Cr. Smedley said when it is shown in Yarra Glen they intend to make a special effort.
Advertiser (Hurstbridge, Vic. 1922 – 1939) Fri 30 Jul 1926 Page 2
THE Eltham and Whittlesea Shires Advertiser AND Diamond Creek Valley Advocate
HURSTBRIDGE, JULY 30, 1926.
Local and General.
The Eltham Shire Council has donated £10 towards the purchase of shrubs and trees for planting on Garden Hill, and it is intended that a working bee will be arrange early in August to plant these shrubs and generally to clean up the park in readiness for the opening of the War Memorial. A meeting of the Park Maintenance Committee is to be held at Kangaroo Ground, on Friday, August 6, to arrange the details in connection with the working-bee.
Advertiser (Hurstbridge, Vic. 1922 – 1939 Fri 6 Aug 1926 Page 3
MEMORIAL LEAGUE.
The Shire of Eltham Soldiers’ Memorial League have set out to raise the balance of the funds necessary for the completion of the war memorial being erected on Garden Hill. The work is now well advanced, the tower being 20 feet in height, and it is anticipated that the work will be completed and the unveiling ceremony performed on Armistice Day, the 11th of November. The committee has issued debentures in order to raise the balance of the funds required, estimated at about £400. Already promises have been received for over £100 of this, and the following is a list of donations and debentures taken up:
Donations
Mr. J. C. Trail, Eltham, £5; Looby, Kangaroo Ground, £1; G. Brook, £1.
Debentures
Mr. J. C. Trail, Eltham, £20; Jas. A. Bell, Eltham, £2/2/-; Looby, Kangaroo Ground, £5; Mr. Colin Bell (K.G.), £5; Miss G. E. Thomas (K.G.), £2; Amount previously acknowledged, £521/4/4;
total, £562/6/4.
A further £100 is held at Yarra Glen, being the result of the ugly man competition, and approximately £60 at Panton Hill. These amounts will be transferred to the War Memorial account, and as soon as the necessary signatures are obtained to the transfer forms.
The memorial, when completed, will be a handsome tower 40 feet high, with an internal stairway and look-out, and will command a wonderful view from the top of Garden Hill. This memorial is a shire memorial, and the residents in the shire are asked to take an interest in the matter, and see that the necessary funds will be available to enable it to be completed in time for the 11th November.
A letter was read at the Eltham Council meeting on Monday from the Kangaroo Ground bazaar committee, asking for a queen carnival to be held in each riding in aid of the funds. Councillors, although expressing sympathy for the movement, pointed out that there were so many local demands in each place, many of them being in the form of charity, that, they did not think the time was opportune for them to undertake anything new.
The committee also received £100 from Yarra Glen Ugly Man’s competition.
A collector’s experiences will appear next issue.
Advertiser (Hurstbridge, Vic. 1922 – 1939) Fri 13 Aug 1926 Page 2
THE Eltham and Whittlesea Shires Advertiser AND Diamond Creek Valley Advocate
HURSTBRIDGE, AUGUST 13, 1926.
Local and General.
A working bee will be held on Saturday. August 21, in connection with the shire war memorial, Kangaroo Ground.
Two painters are required to paint the entrance, and men are wanted to dig holes, plant ornamental trees, and to generally clean up the park in readiness for the opening.
Advertiser (Hurstbridge, Vic. 1922 – 1939) Fri 15 Oct 1926 Page 3
Eltham Shire War Memorial.
The chairman of the Shire of Eltham Soldiers’ Memorial League (Cr H. Rutter) has issued the following circular: –
“On the summit of that central and most conspicuous land mark Garden Hill, at Kangaroo Ground, there is being erected a massive memorial tower, which will for all time remind every passer-by of the part played by the men of the Shire of Eltham in the Great War.
The work has been undertaken by the people of the shire as a tribute of love and admiration for those who were known and dear to us in the days of their youth and early manhood, who went out from amongst us never to return, and whose self-sacrifice has made us, each and all their everlasting debtors.
Poor and rich alike are sharing in the cost of the memorial, but it is felt that when the work is finished, there may be some who were not privileged to serve, nor called upon for sacrifice, who will feel greatly disappointed if not afforded the honor of contributing. It may be, in your circle of friends in the Shire, there are some who would deeply regret having missed this opportunity of helping in the work, will you therefore please mention this matter to any such, they will, I am sure, appreciate your kindness.”
Advertiser (Hurstbridge, Vic. 1922 – 1939) Fri 15 Oct 1926 Page 4
Eltham Shire War Memorial.
The above memorial, which will be unveiled at Kangaroo Ground, on November 11, is to have the names of all the fallen soldiers, and it is desired that none should be omitted or names be incorrect. The following is the list supplied by the hon. secretary (Mr Ben Johnson), Shire Office, Kangaroo Ground, and if there are any errors or omissions he would like to be advised as soon as possible:
Allen Bert, Armstrong J., Barrett Edward, Bell John, Bird Edward, Bond William, Bourchier Evelyn Denison, Broomfield Charles, Brown Arthur, Brown George, Brown John Leonard. Callan Charles, Cameron Thomas, Carpenter Frederick, Cassell Alfred, Close Albert, Conway Harry, Creed Herbert, Crellin William, Dinsdale C. Farlow Samuel, Grant Geoffrey Treacher, Giles Samuel, Harris R. J., Harris S., Holding C., Horn George Arthur, Hunt A. Irvine J. Javis H., Jell J., Jennings Edward Lawry John C. Marshall H., McDonald Harold, McLeod A., McLeod L, Meadows Robert, Mills S. junior, Moore George Frederick, Moseley Walter. Norman Henry. 0 Day James. Phillips Henry E., Pickering J., Pope Bruce, Prior James, Prior Wm. Roslyn Stevens. Sharp Kenneth, Shilito D., Sims Reginald E, Smedley S., Smith Frank, Somerville George, Spicer Donald, Swift. Reginald. Weir George, Williams George, Wilson J.
Advertiser (Hurstbridge, Vic. 1922 – 1939) Fri 19 Nov 1926 Page 3
THE ELTHAM SHIRE WAR MEMORIAL TOWER.
The Governor-General, accompanied by Lady Stonehaven, and attended by Captain W. R. Broadhurst, chamberlain, performed the unveiling ceremony of the memorial to the soldiers from the shire of Eltham who fell in the Great War, at Garden Hill, Kangaroo Ground, on November 11. The following are additions to the report of last issue:
The tower is constructed of stone and reinforced concrete with sandstone rubble facing, and concrete quoins and dressings. The foundations are in solid rock, and the base of the tower is 16 x 16 external, and .11 x 11 internal, the wall being 2 feet 6 inches thick at the base, tapering to 16 inches at the top. There is an internal stairway of jarrah, with galvanised iron pipe hand railings. It was gratuitously designed by Messrs Stephenson and Meldrum, Architects, Melbourne; the stone was donated by Professor Osborne (of the University) from the quarry at Kangaroo Ground; the brass figures over the gates by Mr C. J. McCormack (formerly shire engineer); and the sand by Mr Tom Scarce, of Kangaroo Ground.
The list of subscribers and donations have already been published. The contractor was Mr Geo. Rousell, of Mordialloc (formerly of Ballarat). Mr W. A. Wippell (now of Ivanhoe), was the first to suggest a memorial park, and he gave £50 towards the land. Then Mr Basil Hall, as President of the Panton Hill branch of the R.S.S.I.L.A , suggested the tower, and organised a committee to work for it. After he left the council, Cr H. Rutter became president of the committee, and Mr Ben Johnson took over the secretaryship from Mr P. J. Mc McMahon, carrying out the duties in a very complete and satisfactory manner. The other names of the reception committee are Mesdames Bell, Bourchier, Rutter, Miss Shannon and Crs Price and Bell, and Messrs R. C. Bourchier and D. Rodger.
Amongst those present were Crs Hewitt (president), Andrew, Price, Bell, Lorimer, Rutter, Ryan; Hubbard (Eltham shire), and councillors from surrounding’ shires, including Lilydale; Mr W. H. Everard, M.L.A., Mr Russell Clark, M.L.C., Professor Osborne, Mr Thwaites, secretary National Roads Association, who arranged for the taking of a film; Mr Meldrum, Messrs C. Monteith and J. Jones (vice-presidents of the Fathers’ Association) ; Mr Turnbull, president of the Returned Soldiers’ Association ; Mr Basil Hall, Mr B. A. J. Rouse, Com. Gunnery officer, and others whose names we were unable to get.
The committee. entertained His Excellency and Lady Stonehaven to afternoon tea, after which they left amidst cheers.
The committee wish to thank all those who assisted at the opening by lending coppers for hot water, tarpaulins for tent, and forms, &c., from the Kangaroo Ground church.
The following further donations have been received: –
“Turn to the Right,” £25; E. J. McFarlane 5/, refund Shire of Eltham £1/1/, J. P. Barrow £1/1/,
collection at memorial-H. Cracknell £1/5/6 and Mrs Jones £1/11/10; Hugh Robertson £1, W. Masson 10/6, Mrs Bourchier £5, Percy Leason £5/5/, 0. and P. Frencham £5/5/, Mrs F. Lacey 10/, Miss Carr £1, Miss Hunter £1,Mrs Balakian £1/1/, J. McDonald £1, W. Pretty £1/1/, D. Lyons £1/11, Mrs E. T. Scarce £2, L. Cameron £5 5/, L. Quilliam £1, Jack Hink 10/, 0. J. Mueller £1, sale of portraits and collection £12/7/5, donation 2/, Mrs Hawkes £1, Sir Wm. Irvine £2/2/; total (including £998/17/9 previously acknowledged), £1077/7/. In a previous list Mr C. F. Pryor, £5, was only credited with £1.
The following are the names on the Honor Board –
T. Abassie, Bert. Allen, Edward Barrett, John Charlton, Bell, Edward Bird; William Bond, Evelyn Denison S Bourchier, Charles Broomfield, Arthur Brown, George Brown, John Leonard Brown, Walter Bruce, Charles Callan, Thomas Cameron, Frederick Carpenter, Alfred Cassell, Albert Close, Harry Conway, Herbert Creed, William Crellin, Charles Chandler, Robert Henry Davey, C. Dinsdale, Samuel Farlow, W. H. Gammon, Geoffrey Treacher Grant, Samuel Giles, C. Hubbard, E. Hubbard, R. J. Harris, S. Harris, W. Holding, George Arthur Horn, A. Hunt, Charles Hawkes, Francis M. Ingham, J. Irvine, H. Jarvis, J. Jell, Edward Jennings, John C. Lawrey, Rupert Laity, H. Marshall, Harold U. McDonald, A. McLeod, A. Mcleod, L. McLeod, Robert Meadows, George Frederick Mills, Ernest Gordon Mills, George, Frederick Moore, Walter Moseley, Albert E. Morris, Jonathan Lionel Mills, Henry Norman, Ernest North, William John O’Day, Henry E. Phillips, J. Pickering, William Prior, James Prior, Stevens Roslyn, Kenneth Sharp, D. Shilito, Reginald E. Sims, S. Smedley, Frank Smith, George Somerville, Donald, Spicer, Reginald Swift. R. N. Waight, George Weir, George Williams, John V. Wilson, Stanley A. Wilson, E. Colin Wilson, Edward Yates
Advertiser (Hurstbridge, Vic. 1922 – 1939) Fri 5 Nov 1926 Page 3
Eltham Shire War Memorial.
UNVEILING CEREMONY.
On Thursday next the handsome memorial erected in the Memorial Park at Kangaroo Ground will be unveiled by the Governor-General, and an address will be delivered by Sir Wm. McPherson. An invitation is extended to everyone to attend at 3 p.m., but visitors are requested not to allow their dogs to enter the park grounds. The National Roads Association has arranged for a cinema machine to be at the ceremony.
Corrections to the lists of fallen soldiers, available for inspection at the various post offices, must be in the hands of the secretary, shire office, Kangaroo Ground, by Monday next.
Thursday next has been proclaimed a shire holiday, and hot water will be available on the park ground at 4 p.m.
Several contributions have been forwarded during the past week, but about £60 is required before Thursday, and the committee would be glad if those who desire to contribute would send their donations along.
Advertiser (Hurstbridge, Vic. 1922 – 1939) Fri 12 Nov 1926 Page 3
Memorial to Fallen Soldiers.
UNVEILING CEREMONY.
“Lord God of Hosts be with us yet,
Lest we forget – lest we forget! “
Garden Hill, Kangaroo Ground, presented a unique scene yesterday afternoon, inasmuch as 1500 people attended to pay tribute to the silent soldiers of the Great War, and at the same time Nature presented to them, in perfect sunshine, one of the most glorious panoramic views to be seen in the Commonwealth. The unveiling ceremony of the memorial tower, erected through the efforts of the Shire of Eltham War Memorial League, is to commemorate the memory of the fallen soldiers who enlisted from the shire.
A Guard of Honor was formed by the school children from Eltham, Panton Hill, Hurstbridge, Kangaroo Ground, Research and Queenstown, as His Excellency the Governor – General and Lady Stonehaven approached the tower, when the National Anthem was sung, followed by the hymn, ” 0 God our help in ages past.” Chaplain Green, of St. Martin’s, Hawksburn, offered up a thanksgiving and prayer, dedicating the monument to the glory of those who laid down their lives for others.
Kipling’s “Recessional” was then sung, Mrs D. Rodger being organist.
Sir Wm. Irvine said he had been asked, as a resident of the shire of Eltham, to welcome their Excellency’s, but they were so well known as to hardly require an introduction in any part of the Commonwealth.
From where they stood they could see a large part of the shire, and all felt deep gratitude to those who fell in the Great War.
The Governor-General, in a very impressive address, said there was no more appropriate day to. unveil a memorial than Armistice Day. It is a day that brings home to us the realities of the Empire, and from the time the people in Melbourne commenced that morning to pay tribute to God, when the people of the Old Country were asleep, there would be celebrations at every hour of the day in different parts of the Empire. The magnitude of the sacrifice was not, and could not, be fully realised. We live under such free institutions that we do not recognise it until we are in danger. What would our position be if the war had ended differently?
Let us not forget the sacrifice the men made, nobly supported by the women of the Empire. The memorial is worthy of the great memory of the dead, which it seeks to celebrate a plain, strong, simple tower, typical of the men we are reminded of. It is to be hoped Armistice Day will continue to be celebrated, so that future generations will realise what they have to pay in their time to the State. By the glorious deeds of the men of this country history has been made, which started Australia off with the rest of the nations that contribute to the British Empire.
The Honor Board was then unveiled, disclosing over 70 names.
“Stand Fast” was sounded by Mr J. H. Page, of the Returned Soldiers’ Band, followed by two minutes’ silence, then “The Last Post” and “Reveille.”
The names of the fallen and a description of the tower will appear in next issue.
The reception committee entertained the Governor- General and party to afternoon tea, after which they left amidst the cheers of the people.
The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. 1848 – 1957) Fri 12 Nov 1926 Page 17
ARMISTICE DAY.
IMPRESSIVE SERVICES.
TWO MINUTES’ SILENCE.
WHOLE CITY HUSHED.
Ceremony at Parliament House.
Silence! Only the sharp intake of breath, the flapping of the folds of a flag, the rustle of a handkerchief, the twittering of a bird.
Silence — silence so poignant, so general as to be tangible as any monument. So Melbourne commemorated yesterday the eighth anniversary of the Armistice which ended the war. Much more than the Armistice was commemorated by the simple ceremony which marked the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month — bowed heads and a silent city meant much more than the recollection of a landmark in history. They represented perhaps bitter memories of sudden partings, broken lives, maybe of frightful of battle scenes of unreturning friends, they stood for chill and lonely days, but above all for pride in nationhood, pride in great men and splendid soldiers, sterling comrades, true patriots. Repetition had not staled the ceremony. It was more impressive than ever,
for the longer distance which memory covered. Broken threads of other days had perhaps been knit together in a new life but memories still returned.
The ceremony was not confined to the streets. In flat and villa, housewives watched the clock, and as the hands moved to the eleventh hour bowed heads, and perhaps silent prayer, paid their little tribute to the day and to the men. In court and office, shop and workroom, at furnace, at bench, or at the machines, men and women halted and hushed as the hour struck two minutes passed and the world moved on eight years. Brakes creaked, steam hammers whirred and screamed, siren and klaxon rent the air, tram bells jangled, hoofs beat, and streets and offices were busy once again. There was something commemorative, too, in this reversion to clamour, for these were noises which represented peace as much as the silence stood for war.
The centre of the day’s ceremony was the Federal Parliament House steps. As early as 10 o’clock in the morning groups of men and women, some bearing the badge which indicated what the war had cost them — an unnecessary badge for, often as not, their faces told the story — began to gather on the steps within and without the barricade which had been elected there.
As the appointed hour approached the crowd increased, and soon it filled all the available space, both on the steps and in the streets. At 25 minutes to 11 o’clock the Guard of Honour, khaki and navy, clad, took up its position. The Guard was drawn from the Royal Australian Navy, the Royal Australian Artillery, and the Royal Australian Air Force, whose lighter blue marked them off from their naval comrades. The band of the Royal Australian Artillery played. Royal salutes greeted the arrival of Their Excellencies the Governor General (Lord Stonehaven) and the Governor (Lord Somers), and the vice-regal parties, who were met by the Acting Minister for Defence (Mr. Marr), the Minister for Home and Territories (Senator Sir William Glasgow), and other Federal Ministers, the President of the Legislative Council (Sir Frank Clarke), the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly (Mr. Bowser), the Chief Secretary (Dr. Argyle), the Lord Mayor (Alderman S. Morell), Lieutenant-General Sir John Monash, Lieutenant-General Sir Harry Chauvel, and other Ministers and officers, The Premier (Mr. Allan), the State Treasurer (Sir Alexander Peacock), and a party of other State Ministers and members arrived shortly afterwards.
Business and Traffic Stops.
The entire assemblage took up the hymn, “All people that on earth do dwell,” and as its strains echoed away, the kettle drums beat while the Guard of Honour, at a sharp word of command, rested on reversed arms. The flags slipped down to half mast, and heads were bared. The minute hand on the Elizabeth street post-office clock touched the hour, and the signal gun from the Domain boomed. The bugler sounded a short, sharp Stand Fast, and suddenly the entire city was still.
A woman paused with her foot on the step of a tramcar. Crowds in the street halted like one man. Motor-cars and lorries came to a sudden standstill. A military officer noted the passage of the two minutes. He lifted a finger. The Guard of Honour, with a sudden crash, came to the present. The Last Post was sounded.
Swords glittered, and there was a flash of raised hands as officers and men came to the salute. The tribute to the fallen had been paid. In the distance resounded the noise of the city returning to the old routine. The flags were drawn to the mast-head, the guard came to the slope, and the bugler sounded the reveille. It was a real “reveille” — an awakening to the present out of a two minutes’ reflection on the terrible past.
The sun which had been obscured throughout the silence, issued from the clouds as the strains of the National Anthem were taken up by the crowd. Then the band struck up a lively air and Lord Stonehaven and Lord Somers inspected the guard. To the accompaniment of the Royal salute the vice-regal parties entered their cars and drove away. The people drifted back to work.
WARRANDYTE MEMORIAL.
Unveiled by Lord Stonehaven.
His Excellency the Governor-General (Lord Stonehaven), who was accompanied by Lady Stonehaven, unveiled the memorial tower on Garden Hill at Warrandyte yesterday afternoon.
Sir William Irvine introduced Lord and Lady Stonehaven and asked Lord Stonehaven to unveil the memorial.
Lord Stonehaven said that there could be no more appropriate day than Armistice Day for such an office as unveiling a memorial. He could not help feeling at the service in Melbourne that morning how thankful the British people ought to be to God, and how grateful for the splendid sacrifices which had kept the Empire free. The magnitude of that sacrifice was not, and could not be, fully realised.
The memorial was a very fitting one, representing as it did great memories and great deeds. The children of the district would, he hoped, continue to celebrate this day throughout their lives, and that the memorial would be an eternal reverent memory, teaching better than any written word how much was owed to those whose services it commemorated.
Two minutes of silence was observed and the Last Post and Reveille were sounded.
The tower is composed of stone from the Eltham district given by Professor Osborne and affords an excellent view of the district.
Among those present were Sir William and Lady Irvine, Professor and Mrs. Osborne, councillors of the Eltham Shire, Mr. H. Rutter (president of the war memorial fund), Mr. Everard, M.L.A., and Mr. Russell Clarke, M.L.C.
EDITH CAVELL MEMORIAL.
STATUE IN ST KILDA ROAD.
Unveiled by Sir Harry Chauvel.
There was a large gathering at the unveiling of the Edith Cavell Memorial, which was performed by Lieut, General Sir Harry Chauvel in the afternoon. The memorial, which is opposite King Edward’s statue in St. Kilda road, was designed and executed by Miss Margaret Baskerville. A guard of honour and the band of the Royal Australian Garrison Artillery were present.
Lady Hennessy explained that the idea of a monument to Nurse Cavell had been originated by Mrs. Thomas Baker in 1915. An appeal to the public had met with a generous response. The trustees of the fund which had been created had decided to expend a small portion of it in erecting a memorial and to use the larger portion for aiding incapacitated army nurses.
Sir Harry Chauvel recalled that Nurse Cavell had been in charge of the Brussels Surgical Institute and had sent nurses into every country. When war occurred her care had been bestowed as freely on sick and wounded Germans as on members of the allied forces. Having the means at her disposal she had considered it her duty to assist British, French, and Belgian people in Brussels to escape across the border. For this she was arrested and after a period of imprisonment, during which she had not been allowed to communicate either with her friends or with her legal adviser, she was placed on trial and sentenced to death. It was noteworthy that she had not been charged with espionage but only with assisting people to escape. She was sentenced to death at 5 o’clock on the afternoon of October 11 and the sentence was carried out at 2 o’clock on the morning of October 12. Only by the exercise of extreme pressure by the
United States and Spanish Ministers in Brussels had Nurse Cavell been permitted to see a Church of England minister a few hours before her execution. No crime in the history of the war had horrified the world so much as this.
The Lord Mayor (Alderman Morell) accepted the custodianship of the memorial on behalf of the city Council and it was dedicated by Archbishop Lees.
The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. 1848 – 1957) Fri 12 Nov 1926 Page 16
VICE-REGAL.
Their Excellencies the Governor General and Lord Stonehaven attended by members of the personal staff visited Anzac House Wednesday morning, where His Excellency placed a wreath of poppies upon the memorial tablet. Later their Excellencies attended by the personal staff were present at the Armistice Day memorial service at Parliament House steps
His Excellency the Governor- General accompanied by her excellency Lady Stonehaven, and attended by Captain W. R. Broadhurst, chamberlain, performed the ceremony of unveiling the memorial to the soldiers from the Shire of Eltham who fell in the Great War at Garden Hill Kangaroo Ground, yesterday afternoon.
Her Excellency Lady Stonehaven, attended by Captain Broadhurst, chamberlain, opened a fete yesterday evening at St Mary’s Mission, Fitzroy in aid of the building fund for the mission.
Lieutenant R. B Leggatt, RN ADC representing His Excellency the Governor General, was present yesterday morning at the Armistice Day service at St Paul’s, Cathedral.
His Excellency the Governor (Lord Somers), attended by Lieut. Colonel E H Davidson, private secretary, was present at a Corporate Communion service of Toc H held at St Paul’s Cathedral, at 7.15 yesterday morning.
His Excellency the Governor (Lord Somers) and Lady Somers, attended by Lieut. Colonel E. H. Davidson private secretary and Captain A. W. Malcolm ADC were present at the Armistice
Ceremony held at Federal Parliament House, yesterday morning as the guests of the Federal Government.
Captain R. N. Brinkman A.D.C., represented His Excellency Lord Somers at the Armistice Memorial Service, held at St Pauls Cathedral yesterday morning.
Captain A. W. Malcolm, A.D.C., paid an official call on behalf of His Excellency the Governor, on the district naval officer yesterday morning.
Yesterday afternoon His Excellency the Governor, accompanied by Lady Somers, and attended by Captain A. W. Malcolm, A.D.C., opened the annual exhibition of the Australian Art Association at the Athenaeum Galley, Collins street.
The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. 1848 – 1957) Sat 13 Nov 1926 Page 35
ELTHAM WAR MEMORIAL
TO THE EDITOR OF THE ARGUS.
Sir, – In the report of the unveiling of the war memorial at Garden Hill and Kangaroo Grounds, the memorial is described as the Warrandyte war memorial. It has nothing whatever to do with Warrandyte. The memorial was built by residents and rate-payers of the Shire of Eltham.
Yours,&c.,
HUBERT RUTTER, B.C.E.,
President Soldiers’ Memorial League Eltham,
Nov 11
Advertiser (Hurstbridge, Vic. 1922 – 1939) Fri 19 Nov 1926 Page 3
THE ELTHAM SHIRE WAR MEMORIAL TOWER.
The Governor-General, accompanied by Lady Stonehaven, and attended by Captain W. R. Broadhurst, chamberlain, performed the unveiling ceremony of the memorial to the soldiers from the Shire of Eltham who fell in the Great War, at Garden Hill, Kangaroo Ground, on November 11. The following are additions to the report of last issue:
The tower is constructed of stone and reinforced concrete with sandstone rubble facing, and concrete quoins and dressings. The foundations are in solid rock, and the base of the tower is 16 x 16 external, and 11 x 11 internal, the wall being 2 feet 6 inches thick at the base, tapering to 16 inches at the top.
There is an internal stairway of jarrah, with galvanised iron pipe handrailing. It was gratuitously designed by Messrs Stephenson and Meldrum, architects, Melbourne; the stone was donated by Professor Osborne (of the University) from the quarry at Kangaroo Ground; the brass figures over the gates by Mr C. J. McCormack (formerly shire engineer); and the sand by Mr Tom Scarce, of Kangaroo Ground.
The list of subscribers and donations have already been published.
The contractor was Mr Geo. Rousell, of Mordialloc (formerly of Ballarat).
Mr W. A. Wippell (now of Ivanhoe), was the first to suggest a memorial park, and he gave £50 towards the land. Then Mr Basil Hall, as President of the Panton Hill branch of the R.S.S.I.L.A, suggested the tower, and organised a committee to work for it. After he left the council, Cr H. Rutter became president of the committee, and Mr Ben Johnson took over the secretaryship from Mr P. J. McMahon, carrying out the duties in a very complete and satisfactory manner. The other names of the reception committee are Mesdames Bell, Bourchier, Rutter, Miss Shannon and Crs. Price and Bell, and Messrs R. C. Bourchier and D. Rodger.
Amongst those present were Crs Hewitt (president), Andrew, Price, Bell, Lorimer, Rutter, Ryan; Hubbard (Eltham shire), and councillors from surrounding’ shires, including Lilydale; Mr W. H. Everard, M.L.A., Mr Russell Clark, M.L.C., Professor Osborne, Mr Thwaites, Secretary National Roads Association, who arranged for the taking of a film; Mr Meldrum, Messrs C. Monteith and J. Jones (vice-presidents of the Fathers’ Association); Mr Turnbull, president of the Returned Soldiers’ Association ; Mr Basil Hall, Mr B. A. J. Rouse, Com. Gunnery officer, and others whose names we were unable to get.
The committee. entertained His Excellency and Lady Stonehaven to afternoon tea, after which they left amidst cheers.
The committee wish to thank all those who assisted at the opening by lending coppers for hot water, tarpaulins for tent, and forms, &c., from the Kangaroo Ground church.
The following further donations have been received: –
“Turn to the Right,” £25; J. McFarlane 5/, refund Shire of Eltham £1/1/, P. Barrow £1/1/,
collection at memorial:–
Cracknell £1/5/6 and Mrs Jones £1/11/10; Hugh Robertson £1, Masson 10/6, Mrs Bourchier £5, Percy Leason £5/5/, O and P Frencham £5/5/, Mrs F. Lacey 10/, Miss Carr £1, Miss Hunter £1, Mrs Balakian £1/1/, McDonald £1, Pretty £1/1/, Lyons £1/11, Mrs E.T. Scarce £2, Cameron £5 5/, Quilliam £1, Jack Nink 10/, Mueller £1, sale of portraits and collection £12/7/5, donation 2/, Mrs Hawkes £1, Sir Wm. Irvine £2/2/; total (including £998/17/9 previously acknowledged), £1077/7/. In a previous list Mr C. F. Pryor, £5, was only credited with £1.
The following are the names on the Honor Board –
T. Abassie, Bert. Allen, Edward Barrett, John Charlton Bell, Edward Bird, William Bond, Evelyn Denison Bourchler, Charles Broomfield, Arthur Brown, George Brown, John Leonard Brown, Walter Bruce. Charles Callan, Thomas Cameron, Frederick Carpenter, Alfred Cassell, Albert Close, Harry Conway, Herbert Creed, William Crellin, Charles Chandler. Robert Henry Davey, C. Dinsdale. Samuel Farlow. W. H. Gammon, Geoffrey Treacher Grant, Samuel Giles.Hubbard, E. Hubbard, R. J. Harris, S. Harris, W. Holding, George Arthur Horn, A. Hunt, Charles Hawkes. Francis M. Ingham, J. Irvine. H. Jarvis, J. Jell, Edward Jennings. John C. Lawrey, Rupert Laity. H. Marshall, Harold H. McDonald, A. McLeod, A. McLeod, L. McLeod, Robert Meadows, George Frederick Mills, Ernest Gordon Mills, George Frederick Moore, Walter Moseley, Albert E. Morris, Jonathan Lionel Mills. Henry Norman, Ernest North. William John O’Day. Henry E. Phillips, J. Pickering, William Prior, James Prior. Stevens Roslyn. Kenneth Sharp, D. Shilito, Reginald E. Sims, S. Smedley, Frank Smith, George Somerville, Donald, Spicer, Reginald Swift. R. N. Wraight, George Weir, George Williams, John V. Wilson, Stanley A. Wilson, E. Colin Wilson. Edward Yates.
Advertiser (Hurstbridge, Vic. 1922 – 1939) Fri 26 Nov 1926 Page 2
THE Eltham and Whittlesea Shires Advertiser AND Diamond Creek Valley Advocate
HURSTBRIDGE, NOVEMBER 26. 1926.
The following are additional names to be added to those who are on the Honor Board at the Memorial tower, Kangaroo Ground, as having enlisted from Hurstbridge district:-
Hi. V. Davies; E. Heaton, J. Gillon, J. Medhurst.
A cosmopolitan social will be held in the Eltham hall on Friday, December 3, in aid of the soldiers’ memorial funds. A bus will leave Kangaroo Ground at 7.45.
The following contributors have paid, £1 each toward the fund of the shire of Eltham War Memorial at Kangaroo Ground, the names not having been included in the previous lists:-T. Saunders (Yuroke), King (Donaldson and Co., Melbourne), H. Peake (Queenstown), E. Laity (Queenstown), James Clark (Queenstown), B: A. J. Rouse (Hurstbridge), M. Bertrand (Hurstbridge), Harry Williams (Ivanhoe), Frank Taylor (Hurstbridge), Mrs Henrietta Clark (Queenstown), Walter Knell (Queenstown).
Advertiser (Hurstbridge, Vic. : 1922 – 1939) Fri 17 Dec 1926 Page 2
Eltham War Memorial League.
A meeting of the Eltham War Memorial League was held at the Shire Hall, Kangaroo Ground, on Monday, December 6, at 10 a.m.
Present
Cr Rutter (chairman), Mrs. Bourchier, Messrs Wraight, Bourchier, Bell, Crs Hewitt and Andrew.
Debentures.
lt was resolved that any surplus funds belonging to the Shire Memorial Committee be paid, into the State Savings Bank, and the question of re-payment of debentures be brought up for reconsideration in November next year.
Honour Roll.
On the motion of Messrs Bourchier and Wraight it was resolved that they endeavour to obtain a record of all those who enlisted from the Shire of Eltham, with a view to having these names placed, on the honour roll. The secretary was instructed to obtain a quotation for having the permanent honour board done in bronze letters in relief.
Memorial Tower.
It was resolved that the tower be kept locked, unless there is somebody in charge. Mr Wraight was appointed to take charge of the key.
The amount received in donations is £970 9/4, and debentures £118, a total of £1088 9/4. The expenditure has been £1057/14/10. The actual cost of the memorial was £1023/-/-.
It was resolved. on the motion of Messrs Bell and Bourchier, that a vote of thanks be passed to the Honorary Architects (Messrs Stephenson and Meldrum), and the secretary was instructed to forward them a letter of appreciation.
Advertiser (Hurstbridge, Vic. 1922 – 1939) Fri 17 Feb 1928 Page 4
WAR MEMORIAL LEAGUE.
A meeting of the Shire of Eltham War Memorial League was held at Kangaroo Ground on February 13.
Present
Misses Shannon, Crs. Price, Rutter, Bell and Mr. J. Bell.
The secretary (Mr. Ben. Johnson) read a circular letter that was forwarded to the debenture holders as instructed, and also placed before the meeting a number of replies.
The following debenture holders agreed to make a donation of their debentures in order to assist in freeing the memorial of debt:
Cr. Bell £5, Cr. Price £5, Miss Thomas £2, Mr. A. McLachlan £2, Mr. T. King £1, Mr. C. H. Peake £1, Capt. Pierson £1, Mr. E. Day £1, Rev. Mathews £1, Mr. T. E. Laity £1, Mr. Tomlinson £1. Total donation £21.
The secretary was instructed to acknowledge the letters and thank the contributors on behalf of the League. The secretary reported a credit balance of £81/9/5, and it was resolved to repay the larger debenture holders, and an amount of £63 was passed for this purpose.
Advertiser (Hurstbridge, Vic. 1922 – 1939) Fri 11 Oct 1929 Page 4
SHIRE OF ELTHAM WAR MEMORIAL
A meeting of the committee was held at Kangaroo Ground on October 7 principally to deal with the erection of a memorial tablet with the names inscribed of those who enlisted from the shire and who made the supreme sacrifice.
Ex.Cr. Rutter presided, and a fair number of the committee were present.
The treasurer (Cr. Price) reported that nearly all the debentures were paid off and sufficient money was in hand to pay off the balance as well as pay for the tablet. The chairman and treasurer were instructed to obtain the tablet.
The Defence Department has presented two field guns, which will be put in the memorial park.
As Mr. Gibbs (the secretary) had left the district, his resignation was accepted with regret, and Cr. Price agreed to act as secretary as well as treasurer.
On Armistice Day the usual service will be held, and Cr. C. Bell (president of the shire) and ex-Cr. Rutter will make all arrangements in connection therewith.
Advertiser (Hurstbridge, Vic. 1922 – 1939) Fri 5 Sep 1930 Page 4
ELTHAM WAR MEMORIAL.
On the Eltham War Memorial, which graces a high hill at Kangaroo Ground, commanding a fine panoramic view, has been erected a handsome tablet bearing the names of those who served and fell during the Great War.
The tablet is of handsome design, and cost a sum well over £100. The memorial committee, of whom Mr. Hubert Rutter is the president, is to be congratulated on this splendid addition to the already fine memorial.
The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. 1848 – 1957) Wed 5 Dec 1934 Page 8
ATTACKED AND ROBBED
Man Who Risked Life in Floods Attacked in Spring street late yesterday afternoon, Mr. William Carroll, aged 46 years, caretaker of the War Memorial Tower at Kangaroo Ground, was rendered unconscious by a blow on the head from a bottle, and robbed of £11. Suffering from a lacerated scalp and bruised ribs, Mr. Carroll was taken to the Melbourne Hospital, where he was still being detained for observation late last night. He was formerly professional heavy-weight boxer of Victoria.
In the swirling torrent of the Yarra at Warrandyte on Sunday, Mr. Carroll, in company with Mr. Colin Bridgman, a young man, of Kangaroo Ground, risked his life four times by swimming with food to the marooned household of Mrs. W. C. Oxley. For two days Mrs. Oxley, her daughter, Mrs. A. Smith, and Mrs. A. Agnew, and her son and daughter, had only a rabbit to eat. Their plight was becoming desperate, when Bridgman and Carroll, who are both exceptionally strong swimmers, volunteered to swim the river. First Mr. Bridgman swam across to the north bank of the river, and attached a rope to a tree, and then Mr. Carroll swam across, carrying bread and meat on his head. Having delivered one load, they swam back to the south bank, crossed again to the north bank, and then, suffering from the exhaustion of their terrific battle with the current, returned to the south bank. Persons who saw the surging flood-water on Sunday found it difficult to believe that men could have lived in such a torrent.
Weekly Times (Melbourne, Vic. : 1869 – 1954) Sat 7 Sep 1935 Page 42
READERS’ CAMERA STUDIES
War Memorial, Kangaroo Grounds (Vic.), from which a wonderful view may be obtained.
Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW 1890 – 1954) Mon 4 May 1936 Page 1
FOUND SHOT DEAD MELBOURNE.
Monday.
DEPRESSED since Anzac Day, Gordon Carter (35), a returned soldier, was found dead at the foot of the war memorial at Kangaroo Grounds, 20 miles from Melbourne. He had terrible wounds in the head. A discharged shotgun was beside him.
Eltham and Whittlesea Shires Advertiser (Vic. 1940 – 1942) Fri 17 Jul 1942 Page 2
Kangaroo Ground Memorial
‘CHILDREN TO TEND GROUNDS’
An offer made by Mr. E. P. Phelan, head teacher at Kangaroo Ground school, to take the children to the Shire Memorial Park one afternoon a week and attend to the surroundings, was gratefully accepted by the Eltham Council on Monday.
The Shire Secretary (Mr. C. L. Tingate) was asked to express the Council’s appreciation of Mr. Phelan’s generous offer and to suggest that he and the children work in co-operation with Mr. J. E. Kennedy on the heavier work necessary.
Councillor Brinkotter said that Mr. Phelan should be encouraged. The Memorial would fall into a dilapidated condition unless local Interest was taken in it.
The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. 1848 – 1957) Sat 17 Nov 1951 Page 7
The boys and girls who’ll play-
GOVERNOR Sir Dallas Brooks went to Eltham Shire Park at Kangaroo Ground yesterday afternoon to dedicate a watch-tower and caretaker’s cottage as memorials to the dead of two world wars.
Showers and gales kept many people away – but the local school children were there in full force.
Sir Dallas was touched. He chatted with the youngsters, then told them that despite the examinations next week they could have a holiday, Monday. “To remember the occasion,” he said. “And don’t let me down at the examinations, Tuesday.”
They’re promising not to in the picture, right.
