# The Chronicles of Early Melbourne/Volume 2/Chapter 49

​CHAPTER XLIX. A MIXED FREIGHT.
SYNOPSIS: -Brickmakers and Sawyers.—Benefit Societies.—The Port Phillip Club,—First Public Appearance of Messrs. Greeves, Hull, and Cole.—A Yeomanry Corps. — The Squatter Franchise.—The First " Protection" Meeting. — The Squatters' Grand Rally.—Australian Grain. — The Waste Lands.—Dr. Ludwig Leichardt.—Death of Daniel O'Connell. — Catarrh in Sheep. — The Sanitary Condition of Melbourne.—Proposed Annual Fair.— Proposed Female Friendly Society.—Relief of Irish Home Distress.—Irish and Scotch Home Relief.
ROM the earliest period the open meeting was regarded by the Port Phillipians as the most effective and legitimate m o d e in which to make the public sentiment known either in redress of grievance or a demand for justice. T h e first recorded gathering or " Folk-Mote" was held in 1836. Meetings to establish races, and to build a church took place in 1838, and in February, 1839, a commercial demonstration was m a d e to have Melbourne declared a free warehousing port. These several movements are treated with more detail in other chapters, and are only n o w re-introduced to prepare a way for grouping some of those public assemblages from time to time witnessed in Old Melbourne,
BRICKMAKERS AND SAWYERS.
The first hand-made bricks used in the province were manufactured upon the swampy land between the Yarra, and what was subsequently named Emerald Hill and the Government House reserve. T h e brick-field was in part close to and took in some of the historical 30 acre paddock which "Johnny" Fawkner annexed in 1835, and enclosed and planted for a wheat crop. Brick-making, though like bread-making, one of our earliest and local enterprises, was heavily handicapped by the absentee Government with exactions in the shape of fees and charges. In 1838 an Act of Council was passed which impeded the operations of not only brick-makers but sawyers, the two most useful handicrafts in an infant colony. It was enacted among other provisions that no person could legally follow either calling without taking out an annual ,£10 license, and this operated in such a prohibitory manner as to interfere materially with the progress of house-building, not only in Melbourne, but at Williamstown and Geelong. In fact, it led to the departure of several persons, w h o could not be easily spared, to Adelaide. T o protest against such shallow-minded injustice, a public meeting was held on 17th January, 1839, at Sharp's Ship Lnn, Little Flinders Street. Several resolutions were adopted, the principal being one denouncing the Act of Council, and authorizing the presentation of a petition to the Governor praying for the cancellation or suspension of the pernicious imposition.
UNION BENEVOLENT SOCIETY.
An Institution with this designation was inaugurated at a meeting held in the Lamb Lnn, Collins Street, on the 14th February, 1839, M r . T. H . Price was appointed Secretary, and it was resolved to hold periodical meetings at the Builders' Arms Hotel, in Little Collins Street. Before
Melbourne Union Benefit Society
"United to Relieve, Not Combined to Injure." Patron : Captain William Lonsdale ; President (Vacant) ; Vice-Presidents : Messrs. J. S. Lambard and J. L. Lake; Treasurer: Mr. John Caulfield; Secretary: M r . William B r o w n ; Physician: John Sproat, M . D . ; Stewards : Messrs. John Johnson and James A. Clarke. T h e time had not quite arrived for the working of such a project, and the Institution quietly and gradually dissolved. THE PORT PHILLIP CLUB.
The comparatively few people in Melbourne whose position rendered them in any way "clubable," were somewhat difficult to please, and one " H o u s e of Call" of this kind was found to be insufficient to provide for the requirements of, or rather to fall in with, the whims of the would-be-fashionables and swells of the period. Consequently a few of those w h o affected discontent with the management or surroundings of the Melbourne Club, assembled in private conclave in January, 1840, and determined upon opening an opposition shop, which was started accordingly, and thus officered :—President : Thomas Wills, Esq. ; Vice-President : Andrew M . M'Crae, Esq. ; Secretary : Archibald M'Lachlan, Esq. This Club commenced business in a small two-storey house in Lonsdale Street West, at the corner of the right-of-way n o w known as Wright's Lane; but it soon moved to the then large premises in Flinders Street, known as " Yarra House," and derisively nicknamed " Hodgson's Folly," because erected by Mr. John Hodgson, for which a rent of ,£600 per a n n u m was agreed to be paid. The Club's opening dinner was given on the 17th March, 1841 (thefirstSt. Patrick's celebration in Port Phillip), when about thirty persons sat down. M r . Thos. Wills officiated as Chairman, Mr. Richard Ocock did the " Vice," and it was declared that the evening passed off most agreeably. Though this Institution enjoyed but a short life, it was not a very merry one. T h e members were too sedate and slow for the convivial clubism of the time, and they wanted a spice of the dare-devil " g o " of the young bloods who favoured the other establishment. It vegetated quietly for a couple of years, and placidly withdrew from the world of pleasure, leaving behind only as m u c h of a memory as m a y attach to the well-known Port Phillip Club Hotel, which n o wflourishesin its place.
EXCESSIVE TAXATION.
In May, 1842, it was stated to be the intention of the' New South Wales Executive to introduce a measure of legislation which would ruinously oppress the industrial energies of the infant settlement, and steps were taken to enter into an urgent protestation against such iniquity. T h e proposals contemplated the imposition on the province of the responsibility of the sole maintenance of the police force, and the cost of roads, bridges, & c , and to remonstrate against such a preposterous intention a public meeting was held in the Bourke Street wooden theatre on the 17th of the month. T h e Chair wasfilledby the Deputy-Sheriff, several vehement addresses were delivered, and resolutions with a Petition adopted against the obnoxious Bill. This event was rendered remarkable as thefirstappearance on a public platform of Dr. Greeves, M r . William Hull, and Captain G. W . Cole, three m e n w h o played a prominent part in the political future of the colony.
FORMATION OF A YEOMANRY CORPS.
The capture of the bushrangers by the gentlemen amateurs in 1842, and the impunity with which other outrages were perpetrated, by both black and white depredators, started a notion as to ​the expediency of organizing a troop of mounted yeomanry, and a meeting to consider the question was held on the 3rd June at the Lamb Inn, n o w Scott's Hotel, Collins Street. T h e enthusiasm kindled by the idea was up to boiling heat, but it was not long before the cooling process set in. After Major St. John was voted to the Chair, a resolution was adopted to the effect that it was necessary for the protection of life and property that an association be formed by the settlers and holders of farm stock under the style and title of " T h e Port Phillip Volunteers"—that all settlers, & c , be invited to co-operate, and that the corps be under the military direction of a competent gentleman to be appointed by the meeting and approved by the Governor. It was suggested that this post should be given to Major William Firebrace, but it was objected to by some, w h o considered that such a responsible office should be filled by the general body of volunteers. Major Firebrace, however, was appointed forthwith. It was also resolved that the district be partitioned into twelve divisions, each to be under the c o m m a n d of a captain and two lieutenants, to be selected by the corps. T h e divisional boundaries were also determined, and a code of Rules for management and equipment was adopted. A Committee was nominated to promote the objects sought to be attained, and the meeting adjourned rather appropriately sine die—for nothing ever came of it beyond m u c h talk and a few newspaper paragraphs. It was a mere flash in the pan, and as such there was a speedy end of it. SQUATTER FRANCHISE.
The Pastoral Tenants of the Crown, as they were called, made several attempts to obtain an extension of the Electoral franchise, and were as often baffled by adverse circumstances. They m a d e a strong muster at the Royal Hotel, on the 14th of July, 1843, when their advocates came out in great force. T h e purpose of the gathering was to adopt petitions to the Legislature of N e w South Wales and the Imperial Parliament to extend the legislative franchise to the pastoral tenants of the Crown. Major Firebrace was voted to the Chair, and speeches were delivered by Messrs. J. L. Foster, James Simpson, J. C. Riddell, A. Cunninghame, F. Riley, G. S. Airey, F. A. Powlett, C. H . Ebden, James Manning, Alfred Langhorne, Major St. John, Captain Webster, and Dr. Playne. Draft petitions wrere submitted and approved, when a Committee was nominated to promote the object in view. THE FIRST " PROTECTION " MEETING.
It is singular, considering the turn taken by events in after years, that the earliest cry for the protection of native industry should have originated with the agriculturists ; yet so it was. In the year 1843 there was m u c h depression in every branch of business, wholesale and retail, and the prices obtained for farm produce ruled at a very discouraging figure. It was accordingly determined to give expression to public opinion as to the most desirable source from which to seek a remedy for the evil, and a requisition was presented to Mr. Henry Condell, the Mayor, to convene the inhabitants for the purpose of taking into consideration the best means for averting the ruin which threatened the cultivator of the soil, owing to the prevalent unremunerating prices of farm produce. T h e Mayor complied, and the gathering took place on the 12th October, in the large room of the Royal Exchange Hotel, Collins Street. T h e attendance was not numerous, and though a desire was expressed that the Chief Magistrate should preside, he begged to be absolved from doing so on the modest plea that though a brewer, he was unacquainted with agricultural subjects. Dr. F. M'Crae was consequently voted by acclamation to the place of honour. Addresses were delivered by Messrs. J. P. Fawkner, J. Williamson, W . Highett, J. M . Ardlie, and J. B. Kirk, and resolutions were passed nem. con.—viz., (a) Affirming the necessity for protecting the agriculturists by the imposition of a duty upon grain, not the product of a British settlement, sufficiently high to render farming profitable, but not too high for the consumer, (b) Affording protection to the legitimate farmer, the proprietor or occupier of purchased land against competition from squatters on Crown lands whose tenure was a mere depasturing license ; and (c) T h e prohibition of distillation from ought but grain. T h e draft of a Petition to the Legislature of N e w South Wales was also agreed to, and ​ordered, when signed, to be transmitted to the Rev. Dr. Lang, M.L.C., for presentation. A motion was also passed to solicit the co-operation of the residents in the Geelong District, and Messrs. A. M'Killop, D. Cameron, W. Kerr, F. Cooper, J. P. Fawkner, W . Highett, and J. Williamson were constituted a Committee to promote the purpose of the meeting. The Committee subsequently did, or pretended to do, a good deal of work in the matter, but beyond the transmission of the petition to Sydney, nothing further was for a long time heard of what was then considered by the majority of the colonists to be something not far removed from a chimerical craze.
THE
SQUATTERS' G R A N D
RALLY.
The greatest Squatting Demonstration ever witnessed in Old Melbourne, was on the ist Tune, 1844. The regulations affecting the tenure of the pastoral stations throughout the colony were in a very unsatisfactory condition, and liable at any moment to be rendered more so—a look-out the reverse of encouraging. To agitate for some improvement was the purpose of this gathering, for which elaborate and costly preparations were made, and much was expected from a becoming display of public spirit on the .occasion. The accessories of optical effects were considered, and the result was the introduction of certain novelties not resorted to in the public meeting line. The turn-out took the form of a Cavalry Review on Batman's Hill, and after a march through Melbourne with band playing and colours flying, the orating came off in the open-air on the hill side in Collins Street, between the Mechanics Institute and the Argus office. There was then in town a clever painter named Opie, and his services were secured to get up a banner worthy of the cause, a design for which was supplied him, and a really clever piece of canvassing was executed without loss of time. The flag ground was of deep crimson-coloured silk, and measured 7 feet by 5. In the centre werefivewhite stars, emblematic of the thenfiveAustralasian settlements. A sheep was suspended at the top over a crown, and under was a large gold-lettered scroll, legended "Squatters, Guard your Rights." On one side was a pillar based on a block, of Honour representing Commerce, and on the other a similar adornment springing from Truth, and symbolical of Agriculture, whilst on the apex of theflagstaffwas a gilt kangaroo. This artistic specimen was on show for a few days, and some ultra-loyalists professed to be so shocked with its treasonable tendencies that it was actually subjected to some slight modification. The day wasfine,the squatters assembled on horseback at their place of starting, where a mounted procession was formed, and set forth in this order of march :— A Highland Piper in full National Costume. Squatting Cavaliers, two deep. The Banner. The Town Band.
The townspeople took no further part in the proceedings than as spectators, and the procession moved on from west to east of Collins Street. Arriving on the Eastern Hill, Mr. A. F. Mollison was called on to preside, and determined speeches were delivered by the Chairman, Messrs. Edward Curr, Isaac Buchanan, W m . Hull, A. Cunninghame, Claud Farie, C. H. M'Knight, Dr. Kilgour, Captain Hepburn, and one or two more. Resolutions were passed (a) Affirming as remedies for the uncertain nature of things, the granting of leases, and a preferable right of future purchase to the squatter; and (b) An allowance for improvements, and the extension of the Electoral franchise. It was also emphatically declared that no settlement could be deemed satisfactory that was not based upon the separation of Port Phillip from the Middle District (New South Wales). On the nth October, 1845, a meeting was held at the Royal Hotel, "To consider the propriety of petitioning the Imperial Parliament for the admission of Australian grain into British ports upon the same terms as those on which the importation of Canadian grain is allowed." The Mayor (Mr. H. Moor) was appointed Chairman; resolutions approving the object in view were adopted; and a Committee nominated to give them effect in the preparation and transmission of a ​Petition. T h e speakers were Messrs. E. Curr, J. P. Fawkner, John Bear, Geo. Annand, Jas. Malcolm A. Cunninghame, Major Firebrace, and Dr. P. M'Arthur.
THE WASTE LANDS.
Two rival meetings were held at the Royal Hotel, Collins Street, on the 9th February, 1848. T h e first was promoted by the squatters, and the Chair was taken by Major Firebrace. Its purpose was to protest against the action of the Government, in proposing to put up to auction, or dispose of by tender annually, certain waste lands of the Crown, located in what was known as " T h e Settled Districts." Alderman W . M . Bell, Messrs. Henry M o o r and J. C. Riddell, were the chief speakers. A resolution was passed in opposition to the intended project of unlocking the lands, and a Petition ordered to be transmitted to the Governor. W h e n one meeting had closed another was opened. This was a counter-demonstration, or what was designated a "Meeting of Agriculturists," and the Chairman was Dr. Peter M'Arthur. Messrs. Alexander M'Killop, J. P. Fawkner, J. O'Shanassy, and others, supported the movement, and resolutions were passed. (1) That the agriculturists viewed with alarm the vexatious opposition offered by the squatters to the anticipated regulations of the Executive respecting the Settled Districts; and (2) T h e appointment of a Committee to prepare and transmit a Petition to the Governor, declaring the views of the meeting. DR. LUDWIG LEICHARDT.
The safe return of the above-named celebrated Australian explorer, Dr. Ludwig Leichardt, from hisfirstNorth Australian expedition, suggested the propriety of a movement to present him with some pecuniary recognition of the services he was rendering the colony by his adventurous enterprising spirit. Sydney had already done its duty in this respect, and Melbourne was resolved not to be backward. A n d so on the 17th April, 1846, a public meeting was held at the Royal Hotel in Collins Street, with the Mayor (Dr. J. F. Palmer) as Chairman. T h e speakers were his Worship, Messrs. E. J. Brewster, W . Hull, James Simpson, Benjamin Heape, T. M'Combie, W . Westgarth, and others. Resolutions were passed declaratory of the courage and resolution with which Leichardt's expedition had been projected and carried out, and the immense advantage to Australian colonization which would result therefrom ; and that a testimonial in the form of a golden offering ought to be presented to the Doctor. A Committee was appointed to collect subscriptions for this purpose, and ,£50 was raised in the room. T h e net proceedsfinallyamounted to ,£150, which was entrusted to Mr. West°-arth who was starting for Sydney, and by him the sum converted into sovereigns was handed to Dr. Leichardt and accepted with a warm expression of thanks and gratitude. Towards the end of 1847 the indomitable German started on his second and last exploring expedition, from which he never returned, and a terrible mystery has shrouded his fate from that time to this. Sensations are occasionally caused by the supposed discovery of the remains of the ill-fated party, of whose destruction there can exist no reasonable doubt, though anything like absolute certainty is as yet impenetrably entombed in the w o m b of the past. Under such circumstances it m a y not be uninteresting to reprint from the Moreton Bay (now Queensland') Courier, 19th February, 1848, the record of the last departure from Brisbane of those "Wanderers of the Wilds," w h o went forth bravely into the wilderness ; and whose bones are now, in all probability, bleaching in that untrodden portion of the far interior known as Sturt's stony desert :—" Dr. Leichardt and party arrived here on Sunday last and left the settlement on Wednesday, on their return to the Darling Downs. T h e principal object of his visit to Brisbane was to obtain delivery of thirty fat bullocks from the Government herds at Redbank, which had been presented to him by Sir Charles Fitzroy. W e understand that the following individuals form the expedition to Swan River, viz. : — M r . Hentig, formerly of the Hunter River • Mr. Classen, a relative of Dr. Leichardt, lately arrived from H a m b u r g h ; Donald Stuart, formerly in the service of Messrs. Leslie, at Canning D o w n s ; a m a n named Kelly, and two Aboriginal natives ​W o m m a i and Billy. T h e Doctor takes with himfiftyfat bullocks, twenty mules, and six horses, with a very complete equipment for his adventurous journey. H e . purposes to follow the Cogoon to the Victoria River, pursuing Sir T h o m a s Mitchell's outward track to a certain distance, where he will bear off, in order to ascertain the Northern waters ; having accomplished this he will then take the most practicable direct route to Swan River. T h e whole party appear to be in excellent health and spirits, though w e regret to learn that the worthy leader suffers occasionally from palpitation of the heart." In connection with this subject, I have before m e a supplement to the Port Phillip Herald, issued 2nd June, 1846. T h e centre-piece is a faithful and well-executed likeness of Leichardt, drawn on stone by Joseph Pittman, and lithographed by T h o m a s H a m , two well k n o w n Melbourne artists of the period. A s frame-work to the picture four poetical Leichardtian effusions (two from Sydney and two from Melbourne) are presented, encased in a typographical border, creditable to the mechanical taste of Mr. William Clarke, a once Herald overseer, widely and deservedly esteemed. O n e of the contributions should possess a special interest for Victorian readers of every age, as it was from the pen of Sir William A'Beckett, the fourth Resident Judge of Port Phillip, and thefirstChief Justice of our Supreme Court. Sir William, as stated in another chapter, was wont to indulge in occasional dalliance with the Muses, and the Herald was the m e d i u m selected for communicating with the public. For obvious reasons he adopted a nom de plume, but the anonymity was by some means penetrated by the Argus, in its infancy petulantly hostile to the Judge, with or without reason; and that journal, in afitof temper one morning, disclosed the alias, and the votary of the " Tuneful N i n e " tuned in print no more. A s the secret was thus dissolved it can be no breach of faith on m y part to refer nominally to the authorship after the lapse of so many years. T h e p o e m also appears to well merit exhumation, and I, therefore, trust to be excused for reproducing it as under: — LEICHARDT'S RETURN. A n d Leichardt is returned again—the good m a n and the brave, Safe from the unknown wilderness, w e deemed had been his grave ; For not long had he gone from us, before dark rumours spread, That made us all but think of him, as one among the dead ; And, though such tidings, afterwards, by anxious friends were brought, A s shed a light, in sanguine minds, upon that mournful thought, Most of us feared those friends had found his latest earthly track, Or that he had but further roamed to never more come back! False were our fears—he is come back—come back triumphant too : Though this w e will not ask of yet—'twere selfish so to do ; W e will not stop to ask him now, what for us he hath won, Nor coldly pause to weigh the worth of all that he hath done. 'Tis joy enough to look on him ; yet, what if he had failed ? Should his return amongst us be with colder feelings hailed ? No, Heaven forbid, such high attempts, because without success, Should make us for a moment prize the brave who's made them, less! Then honour unto Leichardt now, the man and not his deed, Tho' that shall have its due reward, when he hath had his meed. A welcome let us give him, which nor he nor we'll forget, A welcome such as, on these shores, none other hath had 'yet • A "monster meeting" let us have, where all m a y crowd around, A n d " hero-worship" find its vent in one commingled sound; The green earth for our altar-place, the blue sky for our dome, W h y greet him elsewhere who, so long, hath known no other h o m e ? His mission was not to destroy, nor comes he back to tell Of fields, in which, though nobly won, our best and bravest fell , Far higher conquests his than these-and well he knew his G o d Would watch him all along the way his trusting footsteps trod. ​H e knew too that, if, after all, his labour should be lost, A nation would not have to bear the suffering and the cost; That if triumphant, 'twas success might greet each listening ear, Nor cause a single broken heart, nor one upbraiding tear. Then hail him on his safe return, with one applauding voice, W h o brings us news to sadden none, and all may make rejoice, W h o comes to tell that, 'spite our fears, the grass does not yet wave, O'er any spot the desert holds that leads to " Leichardt's grave ; " * No, happily, that mournful lay was prematurely sung, Though every heart that heard its tones was by it deeply wrung : Enough—thank Heaven, the Muse's tears have flowed in vain, and now The garland woven for his tomb, will twine around his brow !
MALWVN. Melbourne 14th April, 1846.
In June, 1845, a rumour reached Sydney that Leichardt and his party had been overpowered and murdered by a m o b of Aborigines. Though it was ultimately proved to be groundless, for a time it created a feeling of profound regret, and during the paroxysm the then Barrack-master of N e w South Wales, an intimate friend of the supposed dead Doctor, composed a beautifully pathetic lyric, which was published in the Sydney Herald. It was one of the four above referred to. It was written when there was some intention of despatching a search party, and now, as there can be no longer any question as to the terrible finale, it is wreathed in a mournful and no uncertain interest. LEICHARDT'S GRAVE. Ye who prepare with pilgrim feet Your long and doubtful path to wend ; If—whitening on the waste—ye meet The relics of my murdered friend— His bones with rev'rence ye shall bear To where some mountain streamletflows; There, by its mossy bank, prepare The pillow of his long repose. It shall be by a stream whose tides Are drank by birds of ev'ry wing; Where ev'ry lovelier flower abides The earliest wak'ning touch of Spring. O meet that he—(who so carest All beauteous Nature's varied charms)— That he—her martyr'd son—should rest Within his mother's fondest arms ! When ye have made his narrow bed, And laid the good man's ashes there ; Ye shall kneel down around the dead, And wait upon your God in prayer. What, though no reverend man be near; N o anthem pour its solemn breath ; N o holy walls invest his bier With all the hallow'd pomp of death ! Yet humble minds shall find the grace, Devoutly bow'd upon the sod, To call that blessing round the place That consecrates the soil to God. And ye, the wilderness shall tell How, faithful to the hopes of men, The Mighty Power, he served so well, Shall breathe upon the bones again !
It is also n o w reprinted. ​W h e n ye your gracious task have done, Heap not the rock above his dust; The angel of the Lord alone Shall guard the ashes of the just! But ye shall heed, with pious care, T h e mem'ry of that spot to keep ; A n d note the marks that guide m e where M y virtuous friend is laid to sleep ! For Oh ! bethink, in other times . (And be those happier times at hand) W h e n Science, like the smile of God, Comes bright'ning o'er that weary land ; H o w will her pilgrims hail the power, Beneath the drooping myall's gloom, T o sit at eve, and mourn an hour, A n d pluck a leaf on Leichardt's tomb !
—B. LYND. Sydney Barracks, 2nd July, 1845
DEATH OF DANIEL O'CONNELL.
The intelligence of the demise of this distinguished Irishman reached Melbourne on the 18th September, 1847, and the Herald immediately issued an extraordinary in deep mourning communicating the fact, which caused a profound sensation a m o n g the Irish residents. T h e two R o m a n Catholic, clergymen then here (the Revs. P. B. Geoghegan and N . J. Coffey) convened a public meeting at St. Francis' Schoolrooms on the 22nd "to determine the best means of testifying reverence for the memory of the Liberator of Ireland." There was a very large attendance, principally of the Irish residents, though many English and Scotch were also there. T h e Rev. M r . Geoghegan w h o presided, pronounced an eloquent and impassioned eulogium upon the deceased, and was followed by the Rev. Dean Coffey and M r . John O'Shanassy. T h e other speakers were Messrs. W m . O'Farrell, Robert Hayes, Bernard Reynolds, James Wallace, and M . J. M'Culla, and the following resolution was agreed to : — " T h a t as a mark of our solemn reverence for the memory of our deceased illustrious hero, we adopt, for the present, simple crape mourning for three months commencing on the 28th instant, the day of solemn dirge to be celebrated in St. Francis' Church." T h e Obituary Demonstration in the church was conducted with all the gloomy solemnity of such occasions. T h e interior was shrouded in black drapery, and long before 11.30 the period of commencement, standing room could not be found within the edifice. More than two thousand persons had congregated inside and outside, and amongst them were some members of other religious persuasions—Episcopalians and Wesleyans, Jews and Presbyterians. A large number of the deceased's countrymen wore the mourning crape prescribed at the recent meeting. A requiem mass was offered, Dean Coffey officiating as celebrant, and Fathers Geoghegan and Kenny (of Geelong) as Deacon and Sub-deacon. T h e musical arrangements were presided over by Mr. Megson, the theatrical orchestra conductor of the time, assisted by Mrs. Clarke, one of the corps dramatique of the Queen's Theatre, and several amateurs. Mrs. Clarke's singing being described as "singularly pathetic." T h e panegyric delivered by Father Geoghegan, of more than an hour's duration, has not been since excelled, as an effort of pulpit eloquence, in the colony. It was a comprehensive and luminous lesume of O'Connell's life and labours on behalf of the Irish race and the R o m a n Catholic faith from a compatriot's point of view ; and as the preacher was an orator as well as an Irishman, speaking straight from the heart, for point and pathos, rhetorical adornments and logical solidity, h.stoncal illustration, ancient and modern, interwoven with consummate skill and garbed in language of classic beauty, this was an intellectual feat, which, from its rarity, even in a temple of religion, might be not inaptly classed with those "Angels' visits" of which the poet sings as appearing "few and far between." T h e posthumous homage so paid to O'Connell by those
Catarrh in Sheep.
The prevalence of catarrh, and the losses caused thereby, were a source of much disquiet to the earlyflock-masters,and many were the nostrums propounded and remedies suggested to avert or eradicate this dreaded sheep plague. O n the ist June, 1850, the stockowners attended in large numbers, a meeting held at the Royal Hotel, convened " to devise the best means to prevent the spread of catarrh, and to establish an Insurance Company, for the protection of those whose flocks might be visited by this pestilence." It was called on requisition to the Mayor (Dr. Greeves), who, though a stockholder, was not a squatter, and Mr. Henry Moor, M.L.C., was elected Chairman. Addresses were delivered by Drs. J. F. Palmer and S. Martin, Messrs. J. C. Riddell, James Moore, W . F. Stawell, W . M . Bell, G. S. Brodie, W . F. Splatt, John Hodgson, and Captain Stanley Carr, a recent arrival, of large experience of sheep and who was about to become a settler in the Province. Resolutions were agreed to (a) Declaring that upon the prompt destruction of infected flocks mainly depended the prevention and eradication of the disease ; and (b) That the urgency of the case and the large amount of property directly and indirectly involved, called for the interference of the Legislature as the only means by which the cost of the necessary measures could be saddled on those who ought to bear it. Mr. Stawell submitted the draft of a Bill based upon the Report of a Select Committee of the N e w South Wales Legislative Council, and a Bill rejected by that body. H e moved a resolution affirming the desirability of having introduced in the Legislature during the current session a measure to be limited in its operation to Port Phillip, and that the Chairman be requested to bring in the same. This was agreed to, as was the draft of petitions on the subject for presentation to the Governor and to the Legislative Council. Messrs. Stawell, Palmer, and Bell were constituted a Committee to prepare a Bill in conformity with the wishes of the meeting, which terminated with a resolution pledging the utmost co-operation with the catarrh Committee of settlers recently formed at Geelong and Trawalla. THE SANITAR'Y' CONDITION OF MELBOURNE.
The fear of an epidemic and the uncleanly state of the City caused much uneasiness in the public mind in 1850. In the early part of M a y a preliminary meeting was held and a Committee appointed to report upon the best means to be adopted for the preservation of the public health. Another meeting was held at the Mechanics' Institution on the 18th June. The Mayor (Dr. Greeves) presided, and an elaborate Report was submitted. The paramount wants appeared to be a thorough system of drainage and an abundant supply of good water. The preliminary Committee had interviewed his Honor the Superintendent, who fully recognized the claims of the City for aid from the land fund to enable the Corporation to carry out some effective scheme of sewerage. T h e Committee suggested that application should be made to the Governor to place a sum on the Estimates for the purpose, and that an approximate statement of the probable cost be supplied. The City Surveyor (Mr. James Blackburn) had supplied a Report in which he dealt exhaustively with the scavenger and sewer branches, and this the Committee appended to.the other document. It was considered that as a temporary measure,, the Corporation should be empowered to levy a scavenger rate, and to remove all noxious matter from the streets "as a preliminary measure of Sanitary Reform." T h e Towns Police Act, and the powers vested in the Corporation to make bye-laws, rendered unnecessary any special legislation in this particular. Resolutions were passed for the adoption of a Petition to the Queen praying for the appropriation of a sum of money from the land fund towards City improvements ; and for the presentation of a memorial to the Government to procure the enactment of a sanitary law by the Legislative Council of N e w South Wales. AN ANNUAL MELBOURNE FAIR.
During the Separation rejoicings Dr. Palmer suggested the founding of an Annual Fair in Melbourne as a mode of perpetuating the great Separation movement, but the idea did not catch the public ​mind as the would-be projector expected. H e was not, however, a m a n to be thrust off a hobby which he had once mounted, and he accordingly went to work with a requisition to the Mayor to convene a public meeting of the inhabitants for the ventilation of the question, and an event of this kind came off accordingly at the Mechanics' Institution at 1.30 p.m. of the 25th October, 1850, but it was very poorly attended. T h e specified purpose of the gathering was " to consider the expediency of establishing an Annual Fair for the sale of live stock, colonial produce, and general merchandise, in commemoration of the Separation of Port Phillip from N e w South Wales." T h e Mayor was voted to the Chair, and Dr. Palmer, in an address of some length, proposed a resolution declaring it to be conducive to the advancement and prosperity of the colony to establish an Annual Fair for the purposes set forth in the requisition. This was seconded by Mr. William Hull, when Mr. John Tankard appeared, as he said, on behalf of the working-class, to object to the holding of day meetings, which it was out of the power of artizans and other operatives to attend. H e moved an adjournment of the proceedings until seven p.m. -of the 28th instant, and on a division it was carried by 14 votes against 11. At the adjourned meeting Messrs. Hull and Palmer advocated the original proposition, from which they augured most substantial benefits to the community. T h e Rev. James Clow expressed his decided opinion against the project, which he considered would do m u c h more harm than good, a point of view strongly endorsed by Mr. W . M . Bell; whilst Mr. John Bear, a cattle salesman, was as emphatic on the other side. Mr. Tankard was vehement in denouncing any attempt to supply "grog" refreshments on the Fair Ground, and moved as a rider to the original motion:—"That it was highly expedient that no temporary licenses for the sale of fermented or spirituous liquors should be permitted where the Fair was to be held." This was lost, amidst some uproar, and the Fair-holding was affirmed. Resolutions of the following purport were also discussed and approved:—(1). That an address be presented to the City Council soliciting its concurrence, inasmuch as that body only had the legal power to establish markets, and receive market dues within the City boundaries. (2). That the Mayor, Messrs. J. F. Palmer, W . Hull, J. Bear, and A. Thorpe be commissioned to frame an Address for presentation to the Council. (3). That the most convenient season for holding the Fair would be on thefirstWednesday in December in each consecutive year, to be continued for two days, and be called " T h e Separation Fair." (4). That an Address be presented to His Honor the Superintendent, asking his co-operation, and praying him to procure the necessary authorization, and a Charter from the Crown legalizing such an establishment. So far for stage No. 1, but it never reached No. 2, for the project collapsed in consequence of the Superintendent being of opinion " That the question can hardly with propriety be satisfactorily disposed of before the Executive Government of the n e w colony is in a position to entertain the proposal, and weigh the advantages and disadvantages to the colony which m a y result from its adoption."
THE VICTORIA FEMALE FRIENDLY SOCIETY.
Like Dr. Palmer's projected Melbourne Fair, this was another of the half-dozen notions generated at the period of the Separation rejoicings to eternize that event, and it shared something of a similar fate. It owed its paternity to Mr. (now Sir) W . F. Stawell, at whose instance a public meeting was held on the 20th November, 1850, at the Mechanics' Institute. T h e Chair was taken by the Right Reverend Dr. Perry, Anglican Bishop, and appropriate addresses were delivered by him, Messrs. W . F. Stawell, H . G. Ashurst, A. Mackenzie, G. Nicholson, John Lush, J. S. Johnston, and others. Several resolutions were adopted, by which it appeared that the Society was to be known as " T h e Victoria Female Friendly Society," and the building of the Society " T h e Victoria Friendly Home." Its objects were to be-(i). T o provide a H o m e for the reception of females of all ranks seeking employment, and to aid them in obtaining the situations most suitable to their views and position. (2). T o afford facilities for religious instruction and consolation to the inmates of the H o m e . (3). T o co-operate with kindred Societies in this country, and with Societies established in Great Britain, for ​the furtherance of female immigration to this district. The Management was to consist of a President, Vice-President, Treasurer, and a Committee of gentlemen, assisted by a Committee of ladies w h o are members of the Society; the Secretary and other paid officers being elected by the Committee. Three Trustees were to be elected, in w h o m was to be vested the Trust ownership of all lands either granted by the Crown or purchased. T h e Board of Management was to be elected annually. T h e subscription was fixed at _£i per annum (ladies and gentlemen), and a Life Membership was to be conferred upon every ,£10 donor, or the unpaid collector in any one year of £20 from persons not claiming membership on account of any portion of such contributions. T h e Right Rev. Dr. Perry was requested to accept the office of President. At a meeting held on the 31st January, 1851, the Society's functions were enlarged so far as to establish a Friendly H o m e , not only for immigrants on their arrival in the colony, but for any females of respectable character requiring a temporary abode. S o m e progress was m a d e with the good work, but ere the year had closed the chaos evolved by the gold discoveries swept it and other well-meaning projects away.
RELIEF OF HOME DISTRESS.—THE FIRST IRISH MOVEMENT.
In 1846, the Black Famine, like an angel of death, "spread its wings on the blast," and swept as a simoon over the green hills of Ireland, strewing its path with the darkness of desolation; and a cry for help from a famishing people went forth to every part of the civilized globe, to which substantial aid in cash and kind was the ready response. At so terrible a crisis the inhabitants of Port Phillip could not shut their ears to such an appeal, and prompt measures were taken to enable the colonists to do their part in the good work of feeding the hungry. A s the delay of even a day was a matter of importance, the Rev. Dr. Geoghegan, R o m a n Catholic pastor, assumed the responsibility of convening a public meeting to adopt measures " towards the relief of the frightful famine and disease afflicting the people of Ireland." This call of duty was cheerfully answered, and the gathering took place at the R o m a n Catholic School-room in connection with St. Francis' Church, Lonsdale Street, at 6 p.m., of the 12th August. Dr. Geoghegan was voted to the Chair, and effective addresses were delivered by him, Sir (then Mr.) John O'Shanassy, Dr. John Patterson, R.N. (the Immigration Agent), Mr. J. C. King (thefirstT o w n Clerk of Melbourne), and others of lesser note. Resolutions were passed, the principal of which is worth transcription, viz.:—"We (the meeting) disclaim the remotest connection with sectarianism of any sort, and, consequently, unanimously resolve that all remittances of the Relief Fund shall be forwarded to the Protestant and R o m a n Catholic Archbishops of Dublin (Whately and Murray) with special instructions to adopt such steps as shall secure their equitable appropriation in the relief of all sufferers in all parts of Ireland." A subscription list was opened in the room, and what was deemed a remarkable presage of success, was filled in a few minutes to the extent of ,£250, including donations of £ 2 0 each from the St. Patrick Society, and the brewing firm of J. R. and J. Murphy, Dr. Geoghegan ,£10, and Dr. P. Cussen (Colonial Surgeon) ,£5. Though seemingly insignificant amounts when contrasted with modern contributions, those sums were considered strong tests of liberality in the then circumstances of the community. It was thought that if £1,000 could be raised, it would be a substantial testimony to the generosity of the province; but in three months after, the total sum sent h o m e was £1,362 17s. 3d., a marvellous effort of benevolence, when the conditions and resources of the people of the small settlement were taken into consideration. O n the 19th August the adjourned meeting was even an improvement on its predecessor, for the enthusiasm and practical results of thefirstwere exceeded. T h e speakers, too, included some m e n whose adhesion to the cause was a source of m u c h gratification. They were Messrs. Edward Curr (the well-known politician), J. C. King, J. C. Riddell, an eccentric but well-meaning wine and spirit merchant, J.P. ("Johnny") Fawkner, and the Venerable Father Therry. In the course of his remarks Father Therry compared " benevolence to the pure water of the Yarra, contributing its streams to the sea, therefrom to emerge to heaven in vapours, which would in turn pour forth their blessings in fertilizing the country." Poor simple soul ! If he had lived to see that ​once pellucid stream the sickening sewer it is now, it is about the last object in nature to which he would resort for a simile to exemplify anything pure or celestial. Professedly to help the movement so auspiciously commenced, a requisition was presented to the Mayor (Dr. Palmer), in virtue of which another public meeting was held at the Royal Hotel, in Collins Street, on 21st August. M a n y regarded this counter movement as not only unnecessary, but extremely injudicious, and some went the length of saying as much. T h e attendance was small, the state of feeling cool, and a dash of cold water was thrown on the proceedings by the Mayor's absence. T h e Clerk of the Police Court (Mr. W . R. Belcher) was there to announce that the Worshipful Convener was sick. Dr. Palmer, though an accomplished and able man, was never popular. Subsequently he sent the fund a £5 note as a clumsy amende. M r . Edward Curr was appointed Chairman, and the principal speakers besides him were, Messrs. J. O'Shanassy, D. C. M'Arthur, T. M'Combie, and J. A. Marsden. O n this occasion "Big Marsden," an experienced master in the art of what is known as "taking round the hat," propounded the important dogma, "that the great arcana of raising subscriptions were good humour and perseverance." H e might have added promptitude as a third element, for, in m y experience in public money-hunting, the best cause may be irretrievably damaged unless you " strike while the iron is hot." A fourteen days' adjournment ensued, but this second m o v e eventuated in an abortion, and £ 2 0 , the sum resulting from it, was transferred to the original or St. Francis' Fund. T h e ladies also showed a disposition to co-operate, and a " Lady Convention" was held at the Catholic Schoolroom, on the 30th August. History is silent as to the Chairman (or Chairwoman) on the occasion, but the orator of the evening was M r . James AVallace, a well-known schoolmaster, who was recently still residing near Geelong. O n e specimen of his eloquence is worth pickling as a preserve :—" Ladies (exclaimed he) don't think I a m going to flatter you—for I a m not—as flattery is not m y forte. Surely I a m notflatteringthe fair sex when I assimilate them to angels, only they have got no wings. (Screams of lady laughter). But the fact of Nature having formed them minus wings is a matter of rejoicement more than anything else, for if they had been gifted with the wings of angels, they would immediately put their wings in motion, and speed their way to the pure ethereal realms, which are better adapted for their virtue than this earthly sphere." (Renewed laughter). With all due deference to Mr. Wallace, I doubt m u c h whether the ladies, if so " pinioned," would (particularly the young ones) be so very ready toflyout of this world; and I a m as certain that instances have frequently occurred since the date of the oration, where the "unfair" sex would be only too glad if particular ladies could fly like ring-doves, provided they soared out of sight and never reappeared. However, at this ladies' meeting more than £ 1 0 0 was unpursed. Mr. J. T. Smith, proprietor of the Queen's Theatre, gave the Fund a benefit. Theatrical demonstrations of this kind have been so modernized as often to partake m u c h of a managerial " spec ;" but it was not so at the time I write of. A benefit then was a real tangible affair, though the takings would be in the nature of things insignificant as compared with those of a leading theatre of to-day. T h e gross proceeds were £ 4 6 6s, from which Mr. Smith deducted £6 4 s. 6d. as light and printing expenses, and in forwarding a cheque for the balance ( £ 4 0 is. 6d.) to Mr. O'Shanassy, he thanked his company "for the ready and cheerful manner in which they rendered their services on the occasion." T h e Sunday meetings were continued hebdomadally until the 3rd November, when the lists were closed. A n instalment of £ 5 0 0 had been transmitted h o m e within a fortnight of the commencement of the collection, and the residue n o w followed, the Bank of Australasia remitting exchange on the whole amount. A s a coincidence which ought to be noted, singularly enough the mail packet that conveyed the first instalment via Sydney was known as the "Emerald Isle." O n e feature of the movement was very gratifying, viz., that some of the largest subscriptions were received from persons differing in religious belief from the R o m a n Catholic C o m m u n i o n , and Protestant, Presbyterian, and other Dissenting Ministers sent contributions. T h e mass of suffering in Ireland showed an immense preponderance of the R o m a n Catholic element, and the same year in Melbourne witnessed a 12th of July Orange celebration, which engendered the most acrid party feeling, and produced much dissension. Yet it was creditable to the benevolent sympathies of the ​public, that such infatuation did in no material degree affect the excellent object sought to be attained. It is very amusing to compare the subscription lists of 1846 with those of 1880, the last occasion of the colony holding out a helping hand in aid of Irish destitution, and when it performed a noble duty in a manner so munificient as to redound eternally to its credit. It presents an amazing contrast to the advantage of modern times, and speaks a trumpet-tongued volume as to the immense material advancement of Victoria in the interval. In 1846, the largest donation was £ 2 0 from the Murphys, of brewing celebrity; whilst in 1880, Mr. J. R. Murphy, one of the ex-copartnery, personally contributed one hundred guineas. T h e half-sovereign, pound, and two pound donors on the first list, figured for £o, £ 2 0 , and £ 5 0 on the second; and the £2 of Mr. W . J. T. Clarke is represented in 1880 by £ 5 0 0 from one, and ,£50 from a second of his sons. Such was an unquestionable proof of the astounding financial changes which had come to many of the old settlers. Amongst the remarkable incidents with which the annals of Old Melbourne are interspersed, not one of them shines with brighter lustre than thefirstIrish Relief Movement of 1846.
IRISH AND SCOTCH RELIEF.
Towards the middle of the following year, 1847, it was known that intense destitution prevailed not only in Ireland, but in the Scottish Highlands, public sympathy was again awoke, and a relief movement initiated by a public meeting at the Royal Hotel, on the 19th July. T h e Mayor (Mr. Henry Moor) presided, and several speeches were delivered, strongly in favour of rendering assistance; but there was a diversity of opinion as to the m o d e in which any funds raised should be distributed, some advocating direct aid, i.e., transmitting the bounty to the authorities at h o m e charged with the relief of the distressed, for local application as required; whilst others as strongly urged that it should be expended in the promotion of Immigration, and thus, whilst removing some of the victims of want, benefiting Port Phillip by the acquisition of as many new colonists as the money would pay for. Resolution N o . 1 was moved by Mr. James Simpson, and seconded by Major St. John, viz:— That this meeting being deeply concerned by the distress prevailing in Ireland and Scotland, consequent upon the unprecedented scarcity of food, resolves to m a k e every effort in its power towards alleviating the same.
Agreed to. Mr. Sidney Stephen proposed, and Mr. T h o m a s M'Combie seconded N o . 2 :— That as the best means of relieving that distress, a General Committee be now appointed, with instructions to open subscription lists, and take all other necessary steps for bringing out Immigrants to Port Phillip, selected from the sufferers of Ireland and the Highlands of Scotland, according to the sums subscribed.
Upon this an amendment was moved by Mr. Alexander M'Killop, viz. :— That the subscription list comprise two columns, in order to meet the views of those persons who feel inclined to contribute towards the purposes of Immigration, and also to suit the wishes of such as m a y prefer to have their donations applied to the relief of the destitute by transmitting such sums for expenditure in the different localities at home, the amount so received to be forwarded for distribution to the General Relief Committee, London, the Lord Provost of Edinburgh, and the Archbishop of Dublin.
This was seconded by Mr. Benj. Heape, and carried. A Committee was nominated to collect and receive subscriptions, and the work was thus well commenced. But it was harmed by the adoption of two modes to give it effect, and the end was a miserable failure. A good purpose like this is attainable only by persevering, straightforward exertion. It is not dissimilar to reaching a goal beset with obstacles, and only to be approached with certainty by some single direct route. If there be any deviation from the main track, any straying into another highway, it is a waste of power, and the probable result a collapse. In the present instance the collection was undertaken to promote a most praiseworthy purpose, the proceeds to be disposed of according to two several plans, the evil TT ​effect of which soon become apparent, for many luke-warm persons disposed to subscribe to the general fund, found fault, some with the one and others with the second m o d e of appropriation, and so wavered between both, the consequence being that they subscribed to neither. Several liberal contributions were nevertheless received, especially for the Immigration branch. T h e Committee was enlarged, and town and country collectors were appointed. A proposition was m a d e to coalesce with a movement started at Geelong, but it fell through. The spontaneous enthusiasm so characteristic of the proceedings of the year before, were absent now, and the matter was kept dawdling for seven months, when on the ioth February, 1848, another public meeting was held for " the closing of the subscription lists, and the appropriation of the proceeds to their legitimate purposes." A statement of accounts was submitted, showing the receipts to b e — F o r Immigration, ^£830 19s. 7d. ; For Immediate Relief, .£168 is. 6d. Total, .£999 is. id. O f the Immigration item ,£97 was only conditional upon .£2000 being raised. In addition there were promises of .£313 4s. for Immigration, i.e, ^£163 4s. unconditionally, and ,£65 conditional on the raising of ,£2000, and ,£85 provided the fund realized ,£5000. With the middle and lower grades of the population, it m a y be remarked, the immediate relief proposition found most favour, and it was by their aid that the movement of 1846 was a success. As the destitution at h o m e had in a considerable degree abated, a question arose that after disposing M r . W . R, Belcher of what was in hand, what was to be done with the sums still expected. proposed that, "Inasmuch as the distress had passed away, the entire amount be handed over to the Melbourne Hospital and the other Charities," but such a preposterous notion obtained no encouragement. Mr. O'Shanassy advocated the transmission of the immediate relief portion to the Central Relief Committee in London, as it was too small to divide it as originally decided. The outcome of the Melbourne movement was to a great extent a breakdown, for the cash in hand was thus disposed of:—,£168 is. 6d. sent h o m e for immediate relief; ^£97 returned to the conditional donors; and ,£753 19s. 7d. paid in for Immigration, ordered to be returned to the contributors, less 2 ^ per cent for expenses. T h e resolution passed at the first meeting, applying the amount to Immigration, was rescinded, and another authorizing the transfer of any unclaimed balance on the termination of twelve months, to the Melbourne Hospital, was carried. That it was all claimed I believe, for I never heard of a shilling of it going into the Hospital funds.
THE GEELONG MOVEMENT
Was managed in a much more rational manner, and some substantial benefit was reaped from it, if not by Ireland and Scotland, certainly by Geelong. It was also m u c h more of a success, and for once at least the superior manner in which the Corioans transacted their charitable business should have made the Melbournians blush. T h e "Geelong and Country Fund," as it was termed, yielded ,£944 ios., of which ^£352 9 s. 8d. was for immediate relief (nearly double the Melbourne amount). T h e latter was forwarded to its destination, and the Immigration proportion entrusted to an agent in London, w h o invested it in what were known as " land orders." B y virtue of the existing Land and Emigration Regulations, he was empowered, not only to select a certain number of persons at home, and frank them with free passages to Port Phillip, but he could also take up a certain quantity of land in the colony. By this prudential management Geelong secured not only some additions to the population, but also a certain quantity of land, which was taken up under the orders. This was subsequently re-sold to advantage, and with the proceeds was founded the Geelong HospitatoBenevolent Asylum. This Institution was inaugurated at a public meeting of the Geelongites in March, 1849, with the Rev. Andrew Love, Presbyterian minister, presiding, and the interest of the occasion was m u c h enhanced by the presence of the R o m a n Catholic pastor, Dr. Geoghegan, who travelled from Melbourne to deliver one of t h n ^ tbr,n;„rr 1 , ,, ~. . Jr , • . VCI u n e or t n o s , , ,. . e thrilling, eloquent addresses upon Charity for which he was so pre-eminently distinguished. So far back as 1841 the Geelong Benevolent Asylum was founded, FT"8/0* L H " w l I reaSUI " er ' the ReV - A n d r e w L o v e ; T r u s t e e s > Messrs. Nicholas A. Fenwick, Edward B. Addis, William Roadknight, Rev. A. Love, and Dr. Foster Shaw.