Julie's Trees........

The picture shows Julie planting one of the two silver birch trees that she has sponsored at the Cassilis recreation reserve. She said that her mother would have liked this place. Julie mentioned the lovely effect of the white bark of the silver birch, which of course will stand out even more against the backdrop of the eucalypts and the view of the hills in the distance.

Julie planting a silver birch.

The day was ideal for planting as the overnight rain prepared the ground with moisture enough to entice the tree roots to reach out further into its surrounds as it warms with the coming spring. The blustery wind was warm while the tree was being planted and turned cold at the time of leaving almost seeming sad and then petulant that we were going.

The residents of, and the area surrounding Cassilis are, through the medium of recreation reserve and the tree sponsor program, cleaning the atmosphere and environment as they honour and remember loved ones. The trees being a real link to those buried in the Cassilis cemetery and elsewhere in Australia or world wide.

Contemplating

The Cassilis recreation reserve and cemetery located cheek by jowl have always been special places and their uniqueness is being enhanced by the tree sponsor program of the reserve, encouraging the committee and trust respectively to increase their particular attraction.

Many who have come to visit Cassilis where their ancestors lived, worked and in some cases died, even on their first visit have sponsored a tree to make this place even more meaningful in their lives. A family hub of sorts.

To view a larger version of the photos, click on them and they will come up on their own.

The slope which is the backdrop of the picture where Julie is planting her tree can be seen in this early photograph of another gathering at the Cassilis recreation reserve. This is supposed to be in the 1800's and could well be the case from the dress of the people.

Cassilis circa 1897

The trees on the slope have changed and if the time period is correct, then the mines would have been working just about full on when there was water sufficient to allow them to process the ore.

The population of Cassilis would have been far greater as can be seen, though one would imagine some of these people in the photo would have come from the surrounding area for a day out, to catch up and to just enjoy the company of others. The life on any goldfield is not easy. Everyday life would have been hard and the mining companies would not have been over generous with wages and conditions.

TidyTowns..........

TidyTowns Judge Ron came up today and had a look at the Cassilis Recreation Reserve and the Cemetery. The sun was shining, but at this time of year there was little warmth. We have long time ago realised that being closer to the sun doesn't mean there is more warmth.

The cemetery road was a mess, a real mess a few days ago was slightly better because without more rain the surface a some time to dry out.

But anyone with a reasonable sort of car was best served to leave it back at the Cassilis road and that's just what Ron wisely did.

This is not the worst section, but the straight actually running alongside the recreation reserve was worse. The reason being that there is more shade, so it only dries out when there is a combination of sun and wind.

Anyway, with a four wheel drive drive, we all managed to get in and another day or two of sun and it will be navigable once again till the next rain. An ongoing saga of which the shire has been aware for some years.

There have been some repairs to the road surface promised by the shire, sometime this month, and that's a great start, but if the repairs to the road are just a band aid, the likes of which have been seen so often it will be of little benefit. Hope continues to be evident, but doesn't grow where this road is concerned.

The next picture is of Alison, the President of the Cassilis Recreation Reserve accepting the TidyTowns certificate from Ron.

From left: Howard - Marie-Louise and Patrick - Alison accepting the TidyTowns certificate - Penny - Christine - Ron presenting the TidyTowns certificate and Bob

Ron was taken round by Howard who explained what the Cassilis Recreation Reserve Committee of Management and the Cassilis Cemetery Trustees had achieved since the new committee and trust took over in 2012.

Future plans were also outlined and the discussion over cups of coffee, scones and cream created a congenial atmosphere in the tranquil environment of the this place that has used by people for meeting and discussion since the 1800's.


Tuesday 2 July 2013

The road is slowly drying out and is once more possible to drive over for anyone. Which is particularly good for the school holidays. Hopefully, in the not too distant future, the cemetery, recreation reserve road will be brought up to the standard of an all weather road, so more timid and less confident drivers from the city can get to the facilities there without being traumatised, or abandoning the intent entirely.

The (f)route breakfast

This Sunday, 7 April 2013 morning, another (f)route breakfast brought

together a group of people who enjoyed the fruit and fruit products for sampling at the Cassilis Recreation Reserve and Cemetery. It was a great way to catch up. Like autumn leaves in a gentle breeze, people moved round, got caught up in a group and then gently disengaged and drifted into another collective of people.

It was possible, even recommended, to go without breakfast and have a breakfast at the gathering, that extended into brunch. Consisting of all the wonderful fruit and fruit based food on offer.

No one had an excuse to go away hungry, it was impossible in fact to go

away hungry with all the delicious temptations available. It's assumed by this scribe that everyone went away sated with all manner of dishes containing fruit, fruit juice or syrup.

The food was engaging to every palate, lovely quince dishes with raisins, or

just quinces that tempted and captured all who ate them. Muffins, flavoured with pineapple, banana and raspberry and such to delight even the most finicky taste buds. Preserved fruit which tasted even better than they looked in the jar. Lemon flavoured sago for which everyone went back for a second helping but found it gone, eaten before they could indulge in greater amounts. There was a delicious apple cake and fruit crepes and so the list of breakfast treats went on. Every new taste texture and sensation guided the sampler to move to the surprise of the next tantalising dish, almost impossible to talk at the same time.

There was cream and home made yoghurt, fruit bread to complement many of the tasty and healthy dishes as well as peppermint tea produced from local peppermint, muesli and of course fresh fruit.

There was a bagpipe recital of Waltzing Matilda that pleased everyone. All in all it was a pleasant Sunday morning with everyone being embraced by the fine weather and a sense of community.

Things Going Ahead Apace?

Everything is finally going ahead. The East Gippsland Shire Council has supported this project with a grant and now it's finally going ahead.

There have been some holdups though none with the council, with them everything went sweetly in the main. But with Christmas and various holidays, the shed people not supplying all the documentation that we required to get a building permit, and a few things like that months have slipped past.

John almost finished screeding

The concrete pour went without any problems today, and as always people from the local community were involved and many hands made light work, so it went well.


The shelter for visitors to the Cassilis recreation reserve is starting to take shape.

The slab looked a treat when finished and then there was a wait while it was permitted to cure and finally the work started once again. The shelter materials had arrived and waited for assembly for weeks strapped together on a trailer.

We'll start the pictures of things happening with John's dog Crikey who loves to play and have a stick thrown that she can chase. She goes with John to the jobs he manages, a good friend of building site and home comfort.

Top dog - wood worker

John started the assembly of the frame of the shelter that had been ordered from JBT Constructions in Bairnsdale, who are agents in this area for Eureka sheds.

Though there was a bit of a problem with not having the specifications for the building permits which tended to hold up the building inspection of the slab preparation and the pouring of same and within that chain of events, the assembly somewhat.

It was ironed out after a few telephone calls to Eureka via JBT Constructions. Nicki being very helpful.
  
The Frame

John putting it all together on the slab as he went along and working mainly on his own.

Without the help of Crikey or anyone else at this stage. Then with a hand just to hold the gable assemblies when they had to be put in place.

Coming together

Things were starting to get up above the level of the concrete slab.

It was starting to look like something and some of the Cassilis Recreation Reserve Committee of Management members came to give a hand when needed for work that required more than one pair of hands.

This was becoming a project that had many hands laid on and it was nice to see. The committee wants people to get involved and know they have a connection to the project.

In the afternoon the frame was up, standing on it's own and looking good.

Standing and John making certain it will remain so

The building was a little different to what the diagram showed. The centre gable assembly not shown in the brochure. Probably added to give greater stability and it wasn't too much of a worry for the purpose for which the shelter would be used.

But was a bit different on the plan. So it did take a moment to work out what these extra sections were and John being a top tradesman wanted it to be correct  in every aspect.

Just to make certain that everything was as it should be, Kane from JBT Constructions, the company from whom the committee had purchased the shed to become shelter, came up from Bairnsdale to check things and he gave John a hand to put the cladding on the walls.

This was good follow up on the product and customer relations from JBT Constructions and it makes all the difference.

John and Kane getting on with the work

It was coming along very well and it was so described by the Treasurer, Marie-Louise and Howard a member of the committee when they came to offer any assistance that might be needed, and to make certain that John and Kane had all they required.

Then they left because it was obvious that anyone else on site would be in the road.

There will be more photographs of progress to follow.

Remember if you wish to see the photographs enlarged a little just click on them.

The shelter is all but finished, just a few final touches and the job is done. Now the work really begins.

Almost done

John has almost finished the shelter, and being the top tradesman that he is, he will make certain that the work is to his satisfaction.

He is much valued around the district for his attention to detail in his excellent work. The Cassilis Recreation Reserve Committee of Management are pleased to have been able to engage him to do, and with the work he has done.

More about the Cassilis Cemetery

Recommemoration of Cassilis Cemetery
Sunday 28 February 1999

Click on the picture to see a larger view and possibly find people you recognise.

Cassilis historic pioneer cemetery re-dedication

Introduction

Prayers

Hymn - For all the saints

For all the saints who from their labour rest, who thee by faith before the world confessed,

Thy name, 0 Jesus, be for ever blest. Hallelujah, hallelujah.

But lo! There breaks a yet more glorious day; the saints in triumph rise in bright array;

the king of glory passes on his way,

From earth’s wide bounds, from ocean’s farthest coast, through gates of pearl streams in the countless host,

singing to Father, Son and Holy Ghost,

Scripture readings

Joshua 4:1-7,l9-24 Israel builds a monument

Mark 922-8 Disciples build a monument

Address

Monuments Celebrations of the past

Lessons for the present

Signposts for the future

Another (f)route Breakfast on Sunday 7 April 2013

There is another (f)route breakfast scheduled at the Cassilis Recreation Reserve and Cemetery on this coming Sunday.

It is the hope of the organisers that many will come and those who can will bring fruit and fruit products. So everyone can get together round some tasty fresh fruit and catch up. It should be a pleasant morning. So see you there at 9:00 am, earlier if you want to enjoy the peace, quiet and tranquillity which awaits the visitor to this small haven.

From Howard:

Over the years, Cassilis has had a number of precedents and unique features that have added considerable wealth to the history of Gippsland.

Gippslands first reef gold was discovered here on the Cassilis road.

Historic Cassilis Cemetery and Recreation Reserve 

An ideal scenic spot for a picnic and a bit of relaxation whilst the kids run about in a safe and picturesque environment.

Mount Hepburn - King Cassilis Mine 1888

Rich superfine nuggety gold was mined with a “state of the art” gold recovery process that has been described recently by mining consultant/historian Dr Sandra Close as “world significant”

In its heyday employing 200 people, the remnants of this amazing mine are still in good condition and can still be observed.

The Cassilis Gold Mining Company (CGMC) 1897

The principal mine of Cassilis, rising to a height of 3300 feet above sea level this rich reef was discovered by Robert Howard and Ed. McLaren in 1890.

Water for the works was piped from ” The Springs” a natural watercourse in the head of a gully heading up onto the Great Dividing Range a short distance from the mine.

Between 1898 and 1916, the CGMC produced approx. 3.5 tons of gold, today worth about $50 million

The Springs

The Springs later became a small mining community made famous by Eddie Clements and Keith Shepherd in their book “Around The Campfire Ashes” recollections and stories of their life in the bush as kids.

Jirnkee Water Race 1899

Construction started in 1899 and commenced operations in 1901 the race was cut with a fall of 1 inch in the mile for a length of over 50 miles to service the sluicing company operating at Tongio West.

Tongio West State School 3419 1903

When the Cassilis School (1890-1903) prematurely closed a great deal of debate took place as to where a replacement might be built. It was decided it would be situated midway between Tongio West and Cassilis.

In 1911, the school was put firmly on the map when under the leadership of teacher Mr. Ronald MacDonald it was awarded a massive 11 scholarships out of Victoria’s possible 40. Only two schools in the State where awarded scholarships that year and Tongio West had a record number.

Hydro Electric Scheme 1905

Victoria’s first Hydro Electric Scheme was constructed for the King Cassilis Mining Company to overcome the rapid loss of timber used in the furnaces for gold recovery.

It covered almost 16 miles of country from the Victoria River north of the divide to terminate at Tongio West.

Markey Line Gold Reef

Mt. Markey Winery & Micro Brewery Est. 1992

Almost exactly 100 years after the first official pub was opened at Cassilis, the regions first winery 

Was granted a license on the same premises.

Alfred William Howitt (1830-1908)

ABSTRACT

As an individual I'm uncertain as to why we remember these figures and their achievements, because we really have no idea about the complete person. Not that we have any better knowledge of anyone, even one quite close to us and a long time of our acquaintance. Was Howitt a kind and caring man, and thought of in that way by his wife and children and his peers, or just one that was able to draw, organise or make his mark amongst his peers to the extent that they placed him in positions they didn't want to populate or occupy themselves. Were those who bestowed upon him the responsibilities of the position he was given, really just using him to their own ends. Possibly to curtail any advancement by him that would hinder their own.

These are questions that we will never answer with any accuracy, yet we want him remembered for his contribution? Like Ned Kelly is also remembered for his contribution of making an area that he frequented known and place it on a modern map?

There is some evidence that the man whose reputation is from Snowy River and made famous by Banjo Patterson, himself famous for his writings, buried his sister in the Cassilis cemetery. Or even someone possibly mistaken for that man or a relation for that man is buried in the cemetery, but to what good? So that people may walk over the ground under which lies another man who was eulogised in verse? Possibly because he was the only one who came to the notice of one who was good with words and had a talent of rhyme and was therefore able to spin a tale that would excite the minds of those whose life seemed not as big as this appeared?

We have to wonder if Howitt should be remembered any more than the average miner who was working in the tunnels and stopes of the King Cassilis mine and made one woman or their children happy, or one hotel licensee wealthy with the wage that he passed over the bar?

But because he was better known and held a position of a higher rank than the average miner, butcher or baker. An employee of the government is maybe the reason we remember him. But mainly because he was widely known outside the Cassilis area.

Alfred William Howitt (1830-1908)

There are many memorials of one kind or another to Alfred William Howitt. The Cassilis Recreation Reserve Committee of Management decided that there should be some reference of Howitt at the reserve, as the Omeo Goldfields of which he was appointed Magistrate and warden, probably also encompassed Cassilis. In this the 150th year of the date that Howitt was appointed Magistrate and warden of the Omeo Goldfields it seems appropriate to place something about him on these pages.

Alfred William Howitt (1830-1908), by Batchelder & O'Neill
La Trobe Picture Collection, State Library of Victoria, H25326

It should be noted that a Howitt oak, though still small, was planted at the Cassilis Recreation Reserve in 2012 with the purpose of remembrance of Alfred William Howitt, another of the people that contributed to the area around it. Coincidentaly the area for which Howitt was responsible, is said to cover 150 square miles on the 150th anniversary of his appointment to the Omeo region.

Howitt born at Nottingham, England on 17 April 1830 to Quaker parents William Howitt and his wife Mary, née Botham. The Quaker connection seems to be of little interest to most chroniclers of his life and times, yet it appears to be important. That upbringing would have set in place much of what he actually did.

From:

http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/5741198?searchTerm=Howitt%20AND%20%22magistrate%20howitt%22%20AND%20%28warden%20OR%20howitt%29&searchLimits=exactPhrase=magistrate+howitt|||anyWords=warden+howitt|||notWords|||l-textSearchScope=*ignore*|*ignore*|||fromdd|||frommm|||fromyyyy|||todd|||tomm|||toyyyy|||l-word=*ignore*|*ignore*|||sortby#pstart209118

THE GAZETTE. Saturday 19 December 1863

The following notifications appeared in the Gazette of yesterday :

TERRITORIAL MAGISTRATE.- -Alfred William Howitt, Esq.

POLICE MAGISTRATE, WARDEN, AND CORONER.-Alfred William Howitt, Esq., J. P., to be a police magistrate anti warden of the colony of Victoria, and also to be a coroner of Victoria, and to act at Omeo in those several capacities, vice W. H. Foster, Esq., transferred.

3.1 Cite:

Article identifier

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article5741198

Page identifier

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-page209118

APA citation

THE GAZETTE. (1863, December 19). The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1956), p. 5. Retrieved March 28, 2013, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article5741198

MLA citation

"THE GAZETTE." The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1956) 19 Dec 1863: 5. Web. 28 Mar 2013 <http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article5741198>.

Harvard/Australian citation

1863 'THE GAZETTE.', The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1956), 19 December, p. 5, viewed 28 March, 2013, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article5741198

Wikipedia citation

{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article5741198 |title=THE GAZETTE. |newspaper=[[The_Argus_(Australia)|The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1956)]] |location=Melbourne, Vic. |date=19 December 1863 |accessdate=28 March 2013 |page=5 |publisher=National Library of Australia}}

Much About Howitt

Much has been written about Howitt, his organisational skills, artistic ability and such things, and an odd journal entry. But can we know the man from these? They are but the skeleton of the person, and not the fleshed out persona and character of a man of his time. His known achievements were many.

More information can be gleaned here:
Australian Dictionary of Biography