The Gregson’s of Bonnivale – a family story

On the 11th Sep 1928 the ‘Rainbow Argus’ in Rainbow Victoria, reported the death of John Watts Gregson. It said he was a highly respected resident of the town.  He was born in Chepstone Victoria in 1871 and was the eldest son of Mrs. Elizabeth Gregson nee LUMSDEN of Ararat Victoria and Charles Gregson from […]

John Minden Caulfeild – grave tales

On the evening of Monday 20th October 1896, three men of Kanowna, Open Call stockbroker Thomas Moore Fletcher, 22-year-old photographer John Minden Caulfeild, and Richard Baugh, cycled out to Lake Gwynn and set up a camp on the western shore of the lake about 5 miles from Kanowna. They had hired ‘The Gwynn’, a flat […]

Dollypot – The voice of the men who made the country

The ‘Dolly Pot’ column which was started in the Western Mail newspaper between 1936-1942 was initiated by Cyril Longmore and later taken over by Malcolm Uren. The column started out to collect the reminiscences of the pioneer prospectors and was remarkedly successful. Dolly Pot remains the most significant source of information on the Westralian goldfields […]

No Good at Sewing –

The old-timer was sitting among the pots and pans in orderly array outside his little camp, he was skewering a startling blue patch to a pair of trousers. ‘Can I do it for you?” asked the young lady visitor with a smile. He regarded her solemnly over his spectacles, then, ‘Thank ye kindly,” he said […]

The Greatest Polo Match – a verse

Magnet Mirror and Murchison Reflector 12 January 1928 Polo Shadows. Now saddle up your brumbies, And tighten up your girth; The task is now before you, And we will soon know what your worth For you’ll meet the greatest horsemen, That ever yet has been; And see the greatest polo match, That ever yet was […]