Arthur Leighton Richardson

M, #721, b. 27 May 1907, d. 19 Apr 1985
Father*Joseph Arthur Richardson b. 25 Oct 1879, d. 4 Jun 1942
Mother*Eugenie Margaret McCrea b. 19 Mar 1883, d. 6 Jul 1965
Probate (Will)* Arthur Leighton Richardson, Rtd Farmer, Berwick, 19 Apr 1985, 953/950.1 
Birth*27 May 1907 Kew, VIC, Australia, #B19811.2 
Residence*1933 Of Bryn Gwyn. 
Land-UBeac*21 Jul 1933 GEM-C-78 (part). Transfer from Louisa Jane Bevan to Arthur Leighton Richardson John Winton Richardson. 150a 1r 12p (area bounded by McKenzie Road (extension), Beac-Emerald Road following the line of C-22 but not including it - see C/T.)3 
Marriage*10 Oct 1935 Spouse: Elizabeth Helen McBride. St John's Church, Toorak, VIC, Australia.4
 
Land-UBeac*12 May 1938 GEM-C-78 (part). Transfer from Arthur Leighton Richardson John Winton Richardson to Elizabeth Helen Richardson. 3a 3r 12p.5 
Military*22 Jul 1942Enlisted for military service: Australian Army VX108281 (V42080) Discharged 16 Sep 1944. Lieutenant 52 Battalion.6 
Land-UBeac31 Dec 1942 GEM-C-78 (part) C-22. Transfer from Louisa Jane Bevan to Arthur Leighton Richardson John Winton Richardson. 116a 3r 7p (balance) including GEM-C-22.7 
Land-UBeac10 Aug 1949 GEM-C-78 (part) C-22. Transfer from Arthur Leighton Richardson John Winton Richardson to Albert David Nicol. 116a 3r 7p (balance) including GEM-C-22.8 
Land-UBeac10 Aug 1949 GEM-C-78 (part). Transfer from Arthur Leighton Richardson John Winton Richardson to Albert David Nicol. 146a 2r 0p (south western part.)9 
Widower22 Dec 1975Arthur Leighton Richardson became a widower upon the death of his wife Elizabeth Helen McBride.10 
Death*19 Apr 1985 Berwick, VIC, Australia, #D27102 (Age 78) [par Jos Arthur RICHARDSON & Eugenie Margaret McCRAE].10 

Electoral Rolls (Australia) and Census (UK/IRL)

DateAddressOccupation and other people at same address
1930Bellevue, Yaraka, QLD, AustraliaOccupation: jackaroo.11
bt 1936 - 1942Claremont, Upper Beaconsfield, VIC, AustraliaOccupation: farmer. With Elizabeth Helen Richardson.12,13,14
1949Alalangi, Upper Beaconsfield, VIC, AustraliaOccupation: farmer. With Elizabeth Helen Richardson.15
bt 1949 - 1954Mikado Park, Garfield, VIC, AustraliaOccupation: farmer. With Elizabeth Helen Richardson.16,17
1963Wilson Street, Berwick, VIC, AustraliaOccupation: farmer. With Elizabeth Helen Richardson.18
1968Beaumont Road, Berwick, VIC, AustraliaOccupation: farmer. With Elizabeth Helen Richardson.19
1972Beaumont Road, Berwick, VIC, AustraliaOccupation: farmer. With Elizabeth Helen Richardson.20
1977Beaumont Road, Berwick, VIC, AustraliaOccupation: farmer.21
bt 1977 - 198028 Rutherford Parade, Warneet, VIC, AustraliaOccupation: no occupation.21,22

Grave

  • Springvale Botanical Cemetery, Springvale, VIC, Australia, GREVILLEA, INDIVIDUAL ROSE, GARDEN 1 BED A12 ROSE 1223,24

Newspaper-Articles

  • 24 Jul 1933: BEACONSFIELD UPPER.—The Messrs. Richardson have purchased 150 acres of land, part of the property known as Ferndale, from Mrs. Bevan. Louisa Jane Bevan, John Winton Richardson25
  • 19 Jul 1934: Engagements: Elizabeth Helen, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. D. N. McBride, of Kimbolton, Beaconsfield Upper, and Arthur Leighton, eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. J. A. Richardson, of Beverly, Barry street, Kew. Elizabeth Helen McBride26
  • 11 Oct 1935: QUIET WEDDING AT ST. JOHN'S. Richardson-McBride
    The marriage of Elisabeth Helen, only daughter of Mr and Mrs D N McBride of Kimbolton Upper Beaconsfield to Arthur Leighton eldest son of Mr and Mrs J Arthur Richardson of Beverley, Barry street, Kew, was quietly celebrated at St John's Church, Toorak yesterday evening, by the Rev Dr A Law. The bride, who was unattended was given away by her father. The lustrous folds of her parchment satin gown fell from a slim fitting hipline to spread in a graceful fan- shaped train at the back, and the bodice was draped with a cowl caught into a square shaped neckline with two tiny bands of plaited satin. A row of tiny buttons, fastened the long tight cuffs of the raglan sleeves. Mellowed to the same tint as the satin gown an exquisite veil of old Brussels lace lent by Mrs L J Balfour, was caught to the bride's head with small sprays of orange blossom which had been worn by the bridegroom's mother. After the ceremony a recep tion was held at the home of the bride's uncle and aunt Sir Lennon and Lady Raws in Kensington road, South Yarra. Mrs McBride assisted Lady Raws to receive the guests, among whom were Mr and Mrs J A Richardson, Mr and Mrs H McCree, Mr and Mrs Ian Richardson, Mr and Mrs J Barnabym Mr and Mrs Norman Coles, Mr and Mrs L Carnegie, Mrs E V Clark (Adelaide), the Misses Margaret and Dorothy Raws, Margaret MacLeod, Mavis Carnegie, Alison McArthur, Adele Martel, Jean Willan, Phyllis Balfour, Alison Reid, Joan Cumming and Messrs John Richardson, Ted Roberts, Eric Ferguson, Roy Palmer and Larry Fripp. Elizabeth Helen McBride27
  • 18 Mar 1942: A. E. Heathcote Wins Fodder Conservation Competition. NO POINTS AWARDED TO ANY COMPETITOR FOR SURPLUS STOCKS
    The judging in connection with the Berwick Agricultural Society's Fodder Conservation Competition has how been completed. There were 14 entries and the awards are given below.
    First prize of £7 goes to Mr. A. E. Heathcote, of Beaconsfield, closely followed by H. I. Wanke, of Narre Warren, and A. G. Poole, of Berwick. The winner scored 106 points out of a possible 140.
    A striking sign of the times was the fact that no points were awarded to any competitor for surplus fodder—a reflection of the labor difficulties besetting farmers.
    1st., A. E. HEATHCOTE, Beaconsfield, 106 points.
    2nd., H. I. WANKE, Narre Warren, 103 points.
    3rd., A. G. POOLE, Berwick, 100 points.
    M. Conway, Cardinia, 99 points.
    Lady Massey Green, Harkaway, 95 points
    T. Bell, Berwick, 91 points.
    J. M. Bell, Berwick, 88 points.
    G. H. Morris, Beaconsfield, 86 points.
    Richardson Bros., Beaconsfield Upper, 84 points.
    M. Armstrong, Berwick, 83 points.
    T. C. Slessar, Beaconsfield, 82 points.
    G. F. Rae, Narre Warren North, 78 points.
    Dr. S. O. Sewell, Berwick, 71 points.
    A. E. Pratt, Narre Warren, 50 points. George Howard Morris, John Winton Richardson28
  • 10 Feb 1943: RICHARDSON BROS., of Faldinghurst, Upper Beaconsfield, have purchased the Red Poll bull, Victoria Roseman. His dam, Victoria Mary Rose has proved a very satisfactory producer, having yielded in her latest test as a senior 4-year-old, 457 lbs. butter-fat from 10,679 lbs. milk, with an average test of 4.28. John Winton Richardson29
  • 28 May 1947: MR. A. L. RICHARDSON, of Faldinghurst Stud, Upper Beaconsfield, has been! elected to the committee of the Victorian Branch of the Red Poll Cattle Breeders’ Association.30
  • 25 Aug 1948: SCRUB LAND CONVERTED TO A DAIRY FARM.
    What is the best thing to do with poor granitic soils carrying heath, tea-tree and inferior types of eucalypt? Some people say "Leave it to the deer and kangaroo.'' Others advise "Plant pine trees and make productive wood-lots."
    The most positive thing is to develop such areas for some form of animal production. This is not an easy job.
    Nevertheless it is being done in a pleasing, way by Cr. John Richardson and his brother, Leighton, on their 260-acre property near Upper Beaconsfield. Their problem is not merely to clear the scrub and establish a pasture under a favorable 37in.-a-year rainfall. Among other things they have to find out what grasses will be most productive under their conditions, and what fertilisers will be needed to keep the pastures going. Although not trained specifically in agricultural science, the brothers have made com mendable efforts to acquire the knowledge to help them best in their project. Not many farms are to be found in Victoria where one can have such inter-esting discussions on animal-grass-soil-fertiliser relationships and problems of heredity. The property itself is a veritable experiment station, equip ped with a microscope. The front lawn contained the first series of grass "plots." An area on the farm has been top-dressed with various kinds and amounts of artificial fertiliser. One interesting observation is that worm casts are most numerous on areas top-dressed with potash. The programme of clearing 10 acres a year was followed for 10 years until Leighton went to the war and John was fully oc cupied on farm production and maintenance. Shortage of petrol made him give up the wholemilk "round" and concen trate on butter fat. Light scrub is cleared with the heavy disc, and trees are brought to the ground with the tractor. Sales of firewood help, to pay clearing costs. The light disc is used for controlling re-growths. Once established, pastures are rarely broken up except to grow cereals for winter grazing.
    HAS HIGHER RAINFALL
    VARIOUS strains of sub clover have done well. With rye grass they have made at-tractive meadow hay mixtures White clover has flourished for the first two years and then proved rather disappointing. Why? Perhaps it uses all available potash in this period. District Extension Officer A. V. Doery. B.Agr.Sc., thinks it might do better after sub clover has grown on the soil for a few years. Cocksfoot has become estab lished on the higher land. The success of Phalaris has been confined chiefly to three acres of tile-drained soil, which formerly supported citrus. Bokhara clover and Lotus major are among other species tested by these progressive men. Although apparently warmer than country south of it, the district has a higher rainfall and later season. Paddocks are shut up as late as October for cutting up to Christmas time. Hay is elevated with an auto-matic pick-up into frames holding about two tons, which carry it to well-placed stack positions around the property. Leighton and John plan to make more of these frames and dump each full of hay at strategic positions during future harvests. There is a big hay shed near the milking shed. Cows are given enough concen trates to keep them quiet when being milked. At present the property is supporting about 60 head of stock, whose owners send as weaners for mating later with Messrs Richardson's Red Polls. Redelivery is taken about a month before the heifers calve. RED POLLS THE excellent performance of a Red Poll cross cow among their early purchases largely influenced the brothers to go in for the Red Poll. They are keen on preserving the dual-purpose qualities and guard against beefiness. Leighton has strong opinions on the limitations of a cow's worth being judged solely on show points. The herd is tested. Falding-hurst Ash (by Woodburn Peter Pan) produced 333lb. when nine years old. Another cow pro duced 391lb. as a 10-year-old. Leighton admires the utility and type qualities of the Agri cultural Department's "Victoria" herd at Werribee. Blood from it and the stud of Mr A. R. Beggs. Buln Gherin, Beau-fort, is being used. An unusual performance of the stud was the birth of twins by Caesarean operation from a cow which had its leg broken. CALVING PLAN ALTHOUGH apparently un-orthodox, Messrs Richardsons' plan for calving in autumn has a sound back-ground in an area where the normal trough of production is in February-March. On the theory that green feed is necessary for milking cows, lactations beginning in autumn will be maintained evenly throughout winter by grow ill on paddocks specially shut up for the purpose, and green cereals sown for grazing. These will be supplemented by grass hay fed every two days. Cows already under this system have produced up to 30lb of milk a day at the end of their lactation. Other excellent features of Messrs Richardson's operations are neat typewritten records, implement shed, machinery shop, ramp and trench for overhauling cars, shelter belts including chain breaks of scrub', introduced trees, peas to improve orchard fertility, plans for better water systems and an impressive array of championship ribbons. John Winton Richardson31
  • 8 May 2018: Leighton Richardson, an outdoor man
    A man well-known for his sense of adventure and independent spirit, Leighton Richardson of Berwick, died at the Berwick Hospital on April 19th, aged 77.
    Whether he was sheep farming in Queensland or yachting on Western port Bay, Leighton always managed to put great enthusiasm into his work and activities and overcome obstacles in his life.
    Born on May 27th, 1907, at Kew, Leighton was educated at Trinity Grammar School. He entered well into the social life of school, particularly sports such as lacrosse, cricket and football, and was captain of swimming for two years. He won the open swimming championship at the age of 14 and received an inscribed trophy from Robert Menzies.
    Leighton left school in 1924 and went to work in an insurance office. However, he preferred the wide open spaces and soon left to work as a jackeroo in Bedooba. New South Wales. Although he later returned and worked clearing land at Eildon, he found that he loved the sheep station life and travelled to Isis Downs in Queensland to work.
    OVERSEER
    After three years his common sense and character was rewarded with the position of overseer at Belle Vue, another large station in Queensland.
    Leighton often went boundary riding and would be away for weeks at a time with only his dog and horse for company. He always carried a book of poetry with him and in later life could quote page after page from memory. It was probably during these years that Leighton developed the sturdy independence known and respected by his friends throughout his life.
    In September 1932 Leighton joined forces with his brother John, who later became a councillor of the Berwick Shire, and the pair established a small dairy farm at Upper Beaconsfield.
    "Faldinghurst" was cleared by hard manual labour; the swamps were drained by channels dug by hand, scrub was burned off, trees ring barked and dragged down by horses and a Trewellina winch was used on larger trees and stumps. Later the brothers used a steel-wheeled Fordson Major tractor to do heavy work, but mowing and raking the hay was always done by horse-drawn machines.
    RED POLLS
    The cattle on Faldinghurst were Red Polls, with stud beasts bred, sold and exhibited with success at local shows. The cattle were also excellent milkers and the milk was distributed around Upper Beaconsfield from 12 gallon cans carried in the sidecar of an Indian motorcycle. Customers would leave a billy or jug at the gate and it would be filled by a pint ladle.
    The farm was an experiment on rented land, but proved so successful that adjacent land was purchased and a house built.
    In the meantime the brothers lived in a somewhat primitive shack, known as "Buckingham Pallis". The property is still named "Faldinghurst" today.
    In 1935 Leighton married Elizabeth Helen McBride of Upper Beaconsfield and in due course they had two sons, Tim and Garry.
    By 1938 it was clear that war was likely and both brothers decided to enlist. John was not accepted but Leighton was and he served in the New Guinea area. He had risen to the rank of Captain by the war's end, another tribute to his commonsense and independence.
    In 1948 the brothers sold "Faldinghurst" and Leighton purchased "Mikado Park" at Garfield, where he raised fat lambs until 1962 when he retired.
    YACHTING
    He and Elizabeth moved to Berwick and built a house on Beaumont Road, where Elizabeth established a fine garden. Leighton's well-known love of the sea came to the fore and he became increasingly involved in yachting on Westernport Bay.
    In March 1967 Leighton suffered a stroke which left him paralysed on the right side. Showing his enormous strength and determination he refused to let this overcome him and he slowly recovered, learning to write with his left hand, walking with the help of a stick and continuing with his activities.
    When Elizabeth died suddenly in 1975, Leighton felt that he could not stay in Berwick, and he moved to a small house on the foreshore at Warneet. There he threw himself into the activities of the yacht club, drawing charts, briefing contestants before races and acting as treasurer of the club for some years.
    He sailed himself, with multi-hulls being his particular favourites. Leighton also contributed to many yachting journals
    under the pseudonym "A. Watermouse".
    By 1981 he was becoming ill, and was found to have lung cancer. He underwent treatment and moved back to Berwick where he could be closer to friends, shops and medical help. Leighton died in the Berwick hospital where he always received competent and caring treatment.
    He will be missed by all who knew him for his unique sense of adventure and independence, his skills and his kindness, and his ability to overcome obstacles in a way that sets a great example to all of us.32

Citations

  1. [S35] Probate Records, PROV (Public Record Office Victoria), VPRS 28/P15, unit 214; VPRS 7591/P11, unit 41.
  2. [S3] Registry of Births Deaths and Marriages Edwardian Index Victoria 1902-1913 "#B19811."
  3. [S185] Property Titles ; PROV (Public Record Office Victoria), C/T 3762-278 - Louisa Jane Bevan to Arthur Leighton Richardson and John Winton Richardson both of Bryn Gwyn Upper Beaconsfield Farmers - C/T 5888-536.
  4. [S5] Registry of Births Deaths and Marriages Death Index Victoria 1921-1985 "#D27102 age 78 [par Jos Arthur RICHARDSON & Eugenie Margaret]."
  5. [S185] Property Titles ; PROV (Public Record Office Victoria), C/T 5888-536 - Elizabeth Helen Richardson of "Bryn Gwyn" Upper Beaconsfield Married Woman - C/T 6202-291.
  6. [S30] World War Two Nominal Roll https://nominal-rolls.dva.gov.au/
    Name      RICHARDSON, ARTHUR LEIGHTON
    Service      Australian Army
    Service Number      VX108281 (V42080)
    Date of Birth      27 May 1907
    Place of Birth      MELBOURNE, VIC
    Date of Enlistment      22 Jul 1942
    Locality on Enlistment      BEACONSFIELD UPPER, VIC
    Place of Enlistment      IN THE FIELD, QLD
    Next of Kin      RICHARDSON, ELISABETH
    Date of Discharge      16 Sep 1944
    Rank      Lieutenant
    Posting at Discharge      52 Battalion
    WW2 Honours and Gallantry      None for display
    Prisoner of War      No.
  7. [S185] Property Titles ; PROV (Public Record Office Victoria), C/T 3762-278 - Louisa Jane Bevan to Arthur Leighton Richardson and John Winton Richardson both of Beaconsfield Upper Farmers proprietors as tenants in common in equal shares - C/T 6596-198.
  8. [S185] Property Titles ; PROV (Public Record Office Victoria), C/T 6596-198 - Arthur Leighton Richardson and John Winton Richardson to Albert David Nicol of 78 Wickham Road Moorabbin Market Gardener.
  9. [S185] Property Titles ; PROV (Public Record Office Victoria), C/T 5888-536 - Arthur Leighton Richardson and John Winton Richardson to Albert David Nicol of 78 Wickham Road Moorabbin Market Gardener - C/T 7306-162.
  10. [S5] Registry of Births Deaths and Marriages Death Index Victoria 1921-1985.
  11. [S101] Electoral Roll for Australia, 1903 - 1980.
  12. [S136] Electoral Roll for Australia, 1936.
  13. [S137] Electoral Roll for Australia, 1937.
  14. [S142] Electoral Roll for Australia, 1942.
  15. [S149] Electoral Roll for Australia, 1949 "to Pakenham 27 Oct 1949."
  16. [S149] Electoral Roll for Australia, 1949.
  17. [S154] Electoral Roll for Australia, 1954.
  18. [S163] Electoral Roll for Australia, 1963.
  19. [S168] Electoral Roll for Australia, 1968.
  20. [S172] Electoral Roll for Australia, 1972.
  21. [S177] Electoral Roll for Australia, 1977.
  22. [S180] Electoral Roll for Australia, 1980.
  23. [S11] Newspaper - The Argus (Melbourne, Vic.), 26 Aug 1944, p3.
  24. [S47] Index of burials in the cemetery of Springvale Botanical Cemetery.
    GREVILLEA, INDIVIDUAL ROSE, GARDEN 1 BED A12 ROSE 12
    MCBRIDE DAVID NORMAN CREMATED 25/08/1944
    MCBRIDE HELEN JOSEPHINE      CREMATED 4/10/1960
    RICHARDSON ELIZABETH HELEN CREMATED 24/12/1975      
    RICHARDSON ARTHUR LEIGHTON CREMATED 19/04/1985.
  25. [S11] Newspaper - The Argus (Melbourne, Vic.), Mon 24 Jul 1933, p4.
  26. [S11] Newspaper - The Argus (Melbourne, Vic.), 19 July 1934, p12.
  27. [S11] Newspaper - The Argus (Melbourne, Vic.), 11 Oct 1935, p5.
  28. [S218] Newspaper - The Dandenong Journal (Vic.), Wed 18 Mar 1942, p1
    https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/215707975
  29. [S218] Newspaper - The Dandenong Journal (Vic.), 10 Feb 1943, p3.
  30. [S218] Newspaper - The Dandenong Journal (Vic.), 28 May 1947, p6.
  31. [S14] Newspaper - Weekly Times (Melbourne, Vic.), 25 Aug 1948, p8 By COLIN WEBB, M. Agr. Sc.
    Image Caption: MR A. C. DOERY, B.Agr.Sc., Agricultural Department Extension Officer (left) discusses developments in pretty surroundings with Mr Leighton Richardson on the property which the latter operates with his brother John, at Upper Beaconsfield.
  32. [S18] Newspaper - Pakenham Gazette (Vic.), The Gazette, 8 May 1985, p22.
Last Edited11 Dec 2018

George Maitland Renfree

M, #722, b. 9 Aug 1879, d. 11 Jul 1937
Father*James Henry Prinn Renfree b. 1851, d. 1 May 1924
Mother*Alice Barbara Adams b. 5 Jun 1861, d. 14 May 1955
Note* Dundrennan (Gaelic: Dun Droighnein) is a village in Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland, about five miles east of Kirkcudbright. 
Birth*9 Aug 1879 Dandenong, VIC, Australia, #B15365.1 
Birth-Notice*13 Aug 1879 RENFREE.—On the the 9th inst., at Dandenong, the wife of Harry Renfree of a son.2 
Death*11 Jul 1937 St James Road, Malvern, VIC, Australia, #D6310 (Age 57) [par James Henry RENFREE & Alice Barbara ADAMS].3 
Death-Notice*12 Jul 1937 RENFREE. On the 11 July, suddenly, at St. James-road, Malvern, George Maitland, of Upper Beaconsfield, loved eldest son of Alice B and the late Henry Renfree.
RENFREE. -The Friends of the late Mr GEORGE M. RENFREE of Upper Beaconsfield are informed that his funeral will leave Drayton and Garson's chapel, 217 High street Malvern THIS DAY (Monday the 12th July) at 2 pm for Berwick Cemetery arriving about 3 pm.4 
Inquest16 Jul 1937Inquest held 1937/929. George Maitland Renfree, Cause of death: Gassed, Location of hearing: Melbourne Morgue. George Maitland Renfree died from the effects of a certain poison known as carbon monoxide in household (coal) gas then and there administered by himself, but whether accidentally or otherwise the evidence adduced does not enable me to say.5 

Electoral Rolls (Australia) and Census (UK/IRL)

DateAddressOccupation and other people at same address
bt 1903 - 1906Upper Beaconsfield, VIC, AustraliaOccupation: orchardist. With James Henry Prinn Renfree and Alice Barbara Renfree and William Henry Renfree.6,7,8
bt 1926 - 1936Dundrennan, Upper Beaconsfield, VIC, AustraliaOccupation: agent. With Alice Barbara Renfree.9,10,11,12,13,14

Grave

  • 184/185, Dandenong Cemetery, Dandenong, VIC, Australia, Renfree. In loving memory James Henry 1st May 1924 his wife Alice Barbara 14th May 1955 and son George Maitland 11th July 193715
  • Plot 5-179-A, Berwick Cemetery, Berwick, VIC, Australia16

Newspaper-Articles

Citations

  1. [S1] Registry of Births Deaths and Marriages Pioneer Index Victoria 1836-1888 "#B15365."
  2. [S11] Newspaper - The Argus (Melbourne, Vic.), Wed 13 Aug 1879, p1
    https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/5952930
  3. [S5] Registry of Births Deaths and Marriages Death Index Victoria 1921-1985.
  4. [S11] Newspaper - The Argus (Melbourne, Vic.), 12 Jul 1937, p1.
  5. [S24] PROV (Public Record Office Victoria), 1937/929. George Maitland Renfree, Cause of death: Gassed, Location of hearing: Melbourne Morgue
    VPRS 24/P0000, 1937/929.
  6. [S103] Electoral Roll for Australia, 1903.
  7. [S105] Electoral Roll for Australia, 1905.
  8. [S106] Electoral Roll for Australia, 1906.
  9. [S126] Electoral Roll for Australia, 1926.
  10. [S127] Electoral Roll for Australia, 1927.
  11. [S128] Electoral Roll for Australia, 1928.
  12. [S131] Electoral Roll for Australia, 1931.
  13. [S134] Electoral Roll for Australia, 1934.
  14. [S136] Electoral Roll for Australia, 1936.
  15. [S50] Miscellaneous Source, http://www.australiancemeteries.com/vic/greater_dandenong/…
    184/185      
    RENFREE James Henry 1/5/1924 Alice Barbara f/o George Maitland
    RENFREE Alice Barbara 14/5/1955 93? James m/o George Maitland, age from cd      
    RENFREE George Maitland 11/17/1937 57? s/o James & Alice Barbara, age from cd.                
  16. [S44] Index of burials in the cemetery of Berwick,
    5-179-A     Renfree     G.W.     M     87 [sic]     12/07/1937     974.
  17. [S12] Newspaper - South Bourke and Mornington Journal (Richmond, Vic.), 2 Mar 1898, p3.
Last Edited1 Apr 2023

Clive Dana Colles

M, #723, b. 7 Aug 1878, d. 14 Apr 1962
Clive Colles DANA
(1878-1962)
Father*James Colles b. 1825, d. 1893
Mother*Cecile Sophia Dana b. 3 Oct 1845, d. 27 Feb 1908

World War I

Clive Dana Colles enlisted on 10 Jan 1916 from Western Australia, after two earlier attempts to enlist in Victoria and New South Wales, where he was rejected due to his lack of voice after his shooting accident. SERN 2180.
On enlistment he was a Private with the 10th Light Horse Regiment, 15th Reinforcement.
His unit embarked from Fremantle on 1 Apr 1916 on board HMAT A38 Ulysses.
He served in the Middle East and was promoted to Sergeant in the Australian Mounted Division. He returned to Australia on 26 July 1919.1
Birth*7 Aug 1878 Collingwood, VIC, Australia, #B22857.2 
Birth-Notice*8 Aug 1878 COLLES. -On the 7th inst., at Collingwood, the wife of James Colles of a son.3 
Marriage*2 Jan 1915 Spouse: Gwynneth Clara Morris. Chatswood, NSW, Australia, #M2254 NSW.4,5
 
Marriage-Notice*7 Jan 1915 A marriage to take place shortly in Sydney is that of Mr. Clive Colles, of Warren River, W.A., to Miss Gwynneth Morris.6 
Land-Note*15 Mar 1938 GEM-D-51. Leslie Octavius Thomas.7 
(Giver of The Bride) Marriage6 Jun 1945Clive Dana Colles gave the bride away at the wedding of Basil George Newton and Mary Mildred Crotty on 6 Jun 1945 at Christ Church, St Kilda, VIC, Australia.8 
Land-UBeac*4 Oct 1945 GEM-D-20. Transfer from King George to Clive Dana Colles. 39a 14p - crown grant issued.9 
Land-UBeac*26 Aug 1946 GEM-D-20. Transfer from Clive Dana Colles to Samuel James Begg Peter Donald 'Don' Begg. 39a 14p.10 
Death*14 Apr 1962 Heidelberg, VIC, Australia, #D6665 (Age 83) [par James COLLES & Cecile Sophia DANA].11 
Govt Gazette*22 Mar 1963The article reads: IN the Supreme Court of New South Wales.—Probate Jurisdiction.—In the will of CLIVE DANA COLLES. of "Baladi", Beaconsfield Upper, in the State of Victoria, orchardist, deceased.—Probate granted by the Supreme Court of New South Wales on the 28th day of February, 1963.—Pursuant to the Wills, Probate and Administration Act, 1898-1954, the Testator's Family Maintenance and Guardianship of Infants Act, 1916-1954, and the Trustee Act, 1925-1942, The Trustees Executors and Agency Company Limited, the executor of the will of the said Clive Dana Colles, who died on the 14th day of April, 1962, hereby gives notice that creditors and others having any claim against or to the estate of the said deceased are required to send particulars of their claims to the said executor, care of the undermentioned address, on or before the 25th day of May, 1963, at the expiration of which time the said executor will distribute the assets of the said deceased to the persons entitled, having regard only to the claims of which it may then have notice.—Dated the 20th day of March, 1963. A. J. F. ROFE & N. A. MOFFITT, Proctors for the Executor, 79-81 Pitt-street, Sydney. 1829—£1 12s. 6d.12 
Land-UBeac*10 Oct 1969 GEM-D-51. Transfer from Clive Dana Colles to Gwynneth French Henderson. By order of registrar of titles dated 10 Oct 1969 the within described land became vested in Gwynneth French Henderson. No C859412 (2048/60.)13,14 

Electoral Rolls (Australia) and Census (UK/IRL)

DateAddressOccupation and other people at same address
1909High Street, Scoresby, VIC, AustraliaOccupation: farmer. With Evelyn Emma Colles.15
1910Balbarrup, WA, AustraliaOccupation: farmer.16
1916Manjimup, WA, AustraliaOccupation: farmer.17
1919Upper Beaconsfield, VIC, AustraliaOccupation: farmer. With Gwynneth Clara Colles.18
bt 1921 - 1922Upper Beaconsfield, VIC, AustraliaOccupation: farmer.19,20
bt 1928 - 1934"Mundra", Upper Beaconsfield, VIC, AustraliaOccupation: orchardist. With Gwynneth Clara Colles.21,22,23

Grave

  • St John's Church Memorial Garden, Upper Beaconsfield, VIC, Australia24,25

Family

 Gwynneth Clara Morris b. 23 Dec 1884, d. 14 Jan 1974
Children 1.Edward Dana Colles b. 15 Nov 1915, d. 31 Oct 1922
 2.Gwynneth French Colles+ b. 13 Apr 1921, d. 21 Jul 2012
 3.Clive Dana Colles+ b. 8 Oct 1923, d. 15 Dec 2006

Newspaper-Articles

  • 7 Feb 1914: SHOOTING ACCIDENT. A FARMER INJURED. As the result of a shooting accident in the Manjimup district, Clive Dana Colles, aged 45 years, a farmer in that locality, is at present under medical attention at the Perth Public Hospital. From particulars obtainable last evening it appears the injured man, in company with Mr. H. S. King, Under-Secretary for Mines was driving in a vehicle from Manjimup to Nornalup Inlet yesterday. Mr. Colles during the journey was holding a rifle in his hand. The weapon, it seems, slipped from his grasp, and in falling exploded, the bullet lodging in his neck. The injured man was taken to Bridgetown, and was brought by train from that centre to Perth, and admitted at the hospital for treatment. His injuries are not regarded as serious by the hospital authorities, and his condition at an early hour this morning was as satisfactory as could be expected.26
  • 7 Feb 1914: The Manjimup Shooting Accident.-Clive Dana Colles, farmer, of Manjimup district, and the victim of the shooting accident at Manjimup on Friday, is still receiving medical attention at the Perth Public Hospital. The sufferers condition is somewhat serious, although yesterday he improved slightly.27
  • 6 Jun 1927: BEACONSFIELD UPPER. At a meeting it was resolved to form the Beaconsfield Upper Progress Association. Officers elected were: - President, Councillor Bevan; Secretary, Mr. C Colles; treasurer, Mr. N. Nathan: correspondent, Mr. P. Hurditch. Charles Philip Russell (P. R.) Hurditch, Judge David John Davies Bevan John Nathan28
  • 7 Mar 1936: THEFTS AND DAMAGE. Orchardists' Complaints. BERWICK, Friday. - Repeated thefts and destruction by picnickers from the city have caused orchardists at Upper Beaconsfield to prepare a petition to the Chief Secretary (Brigadier Bourchier) for more protection. They state that the police have done all they can, but depredations continue. One orchardist, Mr. Clive Colles, has alleged that he was pelted with his own fruit when he attempted to eject a number of youths who were stealing apples. Recently orchardists in the districts waited on the Chief Commissioner of Police (Sir Thomas Blamey), who granted additional protection.29
  • 23 May 1936: GOOD COLOR AN IMPORTANT REQUISITE IN APPLES. Production at Beaconsfield Upper. By "TILLAGE". The Beaconsfield Upper district, 33½ miles from Melbourne, enjoys a high reputation for the quality of its apples. The soil generally is light, and yields are not heavy, but for attractive color and flavor the fruit produced in that area compares favorably with any in Victoria.
    A fairly good crop was harvested during the past season, and a large proportion of this has been exported.
    It is almost half a century since fruitgrowing was started in this locality, and among the pioneers of the industry were the Albers and Glissman families. The country had a heavy covering of messmate, apple box, and peppermint, and the early growers received little encouragement in their enterprise. By many it was consider ed that the land offered greater possi-bilities for timber. Although manuring is not practised upon a generous scale, the importance of applying some fertiliser every year is generally realised. For a long period neglected orchards were a menace. These, in most cases, belonged to absentee owners, and harbored black spot, codlin moth, and other apple diseases and pests. Fortunately, this source of trouble has been practically eliminated, and the commercial grower has a much greater feeling of security now that his spraying opera tions are not being nullified by these breeding grounds. The apple trees at Beaconsfield Upper are much smaller than those to be found in many other districts. They get plenty of sun and fresh air, and an abundance of moisture under normal conditions. All these help to impart colour to the fruit. A fact not often appreciated is that rain when apples are fairly well advanced — after the New Year for most varieties — has an important influence upon color, particularly where the trees do not carry a lot of foliage. Bea-consfield Upper is noted for the number of rainy days usually experienced after the beginning of picking. Community packing sheds have been tried in this district, but the system has not proved successful, chiefly be cause, apparently, the growers are spread over a wide area. It is found more satisfactory for each orchardist to pack on his own property. During the 11 years he has been engaged in orcharding at Beaconsfield Upper, Mr C. D. Colles has done much to advance the interests of the industry. He has been secretary of the Fruitgrowers' Association since its in ception shortly after he went to the district. For several years he was a member of the committee of the Gippsland Fruit Marketing Association, which has in augurated some very successful schemes for the overseas marketing of fruit. Mr Colles is a native of Scoresby, and was attracted to Western Australia in 1906. He planted an orchard there, and afterward went to the war. The group settlement scheme then came into operation in the western State, and as his orchard was embraced by it, he returned to Victoria. There are 14 acres under apples in his "Mundra" property of 40 acres, at Bea consfield Upper, and portion had been planted when he took possession. The grey loam is granitic, and belongs to a group of soils fairly rich of potash. This is claimed to give color and general quality to the fruit. Varieties Favored Mr Colles has found that the best apples are produced on the light land, although yields are not so heavy as on the good soil. Some of the early set tlers, however, he told me, made the mistake of trying to establish orchards on land that was easily cleared, irre spective of its character. They did not realise that areas not suitable for heavy native timber were likewise incapable of growing good fruit trees. Consequently, any advan tage secured in the saving of clearing operations at the outset was lost. His varieties are Jonathan, Gravenstein Statesman, Stewart's Seedling, Granny Smith, Yates and Reinette du Canada. The last-named however, is to be eliminated. Provision is made in the plant ings for cross-pollination except in the case of Yates, which is grown by itself on the fiats, while the other varieties are mostly on rising land. The fact that Yates has to depend on its own resources, however, is apparently not a great drawback to the variety Extensive thinning out was practised during the past season, and the bene fits of this work were reflected in the size of the fruit, I found satisfactory crops of Yates in other orchards, and, apparently, it is a good apple for the district. Jonathan is described by Mr Colles as the best stand-by for the apple grower. Notwithstanding drawbacks such as ir regular bearing, and the need for cross-pollination more than in most varieties, he is of the opinion that it will retain the leading position in Victoria. Granny Smith, however, he points out is mak ing marked headway at Beaconsfield Upper, and is a continuous cropper. Fertiliser Programme On this property there are several nine-year-old trees of the variety, and these are giving excellent results. Mr Colles does not consider that Gravenstein is a suitable apple for the dis trict, although good prices are some times obtainable for it in the early market. As a fertiliser he has proved that there is nothing to equal the 2:2:1 mixture, comprising two parts each of super and sulphate of ammonia, and one part of potash. This gives the trees all the elements they require for satisfactory growth and fruit production. The manure is applied in October, the allowance being varied according to the size of the tree, but the average is upwards of 6lb. Cultivation is then begun and continued almost up to harvesting, the work being performed with the disc and spring-tooth cultivators. Although the sowing of crops for green manure is admitted to be decidedly advantageous, it is not en gaged in to any extent on "Mundra" owing to the cost of labor. During the period of lean prices, Mr Colles told me, the fruitgrower did not have the ready cash to pay for what he realised would be money well spent With better values during the last couple of years, however, it is not unlikely that green manuring will soon figure prominently in the operations of orchardists on this and other properties in the neighborhood. In the adjoining district of Pakenham some growers have reached the stage when they regard a crop of peas as an almost indispensable part of the manuring programme, to restore humus. This legume grows equally well at Beaconsfield Upper, and is far better than natural growth between the trees. Even if clovers and trefoils are avail able to be ploughed under, they do not provide the same weight of material as a green crop. Spraying for black spot is started early, the first application of Bordeaux 6-4-40 being given when the trees are dormant, and the second at green tip stage. Usually two sprays are sufficient to cope with the trouble, but if it should manifest itself again lime sulphur is used. There would be a risk of russeting the fruit by continuing with the Bordeaux. Although the weather conditions ap peared to have been favorable for black spot, practically none was experienced during the past season, and even the Statesman apple, which is very liable to attack, was free from it. When the fruit reaches the calyx stage spraying with arsenate of lead for codlin moth is undertaken. The treatment is always repeated at intervals of three, weeks up to Christmas, 3lb. of arsenate of lead powder being allowed to 75 gallons of water. The use of a spreader is regarded as a very important factor in the efficiency of spraying. Occasionally it is necessary to continue the work in the new year. Lures attached to the trees, and containing apple juice and water, capture many moths. Chemically-treated corrugated cardboard bandages were tried on 100 trees last season, and so satisfactory were the results that the system is to be greatly extended. White oil takes the place of arsenate of lead for late spraying. The oil is rather expensive, but its use avoids the risk of arsenical residue on the fruit, when it is ready to market. A weak solution of white oil and water, rubbed over the fruit has been found to remove the arsenic, but that method detracts from the appearance of the apples when they are dry. This grower stresses the importance of having the spraying outfit in good order, and maintaining a proper pressure. He favors 200 to 300 lb. to the square inch, according to the foliage on the tree. One thousand cases of this year's crop have been sold for export and 300 to 400 cases are to be cool stored. In addition, some consignments have been sent to the Victoria market. Mr Colles has a packing shed fitted with a grader, which provides for six different sizes in apples.30
  • 30 Jul 1936: Social Notes. Mr and Mrs Clive Colles, of Beaconsfield Upper, will leave for a motor tour in Queensland early in August, and expect to be away for about six weeks. Gwynneth Clara Morris31
  • 17 Feb 1937: Department of Mines.
    Deputy Mining Registrar, George Herbert Kennedy to act, as from the 24th November, 1936, as Deputy Mining Registrar, at Emerald, for the St. Andrews Division of the Castlemaine Mining District, vice C. D. Colles, Deputy Mining Registrar, at Beaconsfield Upper, resigned.32
  • 5 Aug 1959: Clive Colles "the man who came back from the dead" is 81
    That Grand Old Man of Upper Beaconsfield, Clive Dana Colles, who turns 81 next Friday, was once known in a West Australian hospital as "the man who came back from the dead," so near to death's door was he for weeks after a shooting accident, which paralysed him for months and left him with practically no voice at all.
    When he recovered, this veteran of the Boer War twice tried to enlist for the 1st World War but was rejected because of his lack of voice.
    Undeterred, he went back home and out into the paddocks where he "drilled the gum trees" until he got his voice back sufficiently to be accepted in the middle of 1915!
    Today, at 81, Clive Colles is still straight and upright in his bearing and possesses the same indomitable spirit that has marked his eventful life.
    He's a well known and popular figure at Upper Beaconsfield, where he and his wife live at their home, "Baladi".
    Born at Collingwood, he moved with his parents Mr. and Mrs. James Colles, to a farm at Scoresby, when very young. It was rather appropriate that they should live in the neighborhood of the nearby Police Paddocks, because Mrs Colles was formerly Miss Cecile Sophia Dana, daughter of Captain Henry Edmond Pulteney Dana, Commandant of Victoria's first Native Police Force, which he established out on the old Police Paddocks at Rowville. Captain Dana was a great friend of Governor La Trobe's.
    Back in 1937, Mrs Clive Colles-sister of General Basil Morris-received a letter from Eleanor Sophia Trobe, daughter of Governor LaTrobe, saying that she remembered Capt. Dana as one of her father's friends.
    But to get back to Clive Dana Colles, who is the last of his family. He attended the old Eumemmerring School near Dandenong as a boy, when Mr. Ahern, (father of the late Jim Ahern) was headmaster.
    His parents then owned "The Curragh", the property on which G.M.H's. mammoth works now stands. It originally contained 128 acres.
    Those days, recalls Clive, in that area there was little more than the school, the Hallam hotel and the brickworks at the station.
    The original house in which the Colles lived is still there on top of the hill.
    The family were farming again at Black Plat, near Scoresby, when Clive, then 20, enlisted in the 5th Victorian Mounted Rifles and went to the Boer War. He was away 18 months and returned because of his mother's illness. Before he could go back, the war had ended. He continued to farm the Scoresby property, but after his mother's death the property was sold and he went to W.A. about 1907. It was there while driving down to an inlet 70 miles that he nearly lost his life. As he got back into the buckboard after going for a shot, it hit a stump, the horses took fright and the gun exploded. The bullet came up through the seat between Clive's legs, continued on through his larynx and lodged between two joints of his spine, completely paralysing him. His companion put him in a sleeping bag, made him as comfortable as possible and then galloped one of the horses 20 miles to overtake a wagonette to get aid. He left at 2 o'clock and returned at sunset to find Clive nearly eaten by March flies and ants. The injured man was then driven back 50 miles to the nearest doctor, who sent him on by rail to Perth. For 6 weeks he hovered between life and death before he was well enough to be operated on. When he recovered, he had practically lost his voice. Because of this disability he was rejected when he tried to enlist in Sydney and then Melbourne. Determined, he went back home and exercised his voice out in the paddocks until finally in 1915, he was accepted and served in Palestine and other theatres of war. He contracted malaria in the Jordon Valley. In 1919 he returned with the rank of Sergeant.
    Clive, who had married Gwynneth Clara Morris at Wahroonga in January in 1915, spent some time after the war on the land at Abbington Stud near Armdale (N.S.W.) In 1924 he took up an orchard at Upper Beaconsfield and remained there till 1945 when he sold to Begg's,and built a home at Jervis Bay.
    But Upper Beaconsfield's attraction proved too strong and he returned and has remained there ever since; residing on land originally selected by his wife's father.
    Mr. and Mrs Colles are part and parcel of Upper Beaconsfield these days. They have one daughter, Mrs Gwynneth Henderson, of Narre Warren North, and one son, Clive Dana, who is on the staff of the C.B.C. at Spring Vale. He was formerly at the Dandenong branch.33

Citations

  1. [S29] Nominal Roll, Australian War Memorial - WWI, https://aif.adfa.edu.au/showPerson?pid=57978
  2. [S1] Registry of Births Deaths and Marriages Pioneer Index Victoria 1836-1888 "#B22857 [par James COLLES & Cecile Sophia DANA]."
  3. [S11] Newspaper - The Argus (Melbourne, Vic.), 8 Aug 1878, p1.
  4. [S7] Registry of NSW Births Deaths and Marriages "#M2254 NSW."
  5. [S50] Miscellaneous Source, Family Search: 2.1.1915 but gives place as Melbourne.
  6. [S14] Newspaper - The Daily News (Perth, WA), 7 Jan 1915, p3.
  7. [S66] Berwick Shire Rates, 1870-1965 from 15 Mar 1938 according to rate book - not listed on title.
  8. [S11] Newspaper - The Argus (Melbourne, Vic.),.
  9. [S185] Property Titles ; PROV (Public Record Office Victoria), C/T 6801-185 - Clive Dana Colles of Beaconsfield Upper Orchardist.
  10. [S185] Property Titles ; PROV (Public Record Office Victoria), C/T 6801-185 - Samuel James Begg and Peter Donald Begg both of Beaconsfield Upper Orchardists - proprietors as tenants in common in equal shares - C/T 6901-031.
  11. [S5] Registry of Births Deaths and Marriages Death Index Victoria 1921-1985 "#D6665."
  12. [S14] Newspaper - Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW), Fri 22 Mar 1963 [Issue No.27], p807.
  13. [S185] Property Titles ; PROV (Public Record Office Victoria), C/T 3305-892 - By order of registrar of titles dated 10 Oct 1969 the within described land became vested in Gwynneth French Henderson. No C859412 (2048/60) - C/T 8795-837.
  14. [S185] Property Titles ; PROV (Public Record Office Victoria), C/T 8795-837 - Gwynneth French Henderson of Soldiers Road Berwick Married Woman.
  15. [S109] Electoral Roll for Australia, 1909 "as Clive COLLES & Evelyn COLLES."
  16. [S110] Electoral Roll for Australia, 1910.
  17. [S116] Electoral Roll for Australia, 1916.
  18. [S119] Electoral Roll for Australia, 1919.
  19. [S121] Electoral Roll for Australia, 1921.
  20. [S122] Electoral Roll for Australia, 1922.
  21. [S128] Electoral Roll for Australia, 1928.
  22. [S131] Electoral Roll for Australia, 1931.
  23. [S134] Electoral Roll for Australia, 1934.
  24. [S352] St John's Church, St John's Memorial Book, Clive Dana Colles born 7 Aug 1878 died 14 Apr 1962.
  25. [S352] St John's Church, St John's Memorial Book, Gwynneth Clara Colles born 23 Dec 1884 died 14 Jan 1974.
  26. [S14] Newspaper - The West Australian (Perth, WA), 7 Feb 1914, p11.
  27. [S14] Newspaper - The West Australian (Perth, WA), 7 Feb 1914, p6.
  28. [S11] Newspaper - The Argus (Melbourne, Vic.), 6 Jun 1927, p12.
  29. [S11] Newspaper - The Argus (Melbourne, Vic.), 7 Mar 1936, p29.
  30. [S14] Newspaper - Weekly Times (Melbourne, Vic.), 23 May 1936, p24.
  31. [S11] Newspaper - The Argus (Melbourne, Vic.), 30 Jul 1936, p14.
  32. [S194] Newspaper - Victoria Government Gazette Victoria Government Gazete, 17 Feb 1937, p596.
  33. [S14] Newspaper - The Dandenong Journal (Vic.), 5 Aug 1959, p5.
Last Edited31 Jan 2024

Gwynneth Clara Morris

F, #724, b. 23 Dec 1884, d. 14 Jan 1974
Gwynn COLLES
(1884-1974)
Father*William Edward Morris b. 1829, d. 7 Oct 1923
Mother*Clara Elizabeth French b. 16 Sep 1848, d. 10 Jun 1918
Married NameColles. 
Note* Elsa Mary Grice. Gwynneth Morris and Elsa Grice were friends. 
Birth*23 Dec 1884 Melbourne, VIC, Australia, #B4090/1885.1,2 
Birth-Notice*29 Dec 1884 MORRIS.---On the 23rd inst., at Hotham-street, East Melbourne, the wife of W. E. Morris of a daughter.3
 
Marriage*2 Jan 1915 Spouse: Clive Dana Colles. Chatswood, NSW, Australia, #M2254 NSW.4,5
 
Marriage-Notice*7 Jan 1915 A marriage to take place shortly in Sydney is that of Mr. Clive Colles, of Warren River, W.A., to Miss Gwynneth Morris.6 
(Guardian) Education10 Feb 1936Gwynneth Clara Colles was the guardian during Michael R Sweetnam's education from 10 Feb 1936 at State School 2560, Upper Beaconsfield, VIC, Australia; Returned to Malvern Grammar 14 Oct 1936.7 
Land-UBeac*8 Nov 1938 GEM-D-72. Transfer from Rev William Henry Irwin to Gwynneth Clara Colles. 20a 0r 0p.8 
Land-UBeac8 Nov 1938 GEM-D-71. Transfer from Rev William Henry Irwin to Gwynneth Clara Colles. 19a 3r 39p.9 
Land-UBeac*3 Mar 1941 GEM-D-72 (part). Transfer from Gwynneth Clara Morris to William John 'Bill' Holmes. 13a 3r 28p.10 
Place in Upper Beac*1960 Billaroy Road. In the 1960s Pakenham Council gave Gwynneth Colles the unsolicited liberty of naming a road in UB - thus Billaroy Road (genesis unknown) off Manestar Road.11 
Widow14 Apr 1962Gwynneth Clara Morris became a widow upon the death of her husband Clive Dana Colles.12 
Land-UBeac*27 Feb 1963 GEM-D-72 (part). Transfer from Gwynneth Clara Colles to Clive Dana Colles. 1a 2r 6p.13 
Land-Note*26 Mar 1968 GEM-D-72 (part). 4a 2r 6p - title cancelled pursuant to Sec 31 Act 6399 - C/T 8738-429.14 
Land-UBeac22 Oct 1968 GEM-D-71. Transfer from Gwynneth Clara Colles to Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of Works. 19a 3r 39p.15 
Land-UBeac*22 Oct 1968 GEM-D-72 (part). Transfer from Gwynneth Clara Morris to Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of Works. 4a 2r 6p - C/T 8738-429.16 
Death*14 Jan 1974 Beaconsfield, VIC, Australia, #D1966 (Age 87.)17 
Probate (Will)* 778/422. Widow. Beaconsfield.18 

Electoral Rolls (Australia) and Census (UK/IRL)

DateAddressOccupation and other people at same address
1919Upper Beaconsfield, VIC, AustraliaOccupation: home duties. With Clive Dana Colles.19
bt 1928 - 1934"Mundra", Upper Beaconsfield, VIC, AustraliaOccupation: home duties. With Clive Dana Colles.20,21,22
1968'Mundra', Red Hill Road, Upper Beaconsfield, VIC, Australia23

Grave

  • St John's Church Memorial Garden, Upper Beaconsfield, VIC, Australia24,25

Family

 Clive Dana Colles b. 7 Aug 1878, d. 14 Apr 1962
Children 1.Edward Dana Colles b. 15 Nov 1915, d. 31 Oct 1922
 2.Gwynneth French Colles+ b. 13 Apr 1921, d. 21 Jul 2012
 3.Clive Dana Colles+ b. 8 Oct 1923, d. 15 Dec 2006

Newspaper-Articles

  • 14 Feb 1927: BEACONSFIELD UPPER. At a meeting of the tennis club the following officers were elected:-President, Mr. C. R. Walker; vice-presidents, Messrs. Wells Brumley and Howard-Smith; honorary secretary, Mrs. C. D. Colles; treasurer, Mr. L. Knapton.
    A lantern lecture was given by Mr. W. H. Short, of the Victorian Union Sunday Schools, in aid of the Bush Mission fund. Daniel Wells Brumley, Charles Roy 'Roy' Walker, Thomas Howard-Smith, Leslie William George Knapton26
  • 24 Aug 1935: THE principal (Miss Enid Joske) of Janet Clarke Hall, University of Melbourne, and Mrs. Clive Colles, of Upper Beaconsfield, Victoria, are spending a holiday at the home of Mrs. Colles' sister, Miss Agnes Morris, at Magill. Mrs. Colles is also the sister of Mrs. W. H. Irwin, of St. Peters. The Melbourne visitors intend to leave by motor car next week. Agnes Isabel Morris27
  • 30 Jul 1936: Social Notes. Mr and Mrs Clive Colles, of Beaconsfield Upper, will leave for a motor tour in Queensland early in August, and expect to be away for about six weeks. Clive Dana Colles28
  • 22 Feb 1939: GENERAL BUSINESS. The following motions were carried: Crs. McBride—Ure: that Mrs. C. D. Collis be advised that no promise either implied or expressed has been given by any councillor or responsible officer of this shire to carry out works on Red Hill road. This council has asked for a grant to put this road in thorough order. So far no money has been granted.29

Citations

  1. [S1] Registry of Births Deaths and Marriages Pioneer Index Victoria 1836-1888.
  2. [S50] Miscellaneous Source, Royal Historical Society of Queensland Journal, Vol XIV, No 13 November 1992
    Canon William Perry French Morris Founder of Churchie
    espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ.../s00855804_1992_14_13_529.pdf
    gives birthdates - as 23 Dec 1885.
  3. [S11] Newspaper - The Argus (Melbourne, Vic.), 29 Dec 1884, p1.
  4. [S7] Registry of NSW Births Deaths and Marriages "#M2254 NSW."
  5. [S50] Miscellaneous Source, Family Search: 2.1.1915 but gives place as Melbourne.
  6. [S14] Newspaper - The Daily News (Perth, WA), 7 Jan 1915, p3.
  7. [S25] School Records - Beaconsfield North 2560: Pupil 338. Michael R Sweetnam. Born 1 Mar 1928. Admitted 10 Feb 1936. Guardian Mrs Gwennyth Colles, Beaconsfield Upper, domestic duties, 1/2 mile from school. Previously at Malvern Grammar. Returned to Malvern Grammar 14 Oct 1936.
  8. [S185] Property Titles ; PROV (Public Record Office Victoria), C/T 1878-599 - Gwynneth Clara Colles of Mundra Beaconsfield Upper Married Woman.
  9. [S185] Property Titles ; PROV (Public Record Office Victoria), C/T 1883-429 - Gwynneth Clara Colles of "Mundra" Beaconsfield Upper Married Woman.
  10. [S185] Property Titles ; PROV (Public Record Office Victoria), C/T 1878-599 - William John Holmes of Beaconsfield Upper Laborer - C/T 6451-100.
  11. [S61] Upper Beaconsfield History Archive ,"Letter from Dan COLLES 31 May 1996 to Charles WILSON."
  12. [S5] Registry of Births Deaths and Marriages Death Index Victoria 1921-1985 "#D6665."
  13. [S185] Property Titles ; PROV (Public Record Office Victoria), C/T 1878-599 - Clive Dana Colles of 2 Higham Street Cheltenham Bank Officer - C/T 8447-533.
  14. [S185] Property Titles ; PROV (Public Record Office Victoria), C/T 1878-599 - Gwynneth Clara Colles of Mundra Beaconsfield Upper Widow - C/T 8738-429.
  15. [S185] Property Titles ; PROV (Public Record Office Victoria), C/T 1883-429 - Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of Works.
  16. [S185] Property Titles ; PROV (Public Record Office Victoria), C/T 8738-429 - Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of Works.
  17. [S5] Registry of Births Deaths and Marriages Death Index Victoria 1921-1985.
  18. [S35] Probate Records, PROV (Public Record Office Victoria), VPRS 28/P7, unit 236; VPRS 7591/P4, unit 465.     
  19. [S119] Electoral Roll for Australia, 1919.
  20. [S128] Electoral Roll for Australia, 1928.
  21. [S131] Electoral Roll for Australia, 1931.
  22. [S134] Electoral Roll for Australia, 1934.
  23. [S101] Electoral Roll for Australia, 1903 - 1980.
  24. [S352] St John's Church, St John's Memorial Book, Clive Dana Colles born 7 Aug 1878 died 14 Apr 1962.
  25. [S352] St John's Church, St John's Memorial Book, Gwynneth Clara Colles born 23 Dec 1884 died 14 Jan 1974.
  26. [S11] Newspaper - The Argus (Melbourne, Vic.), 14 Feb 1927, p12.
  27. [S14] Newspaper - News (Adelaide, SA), 24 Aug 1935, p6.
  28. [S11] Newspaper - The Argus (Melbourne, Vic.), 30 Jul 1936, p14.
  29. [S218] Newspaper - The Dandenong Journal (Vic.), Wed 22 Feb 1939, p3
    https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/201305616
Last Edited30 Apr 2024

Gwynneth French Colles

F, #725, b. 13 Apr 1921, d. 21 Jul 2012

Upper Beaconsfield

Gwynneth French Colles lived on her father’s farm opposite the Pine Grove Hotel at “Mundra” now Don Begg’s.1
Father*Clive Dana Colles b. 7 Aug 1878, d. 14 Apr 1962
Mother*Gwynneth Clara Morris b. 23 Dec 1884, d. 14 Jan 1974
Married NameHenderson. 
Birth*13 Apr 1921 Dalcross Private Hospital, Pymble, NSW, Australia.2,3 
Birth-Notice*30 Apr 1921 COLLES.-On the 13th April, at Dalcross private hospital, Pymble, New South Wales, the wife of Clive D. Colles (nee Gwynneth Morris) - a daughter.2 
Education*8 Apr 1926 State School 2560, Upper Beaconsfield, VIC, Australia. To Merton Hall 16 Dec 1932.4 
Marriage*23 Mar 1943 Spouse: Bruce Malcolm Henderson. St Hilary's Church, Kew, VIC, Australia.
 
Marriage-Notice*23 Mar 1943 WEDDINGS. HENDERSON—COLLES. The marriage of Gwynneth French, only daughter of Mr and Mrs Clive Colles, of Beaconsfield Upper, and Bruce Malcolm, youngest son of Mr and Mrs Rupert Henderson, Rutherglen, was quietly celebrated at St Hilary's Church, Kew, by Rev A. O. Mace. The bride, who was given away by her father, was attended by Miss Pat Vicars-Foote, and Sig C. Colles, AIF, was best man.5 
Land-UBeac*10 Oct 1969 GEM-D-51. Transfer from Clive Dana Colles to Gwynneth French Henderson. By order of registrar of titles dated 10 Oct 1969 the within described land became vested in Gwynneth French Henderson. No C859412 (2048/60.)6,7 
Land-UBeac*26 Feb 1970 GEM-D-51. Transfer from Gwynneth French Henderson to Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of Works. 20a 0r 0p.8 
Widow28 Mar 2011Gwynneth French Colles became a widow upon the death of her husband Bruce Malcolm Henderson.9 
Death*21 Jul 2012 Wangaratta, VIC, Australia.10 
Death-Notice*25 Jul 2012 HENDERSON. - Gwynneth French Late of Wangandary, formerly of Berwick and Rutherglen. Passed away peacefully at St John's Nursing Home, Wangaratta on July 21, 2012, aged 91 years. Beloved wife of Bruce (dec.) Loving mother and mother-in-law of Clive and Dianne, Graeme and Lynne, Margaret and Ray Frazer (both dec.) Adored grandmother of Craig and Loli, Brett, Laura and Sandro, Lyall, Trent and Lucy, Rhys, Hayley and Chris, Dione and Hamish, Ben and Leinati, Luke, Matt and Tara, Elizabeth and Brendan, and great grand mother of Isabella, Valentino, Scarlett, Sharilee, Jayden, Samuel, and Gwynneth. A special someone we cannot replace.
HENDERSON. - A Service to celebrate the life of Mrs Gwynneth French Henderson will be held in the Wangaratta Uniting Church, 10 Rowan St, Wangaratta on SATURDAY (July 28, 2012) commencing at 1.00 p. m. Private interment will have preceded this Service.11 

Electoral Rolls (Australia) and Census (UK/IRL)

DateAddressOccupation and other people at same address
1949"Hilltop", Upper Beaconsfield, VIC, AustraliaOccupation: home duties. With Bruce Malcolm Henderson.12
1954185 Foster Street, Dandenong, VIC, AustraliaOccupation: home duties. With Bruce Malcolm Henderson.12
1963Settlement Road, Narre Warren North, VIC, AustraliaOccupation: home duties. With Bruce Malcolm Henderson.12
1977Soldiers Road, Beaconsfield, VIC, AustraliaOccupation: home duties. With Bruce Malcolm Henderson.12
1980Soldiers Road, Beaconsfield, VIC, AustraliaOccupation: home duties. With Bruce Malcolm Henderson.12

Citations

  1. [S61] Upper Beaconsfield History Archive.
  2. [S11] Newspaper - The Argus (Melbourne, Vic.), 30 Apr 1921, p13.
  3. [S25] School Records - Beaconsfield North 2560.
  4. [S25] School Records - Beaconsfield North 2560: Pupil 174. Gwynneth Colles. Born 8 Apr 1926. Admitted 8 Apr 1926. Clive Colles, Upper Beaconsfield, orchardist, 3/4 miles from school. No previous schooling, to Merton Hall 16 Dec 1932.
  5. [S11] Newspaper - The Argus (Melbourne, Vic.), 23 March 1943, p6.
  6. [S185] Property Titles ; PROV (Public Record Office Victoria), C/T 3305-892 - By order of registrar of titles dated 10 Oct 1969 the within described land became vested in Gwynneth French Henderson. No C859412 (2048/60) - C/T 8795-837.
  7. [S185] Property Titles ; PROV (Public Record Office Victoria), C/T 8795-837 - Gwynneth French Henderson of Soldiers Road Berwick Married Woman.
  8. [S185] Property Titles ; PROV (Public Record Office Victoria), C/T 8795-837 - Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of Works.
  9. [S13] Newspaper - The Herald-Sun (Melbourne, Vic.), 30 Mar 2011, viewed online.
  10. [S13] Newspaper - The Herald-Sun (Melbourne, Vic.), 25 Jul 2012, viewed online.
  11. [S13] Newspaper - The Herald-Sun (Melbourne, Vic.), 25 Jul 2012, viewed online 17 Jan 2014.
  12. [S101] Electoral Roll for Australia, 1903 - 1980.
Last Edited10 Jan 2022

William Edward Morris

M, #726, b. 1829, d. 7 Oct 1923
Birth*1829 Leintwardine, England. 
Marriage*19 Jul 1855 Spouse: Mary Sophia Mason. All Saints Church, Manchester, Lancashire, England.1
Widower4 Oct 1872William Edward Morris became a widower upon the death of his wife Mary Sophia Mason.2 
Marriage*8 Mar 1875 Spouse: Clara Elizabeth French. St Andrew's Cathedral, Sydney, NSW, Australia.3
 
Marriage-Notice*17 Mar 1875 Marriages. MORRIS-FRENCH -On the 8th inst., at St Andrew's Cathedral, Sydney, by the Very Rev. the Dean, William Edward Morris of East Melbourne, to Clara Elizabeth, eldest daughter of the late John French, Major H.E.I.C.S.3 
Land-UBeac*2 Jun 1883 GEM-D-46. Transfer from Carl Tinzman to William Edward Morris. Transfer of Leasehold for 58a 1r 24p - Land File 5851/19.20. Crown grant to W. E. MORRIS on 8 Sep 1887.4,5,6 
Land-UBeac*10 Sep 1883Selection: GEM-D-61. 12a 3r 29p - Land File 13130/20.7,8 
Land-Note*b 10 Nov 1886 GEM-D-71. 19a 3r 39p - Land File 2125/49.4
Selected by W. E. MORRIS on 10 Nov 1886.9,10 
Land-UBeac*24 Feb 1887 GEM-D-72. Transfer from Arthur Forster French to William Edward Morris. 20a 0r 0p.11 
Land-Note*29 Jan 1895 PAK-66 (Lot 4): Mortgagee: William Edward Morris. South obtained mortgage from Willliam Edward Morris, which was discharged on 15 Jun 1898
6a 2r 37p.12 
Land-UBeac*a 10 Apr 1895 PAK-66 (Lot 4). Transfer from James Robert Phelan to William Edward Morris. 6a 2r 37p.13 
Land-UBeac*15 Jun 1898 PAK-66 (Lot 4). Transfer from William Edward Morris to Frederick William Henry Dale. 6a 2r 37p.14 
Land-UBeac11 Jun 1908 GEM-D-46. Transfer from William Edward Morris to Edith Nina Morris William Perry French Morris. 58a 1r 24p.15 
Land-UBeac*11 Jun 1908 GEM-D-61. Transfer from William Edward Morris to Edith Nina Morris William Perry French Morris. 12a 3r 29p.16 
Land-UBeac11 Mar 1912 GEM-D-71. Transfer from William Edward Morris to Rev William Henry Irwin. 19a 3r 39p.17 
Land-UBeac*11 Mar 1912 GEM-D-72. Transfer from William Edward Morris to Rev William Henry Irwin. 20a 0r 0p.18 
Widower10 Jun 1918William Edward Morris became a widower upon the death of his wife Clara Elizabeth French.19 
Death*7 Oct 1923 Hornsby, Sydney, NSW, Australia, #D19723/1923 NSW.20 
Death-Notice*10 Oct 1923 MORRIS. —On the 7th October, at Berhampur, Wahroonga, New South Wales, William Edward Morris, late registrar of the Diocese of Melbourne, aged 93 years.21 
Village Bell*Dec 1983 EARLY MEMORIES OF “LEINTWARDINE”      
My association with the house began at the earliest possible moment. I was born there. It was a cold, wet and windy night, so the story goes, and my father, unable to catch a horse in the dark, had to run all the way to Berwick for the doctor. He would have turned right at the front gate, up “Braes de Hill”, across Cardinia Creek, past Chadwick’s Farm and the Blind Creek Gully to Harkaway Road and on to Berwick.
The wooden trestle bridge over the Cardinia survived floods and fires for many years, but was finally wiped out by a vicious fire in the 1920’s.
My childhood memories of “Leintwardine” begin with the day our family returned there, after being in England from 1914 to 1918. In those days one went by train from the city to Beaconsfield station, then took ‘Boss’ Shorthouse’s coach, with two horses for the hilly climb to Upper Beaconsfield. From there, by St. Georges Road, it was less than three miles to “Leintwardine”. I can remember how the brakes squeaked as the driver eased the horses down the steep slopes. Suddenly, as we started down the last hill before the Stoney Bridge, the wheels on one side hit a soft patch, and over went the coach. The driver scrambled out, cut the traces to free the horses, then looked inside at his passengers, all in a tangled heap with the luggage.
When we finally arrived, we emerged opposite the place where General Foott would later build his house, on the road to be named after him. A little further and there were the tall white picket gates; the name had been removed when the place was let as a boarding house during some of the war years. We started up the sandy drive, curving left under spreading dark green pine trees, and there was the long white house, with many-paned windows, a porch with a pointed gable framing the front door.
William Morris was born at the little village of Leintwardine, where the old English Shires of Hereford and Worcester meet the Welsh border. He came to Victoria in 1853, and entered the service of the Church of England Diocese of Melbourne, in the following year. In 1887 he became Registrar of the Diocese.
After his marriage to Clara French in 1875, he built a “commodious residence” in Hoddle Street, East Melbourne, whence he could walk to his office in the St. Paul Cathedral buildings. As his family increased, in the typical Victorian way, he began to feel the need for a quiet country retreat, away from the crowded and always dusty streets of Melbourne. In the 1870’s he bought the land at Upper Beaconsfield, possibly influenced by the theory popular at the time, that the wind blowing in from the sea ... in this case Westernport... over a Eucalyptus forest, produced a layer of “salubrious” air, that would relieve, and possibly cure, asthma, from which his eldest daughter suffered severely.
Mr Morris soon set about planning a suitable house to be built on the rounded granite hilltop that deninated his 71 acres. Whether from nostalgia, or because he liked the name, he called it “Leintwardine”. The house was built of weatherboard, and painted white, its lines hugging the ground closely, even to having an early version of a “split level” where the house followed the contour of the land sloping away at the western end.
We know that the sixth Morris child, Katie Elizabeth (Mrs Crotty) was brought to “Leintwardine” as a baby in 1882, so it may have been at this time that an upstairs section of two bedrooms and a narrow balcony were added over the west end of the house. Lath and plaster construction was used, covered with hessian onto which was pasted a flower-sprigged wallpaper.
A wide staircase, a continuation of the long passage through the centre of the house, led to the upper rooms. The stairs I recall particularly for their shallow risers, so accommodating and safe for small legs.
All the original walls were lined with knotted pine, already darkening with age, and with smoke from the open fireplaces. The latter were memorable for the hot baths taken in front of them by smaller members of the household. A big hip bath, and great iron kettles hanging on hooks over the fire, were used in this ritual.
At the other end of the building, a “caretaker’s cottage” was joined to the main house by a draughty covered way. The cottage contained the big, dark kitchen where all meals were prepared; also two rooms were provided for the “married couple”. Water must always have been a problem in summer, which may have been why so many walks and picnics terminated at the “cataract” on Stoney Creek, or the deeper pool in the Cardinia Creek near the bridge. The family washing was done in wooden troughs outside, under the big cherry-plum trees. Making great cauldrons of cherry-plum and Kentish cherry jam was part of the Christmas holidays.
Grandfather had planted a proper farm orchard with all the old English varieties of apples, pears, and stone fruits. We often climbed the spreading branches to pick the fruit, and the mulberry tree was the favourite.
When the house was first built, a thick layer of sawdust was placed above all the ceilings. Did the idea come from India, or was it already an Australian practice to insulate rooms in this way?
The cool dark feeling of the house in hot weather was increased by the long veranda running the whole length of the building on the north side. A good place to play, on wet days, or to sit on summer evenings and watch the twinkling lights of Belgrave, and the few others that gleamed here and there across the bush-covered hills. From there, too, we could watch the moon sliding between the great gnarled branches of the apple-jacks, dark against the sky.
The stern-faced gentleman whose portrait hung in the house must have had considerable vision, and his planning was in some respects, ahead of current thinking. He saw no need to improve the “dreary Australian landscape” with introduced trees, unless they bore fruit.
The pines he panted to enhance the curving drive up to his house, where their shape and colour made a pleasing contrast with the surrounding bush. Very aware of the danger from fire, he had all the low scrub cleared to a safe distance from the wooden buildings, but it left the native apple box and peppermint to make an attractive parkland around his home. He soon planted a “wood lot” of blue gums to protect the orchard from north winds, and to give shade and shelter near the stables and cowshed, on land that had previously been cleared. Raking and burning of leaves and debris from the trees near the house was an annual task. It was usually done in the late afternoon or in the evening, and we all took part, lighting the long windrows with bark torches.
William Morris died in Sydney in 1923, in his 94th year, Grandmother having died some years before.
Some members of the family had already taken over the management of “Leintwardine”, and in the end it was possible for Basil Morris (now Lieut. Colonel) and his beloved wife Audrey to buy out the remaining shareholders. So “Leintwardine” became home to Joan, Audrey, Ruth, Jenny and Derisley. That was fifty-three years ago. Now, and how thankful we all are, it is still Audrey’s home, with Jenny and her family only a few kangaroo-hops away.
Grandfather Morris chose his site well. The name “Leintwardine” will outlast the wooden walls, taken in the bushfires of Ash Wednesday, and today a new home rises on the site. It will be different, as befits a house for the dawning of a new age, but it will still be “Leintwardine”, a happy, welcoming place, surrounded with evergreen memories, and the magpies will sing in the apple-jacks.
Some of the dates and events in these notes come from an old piece of timber, removed from a doorway during alterations to the house. Many letters have been obliterated, and few entries are complete. Headed “Event Board”, the brief entries start with “Feb. 8, 1898. Bushfire - paddocks burnt, fencing ditto, house escaped”. Three other bushfires and two snowstorms are recorded, and two honey-moons, my mother’s and one of her sisters’. Marcia Meredith Hardinge Wade22 

Family

 Clara Elizabeth French b. 16 Sep 1848, d. 10 Jun 1918
Children 1.Mary Elizabeth Morris b. 1 Mar 1876, d. 1957
 2.Edith Nina Morris b. 31 Aug 1877, d. 11 Jul 1959
 3.William Perry French Morris b. 21 Oct 1878, d. 21 May 1960
 4.Agnes Isabel Morris b. 15 Apr 1880, d. 1961
 5.Marcia Forster Morris+ b. 27 Jun 1881, d. 26 Oct 1934
 6.Katie Cowper Morris+ b. 20 Nov 1882, d. 2 Jun 1977
 7.Gwynneth Clara Morris+ b. 23 Dec 1884, d. 14 Jan 1974
 8.Edward Fortescue Morris b. 10 Sep 1886, d. 12 Apr 1968
 9.Basil Moorhouse Morris+ b. 19 Dec 1888, d. 5 Apr 1975
 10.Arthur Langley Morris b. 26 Jan 1891, d. 30 Sep 1965
 11.Pauline Margaret Borlase Morris b. 25 Jan 1895, d. 28 Aug 1895

Citations

  1. [S65] Ancestry - various indices, Ancestry.com. Manchester, England, Marriages and Banns, 1754-1930 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2013.
  2. [S1] Registry of Births Deaths and Marriages Pioneer Index Victoria 1836-1888.
  3. [S11] Newspaper - The Argus (Melbourne, Vic.), 17 Mar 1875, p1.
  4. [S81] Land Records & Parish Maps ; PROV (Public Record Office Victoria). 5851/19.20.
  5. [S185] Property Titles ; PROV (Public Record Office Victoria), C/T 1966-197 - William Edward Morris of Melbourne.
  6. [S61] Upper Beaconsfield History Archive ,"From CW file - possibly taken from a land file at PROV: W.E.Morris - gentleman - bought 40 acres land which had been selected by Carl Tinzmann on 28th January 1878 - farmer of Naree Worran. Position - on opposite side of the road as Warmbrunn and Glismann."
  7. [S81] Land Records & Parish Maps ; PROV (Public Record Office Victoria). Land File 13130/19.20.
  8. [S185] Property Titles ; PROV (Public Record Office Victoria), C/T 2325-984 - William Edward Morris of East Melbourne Registrar of the Diocese of Melbourne.
  9. [S81] Land Records & Parish Maps ; PROV (Public Record Office Victoria). Land File 2125/49.4.
  10. [S185] Property Titles ; PROV (Public Record Office Victoria), C/T 1883-429 - William Edward Morris of Melbourne.
  11. [S185] Property Titles ; PROV (Public Record Office Victoria), C/T 1878-599 - William Edward Morris of Hotham Street East Melbourne Gentleman.
  12. [S185] Property Titles ; PROV (Public Record Office Victoria), C/T 1889-602 Mortgage No 162460.
  13. [S185] Property Titles ; PROV (Public Record Office Victoria), C/T 1889-602.
  14. [S185] Property Titles ; PROV (Public Record Office Victoria), C/T 1889-602 Frederick William Henry Dale of "Kelvin" Fitzroy Street St Kilda Carpenter.
  15. [S185] Property Titles ; PROV (Public Record Office Victoria), C/T 1966-197 - Edith Nina Morris Spinster and The Reverend William Perry French Morris, Clerk in Holy Order both of "Leintwardine" Parish of Gembrook are now the proprietors.
  16. [S185] Property Titles ; PROV (Public Record Office Victoria), C/T 2325-984 - Edith Nina Morris Spinster and The Reverend William Perry French Morris, Clerk in Holy Order both of "Leintwardine" Parish of Gembrook are now the proprietors.
  17. [S185] Property Titles ; PROV (Public Record Office Victoria), C/T 1883-429 - William Henry Irwin of Trinity Grammar School Kew Clerk in Holy Orders.
  18. [S185] Property Titles ; PROV (Public Record Office Victoria), C/T 1878-599 - William Henry Irwin of Trinity Grammar School Kew Clerk in Holy Orders.
  19. [S7] Registry of NSW Births Deaths and Marriages "#D6495/1918 NSW."
  20. [S7] Registry of NSW Births Deaths and Marriages "#D19723/1923 NSW."
  21. [S11] Newspaper - The Argus (Melbourne, Vic.), 10 Oct 1923, p1.
  22. [S15] Newspaper - Village Bell 035-1983, p13-15. Written by Meredith Bell, grand-daughter of W. E. Morris, with help from Joan Stewart. Contributed by Audrey Morris.
Last Edited30 Apr 2024

Clara Elizabeth French

F, #727, b. 16 Sep 1848, d. 10 Jun 1918
Father*John French b. 1805, d. 4 Aug 1859
Mother*Mary Forster b. 25 Sep 1820, d. 7 Jul 1894
Probate (Will)* Clara E Morris. Gent. 10 Jun 1918. 160/757.1 
Married NameMorris. 
Birth*16 Sep 1848 Berhampore, West Bengal, India, baptised 6 Dec 1848.2
Marriage*8 Mar 1875 Spouse: William Edward Morris. St Andrew's Cathedral, Sydney, NSW, Australia.3
 
Marriage-Notice*17 Mar 1875 Marriages. MORRIS-FRENCH -On the 8th inst., at St Andrew's Cathedral, Sydney, by the Very Rev. the Dean, William Edward Morris of East Melbourne, to Clara Elizabeth, eldest daughter of the late John French, Major H.E.I.C.S.3 
Death*10 Jun 1918 Hornsby, Sydney, NSW, Australia, #D6495/1918 NSW.4 
Death-Notice*12 Jun 1918 MORRIS. - On the 10th June, 1918, at Berhampur, Wahroonga, N.S.W., Clara Elizabeth, wife of William Edward Morris (formerly Registrar of the Diocese of Melbourne), and eldest daughter of the late Major John French, of the Indian Army.5 

Family

 William Edward Morris b. 1829, d. 7 Oct 1923
Children 1.Mary Elizabeth Morris b. 1 Mar 1876, d. 1957
 2.Edith Nina Morris b. 31 Aug 1877, d. 11 Jul 1959
 3.William Perry French Morris b. 21 Oct 1878, d. 21 May 1960
 4.Agnes Isabel Morris b. 15 Apr 1880, d. 1961
 5.Marcia Forster Morris+ b. 27 Jun 1881, d. 26 Oct 1934
 6.Katie Cowper Morris+ b. 20 Nov 1882, d. 2 Jun 1977
 7.Gwynneth Clara Morris+ b. 23 Dec 1884, d. 14 Jan 1974
 8.Edward Fortescue Morris b. 10 Sep 1886, d. 12 Apr 1968
 9.Basil Moorhouse Morris+ b. 19 Dec 1888, d. 5 Apr 1975
 10.Arthur Langley Morris b. 26 Jan 1891, d. 30 Sep 1965
 11.Pauline Margaret Borlase Morris b. 25 Jan 1895, d. 28 Aug 1895

Citations

  1. [S35] Probate Records, PROV (Public Record Office Victoria), VPRS 28/P3, unit 869; VPRS 7591/P2, unit 592.
  2. [S80] Ancestry - Family Tree, Colles Family Tree "julietcolles" - viewed Dec 2010.
  3. [S11] Newspaper - The Argus (Melbourne, Vic.), 17 Mar 1875, p1.
  4. [S7] Registry of NSW Births Deaths and Marriages "#D6495/1918 NSW."
  5. [S11] Newspaper - The Argus (Melbourne, Vic.), 12 Jun 1918, p1.
Last Edited3 May 2016

Basil Moorhouse Morris

M, #728, b. 19 Dec 1888, d. 5 Apr 1975
Major-General Basil Moorhouse MORRIS
(1888-1975)
Father*William Edward Morris b. 1829, d. 7 Oct 1923
Mother*Clara Elizabeth French b. 16 Sep 1848, d. 10 Jun 1918

World War I

Basil Moorhouse Morris was a career soldier. At the time of enlistment he was stationed at Fort Largs, Adelaide. His unit embarked from Melbourne on 17 Jul 1915 on board HMAT A67 Orsova. He was a Major with the 36th Heavy Artillery Brigade and returned to Australia on 1 Apr 1919. Medals: Distinguished Service Order.
His name is listed on the Honour Board at the Upper Beaconsfield RSL.
His family has been associated with Upper Beaconsfield for a very long time, and had a residence in Foott Road.1
Residence* "Leintwardine", Upper Beaconsfield, VIC, Australia. 
Place in Upper Beac* Morris Road / Morris Drive. 
Birth*19 Dec 1888 East Melbourne, VIC, Australia, #B5225/1889.2 
Birth-Notice*22 Dec 1888 MORRIS. —On the 19th inst., at Hotham-street, East Melbourne, the wife of W. E. Morris of a son.3
 
Marriage*27 Aug 1921 Spouse: Audrey Lewis Cogan. St Luke's Anglican Church, Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand.4,5
 
Marriage-Notice*5 Sep 1921 MORRIS—COGAN.—On August 27th, at St. Luke's, by the Rev. F.N. Taylor, Lieutenant-Colonel Basil Moorhouse Morris, D.S.O. (Royal Australian Garrison Artillery), third son of W.E. Morris, Woohranga, New South Wales, to Audrey Lewis, youngest daughter of E.A. Cogan, Christchurch.6 
(Transfer to) Land-UBeac11 Dec 1930 GEM-D-47 (part). Transfer from Hans Glismann to William Perry French Morris Basil Moorhouse Morris. 53a 1r 13p.7 
Land-UBeac11 Dec 1930 GEM-D-46. Transfer from Edith Nina Irwin to Basil Moorhouse Morris. 58a 1r 24p (as to the interest of Edith Nina Irwin.)8 
Land-UBeac*11 Dec 1930 GEM-D-61. Transfer from Edith Nina Irwin to Basil Moorhouse Morris. 12a 3r 29p - (as to the interest of Edith Nina Irwin.)9 
(Transfer from) Land-UBeac28 Jul 1931 GEM-D-47 (part). Transfer from William Perry French Morris Basil Moorhouse Morris to Cecil Henry Foott. 15a 0r 28p.10 
Military*4 Dec 1939Enlisted for military service: Australian Army VX285. Discharged 18 May 1941. General H Q 6 DIV. Commander of the Order of the British Empire.11 
Land-UBeac17 Oct 1947 GEM-D-61. Transfer from William Perry French Morris to Basil Moorhouse Morris. 12a 3r 29p - (as to the interest of William Perry French Morris.)12 
Land-UBeac17 Oct 1947 GEM-D-47 (part). Transfer from William Perry French Morris to Basil Moorhouse Morris. Transfer as to interest of William Perry French Morris.13 
Land-UBeac*17 Oct 1947 GEM-D-46. Transfer from William Perry French Morris to Basil Moorhouse Morris. 58a 1r 24p (as to the interest of William Perry French Morris.)14,15 
Land-UBeac*10 May 1956 GEM-D-61 + GEM-D-46 (part). Transfer from Basil Moorhouse Morris to Richard Brisbane Taubert. 45a 2r 17p.16 
Land-UBeac*11 Aug 1970 GEM-D-46.47 (part). Transfer from Basil Moorhouse Morris to Audrey Regnier Morris. 63a 3r 21p.17 
Death*5 Apr 1975 Upper Beaconsfield, VIC, Australia, #D8152 (Age 86.)18,19 
Death-Notice*7 Apr 1975 MORRIS.—On April 5th, at his residence, "Leintwardine," Upper Beaconsfield, Basil Moorhouse (Major General retired), loving and much loved husband and father. At rest.
For funeral arrangements see later papers.20 
Death-Notice8 Apr 1975 MORRIS.— The friends of the late Mr BASIL MOORHOUSE MORRIS (Major-General, retired) are notified that his Funeral will leave St. John's Church of England, Upper Beaconsfield, on THURSDAY (April 10th), after a service to commence at 11 a.m. for the Necropolis Crematorium, Springvale, arriving approximately 12.15 p.m.
FULL MILITARY HONORS.
MORRIS. — Officers and brethren of THE ARMY LODGE NO. 478, A.F. & A. MASONS OF VICTORIA, are respectfully informed that the Funeral of their late esteemed Bro. Major-General BASIL MOORHOUSE MORRIS, CBE, DSO, will leave St. John's Church of England, Upper Beaconsfield, on THURSDAY (April 10th), for Springvale, after a service commencing at 11 a.m.
A.M.B. DUNN, W.M.
J.A. DONALD, Secretary.21 
Probate (Will)* Basil Moorhouse Morris. Rtd. Beaconsfield Upper. 05 Apr 1975. 798/721.22 

Electoral Rolls (Australia) and Census (UK/IRL)

DateAddressOccupation and other people at same address
bt 1931 - 1934"Leintwardine", Upper Beaconsfield, VIC, AustraliaOccupation: military officer. With Audrey Lewis Morris.23,24
1963Leintwardine, Upper Beaconsfield, VIC, AustraliaOccupation: soldier. With Audrey Lewis Morris. With Arthur Langley Morris.25

Grave

  • St John's Church Memorial Garden, Upper Beaconsfield, VIC, Australia26,27,28

Newspaper-Articles

  • 14 Oct 1920: From B. Morris, Upper Beaconsfield, re bad state of roads about Stoney and Cardinia creeks -On motion of Crs Anderson and James, that the council discuss matter with C.R.B., when deputation is in Melbourne, and that Engineer attend to bridge.
    From H. Albers, Beaconsfield, drawing attention to bridge over Stoney creek. Received. . - Henry August Albers29
  • 8 Jul 1947: The Right Man
    MR. MATTHEW BENNETT is one of the most strongly entrenched Country Party members in the Legislative Assembly. He had an absolute majority over his Labor and Independent opponents at the 1945 elections.
    To have a big chance of defeating him the Liberals had to choose the right man, not merely a candidate.
    They have.
    Major-General B. M. Morris is the oldest inhabitant of Upper Beaconsfield, which is in the electorate. He has, of course, spent most of his life in the army and much of it in the wars, but all his holidays have been at Upper Beuconsfield, where the property has been in the Morris family since 1884.
    When he was a lad of 12, living in Windsor, he decided to walk. He set off at 5 a.m. one holiday and arrived at 8 p.m. "You could not do it today?" I suggested to him yesterday. "No," he admitted, “but I wouldn’t try!”
    General Morris, whose friends have always called him Fumbo, is a substantial, dark man in his fifties.30
  • 22 Oct 1947: STATE ASSEMBLY ELECTIONS, 1947. ON NOVEMBER 8th
    Vote 1 MORRIS, B. M.
    Morris is Best for Gippsland West
    (Authorised by ALEX A. BUCHANAN, “PINE LODGE,” BEACONSFIELD.) Alexander Andrew Buchanan31

Australian Dictionary of Biography

MORRIS, BASIL MOORHOUSE (1888-1975), soldier, was born on 19 December 1888 in East Melbourne, ninth of eleven children of William Edward Morris, who came from England and was registrar of the Anglican Diocese of Melbourne, and his wife Clara Elizabeth, née French, who was born in India. William Morris was his elder brother. Their maternal grandfather was Major John French and their uncle was (Sir) John French. Basil attended Melbourne Church of England Grammar School (where he rose to sergeant in the cadets) and spent one year at the University of Melbourne before joining the Melbourne Cavalry. He was commissioned in the Royal Australian Artillery on 1 December 1910 and served in coastal defence establishments.
In May 1915 Morris was appointed lieutenant, Australian Imperial Force, and posted to 'O' Siege Brigade. Arriving in England, the brigade was renamed the 36th (Australian) Heavy Artillery Group. It had two batteries, the 54th and the 55th; Morris joined the latter. He served on the Western Front from February 1916 and was transferred in November 1917 to the headquarters of the 5th Divisional Artillery as a staff captain. Promoted major, he took command of the 114th Howitzer Battery in September 1918. The 114th fought at Hargicourt and Bellicourt, and in the advance to the Hindenburg line (September-October). For his leadership during this period, Morris was awarded the Distinguished Service Order. He was thrice mentioned in dispatches.
Returning to Australia in 1919, Morris transferred to the Staff Corps and held a variety of artillery, command and staff appointments. At St Luke's Anglican Church, Christchurch, New Zealand, on 27 August 1921 he married Audrey Lewis Cogan, the 20-year-old daughter of an accountant. In 1937 he was appointed to Army Headquarters, Melbourne, as director of supplies, transport, movements and quartering. Promoted colonel in November 1939, he was chosen that month to command the Australian Overseas Base. In December he was seconded to the A.I.F. as temporary brigadier. Arriving in Palestine in January 1940, he established the base at Jerusalem and remained there until June. He was appointed Australian military liaison officer, Bombay, India, in August and established cordial relations with military authorities in India and Ceylon (Sri Lanka).
In May 1941 Morris became commandant of the 8th Military District, with headquarters at Port Moresby. He was promoted temporary major general in January 1942. Although provided with inadequate supplies and raw, young troops, he continued to oppose the Japanese until August when Lieutenant General (Sir) Sydney Rowell arrived to take over a greatly augmented New Guinea Force. Morris was transferred to command the New Guinea Lines of Communication Area; from December he also directed the Australian New Guinea Administrative Unit, a body he had been prominent in establishing. Before the civil administration had been suspended on 14 February 1942, he drafted a plan to continue most of its functions in a military organization. He subsequently posted many of the conscripted officers of the Papuan and New Guinean public services to A.N.G.A.U.
Shortish, solidly built and fitter than most leaders of his generation, Morris was a resolute but tolerant commander. G. A. Vasey, a harsh judge of his fellow generals, described him as 'a good scout—no brains but very honest and stout hearted'. Yet most of the decisions Morris was required to make during the critical eight months of his command in Port Moresby seem to have been both wise and practical. Under his direction, A.N.G.A.U. made a conspicuous contribution to the success of the allied campaigns; for the remainder of the war it maintained law and order among the civil population, managed primary production and provided indigenous labourers required by the armed services—a lifeline without which they could hardly have operated.
Inevitably, there were criticisms of Morris's leadership, but in wartime these are often easier to make than to sustain. Claims that he had acted with 'undue precipitancy' in conscripting men for military service and that he had deliberately brought about the end of civil government were dismissed by (Sir) John Barry in his commission of inquiry (1944-45). General Sir Thomas Blamey shielded Morris from censure for failing to halt the widespread looting of Port Moresby that occurred after the first Japanese air-raids in February 1942. Morris had 'set about his impossible task with courage and determination' and was hamstrung by 'those responsible for providing him with inadequate and incompetent forces'.
Morris retired from the army on 19 October 1946. In the following year he was appointed C.B.E. Living at Upper Beaconsfield, Victoria, he engaged in 'country pursuits'. In 1947 and 1950 he stood unsuccessfully for the Legislative Assembly as the Liberal Party candidate for the seat of Gippsland West. Survived by his wife and five daughters, he died on 5 April 1975 at Upper Beaconsfield and was cremated.32

Citations

  1. [S29] Nominal Roll, Australian War Memorial - WWI, https://aif.adfa.edu.au/showPerson?pid=214547
  2. [S2] Registry of Births Deaths and Marriages Federation Index Victoria 1889-1901 "#B5225/1889."
  3. [S11] Newspaper - The Argus (Melbourne, Vic.), 22 Dec 1888, p1.
  4. [S5] Registry of Births Deaths and Marriages Death Index Victoria 1921-1985 "#D08362 age 80 [par Edmond A COGAN & Caroline]."
  5. [S80] Ancestry - Family Tree, Wood Family Tree "jpwood120" - viewed Dec 2010.
  6. [S336] Newspaper (New Zealand) - Press (Canterbury), 5 Sep 1921, p1.
  7. [S185] Property Titles ; PROV (Public Record Office Victoria), C/T 2308-590 - William Perry French Morris of Brisbane Queensland Headmaster of Church of England Grammar School and Basil Moorhouse Morris of Queenscliff Commissioned Officer - proprietors as tenants in common in equal shares - C/T 5722-266.
  8. [S185] Property Titles ; PROV (Public Record Office Victoria), C/T 1966-197 - as to the interest of Edith Nina Irwin - Basil Moorhouse Morris of Queenscliff Commissioned Officer - C/T 5713-439.
  9. [S185] Property Titles ; PROV (Public Record Office Victoria), C/T 2325-984 - as to the interest of Edith Nina Irwin - Basil Moorhouse Morris of Queenscliff Commissioned Officer - C/T 5713-439.
  10. [S185] Property Titles ; PROV (Public Record Office Victoria), C/T 5722-266 - Cecil Henry Foott - C/T 5744-751.
  11. [S30] World War Two Nominal Roll https://nominal-rolls.dva.gov.au/
    Name      MORRIS, BASIL MOORHOUSE
    Service      Australian Army
    Service Number      VX285
    Date of Birth      19 Dec 1888
    Place of Birth      MELBOURNE, VIC
    Date of Enlistment      4 Dec 1939
    Locality on Enlistment      BEACONSFIELD UPPER, VIC
    Place of Enlistment      SOUTH MELBOURNE, VIC
    Next of Kin      MORRIS, AUDREY
    Date of Discharge      18 May 1941
    Rank      General
    Posting at Discharge      H Q 6 DIV
    WW2 Honours and Gallantry      Commander of the Order of the British
    Empire
    Prisoner of War      No.
  12. [S185] Property Titles ; PROV (Public Record Office Victoria), C/T 2325-984 - as to the interest of William Perry French Morris - Basil Moorhouse Morris of Queenscliff Commissioned Officer - C/T 7084-647.
  13. [S185] Property Titles ; PROV (Public Record Office Victoria), C/T 5722-266 - transfer as to the interest of William Perry French Morris to Basil Moorhouse Morris of 26 Glenbrook Avenue East Malvern Retired Gentleman - C/T 7084-647 (now 109a 1r 38p = GEM-D-46.61 + GEM-D-47 (part)).
  14. [S185] Property Titles ; PROV (Public Record Office Victoria), C/T 1966-197 - as to the interest of William Perry French Morris - Basil Moorhouse Morris of Queenscliff Commissioned Officer - C/T 7084-647.
  15. [S185] Property Titles ; PROV (Public Record Office Victoria), C/T 7084-647 - consolidated into one title including GEM-D-47 (part) - Basil Moorhouse Morris of 26 Glenbrook Avenue East Malvern Retired Gentleman.
  16. [S185] Property Titles ; PROV (Public Record Office Victoria), C/T 7084-647 - Richard Brisbane Taubert of "Landfall" Upper Beaconsfield Poultry Farmer.
  17. [S185] Property Titles ; PROV (Public Record Office Victoria), C/T 8847-630 - Audrey Regnier Morris of "Leintwardine" Foott Road Upper Beaconsfield Trained Nurse is now the proprietor of an estate in fee simple in remainder expectant upon the determination of an estate for the life of Basil Moorhouse Morris of "Leintwardine" Foott Road Upper Beaconsfield Retired Gentleman.
  18. [S5] Registry of Births Deaths and Marriages Death Index Victoria 1921-1985.
  19. [S47] Index of burials in the cemetery of Springvale Botanical Cemetery.
    Cremated at Springvale - remains collected.
  20. [S16] Newspaper - The Age (Melbourne, Vic.), 7 Apr 1975, p14.
  21. [S16] Newspaper - The Age (Melbourne, Vic.), 8 Apr 1975, p25.
  22. [S35] Probate Records, PROV (Public Record Office Victoria), VPRS 28/P7, unit 663; VPRS 7591/P4, unit 567.
  23. [S131] Electoral Roll for Australia, 1931.
  24. [S134] Electoral Roll for Australia, 1934.
  25. [S163] Electoral Roll for Australia, 1963.
  26. [S352] St John's Church, St John's Memorial Book, Basil Moorhouse Morris born 19 Dec 1888 died 5 Apr 1975.
  27. [S352] St John's Church, St John's Memorial Book, Audrey Lewis Morris born 1 Sep 1900 died 19 Apr 1981.
  28. [S352] St John's Church, St John's Memorial Book, Jennifer Mary Magee born 7 Jan 1930 died 25 May 1986.
  29. [S12] Newspaper - South Bourke and Mornington Journal (Richmond, Vic.), 14 Oct 1920, p5.
  30. [S14] Newspaper - The Sun News-Pictorial (Melbourne, Vic.), Tue 8 Jul 1947, p6
    https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/279221860
  31. [S218] Newspaper - The Dandenong Journal (Vic.), Wed 22 Oct 1947, p17
    https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/218505301
  32. [S55] ADB online, online https://adb.anu.edu.au/, Select Bibliography
    R. Paull, Retreat from Kokoda (Melb, 1958); D. McCarthy, South-West Pacific Area—First Year (Canb, 1959); P. Hasluck, The Government and the People, 1942-1945 (Canb, 1970); J. Hetherington, Blamey (Canb, 1973); P. Brune, Those Ragged Bloody Heroes (Syd, 1991); D. M. Horner, General Vasey's War (Melb, 1992); AWM 123, item 619 (Australian War Memorial). More on the resources

    Author: A. J. Sweeting

    Print Publication Details: A. J. Sweeting, 'Morris, Basil Moorhouse (1888 - 1975)', Australian Dictionary of Biography, Volume 15, Melbourne University Press, 2000, pp 410-411.
Last Edited10 May 2024

Audrey Lewis Cogan

F, #729, b. 1 Sep 1900, d. 19 Apr 1981
Father*Edward Ademar Cogan b. 9 Sep 1857, d. 21 Jan 1934
Mother*Caroline Groombridge Davis b. 2 May 1857, d. 29 Jul 1912
Married NameMorris. 
Birth*1 Sep 1900 Dunedin, New Zealand, #B18965 (NZ.)1 
Marriage*27 Aug 1921 Spouse: Basil Moorhouse Morris. St Luke's Anglican Church, Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand.2,3
 
Marriage-Notice*5 Sep 1921 MORRIS—COGAN.—On August 27th, at St. Luke's, by the Rev. F.N. Taylor, Lieutenant-Colonel Basil Moorhouse Morris, D.S.O. (Royal Australian Garrison Artillery), third son of W.E. Morris, Woohranga, New South Wales, to Audrey Lewis, youngest daughter of E.A. Cogan, Christchurch.4 
Widow5 Apr 1975Audrey Lewis Cogan became a widow upon the death of her husband Basil Moorhouse Morris.5,6 
Death*19 Apr 1981 Berwick, VIC, Australia, #D08362 age 80 [par Edmond A COGAN & Caroline].2,7 
Probate (Will)* Audrey Lewis Morris. Widow. Upper Beaconsfield. 19 Apr 1981. 898/470.8 

Electoral Rolls (Australia) and Census (UK/IRL)

DateAddressOccupation and other people at same address
bt 1931 - 1934"Leintwardine", Upper Beaconsfield, VIC, AustraliaOccupation: home duties. With Basil Moorhouse Morris.9,10
1963Leintwardine, Upper Beaconsfield, VIC, AustraliaOccupation: home duties. With Basil Moorhouse Morris. With Arthur Langley Morris.11

Grave

  • St John's Church Memorial Garden, Upper Beaconsfield, VIC, Australia12,13,14

Citations

  1. [S10] New Zealand Government Birth, Death & Marriage Indexes "#B18965 (NZ)."
  2. [S5] Registry of Births Deaths and Marriages Death Index Victoria 1921-1985 "#D08362 age 80 [par Edmond A COGAN & Caroline]."
  3. [S80] Ancestry - Family Tree, Wood Family Tree "jpwood120" - viewed Dec 2010.
  4. [S336] Newspaper (New Zealand) - Press (Canterbury), 5 Sep 1921, p1.
  5. [S5] Registry of Births Deaths and Marriages Death Index Victoria 1921-1985.
  6. [S47] Index of burials in the cemetery of Springvale Botanical Cemetery.
    Cremated at Springvale - remains collected.
  7. [S47] Index of burials in the cemetery of Springvale Botanical Cemetery.
    Remains cremated at Springvale Crematorium, ashes collected. Service 21 Apr 1981.
  8. [S35] Probate Records, PROV (Public Record Office Victoria), VPRS 28/P11, unit 335; VPRS 7591/P7, unit 65.
  9. [S131] Electoral Roll for Australia, 1931.
  10. [S134] Electoral Roll for Australia, 1934.
  11. [S163] Electoral Roll for Australia, 1963.
  12. [S352] St John's Church, St John's Memorial Book, Basil Moorhouse Morris born 19 Dec 1888 died 5 Apr 1975.
  13. [S352] St John's Church, St John's Memorial Book, Audrey Lewis Morris born 1 Sep 1900 died 19 Apr 1981.
  14. [S352] St John's Church, St John's Memorial Book, Jennifer Mary Magee born 7 Jan 1930 died 25 May 1986.
Last Edited26 Jul 2017

Clive Dana Colles

M, #730, b. 8 Oct 1923, d. 15 Dec 2006
Father*Clive Dana Colles b. 7 Aug 1878, d. 14 Apr 1962
Mother*Gwynneth Clara Morris b. 23 Dec 1884, d. 14 Jan 1974
Birth*8 Oct 1923 Wahroonga, NSW, Australia.1 
Birth-Notice*17 Oct 1923 COLLES. - On the 8th October, at the Sydney Sanitorium, Wahroonga, to Mr. and Mrs. Clive Colles - a son.2 
Education*6 Feb 1929 State School 2560, Upper Beaconsfield, VIC, Australia. Left 18 May 1934 for Berwick School.3 
Military*7 Jul 1942Enlisted for military service: Australian Army VX85739 (V85739). Discharged 26 Jul 1946. Rank Signalman 7 AUST LINE MAINT SEC.4 
Marriage*9 Apr 1949 Spouse: Norma Aileen Pincott. St Andrews Presbyterian Church, Bairnsdale, VIC, Australia.
 
Marriage-Notice*13 Apr 1949 MARRIAGE. COLLES-PINCOTT. - On April 9, at St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, Bairnsdale, Norma Aileen, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. G. T. Pincott, of Bairnsdale, to Clive Dana, son of Mr. and Mrs. C. D. Colles, of Upper Beaconsfield.5 
Land-UBeac*27 Feb 1963 GEM-D-72 (part). Transfer from Gwynneth Clara Colles to Clive Dana Colles. 1a 2r 6p.6 
Land-Note*11 Nov 1965 GEM-D-72 (part). Norma Aileen Colles 1a 2r 6p - now joint proprietors.7 
Land-UBeac*10 Apr 1967 PAK-66 LP55141 (Lot 1), 35 St Georges Road. Transfer from Albert Neil Fisher Susan Lily Fisher to Clive Dana Colles Norma Aileen Colles.8 
Land-UBeac*18 Apr 1967 GEM-D-1 LP2461 (Lot 24), Cormore. Transfer from George Joseph Thomson to Clive Dana Colles Norma Aileen Colles.9 
Land-UBeac*9 May 1969 GEM-D-1 LP2461 (Lot 24), Cormore. Transfer from Clive Dana Colles Norma Aileen Colles to Albert George Pingo Irene Pingo.10 
Land-UBeac*21 Jul 1971 PAK-66 LP55141 (Lot 1), 35 St Georges Road. Transfer from Clive Dana Colles Norma Aileen Colles to Frederick Taylor Ethel Winifred Taylor.11 
Land-UBeac30 Mar 1972 PAK-66 LP55141 (Lot 2), 33 St Georges Road. Transfer from Albert Neil Fisher Susan Lily Fisher to Clive Dana Colles Norma Aileen Colles.12 
Land-UBeac*10 Jan 1974 PAK-66 LP55141 (Lot 2), 33 St Georges Road. Transfer from Clive Dana Colles Norma Aileen Colles to Russell Arthur Williams Fay Alice Williams.13 
Land-UBeac*14 Feb 1974 PAK-65 (part), 27 McBride Road. Transfer from William Arthur Buckleigh to Clive Dana Colles Norma Aileen Colles. 20a 1r 33p.14 
Land-UBeac*15 Jun 1977 PAK-65 (part), 27 McBride Road. Transfer from Clive Dana Colles Norma Aileen Colles to Miodrag Jovanovic. 20a 1r 33p.15 
Land-UBeac*29 Jun 1977 GEM-D-1A LP50272 (Lot 28), 5 Fairhazel Court. Transfer from Andrew Keith 'Keith' Ballantyne Elizabeth Douglas 'Bessie' Ballantyne to Clive Dana Colles Norma Aileen Colles.16 
Land-UBeac*31 May 1984 PAK-60 LP1137 (Lot 43.44.45.46 part), Armstrong Road. Transfer from Elizabeth Douglas 'Bessie' Ballantyne to Clive Dana Colles, Norma Aileen Colles, Maxwell Adrian Colles. 3.991ha.17 
Death*15 Dec 2006 Hallam, VIC, Australia. 
Death-Notice*20 Dec 2006 COLLES. - Clive Dana (Dan) Passed away Dec. 15, 2006 Loved husband of Norma. Father of Max (dec.) and Jennifer and father-in-law of Sue. Pa of Juliet and Dave, Simon, Skye, Ella and Wade. Great Pa of Stella and Lola.18 
Burial*21 Dec 2006 Remains cremated Springvale. 

Electoral Rolls (Australia) and Census (UK/IRL)

DateAddressOccupation and other people at same address
1958Old Gembrook Road, Upper Beaconsfield, VIC, AustraliaOccupation: bank off. With Norma Aileen Colles.19
1968Emerald Road, Upper Beaconsfield, VIC, AustraliaOccupation: shopkeeper. With Norma Aileen Colles.20

Citations

  1. [S25] School Records - Beaconsfield North 2560.
  2. [S11] Newspaper - The Argus (Melbourne, Vic.), 17 Oct 1923, p1.
  3. [S25] School Records - Beaconsfield North 2560: Pupil 243.Clive Dana Colles, born 8 Oct 1923, admitted 6 Feb 1929. Gwynneth Colles, Upper Beaconsfield. 1/4 mile from school, home duties. No previous schooling. Left 18 May 1934 for Berwick School.
  4. [S30] World War Two Nominal Roll https://nominal-rolls.dva.gov.au/

    Name      COLLES, CLIVE DANA
    Service      Australian Army
    Service Number      VX85739 (V85739)
    Date of Birth      8 Oct 1922
    Place of Birth      PARAMATTA, NSW
    Date of Enlistment      7 Jul 1942
    Locality on Enlistment      UPPER BEACONSFIELD, VIC
    Place of Enlistment      MOUNT MARTHA, VIC
    Next of Kin      GWYNNETH
    Date of Discharge      26 Jul 1946
    Rank      Signalman
    Posting at Discharge      7 AUST LINE MAINT SEC
    WW2 Honours and Gallantry      None for display
    Prisoner of War      No.
  5. [S11] Newspaper - The Argus (Melbourne, Vic.), 13 Apr 1949, p11.
  6. [S185] Property Titles ; PROV (Public Record Office Victoria), C/T 1878-599 - Clive Dana Colles of 2 Higham Street Cheltenham Bank Officer - C/T 8447-533.
  7. [S185] Property Titles ; PROV (Public Record Office Victoria), C/T 8447-533 - Clive Dana Colles Bank Officer and Norma Aileen Colles Home Duties of 2 Higham Street Cheltenham.
  8. [S185] Property Titles ; PROV (Public Record Office Victoria), C/T 8347-286 to Clive Dana Colles and Norma Aileen Colles both of Emerald Road Upper Beaconsfield Storekeepers - joint proprietors.
  9. [S185] Property Titles ; PROV (Public Record Office Victoria), C/T 4702-300 - Clive Dana Colles Store Keeper and Norma Aileen Colles Married Woman both of Emerald Road Upper Beaconsfield - joint proprietors.
  10. [S185] Property Titles ; PROV (Public Record Office Victoria), C/T 4702-300 - Albert George Pingo Gentleman and Irene Pingo Married Woman both of 27 Raymond Street Noble Park - joint proprietors.
  11. [S185] Property Titles ; PROV (Public Record Office Victoria), C/T 8347-286 - Clive Dana Colles and Norma Aileen Colles to Frederick Taylor Manager and Ethel Winifred Taylor Married Woman both of 9 Morton Avenue Carnegie - joint Proprietors.
  12. [S185] Property Titles ; PROV (Public Record Office Victoria), C/T 8347-287 to Clive Dana Colles and Norma Aileen Colles both of Emerald Road Upper Beaconsfield Storekeepers - joint proprietors.
  13. [S185] Property Titles ; PROV (Public Record Office Victoria), C/T 8347-287 - Clive Dana Colles and Norma Aileen Colles to Russell Arthur Williams Head Master and Fay Alice Williams Married Woman both of 114 Victoria Street Warragul - joint Proprietors.
  14. [S185] Property Titles ; PROV (Public Record Office Victoria), C/T 8057-139 - Clive Dana Colles M.M.B.W. Inspector and Norma Aileen Colles Married Woman both of St Georges Road Upper Beaconsfield - joint proprietors.
  15. [S185] Property Titles ; PROV (Public Record Office Victoria), C/T 8057-139 - Morrag Jovanovic Builder and Mary Jennifer Jovanovic Married Woman both of 9 Kramer Drive Berwick - joint proprietors.
  16. [S185] Property Titles ; PROV (Public Record Office Victoria), C/T 8446-298 - Clive Dana Colles Clerk and Norma Aileen Colles Married Woman both of Muir Road Christmas Hills - joint proprietors.
  17. [S185] Property Titles ; PROV (Public Record Office Victoria), C/T 7006-171 - Clive Dana Colles Norma Aileen Colles Maxwell Adrian Colles and Suzanne Gae Colles all of Armstrong Road Upper Beaconsfield - Tenants in common in equal shares.
  18. [S13] Newspaper - The Herald-Sun (Melbourne, Vic.), 20 Dec 2006 - viewed online 17 Jan 2014.
  19. [S158] Electoral Roll for Australia, 1958.
  20. [S101] Electoral Roll for Australia, 1903 - 1980.
Last Edited5 Jul 2024

Mary Elizabeth Morris

F, #731, b. 1 Mar 1876, d. 1957
Father*William Edward Morris b. 1829, d. 7 Oct 1923
Mother*Clara Elizabeth French b. 16 Sep 1848, d. 10 Jun 1918
Married NameStephen.1,2 
Birth*1 Mar 1876 Melbourne, VIC, Australia, #B10670.3,4 
Birth-Notice*3 Mar 1876 MORRIS.—On the 1st inst., at East Melbourne, the wife of W. E. Morris of a daughter.5 
Marriage*20 Apr 1908 Spouse: Thomas Haigh Stephen. St James' Cathedral, Melbourne, VIC, Australia, #M2698/1908, Mary Elizth MORRIS & Thos Haigh STEPHEN.1,2
 
Marriage-Notice*27 Jun 1908 STEPHEN—MORRIS.—On the 20th April (Easter Monday), at S. James' Old Cathedral, Melbourne, by the Rev. W. P. F. Morris, B.A., brother of the bride, assisted by the Lord Bishop of New Guinea and the Rev. Charles Perry, M.A., Mary Elizabeth, eldest daughter of W. E. Morris, Esq., registrar of the diocese of Melbourne, to Thomas Haigh Stephen, of Sydney.6 
Widow13 Sep 1926Mary Elizabeth Morris became a widow upon the death of her husband Thomas Haigh Stephen.7,1 
Death*1957 Newcastle, NSW, Australia, #D23556/1957 (par William Edward & Clara) - as Mary Elizabeth STEPHEN.1,8 

Citations

  1. [S50] Miscellaneous Source, Family Tree at http://www.airgale.com.au/brooks/d6.htm
  2. [S27] Victorian Government. BDM Index Victoria (Marriages) (online) "#M2698/1908, Mary Elizth MORRIS & Thos Haigh STEPHEN."
  3. [S1] Registry of Births Deaths and Marriages Pioneer Index Victoria 1836-1888.
  4. [S50] Miscellaneous Source, Royal Historical Society of Queensland Journal, Vol XIV, No 13 November 1992
    Canon William Perry French Morris Founder of Churchie
    espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ.../s00855804_1992_14_13_529.pdf
    gives birthdates.
  5. [S11] Newspaper - The Argus (Melbourne, Vic.), 3 Mar 1876, p1.
  6. [S11] Newspaper - The Argus (Melbourne, Vic.), Sat 27 Jun 1908, p13
    https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/10650221
  7. [S7] Registry of NSW Births Deaths and Marriages "#D15060/1926 (par Frank STEPHEN & Elizabeth) - as Thomas H STEPHEN. Death registered at Woollahra."
  8. [S7] Registry of NSW Births Deaths and Marriages "#D23556/1957 (par William Edward & Clara) - as Mary Elizabeth STEPHEN. Death registered at Newcastle."
Last Edited14 Oct 2022

Edith Nina Morris

F, #732, b. 31 Aug 1877, d. 11 Jul 1959
Father*William Edward Morris b. 1829, d. 7 Oct 1923
Mother*Clara Elizabeth French b. 16 Sep 1848, d. 10 Jun 1918
Married NameIrwin. 
Birth*31 Aug 1877 Melbourne, VIC, Australia, #B17086.1,2 
Birth-Notice*1 Sep 1877 MORRIS.—On the 31st ult., at 25 Hotham-street, East Melbourne, the wife of W. E. Morris of a daughter.3 
Land-UBeac*11 Jun 1908 GEM-D-61. Transfer from William Edward Morris to Edith Nina Morris William Perry French Morris. 12a 3r 29p.4 
Land-UBeac11 Jun 1908 GEM-D-46. Transfer from William Edward Morris to Edith Nina Morris William Perry French Morris. 58a 1r 24p.5 
Marriage*1913 Spouse: Rev William Henry Irwin. Wahroonga, NSW, Australia.6
 
Land-UBeac11 Dec 1930 GEM-D-46. Transfer from Edith Nina Irwin to Basil Moorhouse Morris. 58a 1r 24p (as to the interest of Edith Nina Irwin.)7 
Land-UBeac*11 Dec 1930 GEM-D-61. Transfer from Edith Nina Irwin to Basil Moorhouse Morris. 12a 3r 29p - (as to the interest of Edith Nina Irwin.)8 
Widow17 Oct 1946Edith Nina Morris became a widow upon the death of her husband Rev William Henry Irwin.6,9 
Death*11 Jul 1959 Adelaide, SA, Australia, # 893/4299 - as Edith Nina IRWIN.6,10 

Electoral Rolls (Australia) and Census (UK/IRL)

DateAddressOccupation and other people at same address
1919Upper Beaconsfield, VIC, AustraliaOccupation: home duties.11

Grave

  • North Road Cemetery, Nailsworth, Prospect, SA, Australia12

Citations

  1. [S1] Registry of Births Deaths and Marriages Pioneer Index Victoria 1836-1888.
  2. [S50] Miscellaneous Source, Royal Historical Society of Queensland Journal, Vol XIV, No 13 November 1992
    Canon William Perry French Morris Founder of Churchie
    espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ.../s00855804_1992_14_13_529.pdf
    gives birthdates.
  3. [S11] Newspaper - The Argus (Melbourne, Vic.), 1 Sep 1877, p1.
  4. [S185] Property Titles ; PROV (Public Record Office Victoria), C/T 2325-984 - Edith Nina Morris Spinster and The Reverend William Perry French Morris, Clerk in Holy Order both of "Leintwardine" Parish of Gembrook are now the proprietors.
  5. [S185] Property Titles ; PROV (Public Record Office Victoria), C/T 1966-197 - Edith Nina Morris Spinster and The Reverend William Perry French Morris, Clerk in Holy Order both of "Leintwardine" Parish of Gembrook are now the proprietors.
  6. [S50] Miscellaneous Source, Family Tree at http://www.airgale.com.au/brooks/d6.htm
  7. [S185] Property Titles ; PROV (Public Record Office Victoria), C/T 1966-197 - as to the interest of Edith Nina Irwin - Basil Moorhouse Morris of Queenscliff Commissioned Officer - C/T 5713-439.
  8. [S185] Property Titles ; PROV (Public Record Office Victoria), C/T 2325-984 - as to the interest of Edith Nina Irwin - Basil Moorhouse Morris of Queenscliff Commissioned Officer - C/T 5713-439.
  9. [S63] South Australian Government. BDM Index South Australia "Genealogy SA
    # 706/5241, 1946 - as William Henry IRWIN, registered at Adelaide."
  10. [S63] South Australian Government. BDM Index South Australia "Genealogy SA
    Edith Nina IRWIN # 893/4299, 1959, Adelaide
    earlier version listed William Henry IRWIN (DH)."
  11. [S119] Electoral Roll for Australia, 1919.
  12. [S345] Index of monumental inscriptions/burials, www.findagrave.com "North Road Cemetery, Nailsworth, Prospect City, South Australia, Australia, https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/201597845
    Grave of Edith Nina (Morris) Irwin (31 Aug 1877-1959)."
Last Edited30 Apr 2024

William Perry French Morris

M, #733, b. 21 Oct 1878, d. 21 May 1960
Father*William Edward Morris b. 1829, d. 7 Oct 1923
Mother*Clara Elizabeth French b. 16 Sep 1848, d. 10 Jun 1918
Anecdote*William Morris was the founding Headmaster of Anglican Church Grammar School.
After studying at The University of Melbourne, Morris read theology, church history and medieval history at the University of Cambridge.
He became a Deacon of the Church of England in 1901 and then chose to work as Assistant-Curate in London’s impoverished Whitechapel. He had entered the church to, in his words, “do social work on a religious basis, instead of doing religious work on a social basis”.
Ordained as a priest in 1903, he returned to Australia and was Vicar at St Barnabas in South Melbourne.
After taking up teaching positions at Geelong Grammar School and St Peter’s College in Adelaide, Morris opened the small private school St Magnus Hall in Brisbane.
In 1914 St Magnus Hall was part of an amalgamation to form the Brisbane Church of England Grammar School for Boys. Morris was appointed its founding Headmaster.
He served in that role for over 30 years, during which time 3,000 boys had passed through what had become one of Australia’s leading independent schools. The Church recognised his contribution by appointing him an honorary Canon in 1935.
Following his retirement in 1946 he wrote his memoirs in Sons of Magnus and published a collection of poems in Havenhome and Other Verses.
Morris was honoured as an Officer of the Order of the British Empire in 1955.1 
Birth*21 Oct 1878 Brighton, VIC, Australia, #B21076.2 
Birth-Notice*23 Oct 1878 MORRIS.—On the 21st inst., at Middle Crescent, Brighton, the wife of W. E. Morris of a son.3
 
Marriage*3 Jan 1905 Spouse: Ethel Ida Remfry. St John's Church, East Malvern, VIC, Australia, #M92/1905, Wm Perry French MORRIS & Ethel Ida REMFRY.4,5
 
(Transfer to) Land-UBeac11 Jun 1908 GEM-D-61. Transfer from William Edward Morris to Edith Nina Morris William Perry French Morris. 12a 3r 29p.6 
(Transfer to) Land-UBeac11 Jun 1908 GEM-D-46. Transfer from William Edward Morris to Edith Nina Morris William Perry French Morris. 58a 1r 24p.7 
Land-UBeac*11 Dec 1930 GEM-D-47 (part). Transfer from Hans Glismann to William Perry French Morris Basil Moorhouse Morris. 53a 1r 13p.8 
Land-UBeac*28 Jul 1931 GEM-D-47 (part). Transfer from William Perry French Morris Basil Moorhouse Morris to Cecil Henry Foott. 15a 0r 28p.9 
Land-UBeac17 Oct 1947 GEM-D-47 (part). Transfer from William Perry French Morris to Basil Moorhouse Morris. Transfer as to interest of William Perry French Morris.10 
Land-UBeac17 Oct 1947 GEM-D-61. Transfer from William Perry French Morris to Basil Moorhouse Morris. 12a 3r 29p - (as to the interest of William Perry French Morris.)11 
Land-UBeac*17 Oct 1947 GEM-D-46. Transfer from William Perry French Morris to Basil Moorhouse Morris. 58a 1r 24p (as to the interest of William Perry French Morris.)12,13 
Widower21 Oct 1957William Perry French Morris became a widower upon the death of his wife Ethel Ida Remfry.4,14,15 
Death*21 May 1960 Brisbane, QLD, Australia. 
Village Bell*Feb 1991 "LEINTWARDINE" IN FOOTT ROAD.     "Leintwardine", family home of the Morris family, was burnt down in the Ash Wednesday bushfires. The house, around 101 years old, was originally the holiday home of the grandfather of Audrey Morris. Audrey Morris lives in Foott Road in a new house where "Leintwardine" once stood.
In our issue of December 1983 we published an article about the historic Morris family home, based on information contributed by Audrey Morris. That article prompted the late Norman Beaumont to give me the following exchange of verses about the place. They have not appeared previously in the "Village Bell", and they do so now with the kind permission of Audrey Morris.
Ronald Vicars Pratt was at University College Cambridge when William P. F. Morris was at Ridley College Cambridge, 1900-1906. He followed Morris out here on holiday. Morris was the founder and Headmaster of "Churchie", Brisbane, Q'land, 1912-1946. The second Head, nominated by Morris, was ex Head of Toowoomba Grammar School.
Leintwardine. R.V. Pratt. 1904. to W.P.F. Morris.
O'Leintwardine, sweet Leintwardine, the fairest homestead ever seen,
Proud is thy seat on hills of green. I pine for thee, dear Leintwardine.
At thee we've played at hare and hounds. Ah! there was pleasure without bounds.
The bush with gleeful shouts resounds, When we're at thee, dear Leintwardine.
If restful hours the weary seek, they're found beside each winding creek
Thy charms are new each passing week, O ever youthful Leintwardine.
We'll think of thee when far away, thy memory brightens every day.
Of Heaven's own light there falls a ray, on thy fair brow, dear Leintwardine.
Leintwardine. W.P.F. Morris to R.V. Pratt.
With a minimum of clothing, and a maximum of heat,
With a very little pudding but a large supply of meat,
I am left alone to batch it, and to sleep and cook and eat,
By myself among the gum trees in a far off bush retreat.
Have you ever "done the lonely", chiefly on a biscuit tin?
Have you ever had for breakfast, tea and porridge much too thin?
Have you looked with hungry horror at the empty huge flour bin?
While the last remains of corned beef transubstantiate within.
Have you gone to bed at midnight and forgot to wind the clock?
Have you had the sun to go by, with suggestions from the cock?
While the "maggies" only twit you, and the "johnnies" only mock?
And you feel yourself as lonely as a convict in the dock.
Do you know the complications of the unassuming cow?
Are you cognisant with milking, the when and where and how?
Have you skill at butter-making, how much salt you should allow?
Then come now and instruct me - to your wisdom I will bow.16 

Australian Dictionary of Biography

MORRIS, WILLIAM PERRY FRENCH (1878-1960), Anglican clergyman and headmaster, was born on 21 October 1878 at Brighton, Melbourne, eldest son and third of eleven children of William Edward Morris, who came from England and was deputy-registrar (later registrar) of the Anglican diocese of Melbourne, and his wife Clara Elizabeth, née French, who was born in India. The godson of Bishop Perry, young Will was raised in the upper echelons of Melbourne society. In an uncommonly urbane household, the Morrises upheld the traditions of Church, Queen and Empire. Will's sisters Mary and Edith became co-principals of Merton Hall. (Major General) Basil Morris was his younger brother.
Entering (1886) Wadhurst Preparatory School, Morris soon proved to be a solid, all-round pupil. At Melbourne Church of England Grammar School he played (1895-96) Australian Rules football for the first XX and became a prefect. From Trinity College, University of Melbourne (B.A., 1900; M.A., 1915), he proceeded to Ridley Hall, Cambridge, where he read theology, and church and medieval history, and was influenced by the notion of 'muscular Christianity'.
Throughout his career Morris was to be an assertive and persuasive representative of the Victorian idea of equilibrium, evoking in his teachings the interrelationship of church and nation. Archbishop Rayner remembered him as 'a broad churchman whose religious understanding focused on the ''crises of humanity"'. Morris was suspicious of dogma and eschewed emotional displays of Christian belief. On 22 December 1901 he was made deacon in the Church of England.
He chose to serve as assistant-curate at Whitechapel, London, because, in his words, he had taken holy orders 'to do social work on a religious basis, instead of doing religious work on a social basis'. It was a moral approach and one which, with his disregard for institutional expressions of faith, would bring him occasionally into conflict with Church authorities. Ordained priest on 7 June 1903, he returned to Melbourne soon after. On 3 January 1905 at St John's Church, East Malvern, he married Ethel Ida Remfry, a graduate of the University of Melbourne (B.Sc., 1903; M.Sc., 1905; M.B., B.S., 1911) and a teacher at Merton Hall; they were to remain childless. As vicar of the parish of St Barnabas, South Melbourne, Morris suffered a blow to his ministering zeal when Archbishop H. L. Clarke refused to sanction special missions to wharf labourers and their families.
The young cleric found his real vocation in teaching, serving an 'apprenticeship' and earning headmasters' accolades as resident master and honorary chaplain at Geelong Church of England Grammar School (1907-08) and as assistant boarding master and chaplain at the Collegiate School of St Peter, Adelaide (1909-11). He was soon advocating the value of small classes and the educational importance of a teacher focusing on the individual pupil.
Late in 1906 Ethel Morris had returned to Merton Hall and to her studies, beginning a separation from her husband that would endure, except for a few weeks in 1912, until her death in London in 1957. Their differences were aesthetic and fundamental. An ardent classicist, Morris viewed life from uncompromisingly romantic, heroic and idealistic perspectives. He abhorred socialism, for example, for its abnegation of the individual and the spirit. His personal requisites were Spartan, and he found intellectual enjoyment in reading literature and writing poetry. For recreation, he favoured outdoor pastimes and team sports such as rowing, Rugby Union football and cricket. By contrast, Ethel Remfry-Morris was a modernist and a feminist, who eventually turned to painting, finding her future in artistic circles in London.
On 8 February 1912, during their brief reunion, the Morrises established a small private school, St Magnus Hall, in a house called Ardencraig at Toowong, Brisbane. With the support of Archbishop Donaldson and leaders of the Anglican lay community, Morris was able to capitalize on the Church's wish to become more involved in education in Queensland. In 1913 synod decided to amalgamate St Magnus Hall with St John's Day School, under Morris's headmastership. Next year the school was established, adjacent to St John's Cathedral, as Brisbane Church of England Grammar School for Boys. In 1915 it acquired Bowen House Preparatory School. Wartime austerity restricted enrolments, but in his quest for a permanent site for the school, Morris won widespread support.
Governor Sir Hamilton Goold-Adams officially opened the Church of England Grammar School at its new location, Oaklands Parade, East Brisbane, on 10 June 1918. Within ten years it approached the front rank of the country's independent schools. Its spectacular rise owed much to the qualities of its founding headmaster. By the time he retired at the end of 1946, more than 3000 boys had passed through 'Churchie'.
Recognizing the importance of a stimulating environment in 'framing character', Morris transformed the school site into a rural sanctuary amid the bustle of the city, and into a place where country boys could feel at home and learn. 'Churchie' was a functioning farm which contributed savings to the school budget and reflected the headmaster's austere notions of self-sufficiency. Such frugality enabled the young school to weather the Depression and two world wars, keep fees at a low level, and attract pupils from country and city. Morris decried the creeping exclusiveness of some 'Great Public Schools'.
His appeal to parents derived from a passionate commitment to what he termed 'the purpose of education', namely, 'the training of character on the foundation of Christian faith as taught by the Church of England'. At once both visionary and autocratic, he frequently reminded parents that the Church of England Grammar School was established 'to teach, not to proselytise; our concern being especially with moral issues'. Speech nights were occasions to issue strictures against contemporary political, social and cultural trends, particularly declining moral purpose.
Despite the Depression, Morris completed his building programme by the late 1930s. It was in creating an educational ethos, however, that he was most outstanding. In the Morris school, scholasticism never usurped character formation as the essential product of education. Learning through experience and inspiration were critical tenets. He tried to induce in each boy a desire to strive and perform to his best. 'Finish hard, boy, finish hard', was the headmaster's salutary edict to students running distance races or rowing on the Brisbane River.
Known as the 'Boss' and true to the persona, Morris withstood any encroachment which reduced his authority or the autonomy of the school. The Church was no exception. He regarded intrusions by diocesan administrators and the synod in the same light as interference by the Industrial Court and trade unions. All were tactfully but fiercely resisted. Morris's appointment as an honorary canon on 1 September 1935 was tacit recognition by the diocese of the broad pastoral impact he made on hundreds of Queensland families. Not that the Church was ever pre-eminent in the 'Churchie' ethos during Morris's tenure. In a High-Church diocese, the school was conspicuous for its interdenominational constituency and its rejection of Anglo-Catholic forms of worship.
Seeking to inspire young minds, Morris gave his school a Biblical motto, Alis Aquilae ('On the Wings of an Eagle'), from a text in Isaiah. As he grew older, especially in World War II when he was stricken by infirmity and illness, and had to struggle with the privations of shortages, he would transcend the epical lessons of his beloved classics and became the hero himself. To his charges, he would always be the model of a man of formidable courage, exemplifying stoicism, self-sacrifice and service. He was what he taught.
In the 1930s Morris had stridently opposed pacifism and appeasement. Despite synod's objections, he insisted on maintaining the school cadet unit, not only because of its contribution to discipline and boyhood development, but also because he believed that 'Those who have the greatest advantages should be the readiest to serve'. And serve they did. Almost one thousand old boys fought in World War II; one in ten of them was killed in action or died of wounds.
After his retirement Morris lived quietly in Brisbane, writing his memoirs, Sons of Magnus (1948), and privately publishing a collection of poems, Havenhome and Other Verses. In 1955 he was appointed O.B.E. He died on 21 May 1960 in Brisbane and was cremated.17

Citations

  1. [S50] Miscellaneous Source, http://dbtw.mgs.vic.edu.au/dbtw-wpd/textbase/…
    Morris, Mr William Perry French - OM Year 1896 - Headmaster - OBE.
  2. [S1] Registry of Births Deaths and Marriages Pioneer Index Victoria 1836-1888.
  3. [S11] Newspaper - The Argus (Melbourne, Vic.), 23 Oct 1878, p1.
  4. [S50] Miscellaneous Source, Family Tree at http://www.airgale.com.au/brooks/d6.htm
  5. [S3] Registry of Births Deaths and Marriages Edwardian Index Victoria 1902-1913 "#M92/1905, Wm Perry French MORRIS & Ethel Ida REMFRY."
  6. [S185] Property Titles ; PROV (Public Record Office Victoria), C/T 2325-984 - Edith Nina Morris Spinster and The Reverend William Perry French Morris, Clerk in Holy Order both of "Leintwardine" Parish of Gembrook are now the proprietors.
  7. [S185] Property Titles ; PROV (Public Record Office Victoria), C/T 1966-197 - Edith Nina Morris Spinster and The Reverend William Perry French Morris, Clerk in Holy Order both of "Leintwardine" Parish of Gembrook are now the proprietors.
  8. [S185] Property Titles ; PROV (Public Record Office Victoria), C/T 2308-590 - William Perry French Morris of Brisbane Queensland Headmaster of Church of England Grammar School and Basil Moorhouse Morris of Queenscliff Commissioned Officer - proprietors as tenants in common in equal shares - C/T 5722-266.
  9. [S185] Property Titles ; PROV (Public Record Office Victoria), C/T 5722-266 - Cecil Henry Foott - C/T 5744-751.
  10. [S185] Property Titles ; PROV (Public Record Office Victoria), C/T 5722-266 - transfer as to the interest of William Perry French Morris to Basil Moorhouse Morris of 26 Glenbrook Avenue East Malvern Retired Gentleman - C/T 7084-647 (now 109a 1r 38p = GEM-D-46.61 + GEM-D-47 (part)).
  11. [S185] Property Titles ; PROV (Public Record Office Victoria), C/T 2325-984 - as to the interest of William Perry French Morris - Basil Moorhouse Morris of Queenscliff Commissioned Officer - C/T 7084-647.
  12. [S185] Property Titles ; PROV (Public Record Office Victoria), C/T 1966-197 - as to the interest of William Perry French Morris - Basil Moorhouse Morris of Queenscliff Commissioned Officer - C/T 7084-647.
  13. [S185] Property Titles ; PROV (Public Record Office Victoria), C/T 7084-647 - consolidated into one title including GEM-D-47 (part) - Basil Moorhouse Morris of 26 Glenbrook Avenue East Malvern Retired Gentleman.
  14. [S190] Index to Probate Calendar England, viewed at ancestry.com.au, 1858-1966.
  15. [S332] UK - General Register Office Indexes "Ethel Ida Remfry Morris
    Dec Q 1957 (Kensington) 05c 1271 (Age 77)."
  16. [S15] Newspaper - Village Bell Issue 78, Feb 1991, p11 by John Milligan.
  17. [S55] ADB online, online https://adb.anu.edu.au/, Select Bibliography
    J. R. Cole, The Making of Men (Brisb, 1986); Courier-Mail (Brisbane), 23, 25 May 1960. More on the resources

    Author: John Cole

    Print Publication Details: John Cole, 'Morris, William Perry French (1878 - 1960)', Australian Dictionary of Biography, Volume 15, Melbourne University Press, 2000, pp 415-417.
Last Edited15 Jun 2023

Agnes Isabel Morris

F, #734, b. 15 Apr 1880, d. 1961
Father*William Edward Morris b. 1829, d. 7 Oct 1923
Mother*Clara Elizabeth French b. 16 Sep 1848, d. 10 Jun 1918
Birth*15 Apr 1880 Brighton, VIC, Australia, #B6752.1,2 
Birth-Notice*17 Apr 1880 MORRIS.—On the 15th inst., at Middle-crescent, Brighton, the wife of W. E. Morris of a daughter.3 
Death*1961 Hindmarsh, SA, Australia, #D932/7678 - as MORRIS (possible death.)4 

Newspaper-Articles

  • 24 Aug 1935: THE principal (Miss Enid Joske) of Janet Clarke Hall, University of Melbourne, and Mrs. Clive Colles, of Upper Beaconsfield, Victoria, are spending a holiday at the home of Mrs. Colles' sister, Miss Agnes Morris, at Magill. Mrs. Colles is also the sister of Mrs. W. H. Irwin, of St. Peters. The Melbourne visitors intend to leave by motor car next week. Gwynneth Clara Colles5

Citations

  1. [S1] Registry of Births Deaths and Marriages Pioneer Index Victoria 1836-1888.
  2. [S50] Miscellaneous Source, Royal Historical Society of Queensland Journal, Vol XIV, No 13 November 1992
    Canon William Perry French Morris Founder of Churchie
    espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ.../s00855804_1992_14_13_529.pdf
    gives birthdates.
  3. [S11] Newspaper - The Argus (Melbourne, Vic.), 17 Apr 1880, p1.
  4. [S63] South Australian Government. BDM Index South Australia.
  5. [S14] Newspaper - News (Adelaide, SA), 24 Aug 1935, p6.
Last Edited13 Oct 2022

Marcia Forster Morris

F, #735, b. 27 Jun 1881, d. 26 Oct 1934
Father*William Edward Morris b. 1829, d. 7 Oct 1923
Mother*Clara Elizabeth French b. 16 Sep 1848, d. 10 Jun 1918
Probate (Will)* Marcia F Wade.      Married. Parkville. 26 Oct 1934. 268/215.1       
Married NameWade. 
Birth*27 Jun 1881 Melbourne, VIC, Australia, #B18017.2,3 
Birth-Notice*30 Jun 1881 MORRIS.—On the 27th inst., at Hotham-street, East Melbourne, the wife of W. E. Morris of a daughter.4 
Marriage*22 Dec 1904 Spouse: Rev Eustace Vernon Wade. St James' Old Cathedral, Melbourne, VIC, Australia, #M6383.5
 
Marriage-Notice*7 Jan 1905 WADE—MORRIS. —On the 22nd December, 1904, at St. James' Old Cathedral, Melbourne, by the Rev. W. P. F. Morris, assisted by the Rev. C. V. Statham, the Rev. Eustace Vernon Wade, youngest son of Mr. William Wade, Windsor, to Marcia Forster, fourth daughter of Mr. W. E. Morris, Diocesan Registry, Melbourne.6 
Land-UBeac*4 Aug 1931 GEM-D-45.60. Transfer from Rev Eustace Vernon Wade to Marcia Forster Wade. 75a 3r 31p + 105a 3r 27p.7,8 
Land-UBeac29 Jun 1934 GEM-D-45.60. Transfer from Marcia Forster Wade to Rev Eustace Vernon Wade, Marcia Meredith Hardinge Wade, Harold Kingsley Wade. 75a 3r 31p + 105a 3r 27p.9,10 
Death*26 Oct 1934 Port Melbourne, VIC, Australia, #D10736 (Age 52.)11 

Electoral Rolls (Australia) and Census (UK/IRL)

DateAddressOccupation and other people at same address
bt 1912 - 1913Upper Beaconsfield, VIC, AustraliaOccupation: home duties. With Rev Eustace Vernon Wade.12,13

Family

 Rev Eustace Vernon Wade b. 8 Aug 1877, d. 21 Sep 1967
Children 1.Major General Ronald Eustace Wade b. 28 Oct 1905, d. 12 Aug 1995
 2.Harold Kingsley Wade b. 3 Jan 1908, d. 1958
 3.Marcia Meredith Hardinge Wade+ b. 3 Nov 1911, d. 11 Sep 1995

Citations

  1. [S35] Probate Records, PROV (Public Record Office Victoria), VPRS 28/P3, unit 2644; VPRS 7591/P2, unit 940.
  2. [S1] Registry of Births Deaths and Marriages Pioneer Index Victoria 1836-1888.
  3. [S50] Miscellaneous Source, Royal Historical Society of Queensland Journal, Vol XIV, No 13 November 1992
    Canon William Perry French Morris Founder of Churchie
    espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ.../s00855804_1992_14_13_529.pdf
    gives birthdates.
  4. [S11] Newspaper - The Argus (Melbourne, Vic.), 30 Jun 1881, p1.
  5. [S3] Registry of Births Deaths and Marriages Edwardian Index Victoria 1902-1913 "#M6383."
  6. [S11] Newspaper - The Argus (Melbourne, Vic.), 7 Jan 1905, p9.
  7. [S185] Property Titles ; PROV (Public Record Office Victoria), C/T 2760-920 - Eustace Vernon Wade to Marcia Forster Wade of Ridley College The Avenue Parkville.
  8. [S185] Property Titles ; PROV (Public Record Office Victoria), C/T 3192-326 - Eustace Vernon Wade to Marcia Forster Wade of Ridley College The Avenue Parkville.
  9. [S185] Property Titles ; PROV (Public Record Office Victoria), C/T 2760-920 - Transfer to Eustace Vernon Wade Clerk in Holy Orders and Marcia Meredith Hardinge Wade Spinster both of Ridley College The Avenue Parkville, and Harold Kingsley Wade of Church of England Grammar School Oaklands Parade East Brisbane Queensland Schoolmaster - joint proprietors - C/T 5929-703.
  10. [S185] Property Titles ; PROV (Public Record Office Victoria), C/T 3192-326 - Transfer to Eustace Vernon Wade Clerk in Holy Orders and Marcia Meredith Hardinge Wade Spinster both of Ridley College The Avenue Parkville, and Harold Kingsley Wade of Church of England Grammar School Oaklands Parade East Brisbane Queensland Schoolmaster - joint proprietors.
  11. [S5] Registry of Births Deaths and Marriages Death Index Victoria 1921-1985.
  12. [S112] Electoral Roll for Australia, 1912.
  13. [S113] Electoral Roll for Australia, 1913.
Last Edited21 Jan 2016

Katie Cowper Morris

F, #736, b. 20 Nov 1882, d. 2 Jun 1977
Father*William Edward Morris b. 1829, d. 7 Oct 1923
Mother*Clara Elizabeth French b. 16 Sep 1848, d. 10 Jun 1918
Married NameCrotty. 
Birth*20 Nov 1882 Melbourne, VIC, Australia, #B3976/1883.1,2 
Birth-Notice*25 Nov 1882 MORRIS-On the 20th inst, at Hotham street, East Melbourne, the wife of W. E . Morris of a daughter.3 
Marriage*4 Jun 1910 Spouse: Francis Edward Cassian Crotty. Christ Church, South Yarra, VIC, Australia, #M3053.4,5
 
Marriage-Notice*25 Jun 1910 CROTTY—MORRIS. —On the 4th June 1910 at Christ Church, South Yarra, by the Rev Canon Sutton assisted by the Rev Leonard Townsend and the Rev Merrick Long, Francis Edward Cassian, elder son of the Rev E C Crotty, Sydney, to Katie Cowper, fifth daughter of W E Morris, Esq. Melbourne.5 
Land-UBeac*19 Nov 1924 GEM-D-50 (part). Transfer from Theresa Charlotte Lang to Katie Cowper Crotty. 20 acres or thereabouts.6 
Land-UBeac*2 Mar 1935 GEM-D-50 (part). Transfer from Katie Cowper Crotty to Colonial Mutual Life Assurance. 14a 0r 6p.7 
Widow25 May 1940Katie Cowper Morris became a widow upon the death of her husband Francis Edward Cassian Crotty.8 
Land-UBeac*22 Nov 1946 GEM-D-50 (part). Transfer from Katie Cowper Crotty to Allen Richard 'Dick' Edwards Ann Elizabeth 'Betty' Edwards. 5a 3r 34p.9 
Death*2 Jun 1977 Brighton, VIC, Australia, #D12314 (age 94) -- as CROTTY.10 

Grave

  • Springvale Botanical Cemetery, Springvale, VIC, Australia11

Family

 Francis Edward Cassian Crotty b. 1879, d. 25 May 1940
Children 1.John Cassian Crotty b. 12 Jun 1911, d. 17 Jan 1972
 2.Clara Edith 'Clare' Crotty b. 28 Nov 1912, d. 25 Feb 1950
 3.Kathleen Elizabeth Crotty b. 23 Oct 1914, d. 1 Nov 1992
 4.Bernard Cassian Crotty b. 2 Apr 1917, d. 22 Aug 1971
 5.Mary Mildred Crotty b. 16 Jan 1922, d. 25 Feb 2003

Newspaper-Articles

  • 19 Dec 1925: Rev. F. E. C. Crotty, vicar of St. Luke's, will return to his parish on December 31. He has been stationed at Claremont, Upper Beaconsfield, for some months past, recuperating after his illness. Mrs. Crotty, who also suffered indifferent health, will return in February. Rev. E. H. Faulkner, who has been acting vicar in Mr. Crotty's absence, will leave shortly to take charge of the "Newhaven" Boys' Home. He will be farewelled at a Communion and breakfast at 8 a.m. to-morrow. Francis Edward Cassian Crotty12
  • 24 Dec 1936: District News. UPPER BEACONSFIELD.
    The recent fete of the Church of England Ladies’ Guild was held in perfect weather, on the grounds so kindly lent by Mr. and Mrs. R. P. Francis. The lawns, sheltered by shady trees and protected from the cool winds, was a delightful spot. Introduced by Mr. Thorogood, Mrs. Crotty, wife of Canon Crotty, of St. Kilda, in a very happy appropriate speech declared the fete open. The principal stalls were: Fancy Goods, presided over by Mrs. Harvey Smith; produce, Mesdames Marsh and Knapton; cake, Miss Murfit and Miss Gladys Binding; book stall, Mrs. Colles; and what was a delight and pleasure to all, and especially the children, was a junior Cole’s, presided over by Mesdames Dowling (2), where articles ranging from one penny to 2/ were stocked, and the children had a great time. The afternoon tea was in charge of Mesdames Binding, Barnes, and Miss Elliott, and being well patronised, spoke well for its preparation. There was also ice cream and a few other inducements for the youngsters to part with their cash. The gentlemen in waiting were Messrs. Thorogood, J. Glismann and Binding, who worked so well in preparing and erecting stalls and seating accommodation. Proceeds resulted in a very substatial addition to the church funds. The new vicar (Rev. Patton) made his first appearance in the district, and was greeted by the church officials, and introduced to his parishioners. Rev James Valentine Patton, Jessie Louise Thorogood, Herbert Spencer Thorogood, Isabel Blanche Maud Francis13

Citations

  1. [S1] Registry of Births Deaths and Marriages Pioneer Index Victoria 1836-1888.
  2. [S50] Miscellaneous Source, Royal Historical Society of Queensland Journal, Vol XIV, No 13 November 1992
    Canon William Perry French Morris Founder of Churchie
    espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ.../s00855804_1992_14_13_529.pdf
    gives birthdates.
  3. [S11] Newspaper - The Argus (Melbourne, Vic.), 25 Nov 1882, p1.
  4. [S3] Registry of Births Deaths and Marriages Edwardian Index Victoria 1902-1913 "#M3053."
  5. [S11] Newspaper - The Argus (Melbourne, Vic.), 25 Jun 1910, p13.
  6. [S185] Property Titles ; PROV (Public Record Office Victoria), C/T 2777-361 - Teresa Lang to Katie Cowper Crotty of The Vicarage South Melbourne Married Woman - C/T 4925-913.
  7. [S185] Property Titles ; PROV (Public Record Office Victoria), C/T 4925-913 - Katie Cowper Crotty to THE COLONIAL MUTUAL LIFE ASSURANCE SOCIETY LIMITED - C/T 5947-265.
  8. [S5] Registry of Births Deaths and Marriages Death Index Victoria 1921-1985 "#D4898 age 61 [par Edward Cassian CROTTY & Maria MANNING]."
  9. [S185] Property Titles ; PROV (Public Record Office Victoria), C/T 4925-913 - Katie Cowper Crotty to Allen Richard Edwards Orchard Hand and Ann Elizabeth Edwards (Jones) Spinster both of "Claremont" Upper Beaconsfield as joint proprietors - C/T 6941-103.
  10. [S5] Registry of Births Deaths and Marriages Death Index Victoria 1921-1985.
  11. [S47] Index of burials in the cemetery of Springvale Botanical Cemetery.
  12. [S14] Newspaper - Record (Emerald Hill, Vic.), 19 Dec 1925, p5.
  13. [S218] Newspaper - The Dandenong Journal (Vic.), Thu 24 Dec 1936, p4
    https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/214741993
Last Edited30 Apr 2017

Edward Fortescue Morris

M, #737, b. 10 Sep 1886, d. 12 Apr 1968
Father*William Edward Morris b. 1829, d. 7 Oct 1923
Mother*Clara Elizabeth French b. 16 Sep 1848, d. 10 Jun 1918
Probate (Will)* Edward Fortuscue Morris. Farmer. Seville. 12 Apr 1968. 676/381.1 
Birth*10 Sep 1886 Melbourne, VIC, Australia, #B27668.2 
Birth-Notice*13 Sep 1886 MORRIS.—On the 10th inst., at Hotham-street, East Melbourne, the wife of W. E. Morris of a son.3
 
Marriage*1 Sep 1920 Spouse: Edith Irene Cecil Wade. Toowong, QLD, Australia.4
 
Death*12 Apr 1968 Seville, VIC, Australia, #D8254 (Age 81.)5,4 

Electoral Rolls (Australia) and Census (UK/IRL)

DateAddressOccupation and other people at same address
bt 1922 - 1924Leintwardine, Upper Beaconsfield, VIC, AustraliaOccupation: farmer. With Edith Irene Cecil Morris.6,7

Citations

  1. [S35] Probate Records, PROV (Public Record Office Victoria), VPRS 28/P5, unit 162; VPRS 7591/P4, unit 12.
  2. [S1] Registry of Births Deaths and Marriages Pioneer Index Victoria 1836-1888 "#B27668."
  3. [S11] Newspaper - The Argus (Melbourne, Vic.), 13 Sep 1886, p1.
  4. [S50] Miscellaneous Source, Family Tree at http://www.airgale.com.au/brooks/d6.htm
  5. [S5] Registry of Births Deaths and Marriages Death Index Victoria 1921-1985.
  6. [S122] Electoral Roll for Australia, 1922.
  7. [S124] Electoral Roll for Australia, 1924.
Last Edited31 Aug 2015

Arthur Langley Morris

M, #738, b. 26 Jan 1891, d. 30 Sep 1965
Father*William Edward Morris b. 1829, d. 7 Oct 1923
Mother*Clara Elizabeth French b. 16 Sep 1848, d. 10 Jun 1918

World War I

Arthur Langley Morris enlisted on 24 Mar 1915, when he was a 24 year old stockman, residing at Wahroonga NSW. SERN 183. He was a Private with the 11th Light Horse Regiment, A Squadron.
His unit either embarked on 2 June (HMAT A7 Medic) or 16 June 1915 (HMAT A30 Borda) from Brisbane. He was discharged from the army because of insanity (mania) and returned to Australia on 29 Jan 1916.1
Birth*26 Jan 1891 East Melbourne, VIC, Australia, #B4894.2 
Birth-Notice*31 Jan 1891 MORRIS.—On the 26th inst., at Hotham street, East Melbourne, the wife of W. E. Morris, of a son.3
 
Death*30 Sep 1965 Melbourne, VIC, Australia, #D21775 age 74.4 
Death-Notice*2 Oct 1965 MORRIS.—On September 30, at Melbourne, Arthur Langley (Prince), of Upper Beaconsfield (late of Quilpie, Queensland), son of the late W. E. Morris aged 74 years, late 11th Light Horse 1st AIF.
MORRIS.—The friends of the late Mr ARTHUR LANGLEY (PRINCE) MORRIS of Upper beaconsfield are notified that his funeral will leave our chapel, 10 Walker St. Dandenong, on MONDAY, October 4, after a service to commence at 9.40 am for the Springvale Crematorium, arriving approx 10.5 am.5 

Electoral Rolls (Australia) and Census (UK/IRL)

DateAddressOccupation and other people at same address
1963Leintwardine, Upper Beaconsfield, VIC, AustraliaOccupation: nil. With Basil Moorhouse Morris and Audrey Lewis Morris.6

Citations

  1. [S29] Nominal Roll, Australian War Memorial - WWI, https://aif.adfa.edu.au/showPerson?pid=214523
  2. [S2] Registry of Births Deaths and Marriages Federation Index Victoria 1889-1901 "#B4894."
  3. [S11] Newspaper - The Argus (Melbourne, Vic.), 31 Jan 1891, p1.
  4. [S5] Registry of Births Deaths and Marriages Death Index Victoria 1921-1985 "#D21775 age 74."
  5. [S16] Newspaper - The Age (Melbourne, Vic.), 2 Oct 1965, p40.
  6. [S163] Electoral Roll for Australia, 1963.
Last Edited31 Aug 2015

Pauline Margaret Borlase Morris

F, #739, b. 25 Jan 1895, d. 28 Aug 1895
Father*William Edward Morris b. 1829, d. 7 Oct 1923
Mother*Clara Elizabeth French b. 16 Sep 1848, d. 10 Jun 1918
Birth*25 Jan 1895 East Melbourne, VIC, Australia, #B5283.1 
Birth-Notice*2 Feb 1895 MORRIS.—On the 25th ult, at 189 Hotham-street, East Melbourne, the wife of W. E. Morris of a daughter.2 
Death*28 Aug 1895 East Melbourne, VIC, Australia, #D10270 age 7M.3 
Death-Notice*31 Aug 1895 MORRIS.—On the 28th inst., at 189 Hotham-street, East Melbourne, Pauline Margaret Borlase, infant daughter of W. E. and C. E. Morris, aged seven months.4 

Citations

  1. [S2] Registry of Births Deaths and Marriages Federation Index Victoria 1889-1901 "#B5283."
  2. [S11] Newspaper - The Argus (Melbourne, Vic.), 2 Feb 1895, p1.
  3. [S2] Registry of Births Deaths and Marriages Federation Index Victoria 1889-1901 "#D10270 age 7M."
  4. [S11] Newspaper - The Argus (Melbourne, Vic.), 31 Aug 1895, p1.
Last Edited31 Aug 2015

Rev Eustace Vernon Wade

M, #746, b. 8 Aug 1877, d. 21 Sep 1967
Father*William Wade
Mother*Mary Cecil Hardinge
Probate (Will)* Eustace Vernon Wade. Clerk in Holy Orders. Beaconsfield Upper. 21 Sep 1967. 694/042.
Owned GEM-D-45 and GEM-D-60, valued at $200 per acre =$36,372.50. Rev WADE owned a 1/5th share of it =$7,274.50.1 
Birth*8 Aug 1877 Digby, VIC, Australia, #B14873.2 
Marriage*22 Dec 1904 Spouse: Marcia Forster Morris. St James' Old Cathedral, Melbourne, VIC, Australia, #M6383.3
 
Marriage-Notice*7 Jan 1905 WADE—MORRIS. —On the 22nd December, 1904, at St. James' Old Cathedral, Melbourne, by the Rev. W. P. F. Morris, assisted by the Rev. C. V. Statham, the Rev. Eustace Vernon Wade, youngest son of Mr. William Wade, Windsor, to Marcia Forster, fourth daughter of Mr. W. E. Morris, Diocesan Registry, Melbourne.4 
Land-UBeac*6 Sep 1923 GEM-D-45. Transfer from Rev Edward Selwyn Chase to Rev Eustace Vernon Wade. 75a 3r 31p.5 
Land-UBeac*18 Sep 1923 GEM-D-60. Transfer from Norman Bayles to Rev Eustace Vernon Wade. 105a 3r 27p.6 
Land-UBeac*4 Aug 1931 GEM-D-45.60. Transfer from Rev Eustace Vernon Wade to Marcia Forster Wade. 75a 3r 31p + 105a 3r 27p.7,8 
Land-UBeac29 Jun 1934 GEM-D-45.60. Transfer from Marcia Forster Wade to Rev Eustace Vernon Wade, Marcia Meredith Hardinge Wade, Harold Kingsley Wade. 75a 3r 31p + 105a 3r 27p.9,10 
Widower26 Oct 1934Rev Eustace Vernon Wade became a widower upon the death of his wife Marcia Forster Morris.11 
Marriage*1939 Spouse: Alice Mary Crabb. VIC, Australia, #M1084.12
 
Note*1944 The Rev. Eustace Wade, one-time head of Ridley College, retired to the house he had built in Foott Road, "The Chase", and occasionally filled in as preacher.13 
Death*21 Sep 1967 Berwick, VIC, Australia, #D21414 age 90 [par William WADE & Mary Cecil HARDINGE].14 
Death-Notice*23 Sep 1967 WADE. On September 21st, Eustace Vernon, of Upper Beaconsfield, beloved husband of Alice, and father of Ronald, Harold, Alan, Merrie, Carol. Private cremation.15 
Anecdote*WADE, EUSTACE VERNON (b. Digby, Vic, 8 Aug 1877; d. 21 Sept 1967). Anglican theologian.
Youngest son of William Wade and Mary Cecil, née Hardinge, E V Wade took his theological studies at Moore Theological College, Sydney under Nathaniel Jones (q.v.) and graduated with Class I honours. He was ordained deacon 1902 and priest 1903. He m. Marcia Forster on 22 Dec 1904: his wife was the daughter of William Edward Morris, registrar of the dio of Melbourne. Wade was curate of Footscray 1902-4, St Matthew's, Prahran, 1904-5, serving under J T Baglin and W T C Storrs (q.v.), both convinced evangelicals, who later were founding members of Ridley College. He was minister of Foster 1905-8, Broadmeadows, 1908-10 and rector of Benalla, 1910-1914. During this time he gained the University of London BD in 1912 and later in 1919 his BA. He and his family went to England for study and parish experience in 1915 but returned from England because of World War One in 1917. He was locum tenens at Heidelberg from 1917-18.

Wade began his main life's work as principal and chaplain of Ridley College in February 1918, a position he held until 1937. He was chaplain at Trinity College in the University of Melbourne and lecturer at the Theological Faculty from 1918-24, a time when considerable tension existed between Ridley College with its evangelical foundation and Archbishop Lowther Clarke. The tension eased markedly when the abp resigned and Archdeacon Aickin, the former principal of Ridley became vicar-general.

Through the deputation efforts of the Rev R G Nichols, Ridley was able to acquire the two-storied mansion, Cumnock, in the Avenue, Parkville in February 1921, the site of the present Ridley College. The building was made suitable for student accommodation by the builder, Clements Langford, an enthusiastic supporter of the college. Two urgent problems faced Wade and the college council during his principalship. The first was adequate student accommodation. The second was the relationship between Ridley as an independent evangelical college and the rest of the Anglican church. Additional accommodation became available with the erection of a new wing, opened on 6 May 1922. Domestic quarters and the dining room were added to Cumnock, and the adjoining paddock purchased. Further extensions were built and opened on 17 April 1926 by Bp J D Langley (q.v.)

The relationship between Ridley and the diocese was not so successful. Cordial relations existed during the episcopate of Archbishop Harrington C Lees (q.v.) because of his evangelical sympathies. The situation changed during the episcopate of Archbishop F W Head in December 1929, who wanted Ridley to be 'widened out' and to become part of provincial theological training. Wade favoured these moves provided that Ridley's evangelical principles were not compromised, but the majority of the Council were against the proposals, so the status quo remained. Wade retired from Ridley College and the active ministry at the end of 1937 to live in Upper Beaconsfield, Vic. The final decade of his life was marred by the death of his son and wife.16 

Electoral Rolls (Australia) and Census (UK/IRL)

DateAddressOccupation and other people at same address
bt 1912 - 1913Upper Beaconsfield, VIC, AustraliaOccupation: clergyman. With Marcia Forster Wade.17,18
1937160 The Avenue, Parkville, VIC, AustraliaOccupation: clergyman.19
bt 1942 - 1967"The Chase", Upper Beaconsfield, VIC, AustraliaOccupation: clergyman. With Alice Mary Wade.20,21,22,23

Family

 Marcia Forster Morris b. 27 Jun 1881, d. 26 Oct 1934
Children 1.Major General Ronald Eustace Wade b. 28 Oct 1905, d. 12 Aug 1995
 2.Harold Kingsley Wade b. 3 Jan 1908, d. 1958
 3.Marcia Meredith Hardinge Wade+ b. 3 Nov 1911, d. 11 Sep 1995

Newspaper-Articles

  • 26 Oct 1940: Mrs. Armstrong Bell, Camperdown, and her small daughter, Jennifer, are the guests of Mrs. Bell's father, Rev. Eustace Wade, "Chase," Upper Beaconsfield. Marcia Meredith Hardinge Wade24

Citations

  1. [S35] Probate Records, PROV (Public Record Office Victoria), VPRS 28/P5, unit 528; VPRS 7591/P4, unit 79.
  2. [S1] Registry of Births Deaths and Marriages Pioneer Index Victoria 1836-1888 "#B14873."
  3. [S3] Registry of Births Deaths and Marriages Edwardian Index Victoria 1902-1913 "#M6383."
  4. [S11] Newspaper - The Argus (Melbourne, Vic.), 7 Jan 1905, p9.
  5. [S185] Property Titles ; PROV (Public Record Office Victoria), C/T 3192-326 - Edward Selwyn Chase to Euston Vernon Wade of Corner of Park Road and Walker Street Parkville Principal of Ridley College Parkville.
  6. [S185] Property Titles ; PROV (Public Record Office Victoria), C/T 2760-920 - Norman Bayles to Eustace Vernon Wade of Ridley College Sydney Road Parkville Minister of Religion. there was a caveat No 46639 lodged on this property on 16 May 1916 - lapsed 13 Sep 1923.
  7. [S185] Property Titles ; PROV (Public Record Office Victoria), C/T 2760-920 - Eustace Vernon Wade to Marcia Forster Wade of Ridley College The Avenue Parkville.
  8. [S185] Property Titles ; PROV (Public Record Office Victoria), C/T 3192-326 - Eustace Vernon Wade to Marcia Forster Wade of Ridley College The Avenue Parkville.
  9. [S185] Property Titles ; PROV (Public Record Office Victoria), C/T 2760-920 - Transfer to Eustace Vernon Wade Clerk in Holy Orders and Marcia Meredith Hardinge Wade Spinster both of Ridley College The Avenue Parkville, and Harold Kingsley Wade of Church of England Grammar School Oaklands Parade East Brisbane Queensland Schoolmaster - joint proprietors - C/T 5929-703.
  10. [S185] Property Titles ; PROV (Public Record Office Victoria), C/T 3192-326 - Transfer to Eustace Vernon Wade Clerk in Holy Orders and Marcia Meredith Hardinge Wade Spinster both of Ridley College The Avenue Parkville, and Harold Kingsley Wade of Church of England Grammar School Oaklands Parade East Brisbane Queensland Schoolmaster - joint proprietors.
  11. [S5] Registry of Births Deaths and Marriages Death Index Victoria 1921-1985.
  12. [S6] Registry of Births Deaths and Marriages Marriage Index Victoria 1921-1942.
  13. [S59] John Milligan, Book: The History of St. John's Anglican Church, Upper Beaconsfield, p18.
  14. [S5] Registry of Births Deaths and Marriages Death Index Victoria 1921-1985 "#D21414 age 90 [par William WADE & Mary Cecil HARDINGE]."
  15. [S16] Newspaper - The Age (Melbourne, Vic.), 23 Sep 1967, p40.
  16. [S50] Miscellaneous Source, Melbourne Year Books and Diocesan records; L L Nash, Forward Flows the Time (Melbourne, 1960)
    KEITH COLE.
  17. [S112] Electoral Roll for Australia, 1912.
  18. [S113] Electoral Roll for Australia, 1913.
  19. [S101] Electoral Roll for Australia, 1903 - 1980.
  20. [S142] Electoral Roll for Australia, 1942.
  21. [S154] Electoral Roll for Australia, 1954.
  22. [S163] Electoral Roll for Australia, 1963.
  23. [S167] Electoral Roll for Australia, 1967.
  24. [S14] Newspaper - Camperdown Chronicle (Vic.), 26 Oct 1940, p2.
Last Edited21 Mar 2023

Major General Ronald Eustace Wade

M, #747, b. 28 Oct 1905, d. 12 Aug 1995
Father*Rev Eustace Vernon Wade b. 8 Aug 1877, d. 21 Sep 1967
Mother*Marcia Forster Morris b. 27 Jun 1881, d. 26 Oct 1934
Birth*28 Oct 1905 Foster, VIC, Australia, #B26116.1 
Military*4 Jul 1941Enlisted for military service: Australian Army 350 (VX59012). Discharged 28 Jul 1962 Major General. Officer of the Order of the British Empire.2 
(Transfer to) Land-UBeac24 Apr 1970 GEM-D-45.60 (part). Transfer from an unknown person to Marcia Meredith Hardinge Bell, Carol Vernon Wade, Major General Ronald Eustace Wade, Vera Bailey Wade. 75a 3r 31p + 105a 3r 27p.3,4 
(Transfer from) Land-UBeac10 Jul 1973 GEM-D-45 (The Chase), Foott Road. Transfer from Marcia Meredith Hardinge Bell, Major General Ronald Eustace Wade, Vera Bailey Wade, Carol Vernon Barley to George Bertrand Silberbauer. 75a 3r 31p.5 
Death*12 Aug 1995 Como, WA, Australia.6 

Electoral Rolls (Australia) and Census (UK/IRL)

DateAddressOccupation and other people at same address
19801a Glyde Street, South Perth, WA, AustraliaOccupation: officer
with Doris Amy Hodgson WADE, hd.7

Newspaper-Articles

  • 8 Jul 1940: AUSTRALIAN-MADE GUN CARRIERS SHOW PACES IN VIRGIN BUSH COUNTRY. Mechanised Warfare In The Hills.
    MODERN warfare came to the Upper Beaconsfield hills to day when 18 machine-gun carriers front the Army School of Mechanisation carried out tactical exercises in virgin bush areas theoretical under air raid attack and presumed to contain enemy agents.
    With the staccato cough of muffled exhausts driving bellbirds from their favorite haunts, the carriers traversed difficult creek and valley country as a final training manoeuvre for 16 officers and 32 N.C.O.'s and men of A.I.F. cavalry and infantry units.
    Under direction of the chief instructor of the School (Capt R. E. Wade), the first carriers left Caulfield at 9.30 a.m., and gapped five minutes apart, travelled at 15 m.p.h. to a midday halt near Pine Lodge.
    Utilising all natural shelter to gain protection from air observations, the carriers, in squadrons of three, supported by runners on motor cycles, two utility trucks and two 30 cwt. trucks, then essayed the difficult crossing of a Cardlnla Creek ford under observation of the director of mechanisation (Col. Smith), and Col. J. Chapman, of A.I.F. Corps headquarters.
    From the creek, where they slid fearsomely down the steep bank, ploughed through the sandy bed, then roared up through the mud, dodging difficult stump obstacles on the north bank, the carriers forced their way to a night bivouac position four miles south of Clematis, near Bald-Hill.
    At settled areas on their outward route the carrier crews were cheered by groups of school children, assembled at strong posts. In the rough country, off main roads, the carriers operated under special orders for maintenance of march discipline and protection from the air, with Capt. Hancock in command of the mechanised column. Lt. C. Jones as assistant director of operations, and Lieut. E. W. Birch as administrative officer.
    The midday meal was carried on the training vehicles. The night meal will be forwarded by vehicles from the School, and breakfast, will be provided under the set arrangements for field operations.
    Crews of the carriers will pass out from Caulfield on Friday, when they will have completed a four weeks'
    course of specialised training in the handling of their high-speed mechanised vehicles.
    Images (see link in citation):
    LEFT: Crossing Cardinia Creek.
    RIGHT: In tall timber on the way to the bivouac.8

Citations

  1. [S3] Registry of Births Deaths and Marriages Edwardian Index Victoria 1902-1913 "#B26116."
  2. [S30] World War Two Nominal Roll https://nominal-rolls.dva.gov.au/
    Name      WADE, RONALD EUSTACE
    Service      Australian Army
    Service Number      350 (VX59012)
    Date of Birth      28 Oct 1905
    Place of Birth      FOSTER, VIC
    Date of Enlistment      4 Jul 1941
    Locality on Enlistment      EST ST KILDA
    Place of Enlistment      ROYAL PARK, VIC
    Next of Kin      WADE, DORIS
    Date of Discharge      28 Jul 1962
    Rank      Major General
    Posting at Discharge      GEN LIST
    WW2 Honours and Gallantry      Officer of the Order of the British Empire
    Prisoner of War      No.
  3. [S185] Property Titles ; PROV (Public Record Office Victoria), C/T 8827-868 - Vera Bailey Wade of 19 Wattle Avenue Carina Brisbane Queensland Widow ; Ronald Eustace Wade of "Friendship" Frenchmans Bay Road Albany Western Australia Farmer ; Marcia Meredith Hardine Bell of Rydal Farm Camperdown and Carol Vernon Barley of Geelong College Geelong Married Woman proprietors as tenants in common of 4/5 part - later consolidated C/T 9042-318.
  4. [S185] Property Titles ; PROV (Public Record Office Victoria), C/T 8827-867 - Vera Bailey Wade of 19 Wattle Avenue Carina Brisbane Queensland Widow ; Ronald Eustace Wade of "Friendship" Frenchmans Bay Road Albany Western Australia Farmer ; Marcia Meredith Hardine Bell of Rydal Farm Camperdown and Carol Vernon Barley of Geelong College Geelong Married Woman proprietors as tenants in common of 4/5 part.
  5. [S185] Property Titles ; PROV (Public Record Office Victoria), C/T 8827-865+867 - Vera Bailey Wade, Ronald Eustace Wade, Marcia Meredith Hardine Bell and Carol Vernon Barley and Jennifer Jane Bell to George Bertrand Silberbauer University Lecturer and Penelope Anne Silberbauer Married Woman both of "The Chase" Foote Street [sic] Beaconsfield Upper - joint proprietors - C/T 8986-445.
  6. [S38] Index of burials in the cemetery of KARRAKATTA CEMETERY LAWN 5A IN SIR T. MEAGHER GDNS 1 0062
    Doris died 25 Sep 1993 - burial as above    ,.
  7. [S180] Electoral Roll for Australia, 1980.
  8. [S14] Newspaper - The Herald (Melbourne, Vic.), Mon 8 Jul 1940, p3
    https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/246480236
Last Edited21 Jun 2018

Harold Kingsley Wade

M, #748, b. 3 Jan 1908, d. 1958
Father*Rev Eustace Vernon Wade b. 8 Aug 1877, d. 21 Sep 1967
Mother*Marcia Forster Morris b. 27 Jun 1881, d. 26 Oct 1934
Marriage* Spouse: Vera Bailey Hartshorn.
 
Birth*3 Jan 1908 South Yarra, VIC, Australia, #B6902.1 
(Transfer to) Land-UBeac29 Jun 1934 GEM-D-45.60. Transfer from Marcia Forster Wade to Rev Eustace Vernon Wade, Marcia Meredith Hardinge Wade, Harold Kingsley Wade. 75a 3r 31p + 105a 3r 27p.2,3 
Military*1 Mar 1941Enlisted for military service: Brisbane, QLD, Australia, Australian Army QX19135. Discharged 3 Jan 1946. Major 4 AUSTRALIAN CIPHER SECTION.4 
Death*1958 Brisbane, QLD, Australia, #DB23961.5,6 

Citations

  1. [S3] Registry of Births Deaths and Marriages Edwardian Index Victoria 1902-1913 "#B6902."
  2. [S185] Property Titles ; PROV (Public Record Office Victoria), C/T 2760-920 - Transfer to Eustace Vernon Wade Clerk in Holy Orders and Marcia Meredith Hardinge Wade Spinster both of Ridley College The Avenue Parkville, and Harold Kingsley Wade of Church of England Grammar School Oaklands Parade East Brisbane Queensland Schoolmaster - joint proprietors - C/T 5929-703.
  3. [S185] Property Titles ; PROV (Public Record Office Victoria), C/T 3192-326 - Transfer to Eustace Vernon Wade Clerk in Holy Orders and Marcia Meredith Hardinge Wade Spinster both of Ridley College The Avenue Parkville, and Harold Kingsley Wade of Church of England Grammar School Oaklands Parade East Brisbane Queensland Schoolmaster - joint proprietors.
  4. [S30] World War Two Nominal Roll https://nominal-rolls.dva.gov.au/
    Name      WADE, HAROLD KINGSLEY
    Service      Australian Army
    Service Number      QX19135
    Date of Birth      3 Jan 1908
    Place of Birth      MELBOURNE, VIC
    Date of Enlistment      1 Mar 1941
    Locality on Enlistment      BEACONSFIELD UPPER, VIC
    Place of Enlistment      BRISBANE, QLD
    Next of Kin      WADE, E
    Date of Discharge      3 Jan 1946
    Rank      Major
    Posting at Discharge      4 AUSTRALIAN CIPHER SECTION
    WW2 Honours and Gallantry      None for display
    Prisoner of War      No.
  5. [S50] Miscellaneous Source, Family Tree at http://www.airgale.com.au/brooks/d6.htm
  6. [S8] Queensland Government Birth, Death & Marriage Indexes.
Last Edited21 Jan 2016

Marcia Meredith Hardinge Wade

F, #750, b. 3 Nov 1911, d. 11 Sep 1995
Father*Rev Eustace Vernon Wade b. 8 Aug 1877, d. 21 Sep 1967
Mother*Marcia Forster Morris b. 27 Jun 1881, d. 26 Oct 1934
Probate (Will)* MARCIA MERIDITH HARDINGE BELL. WIDOW. COLAC. 11 Sep 1995. 1122277.1       
Married NameBell. 
Birth*3 Nov 1911 Beaconsfield, VIC, Australia, #B604/1912.2 
(Transfer to) Land-UBeac29 Jun 1934 GEM-D-45.60. Transfer from Marcia Forster Wade to Rev Eustace Vernon Wade, Marcia Meredith Hardinge Wade, Harold Kingsley Wade. 75a 3r 31p + 105a 3r 27p.3,4 
Marriage*1938 Spouse: James Armstrong Bell. Berwick, VIC, Australia, #M100.5
 
Land-Note*27 Oct 1969 GEM-D-45.60. 75a 3r 31p + 105a 3r 27p. Marcia Meredith Hardinge Bell (formerly Wade) is now the surviving proprietor.6,7 
Land-UBeac*24 Apr 1970 GEM-D-45.60 (part). Transfer from an unknown person to Marcia Meredith Hardinge Bell, Carol Vernon Wade, Major General Ronald Eustace Wade, Vera Bailey Wade. 75a 3r 31p + 105a 3r 27p.8,9 
Land-UBeac10 Jul 1973 GEM-D-45 (The Chase), Foott Road. Transfer from Marcia Meredith Hardinge Bell, Major General Ronald Eustace Wade, Vera Bailey Wade, Carol Vernon Barley to George Bertrand Silberbauer. 75a 3r 31p.10 
Widow1977Marcia Meredith Hardinge Wade became a widow upon the death of her husband James Armstrong Bell.11 
Village Bell*Dec 1983 EARLY MEMORIES OF “LEINTWARDINE”      
My association with the house began at the earliest possible moment. I was born there. It was a cold, wet and windy night, so the story goes, and my father, unable to catch a horse in the dark, had to run all the way to Berwick for the doctor. He would have turned right at the front gate, up “Braes de Hill”, across Cardinia Creek, past Chadwick’s Farm and the Blind Creek Gully to Harkaway Road and on to Berwick.
The wooden trestle bridge over the Cardinia survived floods and fires for many years, but was finally wiped out by a vicious fire in the 1920’s.
My childhood memories of “Leintwardine” begin with the day our family returned there, after being in England from 1914 to 1918. In those days one went by train from the city to Beaconsfield station, then took ‘Boss’ Shorthouse’s coach, with two horses for the hilly climb to Upper Beaconsfield. From there, by St. Georges Road, it was less than three miles to “Leintwardine”. I can remember how the brakes squeaked as the driver eased the horses down the steep slopes. Suddenly, as we started down the last hill before the Stoney Bridge, the wheels on one side hit a soft patch, and over went the coach. The driver scrambled out, cut the traces to free the horses, then looked inside at his passengers, all in a tangled heap with the luggage.
When we finally arrived, we emerged opposite the place where General Foott would later build his house, on the road to be named after him. A little further and there were the tall white picket gates; the name had been removed when the place was let as a boarding house during some of the war years. We started up the sandy drive, curving left under spreading dark green pine trees, and there was the long white house, with many-paned windows, a porch with a pointed gable framing the front door.
William Morris was born at the little village of Leintwardine, where the old English Shires of Hereford and Worcester meet the Welsh border. He came to Victoria in 1853, and entered the service of the Church of England Diocese of Melbourne, in the following year. In 1887 he became Registrar of the Diocese.
After his marriage to Clara French in 1875, he built a “commodious residence” in Hoddle Street, East Melbourne, whence he could walk to his office in the St. Paul Cathedral buildings. As his family increased, in the typical Victorian way, he began to feel the need for a quiet country retreat, away from the crowded and always dusty streets of Melbourne. In the 1870’s he bought the land at Upper Beaconsfield, possibly influenced by the theory popular at the time, that the wind blowing in from the sea ... in this case Westernport... over a Eucalyptus forest, produced a layer of “salubrious” air, that would relieve, and possibly cure, asthma, from which his eldest daughter suffered severely.
Mr Morris soon set about planning a suitable house to be built on the rounded granite hilltop that deninated his 71 acres. Whether from nostalgia, or because he liked the name, he called it “Leintwardine”. The house was built of weatherboard, and painted white, its lines hugging the ground closely, even to having an early version of a “split level” where the house followed the contour of the land sloping away at the western end.
We know that the sixth Morris child, Katie Elizabeth (Mrs Crotty) was brought to “Leintwardine” as a baby in 1882, so it may have been at this time that an upstairs section of two bedrooms and a narrow balcony were added over the west end of the house. Lath and plaster construction was used, covered with hessian onto which was pasted a flower-sprigged wallpaper.
A wide staircase, a continuation of the long passage through the centre of the house, led to the upper rooms. The stairs I recall particularly for their shallow risers, so accommodating and safe for small legs.
All the original walls were lined with knotted pine, already darkening with age, and with smoke from the open fireplaces. The latter were memorable for the hot baths taken in front of them by smaller members of the household. A big hip bath, and great iron kettles hanging on hooks over the fire, were used in this ritual.
At the other end of the building, a “caretaker’s cottage” was joined to the main house by a draughty covered way. The cottage contained the big, dark kitchen where all meals were prepared; also two rooms were provided for the “married couple”. Water must always have been a problem in summer, which may have been why so many walks and picnics terminated at the “cataract” on Stoney Creek, or the deeper pool in the Cardinia Creek near the bridge. The family washing was done in wooden troughs outside, under the big cherry-plum trees. Making great cauldrons of cherry-plum and Kentish cherry jam was part of the Christmas holidays.
Grandfather had planted a proper farm orchard with all the old English varieties of apples, pears, and stone fruits. We often climbed the spreading branches to pick the fruit, and the mulberry tree was the favourite.
When the house was first built, a thick layer of sawdust was placed above all the ceilings. Did the idea come from India, or was it already an Australian practice to insulate rooms in this way?
The cool dark feeling of the house in hot weather was increased by the long veranda running the whole length of the building on the north side. A good place to play, on wet days, or to sit on summer evenings and watch the twinkling lights of Belgrave, and the few others that gleamed here and there across the bush-covered hills. From there, too, we could watch the moon sliding between the great gnarled branches of the apple-jacks, dark against the sky.
The stern-faced gentleman whose portrait hung in the house must have had considerable vision, and his planning was in some respects, ahead of current thinking. He saw no need to improve the “dreary Australian landscape” with introduced trees, unless they bore fruit.
The pines he panted to enhance the curving drive up to his house, where their shape and colour made a pleasing contrast with the surrounding bush. Very aware of the danger from fire, he had all the low scrub cleared to a safe distance from the wooden buildings, but it left the native apple box and peppermint to make an attractive parkland around his home. He soon planted a “wood lot” of blue gums to protect the orchard from north winds, and to give shade and shelter near the stables and cowshed, on land that had previously been cleared. Raking and burning of leaves and debris from the trees near the house was an annual task. It was usually done in the late afternoon or in the evening, and we all took part, lighting the long windrows with bark torches.
William Morris died in Sydney in 1923, in his 94th year, Grandmother having died some years before.
Some members of the family had already taken over the management of “Leintwardine”, and in the end it was possible for Basil Morris (now Lieut. Colonel) and his beloved wife Audrey to buy out the remaining shareholders. So “Leintwardine” became home to Joan, Audrey, Ruth, Jenny and Derisley. That was fifty-three years ago. Now, and how thankful we all are, it is still Audrey’s home, with Jenny and her family only a few kangaroo-hops away.
Grandfather Morris chose his site well. The name “Leintwardine” will outlast the wooden walls, taken in the bushfires of Ash Wednesday, and today a new home rises on the site. It will be different, as befits a house for the dawning of a new age, but it will still be “Leintwardine”, a happy, welcoming place, surrounded with evergreen memories, and the magpies will sing in the apple-jacks.
Some of the dates and events in these notes come from an old piece of timber, removed from a doorway during alterations to the house. Many letters have been obliterated, and few entries are complete. Headed “Event Board”, the brief entries start with “Feb. 8, 1898. Bushfire - paddocks burnt, fencing ditto, house escaped”. Three other bushfires and two snowstorms are recorded, and two honey-moons, my mother’s and one of her sisters’. William Edward Morris12 
Death*11 Sep 1995 Colac, VIC, Australia. 

Newspaper-Articles

  • 26 Oct 1940: Mrs. Armstrong Bell, Camperdown, and her small daughter, Jennifer, are the guests of Mrs. Bell's father, Rev. Eustace Wade, "Chase," Upper Beaconsfield. Rev Eustace Vernon Wade13

Citations

  1. [S35] Probate Records, PROV (Public Record Office Victoria), VPRS 28/P26, unit 449.
  2. [S3] Registry of Births Deaths and Marriages Edwardian Index Victoria 1902-1913 "#B604/1912."
  3. [S185] Property Titles ; PROV (Public Record Office Victoria), C/T 2760-920 - Transfer to Eustace Vernon Wade Clerk in Holy Orders and Marcia Meredith Hardinge Wade Spinster both of Ridley College The Avenue Parkville, and Harold Kingsley Wade of Church of England Grammar School Oaklands Parade East Brisbane Queensland Schoolmaster - joint proprietors - C/T 5929-703.
  4. [S185] Property Titles ; PROV (Public Record Office Victoria), C/T 3192-326 - Transfer to Eustace Vernon Wade Clerk in Holy Orders and Marcia Meredith Hardinge Wade Spinster both of Ridley College The Avenue Parkville, and Harold Kingsley Wade of Church of England Grammar School Oaklands Parade East Brisbane Queensland Schoolmaster - joint proprietors.
  5. [S6] Registry of Births Deaths and Marriages Marriage Index Victoria 1921-1942.
  6. [S185] Property Titles ; PROV (Public Record Office Victoria), C/T 5929-703 - Marcia Meredith Hardinge Bell (formerly Wade) of Rydal Farm Camperdown Married woman is now the surviving proprietor - in 1970 subdivided.
  7. [S185] Property Titles ; PROV (Public Record Office Victoria), C/T 3192-326 - Marcia Meredith Hardinge Bell (formerly Wade) of Rydal Farm Camperdown Married woman is now the surviving proprietor - in 1970 subdivided.
  8. [S185] Property Titles ; PROV (Public Record Office Victoria), C/T 8827-868 - Vera Bailey Wade of 19 Wattle Avenue Carina Brisbane Queensland Widow ; Ronald Eustace Wade of "Friendship" Frenchmans Bay Road Albany Western Australia Farmer ; Marcia Meredith Hardine Bell of Rydal Farm Camperdown and Carol Vernon Barley of Geelong College Geelong Married Woman proprietors as tenants in common of 4/5 part - later consolidated C/T 9042-318.
  9. [S185] Property Titles ; PROV (Public Record Office Victoria), C/T 8827-867 - Vera Bailey Wade of 19 Wattle Avenue Carina Brisbane Queensland Widow ; Ronald Eustace Wade of "Friendship" Frenchmans Bay Road Albany Western Australia Farmer ; Marcia Meredith Hardine Bell of Rydal Farm Camperdown and Carol Vernon Barley of Geelong College Geelong Married Woman proprietors as tenants in common of 4/5 part.
  10. [S185] Property Titles ; PROV (Public Record Office Victoria), C/T 8827-865+867 - Vera Bailey Wade, Ronald Eustace Wade, Marcia Meredith Hardine Bell and Carol Vernon Barley and Jennifer Jane Bell to George Bertrand Silberbauer University Lecturer and Penelope Anne Silberbauer Married Woman both of "The Chase" Foote Street [sic] Beaconsfield Upper - joint proprietors - C/T 8986-445.
  11. [S5] Registry of Births Deaths and Marriages Death Index Victoria 1921-1985 "#D10139 age 67 [par James Armstrong BELL & Emma Jan WEATHERHEAD]."
  12. [S15] Newspaper - Village Bell 035-1983, p13-15. Written by Meredith Bell, grand-daughter of W. E. Morris, with help from Joan Stewart. Contributed by Audrey Morris.
  13. [S14] Newspaper - Camperdown Chronicle (Vic.), 26 Oct 1940, p2.
Last Edited17 Nov 2019
 

NOTE

Some family sections show only the children who were associated with Upper Beaconsfield.

Some individuals may be featured because members of their family were associated with the Upper Beaconsfield area, even though they themselves never lived here.