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Local Art
Lorn Gallery
Featuring the annual community competition, this year’s theme – A Place to Call Home
Entry to this exhibition was open to everyone, children, adults, artists who perhaps don’t normally enter their work. Entries by the ‘Best of The Best’ artists regularly seen at Lorn Gallery were present as were works of MRSA artists and other local groups. If you artwork has not made it to this Blog, look in the next one.
Firstly to set the tone:
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| We Call Australia Home by Kathy and Bill Dowling |
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“Best of The Best” exhibitions begin again in March 2012
Parking available down behind the shops, turn at The Avenue, Lorn, then turn left into the parking area.
Maitland Region Society of Artists
Contact:
Kay (02) 4934 1323
Christine (02) 4934 2573
If you live in the area and have an interest in art, the Social Art Mornings held each Monday (excepting Public Holidays) at the Rutherford Community Centre, are worth a visit. In the short time I have been attending, I have found it to be a very friendly, helpful group.
More MRSA artists who were represented in Lorn Gallery’s “Somewhere to Call Home” here are some of the artists and their work:
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| A Place to Call Home by Catherine Fleet turner |
Local Artists
From Lorn Gallery’s “A Place to Call Home"
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| Arboreal by Denis Aartsen |
My Virtual Gallery
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I thought I would pass on to you my impressions of media I am working with. I’ve found watercolour pencils to be quite useful for fine work such as birds, insects and flowers, especially when working with miniatures. It is your choice as to whether your subject will be muted or colourful. While I was on holidays in September I spent my birthday money choosing some Derwent Tinted Charcoal Pencils and a basic range of PanPastels.
The tinted charcoal pencils I found to be useful to quickly draw the subject and also give a good idea of colourings. I must make a point of doing more with them in the coming months as I like the result.
PanPastels are concentrated, compact pastel which is bought in containers similar to those used for makeup, the accompanying foam tools are also similar to those used to apply makeup and are not as dusty to use as conventional pastel. So far, I have used them for a quick ‘sketch’ as in the mulberry tree above, used as a background for a painting and recently for ‘out of focus’ foliage behind the main focus of a painting. Online videos show demonstrations of this medium being used for the whole picture, I have yet to try this method. I used an ordinary visual diary for the above media.
Soluble Oil pastels are also useful to take on holidays, my first effort was the Murray Grey, using the wet method – just a brush and some water, it worked well and I had enough completed before it decided to walk away. I did ‘The Cliff at Sunset’ very quickly as there was only a matter of a very few minutes before sundown, these cliffs during daytime are very dark, this particular afternoon the sun lit them up to a glowing reddish colour, something I didn’t want to miss. These were worked on an artist canvas pad.
Community Interests
What’s on in Maitland
Maitland Region Art Gallery is an excellent facility to visit and gain inspiration and maybe meet some of the artists whose work is being exhibited. Art classes are also available for adults. Don’t forget the excellent childrens’ programmes available at the gallery.
Where to access local Events
Maitland Visitor Information Centre
Maitland Mercury (Local Notices link)
Hunter Imag
Maitland Library
Australian Museum of Clothing and Textiles
Bomb to The Beatles
This period covers garments made to wartime restrictions to the Age of Aquarius and the Beatles, a period of dramatic change, socially, these changes are also reflected in textile an d design. During WWII military uniforms were acceptable dress for all social occasions, civilian clothing was made to regulation using a minimum of fabric and could only be purchased with clothing coupons. Post war, designers such as Coco Chanel known for her classic Chanel Suit consisting of a straight skirt and jacket, Christian Dior’s distinctive style of the tunic suit and shorter hemlines were popular. Between 1950 to 1959 brightly coloured floral materials became popular made into full-skirted skirts and dresses, evening wear was full-skirted and filmy. Givenchy in 1957 introduced “the sack” which evolved into the tent dress and caftan. New and exciting fabrics became available during this era. This heralded the ‘hippy’ era which challenged traditional cultural values which were as confronting as the introduction of the bikini in 1946.
Open
Thursday, Friday, Saturday 10am – 3pm
Other times by appointment – Bus and School groups welcome ring
Stephanie on 0403 652 550
Admission $3 Seniors $2.50
Location:
The Australian Museum of Clothing and Textiles,
Lt. Governor’s Residence, John Street,
East Maitland. Maitland Gaol Precinct
For further information contact:
Nell – 49301135 or Letitia 49986416
Local History
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| Grossmann House Church Street, Maitland 2323 Original “Entcliffe” it is owned by the National Trust and furnished as a Victorian gentleman’s residence. It’s sister building is Brough House which is built as a mirror image. These houses were owned by business partners and friends Owen & Beckett. |
| To further investigate your family and local history: Maitland & District Genealogical Society Inc. At the Maitland Heritage Centre, Mounted Police Barracks,17 Lindesay Street, East Maitland 2320 Postal: PO Box 247, Maitland. 2320 Phone: (02) 4937 5301 (AH) Maitland Historical Society Inc. Address: 3 Cathedral Street, Maitland Phone: 0438 623 299 Postal: PO Box 333, Maitland. NSW 2320 |
Health
Hicks, Mrs. Edward – Clarence Town Notes – A very painful accident happened to Mrs. Edward Hicks, of Glen martin, on Friday afternoon last, while driving home from town with a horse and cart. From particulars gleaned it appears that when about a mile from town Mrs. Hicks had occasion to give the horse a drink, and in doing so drove it on to the road side near a culvert, but in trying to regain the road one of the wheels went into a hole; thereby precipitating Mr. Hicks to the ground. By the fall both of the unfortunate lady’s wrists were dislocated, and a small bone in each fractured. She also received a severe cut and contusion over the left eye. One of her two little daughters who was with her at the time, with great presence of mind crawled along the shaft of the cart and seized the reins (that had fallen with the mother), and thereby brought the horse under control. Fortunately, Mr. E. J. Mogenon happened to be driving about a hundred yards behind Mrs. Hicks’s vehicle, and seeing the terrible predicament they were in urged on his horse, and on arrival at the scene of the accident he speedily assisted in bathing the gaping wound over Mrs. Hick’s eye, and lifting her into the cart, offered to drive them home, a settlement of about three miles, but her two brave little girls undertook to do that duty and returned home without any further mishap. Mrs. Hick’s husband on learning the sad state of affairs galloped into town and telegraphed Dr. Bennett at Morpeth, who immediately came out and dressed the sufferer’s injuries. I hear to-day that under that gentleman’s skill, Mrs. Hicks is getting on as well as can be expected. Great sympathy is evinced with the family in their misfortune, and it is to be hoped Mrs. Hicks will speedily regain the use of the injured members. The Morpeth and East Maitland Want Friday 28 July 1899.
Higgins, Thomas – A broken Arm: Mr. Thomas Higgins of Gloucester, had the misfortune on Saturday last, to break his arm whist doing some work in his barn. During the afternoon of that day he was brought in to Dr. Gormley, at Taree, who set the fracture, and we understand that the sufferer is doing well as can be expected.
Hoffman, Mr. M. J., of Wallalong, was driving a horse and sulky from Woodville on Sunday, and when near the Largs turn-off, the horse shied at a passing car, breaking the harness and pulling Mr. Hoffman out of the sulky. He was conveyed to a surgery by a friend, and then home by the Maitland District Ambulance Brigade, suffering from a dislocation of the left shoulder. Maitland Mercury 30 July 1927
Private Hospital - Dr. Mallon and Dr., Lowe establish one. Sydney Gazette, 4 June 1839. Harry Boyle’s Index.
Property
Haydonton (Murrurundi), Private town established across the Page River from the government town of Murrurundi by the Haydon family., NMH 19.12.1981.
Wentworth Swamp, Explorer Lawson gave name to part of area later known as Hexham Swamp, NMH 22.07. 1950
Highland Home Inn – To Let – the well-known old established Inn known as the “Highland Home” on the Great Northern Road, midway between Scone and Murrurundi. The above Inn has an unexpired lease of three years, two months of which being only expired, and its being so centrally situated, and having such extra accommodation, viz,: Two Parlours, dining Room, Eight Bedrooms, Bar, Store, Detached Kitchen, and superior stone built Stable; and it being an opportunity seldom to be met with, any person with a small capital desirous to realise a fortune in a short time would do well to avail himself of the opportunity. The above inn is splendidly furnished with every accommodation, with furniture, with outstanding crop of oats (twenty acres, more or less), to be purchased at a fair valuation. Also to be let with the above, Blacksmith’s shop, Eight-stalled Stable (at present occupied as the mail station), with Cottage adjoining, Two Hay Sheds, and 350 Acres of Land (more or less). The well-known “Highland Home” has done a most prosperous business for the past twenty years, and still continues to do the same. The Mail changes horses twice a day at this house. For further particulars apply to W. G. Bereton, On the Premises, September 24, 1866. Maitland Mercury 3 November 1866.
Hillsborough – To Let (or tender) – The Estate of “Hillsborough,” on the Hunter River, eight miles from Maitland, and four from Lochinvar. The property comprises of 2000 acres of land, having ane extensive frontage on the River Hunter; 400 acres have been cleared, fenced, and cultivated – a portion of this consists of the richest alluvial soil. There are also several large grass paddocks. The forest land is well grassed and watered, and admirably adapted for depasturing either sheep or cattle. The improvements at the Homestead consist of a comfortable Cottage, with out-offices, stable, barn, stockyard, and orchard; and there are a number of cottages and out building occupied by the tenants on the property. Attached are 1000 acres of Church and School Land, which the tenant will have the option of taking at a rent of 30 pounds per annum for the remainder of the lease of about four years. The Hillsborough Estate will be let in one lot, for a term of five or seven years, commencing from the 1st of January 1867. Security for the payment of the rent half-yearly will be required. Tenders will be received by the undersigned up to the 20th November next. The highest of any tender not necessarily accepted. Parties desirous of viewing the property will be shown over it by Mr. William Cant, who resides on the state. And for further particulars apply to the undersigned. G. J. Cobb, Anambah, West Maitland. Maitland Mercury 3 November 1866.
High-street – Maitland – when Chain Gang raised High-street several feet it left old building several feet below street level. Maitland Mercury 11 January 1902. Harry Boyle’s Index.
Hinton – Hunter’s River – Important Sale of Hinton Estate – Mr. A. Dodds – Auctioneer - In accordance with instructions, and in pursuance of previous notice, has the honor of announcing that he will submit to Public Auction, on Wednesday, 20th day of April next, on the estate. The above splendid property, which forms one of the richest agricultural farms is tin the district. It is divided into portions suited to capitalists, industrious agriculturalists and mechanics. A glance at them will show the advantage of the situation; accessible on all sides by water, the agriculturalist and mechanic will find alike the advantage of settling there. This property forms the key to the extensive and fertile districts of the Paterson and upper William, &c.. It commands daily communications, and is within ten hours sail of Sydney, steamers passing and repassing daily; three facilities also afford a ready transit for produce to market and a ready supply of every thing requisite for a wealthy resident. The advantages of sitution are scarcely surpassed by the fertility of the soil; but it is needless to enter into a lengthened detail of the advantages which this property possesses, as any one at all acquainted with the locality knows the great value of this estate; but in order to give those who are not acquainted with it an opportunity of appreciating its real value, the auctioneer feels called upon to point out, although inadequately, these facts. He would also, at the same time, recommend parties to inspect the property to form a just and unbiased estimate of its real value.
Lots 1 to 7 contain about one rood and upwards each, in the township of Hinton.
Lots 18 to 25 vary from one rood sixteen perches to two roods eight perches, Frontages to the Paterson River, and the high road to Morpeth.
Lots 26 to 45 vary from one rood ten perches to two roods twelve perches. All frontages to the Paterson River.
Lots 46 to 70 contain about one rood each.
Lots 71 to 83 vary from two acres two roods to three acres. All frontages to the Hunter and the high road to Morpeth.
Lot 84 contains about twelve acres two roods,
Lot 85 contains about ten acres two roods,
Lot 86 contains about eight acres two roods,
Lot 87 contains about six acres two rods,
Lot 88 contains about four acres two roods.
[Lots 84 to 88 are situated on a gentle rising eminence, and command a delightful prospect.]
Lot 89 contains about thirty-five acres.
Lot 90 contains about thirty-five acres two roods. On this is erected the homestead, containing dwelling-house, barns, stables, piggeries, men’s huts &c..
(There is possibly more to this add) March 25 th. Hunter River Gazette 1842.
Hungerford, P. P. – Tenders are invited for Erecting a Stone Cottage Residence at Farley, (stone now on site) for Mr. P. P. Hungerford. Plans, &c., may bee seen with the undersigned at whose office tenders must be lodged by noon of Friday 18th July. The lowest or any tender not necessarily accepted. Lee & Scobie, Architects, West Maitland. Maitland Mercury 12 July 1890.
Business
Hart, J. – West Maitland. Practical Watchmaker and Jeweller. Work promptly and properly executed. Guarantees faithfully observed. Post Free. Lowest Prices. Fireproof Strongroom provided. Maitland Mercury 1 January 1919.
Hart, J. – Nice Table Appointment – There is nothing so appetising as nice, plain good looking Spoons and Forks, etc. Modern machinery has reduced the cost so much that they now come within reach of all. J. Hart, of West Maitland, imports them in large quantities, and will send you any quantity, safely packed, per parcels post, for the following prices: Solid White Metal, that will wear white throughout - Table Spoon and Forks, 24 shillings; Dessert, 18 shillings, Tea, the shillings per dozen. Best quality, with heavy silver plating guaranteed 20 years, Table 40 shillings, Dessert 332 shillings, Tea 18 shillings. Maitland Weekly Mercury, Saturday 13 October 1923.
Hawkins Hill Gold Mine - The directors of Hawkin's Hill gold mine, Hill End, have decided to close down indefinitely. Maitland Mercury Friday 28 August 1925.
Heugh, William – is a purchaser of New Maize at Highest Market Value. Maitland Ensign Wednesday 22 January 1862.
Hodges, J. & Sons – Picture Framing, Photo Framing, Enlargement Frames – If you require Picture and Photo Frames, call on us for Prices. We make to any size, and have the largest Assortment of Mouldings in the District. J. Hodges & Sons, Picture Framers, Paperhangers, Painters etc. 365 High Street West Maitland, Established 25 years. ‘Phone 96. Maitland Mercury 23 January 1919.
Holmes, Mr. Stanley – Glenoak – As Mr. Stanley Holmes was driving the milk cart along the road a few days ago with a quantity of cream for one of the factories the horse shied and overturned the cart, smashed on shaft, and sent the cream in all directions. Fortunately Mr. Holmes escaped unhurt. The Morpeth and East Maitland Want 26 June 1899.
Cultural
Heine, Mr. - The Blind Violinist – We understand that Mr. Heine, the blind violinist, and Mrs. Heine, who accompanies on the piano, will visit Maitland next week. These artists have been starring it in the colonies for some time past, and winning golden opinions wherever they had the opportunity of displaying their musical talent. Maitland Mercury 18 November 1865.
“Hunter” – Ocean Excursion – An ocean excursion will be conducted by the Newcastle and Hunter River Steamship Company on Anniversary Day (Monday next). The steamship “Hunter” (1840 tons) will leave the Company’s wharf at 10 a.m. weather permitting. Passengers will be landed for about two hours at Port Stephens, and the steamer will return to arrive at Newcastle about six o’clock in the evening. A band has been engaged and refreshments may be had on board at moderate rates. Maitland Mercury 22 January 1919.
Maitland Identities
Hayes, Mr. W. – Death – The death is reported from Grafton of Mr. W. Hayes, one of the oldest school teacher's in the State. When he relinquished duties in the department ten years ago, he had completed forty-seven years’ services a teacher. His first appointment was at Lochinvar. From there, after two years, he went to Singleton, then to Wollombi, and later to Sydney. In 1872 he went to the Clarence River, and was in charge of several local schools up to the time of his retirement. He is survived by his widow, and adult family of six. One son was killed at the war. Maitland Weekly Mercury, Saturday 11 August 1923.
Heads, R. F. & Co. CordialsRichard Heads died 30 July 1978. Obituary in Maitland Mercury on 1 August 1978.
Partial Quote of Obituary:In 1925 Richard Heads bought what was to be known as R. F. Heads & Co. Cordials from Mr. James Wolstonholme. The company, situated in Elgin Street has remained in the family since that time. He retired in 1971. His son died in 1975. His daughter-in-law, Daphne Heads ow runs the company.
Daphne died in April 1991. Funeral notice, no obituary.
Hungerford, Mrs. Mary Ann – The death took place on Monday afternoon after an illness extending over seven months of Mrs. Mary Ann Hungerford, of Rutherford. The deceased lady was born at Lochinvar 72 years ago, her parens having come from Scotland. Her husband, , Mr. John Moore Hungerford, predeceased her about three and a half years ago. Mrs. Hungerford spent most of her life at Telarah and Bishop’s Bridge, and came to live at Rutherford after her husband’s death. Her life was full of kindness and she was noted for her great energy as a church worker at the Homeville Church of England. Deceased was also renowned for her assistance to the sick. At any hour, day or night, she would go forth to give comfort and help to those ho needed it. A family o 10, and 29 grandchildren survive. The family is as follows: Ernest (Mayfield), Charles (Bolwarra), Hudson (Singleton), Bert (Cessnock), Mrs. Niddrie (Sydney), Mrs. Pont (Telarah), Mrs. Thursby (Sydney), Mrs. Gray (Rutherford), Miss E. Hungerford (Rutherford). The funeral took place on Wednesday afternoon, moving from the residence of her son-in-law, Mr. H. C. Gray, Great Northern Road, Rutherford, for the Campbell’s Hill cemetery. A short sevice was conducted at the house prior to the cortege moving off for St. Luke’s Church, Homeville, where an impressive service was conducted by the Rev. Woodhouse, who also oficated at the graveside. The chief mourners were: Messrs. Ern, Charles, Hudson and Bert Hungerford (sons), Mr. Sam Apthorpe (brother), Mssrs. Cecil, Alex, Horace, Aubrey, and Harold (sons -in-law), Messrs. Harold Hungerford, Jack Hungerford, Keith Hungerford, Basil and Jeff Pont, Bobbie Hungerford (grandchildren), Messrs. Ern Vile, Herbert Dean, and George Jones (nephews), and Ernie Hungerford (cousin),
Floral tributes were received from the following: Ern, Priss. and family, Charlie, Olive and Bobbie, Hudson, Hilda and family, Elsie, Cecil and family, Bert, Sybil and family, Alice, Allick and family, Fanny Horace and family, Janet, Aubrey and family, Ethell, Linda, Harold, and John, Will and Ruby, W. Holt, Mr.and Mrs. W. H. Bush and family, W. Lanham and Alice, Mr. And Mrs. J. Willmot, Mr. And Mrs. J. Cummings and famiy, Mr. and Mrs. Chas Cummins and Sheela, Mr. And Mrs. Tom Nichols, Mr. And Mr.s F. Conlin, Mr. and Mrs. C. Gibbs and family, Mr. and Mrs. Tillott and family, Mr. and Mrs. F. Thompson, family, Messrs. Kerr’s, Ltd., Mr. E. Troy and family, Mr. And Mrs. Robinson, McGeachie and family, Mr. and Mr.s Brunton , St. Luke’s Womens’ Parochial Association, Mrs. L. Whitehouse and family, Mr.and Mrs. Frank Kenedy, Mrs. Worboys and daughters, Maud and George, Ruth Hughes, Mr. and Mrs. C. R. Hughes and family, Mrs. Mountfoot and family, Mr. And Mrs. Robert Vickery and Reg, Ernest and Susie, A. G. Long, Staff of Aberdare Junction, Mr. and Mrs. Driver and family. Numerous telegrams and messages of sympathy ere also received. Maitland Mercury 30 July 1927
Innes, William, arrived at Newcastle from England on the ship Minerva, on 4 December 1882. He applied and was granted 1.00 acres of land at Maitland Vale and constructed Maitland Vale House (circa 1830). Mr. Innes was employed as a Clerk of Stores at the Commissariat’s department in Newcastle and alter became a Director of the West Maitland Branch of the Bank of Australia. William Innes died in August 1869, aged 67 years. He had been born in Caithness in Scotland. He bequeathed 50 pounds to the Benevolent Society and 500 pounds to various charities.
Sport
Couldn’t find anything for sport, thought you might like to see justice in action in 1829:
First Circuit Court – “When Mr. Justice Dowling came to Wallis Plains in 1829 to hold the first Circuit Court, he left Sydney on Wednesday 12 July, made an arduous journey overland to Mr. Al.exander McLeod’s residence at Luskintyre, reaching there on Saturday. After resting a few days, he and Mr. McLeod left in a phaeton belonging to the Hon. Thomas Winder, of Windermere, Lochinvar, accompanied by the Sherriff (Mr. Macquoid), the Solicitor General (Mr. Sampson), and the Registra (Mr. John Edye Manning), and preceeded, fully wigged and robed, with an escort of two mounted police. Two miles from East Maitland they were met by a big assemblage of gentlemen. Escorted now by twenty mounted police, commanded by Captain Phillip Aubin, 57th Regiment, they proceeded to the Union Inn, where the sermon was read by Rev. M. Wilkinson, and the Court was opened. Some of the unfortunates to be judged needed the prayers of Mr. Wilkinson. Thomas Kelly, for stealing wheat, was sentenced to work on the roads, in irons, for two years. Michael Brown, Andrew Cullen and Patrick Corcoran pleaded guilty to stealing from William Forsyth frou guns, four pistols and one dressing case, and their sentence wa death. Patrick McEvoy, for stealing goods under the value of 5 pounds, was sentenced to two years, in irons, on the roads. William Chandler, a stockman employed by Samuel Clift, received the death sentence for stealing a mare. The gallows were erected in the forest just opposite the Union Inn. This Inn, also known as New Inn or McLeod’s Inn, was opended on 6 July 1829, and was on the site of the present chemist shop at the corner of Me.bourne Street, and Newcastle Road, East Maitland (later Gollan’s vetrinary clinic now a built-in wardrobe shop in 2002)
Hunter’s River by Cecily Mitchell
Religious
Holmwood – was a large, two-storey hose of red brick which stood on the corner of present George Street and Flinders Street, it was demolished at or about the time of the 1949 flood and was said to have had a large entrance hall, lovely wide staircase and a fire place in every room. It housed Rev. G. K. Rusden until his death, a parsonage was then built in the grounds of St. Peters.
(From: Centenary History of St. Peter’s, East Maitland, by James Waddell)
Jackson, Mrs. (daughter of Mrs. Boyle of West Maitland) died at Sydney on Monday last from Pleurisy and pneumonia. Deceased had only been married a few weeks. The Morpeth and East Maitland Want 20 May 1899.
Jones, Mr. R. – Wedding Bells – In the Baptist Church on Thursday night last, Mr. R. Jones and Miss Hicks were united in holy bonds of matrimony by the Rev. C. Way of Islington. The bride looked charming in a dress of silver-grey silk fulard, trimmed with buttercup silk ribbon and chiffon and hat trimmed with ostrich feathers to match. She carried a handsome bouquet, the gift of the bridegroom. There were two bridesmaids, Miss M. Hicks was attired in cream lustre trimmed with silk and ribbons, and hat to match and Miss Emma Phillips wore green serge, trimmed with silk and pearl trimmings and hat to match. They also carried bouquets, the gift of the bridegroom. Messrs. J. Simons and L. Pankhurst acted as best men. After the ceremony the newly wedded pair and their friends adjourned to the bride’s future home, where a splendid repast was awaiting them. The following is a list of some of the gifts, which are both costly and useful:
Mrs. S. Foster, silver cruet; Mr. S. Foster, butter knife; Mr. E. Foster, set of carvers; Miss. N. Stewart (Seaham), beaded cushion; Miss R. Stewart (Seaham) pair ornaments; Mrs. Lullam, set of glass dishes; Mrs. R. Stewart cruet and butter knife; Mrs. Jones, half dozen egg cups; Miss Jones, glass jug, Mrs. Phillips Jnr., tea set; Miss Phillips, ornaments; Miss M. Hicks, flower stand; Miss K. Hicks, jug and glasses; Miss J. Foster, china tea set; Miss E. Foster, fruit stand; Mr. F. Foster, jam dishes; Mr. W. Bennett, MP, silver butter trowel; Mrs. F. Wilson, cruet, Mrs. Robson, tea-pot; Miss N. Wilson, pair salt cellars; Mrs. Wade, lamp; Mr. Pankhurst, silver biscuit barrel; Mr. Pearse, half dozen silver teaspoons; Mrs. W. Pavoir, plated pickle jar; Mr. W. Beavis, fruit stand; Mr. E.. Beavis, pair salt cellars; Mr. H., Beavis, cheque; Mr. J. Simons, half dozen serviette rings; Mrs. C. Boag, wall pockets; Mrs. Philips, snr., poultry; Mr. A. Searles, set of jam dishes. July 20. The Morpeth and East Maitland Want, Friday Evening 21 July 1899.
Earth Around Us
From My Timeline
1805 Australia – NSW Sydney
Storm
The Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser (NSW : 1803-1842), Sunday 24 November 1805, page
National Library of Australia http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article626966
The effects of the very tempestuous weather that set in on Friday evening, and lasted till late yesterday morning, were very generally visible throughout Sydney. Several poor families were during the night obliged to forsake their habitations, and seek protection in their neighbour's hospitality from the inclemency of the weather ; a hut was blown down upon its inhabitants, but the materials of which it was composed were fortunately not heavy enough to injure those they fell upon; panels and paling were demolished without count; several boats broke from their moorings, and were partly found next day on the opposite shore, some shattered to pieces. immense trees were stripped of their large boughs many of which overlay the Parramatta road, and render the passage to carriages difficult, if not impractical. The head of the old windmill was displaced but rectified by close attention by the government artificers and the damage done to the gardens in the neighbourhood of Sydney is almost incredible.
Last night the wind was also very high.
The thunder storm that set in on Monday night last was awful and terrific; the peals continuing without intermission for nearly two hours. It was preceded by a slight shower of hail which lasted only a few minutes. The lightning was very vivid and the flashes of very long duration. Its effects were visible next morning in a garden at Farm Cove wherein several large cavities were occasioned by it. A dog belonging to T. Halfpenny at Parramatta was killed on the foot, the head of the animal much bruised and battered; but we hear of no accident of moment.
1805 Australia – NSW Hunter Valley
First recorded flood on Hunter, 6 November 1805.
Mailtand Mercury 6 November 1936
1809 ?
Newly detected volcano, location unknown
The Coldest Decade in the Past 500 Years
A team of chemists from the U.S. and France has found compelling evidence of a previously undocumented large volcanic eruption that occurred exactly 200 years ago, in 1809.
The discovery, published in the scientific journal Geophysical Research Letters in October, 2009, offers an explanation as to why the decade from 1810 to 1819 is regarded by scientists as the coldest on record for the past 500 years.
The discovery, published in the scientific journal Geophysical Research Letters in October, 2009, offers an explanation as to why the decade from 1810 to 1819 is regarded by scientists as the coldest on record for the past 500 years.
Evidence Found in Greenland and Antarctica
“We’ve never seen any evidence of this eruption in Greenland that corresponds to a simultaneous explosion recorded in Antarctica before in the glacial record,” said Mark Thiemens, Dean of the Division of Physical Sciences at UC San Diego and one of the co-authors of the study. “But if you look at the size of the signal we found in the ice cores, it had to be huge. It was bigger than the 1991 eruption of Mount Pinatubo in the Philippines, which killed hundreds of people and affected climate around the world.” http://geology.com/press-release/volcanic-eruption-triggered-cold-decade/
“We’ve never seen any evidence of this eruption in Greenland that corresponds to a simultaneous explosion recorded in Antarctica before in the glacial record,” said Mark Thiemens, Dean of the Division of Physical Sciences at UC San Diego and one of the co-authors of the study. “But if you look at the size of the signal we found in the ice cores, it had to be huge. It was bigger than the 1991 eruption of Mount Pinatubo in the Philippines, which killed hundreds of people and affected climate around the world.” http://geology.com/press-release/volcanic-eruption-triggered-cold-decade/
1809 Australia – NSW Sydney
Storm
The Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser (NSW : 1803-1842), Sunday 26 November 1809, page
The thunder-storm which visited us on Monday evening last was considered to be one of the most awful that had been experienced here for many years. The lightning that accompanied it was excessively vivid and from the hour of 7 to 8 o'clock may justly be said to have kept the atmosphere in one continued blaze, while the heavy peals of thunder followed in such close succession as to render imperceptible a moment's interval between them. Our immediate atmosphere was evidently impregnated strongly with the electric fluid, and several persons felt sensibly the shock produced by the wonderful compression of air in places near to which the lightning had descended. At one instant the new Military Barrack was struck in many places; in the east front, .two fissures were made in the roof, and one on the west side extending nearly from the saddle boarding and down to the eaves, the shingling and the surrounding boards being completely torn away. And descending through the apartments in various directions, the scene of terror that ensued is not to be described. Attracted probably by the polished arms, a number of muskets were scattered from a gun rack on the upper floor of the north end, several of the stacks totally splintered and the polish taken off as well of the barrels as of the brass mountings apparently by the parts principally struck passing into an instantaneous state of fusion.
A stauncheon leading to the roof .on the east side from a brick party wall, against which the muskets
rested, was knocked to pieces, an incision cut into the bricks ; and in a non-commissioned officer's apartment upon the same side, which was separated by the wall from the principal apartment.
A sergeant’s sword belt was burnt in several places, and the polish taken from the point of the sword in its sheath in the manner before endeavoured to be described. In the fourth upper window fronting the Parade three squares of glass were burst out ; a serjeant sitting on a chest near to the window was by the violence of the shock placed in an erect position, and for some minutes was deprived of recollection, sight and hearing. Another person a soldier was knocked down; a room door and one of the side jambs shattered upon the
same floor, and one of the jambs in the entrance door below clove piece-meal:--The noise occasioned by the cracking of the splintered wood in so many places at the self-same instant, the intensity of light produced by the momentary flash, the apprehension entertained by every one for the safety of his friends and comrades, and above all the awe produced in every mind by the event itself, must have inspired sensations dreadfully
interesting, but in the end how happy are we to add, that no person whatever has received the slightest personal injury from a danger which man can only be defended by the hand of that Power to whom in the hour of affliction he looks for consolation and protection.
On the previous Monday, about four in the afternoon, much mischief was also done by lightning at Paramatta. Several persons felt a violent shock, and a Mrs. Devlyn, who resides in the town, was very severely hurt. Sevual iron bars were forced out of one of the windows of the store, at the back of which a quantity of poultry was killed. Mr. Larra's garden gate was, rent piecemeal; and a cow the same instant of time as imagined was killed at Prospect.
1839 New Zealand
Mt Ngāuruhoe: young and active
Although regarded as a separate volcano, Mt Ngāuruhoe is Tongariro’s main active vent. The remarkable symmetry of Ngāuruhoe’s steep cone is the result of regular eruptions.
Ngāuruhoe frequently belches out clouds of ash. Over 70 ash eruptions have occurred between 1839 and 1975, on average about six years apart. Eruptions of lava are less common – they have been witnessed only in 1870, 1949 and 1954.
In 1867, Māori people told the scientist and explorer James Hector that in May ash from Ngāuruhoe had covered the ground with a white dust, like snow. They said that during a previous eruption, in 1865, the Taupō district – and even the water of the lake – was covered with several inches of black dust. The showers of ash that fell into Rotoaira, a small lake between the volcano and Lake Taupō, had poisoned the fish there.
1869 Australia – Queensland
Significant Hailstorms
December 3, 1869 - A very severe hailstorm at Grantham with hail as large as cricket balls piercing galvanised iron roofs. Fifty eight holes were made in an iron roof 50 by 18 feet in size and each hole or tear was 7.5cm in diameter. Several horses were severely injured and some dogs killed.
http://www.bsch.au.com/severewx/index.shtml
http://www.bsch.au.com/severewx/index.shtml
1870 Australia – NSW Maitland
Flood
The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842-1954), Friday 25 November 1870, page 5
National Library of Australia http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13216139
THE SUBSIDENCE OF THE FLOOD.
By daylight on Tuesday morning, the river had receded to 26 feet by the Belmore Bridge gauge, and continues to fall slowly all day, its current being somewhat accelerated by the action of a strong westerly wind, which at times made the surface quite boisterous. With the fall of the river, the water upon the Horseshoe Bend also fell, and by yesterday had been reduced very considerably in volume, only the lower parts and hollows retaining the overflow.
The injury done by the flood in this part of the town is fortunately partial only, but there are some eases of individual loss which are sufficiently sad, the sufferers being, persons who had already lost largely by the former floods of this year. The backwater to the south of the town did not advance far enough to do any injury to the houses within the town boundary, and this is attributable to the fortunate subsidence of the waters, while dams and other means of shutting them out stayed against the strain they were called upon to sustain.
In two instances that we know the careful attention of labourers to dams and tunnels prevented a large area of land from being devastated, but if the water had risen much higher, care would have been in vain The river had fallen to about 19 feet 3 inches by the bridge gauge at 4 o’clock yesterday;
With the exception of the water along the foot of the hill on the Bolwarra farms, the flood at this locality has subsided, and probably some portion of the submerged cultivation may recover its temporary swamping, but there is no such hope for the farms upon which the water still remains, for it will be days, and even weeks, before the flood waters have entirely left them.
Judging from a comparison of the state of Louth Park yesterday afternoon and when we saw it on Monday, we should say that the water upon it had not very much increased in height during Tuesday, notwithstanding that all day the water continued to pour up Wallis Creek, and spread itself over the flooded land but the current appeared to make its way over the Dagworth and Fisherv Creek farms, and along the flat below Mr Baldwin’s house to the Long Bridge -all the fine lucerne paddocks in the hollow from the bridge to the railway line being now under four or five feet of water.
In consequence of this diversion of the current Louth Park has escaped so deep a flooding as usual. Not that the circumstances are at all encouraging, for all the crops are as entirely destroyed as if the water were five or six feet deeper, the only advantage is that there is less water to run off, as soon as the river allows it egress Yesterday morning, residents of Louth Paik noticed that the flood had begun to recede, and at the bridge the water was sluggishly returning to the river, the current being so slow as to be scarcely perceptible, but at Dagworth, Fishery Creek, and in the direction of the Long Bridge a rise of about an inch an hour was sustained all day. It was this water, as it rose, that was kept from doing more damage than it had done by the dams we have alluded to. The outflow from Wallis’s Creek through East Maitland had almost ceased at midday, patches of land are still under water between Pitnacree and Narrowgut, but the water has subsided from many of the farms at the last-named place.
It was still running strongly across the paddock below the railway line yesterday and finding its way into the river by several outlets above Mr Murphy’s inn. The damage done about Narrowgut is partial and not general the strong current referred do goes for a large part of the distance over grass paddocks and uncultivated land. There has also been a very general retreat of the flood from Pheonix Park, the fall occurring somewhat rapidly and unexpectedly during Tuesday night. A great deal of lucerne, potatoes, and maize will be saved in both Narrowgut and Pheonix Park, but the losses are, nevertheless, very considerable. Below Morpeth there has not been much damage done.
To sum up, we may say that notwithstanding the partial nature of the losses arising from the visitation, the district will suffer very seriously indeed, for many of the destroyed crops were the first produce of seed which has not yet been paid for, and were relied upon by farmers to make good the results of the previous severe floods of the year. Some thousands of pounds are irretrievably lost, and there will be destitution in many a household, and no hope for tho future, for the time is past for recropping the land for the year, oven if it were possible to work it, a possibility which in many cases cannot exist for weeks and months. Where this flood has been destructive, therefore, it has destroyed quite as much as if it had been one of those great and sweeping inundations which have in times past been productive of so much misery in our district.
*1877 – Australia - Orange
Snow
Snow at Orange - It is not often (says the Western Examiner), that snow is seen falling in November in any part of Australia, yet there was so on Saturday morning last in Orange, but it melted almost as it fell. The weather during that and the following two days was quite wintry. Fires had to be called into requisition, where for some weeks previously they had been discontinued. Maitland Mercury Saturday 10 November 1877
(It also snowed out there in the same week in 1997, I was visiting the area at the time.)
1880 USA
Excessive Cold
Ice
The Mercury (Hobart, Tas. : 1860-1954), Monday 29 November 1880, page 2
National Library of Australia http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article8990700
SEVERE WEATHER IN AMERICA.
NEW YORK, November 27.
Excessively cold weather is now being experienced, and consequently the water everywhere has frozen. Besides the 800 grain-laden vessels in the canals, there are 125 ships ice- bound in American ports.
*1882 Australia – Victoria
Aurora Display
The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848-1954), Saturday 18 November 1882, page 13
A beautiful display of the Aurora Australis was visible between the hours of 8 and 9 last evening in the Southern sky. As the aurora first appeared it assumed tho form of a broad incomplete and irregular arch of rosy red light The south west end was bright on the horizon, the arch fading away as the south was reached This lasted for some time the glowing masses of ruddy light palpitating in and out of view, and crossed by faint bars of white light At this time the aspect of the sky was very interesting. In the westward the moon shone brightly, the planet Venus burned with a keen lustre in the south west, and under the red light of the aurora the stars of the Southern Cross were in full brilliance. The red light faded away at about a quarter to 9, and gave place to a different phase of the display A very bright, low, clearly defined arch of pale green light appeared inside the space which the red glow had occupied, and from it from time to time pale quivering beams shot upwards high amongst the stars At its period of greatest brightness the light of this arch was sufficiently strong to cause the stars of the Southern Cross to become scarcely discernable We Learn from Mr. Ellery that there is a very violent magnetic storm in progress, coincident with one of the largest spots which has been observed on the sun’s surface for a long time The working of the telegraph lines has been interfered with by the magnetic ínfluence and the magnetic instruments at the Observatory have been disturbed The large spot on the sun could be distinctly seen, as the sun set yesterday, with the naked eye, and it had a very remarkable appearance on the horizon.
1887 Australia – NSW Maitland
Flood
The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842-1954), Thursday 29 December 1887, page 5
National Library of Australia http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13664393
FLOODS IN THE HUNTER DISTRICT.
[By Telegraph.]
(from our own correspondent.)
-WEST MAITLAND, Wednesday.
The weather has been showery since last evening, and still continuous so with little prospect of an immediate abatement. The river attained a height of 29ft., but is now falling slowly. All the low flats along the course of the river are inundated, and the greater part of the farm lands about Pitnacree, Narrowgut, and Pheonix Park are covered with flood waters, causing much destruction to the growing crops, principally maize and potatoes, which were just ready for harvesting. A slight breach was noticed m the earthwork of the floodgates at Wallis Creek this morning, but with the aid of sandbags the difficulty in that direction has been avoided. The damage done throughout the district by the continuous heavy rains and flood is considerable, and the present weather prospects look very gloomy indeed.
RAYMOND TERRACE, Wednesday.
The river has risen 1ft. since yesterday morning and is still rising slowly. It rained heavily last night and is still continuing, with an easterly wind blowing. Should a great flood take place here the damage would be enormous, as the maize and potato crops would be completely destroyed. There are largo stocks of lucerne on hand, a great deal of which consists of last year's crops. This would also be lost.
NEWCASTLE, Wednesday.
The River Hunter is reported hero to be gradually falling.
1891 Great Britain
1890/1891: (Winter):
1. The winter of 1890/91 was remarkable for its long duration, from 25th November to 22nd January, rather than for the intensity of the FROST. During this period the average TEMPERATURE was below 0 degC over nearly the whole of England and Wales and below (minus) 1 degC in East Anglia and the south-east Midlands. Skating in Regent's Park occurred on 43 days, the thickness of the ICE exceeding 9 inches (circa 23cm) but the FROST penetrated in the ground to a depth of only about 30cm. (CEPB): The synoptic pattern was dominated by a large anticyclone covering northern Europe with a marked ridge extending over southern England, giving almost continuous east or northeast winds. www.booty.demon.co.uk/metinfo/wxevents.htm
1. The winter of 1890/91 was remarkable for its long duration, from 25th November to 22nd January, rather than for the intensity of the FROST. During this period the average TEMPERATURE was below 0 degC over nearly the whole of England and Wales and below (minus) 1 degC in East Anglia and the south-east Midlands. Skating in Regent's Park occurred on 43 days, the thickness of the ICE exceeding 9 inches (circa 23cm) but the FROST penetrated in the ground to a depth of only about 30cm. (CEPB): The synoptic pattern was dominated by a large anticyclone covering northern Europe with a marked ridge extending over southern England, giving almost continuous east or northeast winds. www.booty.demon.co.uk/metinfo/wxevents.htm
1894 – 1895 Great Britain
Twelve Week Frost
1894/95 (Winter):
1. Exceptional COLD/WINTRY from 30/12/1894 to 05/03/1895. To horticulturists and ice skaters in East Anglia, it was the winter of the ' twelve week frost '. Records from Cambridge Observatory show that there were actually air frosts on 70 of the 84 nights between 26th December 1894 and 20th March 1895. The month of February 1895 stands out at Oxford as having the LOWEST AVERAGE MIN TEMP (minus 5.6 degC) and the highest number of GROUND FROSTS (27) for any February in the 113 years to 1993 at the Radcliffe Observatory. From the 9th to the 17th February the whole of the Thames was more or less blocked by ice-floes, some of them 6 or 7 feet thick.
2. Second COLDEST winter in a Manchester long-period record (from 1888), comprising Manchester (Prestwich) 1888-1900; Manchester (Whitworth Park) 1901-1941; & Manchester (Ringway) from 1942. The coldest winter was, as in many places in England & Wales, in 1962/63. However, in the CET series, the winter of 1894/95 did not appear in the top 7 cold winters, so the fact that Manchester stands out is interesting. www.booty.demon.co.uk/metinfo/wxevents.htm
1. Exceptional COLD/WINTRY from 30/12/1894 to 05/03/1895. To horticulturists and ice skaters in East Anglia, it was the winter of the ' twelve week frost '. Records from Cambridge Observatory show that there were actually air frosts on 70 of the 84 nights between 26th December 1894 and 20th March 1895. The month of February 1895 stands out at Oxford as having the LOWEST AVERAGE MIN TEMP (minus 5.6 degC) and the highest number of GROUND FROSTS (27) for any February in the 113 years to 1993 at the Radcliffe Observatory. From the 9th to the 17th February the whole of the Thames was more or less blocked by ice-floes, some of them 6 or 7 feet thick.
2. Second COLDEST winter in a Manchester long-period record (from 1888), comprising Manchester (Prestwich) 1888-1900; Manchester (Whitworth Park) 1901-1941; & Manchester (Ringway) from 1942. The coldest winter was, as in many places in England & Wales, in 1962/63. However, in the CET series, the winter of 1894/95 did not appear in the top 7 cold winters, so the fact that Manchester stands out is interesting. www.booty.demon.co.uk/metinfo/wxevents.htm
1897 Australia – Queensland
Significant Hailstorms
November 1 OR 2, 1897 - Unprecedented hail storm in Brisbane caused much damage smashing thousands of windows in Eagle Street. One stone was 15cm in diameter and weighed 0.5 kg. Heavy hail killed fowls and injured cattle in Peachester. Hail to 12.5cm in circumference at Brushgrove - jagged and very brittle. Very large hail (the size of cups) at Woodford Dale.
http://www.bsch.au.com/severewx/index.shtml
http://www.bsch.au.com/severewx/index.shtml
1897 India
Frost
The West Australian (Perth, WA : 1879-1954), Saturday 27 November 1897, page 5
National Library of Australia http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article3188933
INDIA.
SEVERE WEATHER CONDITIONS
London, November 26.
Severe cold is being experienced by the British troops engaged in the Indian frontier campaign. While one detachment was marching to Anatoi the thermometer registered seventeen degrees of frost. Several were frost bitten. The cold was so intense that icicles formed on the men's beards.
*1899 Australia Hunter Valley
Storm
A Devastating Storm - A ferocious storm struck the Hunter on the afternoon of Monday the sixth causing severe damage over a wide area of the valley. Singleton was particularly hard hit. Other places mentioned were Greta, Maitland and Newcastle where there was fatality. The paper published reports in the issued of the 7th, 8th and 9th as news trickled in from outlying areas.
"Along the Morpeth road, [from East Maitland] the gum trees in the paddock on the right were roughly handled. Many of them were torn up by the roots, a others were snapped off like carrots. Near Morpeth, a shed on Flanagan's farm had the top removed and some of the woodwork of the slides blown out, and alongside, a large willow tree was snapped off close to the ground.
In Morpeth, very little damage was done, the town being sheltered by the hill. Here and there a few sheets of iron were carried away, and some of the houses receive a shaking. The storm struck the place as suddenly as other town, and the water in the river was lashed into small waves. The "Namoi" was just leaving the wharf as the wind came down the river. Fortunately, it struck her almost square on the stern, and the large vessel was hurried along down the river faster than she ever left Morpeth before it was feared that the vessel would be forced up against the wharf or on to the bank." Maitland Mercury Wednesday November 8th 1899
*1902 Australia – Eastern States
Dust
THE GREAT DUST-UP OF NOVEMBER 1902.
The year 1902 was one of appalling drought in eastern Australia. Whenever strong winds blew, dessicated soil was whipped into great dust clouds. On the worst day, Wednesday 12 November, northwesterly gales caused exceptional dust-storms to sweep across three states. The winds caused considerable damage in their own right, tearing roofs from buildings and uprooting trees across Victoria, South Australia and southwestern New South Wales.
The storm was first reported in South Australia, where it affected many parts of the state. Thick clouds of dust shrouded Adelaide from early morning, reducing visibility to 20 metres. It would have been quite an experience for Madame Melba, who had sung in the City of Churches the previous evening!
In Victoria and the Riverina, gales and dust began in the morning and worsened as the day went on. Reddish-brown dust filled the air as the temperature climbed to 38°C. A squall line seems to have crossed northern Victoria and the Riverina in the afternoon, because town after town reported a sudden terrifying increase in wind, and dust so thick that it put the town in total darkness for between five and 20 minutes. The winds blew down telegraph poles over western Victoria, and it took days to repair the line from Melbourne to Adelaide. The mail coach from Geelong to Portarlington, caught in the storm, was halted for 20 minutes as the elements terrified horses and passengers alike. After the storm, sand 30cm deep had to be shovelled from the line between Kerang and Swan Hill before trains could pass.
In some towns, "balls of fire" were reported. At Boort in central Victoria they reportedly fell into paddocks and streets, with showers of sparks as they struck the ground. In Chiltern and Deniliquin the balls were blamed for setting fire to buildings. A possible explanation is that fast-moving blowing dust particles generated static electricity, which ignited organic matter carried along with the dust. The experience must have been truly frightening: the sky a lurid red, a hot gale blowing, dust thick enough for almost total darkness, and balls of fire to add to the terror.
In NSW the mail coach from Hay to Deniliquin was delayed nine hours. In Hay itself, the Land Court had to adjourn when the president could not see the papers in front of him. The dust reached Sydney early the next day: northwest winds were lighter, and the dust took the form of a haze that thickened during the day (ships reported that it extended from south of Sydney to Newcastle). Dust clouds reached as far north as Inverell, before heading out to sea.
1916 -1950 Australia – Rain and Disease
Rain and disease
Excessive rain not only causes floods with their often widespread devastation, but may also assist in the spread of disease. Wet seasons produce large areas of stagnant water, which can become breeding grounds for mosquitos. Though Australia is now free of many diseases spread by insects, malaria was a problem in the first 30 years of the century, causing from 20 to 50 deaths a year in northern Australia. Subsequent preventive measures have largely eliminated malaria as a serious threat during the second half of the century, but other diseases have taken their toll.
In 1916 and 1917 exceptionally heavy rain drenched eastern Australia, and during 1917, 114 cases of a new disease, called Australian 'X' disease, were reported in southeastern Australia. Victims typically suffered fever, vomiting, nausea, diarrhoea and dizziness, and after a few days, brain dysfunction, confusion, drowsiness, convulsions and fits. Death, or long-lasting incapacity, often followed. Another 67 cases were reported in 1918. The disease then went into apparent remission, but re-emerged after the very wet year of 1950 (48 cases and 19 deaths in 1951). The causative virus was then isolated and the disease named Murray Valley Encephalitis (MVE). The wet year of 1974 precipitated 58 cases, with 13 deaths. Clearly, MVE outbreaks are one of the potential down-sides to wet years over eastern Australia. However the association between rainfall and MVE is far from perfect, and not all wet seasons have triggered outbreaks of the disease.
There are times, however, when the climate-related spread of disease can have a positive side. A recurrent theme this century (and the late 19th) has been that, during dry periods in inland areas, rabbits have competed with both native and farm animals for what little forage was available, with disastrous results. The mosquito-borne myxomatosis virus was introduced to attack this problem, but early attempts in the 1930s and 1940s to spread the disease among the rabbit population proved ineffective. It later became apparent that the attempt failed because, during this dry era, the standing water necessary for mosquitos to breed was largely absent. In fact the first successful proliferation of the disease occurred in the summer of 1950/51 along the Murray River, with another rapid spread the following summer. Both outbreaks coincided with wet years, with extensive areas of stagnant water. Again, although wet conditions appear necessary for the spread of the disease, subsequent wet years were not always years of rapid spread. Perhaps lower rabbit population density was a factor - with fewer rabbits it is harder for the disease to spread. Nevertheless, this episode illustrates the importance of climate in the spread and control of pests.
Earth Sciences
How a planet becomes a magnet
Ghost Mountains give up their secrets
Giant feather spotted in the sky
Comet Lovejoy light up the morning sky
Earth has always had two moons: The discovery of mysterious tiny asteroids which constantly circle our planet
Astronomical events for 2012
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| A Young Christmas Beetle |
Australiana
An Australian Life
November and early December are traditionally a time of preparations for Christmas. During my childhood, our household began preparations in October, scrubbing and polishing everything throughout the house, by the end of November, all was considered ready for Christmas.
It was time to cook the pudding and Christmas cake, make decorations for the tree and buy presents from our pocket money supplemented by funds raised from collecting and cleaning the year’s soft drink bottles (they paid well when returned, sixpence for small ones and one shilling for the large) and bottles that had contained methylated spirits to light the small metho stove, form the grocer.
Of course, the tree couldn’t be put up until nearer the day as it was fresh, usually cut from a lone camphor laurel on the farm. If we were short of time on the day, two or three stalks of bamboo tied together would suffice, looked quite authentic. There didn’t seem to be the array of decorations on sale with which to decorate the tree, streamers were made from crepe paper or short strips cut from a reel and glued to make interlocking circles. Packets of shiny metallic cardboard stars and balloons were purchased to complete the tree. We also used to hang little bundles of Christmas lollies wrapped in cellophane and tied with ribbon to the tree to give to visitors.
On the day, we would rise at 1.30am to milk the cows (an hour earlier than usual), to have a longer time to celebrate. Mum would cook a luscious roast dinner on the fuel stove then the meal was completed with a helping of pudding, fruit salad, flummery and very thick custard.
Our
Christmas
Advent time is upon us again
With the hustle and bustle of Christmas
Grandchildren arrive to dress up our tree
With the bead strings, the baubles and tinsel.
First we set out the Crib Scene with care,
Naming each piece and the part that was played
In that very first Christmas so long, long ago.
My grandchildren set out the Matryoshka dolls
The Santas, the kings and the maidens.
Then place the Advent Calendar on the door
As it has been since my sister sent it
To their Daddy and Aunty when they were just small children.
Now we dress up the tree, ’till it’s a glorious sight
Of tinsel, beads, baubles and bright coloured wooden ornaments
Many given by their Daddy so many years ago
Also hand crafted pieces rich with memories go on
Everything so rich with memories and tradition.
One final ornament is placed on the top to remind us of prayers and that star.
We now only have to set on the candle lights,
So our grandson may light up the tree for this Christmas.
Our beautiful tree gives out its light once again
To add to the pleasure of Christmas.
We now have our party after a job well done
And celebrate the coming of Christmas.
As the big day approaches there’s much preparation
Which reaches crescendo with the making lollies, cakes and the pudding,
Meats cooked sliced and frozen and ready for eating.
Presents are bought, cards written, sent out, there is such preparation,
Messages exchanged with family scattered far and wide on this planet.
Finally the day dawns and we all gather together
With love and affection and laughter,
Presents are opened and each is admired, all those new little treasures.
As the evening cools off we partake of a feast fit for a king
And give thanks for such simple and homely pleasures.
by
Technogranny
Christmas Day
Happiness
Young World
Travelling Outback
Our Australian outback beautiful, in fact stunning, travelling is a good opportunity to observe just how special this country is, and observe how everything depends on good management and good sense to survive. Our plants and animals have adapted over many centuries.
Many plants have silvery grey leaves that reflect sunlight, have developed underground “trunks” or boles to survive bushfires. Their seeds need either the smoke or heat of a bushfire to germinate. Long dry summers and droughts are a part of this country, animals and plants have developed ways to conserve moisture and stay alive. Where else would you find a frog that burrows deep into the ground staying there until the rains arrive?
Travellers need to be careful when they travel outback because they don’t have these special qualities. Many have died out there because they failed to make the basic travel preparations. Always take plenty of water, more than you think you might need, then some more.
Make sure you have the proper clothing and provisions, there have been memorable occasions in the past when our early explorers died through not having packed the right equipment. If something goes wrong, all that water you packed may just be enough to keep you alive while waiting for help to arrive.
Before you even think of travelling, study the route you want to travel, learn about the road conditions, weather conditions and work out where you will stay during the trip. Make sure you let others know where you will be on a given date and keep in regular touch with those at home.
If something happens and you haven’t been in touch at the expected time, a search can be made for you. If your vehicle breaks down, you become bogged in bulldust or just plain lost, don’t leave your transport, it is bigger and easier to see and can be used for shelter.
In this day and age, a tracking system is an essential, it will make your rescue much easier. Don’t forget to pack y our common sense!
Word Help
Observe – look at carefully
Conserve – don’t waste, use only what is needed
Provisions – items you need to eat, wear an keep your vehicle moving
Bulldust – deep pockets of dust
Travelling Rules
· Check weather reports and take notice of advice from those who live in the area
· Tell at home family members where you expect to be and at what time
· Tell a local responsible person your next destination and estimated time of arrival
· Make sure your vehicle is in good order and appropriate for the route you wish to travel
· Take plenty of water
· Take enough food to last you over
· Wear the proper clothing
· Take your sunscreen
· If you break down, don’t wander away from your vehicle, it provides shade and is much easier to see
· Have a mirror or shiny object for daytime and a good torch in working order for night to flash to attract attention
· Don’t light a fire – you can’t run fast enough if it gets away
References:
Be prepared for your Outback Australia travel experience
Budding Scientist
Astronomical events for 2012 – see what the heavens will be doing in the coming year
Birds in Backyards – find out about the birds in your back yard during the holidays, or if you are on holidays, find out about the birds you have seen.
Australian Museum Wildlife of Sydney – this site covers birds, animals, insects and marine life, lots of fun to look at.
Craft
The Activity Cupboard – you will probably need help for this site to find what you would like to make, it is a very big site and has free instructions for hundreds of craft items.
In The Garden
Summer
Summer is here, cicada’s are singing
Their joyful return of the heat.
Summer is here, Christmas bells ringing,
To remind us the gift of the Christ Child bringing
His gift of redemption to lay at our feet.
Summer is here, the New Year is bringing
The burning hot days to endure.
Summer is here, the clouds are amassing,
The cyclones are coming, that’s sure.
Summer is here, the garden is growing,
Heavy the scent of flower, leaf and fruit.
Summer is here, with the constant parading
Of birds, butterflies, insects and bees.
Summer is here, cats and dogs are snoozing,
Under the nearest cool breeze of the fan.
JB
We seem to have had so many overcast days during late spring and early summer that sometimes sunflowers were the brightest spots of colour in the garden. However, we don’t control the weather – which is probably very good for us – therefore we work along with it.
There is warning when weather is coming, Koels call differently when a storm is brewing and if you listen carefully, you are able to work out its intensity. Pink crocus send up a few bud just before rain and Chainsaw the frog practises his chainsaw song. There has to be a certain level of rain coming before he does this, he’s not one to waste energy.
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During November and December New Zealand Christmas Bells a bulb that hails from Brazil produce their Christmassy flowers and the old favourite, hydrangers are at their showy best. Mine descend from plants owned by my great-grandparents, therefore they are somewhat special.
This year the native finger lime has more fruits than previously, looking forward to them as they are quite delicious. We also had one very early fig which must have responded to the early spring weather – yes, the birds pinched it!
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I actually enjoy the creepy crawlies around the yard, this is the second year I have had a visit from these beautiful moths and I think somehow it won’t be the last I’ll see of this species. The Italian parsley is always let run to seed as it attracts quite a few visitors such as this crab spider and the little weevils.
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My car is running green – this fellow lives under the bonnet at times, the car is running on “croak” power, it seems, must be why the petrol is lasting longer. The last little exhibit is a chrysalis of some kind which appears to have an accompanying spider, whether it’s lunch, I’m not sure.
Granny’s Eye View
The constant clamour of dreadful happenings, promises and broken promises, frenetic advertising and the plain ridiculous littering all branches of the media makes it all too easy to retreat to your world of art, the garden and the tradition of Christmas and its preparations. Human beings need to withdraw from the hurley burley to refresh the spirit. They need to be still and silent and savour the peace and renewal this brings.
A quiet time sitting under a tree, shaded from the summer’s sun is a wonderful opportunity to observe nature’s daily antics such as a skink opening its cavernous mouth to breathe in an unfortunate passing fly, poor thing probably didn’t know why it was so suddenly dark and didn’t have time to realise it was now a skink’s lunch. There is time to sit and watch a beautiful big male orchard butterfly in its search for a mate, if you are lucky you will see the female as well.
Time simply melts away while you are engrossed with your latest masterpiece. Perhaps it is only in the planning stages. Is it to be a pastel, watercolour, acrylic or pencils? What surface will I use – my very best paper, pastel paper (which type), canvas, that special one you have been keeping for a special occasion? Will it be an accurate, impressionistic or abstract rendition of your subject, perhaps you will use a different colour palette, something a little adventurous. The choice is entirely yours and you may takes as long as you like to make that choice. Think of the enjoyable time you have yet to experience when you actually commence painting your masterpiece.
No matter what your hobby, the time spent with it is more valuable than is often realised, so much so, I aim to take more time to quietly enjoy life doing what I like doing – as I have in the Christmas/New Year break – in 2012.
Another Year
Another year, another day,
We have been given to work and play.
Each day a jewel twinkling bright,
So we may work with all our might
To nurture love and kindness every day.
Each dawn and dusk drink in delight,
The heat of day the songs of nature does caress,
Each starry night each silver moon
Are sent so our Maker we may bless.
Embrace each day with all it brings
Remember to enjoy the simple things.
A trilling bird, a happy laugh
Or a quiet walk along the path,
Till each day is done and rest is near
As we embrace each day of our new year.
JB
Technogranny
