Captain Edward Goldsmith and the gold mania of the 1850s

CAPTAIN EDWARD GOLDSMITH and the ROYAL SOCIETY
THE GOLD EXPLORATION COMMITTEE
Mr. BAILY disappears at the CALIFORNIAN GOLDFIELDS
JOHN NEVIN snr at the CALIFORNIAN GOLDFIELDS



Caption: "Landing Gold from 'The Australian' steam ship, in the East India Docks".
Illustrated London News 22 January 1853

1851
Captain Edward Goldsmith was elected by ballot to the Royal Society of Van Diemen's Land (Tasmania) on 17th December, 1851. His donation of  a specimen of gold from Central America was recorded by the Royal Society in January 1852.



Papers and Proceedings of the Royal Society of Van Diemen's Land
Vol.II, Part I. January 1852 Tasmania
Source: Smithsonian Institution Museum Library
https://archive.org/stream/papersproceeding2185253roya/papersproceeding2185253roya_djvu.txt



TRANSCRIPT

Captain Goldsmith presented a fine specimen of gold upon an indurated
ferruginous clay, brought by himself from Central America, where it was
obtained at an elevation of about 3000 feet, in 13° North.

1852



Extract from the Illustrated London News, 2nd October 1852

TRANSCRIPT

THE LARGEST VAN DIEMEN'S LAND NUGGET. - The Messrs Stevens have returned from the Fingal diggings, with a small nugget, weighing seven grains, value one shilling; it is, however, the largest lump found in this colony. If we receive the testimony of Messrs. Stevens, not only one, but hundreds of nuggets will be found - the inference is just, the deduction is clear. We believe it is just probable the diggers have been working at the fag end of the range - being about twenty miles too far to the southward. This specimen of Van Diemen's Land gold was picked up at Stanfield's Nook, about fourteen miles from Avoca. We have heard a gentleman say, whose geological acquirements are considerable, and whose judgment is not likely to be biassed by the excitement of the gold mania, that the precious metal will be found in large quantities, and probably in a few weeks, and that great changes may be anticipated in the moral and social position of this colony, from the reaction that will take place, and the stimulus that will be given to industry. Australian and New Zealand Gazette.

1853



No. 5 Derwent
Stamped on verso Melbourne Public Library
Date: ca. 1865
State Library of Victoria Ref: 1728676



Gold to London on the Derwent: Hobart Courier, 21 July 1853

TRANSCRIPT

MISCELLANEOUS
The brig Lion, Captain Odgar, arrived from London, on Tuesday. She left in March, and is consigned to Mr. Crookes. She brings neither mail nor passengers.
The Derwent, from Hobart Town, with wool and gold, arrived in London on 3rd May.

Offers were made by the Gold Exploration Committee for subscriptions to encourage diggers with a reward to defray costs.

DECEMBER 1853

Local Intelligence.
PUBLIC MEETING TO PROMOTE
THE DISCOVERY OF GOLD IN VAN DIEMEN'S LAND.

A MEETING convened by the promoters of the Gold Discovery Reward was held at Mezger and Basstian's, on Thursday afternoon, at three o'clock. There was a good attendance on the occasion, and amongst those present we observed Messrs. T. D. Chapman, M. L. C, Maning, J. Foster, C. Toby, A. Orr, L. Roope, J. Degraves, R. Worley, Huxtable (2), H. Rowcroft, J. A. Thompson, J. Price, E. H. Ivey, Captain Goldsmith, Dr. Crooke.

On the motion of Messrs. Roope and Foster, T. D. CHAPMAN Esq., M. L. C, was called to the chair. The object of the meeting was briefly stated by the chairman to be, to take into consideration certain resolutions, which had been prepared on the previous day by a number of gentlemen interested in the discovery of gold in this colony. It was proposed that a sum of £1500 should be raised by subscription, for the purpose of fitting out exploring parties under efficient leaders: the persons undertaking the search stipulating to return the money advanced for their expenses, in case the £15,000 were awarded to them. Dr. CROOKE proposed the following resolution:—

"That this meeting, taking into consideration the difficulties attendant upon inducing exploring parties to go out in search of a Workable Gold Field at their own expense: and looking to the fact that the large reward does not seem sufficient of itself to overcome this difficulty considers it desirable that a Subscription List should be opened to raise the sum of £1500, to defray the cost of fitting out a few eligible exploring parties."

In support of this resolution, the speaker addressed the meeting at considerable length, discussing the question in all its bearings—geological, political, physical, moral. He stated that he had much pleasure in taking part in the movement at the present juncture, because he thought that the discovery of gold would advance the material, whilst it would not injure the moral interests of Van Diemen's Land. The former search for gold had failed through the superior attractions which the mines of Victoria and New South Wales presented to enterprise. Persons preferred to visit gold fields positively known, than to attempt to discover others, the existence of which, was at least uncertain. But at the same time, he had not heard doubt expressed as to the existence of a rich and workable gold field in the colony. The mercantile and trading community profited, as well as the mere gold digger, in the rich productiveness of the gold fields on the other side of the channel; and whilst therefore this colony reaped considerable advantage from the gold fields, without any of the social inconveniences which a closer neighbourhood was supposed to entail, no wonder that there was considerable apathy as to the discovery of the precious metal nearer home, and that the imperfect search for it had been fruitless. But circumstances had materially changed. The diminution in the periodical return of gold diggers originally from Van Diemen's Land arising from the attractions offered in Victoria for permanent settlement, and in some cases from the operation of the Convicts' Prevention Bill, the decrease in the importation of gold—and the depressed value of Van Diemen's Land produce at Victoria; all these circumstances contributed to diminish the advantage that had accrued to the colony from the discovery of gold in Victoria, and New South Wales, and led to increased desire for its discovery here. It was therefore an opportune moment for the attempt about to be made. He then proceeded to show by reference to the pub-lished works of Clarke, Strzelecki, and from the experience of many practical men who had visited various auriferous districts in this colony—that there were two ranges of gold-bearing rock, running due north and south, having for their culminating points, Ben Lomond and the Frenchman's Cap, towards which the search should be particularly directed.

Mr. HORACE ROWCROFT seconded the motion. It was proposed by Mr. ORR and seconded by Captain GOLDSMITH—

"That a committee be appointed to receive applications from persons desirous of engaging in the search, to select such applications as they may deem most desirable, and otherwise to carry out the objects of this meeting. That the following gentleman being subscribers, be requested to act as the committee:—Mr. Whitcomb. Mr. Maning, Dr. Crooke, Mr. Rowcroft, and Mr. Roope, three of them to form a quorum, and that John Dunn, Esq., Junr., be requested to act as Treasurer."

After some discussion, in the course of which it was suggested that some gentlemen practically acquainted with the requirements of the case and the country to be explored, should be placed upon the committee the name of Mr. James A. Thomson (who is well acquainted with the district of country said to be auriferous; was added to the list, and in this form the resolution passed with one dissentient — Mr. Regan — who bluntly stated that he objected to Mr. Thomson.
It was proposed by Mr. J. A. THOMSON, seconded by Mr. S. MOSES, and carried unanimously—

"That any one or more of the exploring parties proving successful in the search, and obtaining the Reward, shall return the amount expended by the Committee not exceeding the sum of Fifteen Hundred Pounds; to be re-paid to the Subscribers."

At the suggestion of the Chairman, Mr. Roope and Dr. Crooke undertook the duty of canvassing for subscriptions. About £180 were subscribed in the room, and after the usual compliments to the chair-man, the meeting separated.

Source: The Courier, Hobart, Friday, 9 December 1853 page 2 General Intelligence

MAP OF THE TASMANIAN GOLDFIELDS



Map of the Den gold fields and Ifracombe iron deposits, Tasmania
Creator: Piguenit, W. C. (William Charles), 1836-1914
Title: Map of the Den gold fields and Ifracombe iron deposits, Tasmania / W.C. Piguenit, del, ; A. Randall, litho Call Number MAP RM 1733
Created/Published [Hobart : Geological Survey, 1880?] Extent 1 map : col. ; 54.7 x 44.0 cm. Archives Office Tasmania

1854: appeal for Mrs Baily
Captain Edward Goldsmith's generosity in mounting appeals for public subscriptions to help women and their families to return to England when their husbands were terminally incapacitated or deceased was widely appreciated. In 1842 he raised a public subscription for charitable donations to aid Captain John Biscoe and family to return with him on board the Janet Izzat.  There were probably many more instances of offers of  a subsided passage on board his return voyages to London. In June and July 1854, in conjunction with the offertory funds of St Davids' and Trinity Churches, Captain Goldsmith launched an appeal to aid Mrs Baily and her six children to return to England. According to this record, her husband J. A. Baily had departed Hobart on 16th October 1852, never to be heard from again.

Archives Office Tasmania
Name: Baily, J A
Record Type: Departures
Rank: Cabin
Departure date: 16 Oct 1852
Departure port: Hobart
Ship: Dart
Bound to: Geelong
Record ID: NAME_INDEXES:519302
Resource: CUS36/1/141

So, in June and July, 1854, this appeal to assist Mrs Baily and her six children return to England appeared in the Hobart Courier. It concerned the disappearance of her husband, Mr J. A. Baily "for sixteen years a Clerk in the Probation Department" (i.e. in VDL/Tasmania) who had departed Hobart on board the Dart for Geelong in October 1852, bound for the Californian goldfields. The notice stated that it was almost certain he had perished with "a party of Mexicans whom he joined in a mining expedition".



Captain Goldsmith's appeal for Mrs Baily
Source: Hobart Courier 14th July 1854

It was at Captain Edward Goldsmith's suggestion that a public subscription be raised to aid Mrs Baily and family. He had donated £5 to the subscription fund and organised the passage for them on board the barque Cornhill. If they did depart on the Cornhill, which cleared out on 7th July 1854, they must have been the eight persons sailing in steerage, as only cabin passengers were named in this notice of 7th July):



Source: Colonial Times (Hobart, Tas. : 1828 - 1857) Fri 7 Jul 1854 Page 2 Shipping Intelligence.

John Nevin snr at the Californian Goldfields
Gold fever had affected the family of photographer Thomas J. Nevin as well. His father, John Nevin snr, ventured to California soon after emigrating with his wife Mary Ann Dickson and their four children, to Tasmania in 1852 when Thomas, the eldest, was just 10 years old. In this poem by John Nevin snr, published in 1868, he says he left Tasmania, which would have been in the first years after his arrival in 1852, to seek his fortune in the Californian gold mines. The life there was not for him: "the rover" returned to "Tasman's sea girt Isle", to his children (Thomas James Nevin, William John aka Jack Nevin, Mary Ann Nevin and Rebecca Jane Nevin) and his "partner" (Mary Ann Dickson) who "reclaims" him. His return was to Kangaroo Valley (now Lenah Valley, Hobart), still very much a wilderness in the northern foothills of kunanyi/Mount Wellington, where he was registered as resident schoolmaster by 1854.



"My Cottage in the Wilderness" by John Nevin, 1868. Mitchell Library NSW
Photo © KLW NFC 2009 Arr.

TRANSCRIPT

My Cottage in the Wilderness

Tir'd at last of Ocean dangers
I've sought and found a lone retreat,
Oft in youth deceiv'd by strangers
My home is now where friends may meet.
In a Vale by woods surrounded,
Romantic scenes I must confess, -
A rural building I have founded,
My cottage in the wilderness'

From the top of yonder mountain
Murmuring comes a rivulet,
Clear as Eden's sparkling fountain,
With crystal waves cheer beget.
How fair to view the wattle blossom,
When spring the glade does sweetly dress;
Once no doubt the wild Oppossum
Stray'd fearless through this wilderness,

Lands by labor long neglected
Too soon become a waste again,
But industry well directed
Reclaims at length the sterile plain.
Toils have not been unavailing,
My efforts crown'd with great success,
Defend'd by a row of pailing
My cottage in the wilderness.

In early life I sought for treasure
In the Californian Mines;
Tempted oft to ease and pleasure,
And the treacherous gamblers wines;
There no lov'd one strove to cheer me,
No smiling prattlers to caress,
Or friendly hand when sick, was near me,
No cottage in the wilderness.

Now those freaks of youth are over,
Return'd to Tasman's sea girt Isle,
A partner now reclaims the rover,
And youngsters cluster round the while,
In solitude and peace we slumber,
Far from the City's wild excess,
No faithless friend home shall cumber,
My cottage in the wilderness.

We can view the Derwent flowing
List to its noiseless current by,
Or at times the fleet skiff rowing
Beyond my cottage windows high;
Flowers bloom around my dwelling,
And creeping vines its wall shall dress,
Secure when tempests round are swelling
My cottage in the wilderness.

No more t'face dark Ocean's billow,
At set of sun, I'll seek repose,
Yet not on a strangers' pillow,
My eyes in gentle sleep shall close.
Here all my days, I'll spend in quiet,
While Providence my home shall bless,
Far from tumult noise and riot,
My cottage in the wilderness.

BY JOHN NEVIN.
Kangaroo Valley, April, 19, 1868.

RELATED POSTS main weblog

• Captain Edward Goldsmith: death at sea of Antarctic cirncumnavigator Captain John Biscoe 1843
• John Nevin snr Service Record in the First or Royal Regiment 1825-1841
• John Nevin: "My Cottage in the Wilderness" 1868
• John Nevin snr and the Genge family

Tom Nevin and father-in-law bandmaster Walter Tennyson Bates

Thomas James NEVIN jnr son of photographer Thomas James NEVIN
Walter Tennyson BATES bandmaster



Bandmaster Walter Tennyson Bates, Hobart 1902
Copyright © Laurie Hoffman Collection (USA) ARR

Towards the turn of the 20th century, photographer Thomas Nevin and his wife Elizabeth Rachel Nevin nee Day enjoyed the company of a musical family, the Tennyson Bates, who would eventually become their in-laws on the marriage of their eldest son Thomas or Tom Nevin jnr (Sonny) to Gertrude Tennyson Bates, daughter of renowned bandmaster Walter Tennyson Bates (1854-1905) and his wife Elizabeth Jane Bates nee Jones (1853-1916).

Known to the family as "Sonny", when Thomas James Nevin jnr was born in Hobart on 16 April, 1874 (d. Hobart 17 January 1948), he was given the same first and second names as his father, photographer Thomas James Nevin (1842-1923). He was born at his father's photographic studio, The City Photographic Establishment, 140 Elizabeth St. Hobart Town, the second child born there after his elder sister May (Mary Florence Elizabeth, d. Hobart 1955) in 1872. Because Thomas Nevin snr was away at the Port Arthur prison on business working with its Surgeon-commandant, Dr Coverdale, when Thomas James Nevin jnr was born, master mariner Captain James Day, Thomas Nevin's father-in-law, acted as informant on the birth registration, dated 26th May 1874.

Thomas jnr or Tom, known to descendants as "Sonny" Nevin (1874-1948) married Gertrude Jane Tennyson Bates (1883-1958) at the Wesleyan Church, Hobart, on February 6th, 1907. Her father, Walter Tennyson Bates, musician, bandmaster and produce merchant, had died in 1905. By July 1907, Gertrude's mother, Elizabeth Jane Bates nee Jones, had left Hobart and arrived in Sydney with six of her seven children. Gertrude remained in Hobart with husband Tom "Sonny" Nevin. Her mother and siblings migrated first to Vancouver, and eventually to California in 1910 where Elizabeth Jane Bates, widow of bandmaster Walter Tennyson Bates and mother-in-law of Tom Nevin jnr, died on September 9, 1916, at Oakland, California.



Thomas Nevin jnr, marriage to Gertrude Jane Tennyson Bates
The Mercury, 20 February 1907

TRANSCRIPT

NEVIN—BATES.—At the Methodist Parsonage, Melville-street, on February 6, 1907, by the Rev. J. A. Jeffreys, Thomas James, eldest son of T. and E. Nevin, to Gertrude Jane Tennyson, eldest daughter of E. and the late Walter Tennyson Bates. By license. Both of Hobart.

Thomas James Nevin jnr, his wife Gertrude Nevin nee Gertrude Tennyson Bates, and their son Athol Clarence Nevin travelled to and from California on board the steamers, S.S. Ventura and S.S. Sonoma, in the years 1920-1922. On enlistment into the armed forces during WWII, Athol changed his middle name from "Clarence" to "Tennyson", his maternal grandfather's middle name. See this post for Athol Tennyson Nevin's war service records and medals.



Postcard caption on recto:
S.S. Sonoma and S. S. Ventura 10,000 TONS DISPLACEMENT
19 DAYS to SYDNEY
Below: Postcard verso



Postcard above sourced from eBay 19 February 2017




Above: Thomas James Nevin jnr (1874-1948), first-born son of Thomas James and Elizabeth Rachel Nevin nee Day, known to descendants as 'Sonny', pictured here shortly before his death in 1948 in Salvation Army uniform.
Taken by a Nevin family member at 23 Newdegate St. North Hobart Tasmania
Copyright © KLW NFC 2009-2017 & KLW NFC Private Collections ARR.

The Tennyson Bates Family
Gertrude Jane Nevin nee Tennyson Bates was born in Melbourne in 1883, the eldest daughter born to Walter and Elizabeth Tennyson Bates. Her younger siblings who were born between 1888 and 1897 in Hobart included Charles Edgar (1888), Gladys (1890) Phyllis (1893), Doris (1895) and Rita (1897) (birth registrations available online at the Tasmanian Archives Office).

This genealogical information was devised and sourced by American descendants, Jackie Cetnar and Polly Laughlin (Florida, USA):

Children of WALTER BATES and ELIZABETH JONES:

GERTRUDE JANE TENNYSON BATES, b. 1883, Fitzroy, Melbourne, Australia; d. May 05, 1958, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia.
WALTER LAWRENCE BATES, b. April 05, 1885, Carlton, Melbourne, Australia; d. December 19, 1959, Kaiser Found Hospital, Walnut Creek, Contra Costa County, California.
 CHARLES EDGAR BATES b. November 14, 1888, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia. Tasmanian Pioneer Index, Reg. year,1888, Registration number 470, RGD No.33.; d. December 12, 1888, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia. Notes for CHARLES EDGAR BATES: Gravestone: In Loving Memory of WALTER TENNYSON, Beloved husband of E. J. Bates, Also little CHARLIE, Infant son of above, Also GERTRUDE BATES, Died 5th May 1958, At Rest. More About CHARLES EDGAR BATES: Burial: 1888, Cornelian Bay Cemetery, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia (Source: Ref. 239, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia.)
GLADYS ELIZABETH BATES, b. June 14, 1890, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia; d. April 15, 1959, Oakland, Alameda, California.
PHYLLIS IRENE BATES, b. December 18, 1892, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia; d. March 02, 1989, Contra Costa, California.
DORIS BATES, b. October 29, 1895, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia; d. July 15, 1968, Contra Costa County Hospital, Pittsburg, Contra Costa, California.
RITA TENNYSON BATES, b. February 12, 1897, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia; d. March 24, 1989, Sharp Cabrillo Hospital, San Diego, San Diego, California

More on GERTRUDE JANE TENNYSON BATES, b. 1883, Fitzroy, Melbourne, Australia; d. May 05, 1958, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia and died May 05, 1958 in Hobart, Tasmania. She married THOMAS JAMES NEVIN February 06, 1907 in Wesleyan Church, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia (Source: Marriage Cert. 150.), son of THOMAS NEVIN and ELIZABETH DAY. He was born April 16, 1874 in Hobart, Tasmania, Australia and died July 17, 1948 in Hobart, Tasmania, Australia.
Residence 1: January 17, 1948, 23 Newdegate St. Hobart, Tasmania (Source: Cornelian Bay Cemetery records.)
Residence 2: August 16, 1911, 18 Paternoster Row, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia (Source: Cornelian Bay Cemetery records.)
Residence 3: May 15, 1958, Mt. Nelson Rd., Hobart, Tasmania, Australia (Source: Cornelian Bay Cemetery records.)
Notes for THOMAS JAMES NEVIN:
Nick name-Uncle Sonny. Was in the Salvation Army.
More About THOMAS JAMES NEVIN:
Baptism: May 26, 1874, Tasmania, Australia
Burial: July 17, 1948, Cornelian Bay Cemetery, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia (Source: Cornelian Bay Cemetery records.)
Occupation: Bootmaker, in Hobart (Source: Marriage certificate.)
Residence: 1948, 23 Newdegate St., North Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
More About THOMAS NEVIN and GERTRUDE BATES:
Marriage: February 06, 1907, Wesleyan Church, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia (Source: Marriage Cert. 150.)

Click here to read the extended research file [pdf] forwarded to this site from USA descendants of Walter Tennyson Bates.

Timeline: Walter Tennyson Bates' career
Bandmaster Walter Tennyson Bates was the father-in-law of photographer Thomas J. Nevin's son, Thomas or Tom "Sonny" Nevin jnr who married Gertrude Tennyson Bates in Hobart, 1907.



Bandmaster Walter Tennyson Bates, Hobart 1902
Copyright © Laurie Hoffman Collection (USA) ARR

Walter Tennyson Bates was a cornet player. He also played an instrument called the clarionet. He conducted the Hobart City, Richmond, Bellerive, Kempton, Bismark, Sorell and Filibuster bands at different times, and formed several of them. For a long time he was Grand Trumpeter of the Masonic Lodge. This genealogical information was devised and sourced by Tennyson Bates descendants, Jackie Cetnar and Polly Laughlin (Florida, USA):

More About WALTER TENNYSON BATES:
Burial: December 20, 1905, Cornelian Bay Cemetery, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia (Source: (1) Information given by Polly Laughlin., (2) Death Notice, Mercury Newspaper, 12-20-1905, Hobart.)
Cause of Death: Ulceration of the bowel and exhaustion
Occupation 1: Bandmaster (Source: Information given by Polly Laughlin.)
Occupation 2: 1905, Produce Merchant (Source: Death Certificate.)
Residence 1: December 18, 1905, Bonnington Rd., Hobart, Tasmania (produce merchant) (Source: Death Certificate.)
Residence 2: 1854, 63 English St., Hull, Yorkshire, England (Source: Birth.)
Residence 3: 1861, Hull, East Yorkshire, England (Source: 1861 Census Hull, Yorkshire, England.)
Residence 4: 1871, Hull?
Residence 5: 1879, Poulton Rd., High Park, North Meols, Lancashire, England (Source: Marriage certificate.)
Residence 6: 1881, 33 Back Virginia St., North Meols, Lancashire, England, Musician (Source: 1881 Census North Meols,
Lancashire, England, FHL film 1341898, PRO RG 11, 3752, folio 67, page 47.)
Residence 7: 1882, Australia (Melbourne) (Source: Walter T. Bate Obit, Tasmain Mail.)
Residence 8: 1895, Goulburn St., Hobart, Tasmania, Australia (Source: Birth certificate.)

THE BANDS and THE MUSIC



The garrison parade polka by Clerke, Adam.
Date  [18--?]
https://stors.tas.gov.au/smu128053279
Format  musical score

The Tasmanian Archives and Heritage site (online) holds a collection of music scores played by the bands in this era. Click here for a search list.

1887



Source: The Mercury, 7 February 1887

TRANSCRIPT

The Garrison Band (by permission of the Commandant) were present during the afternoon, under the conductorship of Bandmaster Walter T. Bates, and performed the following programme:- March, "Lights o'London;" overture, "Les Fees des Potadam;" valse, The Mikado; selection, Bohemian Girl'; solo polka, "Esmeralda;" cornet solo, Mr. T. Bates; valse "Sweet Dreams;" selection, "Attila;" schottishe, "Fairy Bower;" "God Save the Queen."

1888
The Centennial Band contest, Sydney, NSW
Report from the The Hobart Mercury, 31 January 1888

TRANSCRIPT

THE CENTENNIAL BAND CONTEST

The Launceston Telegraph publishes the following communication from its special reporter in Sydney :—

The great band contest, held in connection with the centennial celebration at Sydney, is over, and the band of the 4th Regiment, hailing from Newcastle, are the champions with 274 points, Bulch's Model Brass Band from Ballarat second with 234, and the Launceston City third with one point behind, 233. The decision was known on Saturday evening, as a few private telegrams were received, but a good deal of misapprehension existed, as the reports that gained currency yesterday morning that the City was only third and the St. Joseph's seventh were discredited. Last evening, however, in response to many inquiries as to the correctness of the report, the first statement was confirmed. We regret to learn, however, that Mr. Wallace was seriously indisposed, and though he made a gallant effort to lead his band, medical aid, our correspondent tells us, had to be summoned. The illness of Mr. Wallace naturally had a very depressing effect on the bandsmen, and it is only reasonable to suppose that had he been in his old form his aid would have more than made up that one point and placed him second on the list. Our correspondent also tells us that the St. Joseph's Band have come to Melbourne.

The following is the decision of the judges, Signor Zelman, Mons. Leon Caron, and Mr. W. Gildea :—
Points.
Band of the 4th Regiment, Newcastle, N.S.W. (numbering 25 performers),— Mr. W. Barkell, bandmaster. Formed 1884 .... 274
Bulch's Model Band, Ballarat, Victoria (numbering 30 performers).—Mr. J. E. Bulch, bandmaster. Formed 1887 .... 234
Launceston City Band, Tasmania (numbering 32 performers).—Mr. A. Wallace, bandmaster .... 233
Eastern Suburban Band, South Australia (numbering 22 performers).— Mr. A. Heath, bandmaster. Formed 1885 .... 216
Hobart Garrison Band, Tasmania (numbering 30 performers).—Mr. W. T. Bates, bandmaster. Formed 1886 .... 199
South Australian Militia Band (numbering 34 performers).—Lieut. R. V. Squarise, bandmaster. Formed 1877 .... 187
Northcote's Sandhurst Band, Victoria (numbering 45 performers).—Mr. Jas. Northcote, bandmaster. Formed 1862 .... 174
St. Joseph's Band, Launceston, Tasmania (numbering 40 performers).— Mr. T. Harper, bandmaster. Formed 1845 .... 173

The other bands were:—The Albury Town Band, N.S.W., N. P. Pogson, bandmaster; Mudgee Town Band, Mr. A. W. Sheppard, bandmaster ; Band of the Naval Brigade, Sydney, Mr. J. Devlin, bandmaster ; the Cumberland Band, Mr. W. Walters, bandmaster.

SOLO CONTEST.
The solo contest resulted as follows :—

CLARIONET.
Mr. Allison (Eastern Suburban)—"Air Varie"—by L. Blankman, B.M. 72nd Regt .... 1
Mr. Munro (Hobart Garrison)—"3rd Air and Varie"—by J. B. Gambars .... 2
Mr. Cousins (Hobart Garrison)—"Fantasia on Moore's Melodies"—by E. J. Macdonald .... 3

CORNET.
Mr. Grant (Eastern Suburban)—"Torquaso Tasso"—Donizetti .... 1

EUPHONIUM.
Mr. Ferguson (Bulch's Model)—"Schu-sucht"—Hartman .... 1
Mr. Lorimer (Bulch's Model)—"Jenny Jones"—H. Round .... 2

The adjudicators were :—Bands—Signor A. Zelman, conductor of Italian Opera, and of the Australian Military Band, Melbourne ; Mr. W. Gildea, bandmaster (certificated) from the Royal Military School of Music, Kneller Hall, England ; Mons. Leon Caron, the eminent composer and orchestral conductor, composer of the Melbourne Exhibition prize cantata. Solos—Signor Zelman, Mons. Caron, Mr. H. McMahon, and Mr. W. Gildea.

Source: The Mercury, 31 January 1888 (continued)

We yesterday received the following letter from Mr. Bandmaster Bates:—

"Victoria Barracks, Sydney, January 25, 1888.—Sir, I send you a copy of a letter I received from Sir Robert Hamilton's private secretary to-day. I may state that we accompanied a guard-of-honour to meet him on his arrival in Sydney.

'[Copy.]—Government House, Sydney, January 25, 1888.—Bandmaster Bates, Hobart Garrison Band.—Sir,—I am desired by His Excellency to inform you that he has heard that it was by your own request that you accompanied the guard-of-honour to meet him on his arrival, and to request that you will convey to the band his thanks and the assurance of his appreciation of the attention.—Yours obediently, H. W. B. ROBINSON.' "

"The band contest commences to-morrow (Thursday). All the bands have arrived. We all met this morning ; over 400 played together. We expect it will be a great success. I hope the best band may win. Sydney is crowded with visitors. All the hotels are full. We are comfortably quartered at the Barracks.—Yours, etc., W. T. Bates, Garrison Bandmaster."

 Source: The Mercury (Hobart, Tas. : 1860 - 1954), Tuesday 31 January 1888, page 3

1890
In this photograph of the Filibusters Band, Walter Tennyson Bates is seated centre, holding a cornet in his right hand, and a baton in his left.



Title: The Filibusters Band 1890
Description: 1 photographic print
Format: Photograph
ADRI: NS1013-1-1737
Source: Archives Office of Tasmania

1891



Source: The Mercury 27 March 1891

TRANSCRIPT

VOLUNTEER ENCAMPMENTS
ALEXANDRA BATTERY CAMP.
[by our special reporter.]
Headed by the Garrison Band, playing a lively air, and followed by large numbers of interested spectators, the Southern Tasmanian Artillery and Torpedo Corps last night marched from the drill-yard, Macquarie-street, to their encampment at the Alexandra Battery. They commenced to assemble at the drill-yard about 7 o'clock, and by 7.30 nearly all were present. The numbers were as follows:- Southern Tasmanian Artillery, 63 : officers, Major Evans, Captains E. R. W. Castray, R. C. Lewis, Lieut N. E. Lewis. Torpedo Corps, 50 ; officers, Captain Robt. Henry, Lieuts. W. H. Buckland, H. E. Packer. Garrison Band, 24 members, under Bandmaster Bates. To those are to be added the Launceston Artillery, numbering 96, who arrived during the night, or rather early this morning, and were conveyed to the encampment by the S. S. Huon. The officers are Major Collins, Capt. G. E. Harrap, Lieuts, J. E. Bennison and Walter Croft. The sole command of this body of men is vested in Capt. Parker, R.N., the newly-appointed Director of Torpedoes and Batteries. His gentlemanly bearing and thorough acquaintance with his duties were last night the subject of much favourable comment ; he well deserved this. Whilst the preliminaries preparatory to forming fours for the march were proceeding, Captain Parker was quick to detect irregularities. He pointed them out quietly, but firmly. This alone is sufficient to show that whilst wishing to act kindly, he will be no party to slovenly movements. This by the way. At 8 o'clock sharp Captain Parker gave the necessary orders, the band formed up, the men formed fours, and to a lively air they marched off. They were followed by large numbers of sightseers, and their appearance was extremely creditable. The camp reached, the S.T.A. provided the necessary guards, and the remainder of the men dispersed to their tents. These are situated on the Brown's River side of the battery, and are in rows of six, with the officers' quarters in the rear. Preparations, as previously mentioned, have been going on for some days past, but yesterday Sergeant-Major Martini, Quartermaster-Sergeant Prosser, and 12 men of the Launceston Artillery formed an advance party, and made the final arrangements for the reception of their comrades. Lieut. Buckland, is the Camp Adjutant, and is courteous to all as far as compatible with military discipline.
To-day the S.T.A. will be conveyed to the Bluff Battery, and the Torpedo Corps will be exercised at their sheds in the Domain. The Launceston Artillery will be drilled in the use of the machine guns at the Alexandra Battery. It has been decided, owing to the absence of the various corps mentioned, not to throw the camp open to the public until Sunday. On that day Divine service will be held, Rev. R. W. Dixon officiating.
If the present weather holds out, the four days under canvas will be very enjoyable. But it is not to be all child's play, as the officers are determined the men shall receive some lasting benefit from the instruction imparted. This means hard drilling, which the men appear ready to undergo, and it may with safety be augured that when the encampment breaks up the whole of the men will have benefited greatly by the experience gained.

1892
A libel action was brought against Walter Tennyson Bates but dismissed as a case against the institutions holding Sunday concerts:



Source: The Mercury 12 August 1892

TRANSCRIPT

Martin v. Bates.
Amount of claim, £100, for libel.
Jury-Messrs. Malcolm Kennedy, Howard Wright, and J. T. Soundy.
The Solicitor-General (instructed by Messrs, Hobson, Mitchell, and Allport) appeared for the plaintiff ; and Mr. W. W. Perkins, of Messrs. Perkins and Dear, for the defence.
The action was brought by John Martin and others as representing the body of musicians known as the City Band, against Walter Tennyson Bates, the leader of the Garrison Band, another body, for an alleged libel contained in a letter published in The Mercury newspaper of the 4th June last as follows : -

" Sir,-I was very pleased to see by this morning's Mercury that some one has had the temerity to again broach this subject, I can endorse all that your correspondent ' A Stitch in Time' has written, and have often seen a great deal of rowdyism carried on, and no later than last Sunday week a drunken fellow vomited over the rail of the balcony, the promenaders below protecting their clothes by dodging. Such little jokes as pinning pieces of paper on the backs of innocents and spitting on their clothes is carried on to a great extent. I tell you, sir, these concerts are not needed to keep the people off the streets. What did they do before the Exhibition opened? It is simply a place of assignation, and I know of several families who have had cause to remember their daughters' visits to these ' sacred' concerts. In conclusion, I would ask you, sir, is the lessee justified in opening the Exhibition on a Sunday ? If so, the sooner the Corporation cancel his agreement the better.-Yours, etc., Sabbath."

Mr. Perkins contended that the innuendoes contained in the letter wherein the words, " place of assignation " were used,  were not used against the City Band as a body but against the Sunday concerts as an institution. The use of the building had become an abuse.
His Honor said this public disclaimer ought to satisfy the plaintiff,
The Solicitor-General thought that it was all very well at this late hour of the day to put forward excuses of this kind, but as the City Bind did not wish to filch money from Bates, or in any way embitter the feeling existing between the two bodies, it was only fair that some reparation should be made them for the injury done them in the conduct of the Sunday concerts at the Exhibition buildings,
Mr. Perkins reiterated his statement. There was no desire to injure the band at all. It was against the institution and not the band that the aspersions were cast. They had no wish to injure the City Band at all.
The Solicitor-General after consultation regretted that he could not see his way clear to arrive at a settlement. There had been a deliberate attempt to rule the business of the City Band, and moreover there was the question of costs. He had the character of all his clients at stake, and reparation should be made to them.
His Honor thought that after the public disclaimer which Mr. Perkins had given the City Band were exonerated from all imputation of having wrongly or immorally conducted any performance at the Exhibition building, and no verdict that a jury could return would excoriate them further. Such a statement might be made against a theatre or any sacred edifice in the place. There was no place which could not be made a place of assignation, even a sacred edifice, but could for example the Lord Bishop be held responsible for that? The defendant had disclaimed any intention to injure the plaintiffs, and this public disclaimer that the letter had not been written against the plaintiffs ought to be sufficient.
After further consultation amongst the legal gentlemen engaged in the case, Mr. Perkins expressed his willingness on behalf of the defendant to pay his own costs, and an amicable settlement was arrived at between the parties.

1894-5
Elizabeth Jane Bates, Walter Tennyson Bates' wife, held a season ticket to attend the Tasmanian Exhibition 1894-5.



Title: Mrs W. Bates, Tasmanian Exhibition, 1894-5, Season Ticket Holder - 195 Bathurst St
Description: 1 photographic print
Format: Photograph
ADRI: NS738-1-277
Source: Archives Office of Tasmania
Series: Photographs of Season Ticket Holders to the Tasmanian International Exhibition 1894 - 1895, 1894 - 1895 (NS738)

1894



Source: The Mercury, 18 December 1894

TRANSCRIPT

CONCERT AND DRAMA.-An exceedingly interesting entertainment was given in the Town-hall last evening, promoted by the Rev. A and Mrs Turnbull in aid of the Mariner's Church Mission, but owing to counter attractions there was a poor audience. The first part of the programme consisted of musical and other items. It was opened by the Garrison Band, conducted by Mr. Tennyson Bates, performing Balfe's overture to The Bohemian Girl, which was given in a tuneful and subdued style that made the performance acceptable. The fault of most bands when performing in a hall is that they nearly break the windows. Mr. Gould sang "The Lighthouse Keeper" in good style, and Mrs. Turnbull contributed a fantasia on American airs on the pianoforte, evincing much ability as an executant. Mr. H. G. Clayton appeared for the first time before a Hobart audience, singing very nicely "The Wolf" and was encored. He later on sang "Father O'Flynn" and proved himself a very promising and pleasing young baritone.. Miss Enid Osborne was heard to advantage in "Why should we say good-bye?" and was recalled, and next, gave "The young and old Marie" which was encored. Mr. Frank Bowden, by request, sang "The polka and the choir boy", which was as usual much appreciated. Mrs. Turnbull read the satirical sermon on the text, "Old Mother Hubbard," very cleverly....

Title: Hobart City Band ca 1910
Description: 1 photographic print
Format: Photograph
ADRI: PH30-1-4793
Source: Archives Office of Tasmania



Title: Hobart City Band
Description: 1 photographic print
Format: Photograph
ADRI: PH30-1-8650
Source: Archives Office of Tasmania

1895



Source: The Mercury, 25 February 1895

TRANSCRIPT

THE GARRISON BAND,-A meeting of garrison officers has been held to consider matters in connection with the Garrison Band. The resignation of Bandmaster Bates was accepted, and the question of the future upkeep of a band was referred to a committee to draw up a scheme for submission to another meeting. Several applications were received from bands to be appointed for performing the services required by the garrison, but nothing definite was done.

THE GARRISON BAND -Mr. W. Tennyson Bates has resigned the Garrison Bandmaster ship after filling the position for eight and a half years, having been compelled to do so on account of rigid retrenchment. Some years ago the position was worth £150 a year, then it was cut down to £120, now it is proposed to reduce it to £30. This latter amount is utterly incommensurate with the service of so skilled a musician as Mr. Bates, whose record in connection with musical associations is probably unequalled by any other musician in the colonies. The good services be has rendered the music- loving portion of the community in Hobart will give rise to regret at his retirement.

1900
Walter Tennyson Bates was a grocer as well as bandmaster. His business premises were located in Argyle Street, Hobart. In 1900 he supported Mr Pemberton as "new blood - untried" to win a seat on the  Hobart Municipal Council.



Source: The Mercury, 5 December 1900

TRANSCRIPT

VOTE FOR PEMBERTON, ONE OF THE PEOPLE.
AND NEW BLOOD - UNTRIED.
Nominated by Martin Bland, Hobart; Patrick Bourke, 57 Barrack-street, freehold; Benjamin Gooding, 5 Warwick -street, freehold; Charles E. Mills, Argyle-street, freehold; and Francis D.Valentine, Liverpool-street, freehold; William Smith, Melville-street, freehold; Walter Tennyson Bates, Argyle-street, freehold; Henry Martin Park-street, freehold; Robert Jackson, Liverpool-street, freehold.

1901-1903
Walter Tennyson Bates returned to England hoping a sea voyage would improve his health, accompanied by his wife Elizabeth. They resided briefly at Southport and returned to Australia via New York in 1903 on board the luxury Cunard liner, the RMS Luciana. The sailed from Liverpool on 19 September 1903, arriving at Ellis Island, NY, on 26 Sept 1903, per the manifest (below):



Pictured: RMS Luciana, 1907, sourced from Wikipedia 17 Feb 2017

According to Wikipedia: -

On 15 June 1901 Lucania became the first Cunard liner to be fitted with a Marconi wireless system. Cunard made a long trial of the installation, making their second installation to the RMS Campania on 21 September. Shortly after these installations, the two ships made history by exchanging the first wireless transmitted ice bulletin.
In October 1903, Guglielmo Marconi chose Lucania to carry out further experiments in wireless telegraphy, and was able to stay in contact with radio stations in Nova Scotia and Poldhu. Thus it became possible to transmit news to Lucania for the whole duration of the Atlantic crossing. On 10 October, Lucania made history again by publishing an onboard news-sheet based on information received by wireless telegraphy whilst at sea. The newspaper was called Cunard Daily Bulletin and quickly became a regular and successful publication. 

The RMS Luciana was famous for its large triple-expansion engines, 47 feet high, reaching from the double-bottom floor of the engine room almost to the top of the superstructure – over five decks. It was also noted for Victorian opulence at its peak:

All the first-class public rooms, and the en-suite staterooms of the upper deck, were generally heavily panelled, in oak, satinwood or mahogany; and thickly carpeted. Velvet curtains hung aside the windows and portholes, while the furniture was richly upholstered in matching design. The predominant style was Art Nouveau, although other styles were also in use, such as "French Renaissance" which was applied to the forward first-class entrance hall, whilst the 1st class smoking room was in "Elizabethan style", comprising heavy oak panels surrounding the first open fireplace ever to be used aboard a passenger liner.
Perhaps the finest room in the vessels was the first class dining saloon, over 10 feet (3.05 m) high and measuring 98 feet (30 m) long by 63 feet (19.2 m) wide. Over the central part of this room was a well that rose through three decks to a skylight. It was done in a style described as "modified Italian style", with the a coffered ceiling in white and gold, supported by ionic pillars. The panelled walls were done in Spanish mahogany, inlaid with ivory and richly carved with pilasters and decorations. [Source: Wikipedia]

Manifest of RMS Luciana, Walter and Elizabeth Tennyson Bates
Source: www.libertyellisfoundation.org

The manifest shows the entry via Ellis Island, New York of Walter and Elizabeth Tennyson Bates on route to Australia (lines 6 -7) on 26 September 1903. Their details on this manifest show that Walter's occupation was "merchant"; that they were carrying 300 US dollars; that they had previously entered the USA; that their contact was E. Bates in Detroit; that neither was a polygamist nor an anarchist; and that both were in good health.



Source: Cunard Log Book, Wikipedia

1904
A concert at the Barrack Reserve under the baton of Walter Tennyson Bates was held in December 1904 to raise funds for new uniforms.



Source: The Mercury 12 December 1904

TRANSCRIPT

City Band.- A large concourse of people gathered at the Barrack-reserve last evening to listen to the first concert of the season by this popular band. Mr. W. Tennyson Bates conducted, and it was a pleasure to many to see his familiar face once again at the bandstand. The members, some 30, acquitted themselves admirably, and found favour with the assemblage. Mr. Bates has again introduced the clarionette into his band, an instrument which of late has been discarded by Hobart bandmasters. The amount collected at the gate on behalf of the uniform fund exceeded expectations.

Title: Man in uniform with tuba
Description: 1 photographic print
Format: Photograph
ADRI: NS1013-1-1113
Source: Archives Office of Tasmania
Series: Photographs and Glass Plate Negatives Collected by E R Pretyman, 1880 - 1920 (NS1013)
Notes: 1880 - 1920



Title: Jubilee Procession, Artillery Band 1900
Description: 1 photographic print
Format: Photograph
ADRI: NS1013-1-517
Source: Archives Office of Tasmania

Obituaries and Notices
The respective deaths of Walter Tennyson Bates and wife Elizabeth Jane Bates took place in 1905 (Walter) and 1916 (Elizabeth). Walter died in Hobart, Elizabeth died in Oakland, California; her ashes were sent by regular mail to Hobart, where they were buried in 1920 in her husband's grave.



Above: Photograph of Walter Tennyson Bates and wife Elizabeth Jane Bates, dated 1904, taken shortly before Walter Tennyson Bates' death on 18th December 1905.
Copyright © Laurie Hoffman (USA) ARR

WALTER TENNYSON BATES was born on November 15, 1854 in Hull, East Yorkshire, England and died on December 18, 1905 in Hobart, Tasmania, aged 52 years. He married ELIZABETH JANE JONES on April 22, 1879 in Poulton Rd, High Park, Lancaster,England. She was christened December 18, 1853, at St. Paul St. Pauls Square, Liverpool, Lancashire, England and died on September 9, 1916, aged 63 yrs, at Oakland,California, USA.

This page of the last will and testament of Walter Tennyson Bates is online at the Archives Office of Tasmania.



Above: Will No. 6762] Bates, Walter Tennyson - Page 1



Source: The Mercury 19 December 1905

TRANSCRIPT

DEATHS
BATES.- On December 18, 1905, at his late residence, Craigside, Bonnington-road, Lansdowne-crescent, Walter Tennyson Bates, in the 52nd year of his age. Funeral notice in Wednesday's issue.

Obituary for Walter Tennyson Bates

Source: The Mercury 20 December 1905

TRANSCRIPT

OBITUARY.
Walter Tennyson Bates answered the "Last Call" on the evening of the 18th inst., after a somewhat long illness, having expired at his late residence on Lansdowne Crescent. He had been ailing for some months, and recently took a visit to England and Melbourne in search of cure, but without avail. The deceased, who was in the 52nd year of his age, came from the old country about 20 years ago, and settled in Hobart. Prior to leaving England he was the conductor of the Winter Gardens Band, in Southport—one of the best combinations of instrumentalists in England. In Tasmania he had at various times been leader of both the Garrison and City Bands. He was for a long period acknowledged as one of the premier cornet soloists of Australasia. He had of late years conducted a flourishing produce business, and had almost given up the idea of taking to the baton again, but when the City Band solicited him he went heart and soul into the work, and made that band what it is to-day. Mr. Bates was highly respected by all who knew him, as a straightforward business man. Much sympathy is felt for his wife and family. His funeral will be attended by the bandsmen of the city, and appropriate music will be played on route and at the grave.

Source: The Mercury, 20 December 1905

TRANSCRIPT

UNITED ANCIENT ORDER OF DRUIDS
Officers and Members of the above are requested to attend the Funeral of our late Brother, W. Tennyson Bates (Member of Oak Branch Lodge), which leaves his late residence, Craigside, Bonnington-road, This afternoon, at 2.45.
J. FLANAGAN
District President.

Obituary from "The Tasmanian Mail", for 06, Jan. 1906: (Photograph of WTB also available)

The late Mr. Bates was a native of Hull, Yorkshire, England, and came to Australia some 23 years ago. He then spent about three years in Melbourne, and was leading cornet player in the Royal & Princess theatres. He came to Tasmania to lead the Rechabite Band, and was afterwards conductor of the Garrison Band for many years. He also conducted the Hobart City, Richmond, Bellerive, Kempton, Bismark, Sorell and Filibuster bands at different times, and formed several of them. For a long time he was Grand Trumpeter of the Masonic Lodge.
At the time of his death the deceased was conductor of the City Band, but had been absent on leave for some time, Mr. Clay (his first pupil in Australia) acting in his stead. The late Mr. Bates acted as a judge at the competitions in Sydney, Melbourne, Launceston and Queenstown. The deceased was a connection of the late Poet Laureate, his mother being a member of the Tennyson family, Lincolnshire (See note below). He leaves a widow and six children (one son and five & daughters).

1916 & 1920
Elizabeth Jane Bates nee Jones died in Oakland in 1916. Her ashes were sent by regular mail to Hobart where they were buried in 1920, per this Mercury notice:

BATES.—On September 9, 1916, at Oakland, California, United States of America, Elizabeth Jane, relict of the late Walter Tennyson Bates, late Bandmaster, Hobart.

Source: Hobart Mercury 22 April 1920



Cornelian Bay cemetery record:

First names : Elizabeth Jane
Surname : BATES
Age : 63
Date of death : 9-Sep-1916
Record no. : 1B 21904
Service type : Burial
Service date : 22-Apr-1920
Last residence :
Grave location -
Cemetery : Cornelian Bay
Area or denomination : Wesley
Section : G
Site number : Number 10,

Elizabeth Jane Bates, wife of Walter Tennyson Bates taken before 1916
Copyright © Laurie Hoffman Collection (USA) ARR

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Thomas Nevin's Christmas feat 1874

A Photographic Feat

On Christmas Day, 25th December 1874, The Mercury newspaper (Tasmania) published a notice which served the dual purpose of praising Thomas Nevin's photographic talents and suggesting by way of praise that the "literary curiosity" would make a great gift as a Christmas card:



T. J. Nevin's photographic feat, The Mercury 25 December 1874

TRANSCRIPT

A PHOTOGRAPHIC FEAT. - Mr T. J. Nevin, of Elizabeth-street, has performed a feat in photography which may be justly regarded as a literary curiosity. He has succeeded in legibly producing the front page of The Mercury of Wednesday, the 23 inst., on a card three inches by two inches. Many of the advertisements could be read without the aid of a glass, and the seven columns admit of a margin all round the card.

Below is a microfiche scan of the front page of The Mercury, Wednesday 23rd December 1874. It is a poor reproduction despite our 21st century technology, yet Nevin managed to photograph the full broadsheet onto a 3 x 2 inch card without sacrificing margins or legibility.



Scan of front page The Mercury 23rd December 1874
See the full page open the PDF here :Nevin front page Mercury 23 December 1874

Five of the seven columns on the front page carried advertisements for sales and special offers by retailers for goods as diverse as Christmas cards, cakes, imported confectionery, Japanese silks, chaise carts, guns and "real turtle soup" made from "one of the finest and largest turtles ever imported into Tasmania" and only available at Webb's Hotel.

This card and its duplicates may not have survived or even appear to be extant in public collections for several reasons: it would have been displayed in the windows of the Mercury newspaper offices, as well as in Nevin's studio window, and as a result may have deteriorated to a state not fit to be assessed as either valuable or collectable by the narrowly-defined aesthetic standards of museums.  It most certainly carried verso Nevin's government contractor stamp current by 1874, the only one of his stamps bearing his full initials - " T. J. Nevin" above the Royal Arms government insignia - since the journalist in his report has used the name with these initials which appear only on his Royal Arms stamp. Nevin used this stamp for commissions from the Lands and Works Department to photograph mining sites (TMAG collection), and from the Municipal Police Office (HCC) to photograph prisoners at the Port Arthur and Hobart Gaols (QVMAG, NLA and SLNSW collections). Duplicates of these same photographs were NOT stamped verso, which has caused attribution issues in recent times among librarians and museum workers etc who may only see one of Nevin's unstamped duplicates rather than the stamped original of the same photograph carrying his official or government stamp. It was the original which was used to register copyright for  a whole batch or series taken in a single year and on commission, the usual photographic practice by governments, courts and councils in the 1860s and 1870s Tasmania. By 1876 when Nevin was a full-time civil servant with the HCC, his originals of prisoners' mugshots were unstamped because they were pasted directly onto the prisoner's criminal record sheet and owned exclusively, then as police mugshots are now, by the government, a cost defrayed by Treasury as disbursement from stationery expenses.

Children's Portraits December 1874
Among his friends at the HCC were Thomas Nevin's family solicitor, the Hon William Robert Giblin MHA, later Premier, and various serving officers such as William Thomas McVilly who was a constable and later clerk for the Lands and Works Department within the Hobart City Corporation, and Clerk of Papers of the Legislative Council by 1883. Nevin photographed two of William McVilly's children, Laura and Richard, on the 18th December, 1874 (per date on verso). Both photographs were hand-tinted, and in Laura's portrait, she is depicted holding a sprig of Christmas holly. The versos of these two photographs of Laura and Richard bear Nevin's Royal Arms studio stamp used primarily to indicate photographs taken on commission for members and employees of the HCC and Municipal Police Office at the Hobart Town Hall.

Laura Blanche McVilly (1870-1931)



Date: 18 Dec 1874 
By: Nevin, Thomas J, 1842-1923
National Library of New Zealand Ref: PA2-1198
Inscriptions: Inscribed - Verso - Laura Blanche McVilly, aged 4 years 18 December 1874.
Nevin, Thomas J, 1842-1923. Nevin, T J (Hobart) fl 1867-1875
Portrait of Laura Blanche McVilly. McVilly, Richard William, 1862?-1949 :
Photograph albums and a group portrait.
Ref: PA2-1198. Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand.
http://beta.natlib.govt.nz/records/22801544

Richard William -"Dick" McVilly (1861-1949 New Zealand)



Date: 1867-1875 By: Nevin, Thomas J, 1842-1923
National Library of New Zealand Ref: PA2-1196
Inscriptions: Inscribed - Verso - In ink : Jn Dick.
Nevin, Thomas J, 1842-1923. Nevin, T J (Hobart) fl 1867-1875 :
Portrait of Jn Dick. McVilly, Richard William, 1862?-1949 :
Photograph albums and a group portrait. Ref: PA2-1196.
Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand.
http://beta.natlib.govt.nz/records/22906805



The girl on the left is Laura Blanche McVilly (1870-1931). When her father registered her birth of 18th December 1870 in the district of Campbell Town Tasmania, his occupation was listed as Constable. Ref: TAHO  http://stors.tas.gov.au/RGD33-1-49p291j2k

The boy in the middle is Richard William -"Dick" McVilly (1861-1949 - New Zealand). When his father registered his birth of 12th April 1861 in the district of Brighton Tasmania, his occupation was listed as Watch House Keeper. Ref: TAHO http://stors.tas.gov.au/RGD33-1-39p124j2k

The toddler on the right is unidentified and although noted as a girl, she might well be a boy, eg. their brother Albert Francis McVilly, born 1873. Male toddlers were commonly dressed in frocks. The toddler's carte  bears Nevin's most common commercial studio stamp, and may have been taken in 1875. When his (assuming this is a boy) father registered his birth of 23 July 1873 at Campbell Town Tasmania, his occupation was listed as clerk, information sent by letter to the registry. Ref: TAHO http://stors.tas.gov.au/RGD33-1-51p775j2k

These three children were born in Tasmania to parents William Thomas McVilly (1841-1914) and Sarah Francis (1839-?) who married on 20 December 1859, when she was 20 yrs old, and he was a 22yr old clerk. The three photographs appear in a photo album which belonged to the boy (centre), Richard William "Dick" McVilly, and is now held at the National Library of New Zealand, Wellington. Richard "Dick" McVilly spent a few years working on the Tasmanian Railway before settling in New Zealand where he became General Manager Of Railways NZ in 1919 (Otago Daily Times of February 10, 1919).

Nevin's studio stamp with the Royal Arms insignia was also printed on the verso of this carte-de-visite of a child (held in the Lucy Batchelor Collection). Nevin or his studio assistants, possibly in this instance his wife Elizabeth, hand-painted the green and red motif of Christmas holly over some object held by the child. A similar bouquet is held by Laura McVilly in Nevin's portrait of her dated 18th December 1874. The same sprig of holly motif appears on other extant cartes by Nevin, positioned in the hands of a teenage girl in one carte bearing the hand-written inscription verso "Clifford & Nevin, Hobart Town", (Harrisson Collection), and in another, on the lapel of a young sailor (TMAG; SLTas). The carte of this (unknown) toddler would have been included in Nevin's stock of Christmas cards for 1874, on sale at 140 Elizabeth Street along with the miniature reproduction of The Mercury's front page.



Detail of the holly motif



Photograph of baby with Christmas holly
and its verso by T. J. Nevin, Christmas 1874
Scans courtesy of Robyn and Peter Bishop
Copyright © The Lucy Batchelor Collection 2009 Arr.

This photograph of a teenager holding a hand-tinted Christmas sprig of holly was inscribed verso in Samuel Clifford's handwriting, "Clifford & Nevin Hobart Town." It is one of several in private and public collections bearing this inscription, and may have been taken on Sam Clifford's and Thomas Nevin's travels in 1874, reported at length in the Mercury on their stop-over at Bothwell.



Scans courtesy of © The Private Collection of C. G. Harrisson 2006. ARR.

More photographic feats ...
The technology to reduce large layouts to the size of a carte-de-visite was used by the photographer of this card for the Bunster and Young families, which includes fifty of their individual portraits (undated and unattributed).  Similar but larger composites were produced of the Aldermen and Mayor of the Hobart City Council to hang on the walls on the Hobart Town Hall where Nevin was Office and Hall Keeper between 1876-1880. Two decades later, in 1899, John Watt Beattie would produce a very big photographic reproduction of 259 portraits of the members of the Tasmanian Parliament from 1859-1895 in a single photograph, mostly using photographs taken by earlier photographers, minus their attribution.



Title: Photograph - various portrait of men (unidentified)
Description: 1 photographic print
Format: Photograph
ADRI: NS3210-1-27
Source: Archives Office of Tasmania
Series: Photographs of the Bunster and Young Families, 1850 - 1919 (NS3210)

In 1879, Tasmanian photographer Charles A. Woolley produced photographic copies of the London Times of 3 October, 1798, noted by the author of this letter to the Mercury, J. E. Calder (the Sergeant-at-Arms in 1876), as two and a half times less the size of the Mercury - 1806 square inches versus 753½ for the London Times. The historical subject of these pages was Nelson's account of the battle of the Nile. Calder remarked that with the aid of a magnifying glass, the print on Mr. Wooley's [sic] photograph was "beautifully distinct".



The London Times 1798 and Charles Wooley [sic]
The Mercury, 8th January 1879.

The Commercial Xmas Card 1880s



http://eprints.utas.edu.au/6693/
Walker, James Backhouse (the collector, not the photographer)
Photograph of track and rocky outcrop, Mount Wellington? Tasmania.
University of Tasmania Library Special and Rare Materials Collection, Australia.

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• A few drinks on Christmas Eve 1885 at New Town
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• T. J. Nevin's portraits of the McVilly children 1874
• Thomas Nevin's portrait of W. R. Giblin
• Constable John Nevin at Trucanini's funeral
• Captain Goldsmith's humorous remark at William Bunster's farewell dinner
• Charles A. Woolley and H.H. Baily
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• The red and green tinted sprigs and Wm McGuire
• On the road with Clifford & Nevin 1874