Books Produced by Ian Itter

Welcome to Ian Itter Australian Short Run Publishers. We produce a wide range of books about Australian history, and the untold stories of those who helped create the history of Australia.

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Fred Wolseley: A Man of Many Parts

Third Release Now Available

Fred-Wolseley-A-Man-Of-Many-Parts-3rd-Edition

This publication is a definitive account of the Australian life of Frederick York Wolseley, a man who came to our shores from his native land of Ireland, became a respected Pastoralist and Squatter in the New South Wales Riverina, southern Queensland and the western regions of New South Wales. He had an inventive and enquiring mind, and went on to become the creator of the first practical sheep shearing machine in Australia. He was a pioneer in the drilling of the great Artesian Basin and is the man that launched Herbert Austin into his life as the creator of one of the first English motor cars. After being dismissed from the Wolseley Sheep Shearing Machine Co. Ltd. of England he returned to Australia and became involved in rural activities again by acquiring a property in the NSW Blue mountains with his nephew. The book details his marriage and the final return trip to England where he died in 1899.

Written to record for all Australians the life of this most important pioneer, this book makes excellent reading for collectors of Wolseley gear, Wolseley and Austin Motor cars and anyone interested in our rural history.

This book contains the genealogical family tree’s of : Frederick York Wolseley, Gavin Ralston Caldwell, John Bagwell Greagh and Herbert Austin.

Wolseley- Letters Concerning Fred

Wolseley-Letters-Concerning-FredThis book is an offshoot of the “Man of Many Parts” publication. It contains transcripts of thirty-two letters written by Garnet Wolseley to his family members that contain references to “Frederick York Wolseley an Australian squatter and pastoralist, inventor and entrepreneur”. This book contains the genealogical family tree’s of : Frederick York Wolseley, Gavin Ralston Caldwell, John Bagwell Greagh. Copyright is held by the Walgett Historical Society.

Wolseley- The Walgett Collection

Second Release Now Available

Wolseley-The-Walgett-Collection

This book is an offshoot of the “Man of Many Parts” publication. It contains a photographic record of artifacts that are held by the Walgett and District Historical Society pertaining to the time that Frederick York Wolseley held the Euroka and Elmina Stations. This book contains photographs of the experimental sheep shearing handpieces, Robert Savage’s patented earth scoop and Frederick’s earth scoop. Copyright is held by the Walgett Historical Society.

Fred Wolseley- The Euroka Cashbook

Wolseley-The-Euroka-Cash-Book

This booklet is a transcription of the 1878 – 88 Wolseley’s Euroka Station Cashbook. It was transcribed to retrieve facts to support the known stories.

Wolseley’s Saddle – A Gateway to Snow Country Grazing

Wolseley's-Saddle-A-Gateway-to-High-Country-Grazing

The stories of squatters, droving and the animals involved depict life in outback Australia like no other. Encompassing the history of outback station life, in reality it is a story of basic survival; that of animal and man.

There’s nothing flash about the droving life nor that of the squatters who settled the land for future development. Yet that is why it is so intriguing. Droving in Australia dates back to the 1830s when stock was droved by the Overlanders from New South Wales to what was to become Victoria and South Australia. Back then it was a means of transport, but now in the 21st Century droving continues as a means of survival for livestock during drought conditions.

‘Wolseley’s Saddle – A Gateway to Snow Country Grazing’ is the story of three prominent pastoralists, Samuel McCaughey, Fred Wolseley and A. J. Rial and their story of settling the outback.

What makes this book unique is its inclusion of the Snow Country, Land that was utilised for grazing during the inland’s dry summer. Seen as an oasis during the dry times, the Snow Country provided the necessary food source for graziers’ stock but didn’t come without its share of political issues.

This book combines the story of some of Australia’s legends: Squatters, Drovers, stock horses, cattle and sheep.

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Herbert Austin- New Perspective on His Wolseley Years

Second Release Now Available

Herbert-Austin-New-Perspective-on-His-Wolsley-Years-2nd-Edition

This book, by John Brindley and Norman Painting, both of Birmingham, UK. is the definitive work on Austin’s time spent with the Wolseley organisations. Commencing from his employment by Frederick York Wolseley in Melbourne through his involvement with the Wolseley Sheep Shearing Machine Co. Ltd, the Wolseley Tool and Motor Car Co, the creation of one of the first two cars produced in England, through to the commencement of his own car Co. “The Austin Motor Co.” Compiled from the comapny records of the Wolseley Sheep Shearing Machine Co. It details the events, and the developments and achievements of the most remarkable man, in a most pleasing way.

Herbert Austin- A Melbourne Mechanic

Herbert-Austin-A-Melbourne-MechanicThis book, compiled by Ian Itter, relates the story of Herbert Austin and the time he spent in Melbourne. It covers the story of his arrival in Melbourne, with his Uncle Walter Simpson, a personal letter from his Mother, the places he worked, the meeting up with Fred Wolseley, his transfer to North Shore Sydey, his return to England as an employee of the Wolseley Sheep Shearing Machine Co. Ltd. It then gives the story of starting his own Motor Co. and the height of achievement, that company contributed in two world wars.

A large number of his Patent drawings have been included, covering Australia, England and the USA. This book is a must for Shearing Collectors, Historians and British motor car enthusiasts.

Herbert Austin- K.B.E. His Life Story

Second Release Now Available

Herbert-Austin-KBE-His-Life-Story

This book is a transcription of a series of original articles published in the British magazine called the “The Autocar” during the months of August and September 1929. The impetus to re-present this article in book form came from unsuccessful attempts to acquire an original copy from Australian sources. A copy at the time was unavailable.

This book serves as an additional source of information about one of the most outstanding industrialists of the then British Empire. A man who commenced his career in Melbourne Australia. While being a very selective publication, now sought after by Austin enthusiasts world wide, it gives an insight into the man from a very early time and from the man himself.

It details his early life, his experimentations in the creation and development of the modern motor car, the creation of his own business, his manufacturing prowess and his involvement as an armament supplier during two world wars. History will include his enormous efforts to create the modern motor car, now evident in the proliferation of Asian cars now on our market. He was in most cases the source.

Herbert Austin- The Old Man

Herbert-Austin-The-Old-ManThis short history of Herbert Austin was originally prepared in England in 1983 for the 50th anniversary of the “Austin Ex-Apprentices Association.

It was compiled by Austin employee, Mr. Freddie Henry.

It was decided to replicate a copy of the original in Australia, have it printed and digitised and apply an ISBN to ensure its preservation for future generations of people interested in this most remarkable and famous engineering entrepreneur.

Today there are many Austin car clubs and individual Austin enthusiasts throughout the world, each with their own stories, experiences and memorabilia of the many Austin products still in existence. This publication should enhance their collections.

We and the Baby – Revisited

We-and-the-Baby-RevisitedThis is the story of a pioneering trip made by two New Zealanders to the top of Australia on Cape York in a 1928 Baby Austin car. This little car, called Emily made the journey in 1929 and it was this trip, and his recollections of the journey that (Captain) Hector MacQuarrie wrote of so entertainingly in several instalment’s for the ‘Sydney Mail’

Following the completion of this trip, the little car was afterwards sold to a resident of Thursday Island, a Mrs. Vidgen daughter of the great Frank Jardine of Jardine’s Inlet. It was with difficulty that the Austin agents bought the car back again, so attached was Mrs. Vidgen to the tiny car, the car was then put on show in Sydney and afterwards presented by the Austin agents to Mr. Hector MacQuarrie and Mr. Richard Matthews.

The original Baby Austin which made the arduous trip now rests beneath the waves, with the wrecked ship ‘The Tahiti’

Herbert Austin – His First Cars

Herbert-Austin-His-First-Cars

This booklet is for the reader with a technical mind.

Herbert Austin was the producer of some of the earliest motor cars in the United Kingdom.

After leaving Australia to work for the Wolseley Sheep Shearing Machine Co. Ltd., he returned to his native land where he turned the manufacturing of sheep shearing machines into a very successful operation.

He then turned his attention to his dream of creating some form of road transport after witnessing the hardships of travel in outback Australia.

This booklet takes the reader systematically through the development of each car he developed, starting with his two Wolseley named vehicles up to the commencement of manufacturing under his own name and company, The Austin Motor Car Co.

Austin cars played a large part of road transport, both personal and commercial in the early days of motoring in Australia. And at one time nearly became Australia’s own car.

To Hell and Gone – Revisited

To Hell and Gone - Penryn GoldmanThis book, at first glance, appears to be just another old travel book concerning selected parts of the  globe, however to those interested in Australian History, it’s pages give a large amount of detail on a trip taken by an 18 year old English aristocrat, nephew of Sir Penny Goldman, Viceroy of India, who was determined to see the regions of the British Empire.

Penryn Goldman (Monck) who, upon acquiring a 1926 Baby Austin car, made a unique trip from Adelaide to Daly Waters in the Northern Territory via the undeveloped “Australian Outback” now famously called “The Never Never land.”

Travel with Penny as he heads for Darwin, only to have the body of his second hand Austin collapse at Daly Waters.

After joining newly made friends Frank and Win Wright of Melbourne, he journeys with them in the 1925 Vauxhall Tourer back to Roto in central New South Wales.

An exciting book on human endeavour in early Australia.

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After Many Days- Revisited

After-Many-Days-Revisited

This reprint of an Australian Classic, was written by Cuthbert Fetherstonhaugh, one of our most outstanding pastoral pioneers, who arrived in the new Colony of Victoria in 1853 after leaving Ireland.

Cuthbert Fetherstonhaugh (pronounced Featherston–haw) was a prolific writer who took the time to include into his writings many specific details on people, places and dates, details so important to the Australian historian of today.

His story commences with his time in Melbourne and then he tells of time spent in the Goulburn Valley, Western Victoria, Queensland and finally in the NSW Riverina working as manager of the largest ‘Run’ in the Riverina district.

Cuthbert was one of the early men who with partners took the gamble and acquired a ‘Run’ in Queensland, where by opening up new pastoral leases they hoped to build their dreams, only to be “wiped out” following severe drought and serious shortage of money following a financial collapse in Britain.

This book takes in the first 35 years of his life, and leaves the reader amazed at the quality and stamina of those persons that made up that revered group, our pioneers.

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  • Transcription
  • Released 2012
  • ISBN 978-0-9805392-4-0
  • Written by Cuthbert Fetherstonhaugh
  • Price for this limited Edition $65.00 AUS, plus Postage

After Many Years

Also known as “My Religious Experiences”

After-Many-Years-Revisited

This book is the continuation of Australian Pioneer Cuthbert Fetherstonhaugh’s most successful 1918 book “After Many Days” in which he narrates the tale of the first 35 years of his most remarkable life.

He has been long regarded as a most faithful recorder of early pastoral life in Victoria, the early outback settlements of Queensland and later central NSW. He was a regular contributor to the “Australasian Pastoralists Review” with his many articles on early Squatters and pastoralists now so highly valued by historians.

After a financial failing in Queensland, he took up the position as manager of Brookong Station, then the largest Station and Run in the Riverina portion of NSW. He then left this position to became a clergyman of the Church of England. This book covers that period.

During his time with the Church, he became disenchanted with the Creed and Dogma associated with their form of worship and resigned. He then went back on the land as manager of Canally Station near Balranald. After acquiring a portion of the famous “Goorianawa” run near “Baradine” where he stayed for 19 years, he finally acquired “Mungerie” near Coonamble.

Cuthbert Fetherstonhaugh’s Goorianawa Station

Cuthbert-Fetherstonhaugh's-Goorinawa-Station

This booklet by Alan Chinn and Robyn Cavanagh illustrates this famous station and includes memorabilia of Cuthbert Fetherstonhaugh. The famous song “Goorianawa” is mentioned as is the life of Cuthbert and his wife Flora in and around Coonabarabran.

Cuthbert Fetherstonhaugh – The Meat Export Trade

Cuthbert-Fetherstonhaugh--The-Meat-Export-TradeProduced in 1894 by Cuthbert Fetherstonhaugh, this booklet details the efforts taken by the writer to introduce a Chilled Meat Export Company, operating from NSW and Queensland, in opposition to the already highly successful New Zealand enterprise.

The author was a pioneer pastoralist who became a Squatter in his own right taking up the properties of Goorianawa and Mungerie on the western edge of the Warrumbungle ranges near Coonabarabran in NSW.

Mr. Fetherstonhaugh had led a quite varied life, commencing from the time he arrived in Melbourne in 1853 from Ireland. He first went to the Goulburn valley, then Western Victoria, Queensland and the Riverina area of NSW. He at one time became a Clergyman with the Church of England. He was a prolific writer and contributed many articles to the “Australian Pastoralists Review” leaving a legacy of many tales and experiences in two books “After Many Days” and “After Many Years.”

This booklet was reproduced to help record our pioneering efforts prior to Federation.

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Robert Savage – A Victorian Pioneer and Inventor

robert-savage_01_2-copyRobert Savage was one of the earliest people who came over to the Port Phillip District of NSW from Van Diemans Land (Tasmania). He came across the Strait in 1840 in one of Henty’s boats and took up a Run at Nangeela near Casterton in Western Victoria with H. P. Dana, Dana and his brother setup the Native Police. He later became Clerk of Courts at The Grange, now known as Hamilton. he had several positions with the Public Service as a Stock Inspector, one place being at Moama near where he lived at Echuca. He worked with Frederick Wolseley on an early version of rotary wool clipping handpiece and held the first patent jointly with Mr. Wolseley. This machine was unsuccessful and Wolseley scrapped the idea in favour of the reciprocating action of the Handpiece. Robert Savage was a great contributor to The Australian and The Pastoralists Review, becoming the Rural Editor of The Pastoralists Review. Savage was an inventor , and holds several patents for various inventions. The main and most successful creation was the “Savage Earth Scoop” which is on display at the Walgett and District Historical Society in Walgett. He designed a Torpedo to help protect the Port Phillip Bay “Heads” when we were being threatened by the Russians. Other inventions some not completed were “Improvements for Puddling and Washing Gold. An Improved Vacuum Steam Pump, an improved Railway Tip Truck and a method of “breaking Stones” He wrote extensive newspaper articles and was one of the instigators for an Agricultural Model farm and was on the formation Committee for the Australian Agricultural Society which staged the first Melbourne Show. His life has passed with very little compiled to illustrate some of his achievements.. He is buried with his wife in the St. Kilda cemetary.

Robert Savage- Agriculture in Victoria

Robert Savage was an original occupier of land in the NSW province of Port Phillip. He started off as a pastoralist, witnessing the early settlement and the displacement of the local Aboriginal Tribes.

He moved on to become a Public Servant, occupying several positions from Clerk of Courts to Stock Inspector. He began writing articles for the Melbourne Argus newspaper, and dabbled in no small way in inventions. he worked with Frederick Wolseley on the Shearing machine and his Earth Scoops.

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  • Released 2008
  • ISBN 9780980539226
  • Written by Robert Savage

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Serpentine Creek Station

Serpentine-Creek-Station

This is the story of the Serpentine Creek Station, which was established in 1843. It was named by John Bear and became a Pastoral Run for Cattle and Sheep. The homestead was located at Bears Lagoon in northern Victoria.

It was one of the first permanent water supplies in the Port Phillip District of New South Wales and later on became a substantial livestock fattening area for animals that were headed for slaughter to provide food for those working on the Goldfields.

This document is a compilation of many works and articles centred around the core work of Gwen Twigg of Bears Lagoon, in 1992 and other original material supplied by Sue Womersley of Hawthorn, Melbourne and Jacqueline Terry of Kent, England.

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  • Original Title
  • Price $30 Australian, plus postage
  • Written by Gwenn Twigg and Ian Itter
  • ISBN 978-0-6464648-3-1
  • Published by the East Loddon Historical Society in 2006

John Ettershank- The Red Brick Woolshed

John-Ettershank-The-Red-Brick-Woolshed

This is the story behind the construction of the Red Brick Woolshed which is located seven kilometres north of the central Victorian town of Serpentine.

Constructed by pioneer John Ettershank, Civil Engineer, Stock and Station Agent, Pastoralist and Farmer. He was an inventor credited with designing, manufacturing and patenting the first mechanical shearing handpiece.

This story is one of perseverance and sadness, and illustrates the exceptional quality of our Scottish pioneers and forebears.

Langloh Parker- Yanga and Bangate Stations

Langloh-Parker-Yanga-and-Bangate-StationsThis Booklet is a brief history on the life of Langloh Parker. It details his involvement on both Yanga and Bangate Stations. Langloh Parker and his three brothers managed the Yanga Station properties at Balranald in the Riverina area of NSW for their uncle Augustus Morris in the years 1854 through to 1859. After Augustus Morris sold these properties, three of the Parker’s took up other stations. Langloh later moved to Bangate station 120 kilometres north of Walgett and acquired other properties in NSW and Queensland in partnership with with Fred Wolseley and Vincent Dowling, they acquired land in Western Queensland and are now remembered as important Queensland Pioneers.

Arthur Feldtman’s- Some Pastoral Properties

Arthur-Feldtmann's-Pastoral-PropertiesArthur Feldtmann was a well noted and highly respected Swan Hill historian.

During the 1980s he had articles published in the “Regional Times” which was a supplement to several regional newspapers, relating to 31 pastoral properties which he had researched.

These articles are still in existence on many station properties and are also held in the archives of the Swan Hill Historical and Genealogical Society.

Showing signs of wear and tear these ageing documents are constantly being referred too by visitors and locals seeking selected information.

When seeking details about a particular property, it is not uncommon for the owners to bring out a copy of the respective pages of Arthur’s articles that refer to their property.

These articles have now been incorporated into a single book entitled “Arthur Feldtmann’s – Some Pastoral Properties”

These articles, along with many additional portraits, photographs and a comprehensive index all come together in this pleasing, easy to read book.

Full colour plates of each property have been included at the end of every chapter, highlighting the property homesteads as they are today.

Reminiscences of Australian Early Life – Revisited

Reminiscences-Of-Australian-Early-Life-CoverWritten in 1891 by John Phillips, who, 50 years earlier as an 18 year old came to Australia from England seeking “Colonial Experience”.

After trying several attempts as stockman, and shepherd, all the time gaining experience, he met up with a one time member of the original 32 party of overland settlers who walked from the Sydney regions to Port Phillip Bay (Melbourne). A partnership was formed and the Warbreccan pastoral Station at Deniliquin was created.

John tells his story of setting-up a working station, Aboriginal activities, witnessing the initial gold discoveries at Mount Alexander (Castlemaine), the capture of bushranger Mad Dog Morgan and his return to England with the first news of the gold discoveries in the fledgling colony of Victoria.

John’s story gives a good, simple record of those times. A very good read!

Conrick of Nappa Merrie

Conrick-of-Nappa-MerrieThis is the story of John Conrick, who as an eighteen year old from Tower Hill near Warrnambool assembled a mob of cattle and with others walked them to the Cooper Creek in Queensland.

He took up a selection of land known by the Aborigines of the area as “Gnappa Merri” (Water and Sandhill).

Nappa Merri became famous in Australian history as the location of the Burke and Wills expedition “Dig Tree” and the location where Wills passed away.

A man of incredible physical strength, Conrick persevered through droughts, floods and isolation to establish first a cattle station then, as markets changed he introduced sheep and wool to his activities, excelling in both. He owned and bred several racehorses

Conrick was the man who blazed and opened the now famous Strzelecki track which ultimately gave pastoralists access to the Adelaide stock markets.

His story tells of his first contacts with the native population. Nappa Merrie remains a model Coopers creek cattle station.

A true pioneer by any standard, this book by Helen Mary Tolcher is a fine easy to read history of a most intriguing part of Australia.

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Thomas Browne’s Murrabit Station

Thomas-Browne's-Murrabit-Station

This is the story of the time spent by Thomas Alexander Browne during his ownership of the Murrabit Pastoral Station at Lake Boga in Northern Victoria.

This large station which covered many square miles included along with other lakes, Lake Boga, which became well known as a flying boat repair base during the second world war.

Browne, who later became famous as one of early Australia’s most influential writers of both fiction and non fiction books, and press articles, took up the Murrabit Run in 1858 and ran it for five years before facing financial difficulties which forces him to relenquish the property.

Writing under the pen name of Rolf Boldrewood, Browne achieved lasting fame with his book Robbery Under Arms which was widely read in both England and Australia.

Compiled from documents existing in several libraries, this book brings together in one publication the story of a small part of Browne’s colourful life.

Old Melbourne Memories- Revisited

Old-Melbourne-Memories-Revisited This is the true story of an early Victorian Sqatter and Pastoralist Thomas Alexander Brown, who came to the then Port Phillip District of NSW from Sydney in 1840 . He then proceeded to the Western District and took up a Cattle Station. he later took up Murrabit Station at Lake Boga . He was at one time a Police Magistrate, and a Gold Rush Commissioner at Gulgong. He later took up another station, Bundidgery near Narrandera in the NSW Riverina District. he is best known under his pseudonem of Rolf Boldrewood, under which he wrote many Australian novels and several Non Fiction publications, such as this one. “Old Melbourne Memories” His best known work was “Robbery Under Arms”, he added an e to his surname in 1860 to become Thomas Alexander Browne.

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  • Released 2012
  • ISBN 978-0-9805392-5-7
  • Written by Thomas Browne
  • Price $40 Aus, plus postage

Shearing in the Riverina

Shearing-in-the-Riverina

While this publication is not classified as a non-fiction book, it should be. In it Thomas Browne, writing under the pen name of Rolf Boldrewood describes a typical shearing season of around the 1870’s. Before the introduction of Wolseley’s mechanical shearing machine.

Thomas was an experienced squatter, who in 1841, as a fourteen year old with others, drove cattle from Melbourne to beyond Warrnambool in the Western District and there setup a cattle station. From that point he became a skilled squatter. He later became one of Australia’s most popular authors.

While describing the operations of a shearing shed, Thomas uses nom de plumes for people and places, some of whom, at the time of publishing, were able to recognise their characters and places.

At the time of writing, Thomas was managing Bundigerry Station near Narrandera in the Riverina.

Many shearers will appreciate this written account of their work. The book is embellished with photographs of some famous woolsheds.

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The Squatters Directory 1849 – Revisited

The-Squatters-Director-1849This index was produced primarily to assist researchers of Victorian pastoral history. This is book one of a three book series.

It was compiled in 1849 from Government Gazzette’s at the office of “The Argus” newspaper and its pages capture the steady progress being made at that time to advance the Port Phillip District just before the declaration of the Colony of Victoria and the turbulent times of the Gold Rush.

Compiled and presented in three different formats, i.e. by Squatter’s names, names of their properties and the Commissioners Districts in which these properties were located makes it easy to locate relevant details.

This index, besides being a research tool, makes an interesting conversational piece to all those persons interested in our pastoral heritage.

The Squatters Directory 1859 – Revisited

The-Squatting-Directory-1859This index was produced primarily to assist researchers of Victorian Pastoral history. This is book two of a three book series.

This transcription was compiled using the directory for this period which had been originally published in Melbourne in 1859 and is now held in the Victorian State Library.

This Directory as with the other books in this series, is presented in three different sort formats, i.e. by Squatters Names, Station Names and the District in which these properties were, and in most cases still are located making it easy to locate any relevant details.

Compiled during a period in Victoria’s history, when a strong development era was in progress, following and during the Victorian Gold Rush, this index displays to the reader the steady rural growth in pastoral properties and grazier occupations, It displays also the steady encroachment of European settlement into the more remote regions of the land called “Australia Felix”

The Squatting Directory 1874 – Revisited

This index was produced primarily to assist researchers of Victorian Pastoral history. This is book three of a three book series.

This transcription was compiled using the original directory for this period which had been compiled by Miles McPhail, and is now held in the Victorian State Library.

This Directory as with the other books in this series, is presented in three different sort formats, i.e. by Licensees, Station Names and the District in which The-Squatting-Directory-1874these properties were, and in most cases still are located making it easy to locate any relevant details.

Compiled during a period in Victoria’s history, when a strong development era was in progress, following the Victorian Gold Rush, this index displays to the reader the steady rural growth in pastoral properties and grazier occupations, It displays also the steady encroachment of European settlement into the more remote regions of the land called “Australia Felix”

rare books

Old Times in the Bush of Australia
Kirby Bothers of Tyntyndyer Station

Old Times in the Bush of AustraliaIn March, 1839, James Kirby was requested to commit his early experiences in the Australian bush to paper by the then Governor General of Australia Lord Hopetoun.

The Kirby family along with the Beveridge family, who were then living at Mercer’s Vale organised an exploratory party to search for new lands to better their pastoral existence.

Arriving at Major Mitchell’s Swan Hill, the two Kirby brothers and the two Beveridge brothers set up a station which they called Tyntyndyer, ten miles down stream.

From this beginning and following the murder by natives of Andrew Beveridge at Piangil Station, the brothers left the district and became store keepers, stock and station agents, hotel proprietors and lessees of three large properties in and around Casterton in Victoria’s Western District.

James has included in this 1896 book, the first meeting with the local tribe of the Watti Watti people of the Tyntynder and Poon Boon area, the killing of Andrew, several tales of station life in and around Casterton and his final occupation of a station at Minyip.

An excellent, factual book written from first hand experience.

John Fairfield – The Overlander

John Fairfield - The OverlanderThis book is a novel written by Peter Beveridge based on actual events of that time.

It is thought to have been written in 1862 in the lounge room of the Tyntyndyer Homestead, near Swan Hill

The term “Overlander” generally applies to those pioneering men and women who braved the wilderness to walk their sheep and cattle over long distances to remote  areas where new runs and  stations were being created.

Livestock was also walked to newly created towns such as Melbourne, Adelaide and others and to the new goldfields that had come into existence following the discovery of gold in the 1850’s

Although place names are not mentioned, it is possible to re-create a pathway of where the Overlander’s of this book traversed.

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Jim Davidson- The Man and the Industry, Revisited

Jim-Davidson-The-Man-and-the-Industry-RevisitedBased primarily upon a small leaflet publication released by the Lister Shearing Machine Co., called “The Man and the Industry” This new publication expands the original text with other relevant writings and articles about James Davidson, enhanced photographs have been added.

History of the Lords of Itter – Revisited

Lords-Of-Itter-Revisited

A short Historical record on the Lords to Itter, (Herren zu Itter ) an excellent ancient house known out of antiquity. Transcribed from the original 1740 book held in Cassell, Germany. An excellent reference book for any student of the Middle Ages or persons interested in that period.

The Pelton Wheels of Cunnamulla

The-Pelton-Wheels-of-Cunnamulla

How important is a machine (any machine) that eases the life of man?

This book records the role of the Pelton Wheel in one of the dry outback regions of Australia. Patented in the 1870s, this machine provided motive power derived from bores put down into the Great Artesian Basin during the time of the greatest drought in our history.

Primarily used to obtain water for stock, these bores later became the source of electrical power on remote properties with the introduction of this turbine, which allowed the pressure emanating from the flowing bore water to be utilised to drive electric generators.

This electric power was then used to drive sawmills, woolshed, pumps to supply water and generate electric lighting in the homestead. Some bores were put down specifically to drive shearing machines in the sheds, the water obtained became a bonus to the grazier.

Now an artifact, these old wheels are just a piece of ironmongery, often stacked away in some remote corner of a local museum, their purpose quite unknown to many visitors.

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  • Original Title
  • Released 2013
  • Written by Ian Itter
  • Price $30 Aus, plus postage
  • ISBN 978-0-9875709-0-1

Restoring the Elmina Pelton Wheel

_Pelton - Painted_01

Discovered under scrub on an outback Queensland cattle station, a pile of old castings and a strange wheel took the eye of two visitors.

Intrigued to know what these remnants of an earlier time were, investigations into their provenance began. Station records helped, along with several letters written by the then owners. An intriguing Australian pioneer story began to unfold, a story quite unfamiliar to the vast majority of Australians, both new and old.

The story of the Great Artesian Basin and the American Patented Pelton Wheel, used to bring and distribute water to large areas of our dry outback country

The role of this book, in a small and simple way, aims to enlighten us to the grand succession we inherited from the old country. The freedoms, the adaptive people, the importation of English money and empire technology and the sheer resilience of our ancestors.

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  • Released 2021
  • Compiled by Ian Itter and Bob Bird
  • ISBN 978-0-9805392-9-5

Shamrock, Thistles and the British Raj

Shamrock,-Thistles-and-the-British-Raj

On June 7, 1818, Edward Cunningham Native of Ireland, Convict No. 96, arrived in Van Dieman’s Land aboard the ‘Minerva’ and in the years that followed, his descendants married into other families who had migrated to the new colonies in Australia. Shamrocks, Thistles and the British Raj brings these family lines together, converging to become the beginning of the Hetherington family line in Australia 195 years ago.

It also continues the line up to the eighth generation, Australia, from Reuben, son of William Hetherington, the original immigrant, and Helen Dow, Great-grandaughter of Edward Cunningham, who married in 1888 and came to Koondrook in Northern Victoria the same year.

Balranald Looking Forward, Looking Backward – Ken Spinks

Balranald-Looking-Forward-Looking-Back

Balranald, since its creation has been a frontier town.

Located on the Murrumbidgee river it soon became a service town for those outback NSW stations wishing to transport their wool, meat and grain to markets. As it grew it attracted itinerant workers, unknown dubious characters, Chinese gardeners, labourers and men of the road. The area also attracted men and women of character, hard working people who took up large stations, opened businesses, created social amenities and brought a level of civilisation to the region.

The colourful stories and anecdotes created by these individual characters reflect the wonderful Aussie humor held by country people. In this book the author brings to the reader just some of the anecdotes and historical stories of the country town and area called Balranald.

Arthur Itter- God’s Knight Errant Revisited

Arthur-Itter-God's-Knight-Errant-RevisitedArthur Itter, of Peterborough, was a Crusader for Christ, a true Knight in the service of the Kingdom. His religion was the mainspring of his life, and loyalty to his church took first place. He was associated with many philanthropic and religious enterprises and was elected to the Council of the Baptist Union of great Britain and Ireland.

A man of charming personality, with qualities of character and statesmanship that well fitted him for the civic and administrative posts to which he was called. He succeeded to his fathers business at the age of 25, and his many commercial and financial interests soon brought him into prominence and he became a City councillor when he was 30 and Mayor at 35 – the youngest Mayor ever to be elected by the City of Peterborough.

Accepting happily and gratefully all the beauty and gladness of life, his gratitude expressed itself in service to his fellow men and he was a fine example of what youth can mean to the corporate life of a modern city.

A Loyal friend, a good Christian and a great Citizen, he was honoured and loved by all.

William Westgarth’s Australia Felix

Australia-Felix

Arriving in Melbourne in December 1840, William Westgarth became a leading citizen of that township and a prominent recorder of the history of “Australia Felix” the name accorded to the southern portion of NSW by Major Thomas Mitchell.

This narrative gives the reader an uncluttered view of the founding days of the colony of Victoria and an insight into the lives of the aboriginal inhabitants of that time. It also gives an insight into how the British Government setup their respective colonies and of the controls placed upon the local administrators.

Classified as a rare book, this transcribed version will no doubt assist the modern reader to understand more fully the bounteous treasure of the land we have inherited from our forefathers.

Samuel McGaughey – Revisited

Samuel-McCaughey

This is the story of Samuel McCaughey, an Irishman who came to Australia in 1856.

Walking from Melbourne to Horsham he commenced his life as a Pastoralist/Squatter, becoming one of the largest and richest land holders in Australia.

He is remembered by his massive achievements in water management in which he created a diversion dam on the Murrumbidgee river, moving the water down normally dry creeks and billabongs into distribution channels which brought the soil to life allowing him to create what was to become a famous sheep stud.

He introduced the Vermont breed of sheep known as wrinklies, however he moved back to the merino strain. His inventions are an be seen in museums and displays across the Riverina.

On each of his pastoral stations he created well-constructed, solid buildings of which many are still being used today. He became a member of the Legislative Council which secured the passage of the Australian Federation Bill and was a great philanthropist making large contributions to many organisations including Schools and Universities. He was knighted in 1905.

The Memorial History of Melbourne

The Memorial History of Melbourne

This transcription is of a book written by Isaac Selby and funded by the Royal Historical Society of Victoria.

Published in 1924, Lecturer and Historian Selby relates the history of Melbourne using the Old Melbourne Cemetery as a lead-in to people and events that shaped that city from its inception up to 1924. The book contains much information about the founder of Melbourne John Batman and dispels the claims of others who, even today, claim otherwise. He commends the growth of charitable institutions, the arts, free education, science and industry. He comments on the creation of the eight hour working day and the white Australia Policy. There is a chapter relating to the early history of the suburbs.

Throughout the story he continually refers to the efforts, skills and qualities of Batman. He led a lobby for the erection of a statue of John Batman and campaigned vigorously against the relocation of the Old Melbourne Cemetery.

Excellent reading for those interested in authentic Melbourne history.

Two Historic Gumtrees – Revisited

'Two Historic Gumtrees', Burke and Wills

Two Historic Trees is a transcription of a report commissioned in 1928 to investigate and report on two important trees relevant to the Burke and Wills Expedition of 1860 – 1861.

Confusion existed in many quarters at that time as to which tree was which, also which was the tree that Robert Burke died under, and the tree that became known as the Depot Tree or as we know it today the Dig Tree.

Another factor prompting this report was in which State each tree was located.

Two Historic Trees is a minor document in some ways, however it does show the diligence and effort that people with a passion for Australian history will go to in recording the true details of an event.

The War Diary of Stanley Wright of Manangatang

Stanley Alfred Wright was a 21 year old farmer from Bolton near Manangatang who, along with his brother Les signed up for Army service at Caulfield in July 1940.

Assigned to the 2/24th Battalion, he saw service in both the Middle East and New Guinea, participating in some of the heaviest fighting of the war.

He became what is now known as a “Rat of Tobruk” and was with the troops ordered back to Australia by Prime Minister John Curtin against the orders and wishes of Winston Churchill, who wanted, along with President Roosevelt, to defeat the Germans first, then come back and retake territories overrun by the Japanese forces.

Retrained in Queensland, his battalion was then sent to New Guinea where he was involved in close jungle fighting culminating in his death by sniper in 1943.

  • CHECK AVAILABILITY BEFORE ORDERING
  • Original Title
  • Released 2017
  • ISBN 978-0-6480016-3-8
  • Compiled by Ian Itter, transcribed by Susan Young (Wright)
  • Price $40 Aus, plus postage

Locating the Yanko Cutting

This is a story about water, or to be more precise the story of the cutting that was made in 1856 between the Yanko Creek and the Murrumbidgee river near Leeton, NSW.

From an idea put forward and acted upon by early squatters of the region, a system has been developed called the Yanko/Colombo Creek system, which today supplies the vital resource to farms, ecological needs, and several small townships.

The Yanko Creek system (YCS) runs south from the Murrumbidgee river to join up with the Billabong Creek over a straight line distance of over 100 Kilometres.

This is a record of early pioneering days resourcefulness

Vincent Dowling – Pioneer Bushman, Squatter and Explorer

Vincent James Dowling was born near Sydney and educated at Eton College and Sydney.

He became a pastoralist in the New England area. However after disposing of his first property he turned to droving and took large consignments of livestock many miles to various markets. Tiring of this he began exploring the then unknown outback of New South Wales and south western Queensland. He is attributed along with companions of opening up the Bourke area to settlers, selecting runs for various persons looking for land and discovering several important rivers, also selecting routes for roads which we now use as highways.

Taking his wife and child up to the Paroo River region, then onto the Bulloo River he also established a station which he called Thargomindah.

An educated man with many talents he became a Justice of the Peace, a Magistrate. and undertook to act as Doctor and Dentist to this undeveloped region.

Fearless in dealing with the harsh environment, climate, distances and the loneliness of the bush. He was a fair man to the local native population, employing many on his properties.

Channels, Pipes & Flumes
Bringing Water to the Mallee

Channels, Pipes & Flumes - Bring Water to the Mallee Book Cover

This book is a brief history of two most vital water delivery channel systems in the North West Mallee region of Victoria.

These early channels, dug out by the settlers using their own muscle and the power of the horse, created one of the biggest networks of open channels in the world.

Early Squatters and later Settlers had enormous problems in bringing wild Mallee scrub into the productive high grade land we see today, not the least being the supply of water for everyday use.

Using details gathered from many sources, the  compiler of this book has been able to piece together the story of the  Nyah to Manangatang Stock and Domestic System and the Cannie Ridge Stock and Domestic Channel systems.

These two systems were only a part of a much bigger water distribution system, known as the Wimmera Mallee Stock and Domestic Water Supply which was inaugurated in 1906 when the State Rivers and Water Supply Commission took over the control of private and Trust channels.