As well as covering a cricket match, the writer of the following report provides some interesting comments about various aspects of his trip from Tallarook, and his visit to Wallan Wallan. To read more about local cricket over the years see Connors article on oldplaces.
Kilmore Free Press Thursday 11 April 1878 page 4
A VISIT TO WALLAN WALLAN
Many of the Tallarook cricketers being desirous of visiting Wallan Wallan, a cricket match was arranged between these two named clubs, which took place on Saturday last, 30th ultimo, and as the Wallan representatives a few weeks previous played Tallarook on their own ground, on which occasion were defeated, it also served as a return match.
The means of transit was of course by rail, and with the advent of “these envious streaks that laces the severing clouds in yonder east, and as jocund day stands tip toe on the misty mountain tops,” the Tallarook cricketers were indulging in hurried ablutions, &c., in their endeavours to be in time for the early train, which was to transmit them to the field of their opponents.
What a pleasing serenity nature seems to assume when another day is fast approaching and the long and weaned looking shadows of the stately eucalipti are mantling the dewy sward of hill and dale. The bleating of the sheep and the lowing of the herds are heard in the meadows green, and tiny birds are pouring forth their autumn matins as they flit from branch to branch, and leaf to leaf. The river flows on which, as it were, casts forth its incense of tranquility as the bright orient is fast ascending the tree tops and reaching the radius of our hemisphere.
Meanwhile our secretary could be seen at one of these peepholes, which are, it seems, indispensible at our Railway Stations, who was endeavoured to be scanned by an indefatigable officer of the Department whose efforts rather disagreeably necessitated the white of his optics being more to view than was necessary for his otherwise complaisant lineaments which now formed the greatest feature, making provision and putting down many pieces of current coin for the safe carriage of his team to the place of destination and their return home. People are more reflective than talkative at this time of day, even bosom friends vouchsafe anything more than the customary “good morning,” whether such a course of conduct is due to the cup of coffee or cocoa which some may indulge in or not, it is not now within my province to explain, but, how ever, whatever may be the cause, yet it is verily so.
Ere long we were seated in a compartment of one of the carriages, the signal given, the train whisked past the platform and we were on our journey. Now hill with clumps of trees whose green leaves sparkled in the sunshine, and then gullies and some plateau bearing quadrepeds which while grazing in contentment, would come to view and quickly disappear. To the east the Tallarook mountains, the abode of the eagle, and the fleet marsupial, could be seen, but that too was fast receding from sight. A shrill whistle filled the air, whose echo floated far and near, and presently “Broadford” de cape was sounded by the officials as they passed the carriage windows, after which we were again away.
Sugarloaf mountain was seen, only for a moment, and hares, that feareth, scampered up the hill sides on the approach of the locomotive, and Kilmore station now was reached. At this station, as also at the two previous stations, offices and waiting rooms are being erected. Few minutes delay was occasioned here awaiting the arrival of the down train, but as punctuality is one of the principal virtues of Mr. Woods, the Commissioner, we were soon away, gradually ascending the Dividing Range. A dense mass of foliage seems to stretch for miles on either sides of the line, and notwithstanding the amount of timber that has been sent to the metropolis, there is no apparent lessening of the trees to be observed.
Another halt is made and “Wandong” is the gentle vocabulary; but alike all things else we must away. Before many minutes had gone we reached our destination, here we were received by the secretary and a member of the Wallan club. The country that now presents itself is far different from that we lately left behind – a vast plain seems to extend for miles, and through the leaves of the stunted white gums away to the west some few glittering roofs were to view, which were indications of the Wallan township, to reach it we set out on foot.
It could be easily noticed that the land we were on is low and subject to inundations, and as the amount of debris here and there met with, gave ample evidence. No cultivation, so to speak, is being gone on with, but, as it is with many portions of this colony, grazing pursuits are found to be more lucrative, to which here is specially devoted. It is bleak, and in an indifferent season, cattle would suffer much.
But now a spot came to view which is the temporaryhome of mortality when it has ceased from its labours. The gloomy cypresses waive o’er the dust of those beneath whose voice is heard no more. The marble slabs that are erected have all the appearance of being well attended to; and as a testimony of his worth as a public man and his genial disposition as a private citizen a tastfully and elaborate granite monument of about 12 feet high on a finely chiseled blue stone basement is erected to the memory of one who for many years had lived among the Wallan people. From the inscriptions on many of the tombs it may be safely conjectured that the parting were poignant in the extreme, and the king of Terrors seized …… …… youth and beauty were their own. And those words which are emblamatic of their faith are here on the mould, being, as it were, an incessant orison for the welfare of those beneath, After mounting the style which is the means of ingress and egress for pedestrians we bade God’s acre adieu.
The township is reached, and that attendance bestowed upon building in time of prosperity is now wanting indicative that animation of trade has lessened somewhat considerably, no exception to that invariable rule which has been manifested in all the townships along the North Eastern line; but still desolation does not sadden all the green It possesses a picturesqueness that is pleasing to witness.
The Police quarters are substantial and elegant. The Free Library building is in need of attention; its volumes we were unable to scan as the early hour precluded all possibility of reviewing its literary treasures. However, it is a good indication that the tastes are commendable, affording as many of these similar institutions do, untold worth to the student, and recreation and mental food for the many son’s of toil.
The Presbyterians have erected a blue stone edifice of commendable proportions which occupies a suitable elevation, and that fore thought in providing a building for the care of beasts of burden from the elements during service hours is here a significant fact. The Wesleyan connection are also provided with a building wherein praise and thanks to the Great Creator may be given.
And for the education and training of our youth is a large school, composed of brick and cement coating. There are a number of licensed victualers in the district who are doubtless able to meet all demands, and at one Mr. O’Dwyer’s our team breakfasted.
Some nice gardens are to be met with. It could easily be seen that tree planting was indulged in for on either side of High-street as this portion of the Sydney road is called, several specimens of pine, &c., are planted, but evidently the chill wind that sweeps across this expanse has a deteriorating effect on the upward growth. Some of those heights to the southward reveal to the observer a panorama that is majestically grand – the tall trees reaching, as it were, the etheral blue, of Plenty Ranges, the plateaux of Beveridge and Wallan Wallan dotted here and there with palatial homesteads and the fleecy clouds rolling across Hobson’s Bay.
But as the time for that which we had at first set out was fast drawing nigh – trying conclusions with a team of Wallan Wallan cricketers – we had to repair to the strife. Messrs. H. Sinclair and F. Hickey captained their respective teams. Not the best of cricket was displayed on either side; whether it was due to the few cold showers that came down during the match, it is hard to say. The result of the toss was that the Wallan men had to assume the willow, and when their last man had to retire, 43 appeared to their credit.
The Tallarook representatives next went in, and were disposed of for 34. Wallan followed, and when the time of drawing the stumps was reached, the book showed 7 wickets for 58 runs. Both teams partook of a recherche luncheon at Host O’Dwyer’s. The viands were of the choicest, and it is scarcely necessary to add that ample justice was done towards replenishing the ” inner man.” Messrs. Hobbs and S. Ferris were the umpires, and performed their duties with every satisfaction.
To return home was our next thoughts, and as the sun was sinking in the gorgeous, golden west, we were leaving (Wallan far in the roar) with hearts gay and light, well pleased with the day’s outing. The sweet notes of the fife filled our compartment in the train, and “Tommy make room for your uncle” was done justice to by an amateur, and thus we reached our respective homes, the sky dotted with stars all twinkling in the spheres – happy to return. Subjoined are the scores:
WALLAN WALLAN – 1ST INNINGS.
M’Bayne, b Redmond ……………. 1
Guthrie, not out …………………….. 0
Wilson, c Maher, b Pedlar ……… 0
M’Leod, b Redmond……………… 0
Chesterfield, b Pedlar …………… 0
Johnston, b Redmond …………. 17
Hawke, not out ……………………. 10
Johnstone, b Redmond…………. 2
Wallder, run out ……………………. 0
Laffan, b Redmond.………………. 0
Sinclair b Hickey ………………….. 0
Sundries ……………………………. 13
Total………………………………….. 43
TALLAROOK – 1ST INNINGS.
Porter, b Hawke …………………. 0
Pedlar…………………………………. 0
Sutton, l.b.w………………………… 5
Redmond, run out……………….. 1
Kennedy, c M’Leod, b Sinclair. 0
Maher, b Hawke ………………… 5
Hickey, b Sinclair………………… 3
D. Porter, b Hawke …………….. 7
Jordon, not out …………………. 6
Garland, b Wilson………………. 1
Lloyd, b Wilson..,……………….. 0
Sundries ………………………….. 6
Total……………………………….. 34
WALLAN WALLAN – 2ND INNINGs.
Hawke, b Pedlar ……………… 10
M’Bayne, b Pedlar ……………. 3
Wilson, b Hickey ………………. 0
Chesterfield, b Pedlar ……… 2l
Johnston, c Pedlar, b Redmond 4
Guthrie, b Redmond…………. 2
Johnston, b Jordon …………. 6
M’Leod, not out……………….. 0
Wallder, not out ……………….. 1
Sundries …………….…………… 4
Total………………………………. 51
Some comments
Much of what follows is based on the writings of J W Payne in his book Pretty Sally’s Hill and several articles on the website ‘oldplaces”.
Both Tallarook and Wallan East stations were developed for the opening of the north eastern railway line in 1872. Also, no doubt, it prompted local cricket and football teams to visit other towns. It is interesting to read that in March 1978, that the building of the “offices and waiting rooms at the Kilmore East Station are in progress – that is six years later. Having access to trains enabled locals to travel quickly to other towns along the railway line.
What are the “peep holes”? Maybe there was a high fence around the construction site, and so that people could see on the other side of the fence, small holes had been made. Is this a sign of vandalism?
It is interesting to read mention of “Wandong”. After the railway started operating in 1872, a siding was constructed to service the transport needs of the sawmillers on Mt Disappointment. The siding became known as Morphet’s Siding on land originally owned by Patrick Morphet. But in 1876, after lobbing by local farmer Frederick George Arkell, the local post office and railway station were named Wandong, the aboriginal word for “ghosts”. Arkell had built the local sore at Wandong.
Wallan Wallan means “round” in the local aboriginal languages and the name was first used by John Boyd for his squatting lease of 2700 acres in about 1840. The Parish of Wallan Wallan was surveyed in 1853 and the township in about 1856. By 1878 the Wallan Wallan town had a population of about 900 people.
How did the cricket team from Tallarook travel from the Wallan East station to the cricket ground? They probably travelled by buggy or dray from the station to Wallan Wallan town and back, provided by Wallan Wallan cricketers.
They first visited the Wallan Cemetery. Established in 1858, and by twenty years later there had been 185 burials (burial register). Mention is made of a 12 foot high granite monument on a marble base. I recently walked around the cemetery and there is only one monument fitting the description. Hugh Sinclair, the first store keeper in Wallan Wallan died on 15 June 1877 aged 55 years, just short of nine months earlier. The net value of his estate was 4420 pounds. His widow could well afford a substantial monument. His will can be seen online at the Public Record Office of Victoria website. See images below.
Then they travelled to High Street probably via Queen Street as the writer refers to a number of buildings along High Street. Mention is made of the police station, the Free Library, the Presbyterian and Methodist churches, and the views to the south.
It is hard to say exactly where the Police Station was in 1878. Payne states that the brick house on the south west corner of High and Queen Streets was used as a police station amongst other uses.
We all know where the Free Library building stands today. It was built in 1877. The Methodist Church was built in 1867, and later that year the Presbyterian Church was built. Both bluestone churches stand today.
They had breakfast and lunch at O’Dwyers Hotel, now replaced by Hogans (Wallan Hotel) on the north east corner of Queen and High Streets. O’Dwyer’s was also named the Woodman’s Hotel operated by Thomas John O’Dwyer.
It seems that cricket matches between locality teams started in the early 1870s. But where did they play this cricket match? The Wallan Wallan Railway Cricket Club played home matches at the Wallan East reserve, on the south of the Railway Hotel. This site was, on occasions, used by the Wallan Wallan Cricket Club. But it was probably not the site of this March 1878 match, as they had breakfast and lunch at O’Dwyer’s Hotel on High Street.
The Wallan Park was gazetted for public use in 1874 (from 1956 known as the Greenhill Reserve). It was used for cricket matches back in the early days. So it is possible this 1878 match took place at the Wallan Park. But did they travel to Hogan’s Hotel for lunch – a possibility.
As a third possibility, Payne records on page 97 that between Queen and King Streets on the western side of High Street, “was reserved for a period as a market site and ordered to be fenced in 1874. It has been a sports ground for the Athletic Club (in 1888), a cricket ground and a fair ground”. Maybe this was the site for this 1878 match, being close to O’Dwyer’s Hotel just across the road.
Note that there is an interesting reference in the Kilmore Free Press on Thursday 21 March 1878 – “Athletic sports will be held at Wallan Wallan (opposite Dwyer’s Hotel) on Monday, the 25th March, to conclude with a ball in the evening.” see below.
It is reasonable to conclude that Thomas O’Dwyer was sponsoring this event in some way and probably the cricket match above five days later.
O’Dwyer Family
Kilmore Free Press Thursday 15 February 1900, page 2
OBITUARY
Mr Thomas O’Dwyer, an old and much respected resident, died at Wallan on Thursday morning last, aged 59 years. The deceased came to the colony at a very early age and settled at the town
named many years ago, where he reared a respect able family. Mr O’Dwyer had been an invalid for some time, suffering very much from muscular rheumatism, which prevented him taking his
customary exercise, but it was about a week before his demise his illness assumed a serious form, culminating in his death as stated, an event which cast a gloom over the whole district. Some years
back Mr O’Dwyer took part in municipal affairs, representing the riding of the Merriang Shire wherein he resided, and he was trusted by friends and respected by those who may have seen their way to differ with him in municipal affairs. With his family there is strong sympathy felt and the large funeral cortege on Friday afternoon, when the remains were interred in the Wallan Cemetery with those of his wife, who predeceased him, showed the marked respect in which he was held during life. Father Bakker read the service and
Mr McBreen had charge of the funeral arrangements.
Kilmore Free Press Thursday 28 April 1898, page 3
Quite a gloom was cast over this district when it became known that Mrs Maria O’Dwyer wife of Mr Thomas O’Dwyer of Wallan, had departed this life, the sad event occurring on Tuesday last. Deceased lady, who was a native of Tipperary, Ireland, came to the colony at a very early age, and was at the time of her demise 59 years. She had been ailing for some time but it was not until
within the last few days that serious results were anticipated. Mrs O’Dwyer, who was resident of Wallan for many years, was notable for her amiable, charitable and generous qualities, and deep is the
grief felt amongst her neighbours who revered her for manifold virtues. She reared a respectable family in the district with whom and the bereaved husband the sympathy is widespread. The body will be interred in the Wallan cemetery this day (Thursday) leaving the late residence of deceased at 2.30 p.m.
O’Dwyer Family
Thomas O’Dwyer
Born – Annacarty, Tipperary, Ireland about 1841
Parents – Michael O’Dwyer and Bridget Leahy
Married – Maria Quinlan, Victoria, 1862, born Tipperary, Ireland about 1839
Parents – Michael Quinlan and Catherine O’Dwyer, died Wallan Wallan, 19 April 1898
Died – Wallan Wallan 8 February 1900
Children 1. Mary (Maisie) Elizabeth O’Dwyer, born ?, died Middle Park, 7 November 1947
2, Ann O’Dwyer, born Plenty, Victoria, 1864, died Middle Park, 9 July 1953
3. Michael Edmund, born 17 July 1867, died Wallan Wallan, July 1868, aged 11 months
4, Thomas O’Dwyer, born about 1869, died Wallan Wallan, 1870 aged 1 year
5. William O’Dwyer, born Wallan Wallan, 1871, died Wallan Wallan, 1875, aged 3 years
6. Catherine (Kitty) Alice O’Dwyer, born Wallan, 1876, died Melbourne, 9 August 1955
7. John (Jack) Francis O’Dwyer, born Wallan, 1878, died Sunbury, 1957
8. Emmett Curran O’Dwyer, born Wallan Wallan 1881, died Wallan Wallan, 1882, aged 11 months
In the Catholic Section of the Wallan Wallan Cemetery stands the O’Dwyer headstone, see below. All four faces on the monument are inscribed – Thomas, Maria, and seven children. Four children died young and the three adult girls did not marry. Jack married Ellen Mary (Ella) Stockdale in 1919 and they dont appear to have had any children. They are buried in Fawkner Cemetery. So it would appear there are no descendants.
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