The following article was published in the Axedale Antics, in 2011. The Axedale Antics is Axedale’s community newspaper.
Early Settlers: Campaspe Plains Station
Campaspe Plains Station – Charles Hutton
The township of Axedale was originally part of the Campaspe Plains Station. It is interesting to note that the original spelling is different to that used today.
Charles Hutton took up Campaspie Plains in July, 1838, having overlanded, probably from Sydney, with a large party including eight assigned convicts.
Hutton was born in London in 1808, and joined the East India Company, as a cadet in 1825. He was commissioned an ensign in 1826, when stationed in India. In 1937, Hutton took leave and travelled to New South Wales and participated in an exploratory party looking for suitable pastoral country. Hutton resigned from the East India Company in 1839, while still on leave.
Hutton and his party first settled on the upper reaches of the Wild Duck Creek, which he called Vincent Creek. They stayed here for a few months, then moved further down stream.
The original head station was on the west bank of the Wild Duck Creek, which later became known as Langworner.
In theory, the original Campaspie Plains Station was approximately 400,000 acres of grazing land which comprised of the country later taken up by the Axedale, Barnadown, Muskerry, Mt. Pleasant, Majors Line and Mitchells Creek Stations.
Campaspie Plains Massacre
Due to the drought at the time, the sheep had to be spread out over a vast area, in order to obtain enough feed. An outstation hut was established on the Campaspie, where the Barnadown bridge now stands. This was 18 miles from the main station on Wild Duck Creek. Hutton sent two flocks of sheep, two shepherds, and a hut keeper to the new outstation.
Hugh Bryan, a shepherd, and James Neill, a hut keeper were killed in May 1839, at the Barnadown outstation, by Aborigines, possibly as retribution for the earlier Aboriginal deaths.
Mounted police accompanied by Charles Hutton, killed at least five Aboriginals, in what was later described, after an official investigation, as a deliberately planned illegal reprisal.
The body of James Neill was not found in the initial search. However, in 1878, contractors digging a trench, unearthed the body of a European male, one and half miles from where the outstation was situated. Evidence including brass buttons and a buckle and the location of the body indicated to the authorities that it almost certainly was the body of James Neill.
By January 1840, Hutton sold the station to Daniel Jennings and George Playne, for 10,000 pounds, which included 7000 sheep. Hutton moved to Melbourne and married Margaret Smith in 1842. Their first daughter was born the following year. Hutton continued to be involved with pastoral interests, but never lived on any of those properties.
Pastoral Settlement in Northern Victoria, RANDALL J.O. Axedale Antics, March 2011
From: The Bendigo Advertiser, 31 July 1879, page 3
AXEDALE PLOUGHING MATCH The Axedale annual ploughing match was held yesterday at Mr. M. Boyle’s paddock, about a mile and a half from the Perseverance Hotel, Axe Creek, or thirteen miles from Sandhurst. The weather being exceedingly propitious for the day’s outing, a fair proportion of visitors attended the match from Sandhurst, including Mr. D. C. Sterry, the Mayor of the city, but the general attendance was not very large, and chiefly consisted of the farmers and their families, from the immediate neighborhood, who, however, appeared to take a lively interest in the match, and displayed great concern as to the result.
The convincing ground, which is rather prettily situated on the banks of the Axe Creek, was, although perhaps not the best that might have been choson, on account of the circumstance, that when the paddock was ploughed last, the furrows were cut very deep and run crosswise, was fairly suitable for the purposes of the match.
Notwithstanding tho slight disadvantages mentioned, however, the competitors appeared to be quite satisfied, and the work done was, as a general rule, of an excellent character. The committee, which consisted of Messrs. T. Donnellan, T. O’Rourke, D. Mills, J. Burke, A. Whitlock, J. White, W. S. Cahill, W. Cuthbert, R. O’Brien, J. W. Bywater, T. Craike, J. Martin, J, Harris, and J. O’Loughlin, deserve every credit for the interest they took in getting up the match, which it was at one period feared would have fallen through, and Mr. H. F. Dodd, the secretary, who was untiring in his energies in collecting subscriptions, ably backed up the committee in their efforts, which proved an unqualified suc-cess, and must be highly gratifying to these gentlemen. The judges were Messrs. J. D. Bywater, J. Patten, and F. Poynting, who performed their duties admirably.
The booth on the ground for the supply of comforts for the inner man was conducted by Mr. Drake, of the Campaspe Hotel, Axedale, who also catered for the committee, and served up a very good cold luncheon. As usual on such occasions some of the card sharping fraternity were in attendance, but business with them was apparently any thing but brisk.
Of the ploughing nothing but praise can be written, and on the whole, for its general excellence, the competitors in each class are to be highly complimented, the judges in some cases finding it exceedingly difficult to discriminate as to the merits of the work done by different competitors.
In Class C. (boys) the work was considerably beyond mediocrity, and it compared in a very favorable manner with the ploughing in the senior classes. The youngsters, however, had some advantage over the competitors in the adult classes, as the ground allotted to them was the pick of the field, that upon which the others operated being of a crumbly nature which rendered it hard to show off a crown to advantage, and the want of some rain to bind it together hotter, militated considerably against the appearance of tho work in the senior classes.
In Class A, the champion class, there were only four competitors, and the first prize was awarded to A. Mills, of Axedale, who used a plough of Lennon’s make, The chief points in Mills’ work were the neatness of his furrows and the excellence of his crown and finish.
The taker of the second prize, A. McKinley, of Redesdale, who used a Gardiner plough, did remarkably good work; his finish, however, was somewhat faulty, a point which greatly influenced the opinion of the judges, but his crown was so wall finished that he was awarded first prize for it as being the best of the whole.
The third prize was awarded to T. Mofiitt, of Axedale, who handled a plough of McVey’s make. His crown also was very good and the furrows were very straight and well packed.
In class B there were twelve competitors, the first prize being given to J. McGachey, of Bagshot, who used a Lennon plough. The furrows were exceedingly neat, although the ridges were perhaps a little narrow, but they were well packed, and the crown and finish being excellent the judges were fully warranted in giving him first prize.
The second prize was given to J. Slattery, of Leichardt, with a Leslie plough, who did good work, and the third to A. Wallis, of Marong, also with a plough belonging to the same maker.
The prize for the best finish in this class was given to J. McGachey, In class C, or the boys’ class, the work was of a really excellent character, and reflected great credit on the youthful competitors, among whom were several boys under fifteen years of age.
Out of eight who competed,, Wm. Wallis, of Marong, with a Leslie plough, was awarded the first prize, with W. Lyons, also of Marong, with the same make of plough, gaining second prize, and M. White, of Axedale, with a McVey plough, being awarded third honors. The work done by each of the competitors being of a first class description.
Annexed is the result of the competition:-
lass A.—1st prize, £5; {2nd, £3; 3rd, set of swingle trees, valued £1 1Os., presented by Mr. Cuthbert. Open to all, except those whom the committee shall consider as professionals. Entry, 7s. 6d. A. Mills, Axedale (Lennon) … 1 A. M’Kenly, Redesdale (Gardiner) … … 2 . Mofitt, Axedale (M’Vey) … … … 3 P. O’Sullivan, Wagamba, (Lennon) 0
Class B.—1st prize, £4; 2nd, £2; 3rd, set of plough back bands, valued 17s. 6d., presented by Mr. Probts, saddler, Clare Inn; 4th, pair of swingle trees, presented by Mr. M’Vey. No ploughman allowed to plough in this class who has ever won a 1st or 2nd prize in class A, or 1st prize in class B. Entry, 5s.
J. M’Gachey, Bagshot (Lennou) … … 1 John Slattery, Leichardt (Leslie) … … 2 A. Wallis, Marong (Leslie) ….3 J. Conroy, Axedale (Henderson) … … 4 T. White, Axedale (Cockburn) ….0 W. O’Loughlin, Sweeney Creek (Lennon) … 0 J. Martin, Axedale (M’Callum and Gade) … 0 M. Donnellan, Axedale (M’Vey) ….0 H. Ryan, Axedale (M’Vey) ….0 J. J. Sullivan, Wagamba (Lennon) ….0 A. Wirth, Axedale (M’Vey) … 0 M. Fitzpatrick, Axedale (Lennon) … … 0
lass C.—For youths not exceeding 17 years of age. 1st prize, £3; 2nd, £2; 3rd, pair of elastic-side boots, value £1 Is., presented by Mr. Whitlock. Entry, 2s. 6d.
W. Wallis, Marong (Leslie) … … … 1 W. Lyons, Marong (Leslie) ….2 M. White, Axedale (M’Vey) ….3 M. Hawkins, Axedale (Lennon) ….0 M. Quin, Axedale (Lennon) ….0 J. Harris, Axedale (Lennon) ….0 J. Whitlock, Axedale (Lennon ….0 J. Lynch, Axedale (Lennon) … 0
For the best crown, Wallis secured first prize and for the best finish, J. Whitlock was awarded first honors. Besides the prizes above stated, several others, consisting of articles of clothing, were given, which allowed each competitor to have a prize. After the judges had given their decisions, the assemblage dispersed, although a good many left the ground before that time, as it was nearly dark before the results were made known, and some of the visitors had to travel long distances over bush roads.
It was remarked that the committee would have acted wisely if they had appointed more judges, or allowed the competitors in the champion class to judge the work in Class C., which would have been the means of facilitating the judging.
In the evening a ball was held at Drakes Campaspe Hotel, Axedale, which concluded the annual contest. In a pecuniary sense the match was so successful that after all prizes and expenses are paid, a surplus will remain, to go towards next year’s match, at which it is proposed to offer a silver cup, valued at £10 10s., to be competed for in Class A.
*Please note: Punctuation and paragraphs have been added to the above transcription for ease and speed of reading
From: Bendigo Independant, Saturday 11 November 1916, page 2
CHILDREN’S DAY
WEDNESDAY NEXT
Wednesday, November 15, has been set apart as Children’s Day, and the Sunday schools of the district will take advantage of the public holiday to hold their annual picnics. some schools thought that, considering the present war crisis, it was inadvisable to hold picnics, but the majority considered that it could serve no good purpose by depriving the children of the day they look for annually.
The following is a list of picnics to be held:
RAVENSWOOD. The Forest Street Methodist Sunday School will hold their annual picnic at Ravenswood, on Wednesday next, The train leaves Bendigo at 10.25. The fares are — Adults,. Is 6d; children under 16 Is. Hot water and milk will be provided free. At Ravenswood on Wednesday next the annual picnic of the Wilson Street Sunday School will take place. Fares are— Adults, tram and train, 2s, train only, is 6d; children under 16, is 3d. Hot water and milk will be provided free.
The St. Matthew’s Sunday School, Long Gully, will hold their annual picnic to Ravenswood on Wednesday next. Special trams will leave the Manchester loop Long Gully, at about 9.15 a.m., and a special train will convey picnickers to Ravenswood, leaving at 10 a.m. Hot water will be provided free. The fares are — Adults, 2s; children under 16, is 3d including tram and train.
The Golden Square Methodist Sunday School will also celebrate their annual picnic at Ravenswood on Wednesday next Fares are 1s 6d and 1s. The time table will appear in Monday’s issue.
AXEDALE.
The annual united picnic of the Forest street. Quarry Hill and Galvin street Congregational Sunday Schools will be held at Axedale on Wednesday next. The committee has made every arrangement possible to provide for the comfort and enjoyment of its patrons and with fine weather a most pleasant day should be spent. The train will leave Bendigo at 9.25 a.m., returning from Axedale at 7 pm., and the fares are, adults 2s, children 1s. Tickets are now obtainable at Bolton Bros., Mitchell street. A plentiful supply of hot water will be available free of charge.
St. John’s Presbyterian Sunday School Picnic will be held at Axedale on Wednesday next. A special train will leave Bendigo at 10.15 a.m., and Axedale on the r turn journey at 7.50 p.m. St. Paul’s Picnic to Axedale will be held on Wednesday next, Children’s Day. The outing promises to be very popular, as besides St. Paul’s, St. John Presb terian. Congregational, All Saints, Holy Trinity and Strickland Road have chosen Axedale for their picnic. Stalls will be conducted in aid of the Red Cross Fund. Tea, hot water and milk will be free. Tickets may be obtained from Mr. J. Leaney, Williamson street, or the Cambridge Press, Market Square. The fares for All Saints’ annual picnic to Axedale on Wednesday next are: — Adults, 2s; children 1s. The time of dparture has not yet been fixed.
From: The Bendigo Advertiser, Friday, 13 June 1890, Page 2
” The recent Fight near Axedale.—William Minter, a woodcutter and well-known footballer, and M. O’Neill, a farmer residing at Axedale, both young men, appeared at the City Police Court yesterday, charged with unlawfully assaulting each other. The defendants were the two principals in the fight which occurred at Axedale on a Sunday afternoon recently, and to which reference was made in these columns at the time. The defendants pleaded guilty, and after Messrs. Kirby and Tatchell had addressed the bench on their behalf, the presiding magistrate, Mr. Patterson, said that, such conduct could not be tolerated, especially on a Sabbath. The defendants were each fined £10 or in default six weeks’ imprisonment. The fines were at once paid. The courthouse was crowded with a number of young men, friends of the two defendants, who watched the proceedings with considerable interest. Four other young men were charged with aiding and abetting Minter and O’Neill, but the cases were postponed for a week to enable the lawyers engaged in the defence to, if they can obtain authorities, show that it is not sufficient to ensure a conviction that only, the presence of a person at a fight need be proved. Mr. Patterson, yesterday, expresed the opinion that that was all that was accessary.
From: McIvor Times and Rodney Advertiser, Friday 23 April, 1869, page 2
St. ANDREW’S PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, AXEDALE.
This church was opened on Sunday last, by the Rev. J. Nish of Sandhurst, who took his text from Malachi 3rd chapter 8th verse, “Will a man rob God,” from which he preached an excellent and impressive sermon, and was listened to with great attention by a full congregation of earnest worshipers, and no doubt will be long remembered in this district, where the Protestant population have not before had the privilege of worshiping God in a house set apart for his service.
On Tuesday evening, a tea meeting was held in connection with the opening services; after tea, which was served in the Foresters Hall, the people retired to the church, when the meeting was opened with praise and prayer. The Rev. D. Renton, (the pastor of the congregation), then took the chair, and reported the various steps that had been taken towards supplying a want long felt by a portion of the community, viz., that when he first came to the district, in July last, he called a meeting of those favorable towards providing Axedale with a Presbyterian church, at which a committee was formed and subscription lists opened, and after a little exertion they found they were warranted to call for tenders of the comparative cost of a building of blue stone, of brick, and of wood.
When the tenders came they chose blue stone with white brick facings of the windows and door, and they accepted contracts for labor only, the committee themselves undertaking to provide all the materials, which they promptly commenced about the beginning of September, and the foundation stone was laid by the Rev. J. Nish, of Sandhurst, on the 30th of the same month, and here the chairman remarked that but for the energy and zeal put forth by the various members of committee, the building would not now have been what it is, as they freely gave of their means, and spared neither time nor exertion in obtaining the needed funds to carry on and complete the church-a building which would be an ornament to any country district.
The amount at their disposal has been £258 4s. 6d., leaving a debt of £51 1s. 2d., which it was hoped would almost if not altogether be removed by the proceeds of the opening services. The total cost of the building being £309 5s. 8d. This of course does not complete all that is necessary, as a vestry, a stable, and fencing are still required, which no doubt will be had in due time.
Interesting addresses were then delivered by the Rev. J. M. Abernethy, of Eaglehawk, Rev. J. Westacott, (of the United Methodist Free Church) Heathcote, the Revs. G. Taylor, and J. Nish, of Sandhurst; and some sacred music was rendered by Messrs. Adamson, Alsop, and Foyster, of Heathcote.
We have not learned what was realized from the opening services, but from the large attendance on both occasions, it must be something considerable towards reducing the debt. We most heartily congratulate the Protestants of the Axedale district on their new church, which is very finely finished, and certainly one of the neatest country churches we have seen for some time.
Its dimensions are thirty-eight by twenty-one feet, and has seat accommodation for 110 people. It has four stained glass windows on each side and one in the end gable behind the pulpit, which are in beautiful harmony with the other parts of the structure, the pews are all stained and varnished, the pulpit and doors dark oak, the walls of stone color, the roof a delicate blue; the whole reflects great credit on the architect and workmen; and we have no doubt but it will prove a blessing morally, intellectually and spiritually to the district.
Image: churchhistories.net.au
ST. ANDREW’S PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, AXEDALE. (1869, April 23). The McIvor Times and Rodney Advertiser (Heathcote, Vic. : 1863 – 1918), p. 2. Retrieved September 10, 2020, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article93694133
St. Andrew’s Uniting Church, Axedale, 150th Anniversary Celebration Booklet 10 March 2019,
*Please note: Punctuation and paragraphs have been added to the above transcription for ease and speed of reading
from: The Bendigo Independant, Thursday 1 November 1900, page 4
A FATAL ACCIDENT
AT THE DERRINAL RAILWAY
STATION
A man whose name is not definitely known but who is supposed to be an engine driver from Fosterville named Howe, met with a fatal accident at Derrinal, on the Heathcote Line about 10 o’clock on Tuesday night.
It appears from the information to hand that the deceased was riding a horse towards Derrinal from Knowsley. when he lost control of it and it bolted. It entered the station yard at the Derrinal ailway station and passing underneath, a wire which was staying a post, the rider was thrown off. The station mistress and other people who were nearby heard the groans of the man and went to his assistance. He was found to be unconscious, and on his being removed to the Black Swan Hotel which is a mile distant, the poor fellow expired, A messenger was despatched for Dr. Esler,of Heathcote, who on arrival formally pronounced life to be extinct. The matter was reported to the police and an enquiry was to have taken place last evening.
(Punctuation and paragraphs have been added to the above transcription for ease and speed of reading)
from: The Bendigo Advertiser, Saturday 11 June 1881, page 2
THE AXEDALE ROAD
(To the Editor of the Bendigo Advertiser.)
Sir,- I crave a small space in your valuable journal for the purpose of describing to you the condition of the Axedale road. I think that it is time something was said or done about this road, Which is in a beastly condition. At every foot a dray or buggy goes, one of the wheels goes into a bog hole, with which the road is actually covered. I really think that it is time the council did something to improve this road. What are the councillors about! Why do the rate payers not wake them up to a sense of their duty? There is plenty of metal lying on the centre of the road, and there is every probability of it laying there for some time to come unless the councillors are roused up. Hoping that some action will be taken in the matter.
from: The Kerang Times and Swan Hill Gazette, 05 Oct 1886, page 5
THE AXEDALE INCENDIARISAM At the Sandhurst police court on Wednesday September, 29th, a young. man, named Robert Elliott was brought up on remand from Drouin, charged with unlawfully and maliciously setting fire to two stacks of corn, the property of Lazarus Bros., and valued at £500, at Axe Creek, on the 21st January last.
Mr. Connelly prosecuted, and Mr. ,Rymer defended the prisoner. who pleaded “Not Guilty.” : Detective A. G. Sainsbury deposed that he conducted the investigation into the firing of the stacks of Messrs. Lazarus Bros.
He visited the scene on the 22nd January, the day after they had been set fire to, and saw two stacks still burning. He saw bootmarks of a man as if he had been running from the stack. The tracks corresponded with a boot produced, which he received from the prisoner, who said he wore it when he set.the stack on fire. The boots corresponded exactly in length and, breadth.
With the assistance of the Government black-trackers, they traced the prints first easterly to the creek, and then in a southerly direction towards Doak’s: After following them 33 chains, they were lost at Doak’s brush fence.
He saw Elliott that day, and spoke to him, also to other men there. Prisoner, to the best of his belief said he knew nothing about it. On the 8th of this month, he went to Drouin with Mr. (unreadable) to conceal himself on the ceiling of the lockup. The ceiling was of logs and some had spaces between them.
Prisoner and a man named Bush were in the cell. Mr. Rymer:” I object to anything being put forward which was said by the prisoner. There was no doubt that a confession was made in writing, and that must be handed in”.The bench overruled the objection.
Witness, proceeding, said with reference to the conversation, he overheard that Bush I asked Elliott ” How is old Lazarus getting, on,” and Elliott replied ” I don’t know; you must not say I ever let you know of the fire. That red-headed Irishman,who was manager for Lazarus is dead.” Bush said ” Is that the overseer that came to Doak’s where they were threshing and said the machine was useless?” Elliott replied ” Yes.” and Bush asked him. if that was the night of the fire. Prisoner. answered “Yes don’t speak too loud” Bush continues, “Did you set fire to all the stacks?”. ” Prisoner replied, ” I only set fire to one, and the other must have caught from it.” Bush said, “I suppose you ran then,’. and prisoner answered, “My —-oath I did.”
Prisoner was heard to say, also that Doak said the fire served Lazarus right. On the following morning,witness saw prisoner, who said he thought he had seen him (witness) before. Witness told him who he was, and he recollected.
After further conversation he told prisoner he had come over about the fire and that he suspected him. He then said he never fired the stacks,and asked him if Bush had told him. Witness replied, “I heard you say so to Bush, when you asked him not to tell”.
Witness showed him where he had been concealed. Prisoner said “Oh, well, it’s no use denying it. I did burn Lazarus’ stacks. I set fire to one of them.” Constable O’Meara, the lockup-keeper, then came to the door, and prisoner continued that he set the stack afire because “the overseer wouldn’t have the old man’s machine or the other cockeys (farmer’s) either”.
He said his father never told him to do it. Prisoner said he had no objection to repeat the statement to some other person. Witness asked him whether he was willing to go to Sandhurst and be tried for the offence. Prisoner replied “I may as well be in gaol. I did it, and must put up with the consequences”.
Prisoner then went with him to the Shire hall next door, and made a statement before :Mr. Startup, J.P. and Mr. Beckwith. Prisoner signed the document (produced), after it had been read over to him.
Witness subsequently swore an information against him. He never induced the prisoner by threats, promises, or anything to make the confession.
Later on that day, witness was at the police station. and prisoner.sent for him. He went to him, and prisoner said ” I suppose you heard me telling Jack Bush that Doak said it was a good job. Well, Doak never said it at all.” Prisoner gave him as a reason for saying so that he thought Bush would refrain from telling anyone.
To Mr. Rymer: Prisoner was in gaol at Dronin on a charge of false pretences. He put Bush in the lockup as a means of hearing hearing what prisoner said. He was sure that Bush was not put in for being drunk.
There was no charge against Bush, who consented to be locked up. Bush first told witness that prisoner had informed him when at Shelbourne, he had fired the stacks.
There is a reward of £100, which he now thinks Bush will receive. The boots of the man Boyle, who was first arrested on suspicion, were No.8,. and fitted the track. Boyle never made a statement that he had fired the stack.
Samuel and Daniel Lazarus, the owners of the stacks destroyed, William Doak; farmer, Axedale, and Peter Alias, laborer, who saw the prisoner hurrying along the road from Lazarus’ at the time of the fire, gave evidence, and the prisoner was committed to take his trial at .the Assize Court on the 14th October next.
from wikipedia: incendiarism – Dictionary definition and meaning for word incendiarism. (noun) malicious burning to destroy property. Synonyms : arson , fire-raising. the British term for arson is fire-raising –
(Punctuation and paragraphs have been added to the above transcription for ease and speed of reading)
from: The Bendigonian, Tuesday 9 March 1915, page 12
HONORING AXEDALE SOLDIERS
Axedale 3rd March
A well-attended meeting was held in Drake’s Hall ,last night to make arrangements for a send off to the three Axedale soldiers at present in camp at Broadmeadows, viz. Messrs. F. Bennett, E. Burke, and F. Millington. Cr. S. Doak presided.
It was decided to hold a social and present each soldier with a gold medal suitably inscribed, on a date to be arranged. Several ladies were present, and they will have charge of the arrangements in connection with the supper.
With Anzac Day coming up, there will be posts about the Axedale Soldiers who lost their lives
Axedale - Then and Now 