History of wireless telegraphy and broadcasting in Australia/Topical/Biographies/William Philip Bechervaise/Notes/1890s

William Philip Bechervaise - Notes & Transcriptions - 1890s

1890

1890 01

Bechervaise's son Herbert Price Bechervaise departs Elmhurst school

Mr Sutherland who some twelve months since was in charge of the Amphitheatre State school, but was afterwards removed to Blackwood has, his many friends will be pleased to learn, succeeded in securing the vacancy caused in the Elmhurst school, by the removal of Mr Bechervaise.

1890 02

Bechervaise vice-chairs farewell to Henry Sutton

FAREWELL TO MR H. SUTTON. Mr Henry Sutton, who is about to proceed to Europe to superintend the working of several of his patents in electro-photography, photo-typography, and other scientific processes, was entertained by a number of his friends last night at the City Hall. The Mayor of the City (Cr Little) occupied the chair, having on his right hand the guest of the evening, and Mr Kirton, M.L.A., and Colonel Sleep; on his left Colonel Smith, M.L.A., and the Hon. D. Ham, M.L.C. Messrs J. Robson and Bechervaise occupied the vice-chairs. After the usual loyal toasts had been disposed of, Mayor Little, in proposing the health of the guest, said they were there to show their appreciation of Henry Sutton's genius and their estimation of him as a citizen. He said it is now too late for a Nathaniel to say, can any good come out of Australia; for our students of the School of Mines dot the world over. Our musicians sing their highest notes in the highest seats of song; our inventors have produced McKay's harvester, Brennan's torpedo, Tanner's method of photographing on porcelain, Osborn's lime photo-litho.; our University students successfully contest against English students for honors and scholarships; our champion rowers and cricketers have advertised us, but following the example of an incident related at an ancient feast, we are keeping the best wine for the last. We are saying good bye, in my opinion, to one of the greatest discoverers of the day — our, shall I say, Edison-Secundus. It was his (the speaker's) opinion Ballarat will one day raise an effigy of their guest in marble as a scientific prince, a successful miner and deep sinker into the riches of science. He had no complete list of the inventions of our guest, but he knew of his storage cell, a great gift given gratis to the world and now used by Reagneir of France — the air-pump, which is simply perfection, and now used by the Edison Company, America, to obtain a perfect vacuum in their incandescent lamps; the Suttontype, by which a photo. engraving may be had at a few minutes' notice, also a process by which a photo. may be transmitted by wire; also a process in course of being worked up by which passing events in all their details may be transmitted by electric wire — the true theory of the flight of birds. How many more evidences there are of the flight of Mr Sutton's genius he could not say. We send across the seas a Ballarat born genius to shake hands with his grand parents. They have heard of his scientific exploits, and will receive him with open arms. He goes forth as a youth to discuss with the priests in scientific temples. It is true he is yet young, but "invention is the talent of youth and the judgment of old age," and genius does not come of age, but of God, only perseverance comes of man. The modesty of our guest is as great as his talent, the only blowing he indulged in was when he had a blowpipe in his hand. Anthony Trollope, when here, never accused him. Such modesty would be too much for most public men; but it sits well on our guest, and proved that "modesty is to merit as shade to figures in a picture, giving strength to beauty." His quietness induced him (the speaker) to say that our business wheels go at such a tearing speed, we so boisterously crack our whip, and so lustily shout at every passing milestone, that it is impossible to hear the "still small voice" within us — the voice often of latent talent and genius. The life of their guest was no wasted one. He had not buried his talent in a napkin; he never belonged to a mutual admiration society; he was no street-corner smoker, nor a-thinker-of-nothing else but football; no, that was not the goal he went for. Still no one could charge him (the speaker) with being other than a lover and patron of athletic sports. The chairman did not wonder at the Australian natives being proud of their guest, but it was not to be forgotten that his parents preceded him here, and that the glory of being a native is secondary to that belonging to his worthy pioneering parents. The toast was received with loud applause and much enthusiasm. The Hon. D. Ham, said he endorsed all the chairman's remarks. Mr Sutton deserved praise for giving out his scientific knowledge, which was renowned all over the world. He had only entered upon his career, and they would hear much more of him if his life was spared. They bade him God-speed, and would be pleased to hear of his success. (Applause.) Lieutenant-Colonel Smith remarked that scientists, like poets, were born not made. He believed Ballarat would yet rejoice in being the birthplace of one of the greatest scientists of the age. When he came to rub his brains against those of scientists of Europe and the world, they would find some of the great powers that Providence had endowed him with. He had seen that lately Australia had taken away in England the highest honor in constitutional law. In Edinburgh Australia had, by records, beaten all the world in success at the University. The people of Ballarat would watch with the deepest interest Mr Sutton’s future. They hoped that he would go on building up fact on fact, and obtain the greatest heights. His was an inventive genius of the highest order. (Applause.) The chairman remarked that when 12 years of age Mr Sutton had discovered the dynamo, and 12 months afterwards it was patented by someone else. Mr Bechervaise said he did not think the importance of Mr Sutton's discoveries were recognised yet. His storage battery was a fine invention; by it sufficient electricity to light any place for a week could be pumped into the cells. He had watched Mr Sutton carefully, and was sure he would do credit to his former history. (Applause) Cr Salter, as an old resident, said he was proud of the position in the scientific world Mr Sutton had taken. Should it come to pass that he attains such a height as to warrant the erection of a statue to his memory, he (Cr Salter) would be very pleased. They had, he was glad to see, many able and prominent Australians. (Applause.) Mr John Robson said Mr Sutton was one of the bright ornaments of society, who did what they could irrespective of smiles or frowns. He was a true man who would spend health and wealth in the pursuit of science. If Mr Sutton were not crowned with laurels, he did what would secure comfort and consolation for his family when he came to close his eyes. He had made gigantic strides in fields that to most would prove untrodden paths, he was doing the right thing in going home at the present juncture of affairs, he had very little knowledge of Mr Sutton personally. When they thought of what he had achieved, and what was before him, they must thank Mr Sutton for this opportunity of meeting him. In honoring Mr Sutton they were honoring themselves, he was sure Mr Sutton's name would be handed down to posterity in honorable remembrance. (Loud applause.) Professor Mica Smith thought it was the duty of the meeting to record its appreciation of Mr Sutton as a scientist, a citizen, and a man. He was by himself, and had alone worked himself into his present position. Fortunately for Mr Sutton, he had not attended a university. It might make a man, but it would spoil a genius. (Applause.) Mr H. S. Simmons, president of the Ballarat East branch of the Australian Natives' Association, said they, as natives, wished Mr Sutton success, and would look forward confidently to his future. (Applause.) Mr John Kirton, president of the City branch, thought Mr Sutton deserved their best and warmest wishes. Mr Sutton's success was intellectual, and was world wide. He hoped that before many years his attainments would bring him increased fame. (Applause.) Mr M. Butterly, M.L.A., thought a new country owed a great deal to a man who studied for the benefit of the world. He hoped Mr Sutton would come home again (he was not going home, but away from home), he would return after having done good to the world at large, and would have a worldwide reputation. Ballarat might have the honor of his birth; he hoped the world would have the benefit of his genius. (Applause). There was too much attention paid to men who were not worth it, and too little to those who were. (Applause). He believed in an aristocracy, but an aristocracy of worth, not birth. He wished Mr Sutton every prosperity (Loud applause). Mr Robson, on behalf of Mr James Oddie, J.P., remarked that he, as the attorney of the latter gentleman, said he was authorised, not knowing Mr Sutton’s financial position, to hand over to him £500. (Loud applause.) Mr J. W. Kirton, M.L.A., remarked that Mr Sutton had had to fight his way, and deserved praise for this. He owed his success to the fact that he was a steady, preserving student. His parents deserved credit for his success. The young men of the colony were too fond of athletics, and Mr Sutton's departure from this line was the more marked. He hoped Mr Sutton would make his mark, and believed he had a very bright career before him. (Applause.) The secretary (Mr J. W. Rail) then read the following address, which, beautifully illuminated, and bound in morocco, was presented to Mr Sutton:— "Dear Sir,— On learning that you were about to leave this city for several years, perhaps forever, a number of citizens, representing all sections of the community, were desirous that you should not be allowed to depart in your usual unobtrusive manner without there having an opportunity of letting you feel that though it was not your habit to mix with the hurly-burly of city life, yet you have won the lasting esteem of all who knew you intimately in this your birthplace. While you so assiduously confined yourself to your long series of scientific experiments in your laboratory and so patiently burned the midnight oil, they have not been totally unobservant of the results of that labor which has won for you European honors and fame. These citizens are naturally, and perhaps somewhat selfishly, proud of the scientific triumphs which a Ballarat boy — born, bred, and educated in our midst — has achieved, and they feel assured that if your life be spared you are certain to win still greater triumphs in Europe and America, thus reflecting more glory on your birthplace and its institution which enabled you to cultivate your natural genius. While regretting that you are leaving their midst they feel somewhat assured that it is for the best, because in Europe and America, being in nearer touch with the lending scientists of the world, you will have a much better chance of cultivating your intellectual faculties, and of developing that inventive genius which has already been so richly productive. Although you are going to seek fresh woods and pastures new, yet your Ballarat friends will often hear of you, for, from the nature of your services in the scientific world, yours will be a name that men will not let die. On behalf of your many admirers we heartily wish you, Mrs Sutton, and your boy, a a pleasant voyage to the mother land, and increased health and happiness. In presenting you with this valedictory address we, for them, desire to subscribe ourselves,— WM. LITTLE, Mayor Ballarat City; EDWARD MURPHY, Mayor Ballarat Town; JOHN W. RAIL, Hon. Secretary, Ballarat, 3rd February, 1890. Mr Sutton, who on rising was received with loud and prolonged applause, said the meeting was somewhat of a surprise. He thanked his friends heartily for their kind wishes. The dynamo that he invented (discovered and patented shortly afterwards by a Frenchman) was the first means adopted for producing a continuous electric current. He would have liked to belong to the A.N.A., but really had not time, and was proud to see representatives of the association present, particularly of the Eastern branch. He was very thankful to Mr Oddie for his offer; it was not the first he had made of a similar kind; but he respected Mr Oddie’s friendship too much to accept it. The Sutton-type was the principal, but was only one of four processes that he was going home with. He did not go to make his way; that was made for him already. The genius he believed in was that of hard work. He had been working at photo-engraving since 1881. He started with the idea that the old system would have to be discarded. Such a thing usually demanded two men — the scientist and the practical men. He had done his best to combine the two. The present process in London cost 2s 6d per square inch; his cost 2d an inch and left a profit. Mr Sutton explained the processes of the best known processes hitherto, and the difference between those and his; the former required five processes, his only two. They might therefore look forward to something that would quite revolutionise newspaper work. He was promised, if the process worked, to get one-third profits from a certain firm for the English patent, and that meant £10,000 a year. (Applause.) He would not now be going to London if practical men had not told him there was plenty of money in it. In conclusion, he thanked them heartily on his own behalf and Mrs Sutton's. (Loud and continued applause.)

Bechervaise chairs a farewell to another long term staffer

A complimentary banquet and presentation to Mr G. S. Outtrim, postmaster at Ballarat East, who has been transferred to Colac, took place last evening at the Buck's Head hotel. Mr W. P. Bechervaise, City postmaster, occupied the chair, and Mr J. N. Dunn, M.L.A., the vice-chair. The usual loyal toasts were proposed and honored. Mr W. L. Dunn proposed the toast of "The Guest of the Evening." Mr Outtrim had been with them five years, and had always been willing to assist them or give those under him any good advice in his power. He (the speaker) had a great deal to thank Mr Outtrim for, and he could assure the postmaster that the employes all deeply regretted his departure. On behalf of the staff he wished Mr Outtrim God-speed and success in his new sphere. (Applause.) The toast was drunk with musical honors, cheers being given for Mr and Mrs Outtrim and family. Mr Binsted, in the course, of a few remarks, said he was glad that after many years of waiting Mr Outtrim had at last received his just dues. He believed that in losing Mr Outtrim from Ballarat they lost a good friend and a good Government officer. (Applause.) Mr D. M. Kidd then presented Mr Outtrim with a handsomely-framed group of photos. of the employes in the Ballarat East post and telegraph office. Mr Outtrim, who was received with enthusiastic applause, briefly and feelingly returned thanks. He thanked them exceedingly for the kindness shown him, and when looking at the portraits would always remember that they were friends of his. (Applause.) The chairman said there was no mistaking the manner in which Mr Outtrim had been spoken of by employes at the eastern office. He himself was very pleased to be present, and to hear such true and heartfelt sentiments expressed. (Applause.) Mr Bechervaise then proposed "The Parliament of Victoria." Mr J. N. Dunn, M.L.A., responded. In the course of his reply he referred to the excellent services rendered by Mr Outtrim, and said he, with many other residents of the town, sincerely regretted his departure. Several other toasts were also honored. Songs were rendered during the evening by Messrs J. Mooney, Martin, Ross, and other gentlemen; Mr Sage acting as accompanist.

1890 03

Bechervaise chairs another farewell to a long-term staffer

A pleasing event took place at the City Post-office on Saturday, when Mr W. B. Webb, who has retired from the service, was presented by his fellow officers with a gold locket suitably inscribed, as a token of their esteem. Mr Bechervaise, in making the presentation, spoke in the highest terms of Mr Webb's conduct during his long connection with the Postal Department, especially commending him for his reliability and faithful attention to duty, and trusting he would treasure the gift, not for its monetary value, but for the worth of the inscription upon it. Mr Webb feelingly responded, and said he hoped that his brother officers at their retirement would be as happy and contented as he was.

Excellent overview of the issues with salaries and promotional opportunities for telegraph operators

GRIEVANCES OF TELEGRAPH OPERATORS. Of all classes of public servants the telegraph operators have been the loudest and most persistent in their complaints of the manner in which the Public Service Board has treated them. When the act under which the public service is governed came into operation the board classified the telegraph operators in the two lowest divisions of the clerical portion of the service. While on the one hand operators had to pass the prescribed clerical examination, and also a special examination in the science of telegraphy; on the other hand the board denied to this class of officers the same chances of promotion available to ordinary clerks. The latter have the right of annual increments which are denied to the telegraph operators. For some reason comprehensible only to the board itself, the telegraph operators were placed in a network of sub-classes or grades quite bewildering to contemplate. Promotion from one grade to another is only attainable under the most extraordinary circumstances, such as the death of a senior operator or a permanent increase in the staff. But even this pro-motion is hedged round by special regulations which the board has drafted, and which serve as a kind of steam brake, and give to the head of the department the power of blocking any officer. It is contended that these regulations are most unjustly designed, as they practically place the future of telegraph operators in the hands of the departmental head. In fact, these regulations appear to have been purposely framed with the object of preventing promotion. The injustice thus done to a deserving class of officers is made all the more manifest by the fact that ordinary clerks improve their position in the department by the receipt year after year of the annual increments provided under the schedule of the act, so that the position of the two sets of officers is that in the case of the operators promotion is uncertain, while to the clerk advancement is sure. As to the relative value of the work performed it is only necessary to observe that operators and clerks pass precisely the same educational examination, but the former have to pass an additional examination in practical and theoretical telegraphy, which in the case of ordinary clerks is unnecessary. The telegraph examination is in itself a severe test. It is absolutely necessary that every candidate should be able to copy messages by sound, transmit messages with alacrity, and possess a good general knowledge of electricity, and it has never been denied that operators are not at least equal to clerks. So it must remain an anomaly why any invidious distinction should in the first instance have been created by the board. Had operators and clerics been placed on the same footing the discontent which has prevailed in the Telegraph department for the past five years would never have been heard of. The operators have repeatedly laid their case before the Public Service Board and successive Postmasters-General, but without receiving the relief they desired. It has also been brought prominently before Parliament on several occasions, and their claims have met with a large amount of support from those members who have given the subject careful consideration. It will no doubt be remembered that during the passing of the Amending Public Service Act last session the case was ably laid before the House by Messrs. Langridge, Best and others. The former proposed the insertion of a clause which would have remedied the grievances by placing the operators on an almost equal footing with the ordinary clerks. The Postmaster-General during the brief discussion that then took place promised to abolish the grades in the fifth class, and although this gave the fourth class no relief the concession was gratefully accepted and the clause withdrawn. Two days subsequently a deputation of operators waited on Mr. Derham, when the gentleman reiterated his promise and advised the operators to meet and carefully consider their position. This they did, and the promised concessions were unanimously accepted. But seven months have elapsed since the Postmaster-General was advised by letter of this decision, and nothing further has been heard of the matter. Naturally, much uneasiness prevails, more especially as it is rumored that the proposed concessions are being opposed by the board. The operators assert that a gross breach of faith will be perpetrated if the agreement entered into, and accepted by letter, viz., that the fifth class grades be abolished, and the promotion into the fourth class to continue under the existing system, is not carried out in its entirety. Owing to this excessive delay the telegraph branch has again been the seat of agitation and discontent, to the detriment of the department and the officers themselves. Another cause of dissatisfaction is afforded in the unreasonable delay which has taken place in appointing operating messengers. For years the messengers have performed the clerical duties of operators without receiving any equivalent. The board denied them justice by declining to place them in the clerical division. Their case, however, met with such unanimous support from all sides of the House that little difficulty was experienced in obtaining the inclusion of a clause in the Amending Public Service Act to meet their case. This was rendering but tardy justice. The act has been in force since the 7th of last November, and not one of the operating messengers have been appointed under the clause. They still perform operating duties at a messenger's remuneration. It is needless to say vacancies for operators exist and have existed for years; in fact the operating staff has been shorthanded ever since the act came into force, and at the present time there are 25 temporary operators employed in the chief office. The system which the board follows in appointing temporary operators is, to say the least of it, very peculiar. In the first instance, the temporary officers are employed for three months; at the end of that period they are exempted from the operations of the act by the board for a further term, on the expiration of which the exemption is renewed. In some instances this performance has been gone through for two years. As a matter of fact a permanent temporary staff has taken the place of casual hands. This is a gross invasion of the principles of the act, but the board, when it suits them to do so and fits in with their ideas of things, can find excuses enough for not doing the right thing at the right moment. Meanwhile the operating messengers are deprived of their legal status. Under the grading system a number of operators were entitled to increases in their salary from 1st July, 1889, but in no instance have they been paid, and a delay of seven months will be considered unnecessary and unreasonable by any natural being. Another matter which has caused much dissatisfaction is the manner in which the operators have been passed over by their juniors during the late promotions of postmasters. Recently the postmasters have received substantial and well deserved promotion, but without any solicitation on their part. These promotions have been carried out in such a manner that must prove highly detrimental to the future of operators. Hitherto postmasters and operators have risen side by side, all being placed in the same category. Postmasters, in their turn of seniority, were offered promotion to the higher grades of operators, and vice versa. Neither the operators nor postmasters objected to this system, as it was considered perfectly fair to both bodies; but this is now changed, and in many instances promotions have been made which are not only contrary to the act, but illegal. Junior fifth class postmasters, in receipt of a net salary of £160 per annum, have been promoted to £240 officers in the fourth class without any regard to the seniority and merit of operators in the £216 and £240 grades of the fourth class, who would have accepted the promotion had opportunity offered. The same thing prevails with regard to the promotions from the fourth to the third class. Operators in receipt of £300 per annum have been passed over by postmasters receiving £270. In other cases where £264 operators have asked for promotion to £270 offices the department have promoted postmasters in receipt of £210 instead of the higher salaried and senior operators. The board has always impressed upon operators that they would receive promotion to the rank of postmaster, but the Deputy Postmaster-General, backed up by the board, has decided that operators can only become postmasters by going back to a salary of £175. This is promotion in a novel crab-like position, which the board will have some difficulty in popularising. The operators say that they would cheerfully submit their case to the judgment of an independent board, and it is to be hoped some steps will be taken by the Government to put an end to the prevailing discontent existing in this important branch of the public service, and that justice will be meted out to what are perhaps the hardest worked and at the same time worst paid officers in the public service.

Another analysis of discontent in the telegraph office with specific reference to Bechervaise situation

OUR MELBOURNE LETTER. Monday. Steadily rises the tide of indignation against the Public Service Board, and disappointment at the working of the Act. It was observable that when Mr Langridge brought forward his motion in the Assembly last session, with respect to the position of the telegraph operators, that the feeling that the Act was a complete failure had infected the minds of many members who were once its warm supporters, and that the dissatisfaction felt was deep and widespread. And this feeling the sluggishness and red-tape system pursued by the members of the Board increases, until now the chorus of annoyance and disgust rises day and night amongst politicians. The fact that so extreme a step should be taken by members of the Service as to openly talk about the preparation of a petition to Parliament to remove Colonel Couchman from office is in itself a significant indication that this is no surface dissatisfaction, but that the long slumbering volcanic forces are likely soon to set up activity. It looks now as if the long-deferred day of revolution was approaching at last. Still, it is to be regretted that the movement for reform should take the fashion of a personal attack upon any one member of the Board, for it is not so much the Commissioners as the Act that is to blame for the terrible muddle and disorganised condition into which the Service has drifted. The reason that the attack is directed against him is that his is the only head to be hit at. Colonel Irving is regarded as a mere recording angel, while Mr Langtree, whose appointment it was thought would strengthen the Board, both in securing for it greater executive power and popularity, has allowed the reputation he gained in the Mines, of being one of the most capable officers in the Public Service, to wilt utterly. Since his acceptance of the commissionership he has been so rarely en evidence, and so constantly travelling, that his influence in the counsels of the Board is regarded as an unknown quantity. Even during the past week, when important work was in progress, he has been absent with the Gold Commission. The result is that the odium which attaches to the Board's proceedings, or rather slowness of proceedings — for the Board never does anything until the spurs are dug so deep into it as to make it wince — falls upon Colonel Couchman, who, with that conscientiousness he displayed so well when controlling the Mines Department, remains at his post faithful to duty. It is, therefore, somewhat unfair that in the coming revolution the axe should be aimed first at his head, whose only offence is the endeavoring to carry-out according to his lights a system ill-designed and most inapplicable to the control of a Public Service, so large and intelligently officered as that of Victoria. A very important change in the relations of the Electric Telegraph Department to its mother-in-law, the Postal one, has recently been effected silently, which is likely to afford matter for discussion when the inevitable motion of want of confidence in Ministers, in consequence of their management of their departments, is proposed. The E.T.O. has always hitherto been a portion of the larger department, and its higher officers have been eligible to be moved up to the headships of the postal service. In this way, it will be remembered, Mr McGowan was promoted — the promotion being somewhat like selecting an intelligent racehorse — draw a furniture-van — to the D.P. M.G. ship, and you may remember that some years ago there was a considerable talk about the conflicting claims of Mr Bechervaise, of Ballarat, and Mr T. R. James to the headship of the telegraph branch ?????? foreseen that whoever was ultimately rising to the Deputy Postmaster Generalship. Mr Bechervaise has, it is understood, since waived his claim to promotion, preferring to remain in the pleasant atmosphere of Ballarat, with which he has been so long identified, and Mr James has taken the step on the ladder which should lead him ultimately to the enjoyment of the chair in the big front windows. And at this stage fate, the Public Service Board, and an easily talked-over Postmaster-General, have interposed, and the fiat has gone forth that none of these telegraph fellows (between whom and their postoffice confreres — I speak of the seniors — an undying feud exists) shall ever rise to be lords of postage stamps and governors of mails. To work this little oracle it became necessary to degrade the E.T.O. as a branch; and to effect this the headship of the office has been put into commission, Mr Payter, who was entitled to it in succession to Mr James, if Mr Bechervaise's claims were not pressed, being required to divide the duties with a gentleman who has been advanced from the third to the second class for the purpose. The scientific charge of the department, it was found, was exactly suited to Mr George Smibert, who has been advanced to it, under the title of telegraph engineer, at a higher salary than the nominal heads of the branch receive. The result of this little juggle is that the management of the Telegraph Department, formerly held by capable electricians, who were also able to satisfy the business exigencies of the post, has been reduced in status, and is now practically but a head clerkship; and this, coupled with the treatment meted out to the telegraph operators, whose case was discussed in the Assembly last session, has created in all ranks of the telegraph service a discontent, so deep that were it not for loyalty to duty, and the belief that Parliament will redress their grievances, a general strike of the whole staff of electricians would be within the possibilities of the proximate future. But on this question for the present "nuff sed," especially as I am certain to have to refer to it before very long again.

1890 04

Bechervaise elected to committee to organise a banquet welcome back to James Oddie after his long European tour

An influential meeting of citizens' was held last evening at Craig's hotel last evening for the purpose of making arrangements for the reception of Mr James Oddie, J.P., who will shortly return to Ballarat after a lengthy visit to Europe. Mr Charles Salter was voted to the chair, and among those present were Messrs J. Robson, T. Stoddart, T. Rogers, Elsworth, J. J. Fitzgerald, Hill, C. B. Retallack, W. Bentley, Hunter, T. Price, Willetts, Francis, Guerin, F. J. Martell, and J. A. Powell. Apologies for non-attendance were received from the Mayor of the City, the City clerk, Messrs John Murray, J. Oldham, the Hon. D. Ham, M.L.C., J. N. Dunn, Mica Smith, C. Dyte, Coltman, A. McVitty, Dr Whitcombe, E. D. Stocks, W. P. Bechervaise, L. Stansfield, J. Heinz, Alex. Gray. A number of very complimentary remarks having been made regarding Mr Oddie, both as a public man and as a private citizen, Mr John Robson stated that he had been asked by a large number of leading residents of Ballarat to convene a meeting to welcome Mr Oddie on his return to Ballarat. The meeting thanked Mr Robson for the action he had taken, and it was resolved, on the motion of Mr Fitzgerald, that the reception take the form of a banquet — time, place, &c., to be left in the hands of an executive committee. On the motion of Mr Elsworth it was next resolved that the executive committee consist of the chairman and hon. secretary (Mr J. A. Powell), ex officio, Messrs J. Robson, J. Fitzgerald, Willetts, Elsworth, Retallack, T. Rogers, and Bechervaise. It was further decided, on the motion of Mr Robson, that the executive committee be a reception committee, and that the co-operation of the public and other bodies be invited, so as to have the reception as widely representative as possible. The meeting closed with a vote of thanks to the chairman.

1890 05

Bechervaise in a cast of thousands planting a tree at Victoria Park

ARBOR DAY. The following record of the planting done at Victoria Park on Arbor Day, 23rd May, 1890, has been furnished to us. The number following each name is the number of the tree planted by the person named:— . . . W. P. Bechervaise 120, . . .

1890 06

Bechervaise chairs prize night for the Ballarat City Rowing Club

BALLARAT CITY ROWING CLUB. A very pleasant gathering took place last night, at Brophy's hotel, the occasion being the distribution of prizes won by teams of the above rowing club. There was a good gathering of rowing men. The president (Mr D. Brophy, J.P.) was prevented from being present by indisposition. Mr Bechervaise occupied the chair. Host Newton, provided light refreshments, to the entire satisfaction of the company. The prizes were displayed on a table in the room, and consisted of several handsome specimens of silver ware, clocks, gold chains, lockets, &c. After the usual loyal toasts had been disposed of, The chairman said they had not to bewail the fact of not having won a prize of some sort. It was three years since they had scored a win, and if the team had not pulled so pluckily they might have still further degenerated. They were going to come to the front again, and the attendance that night showed that the interest in the club was not abating. To the credit of the other clubs, be it said, they received the news of the victory with almost as much pleasure as did the members of the City Club. The prizes were then presented as follows:— . . .

1890 07

Bechervaise part of the team managing the Mayoral Concert

THE MAYORAL CONCERT. When it was announced that the Mayor of the City (Cr Little) did not intend to give the customary ball to celebrate the termination of his term of office, expectation was on tiptoe as to the nature of the substitute. It was certain that adverse criticism would be indulged in, but as a counterblast to this the Mayor has received numbers of congratulations from religious bodies and individuals of all denominations. His action, too, was favorably commented on by nearly the whole of the religious press. Whatever difference of opinion may be held as to the nature of the substitute, it is certain it was a most expensive one. In this respect Mayor Little followed the liberal interpretation of his social duties that he has observed right through his term of office. The Alfred Hall, in which the concert was held last night, presented a truly charming appearance. The decorations were carried out on a most lavish scale. The floral decorations, which were carried out by Mr Longley and an able staff of assistants were, if possible, more liberal than usual. One thousand yards of festooning and 1800 paper flowers were made for the occasion, and the fern baskets and balls of flowers which hung from the centre of each arch added greatly to the general effect, while scores of natural and elegant artificial pot plants combined and blended with the whole. Dozens of bannerettes and spears added a finish to the floral embellishments. A novelty in the way of internal decorations at the hall was added in the shape of gas designs. The most important of these were just over the proscenium, and they certainly exceeded in beauty any shown at the jubilee illuminations. In the centre was the royal coat of arms, hanging on each side a harp — English and Welsh — fitting emblems for a musical evening, and flanked with two handsome urns. Underneath the royal arms were the letters "V.R." and the words "God save the Queen." The whole design was 13 feet in height and 30 feet in length. On the side walls were the following designs (chiefly Masonic) in gas jets:— Crescent, star, square and compasses, and triangle and circle. At the end of the hall, fronting the balcony, were the crystal crown from Messrs Harry Davies and Co.'s establishment, and 20 colored lights. As the gas sparkled on the illuminations, and gave out a brilliant and dazzling light, the whole scene was one that delighted the beholder, reflected great credit on the taste and liberality of the mayor, and is not likely to be forgotten by those who witnessed it. The police, fire, carriage, and exit arrangements were all admirable. The platform for the occasion was raised higher and extended, and so was the stage behind the performers. It may be noted in passing that the mayor last week offered the Shakespeare statue committee to lend them his decorations and pay for the gas and illuminations if a concert were got up and given tonight, but it was found the liberal offer could not be accepted in time. The evening's programme was rich, varied, and liberal. The numbers were selected with the concurrence of the mayor, whose musical experience enabled him to know what would be likely to hit the popular tastes of all classes of the community. Thus, instead of giving the usual six pieces, eleven shorter items were programmed, including four popular solos by executants of great merit. The orchestra and officers comprised the full complement of 55 gentlemen, whose instruments and paraphernalia came by a special railway van. On the arrival of the gentlemen of the orchestra the mayor received and welcomed them at the Town Hall, where he extended the customary hospitality. The doors were opened at 7 o'clock, and 13 stewards, who kindly proffered their services (and whose names are given in a letter of thanks from the mayor in another column) under the able generalship of Mr W. P. Bechervaise, escorted the guests to their seats. Before the concert commenced there must have been fully 2300 persons present. . .

Mayor expresses thanks to all who made his concert a success, including Bechervaise

THE MAYOR'S CONCERT. TO THE EDITOR. SIR,— I would be wanting in gratitude if I omitted to thank all and sundry for their spontaneous and hearty assistance, which has gone far to make this evening's concert a memorable success. It is difficult to individualise, still I must not forget Messrs Snow and Room for the loan of artificial pot plants; Mr Harry Davies, for illuminated crown device; Mr T. Webb, artificial flowers; Mr Ernest Figgis, for his practical advice; Messrs W. P. Bechervaise, A. Fraser, J. W. Rail, R. Maddern, E. Verey, W. D. Hill, J. B. Cathcart, A. R. Davie, F. C. White, C. H. Crannage, F. H. Ware, and B. S. Anning, for officiating as stewards; Superintendent Palmer and the police; Mr Willis, stationmaster, for subduing noises at station; the gentlemen in charge of fire-hose and escape doors. Lastly, I heartily thank the public for honoring the occasion, and I only regret that the limits of the hall prevented me extending the invitations.— Yours, &c., WILLIAM LITTLE, Mayor.

Bechervaise calls for support for skipper's wife and chief mate of schooner Johanna

THE SCHOONER JOHANNA. TO THE EDITOR. SIR,— Most of your readers will have read with sad interest the distressing particulars of the voyage from Mauritius to Melbourne of the above-named vessel. If, as has been stated, the craft was, when alongside the wharf at Mauritius, close to the mouth of a deadly sewer which belched forth its poisonous germs, the authorities at that place have much to answer for. But my object in writing is to call the attention of my old nautical friends and others to the brave endurance of the poor skipper's wife and the chief mate Helj-u. Admidst all the miseries of heavy gales, and the vessel, from not being under control, in a most dangerous state, they both stuck to the sick and the dying, and also did everything in their power to bring the craft into port. Seamen alone can thoroughly appreciate what those two poor creatures went through. Ballarat is always to the fore in any good work, let it then take steps in some way to show our sense of the grand patient pluck of Mrs Meinders and the chief mate.— Yours, &c., WM. P. BECHERVAISE. Ballarat, 20th July, 1890.

1890 08

Bechervaise calls a meeting to recognize the heroism on the Johanna

A meeting of ladies and gentlemen favorable to a recognition of the heroism displayed by Mrs Meinders, wife of Captain Meinders, and Mr Heljen, chief mate, of the fever-stricken vessel Johanna, will be held at the City Hall this afternoon, at 5 o'clock. The case is one well deserving recognition, and the ladies of Ballarat will doubtless attend the meeting and show their appreciation of such noble conduct. Any lady or gentleman who cannot attend may forward subscriptions to Mr W. P. Bechervaise, postmaster, and they will be duly acknowledged.

As previous

A meeting of ladies and gentlemen favorable to the recognition of the bravery of Mrs Meinders and Mr Heljen, of the German schooner Johanna, was held at the City Hall yesterday afternoon. Present — Mayor Little (in the chair), Cr Shoppee, Rev. J. Tryon Wilson, Cr Gale, Mrs Gale, Messrs C. Forster, W. Bentley, F. W. Niven, F. Binsted, T. Bailey, W. N. Lansley, John Murray, and others. At the mayor's request, Mr Bechervaise explained the object of the meeting, and read sympathetic letters, with donations, from the Rev. Rabbi Goldreich, Mrs Hager, and other citizens. A sub-committee was appointed to further the matter. Mr Bechervaise, the hon. secretary and treasurer, was instructed to communicate with the German Consul, Melbourne, to notify him what is being done, and to ask him to ascertain in what form the presentation should be made, and to inform Mrs Meinders that the ladies and gentlemen of the committee give her and her little daughter a warm invitation to visit Ballarat for a few days, as a change would be likely to benefit them. The committee also invite Mr Heljen to come up and be their guest. The mayor cordially fell in with these suggestions. Subscriptions were handed in, and the committee expressed a wish that the Ballarat papers should be asked to kindly announce that they would receive donations towards the object. We may add that we have much pleasure in complying with the request.

Further to previous

The committee in Ballarat for raising funds to recognise the bravery of Mrs Meinders and Mr Heljen, of the German schooner Johanna, have received letters from H.I.M. German Consul, Melbourne, thanking the people of Ballarat for their kindness, and stating that as Mrs Meinders is unacquainted with the English language, and of a retiring disposition, she is, though fully appreciating their invitation, unable to accept the same. With regard to Mr Heljen, he is too ill to come up. Mrs Meinders leaves for Germany on 16th inst. by the s.s. Nurnberg. The committee will therefore close their lists next week. As money will be most serviceable, it is understood, to the recipients, the cash collected will be forwarded to the German Consul for disposal at the rate of £3 to Mrs Meinders to £1 to Mr Heljen. It is hoped that all who have promised donations will send them in at once, and that the ladies of Ballarat will assist the committee in the good work. His Honor Judge Gaunt and other influential gentlemen have sent in subscriptions, with sympathetic letters. Subscriptions may be sent to this office, or to Mr Bechervaise.

Two more of Bechervaise's staff are promoted to other districts

Some changes have quite recently been made in the junior staff of the City Telegraph Office. Yesterday Messrs W. Hosking and R. Meagher, who are leaving for other districts to which they have been promoted, were made the recipients of tokens of esteem by the general staff. Mr Bechervaise, in making the presentations, stated that the departure of his two young officers meant for themselves even higher promotion, if they persevered for it. He felt quite satisfied that they would persevere, and fulfil the promise they had already given of becoming really able officers of the department. Messrs Hosking and Meagher replied in a few choice remarks. They carry away with them the heartiest wishes of their brother officials as well as of a large circle of private friends.

Bechervaise supervises further telephone "experiments" between James Oddie's residence and the Observatory (more entertainment given advanced nature of telephony at this stage)

A highly interesting and enjoyable telephonic entertainment was given by Mr Jas. Oddie, J.P., F.R.S., to a number of his friends last evening. There were about a score of receivers at Mr Oddie's residence, the connections having been established under the superintendence of Mr Bechervaise, City Post and Telegraph Master. Communication was set up with the Observatory, where a small party had assembled. A pianoforte solo was first played at the Observatory, and was heard with tolerable distinctness by Mr Oddie's guests. Mayor Little, Mrs Little, and family then played a musical selection in their usual finished manner, and the company at the Observatory stated that they heard the music well. During the evening a connection was established with Bishopscourt, and Mr John Robson played "The last rose of summer," a jig, and "Home, sweet home" on the flute. This was perhaps the most successful test of all, as every note could be heard distinctly. A solo by Miss Baker ("Killarney") and a trio ("The wreath") from the Observatory party were also heard with pleasure by Mr Oddie's guests, several of whom contributed to the enjoyment of those at the other end of the wires. The experiments, which were conducted by Mr Bechervaise, were in every sense of the term a success, and demonstrated in a marked degree the future possibilities of the telephone.

The Johanna collection comes to a close

The final meeting of the Johanna relief fund committee was held at the City Hall yesterday; Cr Little (ex-mayor) in the chair. There was a large attendance of ladies and gentlemen. Mr Bechervaise announced that he and Mr W. Barton had taken the initiative in the matter, and, with the assistance of the ladies and gentlemen forming the committee had carried the effort to a successful issue. The sum of £80 clear would be available for handing over to the survivors. A special vote of thanks was passed to the gentlemen named, and it was resolved to give £60 to Mrs Meinders and £20 to Mr Heljen. Messrs Little, Forster, Gale, and Balhausen, and Mesdames Gale and Balhausen intend to proceed to Melbourne on Friday and present the money and two illuminated addresses to the heroes of the marine disaster. The presentation will be made at the German Consulate. Mr Bechervaise remarked that special mention should be made of the kind assistance in the movement rendered by the German residents, and by Cr Shoppee and Mrs Gale. A vote of thanks was passed to these also. The addresses, which were drawn up by Mr Bechervaise, have been very neatly written and illuminated on parchment by Mr W. N. Lansley free of cost. Each will be surmounted by a photograph of a portion of the ill-fated barque, with the survivors of the catastrophe on deck. Mr Lansley was heartily thanked for his generous and able work. A vote of thanks to the chairman closed the proceedings.

1890 09

Bechervaise's son Herbert Price Bechervaise a leader in the Seymour Quadrille Club

The last dance of the season under the auspices of the Seymour Quadrille Club took place at the Royal Hotel on Friday evening. There were over thirty couples present, and the arrangements being as good as on the previous occasions, a very enjoyable dance was the result. At twelve o'clock an adjournment was made for an excellent light repast, prepared with his usual taste by Host Macintire. Dancing was afterwards resumed and kept up until three. Mr H. Edwards, of Swanston-street, supplied the music, which was of a high-class character. Following is the programme in full:— Quadrille, "Boccaccio"; waltz, "Love's Dreamland"; polka, "Bon Gout"; lancers, "Pelican"; waltz, "Guards"; schottische, "Love letter"; quadrille, "Rip Van Winkle"; waltz; "Star of Love"; lancers, "Knight of St. Patrick"; waltz, "Blue Danube"; quadrille, "New Promenade"; waltz, "Santiago"; High. schottische, "Marie Stuart." Supper. Lancers, "Gondoliers"; waltz, "Adelaide"; schottische, "Horse Shoe"; quadrille, "Royal Irish"; waltz, "Morning Star"; lancers, "Pirates of Penzance." Now that the season is over, it is not out of place to say that the success which attended each assembly was, in a great measure, due to the energy of the courteous hon. sec., Mr Bechervaise, who was indefatigable in his endeavors to carry out his various duties to the satisfaction of all concerned. On Friday evening next, the Seymour Mechanics Quadrille Club hold their tenth assembly, the last of the season, in Perron's Hall, when an enjoyable dance may be anticipated.

Bechervaise attends annual meeting of Ballarat Fine Arts Gallery

BALLARAT FINE ART GALLERY. The annual meeting of members and subscribers was held last night; Mr J. Oddie, J.P., F.R.G.S. (president), in the chair. There was a large attendance. Annual Report.— The annual report of the council, dealing with the events of the year, most of which have already been reported on in these columns, was taken as read and adopted. Balance-sheet.— This showed the receipts for the year to have been £3047 10s 7d, the chief items being — Sale of debentures, £1175; credit balance from last year, £821 2s 6d; Government grant, £688 0s 10d; public contributions, £189 3s; maintenance donations, £91 10s. The expenditure for the year amounted to £2696 15s, leaving a credit balance of £300 15s 7d.— Adopted. Apologies.— Apologies were received from Dr Thornton, Bishop of Ballarat, and the Rev. W. Flower. Auditors’ Report.— The auditors reported favorably on their examination of the books, accounts, and balance-sheet.— Adopted. Thanks.— The customary votes of thanks were passed to the retiring council and the secretary, Mr J. N. Wilson speaking in warm terms of praise of the manner in which the affairs of the gallery, had been managed during the year. Mr H. A. Nevett moved— "That a letter of thanks, under the seal of the council, be forwarded to Mr Martin Loughlin, for his magnificent donation of pictures." Mr Oldham seconded the motion, remarking that Ballarat was deeply indebted to Mr Loughlin. The president, in putting the motion, which was carried with acclamation, remarked that if about 24 gentlemen followed suit they would have a magnificent gallery. The pictures, they estimated, were worth fully £4000. Mr G. Perry moved a hearty vote of thanks to Dr Moore, Bishop of Ballarat, for his gift of a fine picture. Mr Bechervaise seconded the motion, which was carried with acclamation. A special vote of thanks was also, on the motion of Dr Pinnock, seconded by Mr G. Perry, passed to Messrs Retallack and Price for their very willing and valuable services to the gallery. A similar compliment was also passed, on the motion of the Rev. Father Rogers, seconded by Mr Oldham, to Dr Thornton, Bishop of Ballarat, for his able services as acting president. Votes of thanks were also passed to the following:— Hon. solicitor, hon. treasurer, hon. architects, and the owners of pictures on loan. Elections.— Mr James Oddie was unanimously re-elected president, with acclamation. Mr Oddie, in returning thanks, expressed pleasure at seeing such a fine building and splendid collection of pictures on his return from England. He remarked that it was only six years since their first exhibition had taken place in the City Hall, so that the progress was good. They hoped to receive £1500 from the Government, part of which would probably go towards the purchase of pictures, and part towards enlarging the building. The other elections resulted as follows:— Vice presidents — Dr Thornton, Bishop of Ballarat; Dr Moore, Bishop of Ballarat; Sir W. J. Clarke, Hon. Philip Russell, and Messrs T. Stoddart, G. Perry, and J. Robson. Hon. treasurer, Mr R. McD. West; hon. auditors, Messrs S. Walker and J. F. Spillman; hon. solicitor, Mr H. A. Nevett; councillors Hon. E. Morey, M.L.C., Archdeacon Green, M.A., Revs. Canon MacMurray, W. Flower, M.A., T. R. Cairns, and Father Rogers, Drs Pinnock and Salmon, Messrs. J. Coghlan, J.P., H. J. Hall, J. Hickman, J.P. (mayor), W. Little, J.P., G. G. Morton, J.P., F. J. Martell, A. Miller, H. A. Nevett, J. Oldham, T. Price, C. B. Retallack, C. C. Shoppee, J.P., T. A. Uthwatt, D. McNaught, J. C. Molloy, J. B. Pearson, and T. .D. Wanliss.

1890 10

Marriage notice for Bechervaise's only daughter Charlotte Alice Bechervaise

Marriages. TRANTHIM-FRYER — BECHERVAISE.— On Tuesday, September 30, 1890, at All Saints, Hobart, by the Rev. Canon Archer, M.A., John Robertson Tranthim-Fryer, only son of J. R. Fryer, J.P., merchant, Hobart, to Charlotte Alice, only daughter of W. P. Bechervaise, Postmaster and Telegraph Manager, Ballarat, Victoria.

Bechervaise to be marshal at the opening of the rowing season at Lake Wendouree

OPENING OF THE ROWING SEASON. The formal opening of the rowing season will take place on Saturday afternoon, at Lake Wendouree. A meeting of representatives from the Ballarat, Ballarat City, and Wendouree Clubs was held on Tuesday evening, at the Gem hotel, when all matters of detail in connection with the ceremony were arranged. The event will take the form of a procession of boats, which, headed by Mr T. Gill's steamboat, the Golden City (having on board Mr W. P. Bechervaise, who will act as marshal) will leave the vicinity of the boat sheds at 3 o'clock, and will then row in single file by a circuitous route around the lake. After the procession the different crews will range up at the gardens and will then race home in sections, and as no fewer than 10 four-oared crews will face the starter in one of the races, this item should prove very interesting. The committees of the three clubs are invited on board the Golden City, which will also take passengers who are desirous of witnessing the procession. As nearly 30 crews will take part in the proceedings, the opening of this year's rowing season should be ushered in by a very fitting spectacle. All oarsmen in boats not belonging to the rowing clubs are requested by the committee to keep at a safe distance from the procession.

1890 11

Committee formed to welcome back Mr Loughlin (including Bechervaise) has final meeting

At the full committee meeting of the Loughlin welcome banquet committee at Craig's hotel yesterday afternoon, the final report and balance sheets were adopted, and hearty votes of thanks were passed to the chairman (Mr Jas. Oddie) and the hon. secretary (Mr W. P. Bechervaise) for the successful manner in which the movement had been carried out to recognise the great good to Ballarat Mr Loughlin had, by his kindness and liberality, accomplished.

1890 12

Bechervaise does not appreciate ridicule in a local society newsletter, proceedings under Printers and Publishers Act

SEIZURE OF A NEWSPAPER PLANT. (From Our Correspondent.) BALLARAT, Wednesday. Armed with a warrant, issued by Mr. W. P. Bechervaise, post and telegraph master, in Ballarat West, the police to-day seized the printing plant of a local weekly "society" paper known as Sport. It appears that several paragraphs have of late appeared in the paper which caused Mr. Bechervaise much displeasure and annoyance, and it is alleged cast ridicule upon him as a citizen of Ballarat, and as an officer of the State. One paragraph recently published was considered very offensive, and as the publisher of the paper, Mr. H. H. Herberte, did not apologise, the law was set in motion. Proceedings are being taken under the Printers and Publishers Act, and the seizure has been ordered on the alleged ground that the plant used in the production of Sport is not registered. It is intended to place the property seized in the store room at the city police camp pending further legal action.

As previous, local report

The plant of Sport office was seized yesterday afternoon by virtue of a writ issued under the Printers and Publishers Act, at the instance of Mr W. P. Bechervaise, post and telegraph master, Ballarat West. The writ was taken out by Mr W. P. Bechervaise, and was issued because the plant was not registered. Mr Bechervaise took action in consequence of certain paragraphs that appeared in Sport concerning him, and which he considered reflected on him as a public officer and a citizen. The publisher, Mr A. A. Herberte, was asked to apologise, but instead of doing so published another paragraph of the same nature as those complained of.

As previous

HERE AND THERE. An extraordinary seizure, was made on Wednesday at Ballarat, by the city police, who took the plant of a printer named A. A. Herberte, who does job printing, and brings out a paper entitled Sport. The charge laid against Mr Herberte is that he "did keep for use a printing press without having delivered the notice and received the certificate as required under the provisions of Section 3 of the Printers and Newspapers Act, 1890." The plant and type were conveyed to the City police-station, and Mr Herberte's premises were locked up. It appears that in a recent issue of Sport Mr W. P. Bechervaise, the local postmaster was lampooned, and the action by the police was upon the sworn information of Mr Bechervaise. The affair caused considerable sensation. Legal proceedings will follow.

Claims of Bechervaise again aired in Parliament

PARLIAMENT. LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. THURSDAY, DEC. 4. The Clerk announced that he had received a telegram from the President, expressing his regret that he would be unable to take the chair that evening owing to indisposition. Sir FREDERICK SARGOOD said that as both the President and the Chairman of Committees were absent, he would move that Mr. Cuthbert take the chair. Mr. SERVICE seconded the motion, which was agreed to. Mr. CUTHBERT took the chair at 5 minutes to 5 o'clock. . . . SUPPLY. The resolutions of the Committee of Supply having been reported to the House, Colonel SMITH asked the Postmaster-General to take into consideration the propriety of appointing a committee for the purpose of inquiring into the claims and position of Mr Bechervaise, postmaster, of Ballarat. Mr MUNRO said that the hon. member would be given an opportunity of making his request on Tuesday next, when the additional estimates would come before the House. Mr TUTHILL said that in connection with the estimates for the Public Works department he understood that an additional sum had been placed on the Estimates last year for the chief clerk of the department, Mr Morkham, who had acted as secretary during the illness and after the death of the late secretary, Mr Le Cren, and that the chairman of the Public Service Board, or rather the Public Service Board itself, had refused to allow the amount to be paid. If that was correct, it called for the interference of the House. Mr GRAVES said that the matter referred to by the hon. member was notorious. The Premier ought to see the correspondence on the subject. Mr MUNRO said that he would take the matter into consideration. The resolutions were agreed to.

As previous

PARLIAMENT. LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. TUESDAY, DEC. 9. The CLERK announced that the President (Sir James MacBain) was unfortunately still unable through illness to take the chair. Sir FREDERICK SARGOOD moved that Mr. Service take the chair. Agreed to. Mr SERVICE took the chair at 25 minutes to 5 o'clock, and read the prayer. . . . MR. BECHERVAISE'S CASE. In reply to Colonel SMITH, Mr. DUFFY said that the case of Mr. Bechervaise, the postmaster at Ballarat, had not been officially brought under his notice. If, however, the hon. member was agreeable, instead of having a board appointed to inquire into it, he (Mr. Duffy) would personally inquire into the whole matter, and decide on its merits with a free mind. Colonel SMITH.— Hear, hear.

The Bechervaise case against Ballarat Sport goes to local court, results in 30 newspapers frantically seeking registration of their plant

At the City Police Court yesterday morning Abram Alexander Herberte, proprietor of the Sport newspaper, was proceeded against on charges of keeping a printing press and types without having delivered the notices and received the certificates as required by the Printers and Newspapers Act, 1890. Mr Pearson appeared for Mr W. P. Bechervaise, the informant, and Mr H. S. Barrett for the defendant. The charge of keeping an unregistered press was first taken. Mr Barrett contended that the bench had no jurisdiction, as the informant in the information did not sue for a penalty. The proceedings were taken under section 21, which provide for penalties up to £20, and the action would have to be brought in the Supreme Court. The bench considered that they had jurisdiction, and the case was gone on with. Eugene Barry, Deputy Registrar-General, was then called, and deposed that neither the printing press nor the types with which the paper was published were registered. Mr Barrett urged that there was no case against the defendant. There had been a straining of the Act in a wrong direction. The newspaper itself was registered, and it was not intended that the proprietor should give the same particulars twice over. This was the first time that such proceedings had been taken in the history of the colony. The proprietors of the newspapers had not to give such notices, and the present notion was an outrage on the intentions of the Legislature. It had been taken simply because Mr Bechervaise had been lampooned. He (Mr Barrett) did not think the types and printing press of any newspaper in the colony were registered. Eugene Barry, recalled, stated that since the proceedings had been initiated a large number of proprietors of papers had registered their plants. Within the past week about 30 certificates had been issued. Mr Pearson contended that the law must be adhered to. Decent papers need never be troubled about the registration of their types or presses, but when it came to scurrilous and damaging rags it was a different thing. The magistrates, after a retirement of a quarter of an hour, returned into court, and the chairman announced that the majority were in favor of dismissing the case, but that he disagreed with them. Mr Barrett applied for £3 3s costs. Mr Pearson remarked that it was unusual to grant costs when the bench were divided in opinion. The case would certainly be taken to a higher court, and he would ask the bench to state the grounds on which they based their decision. The chairman said the majority of the bench considered that the defendant had fully complied with the law in registering the newspaper. The bench allowed the defendant £1 1s costs. The second case of keeping unregistered types, which was of a similar nature, was also dismissed with £1 1s costs. Mr Pearson asked that execution be stayed for six weeks, to allow of an appeal to a higher court, and the bench granted the application.

As previous, further detail

NOVEL PROCEEDINGS AGAINST A NEWSPAPER PROPRIETOR. (FROM OUR CORRESPONDENT.) BALLARAT, TUESDAY. At the city police court today, Mr. Abraham Alexander Herberte, printer and publisher of a local society paper known as Sport, was charged, on the information of Mr. W. P. Bechervaise, post and telegraph master in Ballarat West, with having in his possession a printing press which had not been registered. On the 3rd inst., as already reported, the police, acting on a warrant issued by Mr. Thomson, P.M., at the instigation of Mr. Bechervaise, proceeded to the office of Sport and seized the plant and types. This action was taken, it seems, on account of the insertion of a paragraph in Sport which caused Mr. Bechervaise much annoyance, and which, as he considered, held him up to ridicule in his private and public capacity. Mr. Eugene Barry, deputy registrar-general, deposed that the Sport newspaper had been registered, but not the plant and types. He did not think that, prior to the seizure of the machinery and types in the office of Sport, any of the newspaper plants of Ballarat were registered. Mr. Barrett, for the defence, raised a number of technical objections. In the first instance, he contended, that the bench had no jurisdiction, as the informer was not suing for a penalty, and secondly, he urged that according to the remarks of counsel for the prosecution proceedings were taken under section 21 of the act which fixed the penalty at £20. Seizure was therefore illegal. Then, again, the act, although bearing date 1890, was virtually founded on English acts passed in 1799 and 1820, and which have since been expunged from the English statutes, although in force in this colony. The proceedings were an outrage on the intentions of the Legislature, and an outrage on newspapers generally. The present occasion was the first in the history of the Australian colonies that a proprietor of a newspaper had been dragged to the bar of a court for not having his press registered. Mr. Herberte had, like other newspaper proprietors, registered his paper, and he (Mr. Barrett) contended that was sufficient to meet the requirements of the law. Mr. Pearson urged that the law on the subject was plain. The act was passed on the 10th July, 1890, and it clearly stipulated that all newspapers and all presses should be registered. A majority of the bench decided to dismiss the case, as they were of opinion that in registering Sport Mr. Herberte had complied with the act, and therefore the special registration of the plant was unnecessary. The chairman of the bench, Mr. R. M. Sergeant, added that he did not agree with the decision of his colleagues. Costs amounting to £1 1s. were allowed defendant. A second charge of having unregistered types in his possession was preferred against Mr. Herberte. This case was also dismissed with £1 1s. costs to defendant. Execution was stayed for six weeks, in order that complainant might appeal.

1891

1891 01

Bechervaise's son Herbert Price Bechervaise still at Elmhurst, steward at annual races

Elmhurst Turf Club. ANNUAL RACES. Friday, January 30, 1891 STEWARDS: Messrs D. McPhee, T. Kaye, H. Croft, W. B. Hodgetts, W. Ranson, Oscar Wiltshire, Isaac Keam, J. Ranson, M. Regan, T. Croft, Angus McPhee, Geo. Stevens, M. Croft, H. Bechervaise, J. McKenzie, Alexander McPhee, R. J. Orrock, J. Easterbrook. JUDGE: W. B. Hodgetts. STARTER: G. Stevens. CLERK OF COURSE: Thos. Croft. CLERK OF SCALES: Thos. Kaye. HANDICAPPER: W. B. Hodgetts. PRESIDENT: D. McPhee. VICE-PRESIDENT: Thos. Kaye. PROGRAMME: MAIDEN PLATE.— Of. 5sovs. One mile. Weight for age. For all horses that have never won an advertised prize. Entrance, 5s. To start at 1 p.m. ELMHURST HANDICAP.— Of £10. First horse, £8; 2nd horse, £2. One and a quarter miles. Entrance, 10s. To start at 1.45. STEWARDS' CUP.— Of 5sovs. One mile Weight for age. Winner to be sold for 15 sovs. 7lb allowed for every £5 reduction in selling price. Surplus to go to club. Entrance, 5s. To start at 2.30p.m. . . .

1891 02

Bechervaise chairs a presentation to another staffer upon his marriage

On Saturday evening last, when the business of the day had drawn itself to an end, the telegraph office had all its staff assembled together to once more honor one of its members with a presentation. On this occasion Mr Tuckett was the recipient of a handsome memento of the esteem in which he is held by his brother officers. They presented him on the eve of his marriage with a splendid silver piece, suitably inscribed. Mr Bechervaise, the postmaster, made the presentation in a neat, humorous, and homely speech. During the course of his remarks Mr Bechervaise referred to the unvarying willingness of Mr Tuckett to oblige his brother officers, and considered this to be one of the best characteristics any young officer could display either towards his confreres or the general public. Mr Bechervaise trusted the general harmony that existed between the members of his staff would long continue. Mr Binsted, who has charge of the local telegraph branch, supplemented the remarks of the chief manager in a few well chosen words. Mr Tuckett responded briefly, and trusted that the good opinion he had earned would continue.

1891 03

Bechervaise chairs a meeting of the Ballarat Regatta Committee

BALLARAT REGATTA COMMITTEE. A meeting of the above committee was held last evening, Mr W. P. Bechervaise presiding. Reports of a satisfactory character were made by the various sub-committees relative to the regatta, which is to take place at Lake Wendouree on Friday next. Reference was made to the large number of entries for each event. Prizes amounting in the aggregate to £200 will be competed for, and an excellent display of rowing is promised. Arrangements have been made for the comfort of visitors to the regatta. The first race, Maiden Sculls, will start at 2 o'clock, and the other contests will follow at regular intervals. During the afternoon an efficient brass band will perform. The course is now in excellent order, all the undergrowth having been removed. In the evening the competing crews will be entertained by the regatta committee. The entries were published in The Star of Saturday last.

Post regatta gathering chaired by Bechervaise

Mr W. P. Bechervaise, chairman of the regatta committee, occupied the chair, and Lieutenant-Colonel Sleep and Mr H. S. Barrett the vice-chairs. The Hop Bitters' cup, won at the Warrnambool regatta on Boxing Day by the Wendouree club's senior eight, was on view, and was much admired. The usual loyal toasts having been proposed and honored, Mr R. W. Holmes, president of the Ballarat Rowing Club, proposed the toast of "The Visitors." The toast was enthusiastically honored, and was responded to by Messrs Rowley (Warrnambool), Bayne (Banks), Ogden (Williamstown), Barnes (Echuca East), Fulton (Colac), Brown (Warrnambool), Matthews (Boroondara), and representatives of the Electric Tele-graph, Corio, and Barwon clubs. Mr H. S. Barrett proposed "Success to Rowing," and Mr E. Williams responded. The toast of "The Three Local Rowing Clubs" was given by Lieutenant-Colonel Sleep, and responded to by representatives of the Ballarat, Ballarat City, and Wendouree Clubs. A number of other toasts were also honored. During the evening songs were rendered by Messrs J. W. Burton, E. B. Wells, and other gentlemen, Mr R. G. Claxton playing the accompaniments.

Bechervaise's committee raise £180 for the Ballarat Liedertafel

At a full meeting of the Liedertafel support fund committee, held at Craig's yesterday afternoon, Mayor Shoppee in the chair, it was decided to forward £180 to Mr John Robson, the amount collected less some little incidental expenses, and in doing so the hon. secretary (Mr Bechervaise), was requested to convey to Mr Robson the feeling of the committee that they had been engaged in a most pleasurable work in endeavoring to sustain his hands to uphold the Ballarat Liedertafel, which was pertinently named as perhaps "the grandest musical institution in the Southern Hemisphere." It was further resolved that the list of contributors and balance-sheet should not be advertised, but may be inspected at the place of business of the hon. treasurer, Mr J. J. Fitzgerald, J.P., Bridge street.

1891 04

Bechervaise and his team receive credit for their assistance in making the Ballarat Fire Brigade station one of Australia's finest.

BALLARAT CITY FIRE BRIGADE STATION AND FIRE SYSTEM. A description of the City Brigade's buildings and the methods of coping with outbreaks of fire will, at the present juncture of fire brigade affairs, doubtless, prove of interest to firemen throughout the colony. This description will be of greater interest on account of the fact that several members of the newly appointed Fire Brigades' Boards who recently inspected the City Brigade station and enquired into its method of working, have expressed the opinion that this brigade ought to be a model for country brigades in the future. The country Fire Brigades' Boards will exclusively continue its attention to the organisation and proper equipment and discipline of country brigades. With few exceptions — notably those of the Ballarat City and Ballarat — volunteer brigades have hitherto had a very precarious existence. Though organised for the protection of life and property from destruction by fire, these noble bodies of men, besides giving their time and endangering their life and health for the benefit of their fellow citizens, have also had to obtain the money necessary to purchase plant and appliances by their own exertions. Now the Fire Brigades' Boards will provide the finances. These boards are empowered, under the Fire Brigades Act to determine what amount of money is required by each brigade for the proper discharge of its functions, and also to levy equal contributions from the insurance companies, the Government, and the municipalities having brigades in their districts. This Act is a new departure — and though it may have, as some maintain, great defects, still it should be given a fair trial. Without doubt it will rest with the members constituting these fire boards, and with their executive officers, whether the Act will prove a curse or a blessing to all those concerned in its operation. Of all places in Victoria, Ballarat least required the passing of such a measure. What has been achieved in Ballarat will show to what a pitch of excellence a volunteer brigade may be brought when generous pecuniary support is afforded. The City Brigade consists of 45 active working members, who are scattered all over the city, and are governed by six officers. There is a paid station-keeper, residing on the premises, and, with the exception of the secretary, he alone receives payment. His duty is to be on watch in the tower for either the first or second half of the night, to ring the alarm bell in cases of fire, to drive the hose brake to the fires, to attend to the telephones and fire alarms, and to keep the station in proper order. In addition to the central station there are seven outstations in various parts of the city, furnished with a hose reel fully equipped. The present old buildings, as they are now called to distinguish them from the recent new additions made to the brigade station, consist of a large two-storey bluestone building, with an elevated lookout tower, surmounted by a large alarm bell. The ground floor forms an engine and apparatus room, 40 feet by 35 feet. This room contains a steam fire engine fully equipped, a second hose brake with all apparatus in case of accident to the principal one, two hand hose reels, an apparatus carriage furnished with ladders, buckets, axes, a canvas fire escape, &c., and round its walls hang over 6000 feet of canvas hose. The second storey forms one large hall used for brigade and other meetings. The walls of this hall are literally covered with handsome cedar cases containing the numerous trophies won by the brigade at fire-brigade demonstrations. Some 12 months ago the members of the brigade decided to erect new buildings of bluestone and brick to replace the old wooden ones, which had done duty for some 20 years. Accordingly the Ballarat City Council were approached on the subject, and eventually they resolved to pay £500 towards the cost of the proposed additions. Mr Piper, of Messrs James and Piper, the brigade's honorary architects, prepared plans and specifications of the proposed new buildings, and tenders were called for and sub-mitted to the council for their acceptance. All the extras found necessary and all money required above £500 were to be paid by the brigade. The officers of the brigade thus found themselves in a serious predicament, more especially as debts were already due to the amount of £200. However, with characteristic energy they set to work and canvassed the whole of Ballarat City and the surrounding districts for donations, and with magnificent results, for in about six weeks the sum of £642 was collected. To assist in raising the money required it was decided to have an art union, which eventuated in a net profit of £375. In the face of this success, the officers of the brigade called a special meeting, and the plans and specifications were so considerably altered that the cost of the present new buildings has amounted to £1100. A station keeper's cottage has yet to be erected, at an additional cost of £250. The ground floor of the new buildings consists of a large room, 25 feet by 21 feet, for the hose brake; a loose box, 11 feet by 7 feet, for the horse; a passage way, 33 feet by 14½ feet, for cleaning hose; a telephone and telegraph alarm room, 11 feet by 12½ feet; and the station keeper's bedroom. The second floor forms a hall, 34 feet by 24 feet, and three smaller rooms, which may be used for bedrooms for firemen, who, it is proposed, shall sleep on the premises. When an alarm of fire is given, the station-keeper (Mr Mackay), if in bed, pulls a cord. This simple act lights up his bedroom and the telephone room. Passing into the telephone room, he telegraphs the alarm to the Ballarat brigade, at the same time pulling another cord. The pulling of the second cord opens the door of the telephone room, causes the stable to fall to pieces, releasing the horse, and turns full on all the gas jets in the engine room and brake-room. The horse is backed under suspended harness, and the shafts of the brake drawn down. By snapping the collar together and fastening three spring hooks the harnessing of the horse is complete. The act of the station-keeper in taking his seat on the brake switches on the electric light in the brake lamps. A pull of another cord causes the exit doors to fly open, and away goes the hose brake to the fire. The average time required for the station-keeper to get clear of the station and on the road to a fire varies from 18 to 22 seconds. The same result is also effected by simply opening a gate to gain access to the brake and horse, if the stationkeeper happens to be on watch in the tower. The device for suspending the harness, consists of a wooden board, 3 feet 9 inches long, hanging from the ceiling by two lines of steel wire cord passing over pulleys to leaden weights encased in boxes in the wall. In this board a steel sliding bar is fixed, having three offset brackets working in three brass bearings. The collar, saddle, and breeching are connected with and suspended from the sliding bar by three small hooks which are attached to the harness. When the shafts are drawn down to which the harness is fastened and is within three inches of the horse's back, the sliding bar is thrown forward by a self-acting lever which releases the harness, and the board and bar fly back to the ceiling out of the way. To Mr William Newsome, the hose officer of the brigade, the whole credit is due for the ease and speed with which the brake can be got out of the station on the road to a fire. Mr Newsome is the inventor of the scheme for suspending the harness, also of the loose box for the horse, and for the method of lighting the brigade buildings. In fact Mr Newsome supervised the whole of the work in connection with the erection of the new buildings. One of the most unique things is the way in which the stable falls to pieces. Mr Newsome who is a clever young mechanic has recently invented and patented a most ingenious hose-reel, the drum of which carries from 50 feet and upwards of hose, by unwinding the hose the the water is turned on automatically. These reels are particularly suitable for large buildings. Several of these have just been fixed up at the Benevolent Asylum and at Craig's hotel. One of the most important and interesting things is the telephone room. The telegraph and telephone have in the past done wonderful work, and as electricity is still in its infancy, it is extremely difficult to say what it will not do. The English, Continental, and American fire brigades have availed themselves of electricity in nearly all its branches. The Ballarat City Brigade are doing the same. The system of telegraphing existing between the City and Ballarat Brigade stations, and the telephone and telegraph alarm service of the City brigade are almost perfect. By simply pressing a telegraph key, which causes an electric bell to ring at the distant end, and calls the attention of the stationkeeper at the Ballarat Brigade, by a code of signals the exact locality of an outbreak, of fire is indicated. By means of a small "repeater" the same signals are simultaneously transmitted to the homes of the three firemen who live nearest to the City Brigade station. This same action will light up the bedrooms of these firemen with the electric light, and thus no time is lost by the men in getting to the brigade sta-tion. Direct telephonic communication exists between brigade station and the telephone exchange, the Western Railway Station, Superintendent Hennah's private residence, and the lookout tower. There is also a direct fire alarm circuit to the Bene-volent Asylum, from which the signal of fire can be sent from several parts of the buildings. Very shortly the district Hos-pital will be similarly connected, as well as several other public institutions. Street alarms are also in existence. When the station-keeper is in the lookout tower, the instruments there are switched on to the telephone room, and all the telegraph, fire alarms, and telephone instruments are thus at his command while he is on "watch" duty. Quite recently provision was made for the prevention of accidents to pedes-trians when the brake comes out of the station. A large electric alarm bell has been fixed over the archway of the exit doors. When the stable falls to pieces, it releases a spring, and sets this electric bell ringing, thereby warning passers by of danger. The moment the exit doors are opened and the brake is clear away, a small unobserved lever is struck by the door, and the circuit being broken the bell stops ringing. Speaking tubes also connect the different rooms of the station, and the large alarm bell in the tower may be rung from the telephone room or the tower. Every assist-ance has been given to the brigade by the Postal and Telegraph Department in per-fecting the telephone service and the tele-graph fire alarms. Mr Bechervaise, the local post and telegraph master, and staff have also been of great service, and have always been ready and willing to give the benefit of their electrical knowledge and experience. The brigade has now one of the finest ap-pointed stations in Australia, and a great deal of the credit must be given to the officers. Superintendent Hennah has shown himself a most capable director, and the work done for the brigade by Mr T. Curnow, the secretary, has been invaluable. At the last meeting of the brigade Mr Newsome, hose-officer, was presented with a handsome gold watch, value 25 guineas, as a small recognition of his services in superintending the mechanical arrangements of the station.

1891 05

Bechervaise delivers telegram providing respite to condemned man.

EXECUTION OF WILSON. JOHNSTON RESPITED AT THE LAST MOMENT. THE QUESTION OF SANITY RAISED AGAIN. A MIDNIGHT EXAMINATION. The large crowd that assembled in the vicinity of the Gaol yesterday morning, shortly before 10 o'clock, proved that some thing unusual was about to transpire. A stranger in the city would soon have learnt that these people were attracted to the spot by a morbid curiosity — a double execution was about to take place. Two criminals were about to suffer the extreme penalty of the law. One of these was John Wilson, a man caught in the act of criminally assaulting a little girl about six years of age. The other, in whom the most interest centred, was James Johnston, whose murder of his wife and four children under sensational circumstances will be remembered by all. From about 9 o'clock it was rumored that a reprieve would be granted, and everyone in the vicinity of the gaol was on the tenterhooks of suspense. This was caused mainly by the arrival of a special train from Melbourne, which it was said brought news of the reprieve. This, however, it transpired, was false. The train in question was run by three globe-trotters, one of whom at least it is said, was very anxious to gain admission to the execution, but was unable to do so. Still the rumors were persistently persevered in. At about 10 minutes before the hour appointed for the execution — 10 o'clock — there was a stir in the street. The postmaster (Mr Bechervaise) and the head of the telegraph office in the city (Mr Binstead) were seen driving in a cab towards the gaol at a furious rate. And well they might! A life hung on the question of a few minutes. A hurried ring at the gate was answered by the warder in charge, and Mr Bechervaise was admitted into the gaol, bearing in his hands two important telegrams. Both were addressed to Sheriff Anderson, one being from Lord Hopetoun, the Governor, and the other from the Attorney-General. Both, it was surmised, had an important bearing upon the grim ceremony appointed to take place; and so it turned out. Five minutes afterwards the sheriff arrived, and he, the Governor of the gaol, and Mr Bechervise went into the office together. Meantime, Mr T. D. Wanliss had been sent for, and the information imparted to him was — judging by his countenance as he left the gaol — of a pleasing nature. The contents of the telegrams were not at once divulged, but those who were to witness the execution were not left long in doubt concerning them.

Further to previous, Johnstone's response to the news of his respite

A RESPITE HAD BEEN GRANTED. As soon as the circular hall, where the gallows is fixed (midway between two corridors) was reached, the Governor of the gaol mounted the steps, and proceeding to the cell where Johnston was confined, said in a clear voice, "James Johnston, I am pleased to inform you that you have been respited." The Rev. T. R. Cairns was present with the condemned man, ministering to him in what were supposed to be his last hours. Johnston received the announcement totally unmoved, as he has met nearly every incident connected with the fearful tragedy of which he was the author. He merely wrote on his slate, "God's will be done," and gave no further sign. He professed to be perfectly prepared for his fate, and only anxious to go, as he put it, "home to his dear wife and children." From the first he has manifested the most perfect indifference to his fate. At the partings with his relatives, though they were deeply affected, Johnston was absolutely unmoved, save for a slight appearance of annoyance at anything like a fuss being made over him. His appetite has never left him, and he has always slept calmly through the nights. He was at first allowed a very liberal diet, which was reduced as he gained in health and strength. Of late he has been gaining in weight. He slept well on Sunday night, and yesterday morning ate a hearty breakfast of bacon, bread, and coffee. On Saturday, he stated to a friend, by writing on a slate: — "I have had to comfort poor Wilson. I want him to die a good soldier of Christ Jesus, as I shall. As the song says, 'Let me like a soldier fall.' " Whether this is part of his programme in carrying out a steadfast purpose, or the outcome of a diseased mind, probably each of our readers will decide for himself or herself. Immediately on the news of the respite being made known to Johnston the Rev. T. R. Cairns left, and hurried off to tell the friends of the condemned man the news, and to avoid witnessing the execution of the other prisoner.

Further background to previous report

THE RESPITE OF JAMES JOHNSTON. TO THE EDITOR OF THE ARGUS. Sir,— In your leading columns of today after relating the circumstances connected with the respite of the prisoner Johnston, you go on to say:— "For this element of sensationalism it does not appear that the Executive is responsible. There are people who have taken up the cause of Johnston with enthusiasm and they made a final and a clever effort. They arranged for the midnight medical visit and the telegrams before dawn; and further, they pointed out to the Governor that the Lunacy Statute specifically states that when evidence is tendered that a prisoner under sentence of death is insane his execution shall be stayed until a medical board has reported on him." In another part of The Argus you give a copy of the telegram I forwarded to His Excellency the Governor yesterday morning with my name attached. You thus clearly connect me with the discreditable charges I have quoted above. The Rev. Mr. Cairns, Drs. Whitcomb and Hardy, and myself are accused of acting in concert for the purpose of putting His Excellency in a fix, and compelling him, as it were, by taking him unawares, to reprieve the prisoner Johnston at the last moment. We arranged, you say, "the midnight medical visit and the telegrams before dawn." It was "a final and a clever effort." As regards myself, I at once deny the charge as untrue, and I am quite sure that it is also untrue as regards the other three gentlemen. For my own part, the first intimation I had of "the midnight medical visit" you speak of was yesterday morning, about 20 minutes to 8. I was in bed, when I was handed a note, which is as follows:— "Dear Mr Wanliss,— Drs. Whitcombe and Hardie certified last night that Johnson is insane, and at 2 a.m. this morning we telegraphed that to the Governor, and I am now in receipt of enclosed reply. I send it that you may use your judgement in the matter. I can do no more, and must be as soon as I can with Johnston. In haste, T. R. CAIRNS." The messenger waited to see if I had any reply. I said there was none. The telegram enclosed by Mr Cairns, I may say, was to the effect that "the Governor is unable to alter his previous decision, and therefore the law must take its course." I saw that the telegram had been lodged at the sending station in Melbourne at 3.25 yesterday morning, and arrived at Ballarat at 3.40. Regarding the refusal as a final one, I gave the matter up and sent the messenger away, but getting up at once for the purpose of ascertaining the law of the case, I found it to be as quoted in my telegram to His Excellency. On satisfying myself as to this, it seemed to me that the Governor was about to commit a terrible judicial blunder, which would be a stain on the administration of justice in Victoria, and be a source of lasting regret to him, and to all connected with the blunder. I therefore lost not a moment in forwarding the message you have published, and thanks to Mr. Bechervaise, the postmaster here, and his staff, and to the promptitude of the telegraph officials in Melbourne, the message and reply were just in time. I leave it to the public of Victoria to judge whether under the circumstances mentioned I did not simply do my duty as a citizen, and as a man having a due regard for the proper administration of justice. As to the action of His Excellency and the Executive in refusing so repeatedly to grant the petition of the 41 medical gentlemen who wished a medical board of inquiry to be appointed to inquire into Johnston's sanity, I think the intelligent public of Victoria can only have one opinion.— I am, &c., Ballarat, May 12. T. D. WANLISS. (Mr. Wanliss puts a construction on the passage in our article which he quotes which is quite unwarranted, and when he recovers his temper he will no doubt see this. We did not impute "discreditable" conduct to the persons who procured Johnston's respite — we said their management of the business was "clever." In matters of life and death desperate expedients may seem justifiable to those who are deeply concerned in the issue. Mr. Wanliss no doubt acted on a right instinct in sending his telegram to the Governor, and we should be the last to blame him for sending it. As for the midnight examination of Johnston it still remains unexplained, and we still think it "clever." — Ed. A.)

1891 06

Bechervaise in a cast of 800 at the Mayoral Ball for Ballarat East

THE MAYORAL BALL AT THE ALFRED HALL. The Ballarat East mayoral ball was held last night, at the Alfred Hall, and proved a brilliant affair. Additional interest had been given to the proceedings owing to the presence of his Excellency the Governor, who arrived in the ballroom shortly after half-past 9. Sir W. J. and Lady Clarke were also present. The hall was beautifully decorated, and the illuminations were on a scale of magnificence. About 750 ladies and gentlemen were present, and among the visitors were Parliamentary representatives, city, town, shire, and borough councillors, and citizens of Melbourne, Geelong, and Sandhurst. A programme of 19 dances had been arranged. His Excellency remained at the ball until an advanced hour. The pretty costumes of the ladies added an additional charm to the proceedings. Music was supplied by West’s operatic band, and the arrangements of the dances were efficiently conducted by Mr C. H. Crannage. Supper was partaken of at midnight. Mayor Gale presided. The loyal toasts were responded to by Lord Hopetoun in a felicitous speech, in which he expressed his great pleasure at being present at the mayoral ball of Ballarat East. Amongst the guests were the following:— Captain Willoughby, Sir Wm. and Lady Clarke, the mayor of the City and Miss Shoppee, the Hon. and Mrs A. R. Outtrim, the Hon. Hy. Gore, the Hon. Hy. Cuthbert, the Hon. A. J. Peacock, the Hon. Colonel Smith, the Hon. George Young, Colonel Moon (Consul-General of Costa Rica), his Honor Judge Molesworth. About 1200 invitations were issued, and there were nearly 800 accepted, as follows:— . . . Mr W. P. Bechervaise, . . .

1891 07

Victorian Legislative Assembly passes a motion to form a select committee to inquire into the claims of Bechervaise

PARLIAMENT. LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY. WEDNESDAY, JULY 1. The SPEAKER took the chair at 5 o'clock. . . . THE CASE OF MR. BECHERVAISE. Colonel SMITH moved — "That a select committee be appointed to inquire into and report upon the claims of Mr Bechervaise, telegraph and postmaster of Ballarat West to promotion in the public service such committee to consist of Mr. Baker, Mr. Clark, Mr. Foster, Mr. Kirton, Mr. Richardson, Mr. Williams, and the mover, with power to send for persons, papers, and records; three to be the quorum." Mr RICHARDSON seconded the motion. Mr GILLIES thought that before a select committee was appointed to traverse a decision of the Public Service Board or the Postmaster-General a prima facie case should be made out for the adoption of such a course. It was a serious thing to challenge the action of the Public Service Board, considering the large powers that were vested in it. He trusted that the hon. member for Ballarat West would take an opportunity of making a statement of some kind, so that the appointment of the select committee might be justified. Mr DUFFY agreed fully with the principle laid down by the leader of the Opposition. He had expected that when the hon. member for Ballarat West brought forward his motion he would state a prima facie case justifying it. In compliance with a promise given at a late period of last session, he had looked into the case of Mr Bechervaise, and had come to the conclusion that although he might, if he had been given the opportunity have decided the case differently, he did not see his way as a Minister of the Crown to upset the decision which had been arrived at. The hon. member for Ballarat West thought that, as the case was a complicated one, and there was a difference of opinion between the Public Service Board and the department, it was worthy of an inquiry by a select committee. Mr. GILLIES.— The Public Service Board came to a decision and that decision the Minister cannot upset? Mr. DUFFY.— Exactly so; but the House could interfere with it. Mr. GILLIES.— How? Mr. DUFFY.— The House could direct the Public Service Board and he would be sorry to find that its will would not be given effect to. Mr. GILLIES.— That is an ad captandum statement. Mr. DUFFY.— There being a difference of opinion between the department and the board, the request for a select committee was a reasonable one. At the same time, in fairness to the House, the hon. member should have opened with a statement showing a prima facie case for inquiry. The motion was agreed to. ADJOURNMENT. At 12 minutes to 10 o'clock the House adjourned until the following day.

Commentary in the Ballarat Star on the previous

PARLIAMENTARY NOTES. (BY A CARPER) . . . . The unopposed Appointment of a select committee to consider Mr Bechervaise's claims to promotion, and the eagerness shown to attack the Railway Commissioners, are straws which show how far the ill-advised actions of both sets of Commissioners have undermined the principles of the Acts they administer.

First meeting of the Bechervaise select committee

The Parliamentary committee appointed to inquire into the claims of Mr Bechervaise, of Ballarat, to seniority in connection with the Post and Telegraph department, met yesterday, six of the seven members being present. Colonel Smith, who moved for the appointment of the committee, was elected chairman, and it was decided to call for all papers bearing on the case in the possession of the Post and Telegraph department and of the Civil Service Commissioners. Mr. Bechervaise will also be asked to formulate his claims at the next meeting of the board, and to send in the names of persons whom he desires to be summoned to give evidence. The committee will meet on Thursdays at half past 1 o'clock until its inquiries are completed.

Second meeting of the Bechervaise select committee cancelled

MELBOURNE. Thursday. (FROM OUR CORRESPONDENT.) The Parliamentary board appointed to enquire into the claims of Mr Bechervaise, of the Postal Department, did not meet to-day, in consequence of the absence from town of Mr Smibert, Deputy Postmaster-General.

Further meeting of the Bechervaise select committee

MELBOURNE. Thursday. (FROM OUR CORRESPONDENT.) . . . The Bechervaise board, which met to-day, elicited some interesting information respecting the manner in which Mr Bechervaise lost the promotion he claims. According to the papers and evidence to-day Mr Bechervaise was some years ago acknowledged to be the senior officer in the department, and was actually nominated by the Public Service Board for the position of Superintendent of Telegraphs. The official head of the department, however, blocked his promotion, according to Mr Bechervaise; and Mr Smibert will have an opportunity of explaining his reasons for so doing after next week. The Public Service Commissioners are to be examined by the board.

Further meeting of the Bechervaise select committee

MELBOURNE. Thursday. (FROM OUR CORRESPONDENT.) (BY WIRE.) . . . The Bechervaise Board (Colonel Smith, chairman) examined a number of the appellant's witnesses, who were cross-examined by Mr Smibert. The evidence so far clearly shows that Mr Caldwell was six years junior to Mr Bechervaise, and was appointed solely by Mr Smibert owing to his marriage connection, and that promotion lies entirely in the hands of the permanent heads.

1891 08

Further detail to previous

THE TOWN. . . . A meeting of the board appointed to inquire into the claims of Mr. Bechervaise, the postmaster at Ballarat, to be appointed as chief inspector of the Post and Telegraph department, was held at Parliament House on Thursday; Mr. W. Collard Smith, M.L.A., presiding. At a previous sitting Mr. Bechervaise had called evidence to show that he was the senior officer entitled to the inspectorship when it was last vacant, but that he was not given the position, whilst Mr. Caldwell, a brother-in-law of Mr. J. Smibert, the Deputy Postmaster-General, had been promoted to the place out of the order of promotion on the certificate of Mr. Smibert. On Thursday Mr. Bechervaise called witnesses to testify as to his capacity to fulfil the duties of inspector. These included Mr. Galbraith, formerly secretary to the Post and Telegraph department, but now Secretary for Public Works; Mr. Green, an officer of the Postal department at Warrnambool; Mr. Ellery, the Government astronomer; Mr. Payter, of the Telegraph department, Melbourne; and Mr. K. L. Murray, electrical engineer of the Railway department. All these gentlemen thought that Mr. Bechervaise was a capable officer, and said that with a little experience of the duties no doubt he would have made an efficient inspector. Mr. Green said that the only thing that was explained against Mr. Bechervaise being appointed to the inspectorship was that it was felt that a gentleman who had had experience of inspecting duties would be more fitted for the position. He indicated that there was extreme dissatisfaction in the department as to the way in which promotions were made. The inspectors were pledged not to render Mr. Bechervaise any assistance in getting the appointment because Mr. Bechervaise was not an inspector, and if any other than an inspector were appointed to be chief inspector they felt that it would interfere with their chance of promotion to that position in future. Both Mr. Ellery and Mr. Murray said there ought to be very strong reasons against appointing a particular officer before a junior was placed over his head.

Further meeting of Bechervaise select committee

The select committee appointed by the Legislative Assembly to inquire into Mr. W. P. Bechervaise's claim to the office of chief inspector of the postal and telegraph service held another meeting at Parliament House yesterday, Colonel Smith presiding. Mr. J. W. Payter, manager of the central telegraph office, Melbourne and Mr Charles Miller of the same department, testified to Mr. Bechervaise's ability and qualifications. At the next sitting of the committee the evidence on behalf of Mr Bechervaise will be concluded, and the deputy Postmaster-General (Mr James Smibert) will then state the reasons which led to the appointment of Mr. G. S. Caldwell to the position sought by Mr Bechervaise and will call witnesses in support of his action.

Further to previous, more slightly more detailed report in the Ballarat Star

MELBOURNE. Thursday. (FROM OUR CORRESPONDENT.) The board of enquiry into the claims preferred by Mr Bechervaise sat again today, the witnesses examined being Mr Payter, manager of the Electric Telegraph Department in Melbourne, and Mr Murray, an officer of 26 years' standing. Both witnesses were lengthily cross examined by Mr Smibert, Deputy Postmaster-General. The evidence tended to show that the seniority of Mr Bechervaise had been twice overlooked when the claims of members of the Smibert family for preferment were pressed for consideration, and that most inharmonious relations prevailed amongst the senior officers of the Post office and Telegraph Department. It is the intention of the board to examine Mr Smibert and also the Public Service Commissioners, to ascertain in what manner the certificate that they were qualified by both seniority and fitness was given to officers junior to Mr Bechervaise. The board will meet again next Tuesday.

Meeting of the Bechervaise select committee of Thursday 20 August 1891

THE CASE OF MR. W. P. BECHERVAISE. INQUIRY BY A SELECT COMMITTEE. ALLEGED INTIMIDATION OF A WITNESS. The select committee appointed by the Legislative Assembly to inquire into the claim of Mr. W. P. Bechervaise to the office of chief inspector of the postal and telegraphic service held another meeting at Parliament-house yesterday, Colonel Smith presiding. Mr Bechervaise brought under the notice of the committee what he considered to be a case of intimidation towards one of the witnesses who were examined in support of his claim at the last meeting of the committee. At that meeting Mr. Charles Miller an officer in the central telegraph office stated in his evidence that Mr Croft and Mr Pater, the two joint managers of the Melbourne office had issued contradictory regulations. Subsequent to the meeting Mr Miller received a request from Mr Croft to furnish the latter with copies of the alleged contradictory regulations. Mr Miller considered that his evidence was privileged and did not supply the copies asked, whereupon he had received a peremptory request from Mr Croft that they should be furnished to him. Mr Miller then supplied Mr Croft with copies of the regulations referred to but complained to Mr. Bechervaise about the evidence at the inquiry being communicated to Mr. Croft. Mr Croft, who was present, was questioned by the chairman as to the occurrence, and he stated that Mr James Smibert, the deputy Postmaster-General, who was present on the previous day, had informed him of Mr. Miller's evidence and that it was upon Mr. Smibert's motion that Mr. Miller was called upon for an explanation. The chairman said that the matter was a serious one. The standing orders expressly provided against any such tampering with witnesses, and Mr. Smibert's conduct was open to severe censure. Mr. Smibert said he was not aware of the existence of such a standing order, and the chairman intimated that no further action would be taken beyond reprimanding Mr. Smibert. The evidence of Mr Miller was then concluded, and the committee proceeded to examine Mr. Nicholls, at present one of the classifiers in the Education department. Mr. Nicholls said that he had formerly been for 30 years in the Postal department. He attributed the fact of his having at one time been reduced from the fourth to the fifth class to a report of Mr. Smibert's, while at the same time Mr. Smibert omitted to send up in the same list the name of his brother, Mr. George Smibert, who was at that time 10 years junior to witness in the service, and should have been reduced at the same time. Mr. Smibert exhibited so much vindictiveness that witness became thoroughly disheartened, and applied for removal from the department. Ultimately he was removed to the Education department, much to his own satisfaction. The witness added that Mr. Smibert had not only on many occasions himself gone over the heads of men senior to him, but he had promoted his friends, and more especially his relatives, above others who were senior to them. This closed the case for Mr. Bechervaise. Mr. Morkham, accountant in the Postal department gave rebutting evidence to support the action of Mr. Smibert in nominating Mr. G. S. Caldwell to the position claimed by Mr. Bechervaise. The witness read from certain memoranda and when questioned admitted that these had been prepared at Mr. Smibert's suggestion. He also admitted that he himself had been promoted on four occasions over the heads of men senior to him in the service on Mr. Smibert's recommendation. In reply to the Chairman, Mr. Smibert said he did not wish to make any statement. The committee decided, however, that Mr. Smibert should be called upon to give evidence at a later stage, and that the members of the Public Service Board should also be examined with reference to promotions in the Postal department.

The allegations concerning witness tampering finally catch the eye of the Age and they respond with comprehensive background

THE DISCONTENT IN THE POSTAL DEPARTMENT. EVIDENCE BEFORE THE SELECT COMMITTEE. PROMINENT OFFICERS CENSURED. The evidence that is now being taken from week to week by the Select Committee of Inquiry appointed by Parliament to investigate the claims to promotion of Mr. Bechervaise, postmaster at Ballarat, is gradually providing a lot of information in regard to the alleged favoritism in the promotion of officers in the Post and Telegraph department. It will be remembered that this matter has been alluded to more than once in The Age as a grievance that tends to promote an immense amount of discontent in that branch of the Government employ, but until now the opportunity has not presented itself of obtaining the exact facts. As a medium of allowing the whole matter to be sifted, perhaps the Bechervaise inquiry will do a great deal of good. MR. GALBRAITH COMPLAINS OF "FAMILY" INFLUENCE. On Thursday, 30th July, at the meeting of the committee, Mr. W. Galbraith, the present Secretary for Public Works, was examined. He said he was a claimant for the position of Deputy-Postmaster-General on the death of Mr. McGowan, and was at the time the senior officer in the department. He did not get the position because it was said that Mr. James Smibert, who had been acting as assistant secretary, had performed the duties in the absence of Mr. McGowan, and was considered on that account better qualified to succeed him. He was not aware that any complaint had ever been made against his qualifications apart from this. He had written a letter to Mr. Derham, the then Postmaster-General, at the time, as follows:— "I perceive from paragraphs in the daily press that you have appointed Mr. Smibert to be Acting Deputy-Postmaster-General, although he is six years my junior in the first class. I feel the injustice so keenly that I shall be greatly obliged if you will allow me to retire from the service with my pension, after 33 years good work. For some time back I have been overworked, but kept up in the hope that my services would be appreciated, and when my time for promotion arrived would get it as a matter of course. It would also be better for the department that I should retire while yet able to instruct my successor in his duties than wait until I am unable to do so. Trusting that you will have the kindness to place this application before the Cabinet, with your favorable recommendation." His reply was:— "Your letter of the 22nd instant did not reach my hands until the 28th, I presume owing to the intervention of the Easter holidays. I regret that you should regard my appointment of Mr. Smibert to act temporarily as Deputy Postmaster-General during Mr. McGowan's absence as an injustice to you, as nothing could be further from my desire than to act unfairly to you or anyone else. With regard to your proposal to retire from the service with a pension, will you be good enough to inform me under which section of the Public Service Act such a proposal could be entertained.— (Signed) T. Derham." To this witness replied:— "I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter dated 30th ultimo, and in reply beg respectfully to state that I look upon it as an injustice to be passed over for the Acting Deputy Postmaster-Generalship because the temporary appointment qualifies the holder for the permanent position, and the fact that I have never held the office will be used to my detriment, and to the advantage of Mr. Smibert. With regard to my request to be allowed to retire, I regret that I cannot quote any section in the Public Service Act under which my proposal could be entertained, but as I have been dealt with in an unusual manner by being placed under a junior officer, I hoped that my case would be treated as a special one." Mr. Galbraith, continuing his evidence, said he was always kept out of acting as assistant secretary prior to Mr. Smibert's promotion. Mr. Cuthbert, when Postmaster-General, had, however, left a very strong minute that the fact that he was kept out of it was not to interfere with his promotion. Mr. Richardson, M.L.A.: Do you know whether there is a general impression in the Post Office that there is a system of favoritism there shown? Witness: Well, there is a general feeling that there are too many of one family there. I think it is not a very good thing that two brothers and one brother-in-law should be at the head of one office. That is the feeling that runs through the office. Mr. Foster, M.L.A.: What family do you refer to?— Mr. Smibert's. How many of that family are in the office?— Mr. Smibert, his brother George, and his brother-in-law, George Caldwell. The Chairman (Mr. W. Collard Smith, M.L.A.): Must not the permanent head forward a certificate before an appointment is made?— You mean the Minister. As there was no permanent head at the time, I suppose it was the Minister. A "RING" IN THE DEPARTMENT. On the same day Mr. Thomas Green, postmaster at Warrnambool, was examined. Mr. Bechervaise asked: Have you ever known cases similar to mine and Mr. Galbraith's, where junior officers were put over their seniors heads, while you were acting as inspector? Witness said: Yes, I think I know of several. In my own case I was passed over by the appointment of Mr. Outtrim. Were you senior to him?— Many years — 12 or 13 years. The Chairman: And who did that, the Civil Service Commissioners?— It is hard to say. Mr. Bechervaise: Do you know of Mr. Mickle, who is now acting inspector?— Yes. He was a telegraph operator?— Yes. Was he not taken away to do some assistant inspectorial work at some time?— Yes, from the operating instrument. Could he know anything about those duties, having been an operator all his life?— He had no knowledge of post office work at the time he commenced. He was afterwards made an assistant inspector? — Yes. Are you aware how many heads he went over when he was appointed to that position?— I do not know; I never studied the list. I heard he was appointed over the heads of a good many. Was it generally understood in the department that he was one of the "favored"?— I really do not know. Certainly there was a great amount of friendship shown in this department between the heads of the department and certain of the inspectors. Mr. Bechervaise: Is it generally understood throughout the department that there is an affinity or combination between certain heads of the department and other officers in the department, and that outside that there is no chance for you at all — have you heard such an idea expressed?— It is thought there is a certain amount of favoritism shown to those few. Mr. Foster: You mean there is a "ring" formed there — I do not know whether you can call it that. Mr. Bechervaise: Would you include me as one of the special favorites in that ring:— No. I think you have always been outside the "ring." The Chairman: If an officer asserts his independence, and clings to what he considers his rights, would that have any injurious effect against this officer for his promotion?— We have always feared so, that when we made a dead set against any injustice there was a down on us. And not for your benefit?— Not for our benefit. As an old officer I state so, because I have been sat upon a good many times. Mr. Bechervaise: When I was manager of the Melbourne Telegraph Office I always understood that there was a want of harmony between you and the Smibert family, was that so?— I have always had the feeling that there was a slight grudge for things that occurred in the early days. In your opinion, were not the confidential reports sent in by the Deputy-Postmaster General to the Public Service Board calculated to injure an officer at any time without his having an opportunity of replying or knowing what was said?— I do think it would have a very injurious effect if it was adverse. Mr. Foster: Did you ever suffer from this so-called family combination?— I have stated that in my own case I was passed over — I was entitled to a second class promotion, but whether it was the family combination or not I cannot say. What injury would it do if it were so?— It would stand in the way of my promotion as long as the same man remained at the head. Mr. Clark: You said you were passed over by Mr. Outtrim; you are aware he was a Williamstown man. He was postmaster at Williamstown for some years, and he might be connected with the "ring" locally or by family connections, which was it?— I have often heard it remarked to me, "Well, Green, if you were a Williamstown boy you would get on." Mr. Bechervaise: Do you consider that after my management of the Melbourne Telegraph Office, and being in charge of a large staff nearly all my official life, I should not have been able to take up immediately, with the assistance of those assistant inspectors, the work that Mr. Caldwell now performs?— I consider with the ability that Mr. Bechervaise has that he would grasp this work in the course of time, that is with the assistance of the inspectors; but knowing as I do that inspectors, with the exception of myself, were antagonistic to Mr. Bechervaise's appointment, I think it would have taken him a considerable time to grasp the work because the then acting chief inspector, Mr. Caldwell, stated frequently, "If Mr. Bechervaise is appointed he will have to learn the work himself; I will resign rather than teach him." Mr. Richardson: Why were the inspectors opposed to the appointment of Mr. Bechervaise? — I cannot tell; there has always been an antagonistic feeling against Mr. Bechervaise on the part of the inspectors — I suppose it was on account of Mr. Bechervaise's independent character, allowing us the determined way in which he would have justice in any matter he took in hand. Mr. Kirton: Was it the desire on the part of the inspectors to make the position of chief inspector a place for themselves?— That is what they all looked forward to. Mr. Foster: You say that the inspectors disliked Mr. Bechervaise because of his independence and determination to get his just dues; are there no other gentlemen in the department who are equally independent and determined for their rights and dues, if so, is there any particular down on them. In your opinion, is there a system of intimidation in that department that would act against a man who was independent and tried to get his rights as Mr. Bechervaise does?— There was a feeling to that effect. I suppose the same opposition would have been shown to anyone coming from outside the inspectors?— Yes. Then this is another "ring" inside the other. Had Mr. Smibert anything to do with that?— No. I think not. Mr. Smibert: What power had the inspectors to prevent the appointment of Mr. Bechervaise?— No power except by their influence with the permanent head of the department or the Postmaster-General. MR. PAYTER'S EVIDENCE. Joseph William Payter, one of the managers of the Melbourne Telegraph Office, and an officer in the department for 36 years, was then examined. Mr. Richardson asked: Do you know anything about the method adopted in recommending officers to the Public Service Board? Witness replied: I do not know. You do not know that when an officer has to be promoted Mr. Smibert gives him a certificate?— Yes, that I know. And that if he does not get that certificate he cannot be promoted?— I do not understand how that question bears. On Thursday, 6th August, the same witness was further examined. Mr. Bechervaise: With reference to the appointment of William Croft as your co-manager of the Melbourne Telegraph Office, will you tell the committee what your opinion is now, after working some time under those circumstances, and whether the department is best served by such an arrangement?— The question is an important one, and from my point of view as to the office of manager or controller of the Melbourne Telegraph Office, I think that the duty should be vested in one officer only. The Chairman: That he should have all the responsibility?— Yes, one officer take the whole responsibility. And that would prevent any divided authority?— Decidedly, so that the responsibility would rest with one officer. I speak with 22 years' experience as assistant manager. Mr. Bechervaise: Do you find such dual control conducive to the proper working of the branch?— I do not find it conducive to that. Mr. Bechervaise: As I understand such work, I should expect to find that an officer without knowledge — and I refer to Mr. Croft in this — would be necessarily compelled to postpone or defer matters sometimes of the greatest importance for the consideration of the officer working with him and possessing the necessary experience?— Yes, that is the case. With regard to the appointment of Mr. Croft as your co-manager, is it not generally known throughout the telegraph service that he knows next to nothing of telegraph business and electrical arrangements?— Yes, that is true. The Chairman: Is it possible that one officer during one watch, so to speak, if the rules were not very strictly laid down, might neutralise the effect of the other's orders?— Yes, a conflict of authority, and, perhaps, without knowing it. Such has occurred several times. You were an applicant for the position, I believe, now occupied by the brother of Mr. James Smibert — Mr. George Smibert?— Yes. Under what circumstances were you refused that appointment?— I made an application in a formal way, considering that I was the senior officer, and that the Public Service Board having found it necessary to separate the duties of electrical testing and so on from the telegraph branch, and making a separate branch of it and creating a new first class office, I, as the senior officer in the old service, had the right, the moral right, to be transferred to the new branch. The Chairman: And being physically fit?— Yes, and with technical knowledge. Mr. Bechervaise: Do you know that the general opinion through the telegraph service was that your professional knowledge of all work connected with our branch was at that time equal to Mr. George Smibert's?— Yes, I have heard so, and I am aware personally. I have a personal knowledge from previous experiences. Mr. Clark: Therefore, the inference is that but for the relationship you would have got the position?— I think so; my remarks apply to all departments anywhere in the service. Mr. Richardson: What was Mr. Croft before he came in as co-manager?— Bookkeeper in the clerical branch of the telegraph office. Was that a position leading up to the position he now occupies?— No, not directly, because Mr. Croft does not possess a technical knowledge of telegraphy; he was purely in the clerical branch. Then you think that for persons to be promoted where there is technical knowledge required they should have a previous technical training?— Certainly. Your opinion is that Mr. Croft was given this position as compensation for injury done him by juniors being promoted over him?— That is my opinion. Is that the practice in the department?— It should not be. Have you ever known a case except this one? — Yes, I think Mr. Morkham was promoted over the heads of others. How is Mr. Croft not technically qualified for the position?— Because he has no knowledge of telegraphy as an operator or electrically speaking, he has no knowledge of the work independently of the traffic or the clerical work — he is a very good officer. But out of his place?— Yes. I suppose he can receive messages?— No, I do not think so. "Would not he be qualified to give a certificate to a probationer? Supposing Mr. Smibert wanted a certificate that a probationer was capable of transmitting and receiving messages, would he be qualified to do that?— He would necessarily refer to an officer with a technical knowledge. Then, could he give a certificate himself?— He would refer to the officer, Mr. Jenvey, or the junior officer doing the technical work. Then it would be the officer's certificate and not his?— Virtually it would. Mr. Smibert: May I ask your grounds for dissatisfaction?— My grounds are that I should have been made absolute manager of the Melbourne Telegraph Office. It was generally mentioned last day that there is a "ring" of Williamstown people who get promotion, and certain officers have been named. You are a Williamstown man?— Yes. Are you in the "ring"?— No, I am not in it. A SUB-OFFICER'S EVIDENCE. Charles Miller, an officer in sub-charge of the Melbourne Telegraph Office, was also examined. To the chairman he said he would have been 31 years in the service next November. He then added:— "I should like to have an assurance that anything I might say here will not prejudice me in the department afterwards. I have already suffered through speaking over the matter with Mr. James Smibert." The Chairman stated that witnesses giving evidence before a select committee were fully protected, and assured the witness that he might say with the utmost confidence and fearlessness what he believed to be true. Mr. Bechervaise: And you are in a position to speak as to the present working of the office under the dual management of Mr. Payter and Mr. Croft?— Yes, I can speak on that point. Will you give your opinion to the committee? — As to the appointment of the two managers with dual control, two officers of equal powers, it, in my opinion, is a very bad plan. One gives orders and the other takes a different line, and wishes a thing carried out in his particular way. That leads to confusion. I get instructions to do a certain thing in a certain way; the other does not agree with that. It leads to endless confusion; you never know how to work under such circumstances. I think the old system, where we had a manager who was responsible, just as a railway station master is for the management of a station, was a much better system than the present. This is simply my experience of the working. You heard the question put to Mr. Payter just now to give an instance of a dissatisfied officer in the department. Are you a dissatisfied officer?— I have had great reason to be dissatisfied. Has ever your promotion been retarded by what you call undue and unfair influences?— I think on very insufficient grounds the Deputy Postmaster-General, Mr. Smibert, blocked me for a considerable period. The only ground was that I refused promotion to an outside department — that was the police. I declined it, saying I thought I could render the State better service in the department where I had served 28 years without a black mark against my name, and I thought it was not fair to ask me after all those years to enter another department where the work would be now, and, possibly at the end of three months, have to retire with my good record and reputation in the department sullied — there was the chance of that. I might have been able to manage it, but I preferred to decline it. On that occasion Mr. Smibert gave me time to consider and I told him I had made up my mind and gave him a short memorandum declining it, thanking him for having recommended me so highly for it, and I told him my determination was to decline it. He then threatened me that I should regret it, and I have regretted it, for he blocked me for promotion. Some time after that, and it is only very lately, in February last, that I have received my due promotion to the third class, I waited on Mr. James Smibert and told him that I regretted the step I had taken in declining the promotion, I saw it was a mistake, and trusted there would be an end to the blocking business, but all to no effect. Appointments were made and I was ignored even when I saw the Postmaster-General, at the time Mr. Derham, and friends of mine saw him. It is the first time in my life I had to ask a friend to go with anything to the head of my department, and I had over this affair to ask my friends to go and see the Deputy Postmaster-General, and they saw Mr. Derham, and all he could do for me was to say that through Mr. James Smibert it was blocked, through him, and he would not recommend it and I "must fight him." Those were his words to me. I thought it very hard that I should be treated in that way, Mr. Bechervaise: Had you any idea when you were nominated to go out of the department that it was to get you out of the way to make room for some favorite?— No, I could not say that. Have you ever heard the idea expressed that any one coming in the way of Mr. James Smibert will have to knock under or go?— Not exactly that. Anything approaching that feeling?— I have noticed that all those officers whose work comes immediately under Mr. Smibert's eye get on far better than those in the department comparatively removed. The Chairman: The question Mr. Bechervaise put might be put thus — are you aware there is a general dissatisfaction in the department?— There is a great deal of dissatisfaction. Mr. Kirton: Have you heard it expressed?— Frequently. Mr. Bechervaise: But there is not dissatisfaction expressed by certain relatives and combinations who are favorites of Mr. Smibert's?— Oh dear no, they are not dissatisfied. Mr. Foster: Is it not the custom if you get the opportunity to go to another department, and you refuse, that you remain stationary for some considerable time in your own position?— The Public Service Board stated, in reply to a letter of mine, that I had been blocked, or penalised I call it, on that account. I wrote to the board to ask why they had done that, and I got a reply, but giving me no answer to my question. Were you treated in a very unusual manner, differently from other officers?— I think I was. Are you sure you were?— Yes. You mean to say that there is no punishment, to call it so, that when a man refuses promotion in another branch, that he throws away a chance of being promoted, and it is usual for him to remain until other opportunities occur for his promotion?— I was not aware of that, but the Public Service Board say they do "penalise" a man for six months, as is done in the case of the teachers. You have been treated the same as anybody else then. Then from your knowledge of the Act now you admit that the Public Service Board treated you the same as any other officer would have been treated?— No, I have not, because other officers declined transfer to other offices, and were not blocked. But were they liable to be blocked without special animus being shown against them, I want to know if it is the custom?— I do not think it is. Then you still say that Mr. Smibert did use his influence against your being promoted because you did not accept that position? — Yes, I think he did. Mr. Richardson: Have you had your promotion since?— Yes, I obtained it on the 2nd of last February. Then you are satisfied now?— So far, but I am very much dissatisfied at having been blocked so long. Mr. Smibert: Are you aware whether there were any vacancies that took place in the Post and Telegraph department after the end of the six months and before the time that you were promoted that you could have filled?— Yes. Which one?— There was one position; that position Mr. Sinnot was promoted to. Is he not your senior?— No, a long way my junior. Was he promoted before or after the six months had expired?— After the six months. Was there any other promotion, to your knowledge?— I cannot remember the exact dates. There were officers appointed, but I would have to ascertain the dates. Mr. Crosbie and Dr. Andrews were promoted. They were your juniors?— Yes. As to the divided orders received from Mr. Payter and Mr. Croft, did you report having received divided orders to anyone?— No. Not even to Mr. Payter or Mr. Croft?— Yes, I have mentioned it to both of them. Did you say you got distinct orders, the one contrary to the other?— I have told both of them, and expressed my opinion that it was a very awkward position to be in, to have two masters to serve. Are you aware that every member of the staff has the power of appeal to the Minister at any time?— Yes, I am aware of that. Have I ever refused you an interview with the Minister?— I never asked for one. Have you heard of my refusing any officer an interview?— No. Mr. Richardson: Have you ever known an officer appeal to the Minister as against Mr. Smibert?— I have done it myself. The Chairman: Did you find it of any use?— No, of no use. YESTERDAY'S EVIDENCE. INTIMIDATING A WITNESS. At a meeting of the committee held yesterday Mr. Charles Miller was further examined. Mr. Bechervaise then elicited that since the previous session, in spite of the fact that the witness had then been assured by the chairman that anything he said should be regarded as privileged, he had received a memo, from Mr. Croft asking for a copy of the alleged conflicting instructions that he had said in his previous evidence had been given him by Messrs. Croft and Payter, as co-managers of the Telegraph Office. To that memo, Mr. Miller had replied that he considered the evidence that he had given before the committee was privileged, and accordingly he did not comply with Mr. Croft's request. He afterwards received a second note from Mr. Croft, informing him that he expected him to furnish him with the information that he had previously asked for, and specifying a certain time within which he expected to get the document. In consequence of receiving this authoritative note, the witness furnished the information, but he took care to communicate the facts to Mr. Bechervaise. Mr. Croft was examined by the committee as to his version of the affair. He stated that he had consulted Mr. Smibert on the subject before he asked for the information. He was not aware that he was doing anything improper in asking for it. The Chairman pointed out to Mr. Croft that it was a very serious thing to interfere with a witness under examination. Perhaps Mr. Croft did not know that this was the case, but Mr. Smibert, the Deputy Postmaster-General, ought to have known better. From Mr. Croft it was also elicited by the committee that it was in consequence of information that Mr. Smibert had given him as to what had transpired at the committee meeting that he had sent the query to the witness. The witness said he regarded the action that had been taken as in the nature of intimidation. Mr. Nicol, an officer of the Education department, who had been 30 years in the Post and Telegraph department before he had been transferred, said that on one occasion a dozen persons had been promoted over his head whilst he was in the latter branch of the service, and all of them were his juniors. On many other occasions he had been passed over when he was due for promotion. At length he realised that there was no chance of him getting promoted whilst he remained in the Post and Telegraph department, so he applied to be removed. He charged Mr. J. Smibert with vindictiveness. He asserted that he left his name out of the list of the staff that ought to be retained some years ago, when they were making reductions in the strength of the telegraph department, whereas he had kept his own brother's name on the list, but Mr. Smibert's brother was 10 years junior to the witness. Ultimately, through the same agency, witness alleged he was put back into the fifth class from the fourth. This was the last witness examined in favor of Mr. Bechervaise. The opposing case was not opened, as had been expected, by the evidence of the Deputy Postmaster-General, but Mr. Morkham, the accountant to the Post and Telegraph department, was sworn. He supported the appointment of Mr. Caldwell as chief inspector in lieu of Mr. Bechervaise, stating that Mr. Caldwell was the most capable officer, and that the arrangement was, so far as he knew, the best that could be made in the interests of the department at the time. Mr. Morkham admitted, however, that he had been promoted in the department four times over the heads of his seniors. The witness also referred to memoranda in replying to questions that were put to him. On questioning him as to how he had happened to anticipate the information that would be required in this way, he admitted that Mr. J. Smibert had informed him as to the questions that he was likely to be asked, and consequently he had prepared his evidence. The committee announced that they would require to examine Mr. Smibert at a later stage, and would probably have to call the members of the Public Service Board to give evidence.

The Argus makes clear that it does not support the Bechervaise Board and attempts to whitewash clear evidence of nepotism and favouritism by James Smibert

The conduct of the select committee on the Bechervaise case is found to be more serious than was supposed when we wrote on the subject last week, and it would be well for the Legislative Assembly to consider the propriety of cancelling the order for its appointment. We have had an opportunity of perusing the evidence already printed, and it shows beyond question that the members have surreptitiously set out on a fishing inquiry with the object of bringing the Public Service Act into disrepute. The business has been bad from the beginning. In the first place, the House was cajoled into the unusual course of appointing the committee without one word of justification by the mover, Colonel Smith, and the Postmaster-General failed to insist upon a prima-facie case being first established. Mr. Duffy cannot escape censure by pleading that he was taken by surprise. He was warned by Mr. Gillies before the motion was agreed to, but preferred making an exhibition of amiability towards Colonel Smith to the performance of his duty to Parliament and the country. As a friend of the Public Service Act, he will now, perhaps, regret the indulgence shown to that artful gentleman. The order of reference was simple enough (therein resembling the faith of the Minister, but not the designs of the colonel), for it gave life to a select committee merely "to inquire into and report "upon the claims of Mr. Bechervaise, "telegraph and post master of Ballarat West, to promotion in the public service." There was nothing menacing in the terms of the motion, but when Colonel Smith in forming the committee secured the co-operation of Mr. Richardson and Mr. Williams, the House might well have suspected that he meant mischief. The other members may mean well, but the House cannot rely upon their judgment, even if they are determined to be impartial. That Mr. Bechervaise may have a good grievance is not denied. Neither is it affirmed. For the purposes of our argument, his position and claims are unimportant, very much as they appear to be to the members of the committee. His case has given them an opportunity to make a roving investigation into the working of the Post-office, which they hope to turn to account in future assaults on the Public Service Act, and beyond that he is evidently not considered. The Assembly should, however, determine whether or not the inquiry ought to proceed further upon the lines marked out by the committee. Three courses are open — the committee might be disbanded on the ground that it was appointed under false pretences; or it might be required to limit its inquiry absolutely to Mr. Bechervaise's claims; or, if the whole administration of the Postal department is to be challenged preparatory to an attack upon the no-patronage system, a number of new members might be appointed to ensure fair play. In any case, if the committee is to continue its sittings, either as at present constituted or with additions, the House should order it to conduct its inquiry openly. An examination of the evidence already tendered shows that the committee has travelled far beyond the record. The grievances of officers unconnected by any tie whatever with Mr. Bechervaise have been investigated, old questions regarding the transfer of officers from one department to another have been revived, and Mr. James Smibert, Deputy Postmaster-General, has been attacked on irrelevant evidence which amounts to nothing more than a string of inferences and innuendoes. We do not express any opinion in regard to what is implied against him. That is matter for subsequent consideration, but the vagueness of the evidence cannot be overlooked. As far as can be ascertained, he is accused of having been instrumental in promoting his brother-in-law, Mr George Caldwell, to the position of chief inspector, to which Mr. Bechervaise considered himself entitled. And that charge is made the pretext for asking Mr. W. Galbraith, the present secretary of Public Works, to recount his grievances in connection with the department, dating back to 1884; for examining Mr. J. W. Payter, of the Melbourne Telegraph office, in regard to his past woes as well as to the qualifications of Mr. Croft, his co-manager; for asking a subordinate officer to express his views as to how Mr. Croft performs his duty; and for inducing Mr. T. Green, postmaster at Warrnambool, to revive musty recollections of a time when he thought he should have obtained a position to which some other officer was appointed. If all this evidence is to be used by the committee to support recommendations in Mr. Bechervaise's favour, then he must have a very bad case. The probability is, however, that it will be kept in reserve for some occasion when Colonel Smith and others like him seek to again make the departments a happy hunting ground for politicians. The object of the committee appears to be to discredit the permanent head of the department first, then to condemn the Public Service Board for not promoting officers independently of his judgment as to their fitness, and then, by following the course to its logical conclusion, to prove, if possible, that the Minister should be again entrusted with power to appoint or promote at pleasure. It is instructive to note the means employed to this end and to see how Mr Smibert is assailed. This leading question, for instance, was asked of Mr. Galbraith by Mr. Richardson:— "Do you know whether there is a general impression in the Post-office that there is a system of favouritism there shown?" To which Mr. Galbraith replied:— "Well, there is a general feeling that there are too many of one family there." To give a clear idea of the manner in which the evidence was obtained, this further extract may be quoted from the examination of Mr Charles Miller, of the Melbourne Telegraph office:— "Mr. Bechervaise.— Have you ever heard the idea expressed that anyone coming in the way of James Smibert will have to knock under or go?— Not exactly that. "Anything approaching that?— I have noticed that all those officers whose work comes immediately under Mr Smibert's eye get on far better than those in the department comparatively removed. "Colonel Smith.— The question Mr. Bechervaise put might be put thus:— Are you aware there is general dissatisfaction in the department?— There is a great deal of dissatisfaction. "Mr. Kirton.— You have heard it expressed?— Frequently. "Mr. Bechervaise.— But there is no dissatisfaction expressed by certain relatives and combinations who are favourites of Mr. Smibert's?— Oh dear no, they are not dissatisfied. "Mr. Kirton.— You are aware of the existence of combinations?— It appears to be so. I do not say it is so. You cannot get away from the fact that it is apparently so. "Mr. Bechervaise.— And any member of the department in this particular combination would always have a better show to go forward than anyone outside, is that understood?— That is understood. "A general impression," "a general "feeling," "general dissatisfaction," "it appears to be so," "that is understood," and so on — these phrases indicate the character of the evidence. That which is not irrelevant is vague. Yet it is easy to obtain testimony of this character in any department. When six men think themselves entitled to a certain position, five must be dissatisfied when it is filled. But the Assembly surely did not intend that Colonel Smith and his nominees should inquire at large into the disappointments, and the rancour arising therefrom, of the officers of the Post-office. If that work is to be undertaken, it should be done with the sanction of the House, and openly.

The Argus position is taken up in parliament

The demand that the Bechervaise select committee should conduct its inquiry openly has had effect. Yesterday Colonel Smith, the chairman, moved for leave to report the minutes of the evidence from time to time, which is the technical form of obtaining permission to open the doors. Mr. Derham took advantage of the motion to direct attention to the fact that the committee was exceeding its functions by inquiring into other grievances than those of Mr. Bechervaise. The House, he said, would have to be more guarded in future in dealing with motions for select committees, and he added that if Colonel Smith wished to attack the Public Service Act he should attack it in front, not in the rear. Colonel Smith denied that the committee had gone beyond the record. He endeavoured to "circumscribe the evidence," but the committee could not dictate to Mr. Bechervaise as to what testimony he should present through his witnesses. The motion was agreed to.

The Argus report of the Legislative Assembly of 26 August

LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY. WEDNESDAY, AUG 26. . . . THE BECHERVAISE COMMITTEE. Colonel SMITH moved — "That the select committee upon the claims of Mr. Bechervaise have leave to report with minutes of evidence from time to time." Mr. RICHARDSON seconded the motion. Mr. DERHAM thought that the action now proposed might have been taken in the first place. It would have been well if the whole of the proceedings of the committee had been open to the public. It was to be regretted that under cover of a motion for a select committee the chairman of that committee was really pursuing inquiries outside the lines authorised by the House. Mr. ARMYTAGE.— That is what The Argus says. Colonel SMITH.— It is not true. Mr. DERHAM.— From the paragraphs that had appeared in the papers, it appeared that the claims of a number of officers besides Mr. Bechervaise were being dealt with. If this were true, it pointed to the desirability of the House being much more guarded in future in appointing committees of this kind so as not to give them roving commissions to attack a great public department which was carrying out its functions to the best of its ability. It looked as though the object of this committee had been nothing more nor less than to attack the Public Service Act. If that attack was to be made it should be made from the front, and not from the flank. (Hear, hear.) Colonel SMITH said that before the appointment of the committee he had tried in every way to get the matter settled by other means. Since then he had done all he possibly could to circumscribe the evidence produced before the committee. Mr. Bechervaise had brought nine witnesses to show what the practice of the department had been in cases similar to his own, and he (Colonel Smith) was surprised and regretted that the work of the committee had occupied so much time. The committee desired that Mr. Smibert should be allowed every opportunity of rebutting the statements that had been made, and that he should have the utmost fair play. There was not a particle of ground for objection on the ground that the committee had exceeded its functions. The motion was agreed to.