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Area of Cemetery |
28.92 acres
(28 acres 3 roods, 27 perches).
Initially, 29 acres
of land was set aside [Gazette 5.5.1868 p884] but was later
reduced by 13 perches (0.081 acres) [Gazette 8.1.1969 p47] to
make way for the left turning lane into North Road. |
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First public notice
that land had been set aside |
11 April 1853
as reported at a meeting of the Melbourne City Council [Argus
12.4.1853 p9] |
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Meeting to appoint
Trustees held |
29 May 1854
at the Little Brighton Hotel for the Elsternwick New Cemetery. [Argus
29.5.1854 p5] |
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First meeting held |
13
September 1854 [BGCTM
A1] |
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First Trustees
appointed |
27 December 1854
Mr Archibald MCMILLAN (Presbyterian)
Mr Henry O'NEILL (Roman Catholic)
Mr Henry Mortimer BLANCHE (Church of
England)
Mr Charles STONE (Methodist)
Mr John BREWER (Baptist)
Mr John SIMMONDS (Independent/Congregationist).
[Gazette 29.12.1854 p3098]
(Note:
Trustees were not appointed to the St Kilda General Cemetery until 16
January 1855). |
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First Secretary to
the Trust |
Mr John Simmonds who
was also a Trustee. John Simmonds served as Trustee and Secretary until
his death in 1860. |
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Government Grants
issued |
8 May 1855
(£400). [BGCTM A17]
28 April 1856
(£200). [BGCTM A39a]
December 1868
(£75). [BGCTM A114, BGCLB A8]
May 1880
(£20). [BGCLB A146-47 & 154-55] |
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First fence and gate
constructed |
circa 15 August 1855
for £264:18:2. Post and fail fence constructed by Robert Williams.
Gate constructed by a Mr Hewitt. [BGCTM A18, 22 & 34] |
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First interment |
John ALEXANDER
on 3 July 1855 [BGCTM
A20a] |
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First
Sexton appointed |
John
MCMILLAN on 6
August 1855 (£2 per week). [BGCTM A22] |
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First Rules &
Regulations, Scale of Charges and Right of Burial Certificate form
published |
Gazette
21 September 1855 p2390-92. (Also considered the 'official'
opening of the Cemetery). |
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Possible first
building erected |
circa September
1855. [BGCTM A24].
This building may be the Sexton's toolshed that was still standing in
April 1890. |
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First known building
erected |
August 1856,
by Mr Hayball (£40) [BGCTM A43]
This was believed
to be a waiting room/office, described as a "...wooden Building twelve
feet square" [BGCTM A42a], and was still standing in January
1879, probably demolished with the erection of 'The Lodge' in 1892. |
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First recorded
interment |
Joanna Wallace
MANSON, 10 months old, buried
14 October 1855 (Methodist "F" 59). |
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Oldest surviving
headstone |
POSSIBLY EITHER
William Henry Bouthflower CARDIN, 16 yo, buried 2 November 1865 (Church
of England "S" 65);
OR
Thomas Augustus CARGILL, 38 yo, buried 17
November 1855 (Church of England "A" 16). |
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Introduction of
gravesites into Denominational Sections |
28 May 1860.
Plan was implemented early 1861. [BGCTM A62a & 65] |
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Resolution passed to
erect a “Closet and Urinal” (toilets) |
11 July 1884.
[BGCTM A137].
(Note: This
was dual sex, single toilet). Completed circa October 1884-January
1885. [BGCTM A138] |
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Norfolk Island Tree |
Donated by Mr J
McDowell circa July-October 1884. [BGCTM A137a] |
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Amount of the first
Term Deposit |
£100,
20 January 1885 in the E S & A E Bank, Brighton. [BGCTMA138] |
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Tender awarded to
erect the Rotunda at Church of England area |
7 July 1885,
Messrs Grundy [?] & Williams (£49:10:0). [BGCTM A139].
(Note: The
Rotunda was demolished circa March-June 1995 – the earliest burial being
June 1995. [BGCTM F4] |
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Resolution passed
for construction of road between Roman Catholic and Methodist portions |
25 October 1887.
"That a Road be
opened at the north west corner of the Roman Catholic Portion to allow
of vehicles crossing from road to road where turning is now
impracticable". [BGCTM A144]
(Note: This
road was converted to non-denominational lawn burials circa
August-November 1984. [BGCTM E1]) |
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Motion to erect
Caretaker's Lodge |
25 January 1892
by J H Cole and J Stamp. [BGCTM A156a] |
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Architect appointed |
Percy Oakden
(1845-1917, Methodist "K" 25) on 25 January 1892. [BGCTM
A156a] |
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Number of Tenders
submitted for Plan 'A' & Plan 'B' |
Twenty-one
tenders. Lowest tender was
£694:7:9 and highest tender £998:11:0. [BGCTM A158a] |
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Tender awarded to
construct 'The Lodge' |
8 March 1892,
Boxshall & Leonard (£694:7:9) for Plan 'A'. [BGCTM A159] |
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Date of completion |
circa August 1892.
[BGCTM A162a].
(Note: The
Office, Boardroom & Strongroom were not constructed until 1929).
Service Wing, Wash
House, Brick Kitchen and other modifications undertaken by H S Bolger
were completed in 1930 (£800, which wasn't the lowest tender (£655).
Actual cost - £797:9:4). [BGCTM B289-90] |
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Tender awarded to
construct Iron Gate near 'The Lodge' |
17 December 1901,
Monteath & Sons (£80).
(Note: These gates
were later moved to Hawthorn Rd c1924 and were restored circa May 2003). [BGCTM B32]. Gates
were erected circa April 1902. [BGCTM B37] |
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Resolution passed
that all paths be brick rather than tarpaving. |
21 January 1902.
[BGCTM B35] |
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First recorded Jewish
interment |
Robert ISAACS
4 days old, buried 10 February 1909 (Jewish "G" 2).
This was in spite of the Trust, a day earlier
resolving "In the meantime it was decided not to authorize [sic] any
burials until the ground had been re-surveyed." [BGCTM B88]
(Note: the first Jewish interment was Alfred Soloman
circa 2-5 January 1860, but the actual location was not recorded). |
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Land set aside for
Jewish Mortuary Chapel |
15 February 1909.
Area being 20 x 25 (feet?). [BGCTM B90] |
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Plans approved for
erection of Mortuary Chapel |
17 August 1909.
[BGCTM B96] |
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Telephone line
installed |
circa August 1912
being a Private line for £9:5:0. [BGCTM B116] |
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Tender awarded to
construct Shelter House & Toilets |
14 April 1913,
Davidson & Chilman (£308:6:0). [BGCTM B125-26].
(Note: The
Shelter House was demolished circa March-June 1995 [BGCTM F1] –
the earliest burial was January 1996. Also, the Ladies brick latrines
were not built until 1930 [BGCTM B291]).
(Date of completion
is unknown) |
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Approval given for
brick paving of road outside 'The Lodge' |
20 November 1913.
[BGCTM B133] |
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Tender awarded to
erect brick tool house at Methodist Section "I"/"L" |
19 September 1916,
Leonard Bros (£69:10:0). [BGCTM B156] |
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Motion passed by
Caulfield Council urging the closure of the cemetery |
6 February 1917,
moved by Cr. Hugh Thomson and passed five votes to four.
(Note: It
was Cr. Thomson who presided over a conference of municipalities 21
years ago where it was agreed to close all cemeteries within a ten mile
radius). [Southern Cross 10.2.1917 p2] |
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First mention of
plans to develop the Outer Reserve area (Eastern portion) |
13 August 1918. |
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Permission sought
from Public Health Department |
18 February 1919.
[Public Health Department file Part I 1900-49] |
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Approval granted by
the Public Health Department |
18 June 1919.
[Public Health Department file Part I 1900-49] |
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Tender awarded to
clear & lay drainage in the Outer Reserve area (Eastern portion) |
19 August 1919.
L B Simpson was awarded contract for drainage (£1013:10:1); and R Fisher
for clearing (£5). [BGCTM B175] |
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Tender awarded to
lay roadways in the Outer Reserve area (Eastern portion) |
16 October 1919,
L B Simpson (£523:15:0). [BGCTM B176] |
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Tender awarded to
lay water service in the Outer Reserve area (Eastern portion) |
11 November 1919,
Coulter & Monk (£66:13:3). [BGCTM B178] |
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First interment in
the Outer Reserve area (Eastern portion) |
Charles LYELL,
47 years old, buried 16 February 1920 (Church of England "ZA" 1487). |
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Plans approved for
development of South Eastern portion (area to east of 'The Lodge') |
10 May 1921.
[BGCTM B187] |
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Tender awarded for
drainage in the South Eastern portion (area to east of 'The Lodge') |
June 1921,
J Maskell (£367:7:8). [BGCTM B189] |
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Resolution passed to
erect a Shelter House near Hawthorn Rd entrance; and South Eastern
portion (area to east of ‘The Lodge’) |
9 May 1922.
[BGCTM B195]. These were completed circa August-September 1922.
[BGCTM B197]
(Date of demolition
of Shelter House east of ‘The Lodge’ appears to be circa May-June 1968,
but the Hawthorn Rd structure appears to be still standing. [BGCTM
D117]) |
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First interment in
South Eastern portion (area to east of 'The Lodge') |
Mary Jane
DONALDSON, 62 yo, buried 24
May 1922 (Presbyterian "Q" 62). |
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Design approved and
Tenders called for Brick Wall around Cemetery |
13 February 1923.
Two Contracts to be awarded. [BGCTM B199] |
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Tenders awarded to
construct Brick Wall |
Contract 'A' - 29
May 1923, T W Phelps (£3410:17:6); Contract 'B' - 9 July 1923,
Lakeman & Thomas (£2754:5:6). [BGCTM B204 & B206] |
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Tender awarded to
construct Gates |
3 December 1923,
Scarcebrook Bros (£395:10:3). [BGCTM B211].
(Note: The
Hawthorn Rd entrance was moved from outside 'The Lodge'). |
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Date Brick Wall &
Gates were completed |
circa August 1924. |
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First mention of
plans to develop the Outer Reserve area (Western portion) |
26 September 1923.
[BGCTM B209] |
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Plans submitted for
development of the Outer Reserve area (Western portion) |
20 November 1923.
[BGCTM B211] |
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Tender awarded to
lay roadways in the Outer Reserve area (Western portion) |
12 February 1924,
P Kelly (£1206:0:6). [BGCTM B213] |
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First interment in
the Outer Reserve area (Western portion) |
Margaret MILLWARD,
48 yo, buried 2 June 1924 (Church of England "ZF" 275). |
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Date that the
construction of a crematorium was considered |
13 May 1924.
[BGCTM B214-15]
(Note: This
proposal was years ahead of its time being three years before Fawkner
and twelve years before Necropolis, Springvale erected modern
crematoriums with overwhelming financial success).
11 August 1931.
[BGCTM B303]
(Note: This
second proposal was by Hudson, Wardrop & Usher). |
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Design &
Specifications approved for Shelter House at the North Rd entrance |
11 August 1925,
prepared by R Hayball (£5:5:0). [BGCTM B226] |
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Tender awarded for
erection of Shelter House at North Rd entrance |
circa September
1925, Charman & Murphy
(£375:3:4). [BGCTM B229].
(Note: This
was demolished circa May-August 1992. [BGCTM E51 & 52]).
"Letter dated 14th
December 1925 [from Charman & Murphy] stating they have completed their
Contract for Shelter House & had made a loss of £83:15:1". [BGCTM
B233] |
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Design & estimate
ordered for construction of Office at Cemetery |
22 November 1927.
[BGCTM B258] |
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First mention of the
brick road east of ‘The Lodge’ |
14 February 1928.
[BGCTM B260] |
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Architects appointed |
Hudson, Wardrop &
Usher on 14 February 1928. [BGCTM B260]
(Note:
Hudson & Wardrop designed the Shrine of Remembrance on St. Kilda Road). |
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Number of Tenders
submitted |
Eleven tenders.
Lowest tender was £1144 and highest tender £1685. [BGCTM B270] |
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Tender awarded to
construct |
circa November
1928, Eric J Jacobsen (£1144).
At the meeting of 12
February 1929, it was reported that "...the construction of the building
was well advanced". [BGCTM B269-70] |
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Date of completion |
circa May-July
1929. [BGCTM B277] |
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Re-organisation of
Cemetery operations |
12 February 1929.
The position of
Sexton was abolished; the Secretary to reside at 'The Lodge' rent free;
the Office Clerk to take over the responsibilities of the Sexton as
"Superintendent and Clerk". [BGCTM B272]. Some £492 was saved in
the first year. [BGCTM B291] |
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Resolution passed to
build brick wall enclosing rear of 'The Lodge' & Office |
19 November 1929.
[BGCTM B282] |
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Tender awarded to
construct Brick wall enclosing rear of 'The Lodge' & Office, Ladies
Latrines and two Sheds |
11 February 1930,
H A Peters (£823, being the second lowest tender. Actual cost -
£806:9:9). [BGCTM B284]
(Note: The
lowest tender was from Lakeman & Thomas the same firm that did a
somewhat poor job in constructing the Brick Wall enclosing the
cemetery.) Works completed February-August 1930. [BGCTM B291] |
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Date of completion |
circa May 1930.
[BGCTM B291] |
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Resolution to
undertake steps necessary to open a new cemetery |
8 August 1933.
[BGCTM B328] |
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Location of land
selected for new cemetery |
22 Acres corner
Centre Rd & Thomas St Brighton; 36 Acres in South Rd, known
as the Tramway Heights Estate. [BGCTM B330] |
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Treasurer refuses
land purchase |
20 February 1934.
[BGCTM B336] |
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Last known date
matter was considered |
13 August 1935.
[BGCTM B353] |
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Clock above Office
installed |
March 1938
(£59:17:6), purchased from Noyes Bros (Aust). [BGCTM C32 & C42] |
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Special Meeting to
undertake steps necessary to open a new cemetery |
12 October 1944.
[BGCTM C151] |
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Location of land
selected for new cemetery |
Fifty-eight acres on
Warrigal Rd, opposite Yarra Yarra Golf Club. [BGCTM C151] |
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Date the Trust let
the matter rest |
8 May 1945.
[BGCTM C157] |
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Christmas Gift bonus
paid to employees introduced |
December 1945.
[BGCTM C164] |
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Highest credit
balance attained |
£81534:5:7
(November 1946). [BGCTM C181] |
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Resolution passed to
convert east side of Eastern portion of Outer Reserve area for burials |
20 November 1951.
[BGCTM C271] |
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Report ordered on
repairs to Brick Wall |
12 February 1952
(Harry A Norris, Architect). [BGCTM C275] |
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Cost estimated by
Architects to undertake repairs |
£7650:0:0.
[BGCTM C282] |
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Trust instruct
calling of Tenders for revised scheme of repairs |
12 August 1952
(£3483:0:0). [BGCTM C282] |
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Tender awarded to
undertake repairs |
13 January 1953,
W J Townsend (£1990). [BGCTM C289] |
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Repairs completed |
circa September
1953. [BGCTM C297] |
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Resolution passed to
convert part of reserve behind Shelter House opposite 'The Lodge' for
burials |
14 August 1953.
[BGCTM C298] |
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Resolution passed to
convert north-south path through Jewish area for burials |
14 August 1953.
[BGCTM C298] |
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Resolution passed to
convert part of south side of Eastern portion of Outer Reserve area for
burials |
10 November 1953.
[BGCTM C301] |
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Resolution passed to
erect the Garage adjacent to the Cemetery Office |
12 November 1957.
[BGCTMC356] |
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Tender awarded to
undertake construction |
10 December 1957,
P B Newton & Sons of 73 Valance [?] Street, Ormond (£338). [BGCTMC357] |
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Construction
completed |
circa March 1958.
[BGCTMC363] |
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Resolution passed to
lawns to non-denominational lawn sections |
2 August 1958.
[BGCTMC365]
“After the
inspection of Reserves it was resolved on the motion of Mr Wallman
seconded by Mr Alford that plans be prepared & costs estimated of
converting Lawns to Non Denominational Lawn Graves…” |
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Lawn Section “A”
approved |
12 August 1958.
[BGCTMC366] |
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Charge for lawn
interment plus plaque |
£43:10:0
and £10 for each subsequent interment. [BGCTMC366] |
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Total cost for
converted Lawn Section “A” |
£255:10:4,
consisting of £75 for removal of trees, £122:14:3 for water service,
£1:11:6 for cement, and £56:4:7 for brick paving. [BGCTMC370] |
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First interment in
Lawn Section “A” |
Dorothy HEANEY, 48yo buried 6
November 1958.
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First known
intention of the Melbourne & Metropolitan Board of Works to remove the
open drain |
24 January 1961.
[BGCTMD33]
(Note: An
underground barrel drain was constructed beforehand with work commencing
on 21 September 1964 and was completed on 6 November. [BGCTMD89]). |
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First known
intention to excise south-west corner of cemetery land for road purposes |
28 March 1968.
[Public Health Department file Part II 1950-82]
13 perches (0.081
acres) was later excised. [Gazette 8.1.1969 p47] |
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Date of
Discontinuance Order issued |
24 January 1984.
[Gazette 31.1.1984].
(Note: The
issuing of this Discontinuance Order forbids the issuing of new Right of
Burial certificates to new gravesites without the approval of the Health
Department). |
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Longest serving
Trustee |
Charles STONE
(Methodist "L" 79), 43 years 8 months (December 1854 to August 1898).
Stone is also the longest serving Chairman serving 36 years, 7 months
(January 1862 to August 1898). |
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Longest serving
Secretary |
S. (Samuel) P.
(Ponds) SIMMONDS, 47 years 7
months (March 1860 to October 1907).
S. P. Simmonds is
the son of John Simmonds, and was just 21 years old when appointed. A
Mr C. Simmonds later served as Secretary until December 1910 following
S. P. Simmonds' death, thus the Simmonds family occupied the position of
Secretary for 56 continuous years (September 1854 to December 1910). |
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Longest serving
family association with the Cemetery |
Stone family.
Father Charles and son Alfred served 81 years 1 month continuously as
Trustees for the Methodist denomination (December 1854 to January 1936) |
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