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President’s Message from Earl James Well the Dry Season is here with a bang today. My thermometer registered 18C this morning. Ugh Boots and dressing gown was the order of the day. I have no sympathy for anyone who lives in such places as Canberra where morning temperatures these days is around 0C. They should live in the temperate tropics like sensible people. This weather augers well for the coming field trip to the Limmen National Park in the Gulf Country. I advise everyone going to wear their woolly bulls or at least have a very warm swag. Further details on the trip are provided elsewhere in this newsletter. Numbers so far are not that high which is a pity. Please think about it and make a commitment. Incidentally, my expedition into the wilds two or three weeks ago looking for the site of a hut found by A C Gregory in 1853 ended in frustration. We didn’t get there. Long grass and dense scrub defeated our efforts but we intend to try again. Our submission to the government expressing interest in a takeover of Lyons Cottage in the Darwin CBD was acknowledged and secretary, Janie has been interviewed by the panel that will make the decision. I was unable to attend as I was in Bali for a short break. Apparently there were a number of submissions but we were not told who they were. The government is looking for a financial return on the building so I suspect most of the other submissions will be commercially orientated which will not be good for us. We cannot afford nor can we organise a commercial operation. However if all the other submissions fall over we will be the ‘last man standing’ and will be given an opportunity to state a case. If successful we would use Lyons Cottage as a headquarters, storage facility, book shop and meeting room for the society. At the last Council meeting, the validity of the name given to the Botanic Gardens by the government a decade or so ago was brought into question. Many believe that the George Brown Botanic Gardens should revert to its former name commemorating both its founder Maurice Holtz and his son Nicholas who followed him. Recent recruit to the Society’s council, Ms Robyn Smith was tasked with making appropriate enquiries about the matter and she has already provided us with a lengthy report on the subject. The matter will be discussed at the next council meeting which is due on Wednesday 9th July. Finally, tomorrow I take over once again as acting treasurer while our substantive and hard working treasurer Rosemary Chalmers takes off on a well earned holiday exploring the wilds of Queensland for three months. Happy travelling Rosemary.
Historical Society of the Northern Territory
Patron: The Hon Austin Asche AC
NEWSLETTER JULY 2014 NO:74 PO Box 40544, Casuarina NT 0811 Mobile: 0487 413 709 www.historicalsocietynt.org.au Email: [email protected] Newsletter Editor: Bev Phelts
HSNT Committee – President: Earl James; Vice President: Bev Phelts; Secretary: Janie Mason;
Treasurer: Rosemary Chalmers; others - Brian Reid; Alan Powell; Judy Boland; Clayton
Frederrickson; Barry Russell; Kathy de la Rue; Stephen Hamilton, Robyn Smith
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Forthcoming Events
Friday 11 July at 5.15pm - Free Writers Talk with Jackie French at the NT Library Jackie French, the Australian National Children's Laureate for 2014 and 2015 will share her experiences in this free writers talk. Jackie's writing career spans 25 years. She is the bestselling author of over 140 books including iconic Diary of a Wombat and Hitler's Daughter. The Australian National Children's Laureate, is an independent, not-for-profit organisation devoted to enriching the lives of young Australians through the power of story. Free event but bookings essential – Freecall - 1800 019 155 or Email - [email protected] Wednesday 16 July, Nitmiluk Lounge, Parliament House, 5-7pm - First Charles Darwin Oration
Professor Janet Browne
Thursday 17 July at 5.15pm – Ryko’s Remarkable Life Exhibition Curator's Talk with Dr Mickey Dewar at the NT Library Dr Mickey Dewar, Curator of the Library's current exhibition, will talk of Ted Ryko's extraordinary life, his 1914 solo bicycle journey from Adelaide to Darwin and his stunning photography of the people, events, scenes and stories of Australia's last frontier. Free event, open to the public
Thursday 31 July at 5.15-6.30pm - The War Begins
Evening Talk with Historian Dr Tom Lewis
at the NT Library "The War Begins: an overview of the strategic picture; the tactics, and the initial destruction of the world's finest army in 1914" In August 1914, Britain went to war and consequently Australia went with it. This talk examines the grand aims of the beginning of the First World War, and then descends to the mud and blood equations of what became a global struggle. Free event, open to the public.
Harvard University Aramont Professor of the History of Science, Professor Janet Browne will deliver the first Charles Darwin Oration as part of Charles Darwin University’s 25th Anniversary celebrations. Named as CDU’s first Charles Darwin Scholar last year, Professor Browne will deliver the oration entitled “Charles Darwin: His Life in Public and Private”.
RSVP: [email protected]
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HSNT Annual Field Trip 25-27 July (Darwin show day weekend) Historic Sites & Landscapes in the Lower Roper River Valley The field trip will be to the lower Roper River valley where we will view sites and landscapes representing a range of histories of the region; the OTL Depot; the ‘Queensland Road’; Roper River Police Station; Pastoral settlement and some WWII sites. Conventional vehicles with good clearance will be ok except for Port Roper - 4 wheel drive needed.
Allan Mitchell has a couple of spare seats in his Toyota Prado for anyone willing to share costs. His 4WD is kitted out with an Engle fridge and he can supply some camping gear if necessary. If you are interested, contact Allan ASAP on 89272676 ah, mobile: 0417804546 or email: [email protected]
Friday 25/7/14
Muster 11.30 am at the large red ‘buckle up’ sign on the Stuart Highway at the south end of Mataranka.
Mataranka is an opportunity to top up with fuel and any other items you need. We then proceed approximately 190 km to the well provisioned Roper Bar Store, stopping at some sites on the way. At the store we can top up with petrol again and book into the pretty riverside campsite just above the bar for 2 or 3 nights. (Clean ablutions, $15 per night, $10 for seniors). Roper Bar Store has an interesting website. When settled we explore the police station just across the road.
Saturday 26/7/14
We visit a range of sites – the OTL Depot, Urapunga station ruins, and lunch at the beautiful Lomarium Lagoon near St Vidgeon ruins.
Sunday 27/7/14
Back to Darwin for those who must. For those who can stay an extra day and return to Darwin on Monday 28/7/14 we plan a visit to Port Roper on the Sunday if the road permits. We expect information on this shortly.
If you are interested in coming along, please email Janie Mason at [email protected] or phone 89466385 and provide information on your vehicle and passengers. Desperately Seeking Memorabilia on Ted Ryko (Edward Reichenbach) Michele Adler (Ted Ryko's granddaughter) is seeking anyone who has any Ted Ryko postcards from his time in the NT c.1914 -1917. She would also dearly love to talk to anyone who knew him or has any correspondence or knowledge of him. If you can help Michele with her quest, please phone her on 0408 434 010 or email: [email protected]
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Wednesday 24 September - Patron’s Dinner 6.15pm for a 6.45pm start Our Patron, Austin Asche will be our guest speaker who talk about the highlights of being the Society’s patron for the past twenty five years. The dinner will be held at the Mantra Pandanas on the corner of Knuckey and Litchfield Streets in the Kali Function Room. The three course dinner will be a drop dinner of entrée – bruschetta or squid; main - Territory barramundi or chicken and two choices of desert. Vegetarians and others with special dietary needs can be catered for. Drinks including tea and coffee can be purchased at the function room bar. Cost is $45 per person. If you wish to attend, please send cheque/money order to the HSNT PO Box 40544 Casuarina. Alternatively, you can pay via bank transfer. Email our acting Treasurer, Earl James for the bank details – [email protected] For any inquiries and RSVP email [email protected] or ring the Society on 0487 413 709. RSVP is needed by Friday 19 September. History Colloquium, Saturday 1 November at the MAGNT Theatrette
The Professional Historians Association in conjunction with Charles Darwin University and the Australian National University, Canberra will be holding its annual history colloquium at the Museum & Art Gallery theatrette. It is a free event and all members of the public are welcome to attend.
Historical Society of the NT Balance Sheet as of 30 June 2014
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Government House Foundation – Charles Darwin University History Fellowship The Government House Foundation-Charles Darwin University Fellowship was established through the generosity of the Government House Foundation (GHF). The Fellowship project on offer will focus on the significance of Government House and its Administrators/Government Residents in the history of the Northern Territory. What assistance is offered? Fellows are assisted with return airfares to Darwin up to a value of $500 and will receive an honorarium of $1500 per week for a maximum of 13 weeks. At Charles Darwin University (CDU) the fellow will be given use of a fully equipped office and access to library services. CDU Library’s Special Collections contain much material related to Northern Territory history and the collections of the Northern Territory Library (NTL), Northern Territory Archives Service (NTAS) and the National Archives of Australia (NAA) are all within easy reach of CDU’s Casuarina campus, as is Government House. Selection criteria The Fellowship is available to all historians/historical researchers with a proven research and publication record, including recent graduates. Applications will be judged on the applicant’s scholarly record, referees’ reports and the proposed project’s alignment with the objectives outlined above. Expected outcomes Fellows will engage actively with academic staff in CDU’s School of Creative Arts and Humanities during their tenure. The Fellow will deliver a public lecture towards the end of their research period and present their research findings or progress to a GHF members’ function during the course of their tenure. The Fellow will provide CDU and GHF with a brief report of their research outcomes and details of any resulting publication. The application Each application will consist of: 1. Covering letter 2. Synopsis of the proposed research project 3. Curriculum vitae 4. Two referees’ reports Closing date for applications The closing date for applications is Tuesday 30 September 2014. All applications should be sent to: Dr Steven Farram, School of Creative Arts and Humanitiesm Faculty of Law Education Business and Arts, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, NT, 0909 Email: [email protected] Enquiries All enquiries should be directed to: Mr Martin Redhead, External Relations Manager, Charles Darwin University, Email: [email protected] Phone: (08) 8946 7770
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Highlights from Past Events
50th Anniversary of the Historical Society of the Northern Territory – Reception at Government House Although Darwin was in traffic lockdown for several hours due to a fatal three car crash, around 50 HSNT members managed to make it to our golden jubilee. During the celebrations, Her Honour, the Honourable Sally Thomas AC, Administrator of the Northern Territory presented awards to three esteemed society members – our Patron, Austin Asche in appreciation of his 25 years as the Society’s patron; founding member, Vern O’Brien and Dr Brian Reid were awarded life membership for the many years of service to the Society. The Historical Society thanks the Administrator and Mr Duncan McNeill for the wonderful function and hospitality provided.
Graham & Kathy McMahon, Jacqui & Vern O’Brien
Jan Hills, Judy & Col Beard, Karen Archibald
Kathy De La Rue, Lyn Reid & Rosemary Chalmers
Leo Izod, Mickey Dewar & Trevor Horman
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Steve & Marion Farram
Karen & Jared Archibald, Paula Martin & Allan Mitchell
1 Jenny & Alby Foreman & Libby Fewings
Our Patron, Austin Asche receives his award from Sally Thomas
Vern O’Brien receives his award from Sally Thomas
Brian Reid presented with his award from Sally Thomas
1 Photograph from the Sunday Territorian, 15 June 2014
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2014 Chief Minister’s Northern Territory History Book Award – 1 July at Parliament House The Award was established in 2004. It is presented to the most significant book on Northern Territory history published in 2013 with the primary focus on the contribution that the book has made to the cultural and intellectual life of the Territory.
Congratulations to HSNT Council Member, Robyn Smith who had her book- Antecedents: the history of Ward Keller shorted listed with Tom Lewis - Carrier Attack Darwin 1942 and Helen Bond-Sharp - Maningrida. Helen’s book won the 2014 History Book Award
Dr Wendy Beresford-Maning; Bev Phelts with Helen
Bond-Sharp
Robyn Smith with her shortlisted book & Leon Loganathan, Ward Keller Solicitors who commissioned the book
Austin Asche, HSNT Patron with John Elferink MLA, Member for Port Darwin & Attorney-General
Peter Styles MLA, Member for Sanderson & Minister for Transport & Infrastructure; John Elferink; Adam Giles, NT Chief Minister & Sally Thomas, NT Administrator
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Katrina Fong Lim, Darwin Mayor; Allan McKay, Litchfield Mayor & Heather Malone, Deputy Palmerston Mayor
Pearl Ogden; Rosemary Chalmers, HSNT Treasurer with Gerry Wood MLA, Member for Nelson
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Ryko – A Wild Life exhibition - Open until 27 July
In May 1914, Edward Reichenbach, “Ryko” left Adelaide to try and beat the cycling record from Adelaide to Darwin. He managed to break the record arriving in 28 days at the Darwin Post Office which is now the site of the Parliament House. At the exact same time and place that “Ryko” arrived 100 years earlier, so did his granddaughter, Michele Adler. Michele, family members and friends were welcomed by the Darwin Lord Mayor, Katrina Fong Lim on the steps of Parliament House.
Michele being welcomed by the Darwin Lord Mayor, Katrina Fong Lim
Michele was greeted by the crowd and a film crew
The fantastic exhibition makes excellent use of the many postcards that “Ryko” sent to family and friends on his way to Darwin.
