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Town Hall, 333 Bay Street, Port Melbourne
Town Hall, 333 Bay Street, Port Melbourne

A Kerosene Ship in Flames

The Hilaria, a 1,500 ton ship from New York caught fire at Town Pier on the morning of the 7th July 1895. Earlier it had been ordered to an outer anchorage away from the pier as its manifest included a case of detonators as well as the usual general cargo including kerosene, rosin and other flammable materials.  The Captain had no knowledge of…

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Princes

Today's post is prompted by the royal visit to Australia and the approach of Anzac Day. The Prince of Wales, later to become King Edward VIII, visited Melbourne in May 1920 on board the British warship HMS Renown. He came to represent his father King George V to thank Australia for its part in the war. His visit was eagerly anticipated with crowds…

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HMVS Cerberus

Helicopter Landing Dock at Webb Dock The recent arrival at Webb Dock of the Helicopter Landing Dock Ship, to be known as the NUSHIP Adelaide once commissioned, prompts a post on the arrival in Hobsons Bay of HMVS Cerberus in April 1871. The Cerberus arrived in Hobsons Bay after 'a weary voyage of 6 months duration'. With all that iron cladding - 8…

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All England Eleven Hotel

All posts on this site must pass the Port Melbourne connection test. PMHPS suggests that it is not straining this test to say that Port Melbourne has a connection with the history of the Ashes. Read on. Over Christmas 1861, the colony of Victoria was in a fever of anticipation for the arrival of the All England Eleven - the…

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My Time at Engine Works

The Commonwealth Government Marine Engine Works was a recognisable landmark on Port Melbourne foreshore since it was built during World War II until the development of the Beacon Cove residential area.. In My Time at Engine Works, Glen Stuart details the making of marine engines during his 29-year career at the works. My Time at Engine Works is available for purchase…

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The Great White Fleet and Port Melbourne

President Theodore Roosevelt commissioned 16 new battleships between 1904 and 1907. He sent them on a 15 month goodwill visit around the world. Prime Minister Deakin invited them to visit Australia. The young Australia was feeling exposed following the defeat of the Russian Navy by Japan in 1905. The British Navy had withdrawn its warships from the Pacific. The visit…

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Acknowledgement of Traditional Custodians

We respectfully acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we meet and work, the Bunurong Boon Wurrung and Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung peoples of the Eastern Kulin Nation and pay respect to their Elders past, present and emerging.