Victoria - Colonial period: 1854-1900.
The branch telegraph lines constructed from the Albury lines.

The inter-colonial telegraph line to Sydney from Melbourne through Kilmore to Albury had several lines branching from it. These branch lines, which are discussed below, are:

In addition there were other separate lines which included stations along the main Albury line. These lines are discussed individually. They are:

 

1. Heathcote Line:

The early imperative to construct a line of telegraphs to Heathcote was to service the very significant gold mining interests in that area. By 1856 most of the smaller prospectors had moved to other more lucrative fields. Those prospectors who remained at the McIvor goldfield (as it was sometimes called) were then concentrating on the extremely lucrative deeper ore bodies.

In the Legislative Council of 23 June, 1857, Mr Patterson gave notice that on Tuesday next, he would ask the Postmaster-General if it was intended to continue the telegraphic line from Kilmore to Heathcote and, if so, if the contract was taken. The Argus of 5 July 1857 reported the answer to the question asked by Mr. Patterson: "Mr. Mitchell said that no contract had been taken for the service referred to. It was intended to extend the electric telegraph from Kilmore to Heathcote but not yet as the sum which had been voted for telegraph had already been devoted to other lines. But, soon after the commencement of another fiscal year, the line referred to would be gone on with".

In the Legislative Council of 5 January 1858, Mr Woods asked the Postmaster-General why provision has not been made in the Estimates for 1858 for carrying on the electric telegraph from Kilmore to Heathcote. Mr Mitchell said "that a very large sum of money had been placed on the Estimates for 1858, for the purpose of carrying out the electric telegraphs throughout the colony and, if this one were found of sufficient importance, it would be included with the remainder".

In the Legislative Assembly on 12 January 1858, Mr. Ebden followed up Mr. Mitchell's previous answer with "it was not intended to carry out the electric telegraph from Kilmore to Heathcote, as it was deemed to be merely a branch line and would cost at least about £3,500. It was the opinion of the gentleman in charge of the department that the proceeds of the number of messages transmitted along it would not, for some time to come, be near adequate in proportion to the expense involved in its construction".

In March 1859, tenders were called for the construction of a 30 mile line of telegraph between Kilmore and Heathcote. The Gazette of 1 April 1859 announced that a tender had been agreed with Thos. Goodwin for the construction at £15 per mile (£1,350) with additional mileage if any at the same rate. Not all was to go well however. The Bendigo Advertiser of 21 July 1859 reported:

"The telegraph posts from Kilmore to Heathcote are erected along the line of road, within two miles of the latter township. The contractors have been rather long winded as far as this part of the work is concerned - an example which we trust will not be followed by those engaged in placing the wire. It is high time that the contract was concluded and that the people of Heathcote enjoyed the advantages of telegraphic communication with the metropolis".

The line was completed in 1859. In McGowan's Report for the half year to June 1859, he states "The line between Kilmore and Heathcote (McIvor gold-field) is now in progress and will probably be completed and opened during the month of August next". It was a simple extension from Kilmore - a distance of 56 miles of wire.

 

The Sandhurst connection.

On 9 September 1857 the Bendigo Advertiser expressed its opinion of the necessity for a line coming from the north-west from Sandhurst to Heathcote as follows: "The Goulburn diggings have been rapidly increasing in importance, and they now contribute at least two-thirds of the escort that leaves Heathcote which has of late reached two and three thousand ounces. Is it not strange that the Government has not established postal communication between those diggings and Sandhurst to which there is a daily mail and an electric telegraphThe telegraph referred to was that from Melbourne to Sandhurst.. Is it not merely commonsense to connect such places with a town, at no great distance off, which possesses such advantages?".

By 1858, McGowan and others appreciated the technical significance of linking the first line to Sandhurst with a Heathcote branch from the north-eastern line. Such a link would enable an alternative telegraphic route to one of the most important lines in the Colony should there be a major interruption. It was not however just the emphasis on the important lines which attracted support for this initiative. The McIvor Times and Rodney Advertiser of 16 September 1864 published the following:

"the subject of the desirability of securing an extension of the telegraph line to Sandhurst from Heathcote grasps at a practical object and one which should, if possible, be secured; for then, with an extensionThis extension was not made. Instead the Goulburn Valley line was constructed from Seymour. to Rushworth, Whroo, and Murchison, we should be independent of any interruption on the Kilmore line. To secure this advantage is within the reach of the people of Heathcote, Rushworth, Whroo, and Murchison and we hope the people of those places will co-operate with the people of Heathcote in an endeavour to obtain it".

The 30-35 miles (approximately) Heathcote to Sandhurst (Bendigo) branch line was scheduled in McGowan's Report for 1865 for construction in 1866. Indeed £1,200 was placed upon the Estimates for 1865 for the construction of the line from Sandhurst to Heathcote.

In the Gazette of 17 July 1866, it was announced that a tender had been let (probably in the previous May) to Thomas Forbes to mark the route for the telegraph line between Sandhurst and Heathcote at a cost of £3 10s per lineal mile. As a follow-up, the Gazette of 20 December 1866 announced that a tender had been let to Peter Kilbride to construct the telegraph line between Sandhurst and Heathcote for £36 15s per mile.

In McGowan's Report for 1867, he noted that "the direct Sandhurst to Heathcote line was placed in working order on 3 August 1867 and is now used as a second or reserve line between Melbourne, Sandhurst and Kilmore in connection with the Beechworth and Eastern intercolonial lines".

 

2. Reedy Creek Branch.

As noted above, telegraphic communication was opened to Kilmore (1858), Seymour (1865) and later to Broadford on the North Eastern line on 1 May 1872.

On April 29 1881 in the Legislative Assembly, Mr. Hunt asked the Postmaster General "when he purposes connecting Reedy Creek with a telegraph line". In reply, Mr Hunt stated, on 12 May 1881, that "he had arranged to construct a line of telegraph to Reedy Creek". He followed up that statement in the Council on 12 June with "A report has been obtained from the Inspector Postal and Telegraph Service respecting proposed extension of the electric telegraph to Reedy Creek, and it is intended to provide for this work on the estimates for next financial year". On 11 August 1881, the Kilmore Press raised hopes that "now that money has been placed at the disposal of the Government by the passing of supplementary estimates, we hope to see the telegraph line to Reedy Creek immediately constructed". On 8 September, the same source reported "A contract for the erection of a telegraph line to Reedy Creek has been accepted. Such a convenience will prove an acquisition to that rising goldfield. The want of telegraphic communication to and from the metropolis has been greatly needed".

In December 1881, the nine mile line from Broadford to Reedy Creek was surveyed and construction work was to start as soon as possible. It took until March 1882 for the tender for £223 16s to be awarded to Mr. George Rattery. By May 1882, the posts had been erected to within a mile of Reedy Creek and by the end of May, "the telegraph line is completed to Reedy Creek and, as soon as office accommodation can be secured, the people of the town named will be placed in communication with the whole colony. Mentioning this subject reminds me of the circumstance that if, from our local office, a message has to be sent to Kilmore East - 2½ miles - it has to go to Melbourne and be repeated back. I fancy there are one or two small matters here which Mr. Firman might set about remedying and which, if done, would prove of some public convenience" (Kilmore Free Press 1 June 1882).

3. Yea Branch:

The Alexandra Herald of 12 April 1872 reported that a deputation from Yea had met the Postmaster-General and asked for "telegraphic communication to Yea". They were asked to put their request in writing. The delegation did not state from where they wished the line to start but soon after, when putting their request in writing, pointed out the advantages of bringing the proposed line of telegraph to Alexandra through Yea with a Telegraph Station at Yea. See also the Alexandra Branch of the Wood's Point Line.

The Herald of 18 September 1878 noted that a deputation from Yea had met with Mr. Patterson "with a view to obtaining telegraphic communication with the metropolis". He promised that "the telegraph line should be extended from Tallarook to Yea".

It was an interesting time and location to be constructing a line of telegraph because in 1878-79, the Kelly Gang roamed this exact area. An example of a story was published in the Ballarat Courier on 1 January 1879 (as well as in other outlets). The Jerilderie incident at the Bank of NSW was reported in February 1879.

The Yea branch was constructed in 1879. It was a simple extension from Tallarook (below Seymour) - a distance of 23 miles of wire. By that time, the gold activity was very limited but farming and especially timber interests were becoming significant economically. Indeed the timber continued to develop into a major economic activity in the Yea district to about the 1920s.

 

4. The Tintaldra Branch line.

This branch line extended west and south from Wodonga to Bethanga, Tallangatta, Corryong and Tintaldra.

Line to Bethanga.

Wodonga and Towong Sentinel.
18 February 1887

"At last the Telegraph Department has determined to extend the telegraph to Bethanga. Nearly twelve months ago, an agitation was started in the district for a line, but the usual petty differences as to the site of the office were started. The Postmaster-General, Mr Campbell, personally visited the township and, after hearing both sides and seeing the localities, he decided that it would not pay to extend the telegraph to Bethanga. Subsequently the department communicated with the local postmaster, asking him whether he was prepared to take the management of the telegraph office on the two-thirds principle. This Mr Cole agreed to do, and the necessary guarantee having been given and all papers expected daily, and the office should be in working order in about two months. There are only about six miles of posts to erect, the wire being connected at Foard's on the direct Upper Murray line through Tallangatta. This will be a great boon to the district, if with the railway at Foard's, Bethanga may then be considered within the pale of civilisation".

 

Post Office and Telegraph Department,
Melbourne, 6th May, 1887.

TENDERS will be received until twelve o'clock on TUESDAY., the 31st MAY,1887, for the CONSTRUCTION of a LINE of ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH between the junction of the Bethanga Road and the Tallangatta Telegraph Line via the Post Office, Bethanga.

Models and specifications may be seen at the Chief Inspector's Room, General Post Office and Specifications at the Post Offices at Bethanga, Tallangatta, and Wodonga. Tenders to be endorsed, "Tender for construction of Telegraph Line junction of Bethanga road to Tallangatta Telegraph Line" and addressed (if by post, prepaid and registered), to the Honorable the Postmaster-General, Melbourne, or deposited in the Tender-box at the General Post Office Melbourne. The amount of the preliminary deposit to be enclosed with the Tender is £10. The lowest or any Tender not necessarily accepted.
FREDK. T. DERHAM,
Postmaster-General.

 

The Tallangatta to Corryong line.

At the Toowong Shire Council meeting of 8 February 1883, a letter from the Post and Telegraph Department was tabled "acknowledging receipt of the council's communication of the 13th ult., on behalf of the Towong Shire, requesting that steps may be taken towards the erection of a telegraph office at Tatlangatta, in connection with the receipt and pay office about to be established there and stating that due inquiry will be made on the subject".

At the meeting of the Toowong Shire Council on 5 February 1884, a letter from the Post and Telegraph Department was tabled "acknowledging receipt of the communication forwarded by the Secretary urging the extension of the telegraph to Corryong and stating that the subject would receive due consideration".

In May 1885, Mr McGowan said to a deputation of concerned citizens that "the papers on the matter of extending the telegraph line from Tallangatta to Corryong indicate that the Postmaster-General required an indemnity bond from gentlemen interested in getting the telegraph to Corryong guaranteeing the Department against loss on the proposed extension. This was owing to the fact that the postal business to and from that place was so limited that there was little prospect of the telegraph extension paying expenses. On the receipt of a letter stating the willingness of certain gentlemen who had proposed to sign a guarantee bond to proceed to execute it, the matter would be brought before Mr Campbell and there is no doubt the necessary steps would be taken". Soon after, the Postmaster-General formally called for expressions of interest for people who would sign a guarantee bond to indemnify the Government against losses for the Tallangatta to Corryong telegraph line of up to £250 per year for the next five years.

Finally, in the Wodonga and Toowong Sentinel of 28 November 1885:

Post and Telegraph Office,Melbourne,
10th November, 1885.

TENDERS will be received until twelve o'clock on Tuesday, 8th December, for the CONSTRUCTION of a LINE of TELEGRAPH between Tallangatta and Corryong.

Models and specifications may be seen at the inspector's room, General Post Office and specifications at the Post Offices at Wodonga, Beechworth, Tallangatta and Corryong. Tenders to be endorsed "Tender for Tallangatta and Corryong Telegraph," and addressed (if by post, pre-paid) to the Honorable the Postmaster-General, Melbourne, or deposited in the tender-box at the General Post Office, Melbourne. The amount of the preliminary deposit to be enclosed with the tender is £20. The lowest or any tender will not necessarily be accepted.

JAMES CAMPBELL, Postmaster-General.

 

In January 1886, the Gazette announced that the tender of Messrs. A. Chitts and Co. for the construction of a telegraph line between Tallangatta and Corryong for the sun of £1,538 had been accepted.

 

The Wodonga and Toowong Sentinel (26 February 1886):

"The first pole of the telegraph line from Tallangatta to Corryong was erected on Thursday morning last. A large crowd was assembled to witness the interesting event, which was photographed by Mr. Bradley who is at the present time staying in the town. Immediately after the pole had been well and truly laid - that is, properly erected and rammed so as to pass the official eye - an adjournment was made to Carkeek's hotel, at the suggestion of the worthy host himself, who upon such occasions has always displayed a liberality worthy of commendation.

The large commercial room into which the company was shown was not got up for the occasion, though one could not help being impressed with the elegance and comfort of its appointment. On a table there stood liquors of all brands, the most conspicuous being the ever sparkling "fiz" surrounded by cakes, biscuits and fruits, artistically arranged.

Everyone having his glass charged, Mr Carkeek proposed "Prosperity to the line from Tallangatta to Corryong" as well as the health of our Corryong neighbors, who, by the chain, the first link of which was forged that morning in Tallangatta, had become more than ever part and parcel of ourselves. The interests of both towns were identical. The residents of Corryong were possessed of the same go-aheadism as those of Tallangatta, and he felt assured they entertained the same good feeling for us that we did for them. He was proud that such an opportunity offered of his expressing his good wishes for the prosperity of the Upper Murray and trusted that there would be no "heel taps."

Mr Wilkinson, in a few well-chosen words, responded on behalf of Corryong. Mr H. P. Stephen proposed the health of the contractors, to which Mr Jones responded. Mr Deering, Inspector of Telegraph Lines, proposed the health of Mr. Carkeek, whose generosity he was not a little surprised by. He was totally unprepared for such an occasion, and felt as if he were at a banquet. He would assure them that the construction of the line would be pushed on with the least possible delay and that Mr McGowan, who was well acquainted with the district, had intimated that its speedy construction would be a matter of great pleasure and satisfaction to himself. (Cheers.)

Mr. Carkeek, in replying, stated that nothing gave him greater pleasure than entertaining his friends on the occasion, celebrating the inception of any institution having for its object the advancement of the two towns to which he was so much indebted - Corryong and Tallangatta".

The Wodonga and Towong Sentinel of 9 April 1886 provided some (un)expected news:

"The extension of the telegraph line from Tallangatta to Corryong and Tintaldra is progressing steadily and, when finished, will add considerably to the prosperity of the district. Communication with the outside, and in particular with the metropolis and the seaboard, will be quickened and our resources better known and appreciated.

Some disappointment has lately been experienced by the promoters and those most interested in the line with respect to the offices required. The Government, as usual, does not intend to build the offices and offers a fixed rent for buildings to be erected according to furnished specifications. It is considered absurd that the Government should not supply the required offices in an established Government township. Though not so very long established, its permanency is without a shadow of a doubt. A district like the Upper Murray cannot boast of a single Government building excepting the paltry schools. A police station is now certainly in progress at Corryong but this possibly could not longer be avoided as the formerly rented premises are a distance from the town and very inconvenient. The Government is paying in rent at the rate of 10 per cent. or more interest on capital invested in private buildings for offices while the capital can be obtained at 3½ to 4 per cent- very economical on the part of the Government.

Government buildings give importance to the different towns in the country and it proves but little faith on the part of our rulers in the stability of our district by refusing to build offices required by the Government. In Tallangatta the Government pays, in rent for offices, the amount of £200 annually to private individuals and a very good investment it proves for local capitalists. But it is squandering the public revenue - penny wise and pound foolish system. Mr. Billson lately, in his address to the electors, urged on the residents to insist the Government build the necessary public offices instead of them being rented. Public money is squandered in Melbourne in building palaces for the use of Government offices and the country places are totally neglected and, if quietly submitted to, we have only ourselves to blame".

The Corryong to Tintaldra line.

Tintaldra was an important place in this area of Victoria because it was the location of a customs house on the Murray River.

The Albury Banner of 10 October 1884 reported that "The Tintaldraites visited Corryong on Thursday 2 October to attend a special public meeting re telegraph communication. Their object was to secure the co-operation of the Corryongites in their endeavours to have a line of telegraph brought to Tintaldra in the event of an extension from Tallangatta to Corryong. After a lively discussion and some slight opposition, a motion was carried signifying the approval of the meeting of an extension to Tintaldra".

There seems however to be a time warp because the same newspaper reported 8 days earlier that "I learn from authentic sources that the survey of the proposed telegraph line from Corryong to Tintaldra is to be gone on with very shortly".

Mr. H. Nankervis, who had been Chairman of the meeting confirming the need for the extension of the proposed line to Corryong being further extended to Tintaldra, provided the inhabitants of Tintaldra and surrounding district gave the necessary guarantee to the Government. The meeting had recommended that the motion and guarantee be presented to the Postmaster- General, togther with the Corryong guarantee, by the deputation which the council had agreed to send to Melbourne.

By 9 April 1886, according to the Wodonga and Towong Sentinel "the extension of the telegraph line from Tallangatta to Corryong and Tintaldra was progressing steadily and, when finished, will add considerably to the prosperity of the district. Communication with the outside, and in particular with the metropolis and the seaboard, will be quickened, and the local resources will be better known and appreciated".

A similar but fuller statement was issued in the same newspaper a week later: "The telegraph poles are erected from Corryong to Towong townships and will reach, by the end of the week, as far as Tintaldra. The line is expected to be in working order by the commencement of May. It is rumored that some enterprising individual at Towong will offer to erect suitable buildings for a Post and Telegraph office. Should the Governmnent favor this application, it would start the old and original Upper Murray township again to the fore. Corryong look out. But Corryong will kick fiercely against this transfer of office and favor, though Towong has as good a right for recognition as Corryong, and the situation for a telegraph office is as convenient for the public generally".

On 29 May 1886, the Ovens and Murray Advertiser could announce:

"It is expected that the last pole in connection with the telegraph line between Tallangatta and Corryong will be erected to-day (Monday) and the wire attached which will complete the line as far as the contractors (Messrs Chitts and Co) are concerned. The Corryong and Tintaldra line, I believe, is also completed so the wants of the district in that direction will soon be supplied. The. inspector has kindly promised to erect the telephone at this end for a day or two so we will have an oppoitunity of having a talk with our Tallangatta neighbors".

The Ovens and Murray Advertiser of 26 June 1886 reported that "Mr McCullum, the contractor for the telegraph line, gave a ball and supper to the inhabitants of Corryong and surrounding district to celebrate the completion of the line on Tuesday night the 15th inst. which proved a great success. About seventy couples were in attendance. Dancing commenced at half-past seven and a good programme having been provided, it was kept up with good spirit.

The first part of the programme having been gone through, at twelve o'clock supper was announced - the tables having been very beautifully arranged by Mrs. Femby, the caterer, who deserves every credit for her ta-te. The supper-room being limited, about twenty-five couples sat down to partake of the good things provided for them. Mr Joseph Hanson, J.P. occupied the chair and, after the company had all feasted, the chairman asked them to charge their glasses as he had a toast to propose.

  • He then proposed the health of "The Queen and Royal Family".
  • Mr Harris proposed "The Health of the Contractors" coupled with the name of Mr. McCullum and spoke at some length of that gentleman's good qualities. These remarks were endorsed with musical honors. Mr. McCullum responded, and thanked Mr. Harris and the ladies and gentlemen present for the manner in which they had drank his health. He was very pleased to see that they were all enjoying themselves and he could tell them that he was well pleased with his short residence in the district and that he would ever remember the kindnesses shown to him by the people of the district during his stay amongst them. No doubt, the telegraph line" would be of great benefit to the district; but he thought a district like this should have railway communication and he would be most happy, when such a thing should take place, to be amongst them to celebrate the opening of that line.
  • Mr. Briggs proposed "The Health of Mr. Deering, the Inspector of the Line," and spoke at length respecting that gentleman's pleasant manner and good humor. This toast was also drunk with musical honors. Mr Deering responded.
  • Mr Kiel then proposed "The Ladies" and spoke .at some length on their good qualities. He said he was sure he did not know how the men would get on without them and he was always pleased to see them enjoying themselves. Mr Harris responded on behalf' of the ladies with a few pleasing remarks.
  • Mr Robinson then proposed "The Press" Messrs Griffin and Thompson responding.

During the night some songs were given by a few ladies and gentlemen, all of whom sang well. Miss Bartlett playing the accompaniments. Messrs Gay Bros. were engaged to play for the, dancing and Mr Alty kindly assisted on the violin and Mr Robinson on the piano.

After getting the List returns by telephone that night, Mr. Deering called for three cheers for Mr. W. Pemberton who had kindly erected the telephone and sent on the returns for the election. Three hearty cheers were given for that gentleman.

One word must be said for the ladies; for, with their-pretty dresses and charming faces, they looked the picture of contentment and never seemed to tire. Dancing was kept up with good spirit until daylight, when a vote of thanks was accorded to Messrs McCullum and Deering for the night's entertainment; and three hearty cheers were given for those gentlemen. A very pleasant and enjoyable night was brought to a close by the company singing "Auld Lang Syne".

In December 1898, a contract for £937/10/- was let to extend the telegraph line from Tallangatta to Mitta Mitta.

By October 1912, a line between Tintaldra and Timberumba in NSW was being repaired.

Even though the telegraph line was hailed as a marvel of rapid communication, it was not always the case. The Barrier Miner of 14 January 1920 reported the following:

MOTOR CAR BEATS TELEGRAM: INSTANCE IN VICTORIA.

"An important telegram sent from Albury by Mr. Matthew Mullins to W. H. Maddock, shire secretary at Tallangatta, was seven hours on the journey. The telegraph form showed the time of lodgment in Albury at 10.33 a.m. and the time it was received (says "The Argus") at Tallangatta office was 5.43 p.m. Ten minutes later it was delivered to Mr. Maddock.

After having sent the telegram, Mr. Mullins set out in his car for Tallangatta, and made several business calls en route. He arrived at Tallangatta four hours before his telegram".