History of wireless telegraphy and broadcasting in Australia/Topical/Biographies/William Philip Bechervaise/Notes/1860s

1860 01
Bechervaise announces that Newcastle and Maitland are open for business, and that the Bass Strait cable again functional (but likely not for long) "News and Notes. . . . Mr Bechervaise informs us that communication by electric telegraph is now open to Newcastle and West Maitland, New South Wales, and that the communication with Tasmania is again resumed."

1860 03
As central Ballarat is populated by more substantial brick and stone structures, the removal of former wooden structures outside the town presents a hazard to overhead telegraph wires "Among our street sights yesterday was the not unfamiliar one of an itinerant house on its journey 'westward ho.' In this case the building was an ecclesiastical one, late in use by the Wesleyan Methodist Association Congregation on the Plank Road, and yesterday on the way to a new site near the Benevolent Asylum. A dozen oxen dragged the chapel, which was mounted on four wheels, the erratic rotations of which the movers controlled by ropes. The perils of the voyage were not few. After divers little hitches the concern was stuck up by the contractors for the Caledonian Bridge, and the chapel mover served or threatened with a summons for obstruction. That trouble over, the chapel wag dragged on again, but on rounding into Lydiard street, near the Post Office, carried away the telegraph wires, stopped communication with other parts of the colony, and brought out Mr Bechervaise and a posse of police upon the unlucky chapel mover, who had to go to the Camp, and give security to answer for damage. How the voyage ended we know not."

Following on from the previous incident, the offender is fined "EASTERN POLICE COURT. Friday, 9th March. (Before D. Fitzpatrick and W. B. Rodier, Esqrs, J.P.) . . . STREET OBSTRUCTION.— Robert Stone was charged with obstructing the Caledonian Bridge with a cottage, which he was re-moving to the Western Township. The defendant acknowledged the offence, but said it was not wilfully done, and he did all that lay in his power to remedy the obstruction. Constable Gorman bore out the latter part of the statement. The defendant was fined 10s. INJURY TO THE TELEGRAPH WIRES.— Robert Stone, the defendant in the last case, was next charged with injuring the telegraph wires. Mr Bechervaise said he did not go for any punishment more than the expense incurred in repairing the damage, which would amount to £4 13s. The injury to the wires was purely accidental. The Bench made an order for the amount, and in addition imposed a penalty of 1s on the defenddant. The various amounts were paid."

Bechervaise announces a major reduction in charges for telegraph messages between Ballarat and Creswick "News and Notes. . . . Mr Bechervaise informs us that a reduction in the charges of telegraphic messages to Creswick has been adopted. The scale of charge between Ballarat and Creswick, and vice versa, will be one shilling for the first ten words, and one penny each additional word, instead of 2s, and 2d each additional word, as heretofore."

1860 04
Again, Bechervaise goes the extra mile for his customers "News and Notes. . . . Mr Bechervaise informs us that the mail from Adelaide per R.M.S. Emeu will close today at Adelaide at 2 p.m., and that telegrams for Europe which are to be posted at Adelaide will be received at the Ballarat Telegraph Office up to 1.15 p.m."

1860 06
Bechervaise still going the extra mile for his customers "News and Notes. . . . Mr Bechervaise, the Telegraph Master here, informs us that the mail for the United Kingdom, &c., per R.M.S.S. Malta, will close at the General Post Office, Adelaide, S.A., this day (Tuesday, 19th June), at 2 p.m., and that telegrams to be posted at Adelaide for despatch by the above named steamer will be received at his office up to 1 p.m."

1860 08
Bechervaise servicing the community with time ball and mail availability flag "News and Notes. . . . The time ball was hoisted to the mast head near the Powder Magazine yesterday (Wednesday), and Mr Bechervaise informs us that the apparatus is now complete, and the ball will drop this day at one o'clock observatory time. The arrival of the English mail will also in future be notified by hoisting the R. M. flag at the head of the time ball mast instead of at the Camp flag-staff as heretofore."

(With apologies for the racist language) Ah Ching changed with damaging the telegraph wires and fined the cost of the repair "EASTERN POLICE COURT. Tuesday, 21st August. (Before W. H. Foster, Esq., P.M., and B. S. Hassell, Esq., J.P.) . . . INJURING THE TELEGRAPH WIRES.— Ah Ching, a Chinaman, was charged with having injured the telegraph wires. Constable Talbot deposed that on the previous evening he saw the prisoner driving a horse and cart with a whim on it, and when near Roy's corner the top of the whim caught the wires and pulled them down to the ground. Mr Bechervaise stated the damage could be repaired for 15s. The Bench, said as the injury was the result of an accident, they would only fine the prisoner 15s, the amount of the injury; had it been wilfully done they would have imposed a penalty of £5. The fine was paid, and the Mongolian left the Court."

1860 10
Bechervaise completes alterations to the time signal ball, announces opening of Kiandra telegraph station "News and Notes. . . . The Telegraph Station Master announces that the alterations in the time ball apparatus being now complete, the signals will be given this day. The ball will be mastheaded at 12.50, and drop at 1 p.m. observatory time. We are informed that the Telegraph Station at Kiandra was opened yester-day (Tuesday), the charges for messages being the same as between Ballarat and Sydney."

1860 11
Bechervaise completes further repairs to the time signal ball "NEWS AND NOTES. . . . The master of the Telegraph Station in-forms us that the repairs to the time-ball apparatus have been completed. The time signal will therefore be given, to-morrow as usual."

1861 01
(Apologies for the racist content) Bechervaise drawn into an unusual court case which provides insight into Ballarat justice "NEWS AND NOTES. . . . At the Eastern Police Court yesterday we had another development of a China-man's disregard of the sacred nature of an oath, as well as an insight into some of their doings in connexion with their courts of law. It seems that a Chinese opium dealer, who some time ago had been robbed of a large quantity of opium by one of his dishonest countrymen, cited the culprit before a Chinese tribunal, when, after hearing both sides of the question, the celestial dispensers of justice were unable to come to a decision in the matter, and the defendant appealed to a higher tribunal in connexion with the Joss-house on Ballarat. The prosecutor states that he arrived in town with the delinquent, and that they both slept at the house or hut of a countryman on Golden Point, when the latter got up in the night and stole 30 boxes of opium and other property, valued at £30, and having given information to the police, the accused was arrested in the joss-house on Pennyweight Flat. A third individual, also a Chinaman, deposed that the culprit sold him a portion of the stolen property, which is identified by the owner. The prisoner yesterday had twenty-two witnesses in attendance, most of them from Fiery Creek, and they swore that the prisoner arrived on Ballarat several days before the prosecutor, and that he slept in the Joss-house, and not with the complainant on the night of the robbery, and that the latter did not come to Ballarat until he was telegraphed for by one of the legal authorities of the Chinese Court — to wit, the chapel keeper or clerk of the Court. A copy of the telegram is even produced in Court, attested by Mr Bechervaise, the station-master; and the question having assumed such a form as to puzzle the Bench to ascertain which side was declaring the truth, they agreed to commit the culprit for trial at the Circuit Court, but to admit him to bail. One thing alone is evident in connection with the affair, and that is that there must be a gross amount of perjury on either one side or the other, as the evidence for the defence is directly opposed to that for the prosecution."

1861 03
Another major fire in Ballarat, Bechervaise protects the precious telegraph poles "TWO MORE FIRES. FIVE HOUSES DESTROYED. About nine o'clock on Sunday night the western fire bell rang out the alarm of fire, and a bright glare of light was visible in the direction of the Nightingale Lead. The cause of the alarm was in a short time ascertained to be a wooden cottage on fire. The western brigade were quickly on the spot, but the tenement was beyond all hopes of rescue, and was burned to the ground. A woman and three children were in at the time, and it has been stated that she was under the influence of liquor, but how the fire originated is a mystery. Everything in the house was destroyed. The Brigade, however, poured water on the flames and saved the adjoining houses from destruction. As the brigade were returning to the engine house a bright glare of light was visible in the direction of the Main road, and in a few seconds the fire bells again rang out the alarm. The Western Brigade proceeded by way of the White Flat to the scene of the conflagration, and on their arrival they found several stores on the Main road opposite the Victoria Hotel in flames. It seems that the fire here broke out in the dwelling of Mrs West, who kept a millinery shop. The servant girl had put the children to bed and from what we could learn set fire to the paper on the walls with a lighted candle she had in her hand. The whole room was instantly in a blaze, and the children were rescued, with much difficulty. A lad, who rescued one of them, was severely burned on the hand. As may be imagined the fire spread with alarming rapidity to the adjoining store of Mr Glenn, which was principally composed of corrugated iron. The Eastern Brigade with commendable alacrity arrived first at the scene, and got their engine into working order and poured a sheet of water on the flames. Mr Harris, who resided next door to Mrs West's, attempted to save some of his property, but the flames spread with such rapidity that his house fell a prey to the flames be-fore he was able to rescue anything of much value. A Chinaman, who occupied a house of Mr Salmon's, was also burned out. Fortunately a gap intervened between the store of Mr West and Mr Cornish's hay and corn store, or else in all probability the latter would have been burned down. To this cause and the exertions of the Eastern Brigade, who poured a sheet of water on the roof which was in flames, may its safety be attributed. The Western Brigade got their engine into play at the rear of the fire, and prevented it from spreading northward. Fortunately the wind blew from the north-east, and the result was that the flames were wafted on towards the sludge channel. Large flakes of fire were carried by the wind across Golden Point, and as the flames shot upwards, the sight was majestically grand. The whole of the township and surrounding ranges were illuminated for a considerable distance. In about half an hour after the fire broke out the brigades appeared to have completely mastered it, and a sensation of relief was experienced by persons resident in the locality. The house formerly occupied by Mr Smith, Photographist, was about being pulled down to prevent the flames spreading up the Main road, and the fence round the garden was partially removed, when it was ascertained that there was no necessity for the destruction of the property. During the time that the fire was raging Mr Bechervaise, the Electric Telegraph Station Master, procured a ladder, and, with a bucket of water, extinguished the fire which had seized on one of the telegraph posts. One of the wires was nearly burned through, but the injury was not of such a nature as to interrupt telegraphic communication with other parts of the colony. Mr West, in whose house the fire broke out, had the whole of his property destroyed, and estimates his loss at £600, Mr Harris, clothier and shoe shop, estimates his loss at £500. The adjoining shop, which belongs to Mr Salmon, and was occupied by a Chinaman, was used as a grocery store, and the damage was estimated here at £300. Mr Glenn estimates his loss at £800. Fortunately he succeeded in saving £44 in cash from the flames. The ironmongery shop of Mr M. Levi had a narrow escape from destruction, and was partly gutted, as was that of Cohen, and Martin, who kept the two adjoining boot and shoe shops. None of the buildings destroyed were insured. The policy of insurance on them had expired some time during the last month, and the insurance. offices refused to renew the policy unless at 12½ per cent. There was a huge concourse of persons at the fire, and the police, under the command of Mr Superintendent Kirk, exerted themselves to keep a space clear for the efforts of the fire brigades, who exerted themselves in an energetic manner, and to whom alone belongs the credit of saving much property, and preventing the fire from spreading. Several private individuals also exerted themselves in a very praiseworthy manner to keep the flames under. The brigades continued to pour water on the flames and debris until 12 o'clock at night. The persons burned out found a refuge at the Red Hill hotel and at the Victoria, and liquor in abundance was served out at both places to the fire brigades. The Chinamen, Mr Levi, and others whose property was injured or destroyed, were burned out at the late calamitous fire on the Main Road, and it has been stated that this is the third time that the celestial has been burned out on Ballarat."

1861 04
Bechervaise on leave while problems arise at the Ballarat telegraph office "NEWS AND NOTES. . . . Owing to a blunder committed in the telegraph department either here or at some other station, we were made a few days ago to give Melbourne credit for a 'terrific storm' to which Warrnambool was properly entitled. Our telegram, despatched from the last named place, reached us dated from Melbourne, and thus led us into the error. We understand that Mr Bechervaise has been away on leave of absence during the last fortnight, so that if the mistake occurred at this station he is not to blame. It was reported yesterday evening that the person left in charge had suddenly taken his departure from Ballarat, but for what reason did not transpire. Of course there were reports of an unpleasant nature cur-rent, but we refrain from repeating them until we have more definite information. The missing person was, we hear, found at Geelong."

Further detail on the previous item, and a very interesting aspect emerges "NEWS AND NOTES. . . . We understand that Gurjot, the person placed in charge of the telegraph office during the absence on leave of Mr Bechervaise, was brought into Ballarat last night in custody, on a charge of embezzling £45 of the Government money, as alluded to in yesterday's Star. The accused is a native of France, and had been placed in charge of the telegraph office by the Government, and strange to say, the powers that be want to make Mr Bechervaise responsible for the amount of the defalcations. The offender was arrested in Geelong, and will be brought up at the police court this day."

The previous story continues to unfold "DISTRICT POLICE COURT. Saturday, 20th April (Before the Police Magistrate and W. C. Smith, Esq., J.P.) . . . THE TELEGRAPH DEFAULTER. Bartholomew Guyot was brought up charged with embezzling Government moneys. Philip Bechervaise deposed that on the 3rd April he obtained 14 days' leave of absence, and left the prisoner in charge of the Telegraph Office, who had been sent from Melbourne for the purpose. Before going he balanced up the cash and handed it over according to authority to the assistant, and the latter in turn handed charge of the office over to Guyot when he arrived. Witness arrived on the 17th April, and expected to see the prisoner, but great was his mortification on being assured that he had not been seen for some time. Ultimately witness received a message from Geelong respecting the prisoner, and in consequence of this he broke open the money drawer in presence of witnesses. The amount of cash taken from the time witness left until the 16th April, was £60 4s 3d. In the drawer there was but fourpence. There was an item of £1 18s 1d due for telegrams to the Ballarat papers, and he found that the total amount of prisoner's defalcations was £42 16s 11d. Cross-examined by prisoner — I did not hear that you were with the line man. It was no part of your duty to go with the line man. The prisoner was remanded for seven days. Mr Bechervaise applied to have the £7 odd found on the prisoner handed over to him, as Government wanted to hold him responsible to make good the defalcations. The Bench declined to make an order at present."

A local newspaper wrongly reports the facts of the case, Bechervaise requests a correction "IN RE BECHERVAISE. Sir.— Your contemporary, the Advertiser, in this morning's issue, gives out that I am in custody on a charge of embezzling £45. I would inform you, Sir, and the public of Castlemaine, that I am still Manager of Electric Telegraph, Ballarat, and not a felon in one of the numerous gaols of her most gracious Majesty. The person who had charge of this station in my absence is the real Simon Pure. If the Editor of the Advertiser will only note the Ballarat Police Court report for Saturday last, his understanding will probably be enlightened in this matter. Will you oblige me by inserting this? I am, Sir, your obedient servant, WILLIAM PHILLIP BECHERVAISE. Ballarat, 23rd April, 1861."

1861 05
Another court appearance in respect of the Telegraph Defaulter matter "DISTRICT POLICE COURT. Tuesday, 30th April. (Before S. T. Clissold, Esq., P.M., and W. C. Smith, Esq., J.P.) . . . THE TELEGRAPH DEFAULTER.— Bartholomew Guyott was brought up on remand charged with embezzling £42 of the Government money, while placed in temporary charge of the Telegraph Office on Ballarat, during the absence on leave of Mr Bechervaise. Mr Bechervaise now deposed in addition to his former evidence that the prisoner banked £15 while he was in charge of the office. The deficiency was still over £42, but £7 odd was found on prisoner when apprehended. Thomas Lewis deposed that he was senior messenger at the Telegraph Office. He knew the prisoner, and remembered when he arrived on Ballarat, on the 4th of April. The prisoner took charge of the office and books. Witness handed prisoner charge of money to the extent of £7 15s 9d, which he had received previous to the prisoner's arrival. On the 4th he gave him the amount named, and later in the same day he gave the prisoner £5 odd, and on the 5th £3 4s 3d. On the 6th he handed prisoner £4 10s 6d, and on the 8th £4 4s 9d, on the 9th £4 7s, on the 10th £4 7s 5d, on the 11th £4 17s 5d, on the 12th £4 19s 2d, on the 13th £4 3s 5d, on the 15th £5 15s, on the 16th £5 0s 8d. On the 17th Mr Bechervaise returned. The prisoner left the office about 8 o'clock on the morning of the 17th, and before the arrival of Mr Bechervaise. It was the duty of witness to receive cash for messages, enter it in a book and pay it over at night. To the Prisoner — I am not aware of the cause why you left the office on the morning of the 17th. You left the office with a Mr Wilson. Frederick Leopold Marchant, deposed that he was an assistant in the Telegraph Office, and knew the prisoner, who was an assistant operator in the Melbourne Telegraph Office. He arrived from Castlemaine on the 4th April to take the management of the Ballarat office during the absence of Mr Bechervaise on leave. He did take charge of the office from the last witness. Robert Poynder deposed that he was ledger-keeper at the Bank of Australasia. On the 6th April the prisoner paid in £15 8s 11d to the credit of Mr Bechervaise. No other amounts were paid into the bank by prisoner. To the Bench — The accounts of the Telegraph Office were kept at the Bank of Australasia. The depositions of the Sergeant of Police of Geelong, who took the accused into custody, were then read over. The prisoner declined to say anything, and was committed for trial."

1861 09
Bechervaise announces the opening of the Cape Schanck telegraph office "NEWS AND NOTES. . . . Mr Bechervaise informs us that the electric telegraph station, Cape Schanck, was opened to the public yesterday."

Birth notice for Bechervaise's second child and second son Walter Reed Bechervaise "BIRTH. On Sunday, 8th September, at her residence, the Electric Telegraph Station, Camp, Ballarat, the wife of William Philip Bechervaise, Esq., of a son; both doing well."

Bechervaise announces the imminent opening of the Point Lonsdale telegraph station and look-out station "NEWS AND NOTES. . . . Mr Bechervaise informs us that the electric-telegraph signal and look-out station at Point Lonsdale will be opened to the public during the ensuing week."

Bechervaise institutes another innovation at Ballarat telegraph office "NEWS AND NOTES. . . . Mr Bechervaise informs us that on and after Monday, the 30th instant, the shipping intelligence (intercolonial news excepted) will be transmitted from Port Phillip Heads to Ballarat, three times daily; viz., at 9 a.m., 1 p.m., and 4 p.m.. It will then be posted outside the Electric Telegraph Office, for general reference. Any shipping news required between the abovenamed hours will be chargeable. Only the name and port of vessels will be reported."

1861 10
Bechervaise providing shipping news (mails) to local papers "NEWS AND NOTES. . . . Mr Bechervaise informs us that the branch mail steamer Balclutha arrived at Adelaide with the English mail for that place on the 8th instant, at 9.20 p.m."

1861 11
Victorian Government makes changes to system of payments for telegrams, clearly resulting from the Bechervaise Telegraph Defaulter case "NEWS AND NOTES. . . . The Government appears bent on making changes, and we confess that we cannot always discern the advantage which is sup-posed to result from some of them. We have recently been put to some little trouble by one which appears to have no object whatever. It has been the custom of the master of the telegraph station to have a weekly account with the Star, for telegrams received by us. This account was regularly settled every Saturday, and we were saved the inconvenience of having to pay for telegrams at all hours of the night. Recently explicit directions have been received from the Government that the money must be paid for the telegrams on their delivery, thus putting both us and the station master to a great deal of unnecessary trouble. We have heard no reason assigned for this change, nor can we see any. The station master was responsible for the amount of the telegrams under the former arrangement, and therefore the Government would not lose, whilst he saved himself sometime by the plan which has now been in force some five years."

A problem between Melbourne and Ballarat delays vital news of Government debate "NEWS AND NOTES. By telegram from our Melbourne correspondent we learn that the debate on the budget was proceeding at a very late hour last evening, and that it was fully expected the result would be the defeat of the Ministry. We had made arrangements for having a telegraphic message, relative to the progress of the debate, despatched from Melbourne at midnight, but at one o'clock this morning Mr Bechervaise informed us that though he had been in attendance at his office from 11-55 p.m. till 12.57 a.m., no further intelligence had been communicated, nor was Melbourne communicable from Ballarat. The inference is that some accident to the line has temporarily interrupted communication."

Further to previous, the cause of the problem is revealed "NEWS AND NOTES. . . . Mr Bechervaise informs us that an accident, trivial enough in itself, but annoying enough in its consequences, prevented the country districts receiving their midnight telegrams on Wednesday. The operators had left the head office at Melbourne about 8 p.m., so as to afford the attendant an opportunity of putting the place in order. When he had finished, he thoughtlessly left the key inside, and closed the door by the spring bolt, thus rendering entry impossible. When the operator arrived at midnight they were unable to obtain admission, and so our second telegram of Parliamentary proceedings could not be transmitted."

1861 12
Bechvaise now raising the "R.M." flag from the tower of the Western Fire Brigade "NEWS AND NOTES. . . . Mr Bechervaise, manager of the Electric Telegraph Office, informs us that the arrival of the Royal Mail steamer will be notified by the hoisting of the 'R. M.' flag on the tower of the engine-house of the Western Fire Brigade, Sturt street."

1862 02
Parliament agrees (after debate) compensation to Bechervaise for the £42 he paid to Treasury for the monies stolen by B. A. P. Guyot, but a confusing and interpretive report by the Age "PARLIAMENT OF VICTORIA. LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY. Friday, 14th February, 1862. The Speaker took the chair at half-past four o'clock. . . . SUPPLY. On the motion of Mr HAINES, the House resolved itself into committee of supply. Mr HAINES directed the attention of the House to the supplementary estimates for 1861, and moved that the following items be passed:— Compensation to . . . W. O. [sic] Bechervaise, telegraph manager at Ballaarat, reimbursement of amount embezzled by B. A. P. Guyot, convicted of the offence, £42 16s 11d; . . . In reply to Mr LOADER, Dr MACADAM stated that the compensation proposed to be awarded Mr Bechervaise was for money embezzled during the absence of that gentleman from his office with the leave of the Superintendent of the Telegraph Department, Mr McGowan. At the time this occurred all telegraph clerks were not required to furnish security. Mr Guyot did not; nothing could be recovered from him, and this occurrence had led to security being required in each instance for the future. Mr LOADER stated that Mr Bechervaise had had the option of refunding this amount, or of resigning his situation, and he preferred the former alternative. The money had been paid into the Treasury, and the country had a right to retain it. The leave of absence, too, during which the money was embezzled, was obtained in an irregular manner. Mr HOOD moved that the item be struck out. Dr MACADAM impressed upon the committee the desirability of voting the item if justice was to done. The conduct of the hon. member, Mr Loader, in this matter, had been somewhat harsh and arbitrary. The amendment was then withdrawn, and the gross amount, less the items withdrawn, was voted."

As previous, a clearer report by The Argus "THE VICTORIAN PARLIAMENT. LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY. Friday, Feb. 14. The Speaker took the chair at thirty-three minutes past four. . . . SUPPLY. The House then resolved itself into committee of supply. The additional Supplementary Estimates for 1861 were first taken into consideration. . . . Mr. HAINES then proposed the following votes:— Compensation to . . . W. O. (sic) Bechervaise, telegraph manager at Ballarat, reimbursement of amount embezzled by B. A. P. Guyot, convicted of the offence, £42 16s. 11d.; . . . Mr. ASPINALL asked for an explanation in reference to the item of £42 16s. 11d. 'to W. O. Bechervaise, telegraph-manager at Ballarat, reimbursement of amount embezzled by B. A. P. Guyot, convicted of the offence.' Dr. MACADAM stated that the embezzlement took place during Mr. Bechervaise's absence on important business, and while Guyot was officiating in his stead. Mr. HOOD moved that the item be struck out. When the hon. member for West Melbourne held the office of Postmaster-General, Mr. Bechervaise was told that he must either pay the money himself, or give up his office, and he paid it willingly. Since then there had been a change of Government, and he now claimed to have the money refunded. Mr. HUMFFRAY.— He did not pay it willingly, but under compulsion. Mr. GILLIES considered it unjust that Mr. Bechervaise should be called upon to refund the money embezzled by another person during his leave of absence. After some remarks by Mr. Loader, Mr. SERVICE thought the question ought to be referred to a select committee. Mr. O'SHANASSY said the late Government intended to refund the money to Mr. Bechervaise, and the present Government were only keeping faith with their predecessors. Mr. HOOD then withdrew his objection. The vote, minus the items relating to Mr. Bell and Mrs. Morphy, was then agreed to."

Hansard should be definitive, and to the extent of the record, it is, but actually a little more information is provided by the newspaper reporters SUPPLY. The House then resolved itself into committee of supply. The additional Supplementary Estimates for 1861 were first taken in to consideration. The sum of £30 was voted without opposition, as compensation to Matthew Lemon, mail guard, for injuries sustained by him in the execution of his duty. Mr. HAINES then proposed the following votes:- Compensation. . . to W. O. (sic) Bechervaise, telegraph manager at Ballarat, reimbursement of amount embezzled by B. A. P. Guyot, convicted of the offence, £42 16s. lld.;. . . Mr. ASPINALL asked for an explanation in reference to the item of £42 16s. 11d. "to W. O. Bechervaise, telegraph manager at Ballarat, reimbursement of amount embezzled by B. A. P. Guyot. convicted of the offence." Dr. MACADAM stated that the embezzlement took place during Mr. Bechervaise's absence on important business, and while Guyot was officiating in his stead. Mr. HOOD moved that the item be struck out. When the hon. member for West Melbourne held the office of Postmaster-General, Mr. Bechervaise was told that he must either pay the money himself, or give up his office, and he paid it willingly. Since then there had been a change of Government, and he now claimed to have the money refunded. Mr. HUMFFRAY.- He did not pay it willingly, but under compulsion. Mr. GILLIES considered it unjust that Mr. Bechervaise should be called upon to refund the money embezzled by another person during his leave of absence. After some remarks by Mr. LOADER, Mr. SERVICE thought the question ought to be referred to a select committee. Mr.O'SHANASSY said the late Government intended to refund the money to Mr. Bechervaise, and the present Government were only keeping faith with their predecessors. Mr. HOOD then withdrew his objection. The vote, minus the items relating to Mr. Bell and Mrs. Morphy, was then agreed to.

1862 03
Local lightning storm causes electrical and fire damage to the Ballarat telegraph office "NEWS AND NOTES. . . . The hot weather which we have had so long culminated in a thunder storm yesterday evening. During the day the weather had been extremely close, and shortly after sunset vivid flashes of lightning were seen towards the north, which gradually approached nearer, and grew more dazzling. About half-past ten o'clock rain fell heavily, greatly to the delight of all who had felt the inconveniences of our short water supply, and the peals of thunder were very loud and long-continued. The storm, however, did not last more than half an hour, and the quantity of water that has fallen will do but little to supply our wants. During the storm, the Telegraph-office was set on fire by the lightning, and it was only saved from destruction by the exertions of the station master, assisted by several other persons. It appears that shortly before eleven o'clock whilst Mr Bechervaise was sitting in his private room, he heard repeated electric sparks flashing from the wires, but did not deem it advisable to enter the office. He was suddenly alarmed by a loud knocking at the door, and on rushing outside he found that the lightning had run along the wire and set the window frame, curtains, rollers, &c., in flames. With the assistance of Detective Sincock, Mr Forster, Mr Croak, and several other persons who had observed the fire the flames were extinguished, but not before a good deal of damage had been done. It was found however that the lightning kept running along the wires and re-igniting the charred window frames, so that it was found necessary to cut away all the wires and lightning arresters from the office in order to save it from being burned down. Communication with other places is therefore cut off for the present, but every exertion is being used to reopen it, and it is expected that the wires will be once more in working order by noon, or shortly after, this day."

Bechervaise confirms that the telegraph office is again operational after lightning and fire damage impacted "NEWS AND NOTES. . . . Mr Bechervaise informs us that communication was re-established between Ballarat and all other telegraph stations at eight a.m. on Thursday, the hour of opening the office in Lydiard-street."

1862 04
Bechervaise finds a new high point for raising his Royal Mail flag "NEWS AND NOTES. . . . On Saturday, the campanile of the new building in connection with Bath's Hotel, was roofed in, and the circumstance was celebrated by hoisting the Union Jack. Mr Bechervaise informs us that the arrival of the Royal Mail steamer from Europe will be notified to the public by the hoisting of the 'R. M.' flag over the summit of this self-same campanile."

Bechervaise advises that the Royal Mail Ship Madras still not sighted "NEWS AND NOTES. . . . Mr Bechervaise, telegraph master, informs us that at sunset on Wednesday, no signs of the R.M.S. Madras were visible from either Cape Otway or Port Phillip Heads. The weather was described as thick and showery."

1862 05
A Star reporter publishes an excellent overview of the Victorian Telegraph System, drawing heavily on the 1861 annual report of the General Superintendent of Electric Telegraphs by Samuel Walker McGowan "The Star. DAILY ISSUE. FRIDAY, 2ND MAY, 1862. THE ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH. AMONGST the many things which show the material progress of this colony, there is not one which is more striking than the present condition of telegraphic communication. The mind is the more impressed with the immense advances which have been made during the last few years, when considering this particular example of our progress, because telegraphic communication itself has hardly yet passed out of the category of scientific marvels; and it is the more marvellous when found existing in a country so recently populated, and so distant from the great centres of civilisation. Moreover, to trace the progress of telegraphic communication in Victoria, is, in a great measure, to trace the progress of settlement, for each station is the centre of a populous district, and the number of messages sent during the year may be taken to show the amount of business which has been transacted. In fact, it will be found that the relative importance of the various towns may be judged of very accurately by means of the returns published by the General Superintendent of Electric Telegraphs, and from them we shall be able to award each place its proper rank amongst the cities and towns of Victoria. Moreover, the progress of telegraphic communication is interesting as indicating the activity of intercourse between the various districts, and the extent to which they have relations with each other. And, finally, most persons will be desirous of knowing what is being done in the way of telegraphic communication, because the public is aware that every year a sum of money appears on the Estimates for the payment of salaries, and for the extension of telegraphic lines. What return is obtained for this money is a question interesting to the public, which occupies the position of taxpayer; whilst the loss or profit from the working of the various lines by the Government, may give some useful information as to the desirability of such works being undertaken by the central authority. A report recently published enables us to answer these questions, to show with much accuracy the actual position of the Telegraph Department and the results which have been obtained during the last year. It appears that at the present time there are fifty telegraph stations in Victoria, two of which are 'coast lookout stations,' and were established on the recommendation of the Defence Commission. These two stations are situate one at Cape Schank and the other at Point Lonsdale, and indeed the whole of the Cape Schanck line may be considered to have been constructed more for defensive purposes than for revenue. The total length of the lines at the present time is 1416 miles, besides which there are 100 miles of 'special single wire lines.' The total number of messages sent during the year is 184,688, of which 40,818 were 'on her Majesty's service.' It appears from the report that in April last a regulation was made authorising the imposition of a charge on Government messages at a uniform rate of one shilling on each telegram, and one penny for each additional word over ten. As, however, no money was actually paid on these messages, we presume that the regulation was only made in order that the actual cost of working the telegraph department might be clearly ascertained. The total cash revenue for the year 1861 was £24,361 15s 5d and the total expenditure £32,207 6s 5d, leaving a deficiency of £7845 11s. Against this, however, must be placed the sum of £855 9s 11d due from the Governments of other colonies on account of intercolonial business and £8566 13s 11d the charges against the Government for messages sent on public business. There is, however, an actual deficiency of £6990, because the charges against the Government of Victoria are merely nominal, and that amount we may reckon that we pay for the increased efficiency of the police service, and the more rapid transaction of public business generally. And, on the whole, we think that the people will not complain. The benefits of telegraphic communication are so great, that what is lost in money is gained by the prevention of crime and the saving of time in public business generally. We can, as we have said, by comparing the business done at each station show the comparative importance of each. Thus, the cash revenue received at Melbourne for the year 1861 was £11,704 14s; at Geelong £1309 6s 9d; at Ballarat, £1828 19s; at Sandhurst, £1,363 13s 5d; at Castlemaine, £870 9s; at Creswick, £229 11s 6d; at Clunes, £151 4s 2d; and so on in a decreasing ratio down to Cape Schank, from which place there was the magnificent return of £3 15s 2d. The importance of a station must not, however, in every instance be measured by the revenue, because there are stations of prospective or actual utility from which no revenue whatever is derived. Thus, Cape Otway, Mount Gambier, and Albury, are boundary repeating stations, and merely transmit the messages sent to South Australia and New South Wales, or Tasmania when the cable is in working order, and Point Lonsdale, which is a lookout shipping station, and valuable for defensive purposes. It will surprise most persons to learn that only four or five stations out of the fifty established yield a profit, and yet such is the case. Melbourne, Geelong, Ballarat, Sandhurst, and Castlemaine are the chief amongst the paying stations, whilst there is a long list of places upon which more is spent than is received. The public benefit, however, is held to compensate for the public loss. The works proposed to be executed during 1862 are not of a very extensive nature, and will involve a cost of some £33,000 only. The chief of these works will be the removal of the telegraph lines from the Government roads and the placing of them along the lines of railway, whereby they will be rendered more secure from damage and be available for railway purposes. It is also proposed to extend a second wire between Albury and Mount Gambier, as it has been found that the intercolonial business is frequently so great as to cause a serious interruption in the transmission of the messages from one part of Victoria to another. This work will enable communication to be readily made with Colac and Camperdown, thus affording two rising districts the advantages now enjoyed by so many others. The other works are a line from Ballarat to Smythesdale, a line from Avoca to Redbank, and one from Inglewood to Swan Hill. The report contains the following speculation on the future — 'I cherish the hope that the Swan Hill line may eventually be extended still northwards, to the most favorable sections of the available country discovered through the late Burke and Wills expedition; and should the Government of this colony at any future time be empowered to exercise territorial jurisdiction over the portion of country to which I allude, I shall be prepared to submit, I think, a feasible and reasonable proposition for the extension of telegraphic communication to a point on the shores of the Gulf of Carpentaria, without requiring that the cost of the work should be a serious, if indeed any, tax on the general revenue of the colony.'"

1862 06
Bechervaise's wife advertises for domestic assistance "WANTED a Nurse Girl,— Apply to Mrs Bechervaise, at the Telegraph Station, Camp, Ballarat."

1862 08
Bechervaise's Royal Mail flag now homed at Craig's Royal Hotel "NEWS AND NOTES. . . . Mr Bechervaise, of the Electric Telegraph Office, informs us that the arrival of the Royal Mail steamer will be notified to the public as usual, by the hoisting of the R.M. flag on the tower of Craig's Royal Hotel. This arrangement will stand good should the mail be sighted at Cape Otway or Port Phillip Heads during Sunday."

1862 10
Bechervaise advises of arrangements for last minute despatch of telegrams for overseas mail transmission "NEWS AND NOTES. Mr Bechervaise, manager of the Electric Telegraph, Ballarat, informs us that telegrams for transmission to Adelaide (at which place they can be posted for despatch to the United Kingdom, &c., per R.M.S. Bombay) may be entered at the Electric Telegraph Office, Ballarat, up to 8 p.m. this day, (Saturday)."

Bechervaise announces the opening of the Buninyong telegraph station "NEWS AND NOTES. . . . Mr Bechervaise has handed us the following notification:— The Electric Telegraph Office at Buninyong will be opened on Monday, the 27th instant. The rates of charge are as follow:— First 10 words, 1s; each additional word, 1d. It is also stated that date, signature, and address are free of charge."

1862 12
Mrs Bechervaise again advertising for domestic help "WANTED, general Servant. Reference required. Mrs Bechervaise, Telegraph Station, Camp."

A rare insight into the operations of the Ballarat telegraph office, extensions foreshadowed "NEWS AND NOTES. . . . The Telegraph Office in Ballarat is one of those institutions which gives tolerably reliable evidence as to the importance of the town as compared with others. So much has the business of the office extended, that three or four messengers are continually flying about with 'messages,' and three operators are engaged in the operating room. The business done both in the number of messages and in the amount of revenue exceeds that of the Geelong office very considerably, the revenue per month in Ballarat being not very much under £200. In order to facilitate the business of the office, some alterations and additions are about to be made in the premises, after which Mr Bechervaise will no doubt be able to fling the lightning about with as great ease as any modern Jupiter of that ilk."

1863 06
Birth notice for Bechervaise's third child and first daughter, Charlotte Alice Bechervaise "BIRTH. On the 11th June, at her residence, the Electric Telegraph Station, Camp, Mrs Wm. P. Bechervaise, of a daughter. Both doing well."

Illustrating the importance and cost of telegraphic communication, the Star blasts the Tribune for failure to acknowledge the source of its telegraphic news "NEWS AND NOTES. 'How to obtain telegraphic news cheaply' has been exemplified by our contemporary the Tribune, on the occasion of the arrival of the last two English mails. On the 11th ultimo we published at the usual hour in the morning the news brought by the Northam, which was duly copied from us and published by our contemporary about ten a.m.; but on Monday last, owing to the delay with our message already explained, we were compelled to publish a country edition, which contained only a small portion of the news per Bombay, and by a singular coincidence only that portion appeared in the Tribune, our contemporary not choosing to wait for the town edition. Had the Tribune stated that it had copied the news from us the matter would not have been touched upon, as the acknowledgment would have sufficed; but that not having been done, we think it only right to let the public know to whose enterprise they are indebted; the cost of telegraphic news being no trifle. We state these facts, having a positive knowledge that our contemporary did not receive the news in question by telegraph (although so headed), and it will doubtless be matter of surprise to many that a journal which has always displayed such virtuous indignation at the backslidings and dishonesty of public men, should itself adopt such improper (to speak very mildly) steps to obtain its news."

Bechervaise announces the opening of the telegraph station at Smythesdale "NEWS AND NOTES. . . . Mr Bechervaise, telegraph master, informs us that on Thursday the Electric Telegraph station at Smythesdale was opened to the public. The rates of charges from Ballarat are the same as to Clunes, Creswick, and Beaufort."

Following on from the birth of her third child, Mrs Bechervaise advertises for domestic help "WANTED, good General Servant; reference required. Apply, Mrs Bechervaise, Telegraph Station, Camp."

Bechervaise announces that the Moonambel telegraph station is now open "NEWS AND NOTES. . . . The electric telegraph station master informs us that the electric telegraph station at Moonambel is now open. The rate of charge from Ballarat to Moonambel is equal with rate to Avoca, Ararat, Geelong, Castlemaine, &c."

1863 07
Bechervaise announces the opening of a branch telegraph station at Ballarat West Railway Station "NEWS AND NOTES. The mail steamer Madras had not been sighted when the Telegraph Office closed yesterday evening. . . . Mr Bechervaise informs us that the branch tele-graph office, at the Ballarat West Railway Station, was opened on Monday. Mr Badge, from the Rail-way Telegraph Office, Geelong, is the officer in charge."

1863 08
Bechervaise announces the opening of the Kerang Telegraph Office "NEWS AND NOTES. . . . Mr Bechervaise, of the Electric Telegraph Office, Ballarat, requests us to publish, for the information of the public, that on Friday the electric telegraph station at Kerang was opened to the public. The rate of charge is the same as to Swan Hill."

Bechervaise, now in new premises at Lydiard street, announces the opening of the Colac telegraph office "NEWS AND NOTES. . . . Mr Bechervaise, of the Telegraph office, Lydiard street, informs us that the telegraph station at Colac was on Thursday opened to the public."

1864 01
Bechervaise takes a week's leave, relieved by Badge "GOVERNMENT GAZETTE. The following notifications appear in Friday night's Government Gazette:— APPOINTMENTS.— . . . Charles Grattan Badge, to be acting manager of electric telegraph and collector of imposts at Ballarat, from 22nd to 30th December, 1863, both days inclusive, during absence on leave of W. P. Bechervaise."

1864 12
Bechervaise invests in a local gold mining company "I, THE undersigned, RICHARD HENRY LOCK, hereby make application to register THE PRE-EMPTIVE RIGHT GOLD MINING COMPANY (Registered), under the provisions of 'The Mining Companies Limited Liability Act, 1864,' and I do solemnly and sincerely declare that the following statement is, to the best of my belief and knowledge, true in every particular, namely:— 1. The name and style of the company is The Pre-emptive Right Gold Mining Company (Registered). 2. The place of operations is on the Phoenix Lead, Nintingbool, near Smythesdale. 3. The nominal capital of the company is seven thousand five hundred pounds, in one thousand shares of seven pounds ten shillings each. 4. The amount already paid up is nil. 5. The name of the manager is Richard Henry Lock. 6. The office of the company is at the company's works, Nintingbool, near Smythesdale. 7. The names and several residences of the share-holders, and the number of shares held by each at this date, are as follows:— Names. Residences. No. of Shares. . . . Richard Henry Lock .... Nintingbool .... 100;. . . William P. Bechervaise .... Ballarat .... 25;. . . Total 1000; Dated this third day of December, 1864. R. H. LOCK, Manager. Witness — J. HAWKINS, Smythesdale."

1865 02
Birth notice for Bechervaise's 4th child and 3rd son "BIRTHS. . . . BECHERVAISE.— On the 13th inst., at her residence, the Electric Telegraph Station, Ballarat, Mrs. Wm. Philip Bechervaise of a son. Both well."

1865 03
Mrs Bechervaise advertises for domestic help for her expanded family "WANTED. a good general servant, accustomed to children; apply Telegraph Station, side door."

1866 01
Bechervaise has his signature forged "POLICE. CITY COURT. . . . WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 17 (Before Mr. Sturt, P.M., and Mr. Curtain, J.P.) . . . CHARGE OF FORGERY.— William Reginald Buchanan, late accountant of the Telegraph-office, recently committed for trial on the charge of embezzlement, was now brought up, on warrant, charged with forgery. Mr. H. F. Gurner, Crown solicitor, appeared to prosecute. Mr. Quinlan defended the prisoner. Samuel Walker McGowan, superintendent of the Telegraph department, deposed that prisoner had been accountant in the Telegraph-office between eight and nine years. Witness gave an account of prisoner's duties, in similar terms to that contained in his evidence given a week before, when prisoner was before the Court on the charge of embezzlement. He was to deposit in the bank what money or cheques he received on behalf of the department, and to obtain cheques from witness drawn against this account, for the payment of the men. Prisoner would draw the cheques and bring them to witness for signature. The cheque produced was brought to witness in this manner; it was in prisoner's handwriting with witness's signature. He believed that it was originally drawn for £110s., and signed by him as such. It had been altered so that the figure '6' had been placed before the '1' in the pounds place, and the word 'sixty' before the word 'one,' thus making the cheque one for £61 10s. The cheque was dated October 25th. Another cheque, dated October 30th, for £91, was originally drawn for £1; and a third, for £91 3s. 6d., dated November 2nd, was signed by witness as a cheque for £1 3s. 6d. The added figures and words in these cheques were in the handwriting of the prisoner. The cheques for the increased amounts had been charged against witness's account. The voucher on which the cheque for £1, 3s. 6d. was signed was produced. This voucher was presented to witness by prisoner, and it was upon this that the cheque was signed by witness. It was an account from Mr. Stapleton, at Mount Gambier, the amount being £1 3s. 6d. The butt of the cheque drawn against this account was marked 'Stapleton, £91 3s. 6d.,' in the prisoner's handwriting. The cheque for £1 10s. was signed upon a voucher from H. Collier, manager, Sale. The butt of the cheque was marked 'H. Collier, £61 10s.' The voucher had been altered since witness signed it to the extent of £5. The alteration was in prisoner's handwriting. The voucher for the third cheque was not produced. George S. Davis, ledger-keeper at the London Chartered Bank, stated Mr. McGowan kept his public account at that bank. The cheques produced were drawn against this account, and had been paid. Could not say to whom. Prisoner often brought cheques against this account, and received the money. James Laurence Stapleton, manager of the Telegraph-office at Mount Gambier, deposed the amount mentioned in one of the vouchers (£1 3s. 6d.) was due to him in September last. He made claim for the amount by the document signed by him attached to the voucher. Had not received the amount. The receipt of the voucher appeared to be signed by the prisoner, as though for witness. John Joseph Barry, messenger to the Telegraph-office, Schnapper Point, deposed that in October last the items of £1 and £2 were due to him from the Telegraph department. He had been paid by the manager at Schnapper Point, who was not present in court. William Croft, clerk in the office of the superintendent of electric telegraphs, deposed to the whole of the handwriting on the cheques produced, with the exception of the signatures, being in the handwriting of the prisoner. The figures on the back of the cheques were in the handwriting of the prisoner. George S. Davis, ledger-keeper at the bank, recalled, deposed that the initials on the back of the cheques were those of the teller, placed on them at the time of payment. The figures and the words 'gold,' 'notes,' &c., were in ordinary bank practice written by the person presenting the cheque, to show in what mode he would have the sum paid. This being the case for the prosecution. Mr. Quinlan, on behalf of the prisoner, argued that the charge contained in the information being that prisoner had 'forged the names of George S. Caldwell and others to a certain receipt,' it had not been proved by the evidence, which related to matters totally different, consequently Mr. Quinlan contended prisoner must be discharged. The Bench considered that it was sufficient for the purpose of a preliminary examination that the offence proved was of the same nature with that charged in the information, although it might not be the individual case there mentioned. They accordingly committed prisoner for trial. Upon another charge prisoner was accused of forging the names of several persons to a salary abstract, for amounts due for extra services in the month of September. The amount of this abstract, £80 11s. 4d., was paid to prisoner in a cheque from the Treasury upon the London Chartered Bank. Several persons, whose names were down in this abstract to claims for amounts of about £4 to £6, proved that they had not received the amounts, and that the signatures to the receipt were not theirs. Prisoner was committed for trial on this charge also. A third charge was then brought forward against prisoner, of forging the signature of William P. Bechervaise, manager of the Telegraph-office, Ballarat, to a receipt for the sum of £8 15s. He was again committed for trial."

1866 06
Bechervaise is quick to defend his office over allegation of delaying court matters "NEWS AND NOTES. The Ballarat telegraphic office, it seems, has been unjustly, though of course unwittingly so, accused by his Honor Judge Rogers of arresting his Honor's order in the matter of the appeal Volunteers Company v Grand Junction Company, Smythesdale. It would seem that the Buninyong office or the Smythesdale office must be responsible, as the telegram never came to the Ballarat office at all. Moreover, we are advised that Mr Bechervaise and his assistants, down to the telegrapher's 'devil' if there be such an imp in telegraphy, are all quite aware of the value of the forensic abbreviation 'ors.' We understand that the clerk of the court of mines at Buninyong delivered the telegram at that office at about 11.30 a.m. and it reached Smythesdale at about a quarter to 3 o'clock, or about an hour after a messenger on horseback bearing the order arrived at Happy Valley, some twenty miles further on. Equestrianism, therefore, gained a decisive victory over the lightning in this instance."

1866 11
Bechervaise makes a donation to the Ballarat District Hospital "(ADVERTISEMENT.)— BALLARAT DISTRICT HOSPITAL.— The following contributions to the Ballarat District Hospital for the month of October are hereby thankfully acknowledged, viz.:— . . . W. P. Bechervaise, £2 2s;"

1868 03
Problems with telegraphed English mail news, Bechervaise responds to a tsunami of enquiries about the Prince's health by posting updates outside the telegraph office "NEWS AND NOTES. The branch mail steamer, with the South Australian portion of the January mail from Europe, was sighted off Glenelg at three o'clock on Tuesday morning. Owing to some defect in the telegraphic communication there was great delay in the sending of the usual summary of the news, and we were only able to publish the most important items in our second edition yesterday. A complete summary of the news will be found in another part of this day's issue. . . . Hitherto Mr Bechervaise, telegraph-master, has had office-room and his time inconveniently engrossed by anxious enquirers after the state of the Prince's health. In order to prevent the stoppage of ordinary business thereby occasioned, Mr Bechervaise has resolved to post outside the office, for public inspection, each bulletin as it arrives."

Bechervaise's posting of news of the Prince's health much appreciated "THE BULLETINS. On Sunday, showed that his Royal Highness had passed a good night, sat up to lunch, was in good spirits, little pain, and had received several visitors. Mr Bechervaise, telegraph-master, Ballarat, caused to be posted outside the office the bulletins as received. They were read by a vast number of persons and their favorable intelligence received with suitable gratification, and even enthusiasm."

1868 05
Bechervaise leads a farewell to Ryall, former police inspector at Ballarat "NEWS AND NOTES. . . . An address and testimonial, of a very handsome and flattering character, were on Thursday evening presented to Inspector Ryall, late of Ballarat, at the George hotel. Mr Ryall's state of health having necessitated his removal to a less arduous position, his many friends were determined that he should not depart without some slight souvenir, and a subscription list having been opened, and a committee appointed, a sum adequate to the purpose was in a short time realised. The presentation consisted of a silver goblet, well filled with sovereigns, and an address, artistically illuminated by Mr Lansley and framed in maple and gold. The goblet bore the following inscription:— 'To Edward Bennets Ryall, Esq., from his Ballarat friends __ April, 1868,' and was manufactured at the establishment of Mr S, Lydiard street. The address was as follows. To Ed. B. Ryall, Esq., Inspector of Police. Dear Sir,— We, the undersigned, being desirous of expressing to you our unfeigned regret at your departure from this district, and of showing our admiration of the courteous and assiduous manner in which you have performed the arduous duties of your position to all classes of the community, and of testifying our esteem for you as a public officer and citizen during a residence of four years in Ballarat, beg to present you with the accompanying token of regard from your friends, with every wish for your health and prosperity.— Signed, on behalf of your Ballarat friends,— R. Colvin, W. P. Bechervaise, W. S. Magee, W. T. Pooley, W. Welsh, E. J. Lewis.— Ballarat, 29th April, 1868.' At about half-past eight o'clock a large number of those interested having assembled, and Mr Ryall himself, having, at the solicitation of the committee, made arrangements to attend, being present. Mr Colvin was voted to the chair. The usual loyal toasts having been drunk in some capital No. 2, Mr Bechervaise, hon. sec., read the address, which, together with the silver cup and sovereigns, was presented by the chairman to Mr Ryall with some appropriate remarks. Mr Ryall, in replying, said no words of his could express the pleasure he experienced at receiving at the hands of his friends so marked a recognition of their esteem. It was an honor to which, in his most sanguine moments, he could not have aspired, and was, therefore, the more flattering as being least anticipated. A public officer situated as he had been, could hardly hope to give universal satisfaction, considering the peculiar and often very delicate positions in which he found himself placed, but he believed his desire to act with independence and integrity in the discharge of his duties could not be gainsaid, and the best proof that his conduct had not been misconstrued he had demonstrated that evening. Much of the success he had obtained in this respect he felt to be due in some measure to Mr Clissold and Superintendent Hill, who were ever ready to afford him every assistance in their power. He assured his friends he fully appreciated their kindness, and would never cease to remember the many pleasant associations which his connection with Ballarat afforded. Mr Ryall amidst applause, concluded by returning thanks for the kind expressions of respect and esteem his friends had given him that evening. Mr Bechervaise then read the letter of Captain Standish, approving of the wish of Mr Ryall's friends in Ballarat, to present him with a testimonial. A vote of thanks was then passed to the chairman and secretary after which the proceedings terminated."

1868 07
Telegraph office supplants the newspaper for the most timely news "NEWS AND NOTES. A report was current in Ballarat on Sunday to the effect that the steamer Blackbird, freighted with miners from Victoria for Gympie, had foundered on her way. Much anxiety was caused by the report on the part of relatives and friends of passengers, and as a matter of course, there being no communication by day with Melbourne, either by railway or telegraph, we were unable to satisfy numerous enquiries one way or the other. At night, when the telegraph office was opened, Mr Bechervaise informed us that he had made enquiry at the Melbourne office, and the reply was that no such report was current there. At midnight we received a telegram, stating that up to that time there had been no intelligence of the wreck of any steamer."

1868 09
Bechervaise ill, on sick leave "NEWS AND NOTES. . . . We regret to state that Mr Bechervaise, the superintendent of the local telegraph office has been ill for some time past, and that he is now so ill as to be compelled to relinquish his duties. A gentleman from Melbourne has arrived to take charge of the office."

Bechervaise makes a small investment in a gold mining operation "MISCELLANEOUS. I, RICHARD FORD, hereby make application to register THE TOWER OF LONDON QUARTZ MINING COMPANY (Registered), under the provisions of the 'Mining Companies' Limited Liability Act, 1864,' and I do solemnly and sincerely declare that the following statement is, to the best of my belief and knowledge, true in every particular, namely:— 1. The name and style of the company is the Tower of London Quartz Mining Company (Registered). 2. The place of operations is at Magpie Ranges, near Ballarat. 3. The nominal capital of the company is twelve thousand five hundred pounds, in two thousand five hundred shares of five pounds each. 4. The amount already paid up is two thousand five hundred pounds. 5. The name of the manager is Richard Ford. 6. The office of the company is at Lydiard street, Ballarat. 7. The names and several residences of the shareholders and the number of shares held by each at this date, are as follows:— Names and Residences. Number of Shares. Philip Davies, Sebastopol .. .. .. 200; Peter Matthews, Sebastopol .. .. .. 200; Edwin John Brayton, Ballarat .. .. .. 200; James Croyle, Ballarat .. .. .. 200; Archibald Carmichael, Ballarat .. .. .. 200; Edward Morey, Ballarat .. .. .. 200; Joseph Copeland, Ballarat .. .. .. 200; George Millson, Ballarat .. .. .. 33; William Philip Bechervaise, Ballarat .. .. .. 33; John Douglas Partridge, Ballarat .. .. .. 33; William Henry Barnard, Ballarat .. .. .. 99; Hugh Alexander Scott, Ballarat .. .. .. 33; John Thomas Kibble, Ballarat .. .. .. 33; Benjamin Severs, Ballarat .. .. .. 33; John Embling, Sebastopol .. .. .. 33; James Leckie, Sebastopol .. .. .. 33; David Ham, Ballarat .. .. .. 33; George Hathorne, Ballarat .. .. .. 33; Edward Doward, Ballarat .. .. .. 33; Edward Charles Moore, Ballarat .. .. .. 66; Thomas Gray, Sebastopol .. .. .. 66; Richard Ford, Ballarat .. .. .. 236; Frederick James Gomm, Ballarat .. .. .. 250; George Hathorne, Ballarat .. .. .. 20; Total .. .. .. 2500. Dated this 9th day of September, 1868. RICHARD FORD, Manager. Witness to Signature — J. T. Kibble, Clerk to Randall, Mitchell, and Doward, Solicitors, Ballarat."

Bechervaise ill, Louis Septimus Daniel in charge of the Ballarat telegraph office "NEWS AND NOTES. . . . Mr L. S. Daniel, of the Telegraph Department, is in charge of the Ballarat Telegraph office, and will remain so during Mr Bechervaise's illness."

1868 10
As previous "THE GAZETTE. The Gazette of Friday evening contains the following notifications:— APPOINTMENTS.— . . . . Louis S. Daniel to be acting manager of electric telegraph and collector of imposts at Ballarat, from the 11th September, 1868, vice W. P. Bechervaise, absent on sick leave;"

1868 11
Bechervaise returns from Tasmania to Melbourne after brief holiday in Hobart while on sick leave "SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE. . . . LOW HEADS. Nov. 3, 8.30a.m.— Wind, W.S.W., mod., fine, clear. Bar., 29.83. Ther., 68. LOW HEADS, 3rd Nov., 5.20 p.m.— Sailed, Tasmania, s.s., for Melbourne. Cabin passengers — Mrs. Barton, Miss Kesterton, Mrs., Miss, and Master Williamson, Miss Powell, Mr. and Mrs. Curtis, Mrs. Denham and child, Mrs. Daly, Miss Clayton, Miss Smith, Mrs. Keep and child, Mrs. Davis and child, Mrs. Stone; Mrs. Foster and son, Miss Williamson, Miss Summerfield, Miss Ballard, Major Vivian, Rev. Mr. Bromby, Mrs. and Miss Bromby, Messrs. Whitehead, Nichols, Gladman, Wade, Quick, Pike, Brooke, Long, Black, Evans, McLachlan, Welsh, Fisher, Whitney, Bogle, Bechervaise, Bromby, Tucker, Ballard, Lord, Fisher, Griffiths, Hughes, Spearman, Harris; and 10 in the steerage."

Bechervaise returns to duties after two months sick leave "NEWS AND NOTES. . . . Mr Bechervaise, the manager of the local telegraph office, who has been away on sick leave for two months, recommenced his duties yesterday."

1868 12
Bechervaise's two oldest children, Herbert and Walter awarded prizes at Ballarat Collegiate and Grammar School "BALLARAT COLLEGIATE AND GRAMMAR SCHOOL. Monday, the 14th December, was the speech-day of the above school, and it was the greatest scholastic demonstration ever seen up to that date in Ballarat, or, perhaps, in all Victoria. Previously our two larger schools had held their annual exhibitions in the hall of the Mechanics' Institute, but this year the venue was changed to the Alfred Hall, and that splendid arena was crammed in body and gallery by an assemblage of all classes and ages, ladies and gentlemen both mustering in great force, so that no fewer than from 2000 to 2500 persons were gathered to witness the display. The hall was well lighted, and the scene was really a brilliant one, whether seen from the stage or the gallery. The proceedings too were so varied, and generally so interesting, that the occasion is one not likely to be soon forgotten by those who were present, and least of all by the boys who took the more prominent parts in the celebration. On entering the hall before the time appointed for the commencement of the proceedings, we found the hall nearly filled, and the audience fast increasing. On each side of the hall on raised seats, were the pupils of the school, on a platform in front of the stage was a table, heaped up with books, the prizes won by the heads of the honor list. Upon this platform were the Ven. Archdeacon Stretch, who presided, the Rev. John Potter, the Principal and Vice-Principal of the school, and Mr T. P. Hill, the elocutionary master. On the stage was a large array of empty chairs, that were subsequently filled by a score or so of boys who took part in the 'parliamentary debate,' with Mr T. P. Hill, the author of the 'debate,' as Speaker. The Archdeacon having briefly opened the business, the exhilarating process of prize distribution at once proceeded, and the prize winners of the honor list, as well as the honor list itself, will be found below, as also the Principal's report. The beaming faces of the boys was pleasant sight as they went up and received from the hands of the Archdeacon the prizes awarded to them. Another not less pleasing sight certainly was the merry and hearty congratulations which the heads of the school met at the hands of their schoolmates. This was most marked when Master Buley carried off the big pile of Chambers' Encyclopaedia as his prize, and Master Rayner another large pile as his, these pupils having both passed — the first in all the subjects — the matriculation examination at the Melbourne University. The prizes having all been distributed, the other portion of the programme commenced, and lasted, with a brief interval, for some three hours. The programme was as follows, but though it was eleven o'clock before the proceedings closed, all those parts in programme which we have marked with an asterisk were necessarily omitted. . . . HONOR LIST, 1868. . . . Reading.— Class 1 — aW. Bechervaise, Trench, Dent, H. King. Class II — aH. Bechervaise, W. Reid, R. Taylor, Brooke."

1869 11
Hollick relieves Bechervaise while on leave "NEWS AND NOTES. . . . Mr W. H. Hollick, of the Melbourne Telegraph Office, has taken charge of the Ballarat office during the absence on leave of Mr Bechervaise."

Bechervaise's arrival at George Town from Melbourne, for a brief stay at Hobart "SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE. . . . LOW HEADS, GEORGE TOWN. (By Electric Telegraph.) ARRIVED. Nov. 9.— Tasmania, s.s. from Melbourne; passengers, (cabin) — Mrs. Spence, Miss Nicholls, Mrs. Day, Misses Howard (2), Miss Cook, Miss Doyle, Mrs Swain, Messrs Steele, Crompton, Irvine, Day, Robertson (2), Dowling, Robertson, Bechervaise, Peters, Lonane, Swarman, Dyson, Harris, Franklin, Rigney, Boon, Fenday, Hammond, McKenzie, Seal, Hughes, Boyle, Dr. Hooper, and 17 in the steerage."

Likely Bechervaise on leave in Tasmania "SHIPPING. . . . CLEARED OUT.— . . . Tasmania, s., 285 tons, Wm. D Lyon, for Launceston. Passengers — cabin: Mrs. Spence, Misses Howard (2), Dr. Hooper, Mrs. C. Day, Miss Nickolls, Messrs. Peters (2), C. H. Compton, Rignes, Day, R. Robertson, Steele, R. Irvine, Bechervaise, G. Boon, Franklin, R. B. Finlay, W. Robertson (2), C. C. Dowling, Spearman, Dyson, A. Loane, Harris; and ten in the steerage. Hudson and Watkins, agents."

Bechervaise departs Hobart for Melbourne "SHIPPING. . . . CLEARED OUT. Nov. 17.— Southern Cross, s.s., for Melbourne. Passengers, cabin — Miss Johnson, Miss A. Hicks, Miss Moore, Mr and Mrs Fox, Miss Francis, Mrs Williams, Dr Hooper, Messrs F. Whitely, J. Peters, Bechervaise, McCormack, McLean, and 13 in the steerage."

1869 12
Bechervaise returns from leave "NEWS AND NOTES. . . . Friday's Government Gazette notifies that W. P. Bechervaise resumed duty as manager of electric telegraph and collector of imposts at Ballarat, on 22nd November."

Bechervaise's boys again win prizes at school "ANNUAL SPEECH DAYS. GRENVILLE COLLEGE SPEECH DAY. The Alfred Hall was crowded on Monday evening, on the occasion of the annual speech-day recitations and examinations in connection with Grenville College. The boys of the school and their teachers occupied the stage, and the hall and gallery were set apart for and used by an audience composed principally of the friends of the boys. The Ven. Archdeacon Stretch was in the chair, and in a few remarks, in which he complimented Mr Victor on what he could turn out in the way of a school, opened the proceedings by calling for the reading of the annual report. Mr Victor, on being called on, read the report containing a statement of the affairs of the school for the past year, which we give in full:— At the close of the present session, according to our wonted practice and in conformity with the usage which obtains in all Collegiate Institutions, we have much pleasure in laying be-fore the parents and friends of the pupils, as well as the general public, a report of the present condition of this establishment and its progress during the year just terminated. Since we submitted our last report we have deemed it expedient to change the name of 'Ballarat Collegiate and Gram-mar School' to that of 'Grenville College,' thereby placing this establishment, as regards its appellation, on an equal basis with those of kindred institutions in the colonies; not that we approve of schools being designated colleges, but in obedience to a prevailing fashion, and that thus the status of this institution may be fully recognised by the public. . . . The following is the honor list:—. . . Spelling and Dictation.— Class 1 — Bechervaise (prize), Ayres, Taylor, F. Class 2 — Robins (prize), Graham, Reid, Branston, Steet. Class 3 — Sullivan (prize), Morrah, Stedman. Class 4 — Ivory (prize), Fly, Caldwell, Williams. Class 5 — Ivory (prize), Markillie, Traill, Hylton. Class 6 — Robson (Prize), Bowman (prize), Williams, Corbett. . . . Reading.— Class 1 — Bechervaise (prize), Ayres, Stedman. Class 2 — Reid (prize), Brown, Taylor, Graham, Foley. Class 3 — Lovitt (prize), Morrah, Stevens, Hambly. Class 4 — Victor, A. (prize), Watson, Roxburgh, Johnson."