19

Date: [unknown]

Journals Index
J.H. Watmuff Profile
Prologue
1 1856-05-01 (Bendigo, Dunolly, Sandy Creek (Tarnagulla), Loddon , (Mt. Hope Hoax), Ararat, Chinamans Flat, Moonlight Flat, Mt William (trek with Aboriginal guide), Pleasant Creek (Stawell), Melbourne).
2 Bendigo Melbourne 1862 Otago N.Z. (1859-07-17)
3 Otago (1862-09-11)
4 Otago (1863-07-26) to Melbourne 1865
5 Melbourne 1865-11-12
6 Melbourne 1866-03-04
7 Melbourne 1869-03-28
8 Melbourne 1870-06-12 to April 1876
9 Melbourne 1876-06 to 1880-09-07
10 Dribs & Drabs 1881-02-16 to 1882-06
11 Sydney & Misc. 1884
12 Lusitania Voyage 1887-05-27
13 Lusitania Voyage 1887-05-30
14 Lusitania Voyage 1887-06-26
15 Lusitania Voyage 1887-07-01
16 and 17 England, letters and Journal 1887-07-14
18 Garonne return Voyage 1887-09-27
19 Resignations 1888-05-28 to 1892 Nov.
See Bert Watmuff's letters about the family
20 (Journal 19) Mildura 1893-05-06
21 Genealogies from 1738 to 1889
22 New Zealand Essays
J.H. & Bessie Watmuff's Photos
Olive Watmuff's Photos

RESIGNATIONS

1888-05-28 JHW Transfer of position.jpg (A. 1.)

Victorian Railways
Traffic Manager's Office
Spencer-Street Station,
Memo. for Mr. J. H Watmuff 28th May 1888.
Flinders St. Goods.
Please note, it has been decided, with the approval of the Commissioner to transfer you to the position of Collector under the accounts Branch without change of salary vice Mr. Lockhead, transferred. You will please report yourself to Mr. R. Kent acting accountant for duty in that position at 9 am on the 1st prox.

• ?? Francis
  

Traffic Manager.

Transferred 1st June 1888.

The Age (Melbourne, Vic. : 1854 - 1954) Wed 30 May 1888

Several transfers amongst the officers in the traffic branch-of the Railways department have been determined upon, to take effect on and after Friday, the 1st June. Mr. Lockhead, collector, will be removed to the traffic manager's office, and Mr. Watmuff, cashier at Flinders-street goods shed, will take his place. ^[1]

1891-12-31-JHW-minute-approving-leave.jpg

Dear Jack
I enclose what you will please accept as a Journal intimation that your leave application has been approved of. I may tell you it is the first time I have signed my name without the word "acting" the Commissioners have just settled that that word may now be dropped. My best wishes to yourself Mrs Watmuff and family during the year 1892
Daniel Young ????????? 31-12-91

a friendly approval, 31st Dec. 1891

1892-07-20circa-resignation-draft.jpg
Rathmines Road, Auburn,

---

189--

To the Commissioners
of the Victorian Railways,
Gentlemen,
Owing to the continuance of my illness
I regret to have to inform you that I am
compelled to tender you my resignation
as Collector for the Railways.
This step is taken by the advice of my
Medical Adviser ̶ who states that I shall
never be well enough to resume duty of any
kind whatsoever again.
Trusting that I shall be placed on the retiring list for Compensation ̶ after my 28 Years of Service.
I remain, Gentlemen,
Yours obediently
J H Watmuff
(The Doctor’s Certificate is herewith attached).

Moao-10.jpg Draft Resignation and Application For Compenstaton

1892-07-20-resignation-copy

15 Rathmines Road
Auburn
July 20 1892
R G Kent Esqr
Accountant
Vict Rlys
Copy
Dr Sir
I regret to inform
you that owing to the consequence
of the unsatisfactory state of my
health arising from a severe
attack of paralysis & consequent
inability to resume active
clerical duties I have been
advised by my medical attendant
& other friends to apply for
permission to retire from the
position of Collector to the Vict

Resignation Copy Side 1 July 20 1892

Rly Dept ̶ upon my receiving
the usual compensation allowance
which I respectfully trust will
be granted ̶
Hoping this my application
will meet with your favorable
consideration
& thanking you for past favors.
I have the honor to remain
Your Very Obt Servant
J H Watmuff ̶

Resignation Copy Side 2 July 20 1892

[Victorian Railway records indicate he remained until 30 June 1892.

Journey to Mildura to investigate new irrigation scheme. (see Bert Watmuff letter)

4th Nov 1892: Farewell in Richmond (Mrs Watmuff presented with a magnificent teapot, by the members of St Ignatius Choir)

Richmond Guardian
SOCIAL 1982 Farewell Gathering. The members of St Ignatius’ choir of and a few friends entertained Mr and Mrs Watmuff on Friday evening, 4th instant, on the eve of their departure for Mildura. The proceedings took the form of a social in the schoolroom. Father Cahill, on behalf of the donors presented Mrs Watmuff with a handsome electroplated hot-water kettle as a slight token of the esteem in which she is held, and dwelt in eulogistic terms on the very able manner in which the recipient had discharged her duties for the last twelve years as leading soprano. Signor Zelman endorsed the rev father’s remarks, and Mrs Watmuff feelingly responded, regretting their departure, which was due to her husband's failing health. A good programme of songs and dances was gone through, and a pleasant evening was brought to a close by Signor Zelman proposing the toast of its promoters and complimenting the Misses Mary Fisher and Maggie Mahon.

November 1892: Commenced move to Mildura, arrived 20th November.^[2]

Sources

1. ↑ The Age (Melbourne, Vic.) Wed 30 May 1888 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/195996588
2. ↑ https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/76590779