Ship’s wheel:

From the wrecked steamer SS Empire Gladstone.

Built in Sunderland, England, in 1946, the 7,090-ton steal freighter SS Empire Gladstone had only been operating in Australian waters for six months when she came to grief on Toalla Point (also known locally as Haystack Rock) between Eden and Pambula on 5 September, 1950. Owned by the British Government, she was under charter by the Adelaide Steamship Company at the time.

After several days, with rough seas battering the stricken vessel, the Captain ordered the crew to abandon ship and head for the nearby port of Merimbula.

A syndicate, headed by Merimbula publican Ben Buckland, purchased the salvage rights and retrieved most of the cargo of car bodies, but were unable to save the iron ore on board.

There was no loss of life as a result of the incident. The wreck is a popular recreational dive spot today.

For more information about the loss of the vessel, go to http://southcoasttimetraveller.blogspot.com.au/2012/02/the-wreck-of-empire-gladstone.html

The SS Empire Gladstone’s ship’s wheel is part of a private collection. Both the Eden Killer Whale Museum and Merimbula Old School Museum also have artefacts in their collection associated with this vessel.

1903 Pambula Agricultural, Horticultural & Pastoral Association medallion:

Presented to John Henry Martin for his Champion Ayrshire Bull.

The Pambula Agricultural, Horticultural & Pastoral Association was established in 1902 & held their first annual show on 18 & 19 February 1903. This medallion was awarded to John Henry Martin of Woodlands farm, Pambula, for his champion Ayrshire Bull at the society's first show.

Donated to the society by Bega dentist Mr. F. G. Heady, the local Pambula Voice newspaper reported in January 1903 that his gift "…of a gold medal valued at £5/5/- was accepted with thanks..." by the Pambula A. H. & P. Society.

The pictorial face of the 1903 Pambula A. H. & P.
Society medallion, awarded to John Henry Martin
for his Ayrshire bull.

The engraved reverse of the 1903 Pambula
A. H. & P. Society medallion, donated by
Bega dentist Mr. F. G. Heady.

The Sydney Morning Herald commented on his success at that inaugural show, noting that he took out prizes for his Jersey & Ayrshire cows, a Jersey bull &, of course, his Ayrshire bull; while the Pambula Voice observed that "The five guinea medal presented by Mr. F. G. Heady for the champion bull at Pambula Show & won by Mr. J. H. Martin is a very handsome design, a little larger than a half-crown, & bearing the picture of a bull on one side, with inscription on the other." 

It is inscribed "P.A.H.P.C. / CHAMPION DAIRY BULL / WON BY / J. H. MARTIN'S / AYRSHIRE BULL" on one side; & features a raised pictorial bull motif on the reverse. 

The medallion is associated with the tradition of agricultural shows; the Pambula Agricultural, Horticultural & Pastoral (A. H. & P.) Society; & the Martin  family of the Woodlands property, Pambula. 

It is significant as a representative example of the medals awarded by agricultural societies across Australia. It illustrates the style and design of early agricultural medals and is typical of its era, which tended towards depictions of rural produce, livestock & machinery, depending on what it was being awarded for. Presented at the first Pambula Agricultural, Horticultural and Pastoral Show, it is an important testament to the lengthy history of the society, which continues through to the present day. It is closely associated with the Martin family, prominent local farmers, agriculturalists and pastoralists in the Pambula district from the 1850s and is linked to the historic homes at 6 and 8 Bullara Street, Pambula, that still remain in their family ownership.The medallion has been passed down through subsequent generations of the family and is still in their possession today.

Twofold Bay Development League button badge:

Pin button badge, promoting the Twofold Bay Development League.

During the early 1920s, angered by the neglect of the South Coast, John Ronaldson Logan (the original owner of Edrom Lodge) became a founding member of the Twofold Bay Development League. Offices were established in Imlay Street and Logan was elected president, a position he held until his death.

Politicians were bought to Eden to show them its potential and in 1926 the organisation published the 'Southern Eastern Gate' to promote the district. Copies were sent to influential people all around Australia. Branches of the League were set up in many towns and villages.

The Eden offices of the League were used by the district nurse for some time and later were used to house the bones of Old Tom until the Eden Killer Whale Museum was built.

More information about John Ronaldson Logan's amazing contribution to Eden and the wider district can be found at http://www.eden.nsw.au/historical-eden/eden-s-history/john-logan.

This particular badge is privately owned, although the Eden Killer Whale Museum also has examples in their collection.