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.

Collection of V. J. Cornell, chemist, Pambula, embossed bottles:

Chemists have played an important role in Pambula’s medical community since well before the dawn of the 20^th century. Among their number was locally born and raised Vincent John (“Vin”) Cornell, who, like others of the time, had his own glass chemist bottles manufactured. These were available in four sizes, and were embossed with his business details.

Above and below:
Detail of the embossing on V. J. Cornell's chemist bottles.
(From a private collection)

Above: The four sizes of V. J. Cornell's chemist bottles.
(From a private collection)

Cornell's pharmacy, in Quondola Street, Pambula.
(From a private collection)

The son of Pambula Post and Telegraph Master E. J. Cornell, Vin was educated at Pambula Public School before going on to St. Joseph’s College secondary school at Hunter’s Hill on the Lower North Shore of Sydney. From there he took up a position to study chemistry at Washington H. Soul’s establishment in 1904 and graduated from the Sydney University’s Faculty of Pharmacy in 1909.

December of the same year saw the young graduate return to Pambula, having purchased the town’s chemist business, and it was reported that he “…intends running it on up-to-date lines.” The following year he opened a branch store in Eden and in 1911 further expanded the business when, in partnership with Mr. Self, he purchased the Bega chemist of George Whyte.

P. 87 of the Illawarra & South Coast Steam Navigation

Company handbook, 1912.

(From a private collection)

The 2^nd edition of the Illawarra and South Coast Steam Navigation Company’s 1912 handbook noted that “…sauntering further along Quondola Street, the visitor will be attracted by the inviting appearance of Mr. V. J. Cornell’s pharmacy. Mr. Cornell M. P. S. is one of the leading men in Pambula, who has the progress of the town and district at heart. His drug store is a model of up-to-date, scientific management, where medicines may be carefully made up and patented proprietary articles, toilet requisites, scents, soaps and all kinds of sundries obtained…”


Mr. Cornell remained in Pambula until 1915, when he disposed of his chemist business to Mr. E. Marsden. Of his departure, the Pambula Voice reported “Before Mr. Cornell came to Pambula, this district did not have the advantage of a modern chemist’s shop, with all the conveniences and requirements demanded by an intelligent public. It is also a great convenience to people in the country to be able to get first class services and goods handy at a very slight advance in city prices. This is what Mr. Cornell has provided…”

Above: Accounts issued by V. J. Cornell.
(From a private collection)

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