Lake Wendouree

Origin of the name

Formerly known as Yuille's Swamp or The Swamp.

History

The filling up of the by-wash at Lake Wendouree has been done, but as the work did not absorb all the money voted for the purpose, the surplus is being expended in planting trees within the lake fence. The Engineer of the Water Commission is superintending this desirable addition to the attractions of the “watering place,” and several trees have already been planted. It is proposed to carry the line of trees from Ward’s pier to the southernmost pier at present in course of erection. Oaks, bluegums, lightwoods, and mountain ashes will be planted south of the club pier, and willows along the lower ground lying between the club-house and Ward’s pier. As soon as the funds of the Commission will admit of the oulay [sic], it will be a good plan to do a little levelling about the unsightly quarry-holes and other places contiguous to the boating houses. When that is done, some willows and other trees might be planted there, and one or two of the scraggy-looking old game in the reserve might be cut down, all of which works would enhance the beauty of the spot, and render the lake so much the more desirable as a place of resort for pleasure-seekers. By the stopping of the by-wash and the influx of water at the filter basin, where waste water from the forest reservoir is now running in, the level of the water in the lake will gradually rise. In fact it has already risen some two inches in about three weeks, and with the rainfall yet to come, it is reasonable to infer that the lake will be kept up to its present height all the summer. A good deal has yet to be done before the lake will be made what it might and ought to become. The banking up of all the low places in the parade is one of the first things to be compassed, alike for the convenience of visitors and for the conservation of the water. Then will come the larger business of clearing the lake of reeds and the formation of islands. It is of course a pure question of money, but there is little doubt that the lake may be converted into one of the most charming and picturesque places. It has been suggested, and we think the hint a good one, that several islands should be formed, one in the centre, of, say twelve or fourteen acres in extent, and three or four others of smaller area. The formation might be by driving in piles and rough timbering the piles for a foot or two up, then dredge up reeds, root and branch, with earth attached, and throw the whole mass of stuff inside the piles. The islands once formed, plant with willows and shrubs, and the lake will be soon one of the pleasantest and prettiest sheets of water in Victoria. This or something like it will have to be done eventually, we presume, and all we can add is, that we hope it will be done as soon as practicable.

See also

Gold Ore Mining

J.H. Byles, lemonade maker, (<1858>)

James Fry & Co. Ltd

James Southerwood, lemonade maker, (<1858>)

External links

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--Beth Kicinski 09:59, 20 July 2012 (EST)