Electrode

The Electrode – Vol. 1. April, 1921 No. 6. – page 9

The village is just about completed as we go to press. Fourty-two houses are the first instalment, and they are bespoken. The construction gang will shortly be seen no more at Lutana, until some day in the future---not too far distant, we hope---the work is again taken up.

In the first "Electrode" a competition was opened for a name for the place, but of all those received none were considered quite suitable for use, despite the ingenuity of their constuction. It has now been decided to call the settlement "Lutana," after the name adopted by the Railway Department. It is a pretty name and appropriate. The streets will be call after Tasman, Captain Cook, and Furneaux---all early Tasmanian explorers.

Just at present money is not available for tree planting, grass plots, hedgerows, etc., for the village, but it is hoped that as soon as the builders leave the villagers will begin to consider ways and means for decorating the place, without going to any expense.

The Electrode – Vol. 1. July, 1921 No. 8. – page 3

At last the rain! Fine thing for the country, and all that. Not too pleasant for the Moonal ladies, though. There is a movement on foot to get the Warden of Glenorchy to live in Lutana with idea of convincing him either that Derwent Park Road should be rendered walkable or a motor launch service should be established between Lutana and the tram. Its bad enough for the women and kiddies of Moonah to have to slush about ankle deep in the mud as soon as there is a drop of rain, but it is a crying shame the that the trotters should have to endure it when taking their morning stroll.

Jo Johns is now living in the village, an has recently caught the path making and gardening bug. He won't get much time on the old trombone for a bit. Perhaps the neighbours will be pleased. Saw one of them the other day leaning over the fence urging Jo to go on with the good work. Cunning fellow!

The Electrode – Vol. 2. April, 1923 No. 10. – page 192

(To the Editor of "The Electrode.")

Sir,---Recently I had a stroll round the little village of Lutana, and I was very pleased to see the interest taken in their gardens by many of the residents. And in this connection I would like to make a suggestion. At Macquarie Plains there is an annual competition among the farm hands and other workers for the best flower and vegetable gardens, and prizes are awarded according to merit. Could bit a similar competition be inaugurated among E.Z. employees? Of course, they would not have the advantage that the Macquarie Plain residents enjoy ---unlimited water for irrigation---but I am satisfied, from what I have seen, that they are capable of making a most creditable show. The most appropriate time for judging the gardens would be in December. So, if this idea were adopted, plenty of notice could be given. I commend this suggestion to the Co-op. Council ---I am. etc.

WELL WISHER 

The Electrode – Vol. 4. September, 1926 No. 5. – page 162-163

Annual Report of Lutana Free Kindergarten.
June, 1926.
Patron and Patroness: Mr. and Mrs. David Meredith.
President: Mr. C. R. Baker.
Vice-President: Mrs. W. White.
Auditor: Mr. C. O. Turner.
Treasurer: Mr. W. White.
Secretary: Mrs. C. R. Baker.

Committee:
Mr. and Mrs. S. Harper
Mr. and Mrs. A. W. Hutchin
Mr. and Mrs. Laing
Mrs. Sturgess
Mr. and Mrs. Armstrong
Mrs. E. Boreham
Mr. and Mrs. Tait
Mr. Henshaw
Mrs. A. W. Cook
Mrs. F. Grubb
Mrs. T. Boreham
Mrs. L. Heyward

Lutana Free Kindergarten has now reached the end of its second year, and the Committee has endeavoured to carry on the programme which was arranged during the previous year, as far as keeping interest and raising funds were concerned. The programme of activities for the children has, of course, been varied and progressive under the capable care of Miss Rowlands, Miss M. V. Trappes, Misses Burrows, Sole, Piesse, Roberts, Schaedel, Loney, and other students. While a nice lot of new equipment has greatly helped.

Owing to several of the old Committee moving to distant places we found it necessary to appoint several new members at our last Annual Meeting; and for the same reason it will again be necessary to nominate more this year, but we hope that all of those who are left and have so ably and willingly helped so far will still be heading our report next year. We deeply regret the loss of those who have left.

We started the year last July with 45 children on the register, and in November reached the high figure of 60. But after vacation, many little ones were admitted at the State School at 5 years old, and so our numbers decreased to 24. Since then it has gradually risen to 41 in May, and will probably increase when warmer weather comes.

The Electrode – Vol. 4. May, 1926 No. 3. – back page

Reductions at Lutana

The Company has written to the Co-operative Council advising, for the information of the Co-operative Houses Trustees, that approval has been given for a very substantial reduction in the rents of the various houses at Lutana.

Houses are now available at the extremely low rental of:---

Five rooms.---Sixteen shillings per week.

Four rooms.---Fourteen shillings per week.

Five rooms (two storey).---Twelve shillings per week.

The cottages, built on ample blocks of land, are sewered, well drained, and fitted with many modern conveniences, and were specially designed for the use of Zincworkers.

The very low rents should provide an opportunity for employees to start a Savings Bank Account.

A bus service has been inaugurated between Lutana and Hobart, and full houses will materially assist its continuation and improvement.

If you are looking for a better house at a cheaper rent see the Secretary of the Co-operative Council.

The Electrode – Vol. IV. September, 1926 No. 5 – page 133

Although the revenue shows a falling off, many enjoyable functions have been held in the Hall. The Lutana branch of the Free Kindergarten continues its success, and is well supported.

The Electrode – Vol. 1. October, 1920 No. 2. – page 2

The Co-operative Council has given every assistance in the development of the village settlement, and it is interesting to note the progress that has been made during the year.

The Council allots the houses and controls the tenancy. Twenty homes are now occupied by shift-men. 

The Electrode – Vol. 1. August, 1920 No. 1. – page 9

The company has purchased a large block of land between the works and Moonah, and is now erecting thereon a number of houses for employees. These houses, which have four, five and six rooms are fitted with modern conveniences, including sewerage, water, and electric light.  The company intends to erect about 180 homes on the site, of which 60 are completed or in course of erection.  For the present, these houses are being let to employees at the following rentals:---

4 rooms, 20/ per week.
5 rooms, 21/6 per week.
6 rooms, 24/ per week.

 Tenants are selected by a sub-committee of the Co-operative Council. 

The Electrode – Vol. 1. October, 1920 No. 2. – page 16

Have you been to the village or have you noticed from the train the great progress that has taken place recently in the construction go the villas or the other side of the hill.

Walking over from the works and looking down from the rise on this hive of industry, one sees many snug residences of various designs set in a colour scheme that is pleasing to the eye.

Mr. Hurburgh and his full team have devoted themselves whole heartedly to the task of providing comfortable homes as rapidly as possible.

The roads are in good condition, fences have been built, and footpaths are being formed.

It is interesting to see how many bony children greet the passers-by with happy smiles or a cherry hullo.

Twenty of the homes have residents who are comfortably settled, and while awaiting the advent of their neighbours are devoting their time and attention to improvements.

Too much praise connote be given to the gardeners, who have been busy with the spaces about their homes which they have laid out in attractive gardens, lawns, and plots, and in some cases the flowers are already nodding their heads.

Vegetables have been planted, including onions, cabbages, beans, etc. thereby ensuring fresh table supplies at a minimum cost, and providing healthy exercise.

The beauty of the entrances has been enhanced by pot plants and garden seats for a pleasant smoke or yarn.

Creepers have appeared on trellis work and have commenced their upward climb.

Regarding the interior of the homes, the color has been charmingly done, and handy cupboards of various sizes have been built in, and should be a boom to housewives who never seem to have enough shelves or cabinets. These should reduce the amount of housework, as heavy cupboards will not have to be moved on cleaning up days. A noticeable feature is the fact that the baths have been made from our own rolled zinc sheets.

The views from the verandahs reveal some of Tasmania's finest scenery, including the Derwent Valley beyond Prince of Wales' Bay and the lofty Wellington standing as a sentinel over Hobart. The fruit trees are coming on, and it does not require a great deal of imagination to picture this most beautiful panorama of green pastures dotted with splashes of colour, orchards, trees and shrubs, when trees are in blossom or clothed with glorious autumn tints.

The Electrode – Vol. 3. June, 1925 No. 10. – page 285

And kindergartens everywhere are working to dispel the “grey days” – to make all little lives gay and glad, wholesome and happy. Some of the older folk realise this, and pack their “under-sevens” off every morning, but alas! not all parents. Whooping cough and mumps have visited Lutana (as well as other parts of Hobart), so the average percentage of attendance is low for this month – 24. A hearty invitation is extended to all who are interested, but especially to the mothers whose children do not attend, to come any morning and see the little people in kindergarten.

There are miniature chairs and tables and white table cloths and plates for morning lunch; blocks of all sizes, balls and two dolls, reins and coloured wooden beads; and Messrs. W. White and S. Harper have just finished a very nice blackboard for the children to draw on. These two gentlemen have the very hearty thanks of Miss Trappes and the Kindergarten Committee.

Euchre tournaments are still being held every Thursday fortnight to raise funds for the kindergarten, with Mr. T. B. Hack and M.C. The committee thank Mrs. F. Grubb for help in distributing the euchre notices in Lutana. Miss Brownell is helping Miss Trappes to lead the young ideas gently. The subject for this quarter is “People Who Help in the City” which sounds rather advanced perhaps for such small heads, but one remembers that butchers and bakers and candlestick makers give their portion of help in a city, as well as – perhaps – politicians.

My apologies for a scanty contribution this time. A fortnight as Brown’s River has made life rushed since. Doubtless I will have regained the “quiet tenor of my ways” by next issue of “The Electrode.”

The Electrode – Vol. 1. July, 1921 No. 8. – page 17-18

Now that the building programme is practically finished for the present, a committee of the tenants has been formed to promote a social feeling, and to carry out a scheme of improvements and mutual assistance. The first co-operative effort took place on Saturday, April 39, when over twenty mustered to cart filling.  As Messers. Hack and Bryan are both unfortunately sick, and Mr. Laird has only one hand, it was decided to help them.  Despite the powers of the clerk of the weather, the job was carried out much to the satisfaction of the helped and helpers. No better start could have been made than this; it was splendid. Many ideas are under consideration to improve the village, and to provide pleasure for the whole village.

Messers. Robertson, Harper, and Job are the latest to take up their abode at Lutana, and no doubt will soon be active workers in any stunts that are organised.

The postal authorities have consented to instal a public telephone and establish a letter clearance. This will be much appreciated. As time goes on it is expected that more public utilities will be provided.

A visit to the village will surprise those who have not been there recently. Most of the tenants have put in a lot of work on the gardens, both back and front, and the results are now in evidence. War has been declared on those pastoralists in Moonah who farm the public streets, and use them as grazing areas. Even the "stumps" are o be tackled in the street planting scheme, so that the new trees will not be destroyed.

Mr. Jack Crabtree is hon. secretary to the movement, and although he seemed a bit doubtful which end of the horse should go into the cart first, he is coming on. Through the kind offices of Mr. Cunningham and Mr. Charlie Reynolds, the metal necessary for paths, and the carts to lift it, have been made available.

The villagers are going to turn a party out every Saturday, so arranged that each man does a bit one Saturday out of three.

The Electrode – Vol. 4. March, 1926 No. 2. – page 56

“A child, more than all other gifts
That earth can offer to declining man,
Brings hope with it, and forward-looking thoughts.”

And so, with hope, “and forward-looking thoughts,” Kindergarten has started, in the New Year, with many fresh little faces and shy little feet, the daily round of song and story, and play which is really character- building.

Character-building has, of course, always been necessary, but

“In the elder days of Art,
Builders wrought with greatest care,
Each minute and unseen part;
For the gods see everywhere.”

now, as long as the outside is fairly presentable, most of us are satisfied.”Life is too short,” we are in such a hurry that we forget the graces, the beauty and the depth of meaning of work really well done, of lives well spent, of literature, and art finely executed.

Kindergarten does not, of course, profess to do all these, but they are part of its ideals.

Children need ideals, when fairies slip away, the little folk who dance in the moonlight, whose enchanting music is always just beyond.

“Flitting, passing, seen and gone,
Never reached nor found at rest,
Baffling search, but beckoning on
To the sunset of the Blest.”

* * * * *

Chase we still, with baffled feet,
Smiling eye and waving hand”

till the faries have vanished away from the little people of six and seven years old, and only the ideals which have crept in, almost unnoticed, are there to fill their place.

And so they find, instead of fairy palaces and gardens, Fancy’s wonderland, a real world about them, deeds to do, fortunes to make – and no one is too small, or too weak to weild a hammer, or carry a stone, in the Building of the World.

“Isn’t it strange,
That princes and kings,
And clowns that caper
In sawdust rings,
And common people,
Like you and me,
Are builders for eternity.

“Each is given a bag of tools,
A shapeless mass,
A book of rules;
And each must make -
Ere life is flown,
A stumbling-block
Or a stepping-stone.”

Lutana has now 36 little builders, under the care of Miss M. V. Trappes, with Miss M. Schaedel and Miss K. Loney to assist her.

There has been a big drop in attendance, as Kindergarten closed for Christmas vacation with 64 on the register. The majority or those who left have “turned seven,” or gone to the new State School Kindergartern at Moonah, which can now take children from 5 years old. Lutana Kindergarten welcomes the little ones from 2 years to seven, and hopes (and expects) the numbers will increase.

Euchre tournaments are again being held fortnightly, and the committee will be very pleased to welcome new friends on Thursday, March 25, at Lutana-hall.

Mr. and Mrs. Meredith kindly offered to donate a pictutre of the King and Queen, but though it seems a “strange anomaly” in so loyal a city as Hobart, the pictures could not be procured. Does anyone know where they can be purchased?

Miss Trappes is expecting new equipment, which was bought with the 10 pounds kindly donated by the Co-operative Council this week; and Mr. Syd. Harper is going to make a new cupboard to keep it in.

The Electrode – Vol. 2. Xmas, 1921 No. 1. – page 8-9

Now that the shift service of trains is running, Lutana does not seem so cut off the from the shops and shows of the city as it used to. Perhaps before long, if development around Prince of Wales' Bay goes on as it promises to, even more trains will be justified. Apart from its distance from the tram, Lutana is a very fine residential site, and for zincworkers, proximity to the works is probably of as much, if not more, importance than being close to the tram. The zincworker goes to the works every day.  He only wants to go to town about once a week.

One of the chief advantages we possess there is being in an elevated position, free from the dust and unpalatable drains which characterise the Moonah and Derwent Park flats, and this must help our general health.

Everybody, even the cricketers, would be glad to see some rain. There had been a lot of work put into the gardens in the village and the crops would look even more prosperous with a couple of days steady rain to help them.

Two members of the staff, in the persons of Messrs. Chesterman and Bruce, have recently joined us, and Messrs. Allen and Robinson have cut out. We were very sorry to lose friend Allen. He was a good citizen. We understand he has gone farming down at Richmond.

The horse chestnuts are looking well, but a bucket of water a couple of times a week would make them look better. We have noticed quite a number of tree guards waiting for trees, which will be available in March. Tom Crabtree tells us that he has booked 20 trees at 1/, and they will be the same size as those already planted. He says the nurseryman is sorry now he sold them for 1/, as he could now get 2/6 each for them. I suppose he thought there was going to be a slump in the tree market.

The youngsters weren't long in wearing the iron rings of the swings through.  Nobody objects, however, as it is a sign of their popularity, and as long as the youngsters want to use them, the fathers won't mind seeing that they are fit for use.

The Electrode – Vol. 4. December, 1927 No. 12. – page 376-377

The Electrode – Vol. 4. February, 1927 No. 7. – page 204

WEE HUGHIE.

He’s gone to school, wee Hughie,
An’ him not four,
Sure I sae the fright was in him
When he left the door.

But he took a hand o’ Denny,
An’ a hand o’ Dan,
Wi’ Joe’s owld coat upon him -
Och, the poor wee man!

He cut the quarest figure,
More stout nor thin;
An’ trottin’ right an’ steady
Wi’ his toes turned in.

I watched him in the corner
O’ the big turf stack,
An’ the more his feet went forrit,
Still his head turned back.

He was lookin’ would I call him -
Och, my heart was woe -
Sure it’s lost I am without him,
But he be to go.

I followed to the turnin’;
When they passed it by,
God help him, he was cryin’,
An’ maybe, so was I.

-Elizabeth Shane.

The new term of the new year commenced at Lutana Free Kindergarten on February 3rd, and 35 little Hughies, with little susters as well, have taken “a hand o’ Denny an’ a hand o’ Dan,” and started on the gentle beginning of school with Miss Trappes at Kindergarten.

Central Committee, which is composed of representatives from each of the four Kindergartens, Central-street, Federal-street, Anglsea-street and Lutana, held its first meeting on Tuesday, February 8th. Each kindergarten reported larger numbers of children on the role for this year than at the same time last year, which speaks well for the appreciation of Kindergarten training, and the kindy help of the teachers.

Lutana Committee held its first meeting for this year on Wednesday, February 9th. The Social Committee reported that the Thursday night dancing classes have not been paying lately, so that on Mr. E. Borehams’s recommendation, it is proposed to hold a dance on alternate Wednesdays at the Moonah Community Hall, instead, as is in a more central position.

Consideration is being given to obtain a sandpile for the children to play in; and a spot which the Committee thought suitable was chosen near the small gate by Mrs. Grubbs’s store. A working bee is to be called together, and a suitable edging erected, then some generous friend is to be approached for two loads of white sand. After that the busy-bees will be of the next generation, and buckets and spades will be the order of the day. And the times when-

“I followed to the turnin’;
When they passed it by.
God help him, he was cryin’,
An’, maybe, so was I,”

are over; for the little ones run off so happily to Kindergarten that no mother need feel sore at heart at sparing her little one for a few hours, while his small feet are learning to walk strongly on the road of life; for the Kindergarten “road” is a pathway smoothed and bordered with sweet bright flowers.

The Electrode – Vol. 4. Feb, 1927 No. 7. – page 205

This picture shows inside the hall with the children of the kindergarten in a circle playing a game.

The Electrode – Vol. 1. July, 1921 No. 8. – page 17-18

Lutana has been nick-named the Aquarium by some of the wits on account of the recent rains having induced some mud in the locality. It is the Derwent Park Flat which should properly be given the title, for there is no mistake that an inch of rain make you put on your web feet.

Thanks goodness Hobart doesn't get much rain, and although we know how good rain is for the farmer, it is difficult for residents of the "Aquarium," who don't own farms, and who are not good waders, to sympathise with the "with the backbone of the country."

Went for a walk along the Derwent Park Road the other night---a dark night too---after the rain. Was just like a frog jumping from hummock to hummock trying to avoid the pools. It was a dark night, I said as the Glenorchy Municipality only supplies one light every 400 yards or so, well, it was a very dark night on Derwent Park Road. Of course, the inevitable happened. Something I thought was a hummock turned out to be a pool. The washing bill went up that week and my chances of reaching Heaven went down. Still Hobart is a wonderful place. Full of possibilities.  Also full of impossibilities, Derwent Park Road is one. The Glenorchy Council is---perhaps I better not.

But to get back to Lutana---the villagers are making things move. The plough has been put into the orchard and the pruning has commenced. Every tenant who wanted a bit of ground and a dozen trees has been given same, and later on they will reap the harvest of the toil they put into them.

"Tommy" Crabtree, not Jack, as reported last issue, imported six dozen trees into the village, and they have all been planted out. We think he has designs on some more, and some day Lutana will look a lot better than it does now if Stumpy's heifers don't misbehave too much. A water color depicting the up river view from the village, the work of a local aspirant to art, was raffled to find the money to finance the tree purchase.

Mr. Gepp planted the first tree---a horse chestnut---after a few remarks by Mr. Hack, who made his first public appearance after his recent illness, looking fitter than we have seen him for a long time.

It is rather remarkable how many people wander out Lutana way on Sunday afternoons to have a look round. Mr. Geo. Cooper and Mr. Frank Leahy were among last Sunday's lot. This public interest is an incentive to well kept gardens, and it also discourages wood chopping on the Sabbath. Usually at least half a dozen car loads of people run round the place each week, and we are vain enough to think that they are pleased with what they see.

The residents will be glad when they are able to have a hall for social purposes, and there is no doubt it would be a boom. It could be used recreation during week nights. Already there is a request for Sunday School facilities to save the kiddies a long walk on Sunday afternoon.

The Electrode – Vol. 3. September, 1925 No. 12. – page 344

This image shows the outside of the Hall as it was orginally built. A gate and fence is under constuction – which was later replaced with a higher fence to provide more security for the hall and garden. The wooden box at the front was built to protect a horse chestnut tree – these trees were planted around the Lutana Village - which unfortunately most didn's survive.