Summary

Part of a collection of 30 black & white photographs relating to the MMBW Spotswood Sewerage Pumping Station, created by former superintendent engineer Mr John Halliday.

John Arthur Halliday (1879-1960) joined the Spotswood Pumping Station workforce as an Engine Fitter in 1905, subsequently becoming a Junior Engineer in 1906 (later known as Shift Engineer). Following the retirement of D.B. Harkess in June 1928, John Halliday was promoted to the role of Senior Engineer (later known as Superintendent Engineer), at an annual salary of £598/15/-. He held the latter position until retirement at the age of 65 in January 1945.

After being appointed to the role of Senior Engineer, he moved into the residence onsite at the Pumping Station, with his wife, Lizzie, and daughter, Rita. After his reitrement, John and Lizzie moved to 27 Austin Street, Footscray. Their daughter had previously left home after she married in 1935.

Description of Content

Eastern (riverside) facade of the two-storey brick Superintendent Engineer's residence 'Blair Athol', at Spotswood Pumping Station. The residence faces away from Booker Street (at the rear), with a balcony and verandah adorned with cast-iron lace overlooking the Pumping Station and Yarra River. A garden extends on either side of the house behind a hedge and white wooden picket fence. There are fruit trees in the garden and a four-door 1920s style sedan motor car with wooden-spoked wheels (possibly a Dodge or Buick) parked in front of the house.

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