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

Looking down the concrete garden path at the back of the Superintendent Engineer's residence 'Blair Athol', at Spotswood Pumping Station, towards the rear gate onto Booker Street. A woman, probably Elizabeth Halliday, wife of the Superintendent Engineer, John Halliday, is standing near the end of the path holding a sun parasol over her head. Behind her is a high timber picket fence with double gates and a large wooden letter box attached to the inside of the right-hand gate. In the background beyond the fence are the roofs and brick chimneys of the Spotswood Glassworks. The path is curved and has brick edgings and closely planted garden beds on either side, with a fruit tree on the right.

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