Summary

Alternative Name(s): Candelabra

Ornate silver plate candelabrum for three candles decorated with vine leaves, made circa 1880s. It is engraved: "Presented by/ the Officers of/ H.M.Gaol/ Melbourne/ to/ Peter Dwyer, Esqr./ Governor, on his removal to Pentridge."

Peter Dwyer was born on 26 September 1826 and arrived in Victoria in 1852. He joined the Gaols Department, Victoria in November 1853 and reamined there until 20 March 1855 when he moved to the Volunteer and Registrar General's Department. He re-joined the Gaols Department on 1 December 1856 where he worked at various country and metropolitan gaols including Maryborough, Geelong and Portland. In the early 1880s he became Governor of Melbourne Gaol. On 13 May 1889 he became Governor of the Penal Establishment at Pentridge. He passed away aged 86 years in July 1913 at Riddells Creek in Victoria. He was survived by his daughter.

The Age (Tuesday 14 May, p. 6) gave the following report of the presentation: 'Presented Mr. Dwyer with a massive silver epergne, a dressing case and a richly framed and ornamented illuminated address. The text of tho latter is as follows - Her Majesty's Gaol, Melbourne, May, 1889. To Peter Dwyer, Esq. Dear Sir,- We, the undersigned officers and warders of tho Melbourne Gaol, in view of your appointment to tho governorship of the penal establishment, Pentridge, feel that we cannot allow you to sever your connection with this establishment without conveying to you tho high esteem in which you are held by all with whom you have been associated in the discharge of your onerous duties as governor, in which capacity your large and varied experience, urbanity and impartial judgment has caused a most cordial feeling to exist between you and the officers under your charge. For your kindly, upright and courteous treatment towards us we shall hold your memory in lasting respect, and we heartily wish that success, health and happiness may attend you in your new and higher appointment. In conclusion, as testimony of the feelings heroin expressed, we beg your acceptance of tho accompanying gift.- We are, dear Sir, yours sincerely, (Signed) W. H. Gibson, Chief Warder; M. E. Henderson, Matron and 15 others, on bohalf of the staff.'

Physical Description

Ornate silver plate candelabrum, for three candles. Vine branches, vine leaves. Engraved: "Presented by/ the Officers of/ H.M.Gaol/ Melbourne/ to/ Peter Dwyer, Esqr./ Governor, on his removal to Pentridge."

Significance

Provenance: Mr. Brooking, the donor, inherited a farming property in McGregor Rd, Gisborne, from Mr. Tom and Miss Daisy Watson. This piece was in the Watson's possession for many years.

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