Abbotsford.
The Post Office - and presumably the Telegraph Office - opened on 9 January 1888.

In 1890, the Telegraph Office sent 5,888 messages and received 10,363 messages with a staff of a female operator and three telegraph messengers.

The Telegraph Office was issued with a 2 hole Belt & Buckle date stamp:

Used in black: 1890 to 1894.

Size: ?? (never seen complete).

Rated: RRRR.

Ascot Vale.

Two types of TELEGRAPH date stamps were issued to the office - both with the place name at the top and TELEGRAPH at the base:

1. a TELEGRAPH rectangular date stamp (RRH1-T).

Size: 25 × 37 mm.

Used: 17 January 1983 to 1984.

Rated: RRRR.

2. A TELEGRAPH oval date stamp (RO2-T).

Size: 33 × 52 mm (e = 0.77).

Used: 30 July 1986 (only recorded date).

Rated: RRRR.

Number recorded: 3.

30 July 1986.

Ashburton.

The Post Office opened on 15 December 1927.

1. A rubber oval TELEGRAPH date stamp was used at Ashburton.
This date stamp was unrecorded before 2020.

Has separation stars between upper and lower inscriptions.

Used in violet: 17 April 1964.

Size: 32 × 51 mm (e = 0.78).

Rated: RRRRR.

Number in the Census: 1.

2. A rubber oval TELEGRAPH OFFICE date stamp with a different format was also used at Ashburton. The place name now includes the Postcode. This date stamp was unrecorded before 2017.

Has separation stars between upper and lower inscriptions.

Used in violet: 15 January 1973.

Size: 32 × 51 mm (e = 0.78)

Rated: RRRR.

Number in the Census: 2.

Perhaps a second example. The G of TELEGRAPH appears to be above the date number.

No year and incomplete so it is not included in the count.

Bentleigh.

The Post Office at Brighton East was renamed Bentleigh 23 March 1908. It was renamed Bentleigh East on 9 January 1928.

A second Post Office was opened with the name Bentleigh when Bentleigh est was replaced on 9 January 1928. There is no record of the date of opening of the Telegraph Office. The Mechanics Institute at Moorabbin were however asking for Telegraph "similar to those existing at Bentleigh" in April 1909.

The Telegraph Office was issued with 5 formats of date stamps between 1962 and 1987.

1. RRV1-TO.

Size: 33½ × 29 mm.

Used: 21 December 1962 to 4 February 1963.

Rated: RRRR.

Number recorded: 1.

2. RRV1-TO.

Size: 29½ × 25½ mm.

Used: 10 March 1966.

Rated: RRRR.

3. RRV1-TO.

Size: 31½ × 25½ mm.

Used: 5 August 1971.

Rated: RRRR.

4. RRH1-TO.

Size: 28 × 28½ mm.

Used: 16 June 1982 to 1985.

Rated: RR.

5. RRH1-TO.

Size: 38½ × 38½ mm.

Used: 18 March 1987.

Rated: RRRR.

The Telegraph Office opened in November 1872.

A rectangular rubber TELEGRAPH OFFICE date stamp (RRH1-TO) was used at Brighton.

Used in violet: 8 August 1988 (only recorded date).

Size: 29 × 39 mm.

Rated: RRR.

Number recorded: 3.

The Post Office was established on 1 January 1855 and changed name to Broadmeadows West on 3 October 1955.

A T.O. date stamp was issued to the office.

Size: 26 mm diameter.

Used 26 June 1912 to 1 September 1928.

Rated: R.

1 March 1922.

Three other TELEGRAPH date stamps were used at Broadmeadows.

1. RO2-T used in violet.

Size: 31 × 56 mm (e = 0.83).

Used: 6 May 1982 - 19 January 1983.

Rated: RRR.

2. An unframed date stamp with TELEGRAPH in the top line and the date in the third line.

Size: 13 × 33 mm.

Used: 1 August 1986.

Rated: RRR.

3. An unframed date stamp with TELEGRAPH BROADMEADOWS in the second line under the date.

Size: 13 × 33½ mm.

Used: 4 August 1988.

Rated: RRR.

The Telegraph Office was opened in August 1872.

A two hole Belt & Buckle date stamp was issued to Brunswick:

Used in black: 31 January 1891 to 5 October 1891.

Size:

Rated:

An unusual (and unrecorded) rubber oval
Post & Telegraph (RO4 - P&T) date stamp was used in blue.

No details are available.

1. RO3-TO used in violet.

Size: 29 × 44 mm approximate only (e = 0.75).

Used: about 1944.

Rated: RRRR.

2. RO1-TO used in violet.

Size: 32 × 49 mm (e = 0.76).

Used: 23 April 1949 (2 examples known).

Rated: RRRR.

3. RO2-TO used in violet.

Size: 31 × 49 mm (e = 0.77).

Used: 22 April 1949 to 23 April 1949.

Rated: RRRR.

WWW report another date stamp used in 1969 but their claim is not supported.

The Post Office was created by renaming Ballyshannassy about June 1879.

The Office was issued with an oval TELEGRAPH date stamp (RO2 - T) for use with Telegraphic matters:

Used in violet: 6 January 1972.

Size: 28 × 48 mm (e = 0.81).

Rated: RRRR.

Number Census: 1.

The Telegraph Office

Four formats for TELEGRAPH date stamps were issued to Camberwell Telegraph Office:

1. a steel circle (SC1-T):

Size: 31 mm diameter.

Used: 24 March 1945.

Rated: RRRR.

2. a rubber rectangular date stamp (RRH1-T).

Size: 31 × 50 mm.

Used: 14 April 1980 to 11 January 1985.

Rated: RR.

3. a rubber rectangular date stamp (RRH1-T).

Size: 31 × 50 mm.

Used: 14 April 1980 to 11 January 1985.

Rated: RR.

4. a rubber rectangular date stamp (RRH1-T).

Size: 31 × 50 mm.

Used: 14 April 1980 to 11 January 1985.

Rated: RR.

Canterbury

The

Canterbury Post & Telegraph Office about 1930.

The Office was issued with a TELEGRAPH OFFICE rectangular date stamp (RRV - TO) which was used in violet.

Size: 34 × 31 mm.

Used: 23 March 1955.

Rated: RRRR (unrecorded in Watson et al (1989).)

23 March 1955.

Used on AW-GCF-54A.

The Telegraph Office opened in February 1875.

At the end of February 1882, the Postmaster-General asked the Minister of Works to call for tenders to erect a new Post and Telegraph Office at Carlton.

Used in black: 3 May 1882 to 28 May 1894.

Size: 27 × 37 mm (e = 0.68).

Rated: RRR.

A new discovery unlisted in the main sources including PMI and WWW is a TELEGRAPH OFFICE rectangular rubber date stamp
RRH1- TO:

Used in violet: 24 December 1957.

Size: 25 × 40 mm.

Rated: RRRR.

Number in the Census: 1.

No special date stamp for use with telegraphs was issued to Carlton North.

Post Office date stamp.

Used on a telegram: 11 July 1955.

Size: 25 × 37 mm (e = 0.74).

Rated used on a telegram: RRR.

Number in the Census: 3.

Used on a telegram: 11 July 1957.

Size: 32 × 52 mm (e = 0.79).

Rated used on a telegram: RRR.

Number in the Census: 3.

11 July 1956.
Used on AW-DO-10 (54) to same respondent as for the previous date stamp.

Great to have birthdays on the same date each year AND to keep your telegrams.

A rubber Telegraph Office date stamp (RO6-TO) was issued to the Telegraph Office.

Size: 30 × 50 mm (e = 0.80).

Used: 2 February 1982.

Rated: RRRR.

2 February 1982.

Used on AT-DO-15B.

Carnegie.

The Post Office opened on 1 September 1911.

Size: 29 × 43 mm.

Used 20 April 1979.
(WWW note that 10 June 1980 was the only date on which it was used).

Rated: RRR.

Caulfield.

The Telegraph Office opened in

2. RO2 - TO.

Used in purple: 3 October 1942.

Size: 30 × 46 mm (e = 0.76).

Rated: RRRR.
Unrecorded in Watson et al.

Number in the Census: 1.

3. RR1 - TO.

Used in purple: 23 May 1950.

Size: 22 × 40 mm.

Rated: RRRR.
Unrecorded in Watson et al.

Number in the Census: 1.

"The president and council of the Shire of Caulfield waited on the Postmaster-General yesterday, and desired the Government to contribute towards the erection of a post and telegraph office in connexion with a shire hall and court house which are to be built at the corner of the Glen Eira and Hawthorn roads.

Mr. Berry said his department had had in contemplation for some time past the providing of the Caulfield district with a post and telegraph office The idea of the department was to erect a building on a part of the railway reserve in the Glen Huntly road. The deputation, however, thought that the site in the Glen Huntly road would not be central, and the residents in public meeting assembled had decided that the site suggested by the deputation would be the most suitable.

Mr. Berry then promised that he would send an inspector to go over the district with the president of the shire, and to furnish a report as to what would be the most suitable position. If the shire council would give a piece of land free of cost, he would favourably consider their application as soon as funds were available".

The Post Office was originally opened as a Receiving Office on 6 December 1888 and was upgraded to a Post Office about 1902.

On 1 February 1928 it changed name to Malvern East but changed back to Caulfield East on 1 October 1929.

Four formats of rubber date stamps are known used at Caulfield East:

1. a rubber oval POST & TELEGRAPH (RO6-P&TO) date stamp used in red.

Size: 28 × 48 mm (e = 0.81).

Used: 7 May 1940 (only recorded example)
(no space after month).

Rated: RRRR.

2. a rubber oval TELEGRAPH OFFICE (RO6-TO) date stamp used in violet.

Size: 29 × 49 mm (e = 0.81).

Used: 23 April and 23 May 1942.

Rated: RRRR.

Number in the Census: 6.

3. a rubber rectangular TELEGRAPH OFFICE date stamp (RRH1-TO) used in violet.
   

Size: 25 × 44 mm.

Used: 15 December 1956 (only recorded example).

Rated: RRRR.

Not listed in Watson et al.

15 December 1956 (only recorded example).

Used on AW-GCF-54Ab.

4. a rubber circular TELEGRAPH OFFICE date stamp
   (RC1-TO) used in red.

Size: 33 mm diameter.

Used: 6 December 1976 to 6 January 1977.
Not listed in Watson et al.

Rated: RRRR.

Caulfield East postal date stamp.
17 June 1977.
Diameter: 34 mm.

$3.40 charges paid with stamps on a
AA-TO-13Ab transmission form.

1. RRH-TO with thin letters.

Used in black: 17 May 1956 (only recorded date -
not listed in WWW).

Size: 25 × 39 mm.
Distance from heading to date: 8 mm.
1 mm gap as base.

Rated: RRRR.

Number in the Census: 1

17 May 1956.
Used on AW-GCF-54B

2. RRH-TO with thin letters.

Used in violet: 10 January 1962 (only recorded date - not listed in WWW).

Size: 25 × 38 mm.
Distance from heading to date: 7 mm.
2 mm gap at base.

Rated: RRRR.

Number in the Census: 1

3. RRH-TO with thicker letters.

Used in violet: 6 July 1968 (only recorded date -
not listed in WWW).

Size: 25 × 38 mm.
Distance from heading to date: 5 mm.

Rated: RRRR.

Number in the Census: 1

The Telegraph Office opened about 1933 and closed about 1960.

The Telegraph Office was issued with:

• a usual circular CAULFIELD RACES date stamp and used on 20 October 1956.
• a Telegraph Office Racecourse date stamp was used on 12 January 1957. It was steel and circular with a 28 mm diameter.

Both are rated RRRR.

Cheltenham.

A rubber rectangular TELEGRAPH OFFICE date stamp
(RRH1-TO) was issued to the office for use with telegraphic work.

Size: 25½ × 48 mm.

Used: 17 April 1975 to 20 August 1985.

Rated: RRR.

17 April 1975 (earliest recorded date).

Used on AA-DO-13D.

Clayton.

Size: 33 × 52 mm (e = 0.77).

Only recorded example.

Rated: RRRRR.

Coburg.

The Telegraph Office was opened in August 1873 in the building occupied by the Post Office. The name of the office had been changed from Pentridge in 1870.

A new building was announced in May 1889 - to replace the structure "which had given service for a quarter of a century".

Used on AB-GB-39.

The Office was issued with four formats for rubber TELEGRAPH OFFICE date stamps.

1. TELEGRAPH OFFICE/COBURG (RRH1-TO):

Size: 25 × 43 mm.

Used: 22 November 1957.

Rated: RRR.

Not listed in WWW.

22 November 1957.

Used on AA-DO-13A.

2. TELEGRAPH OFFICE/COBURG 3058 (RRH1-TO).

Used: 4 May 1982 to 15 January 1986.

Size: 34½ × 45 mm.

Rated: RRR.

Not listed in WWW.

3. COBURG VIC 3058/TELEGRAPH OFFICE (RC1-TO).

Used in violet ink: 11 February 1987 to 19 September 1988.

Size: 32 mm diameter.

Rated: RR.

4. COBURG VIC 3058/TELEGRAPH OFFICE (RC1-TO).

Used in blue: 19 September 1988.

Size: 32 mm diameter.

Rated: RR.

Cricket Ground.

No details available.

Used in black: 17 February 1959 (only recorded date).

Size: 27 mm diameter.

Rated: RR.

Number in the Census: 15+ but seldom on the market.

17 February 1959.

Used on a AW-GCF-54 form to
Ray Lindwall for his record breaking wicket haul.

East Melbourne.

The Telegraph Office and the Post Office were opened on 1 August 1884 about 2.5 km east of the G.P.O.

1. used in black: 29 July 1889 to
   24 October 1894;

Size: 27 × 38 mm (e = 0.70).

Rated: RRR.

Number in the Census:

29 July 1889 (earliest recorded date).
Only known complete cover with a Belt & Buckle cancelling a Stamp Statute.

Provenance: Hugh Freeman, Johnstone.

4 April 1892 - on a Post Card to Germany (Abacus Auctions 2 Lot 1078).

2. Used in blue: 3 April 1891 and 14 September 1891 (2 strikes).
   (only recorded dates).

Size: 27 × 38 mm (e = 0.70).

Rated: RRRR.

Number in the Census: 2.

Tied with two strikes of the East Melbourne Belt & Buckle date stamp in blue.

Note this card was sent just before Victoria joined the UPU - see below.

This is one of four recorded items sent to an overseas destination with a Belt & Buckle date stamp.

Torsten Weller noted that the 3d red postal card is inscribed "FOR THE UNITED KINGDOM VIA ITALY". It was sent to Germany and additionally franked with a 2d violet Naish and a 1d brown cut-out from a postal card to pay the 6d pre-UPU foreign ship latter rate.

The concessional 2d or 3d postcard rates (depending on the route) only applied to cards sent to the United Kingdom. Postcard rates to other countries were not introduced until after Victoria joined the UPU in October 1891. Steig states (p.30) that "cards used during the correct period (prior to 1 October 1891) are very scarce.

The Telegraph Office opened in 1886.

It was soon assigned to the telegraph line linking Albert Park via St. Kilda to Brighton.

The site on which a new building could be erected was long debated. For example, the Oakleigh Leader of 2 June 1888 reported: "The Elsternwick Improvement Committee last Wednesday evening unanimously decided that, as the question of the most suitable site for the new Post and Telegraph office was of such public importance, they would leave the residents in the immediate vicinity to settle the question amongst themselves.

Elsternwick was issued with two types of date stamp for use with telegraphic matters:

1. a 2 hole Belt & Buckle date stamp.

Used in black: 7 September 1892 to 19 September 1893.

Size:

Rated: RRR.

2. a rectangular rubber TELEGRAPH date stamp
   (RRH1-T).

Used in violet: 5 January 1972.

Size: 26 × 49 mm.

Rated: RRRR.

Number recorded: 1.

Postal date stamps were also applied telegrams:

The Post Office opened on 31 March 1914.

3. RO6-P&TO - ELWOOD S3.

Used in violet: 1941 to 31 December 1943.

Size: 32 × 52 mm (e = 0.79)

Rated: RR.

Number in the Census: 5.

Note: date order is day-month-year.
Has S3 after Elwood.

The Telegraph Office was opened in August 1878 at the Railway Station.

1. a 1 hole Belt & Buckle date stamp.

Used in black: July 1891 to 15 June 1894.

Size: 27 × 38 mm (e = 0.70).

Rated: RR.

2 July 1892.

2. a rubber oval TELEGRAPH date stamp (RO2-T) was used in violet.

Size: 29 × 47 (e = 0.79).

Use: 19 February 1982 (only recorded date).

Rated: RRR.

3. a narrower rubber oval TELEGRAPH date stamp (RO2-T) was used in violet.

Size: 27½ × 47½ mm (e = 0.82).

Use: 23 January 1985 to 30 June 1986.

Rated: RRR.

30 June 1986 (latest recorded date).

A Post Office rubber oval date stamp was also used on telegrams.

Used on a Telegram: 24 November 1939.

Size: 32 × 46 mm (e = 0.72).

Rated on a telegram: RR.

Number in the Census: 3.

Fairfield.

The Office was reclassified as a Post Office on 4 April 1887 having been opened as a Receiving Office on 21 February 1887.

Details of the Telegraph Office are not known.

Fairfield is about 7 km NE of the GPO and between two of the branches of the NE Suburban lines.

Four formats of rubber TELEGRAPH OFFICE rubber date stamps are recorded and they were issued from 1971.

1. oval TELEGRAPH OFFICE with postcode only.

Used in violet: 13 July 1971.

Size: 32 mm high (not seen complete).

Rated: RRRR.

Number recorded: 1.

2. oval TELEGRAPH OFFICE with Flinders 3078 postcode at the base (RO2-TO).

Used in violet: 6 May 1972.

Size: 34 × 49 mm (e = 0.72).

Rated: RRRR.

Number recorded: 1.

3. oval TELEGRAPH OFFICE with postcode only.

Used in red: 13 November 1975.

Size: 35 × 52 mm (e = 0.74).

Rated: RRRR.

Number recorded: 1.

4. circular TELEGRAPH OFFICE with phone number and postcode.

Used in violet: 4 June 1976 to 2 February 1977.

Diameter: 28.5 mm.

Rated: RRR.

Fitzroy.

"Mr. Tucker, M.L A., yesterday introduced a deputation from Fitzroy to the Postmaster-General, to urge the necessity for the establishment of a more suitable Receiving House in the town and also of a Telegraph Office. It was pointed out that Fitzroy, which had a population of 18,000, was the only town in the colony which had not a Post and Telegraph Office, there being only a Receiving house for letters at a bookseller's shop in Brunswick Street. As there is no Telegraph Office, residents of Fitzroy desiring to send telegrams have to go to Collingwood or Melbourne. It was suggested that the building adjoining the Receiving Office should be rented, it now being available to let, and turned into a Telegraph Office. Mr. Lalor requested the deputation to write to him on the subject, giving particulars as to the estimated cost of the proposal".

The Argus, 16 June 1877.

The Telegraph Office was opened in September 1877.

At the end of February 1882, the Postmaster General asked the Minister of Works to call for tenders to erect a new Post and Telegraph Office at Fitzroy.

Fitzroy was issued with three formats of date stamps for use with telegrams:

1. a 1 hole Belt & Buckle date stamp.

Used in black: 15 December 1891 and 3 July 1894.

Size: 27 × 38½ mm (e = 0.71).

Rated: R and RRR (complete).

Number in the Census: 10
Complete examples are rare.

2. Rectangular rubber TELEGRAPH OFFICE date stamp
   (RRH - TO).

Used in violet: 9 February 1948 and 16 March 1950.

Size: 25 × 43 mm.

Rated: RRRR.

Number recorded: 2.

Used on a delivery envelope to Leeds, England.
Postal date stamp for AIR MAIL SECTION of 1 June.

3. A rubber TELEGRAPH oval date stamp
   (RO2-T).

Used in violet: 17 September 1956.

Size: 32 × 50 mm (e = 0.77).

Rated: RRRR.

Number recorded: 1.

Fitzroy North.

The Telegraph Office was opened in April 1879.

Flemington Racetrack.

The running of the Queen's Plate (now called the Queen Elizabeth Stakes) in 1865 was a special occasion at Flemington. The winner was Volunteer. The event had to be cancelled in 1864 and 1866. The Gippsland Times of 8 November 1865 reported as follows:

"The arrangements reflected the highest credit on the club and specially upon their indefatigable secretary, Mr. Bagot, who, among other things, in order to make the affair as complete as possible, induced the Government to carry the telegraph wire into the grand-stand where there was a neat little telegraph office and a couple of smart clerks, thus enabling business men to receive intelligdnce of how business etc was going on in town while they were enjoying the pleasures of the turf. This was also a great convenience to the press and to telegraphic agents. Thus the results were flashed along the magic wires to all the neighboring colonies before even the jockeys had returned to scale. Mr. Dickson of St. Kilda was the grand-stand caterer and well did he perform his duty".

The Telegraph Office was opened in October 1873.

1. a two hole Belt and Buckle date stamp.

Used in black: 30 October 1888 to 1894.

Size: 27 × 39 mm (no previous example has been as complete).

Rated: RRR.

2. the usual Post Office date stamp.

Diameter: 29 mm.

12 December 1936.

Used on Congratulations form AB-GCF-34B.

3. a rectangular rubber TELEGRAPH SECTION date stamp (RRH1-TS) with Office and Postcode.

Used: 18 March 1982 with date right justified in violet ink.
15 March 1983 to 23 June 1988 with date centered in violet ink
and on 15 March 1983 in magenta ink.

Size: 26½ × 37 mm.

Rated RRR.

Footscray West.

Footscray West opened as a Post Office in December 1916 having been a Receiving Office since 15 April 1914.

Two formats of rubber oval TELEGRAPH OFFICE date stamps were used:

1. a RO2-TO in violet.

Size: 32 × 51 mm (e = 0.78).

Use: 19 and 21 November 1964.

Rated: RRR.

2. a RO2-TO in violet.

Size: 29 × 43 mm (e = 0.73).

Used: 13 August 1985 to 2 April 1987.

Rated RRR.

The Telegraph Office

Three types of rubber TELEGRAPH OFFICE date stamps were issued to Glenroy for use with telegrams.

1. RRH1 -TO.

Size: 34.5 × 36 mm.

Used 2 January 1974 only.

Rated RRRR.

2. RRH1-TO with postcode and phone number.

Size: 35 × 37 mm.

Used: 6 May 1982 only.

Rated: RRR.

3. RRH1-TO with postcode and phone number.

Size: 32.5 × 37.5 mm.

Used: Used 19 November 1984 only.

Rated: RRR.

Hotel Victoria.

A Telegraph Office was established at the important Hotel Victoria in August 1893.

Discussion of the possiblility was raised in a letter to the Editor of the Argus of 15 October 1892 (p. 10):

POST-OFFICE ON BEACONSFIELD PARADE.
TO THE EDITOR OF THE ARGUS.
Sir- A post, telegraph and money order office would be a boon to the residents in the neighbourhood of Beaconsfield Parade, Albert Park and they are now sufficiently generous to insure a decent revenue in return for such facilities. As an inducement, I believe an arrangement somewhat like that lately made with Menzies Hotel can be made in the way of the free use of a suitable office in the Hotel Victoria, which is a first class building and well situated for the purpose. As there would be no expense for premises or rent it is hoped the postal authorities will favourably consider this proposal.
Yours, etc.,
William Falin.
Beaconsfield Parade, Oct. 14.

The letter obviously struck a chord because, about 11 months later, the Argus of 2 September 1893 reported:

"A new telegraph Office has been established by the Department at the Hotel Victoria, Beaconsfield Parade, South Melbourne".

No further information about the operation or a date stamp to be used for telegraphic work is known.

The Australasian of 8 September 1906 (on page 36) did include an article and a photograph of the hotel:

"This popular residential hotel is situated on Beaconsfield Parade, Albert Park, South Melbourne and is one of the most charming and convenient health resorts in and around Victoria, and within fifteen minutes tram or train ride of Collins Street, Melbourne.

It faces the bay and is one of the most up-to-date and homely residential hotels in Australia. The salubrity of its site makes it a home for tourists, and for country and interstate visitors. It has recently been redecorated, and is handsomely furnished.

Post and Telegraph offices are in the building. The telephone number is 1523. Hot and cold baths, sea-bathing, and every modern and up-to-date convenience make it an admirable summer residence. It is noted throughout Australia for the excellence of its cuisine.

The hotel has recently passed into the hands of the original proprietors, Mrs. and Mr. John Macgregor."

The Post & Telegraph Office appears to have closed in 1919.

The Telegraph Office was opened in June 1875 while the combined Post and Telegraph Office was opened in July 1876. The Argus of 10 July 1876 described

"A fine public building, consisting of town hall, post and telegraph offices, and court house, has been erected at Hotham, a populous suburb of Melbourne. The edifice, which has a tower 150 ft in height, is one of the finest of the kind in the colony. It has been cheaply constructed, however, the cost being only £12,000. The buildings were recently opened with a banquet and ball".

Used in black between 13 January 1885 to 20 September 1887.

Size: 27 × 38 mm (e = 0.70).

Rated: RRR.

The Telegraph Office was opened in February 1875. The 1874 Annual Report noted "Poles have been extended from Hawthorn to Kew to which place a wire has been run."

The Lilydale Branch of the Melbourne NE line was constructed from Kew.

1. RC1-TO - 2 digit year with apostrophe in front.

Size: 31 mm diameter.

Used: 26 November 1979 and 23 April 1985.

Rated: RR.

2. RC1-TO - 4 digit year just touching OFFICE.

Size: 31.5 mm diameter.

Used: 24 March 1980 and 23 April 1985.

Rated: RR.

Size: 7 × 29 mm.

Diameter: 30 mm.

An interesting event at Kew was reported in the Argus of 27 August 1878:

"The Rev. Duncan Fraser's lecture in the Town Hall at Kew, on Wednesday, was well attended. The subject of acoustics and the wonderful new inventions connected with this science, was popularly treated. At 9 p.m. Mr. Perrin, of the Lilydale Telegraph Office, aided by some ladies and gentlemen, began to communicate with the Kew audience by telephone and microphone. The interchange for some time was very successful. There was one interruption, which was bridged over by the continued assiduity of Mr. Challen, who assisted the lecturer and before the meeting closed very good results were again attained. The Rev. A. D. Kininmont contributed one of his readings to the near and far audience. The microphone astonished everyone by its amazing powers. Some could not recognise the watch ticking at Lilydale, on account of its very loudness and unfamiliarity to their ears, and in consequence also of other sounds mixed up with it. More practised ears, however, discerned it".

The Telegraph Office was opened in January 1876.

A test box at Malvern had significant responsibility for the Gippsland lines which either originated at Malvern or came from Oakleigh through that box at Malvern to Dandenong.

The office was issued with a circular rubber date stamp which was used with magenta ink.

Size: 37 mm diameter.

Used: 18 May 1984.

Rated: RRR.

On 7 October 1887 "A deputation from the borough council of Essendon waited on the Postmaster-General and asked that a central post office and telegraph station should be erected on the public reserve, north of the Church of England, Moonee Ponds.

Mr. Derham said that he would provide in the next year's Estimates a sum sufficient for the erection of a post and telegraph station somewhere within the limits of the Moonee Ponds district, but he would not decide the site until an officer had inspected the locality and reported where the office should be placed".

On 20 October 1888, the North Melbourne Advertiser reported:

"Surely the Post and Telegraph Department never dreamt that they would be permitted to shuffle out of their obligations regarding the erection of a central post office at Moonee Ponds without some sort of remonstrance from the inhabitants of that place nor ever fancied that the exceedingly curt epistle, read at the recent meeting of the Borough Council, would be regarded as a satisfactory reply to the frequent reminders from the local Town Clerk as to Mr. Derham's promises of increased office accommodation at the Ponds and further facilities for the receipt and despatch of letters and telegrams.

The Departmental assurance, contained in the letter to the council, to the effect that the residents of the township are just as well served as they would be by a staff office, rather staggered the representatives of the ratepayers at their meeting on Monday evening. But when the latter had somewhat recovered from the shock caused by the audacious 'tarradiddle', a discussion took place which would have interested - perchance surprised - the Hon. the Postmaster General had he been there to hear. Councillor Taylor spoke of the Ministerial promise, made nearly two years since, to build a post and telegraph office in connection with the proposed courthouse, and he moved that a suitable reply be forwarded to the red-tape memorandum from Elizabeth Street. Councillor Pattison expressed surprise at any one person declaring that a building like the Moonee Ponds post office - which was full whenever two persons entered it, and 'crowded' any  time that three got in - was sufficient for the requirements of the district.

It appears to us, however, that the Postmaster General is altogether too lofty a personage to take notice of the letters written by Council's direction. The most the Essendon Council can expect from this very great man, in answer to their fortnightly appeals for consideration, is a curt note once every six months or so telling them not to bother. As it is high time the Minister was brought to his senses, we would advise councillors to cease letter writing and try the experiment of a deputation. The Minister is bound to make a note of a deputation. Letters from the council may not bore him, but a deputation from that body should prove more or less of a nuisance, and may even worry a Minister of the Crown.

Mr. Derham must he told what an important municipality Essendon is, and given clearly to understand that the populous town-hip of Moonee Ponds deserves a post office building capable of holding more than two adults at the same time".

By 1889, a decision still had not been made until the Department chose a site on the extreme west end of Puckle Street. A deputation of residents met to urge the decision to be reverse so that the new office might be in the main street (Mount Alexander Road) where it had been for the last 20 years.

A new Post Office opened at Moonee Ponds on 3 March 1952 and it was intended to erect offices with similar designs at Brunswick West, Ascot Vale and Footscray West.

Two rubber oval TELEGRAPH OFFICE date stamps were issued to Moonee Ponds.

1. RO1 -TO in purple.

Size: 28 × 47 mm (e = 0.80).

Used: 27 April 1946.

Rated: RRR.

2. RO2-TO in orange-red.

Size: 32 × 51 mm (e = 0.78).

Used: 18 May 1942(?) - 30 November 1950.

Rated: RRR.

A Post Office was established as Moorabbin with a change of name from South Brighton on 17 May 1909. A Telegraph Office was established soon after at the Post Office. Telegraph Offices had opened at East and South Brighton in July 1892.

In July 1909 the telegraph lines between Moorabbin and East St. Kilda were blown down in a storm and interrupted communications for several hours.

8 June 1955 in black.
Date not horizontal.

Used on AW-DO-10A (51).

12 November 1955.
Date low.

Used on AW-GC-54B.

11 November 1955.
Date moved to the left.

Used on AW-GC-54B.

12 November 1955.
Date is diagonal.

Used on AW-GS-54A.

11 November 1955.
Date inverted.

Used on AW-GC-54B.

The Telegraph Office at Niddrie was opened in ??

A rubber oval TELEGRAPH SECTION date stamp was used in violet.

Size: 32½ × 51½ mm (e = 0.78).

Used: 19 February 1982.

Rated: RRR.

The Telegraph Office was opened at North Melbourne ...

1. a 2 hole Belt & Buckle date stamp:

Used in black: 3 January 1888 to 1892.

Size: 28 × 40 mm (e = 0.71).

Rated: RRR.

Number in the Census: 4.

Used in blue: 26 November 1888.

Size: 28 × 40 mm (e = 0.71)

Rated: RRRR.

2. A rubber oval Telegraph Office date stamp (RO3 - TO).

Used in violet: 21 December 1940 to 30 December 1940.

Size: 28 × 48 mm (e = 0.81).

Rated: RRR.

3. A rubber oval Telegraph Office date stamp (RO2 - TO).

Used in violet: 8 December 1975 to 3 February 1982.

Size: 30 × 47 mm (e = 0.77).

Rated: RRR.

Number in the Census: 3.

100th birthday wishes from Queen Elizabeth to Miss E. Berry at Parkville
showing the use of one of the three known strikes of the North Melbourne RO2-TO oval date stamp.

See also Malcolm Fraser for a complement to this telegram from the Queen..

The Telegraph Office was opened in August 1872 after telegraphic communication had been established on 1 August.

Prahran was issued with three types of date stamp for use with telegrams.

1. a one hole Belt & Buckle date stamp.

Used: 30 September 1881 to
13 Februry 1894.

Size: 27 × 38 mm (e = 0.70).

Rated: RR.

8 May 1893.

Mossgreen March 2015, Lot 132.

25 April 1892.

Used in blue: 24 June 1889 to 30 December 1893.

Size: 27 × 38 mm (e = 0.70).

Rated: RRRR.

2. a rubber oval TELEGRAPH OFFICE (RO3-TO) date stamp.

Used in violet: 23 August 1940.

Size: 28 × 47 mm (e = 0.80).

Rated: RRR.

23 August 1940.

Used on AB-DO-8H.

25 January 1974.

Used on AA-DO-13D.

Reservoir.

A Receiving Office was opened about 1921. A Post (& Telegraph?) Office was opened on 11 October 1926.

A Telegraph Office was opened at the Railway Station about 1910 when the Preston Reservoir Railway Station was renamed. That Office was closed on 24 August 1924. It may therefore have been merged with the Post Office.

The Telegraph Office was issued with a rubber rectangular TELEGRAPH OFFICE date stamp (RRH1-TO).

Used: 22 September 1975.

Size: 23 × 37 mm.

Rated: RRR.

Number in the Census: 1.

The Telegraph Office was opened in January 1872.

Richmond was issued with three formats of date stamps for use with telegraphic matters:

1. a 1 hole Belt & Buckle date stamp.

Used in black: 21 June 1880 to
10 May 1894.

Size: 27 × 38 mm (e = 0.70).

Rated: R.

Number in the Census: 15+

21 June 1880.
Used on VC-DO-9.

Earliest recorded date for a black B&B at Richmond.
The 3rd earliest recorded use of a Belt & Buckle date stamp
(behind Clunes on 1 April 1880 and Collingwood 11 June 1880).

Used in blue; 11 April 1883 to 16 September 1886

Size: 27 × 38 mm (e = 0.70).

Rated: RRRR.

Number in the Census: 4.

18 March 1890
(year confirmed elsewhere on the delivery form).

Used on VC-DO-11C.

2. a rubber rectangular TELEGRAPH date stamp (RRH1-T) with:

Used in purple: 12 January 1970.

Size: 28 × 43 mm.

Rated: RRR.

3. a rubber circular TELEGRAPH OFFICE (RC2-TO) date stamp:

Used: 6 July 1971.

Size: 32 mm.

Rated: RRRR.

Number in the Census: 1.
(no other example recorded by specialists).

The Telegraph Office was opened in April 1876. There was certainly some opposition to this office - in the Legislative Assembly on 8 March 1876, it was stated that

"there was no objection to the establishment of a post office savings bank in Swan Street, South Richmond, but that it was thought the establishment of a telegraph office there would not benefit the district".

Used in black: 10 June 1891 to
20 December 1892.

Size: 28 × 39 mm (e = 0.70).

Rated: RRR

Number in the Census: 3.

10 June 1891.
Cover from Richmond South to Melbourne.
Chris Rainey March 2014.

St. Albans.

The Telegraph Office was opened

An oval rubber TELEGRAPH OFFICE date stamp (RO2-TO) was issued to the Office.

Used: 15 April 1983 (only recorded date).

Size: 31 × 50 mm (e = 0.78).

Rated: RR.

The Telegraph Office was opened in February 1871 although the three mile telegraph line had been completed in 1870. In February 1875, tenders were called for the construction of a new Post & Telegraph Office.

St. Kilda was issued with a 1 hole Belt & Buckle date stamp which was used in black.

Size:

Used: 17 February 1891 and
17 September 1894.

Rated: RR.

Number in the Census: 7.

Provenance: Elsmore.

Provenance: Freeman.

Prestige Philately Sale 173 (May 2012) Lot 730.
Millennium Auctions Sale 57 (December 2013) Lot 365.

1. RO3-TO in violet.
   Has 4 mm side decorations of a vertical line from a horizontal in opposite directions on either side.

Size: 28 × 47 mm (e = 0.82).

Used: 1 November 1941 to
5 September 1944.

1 November 1941.

Used on Congratulations form AB-GCF-39B.

30 August 1944.

Used on AW-DO-10 (1943).

15 June 1954.

Used on a delivery form AW-DO-10B (51)
with an international label (AW-LI-6B).

26 August 1965.

Used on a delivery form AA-DO-13D with
an OVERSEAS TELEGRAM label.

5. RO6-TO in violet.
   No side arcs but has postcode.

Size: 32 × 52 mm (e = 0.79).

Used: 13 May 1982 to 22 January 1987.

Rated: RR.

13 May 1982 (earliest recorded date).

St. Kilda West.

The Telegraph Office was opened in December 1878.

South Melbourne (previously Emerald Hill).

The Telegraph Office opened about 8 February 1872. The Argus reported on that day:

"The electric telegraph has been extended to Emerald Hill and the new post and telegraph office in Clarendon Street, near Dorcas Street, is now open and available to the public. This extension will supply a want that has been long felt in one of the busiest suburbs".

The name was changed to South Melbourne on 21 November 1883.

The office was issued with two formats for date stamps used with telegraphic matters:

1. A one hole Belt and Buckle date stamp.

Used in black: 17 December 1886 to 2 February 1894.

Size: 26.5 × 37.5 mm (e = 0.71).

Rated: RR.

Belt & Buckle date stamp was applied to the flap on the reverse side - probably as an arrival backstamp on a cover from England.

Provenance: Hugh Freeman, Johnstone.

Provenance: Hugh Freeman, Johnstone.

2. a rectangular rubber TELEGRAPH SECTION date stamp (RRH1-TS):

Used in violet: 28 December 1983 (only recorded date).

Size: 28 × 49 mm.

Rated: RR.

South Yarra.

The Telegraph Office was opened in August 1872 after telegraphic communication had been established on 1 August.

South Yarra was issued with three types of date stamp for use with telegraphs:

1. a 1 hole Belt & Buckle date stamp used in black.

Used: 2 March 1889 and 26 July 1893.

Size: 28 × 39 mm (e = 0.70).

Rated: RRR.

Telegraphic Message delivery envelope with the Belt & Buckle date stamp shown above.

The date stamp is also known with three strikes on a cover to England 26 July 1893 (see Millennium December 2008 Sale 42, Lot 132).

2. a rubber oval Post & Telegraph Section (RO6-P&TS).

Used: December 1937.

Size:

Rated: RRR.

Number in the Census: 1.

3. a rubber rectangular TELEGRAPH date stamp (RRH1 - T).

Used in red: 9 June 1967.

Size: 30 × 38 mm.

Rated: RRR.

Number in the Census: 1.

4. a rubber rectangular TELEGRAPH date stamp (RRH-T) in violet.

Used: 23 September 1974.

Size: 28 × 44 mm

Rated: RR.

Number in the Census: 2.

5. a rubber circular TELEGRAPH date stamp RC-T in violet.

Used: 18 May 1984 and 27 September 1985.

Size: 29 mm diameter.

Rated: RRR.

Number in the Census: 3.

The Telegraph Office

A rubber rectangular POST OFFICE TELEGRAPH date stamp (RRH1-T) was used at Sunshine - in two sizes.

Size: 28 × 38 mm.

Used: 15 April 1983 (only recorded date).

Rated: RRR.

Number in the Census: 3.

Size: 25 × 36 mm.

Used: 31 July 1985
(only recorded date).

Rated: RRR.

Number in the Census: 1.

Surrey Hills.

The

Used: 13 November 1969.

Size: 27 × 45 mm.

Rated: RRRR.

Number if the Census: 1.
(No other example recorded by specialists).

The Telegraph Office

1. RO2-TO in purple.
   No telephone number under the date.

Size: 33 × 54 mm (e = 0.79).

Used: 19 January 1983 (only recorded date).

Rated: RRR.

2. RO2-TO in black.
   Has a telephone number under the date.

Size: 33 × 53 mm (e = 0.78).

Used : 13 February 1986.

Rated: RRR.

Windsor.

The Telegraph

A 2 hole Belt & Buckle date stamp was issued to the office at Windsor.

Used in black: 26 February 1892 to 3 May 1893.

Size: not been seen complete.

Rated: RRR.