Time Travellers in Essendon, Flemington and the Keilor Plains
Businesses - Kensington
Kensington Skating Rink
By Lenore Frost
An etching of the Kensington Skating Rink in an advertisement in the North Melbourne Advertiser
18 Aug 1888, p 3.
This 1897 MMBW Plan shows the Kensington Skating Rink situated between Mulgrave Street to the north,
Smith Street at the south, and Rankins Rd on the east. The plan reveals that the construction of the building was in galvanised iron and weatherboards. Courtesy of the SLV Melbourne & Metropolitan
Board of Works detail plan, No 859, Borough of Flemington & Kensington.
An advertising campaign for the Kensington Skating Rink commenced in The Age in August 1888. The craze for skating in the late 1880s encouraged the construction of a huge venue, which allegedly held 2,000 spectators on its opening night.
The proprietor of the new Skating Rink was J W Munro. The Rink opened with a fanfare in August 1888.
A reverse of the gluggy black etching of the rink (top image), which didn't work a lot better, really.
North Melbourne Advertiser, 8 Sep 1888, p 3.
The identity of J W Munro remains obscure. The main references to him in Trove are connected with court cases, including fraudulent cheques and the larceny of a watch. (The Age, 27 Jul 1889)
Munro doesn't appear in any Melbourne directory of the period, or later electoral rolls. One can only conclude that he was a little bit shady.
A trespass case in the Flemington and Kensington Court in 1889 began with Munro's dealings for the land on which the skating rink was built.
The land in Rankins Rd had been owned by a Mr J Billin, who in June 1888 leased it to J W Munro. The lease was registered under the Transfer of Land Statute. Munro put up some buildings on the land, and then sub-leased it to Mr Abraham Goldberg in July 1888. In November Munro transferred his lease to Mr Gillespie , who had erected the buildings, but this lease was not registered. Gillespie then took possession, but Goldberg shortly after turned him out. Gillespie re-took possession, and then Goldberg brought an action for trespass. The case was heard in August 1889. Justice Holroyd was of the opinion that Goldberg was entitled to the property, and gave him a judgement for 1 shilling and granted him an injunction against Gillespie against further trespassing. (The Argus, 23 Aug 1889).
Although Munro had leased the land and buildings to Goldberg in July 1888, when the rink opened in August 1888, Munro was described as the proprietor. The initial employment of the Premier Fancy Trick Double and Burlesque Bicyclists of the World, the Kingsley Brothers, was a continuing theme, with cyclists' exhibitions and speed races between cyclists and skaters often being a feature of the entertainment.
Advertising (1888, August 14). The Age
(Melbourne, Vic. : 1854 - 1954), p. 10.
KENSINGTON SKATING RINK.—This, the latest addition to the suburban rinks, was
opened last Monday in the presence of over 2000 spectators. The floor is of well-seasoned Kauri pine, and measures 66 x 180, being one of the largest skating surfaces in the colony, and easily accommodates 800 skaters. The retiring rooms are large and lofty, and everything has been done to make a visit to the Kensington rink a pleasant outing. The trains run every few minutes, and the rink is close to the station. The well-known Kingsley Bros, will perform here for the balance of this week.
RINKING (1888, August 16). Melbourne Punch (Vic. : 1855 - 1900), p. 20.
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article174593427
Despite the praise for the hall upon its opening, in 1892 it was said that in respect to a dog and poultry show that It lacks equally in want of light, and though the judges were assisted with the full "strength" of the gas, they had no easy task to accomplish in making their awards. (Leader, 18 June 1892, p 12.)
The Kingsley Brothers had been accustomed to describing themselves as Champions of the World in their Melbourne performances, but in 1886 a couple of other contenders challenged the brothers to a contest for the title. Trove does not record whether this contest ever took place, but the Kingsley Brothers continued to entertain the crowds, and call themselves the Premier Champions of the World. They were popular entertainers and performed in every colony in Australia.
The Kensington Skating Rink was open daily, from 10 am to 12 noon for ladies, at a cost of 6d, and skates free, and from 2 to 5 pm, for 1 shilling, plus 6d for skates. In the evening the venue opened from 7.30 to 10 pm, with admission 1 shilling. A charge for skates at this time was not mentioned. Capable Instructors were in attendance, and an efficient band. Frequent trains came to the nearby station, and all this was on the Largest and Most Perfect Floor in Victoria. (North Melbourne Advertiser, 18 August 1888, p 3).
THE KENSINGTON SKATING RINK.
The Mayor (Cr. Millar), on Wednesday evening visited the Kensington Skating
Rink, and presented a gold medal given by Mr. Munro the proprietor for the two
mile bicycle race which was run last week and won by Mr. P. Child. After handing
the successful competitor the medal with some complimentary remarks, the Mayor
announced that Cr. Hardiman had very generously offered a valuable silver cup to
be run for on Thursday week by local competitors only. The proprietor wishes
it to be known that a Kensington Skating Club is now being formed, and in order
that it may be as select as possible, one night in each week will be set apart for
members alone. Those who intend joining the club are requested to leave their
names with the manager at the rink Rankin's road. The Kingsley brothers,
premier fancy double and burlesque bicyclists of the world have been giving
some most clever exhibitions at the rink, their extraordinary skill and mastery over
the machine being simply wonderful. On Wednesday evening a three mile
challenge race between J. White and S. Mannigan for £10 aside was decided, and
resulted after a most spirited contest in a win for White. The race for Cr. Hardiman's
silver cup should attract a number of entries and prove interesting from the fact of
those engaged being local gentleman.
THE KENSINGTON SKATING RINK. (1888, August 18). North Melbourne Advertiser (Vic. : 1873 - 1894), p. 3. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article66149720
Local Councillors were always willing to support local businesses, and local hotel proprietor, Cr Michael J Hardiman, was usually on hand to support sporting contests, as in this two mile bicycle challenge race:
KENSINGTON SKATING RINK,
Rankin's-road, Close to Station.
THURSDAY EVENING, 23rd AUGUST.
Two Mile Handicap Race, open to residents of
district only.
1st prize, Cup, presented by M. J. Hardiman, Esq.
2nd prize, Silver Medal.
A Two Mile Bicycle Challenge Race will take
Place on Thursday, 30th inst., between T. G. Tilley,
Suburban B.C. And C. Greenwood, Northern District
B.C., for £15 Cup.
Admission, 1s.
Advertising (1888, August 22). The Age (Melbourne : 1854 - 1954), p. 10.
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article196005885
Suburban Bicycle Club, 1892, Courtesy of the State Library of Victoria Collection, H6265
For names associated with this photo, see Suburban Bicycle Club.
KENSINGTON SKATING RINK.—This rink, which was opened about three weeks ago, has already become one of the most popular around Melbourne, the proprietor having spared neither expense nor untiring trouble to make it attractive. During the past week the Kingsley Brothers, the well-known fancy and burlesque bicyclists, gave exhibitions of their graceful and daring feats, which attracted large and admiring crowds. On Wednesday a three-mile challenge race on skates, between J. White and S. Manigan, resulted after a spirited contest in a win for the former, who on Saturday night added to his laurels by defeating F. Kingsley, the bicyclist, for a £10 trophy in a two-mile race, Skates versus Bicycle. On Thursday, the 23rd August, there will be a two-mile handicap race, open to residents of the district only, for a silver cup presented by Councillor M. J. Hardiman to the winner, and a silver medal to the second. The good arrangements at this rink, combined with the
excellence of the floor and its easy access from town, render it deservedly popular.
RINKING (1888, August 23). Melbourne Punch (Vic. : 1855 - 1900), p. 20.
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article174593482
In the following advertisement in The Age in October 1888, a new name to take notice of is Frank Dewick, who a few months afterwards was to become the new manager of the rink.
The Age, 1 Oct 1888, p 10.
Of the names mentioned in the above advertisement, H A Washburn was the manager of the Jubilee Skating Rink in Carlton, and T Dundas might have been related to F L Dundas of the Suburban Bicycle Club. A further event, "Bicycle vs Skates" was to be contest between Three Mile Race, between W. G. Norris, Suburban B.C., and H. A. Washburn, Champion Fast Roller Skater of the World. (The Age, 3 Sep 1888 p 8.)
KENSINGTON Skating Rink. — Wednesday,
3rd October, Complimentary Benefit to C.
Greenwood. The following artists will appear : —
H. Washburn, T. Dundas, F. Dewick, T. Hobson.
A Comic Dressed Polo Match, Grand March. Dance
10 till 12. Prices as usual.
Advertising (1888, October 1). The Age (Melbourne, Vic. : 1854 - 1954), p. 10.
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article193393967
Frank Dewick was a well-known fancy and burlesque skater prior to his time at the Kensington Rink. A shoemaker born in Derbyshire in England in 1864, Frank was often described as England's Champion Skater in promotional material for the Exhibition Skating Rink in Fitzroy. He gave performances of his fancy skating at various venues in Melbourne from 1887. Franks senior's son Frank junior said that his father was called “King of the Little Wheels”. Frank had previously lived in Hobart and skated there and also later in Sydney.
On 5 December 1888, he announced that the Kensington Skating Rink was under new management, and would re-open on 6 December, with free admission. The skating rink had possibly been closed for a time, most likely since Munro's inability to cover his cheques in August of that year.
The Age, 5 Dec 1888 p 8.
Dewick promised Fancy and Burlesque Skating and other novelties Every Evening. The event was Strictly Select. Mr Dewick became Professor Dewick, and often performed himself. A Grand Christmas Carnival was planned for Christmas Eve.
Fancy dress parades and competitions were a mainstay of promoting interest in skating rinks. Two men in the front row are wearing skates. The interior of the rink is dark and dingy, which was also a feature of the Kensington Skating Rink. This photo, though, is most likely from the early part of the 20th Century, well after the Kensington Rink closed. (Courtesy of the State Library of Victoria H2017.152.
The curious advertisement below appeared in The Age on 23 May 1889, but we don't know who wanted the Skate Boys, or for what purpose. It is not clear that it was Dewick.
The Age, 23 May 1889, p 8.
By July 1889 the Manager was Professor L Martin. Martin advertised a Great Challenge Race for £50 Aside, Between Doyle Shand Nandy, the Colored Champion Fast Skater, of lndia (first appearance in Australia) And Mr. S. White, the young Champion Short Distance Skater of Australia. (The Age, 18 Jul 1889).
The last time the Kensington Skating Rink was advertised in the Melbourne papers as a regular skating venue occurred on 19 October 1889. It carried Dewick's name, but may have been advertising placed in advance as Professor L Martin was claiming to be the manager in July 1889. It is possible skating continued for a short while without the cost of advertising, and merely a sign on the door, but it is hard to say. However, it is worth noting that the Moonee Ponds Skating Rink had likewise ceased advertising as an amusement on 29 June 1889. It would seem the craze had run its course. These buildings would now turn to alternate uses. The skating craze in Kensington had lasted no more than 14 months.
*********
TUG OF WAR COMPETITIONS
Irish Tug of War Team, 1892. Courtesy of the State Library of Victoria Collection. Webb & Webb, photographers. H96.160/2035
By 1892 Victoria was in the grip of a severe recession, with significant unemployment. In times like those sporting competitions were popular, particularly where there was the opportunity of cash prizes. And where there was a sporting contest, Councillor Hardiman was sure to be close at hand. In the contest below, held at the Kensington Skating Rink, teams were based on workplaces. Other contests involved teams based on suburbs, with local Councillors providing judging and administration.
SUBURBAN TUG-OF-WAR
At the Kensington Skating Rink, LAST Saturday a tug -of -war was held under
the auspices of Mr. M. Hardiman, at Macaulay-road, Kensington. Ten teams entered,
when the following were returned the winners: - New Zealand Loan, Kimpton's Flour
Mills, Fitts', Bulwer's, and the Laborers.
The pull is to be finished next Saturday afternoon- Two thousand people were present.
On Saturday, the 13th February, a Suburban Tug-of-War is to be commenced in the
Kensington Skating Rink. The idea is to obtain a team from all the suburbs, every
member of which will be compelled to certify that he is a bona fide resident in the suburb for which he enters. There will be four prizes— the first of £40 ; the second of £10 ;
and the third and fourth of £5 each. Each team will be required to deposit two guineas
as an evidence of bona fides; this amount ... be returned at the close of the
competition The tournament will be ...ief the same rules as that recently held at the Exhibition.
Next week particulars as to committee, officials, ...will appear. Entries can, in the mean-
...ie, be sent to Mr. Edwards, the manager, .... care of the Royal Mail Hotel, Bourke-
street, or Hardiman's Hotel, Kensington.
SUBURBAN TOG-OF-WAR (1892, February 2). Sportsman (Melbourne, Vic. : 1882 - 1904), p. 2. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article227695992
The Age, 16 Feb 1892, p 8
The Age 22 Feb 1892, p 6.
THE SUBURBAN TUG-OF-WAR will be continued in the Kensington Skating Rink to-night, when
the following teams will meet:-
Flemington and Kensington v. Carlton.
South Melbourne v. West Melbourne.
Port Melbourne v. Footscray.
Richmond v. North Melbourne
Collingwood v. Kensington Hill
Fitzroy, a bye
General Admission, ls; children under 12, 6d; reserve seats, 2s. Doors open at 7.15 : first pull at 8.15.
M J HARDIMAN, Treasurer.
T EDWARDS, Manager.
Advertising (1892, February 22). The Herald (Melbourne, Vic. : 1861 - 1954), p. 3.
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article241561724
ESSENDON DOG AND POULTRY SOCIETY SHOWS
Also taking advantage of a large, under cover events venue was the Essendon Dog and Poultry Society (later incorporating Canaries and Pigeons) which had a large annual shows there, the Essendon Town Hall having proved to be too small.
Victorian Poultry and Dog Show
The next show of the Essendon society is to be held in the Kensington skating rink, a build
ing which is said to be large enough to accommodate all the exhibits under cover. This is
good news, as had the show to be again held in the Moonee Ponds town hall it is hardly likely that the entries would be anything approaching those of Iast year.
NOTES. (1892, April 9). Leader (Melbourne, Vic. : 1862 - 1918, 1935), p. 12.
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article197978283
"Some of the exhibitors" at the Essendon Dog and Poultry Show, Weekly Times, 4 July 1896. As the show
was still being held at the Skating Rink at this time, the photograph may have been taken outside the old
rink. Nice to see the ladies exhibiting their poultry - or possibly dogs.
BICYCLE RIDING LESSONS
Whether this idea grew any legs is unknown, though a bicycle school at the St Kilda rink lasted for a few years.
The Age, 11 July 1896.
CHARITY BALL
We were very kindly invited by the secretary of the Flemington and Kensington
Ladies' Benevolent Society to attend the annual ball, in aid of the funds of the
society. We accepted,and were astonished at the immense crowd of dancers,
who had joined pleasure and philanthropy together by their attendance.
The Kensington skating rink is rather homely in appearance, but what is more
essential it is roomy, and best of all, possesses a splendid dancing floor. Big
as it is, the attendance filled it up, there being very few, if any, under five
hundred dancers, who were kept hard at it by Oyston's band, which we may
say is in the first rank of dance music purveyors. The gastronomical powers of the
company were catered for by Mr Arthur Crighton and his staff, and they managed
very well in satisfying the demands of the company, who like the rest of
civilization are mainly kept within bounds by their environments, and show their near
relationship to the savage on the slightest slackening of the conventional ropes, which
keep the old Adam in check. Mrs McPhail and her committee should feel greatly
elated at the success of their enterprise, which should bring a substantial increase to
the coffers of the society. Amongst those present we noticed a large representation
from North Melbourne, and other suburbs, which is a cheering evidence of the wide spread
sympathy the movement possesses.
News and Notes. (1896, July 17). North Melbourne Gazette (Vic. : 1894 - 1901), p. 2.
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article107122739
ATTEMPTS TO REVIVE SKATING
Amusements
KENSINGTON Skating Rink.— Invitation opening
Monday, 20th July; admission by card only
Apply to manager.
Advertising (1896, July 17). The Age (Melbourne, Vic. : 1854 - 1954), p. 8.
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article190615627
A meeting of the Melrose Football Club was held at McArthur's Melrose
Hotel, Flemington-road, last Friday evening, there being about 30 members
present. Mr. J. Collison occupied the chair, and stated that the entertainment
committee had decided upon holding a social in the Kensington Skating Rink
on Thursday, May 10th.
West Melbourne Football Club. (1897, March 26). North Melbourne Courier
and West Melbourne Advertiser (Vic. : 1895 - 1913), p. 3.
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article103237922
WEDDINGS, FUNERALS, ANYTHING
KENSINGTON Skating Rink, large building, suitable
any purpose : 20s. per week and rates. -
Advertising (1899, October 20). The Age (Melbourne, Vic. : 1854 - 1954), p. 3.
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article188654482
RAT INFESTATIONS
In 1900 a bubonic scare erupted when a Kensington family living in Mulgrave Street, on one side of the Skating Rink, was suspected of having bubonic plague. Marilyn Kenny wrote about this in her story on Poverty, Plague, Pestilence.The family was quarantined, their furnishing and clothing burnt, and a wide hunt for rodents as plague carriers had locals reporting that the Skating Rink was alive with rats. Although the rat plague was evidently true, no trace of the bubonic plague could be found, but nevertheless, the Council determined that the building be condemned, and demolished. A Notelet in the North Melbourne Courier and West Melbourne Advertiser on 28 December 1900 reported that the demolition had occurred.
The house in which the two dead cats were found is one door from the skating
rink, which has been out of use for several years, except for an annual dog and poultry
show. The place, is an eyesore, and the residents in the vicinity state that it is alive
with rats.
KENSINGTON SANITATION. (1900, May 25). The Age (Melbourne, Vic. : 1854 - 1954), p. 6.
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article190052295
AT KENSINGTON.
In Kensington, the uneasy feeling experienced by residents a week ago has sub
sided, since no further suspicious eases have occurred. Dr. Sinclair, at the Kensington
depot for rats, on Saturday dissected several rodents, and acknowledged that he
could not detect any plague symptoms. Dr. Flanagan, the local health officer, has been
instructed to report on the condition of the Kensington Skating Rink at next
council meeting. A dog and poultry show is advertised to he held in the building next
month, but it is quite on the cards that the building will be condemned before that
date.
AT KENSINGTON. (1900, May 30). The Age (Melbourne, Vic. : 1854 - 1954), p. 8.
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article190058181
The Essendon Society have been compelled to cancel the canine classes from
their catalogue for the show of next week. Arrangements had been made to
hold the show in the Kensington Skating Rink, but the Board of Health declined
to allow the show to be held there.
NOTES BY "STANDARD" (1900, June 9). Weekly Times (Melbourne, Vic. : 1869 - 1954), p. 43.
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article222247631
The supporters of the canine section of the Essendon Dog and Poultry
Society were disappointed last season through the executive cutting out the
classes for dogs at the last moment. This was, however, through no fault of the
committee, but arose through the action of the Board of Health in refusing to
allow the show to be held in the Kensington Skating Rink. The building that
was afterwards secured for the show was only large enough for poultry,
pigeons, etc., and the committee had no alternative but to allow the dog section
to lapse. The same difficulty has again occurred this season, as the Rink is now
pulled down.
NOTES BY "STANDARD." (1901, March 2). Weekly Times (Melbourne, Vic. : 1869 - 1954), p. 42.
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article223795911
Two relics of the boom in roller skating have been removed by the demolition of the Kensington rink, and the burning of the St. Kilda one. ....The skating rink rage seems to have, on the whole, departed never to return.
North Melbourne Courier and West Melbourne Advertiser, 28 Dec 1900, p2.
See also Moonee Ponds Skating Rink
SOURCES
Moonee Ponds Skating Rink by Lenore Frost
Poverty, Plague, Pestilence by Marilyn Kenny
Suburban-Bicycle-Club by Lenore Frost
Jan Melville for comments relating to Frank Dewick
Ancestry family trees
State Library of Victoria collections for images
Trove newspapers
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