Buckshot Bear

That's not fair.....its one visit from Santa per house!!!!!

'THE HEALTHIEST PLAY IS OUTDOOR PLAY!' Sydneysider John Heine began manufacturing flat-framed tricycles in 1913. By 1926 Heine's company, Cyclops, was supplying wheeled toys such as doll's prams and pedal cars to stores across Australia. In the 1950s Cyclops was acquired by British toy conglomerate, Lines Bros, but continued to operate from their Leichhardt factory until 1985. In 1992 Cyclops returned to Australian ownership and bicycles are being still being manufactured under the company name today. Cyclops advertisement, Australian Women’s Weekly, 30 July 1952,

Aussie Flying Fox

“THE PETROV AFFAIR” - Russian spy couple who defected to Australia during Cold War Brisbane Times. A defected Cold War spy, a man losing his trousers during a drunken brawl on the Gold Coast and Australian secret service operatives breaking into the Russian embassy in Canberra to steal a dog - all of these incidents are connected by one man, Vladimir Petrov. The information provided by Mr Petrov and his wife after their defection to Australia exposed 600 Russian spies across the world, but they were a nightmare for the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation to keep an eye on. On the night of November 27, 1956, the Petrovs were on holiday in Surfers Paradise with new identities and new lives after defecting two years earlier. They were staying in a flat with ASIO minders and about 8pm Mr Petrov went for a walk, ending up at the Surfers Paradise Hotel. Several hours later, he walked home in darkness, drunk. He went into a flat, adamant this was where him and his wife were staying, but he was wrong. A man at the residence said "you don't belong here" and Mr Petrov, in his drunken state, thought the remark meant he didn't belong in the country. A fight broke out, during which Mr Petrov's trousers were ripped off. The police were called and after being wrestled to the ground by four or five officers, Mr Petrov was arrested. He was taken to Southport police station and the arresting officers had recognised him from the extensive media coverage of his defection. At the station, Mr Petrov was adamant his name was Jack Olsen, which was a completely false name and not even associated with his new identity, despite officers telling him they recognised him as the famous former Russian spy. Eventually he was charged with drunkenness, however when paramedics arrived to treat him for a cut lip and bleeding nose he openly told them his real name was in fact Vladimir Petrov. He spent the night in a cell and returned home early the next morning to find his wife had slept through the entire ordeal. The Surfers Paradise incident was just one small part of the saga known as The Petrov Affair. It all started in 1951, with the arrival of Russian diplomat Vladimir Mikhailovich Petrov and his wife, Evdokia Alexeyevna. They were actually experienced Soviet spies. They were both assigned to the Russian embassy in Canberra. Mr Petrov's role in Australia was to decode intelligence from Moscow and establish a network of spies, as the Cold War was heating up. Five months after his arrival, Mr Petrov was befriended by Dr Michael Bialoguski, a Russian-speaking Polish immigrant. On the surface, they both shared common interests of drinking and women, but Dr Bialoguski was also a part-time ASIO informant who had been ordered to persuade Mr Petrov to defect. ASIO saw this as their chance to get Mr Petrov, so on February 21, 1954, deputy director Ron Richards came to Dr Bialoguski's flat and offered the former Russian spy political asylum in Australia. It took some negotiating, but on April 4, Mr Petrov officially defected. Once the Russians got word of the defection, they placed Mrs Petrov under house arrest at the embassy. On April 19, she was put on a flight bound for Russia. The first part of the flight saw Mrs Petrov and her two armed Russian minders land in Darwin for refuelling, this was where ASIO and local police hatched their plan. As Mrs Petrov and her minders disembarked, the Russians were disarmed and taken away. Mrs Petrov was then put on the phone with her husband, who the Russians had told her was dead, and just 15 minutes before the flight was scheduled to leave, she defected as well. Thanks to the extensive press coverage of the defections, Australians were overjoyed that the Russian couple would both remain in the country. The defections were portrayed as 'good triumphed over evil'. The Petrovs were given a new life, new identities and in exchange gave a wealth of valuable information. The Russians severed diplomatic relations with Australia after the affair, it would be five years before their embassy in Canberra reopened and another four years before an ambassador was allowed. The Petrovs went on to give evidence at the Royal Commission into Espionage in 1954, while Dr Bialoguski sold the story of his involvement in the defections to the newspapers and wrote a book. The Russian couple became Sven and Maria Anna Allyson and lived in Melbourne. Mr Petrov went on to work as a film developer and his wife found employment as a typist. They also published a book. In 1974, Mr Petrov suffered a series of strokes which saw him live the rest of his life in a Melbourne nursing home for 17 years. His wife visited at least once or twice per week. Vladimir Petrov died from pneunomia, aged 84, on June 14, 1991. Evdokia Petrov died as a result of a back operation, aged 87, on July 19, 2002. PHOTO - Mrs Petrov being escorted by two Soviet officials onto a plane bound for Russia at Mascot Airport in April, 1954.

They both are icons to me.

Just loved these comic books as a kid.....read them till they fell apart.

Air Mail - 1956 Stella Barnes (left) stands with three barefoot Aborigine women and hands a bag of mail to a man who kneels in the open doorway of a cargo airplane on the runway at Brunette Downs, Australia, August 25, 1956. The cattle station covers more than 5,000 square miles of outback in Australia's Northern Territory.

Shooting party at Dillalah, Queensland, August 1907. In the early 1900s, Queensland, Australia was a haven for shooting enthusiasts, boasting expansive landscapes and abundant wildlife. Shooting parties became a popular pastime among the upper class, providing an opportunity to revel in the great outdoors, display hunting skills, and socialize with like-minded individuals. This article explores the allure of shooting parties during this era and their significance within the cultural fabric of Queensland. 1. The Rise of Shooting Parties: The tradition of shooting parties in Queensland can be traced back to British colonial influence, where recreational hunting was deeply ingrained in the aristocratic culture. As settlers arrived in Queensland, they brought with them the enthusiasm for this recreational pursuit, adapting it to the unique Australian landscape. The state's diverse ecosystems, including vast bushlands, rolling hills, and coastal plains, offered an array of hunting opportunities, attracting both locals and international visitors alike. 2. The Social Aspect: Shooting parties were not only an opportunity for individuals to showcase their hunting prowess but also a means of social interaction and networking. Affluent landowners often hosted these events, inviting fellow aristocrats, wealthy businessmen, and influential figures. Such gatherings provided a platform for establishing connections, discussing matters of interest, and building social capital. 3. The Sporting Challenge: The thrill of the hunt was a major draw for shooting party participants. Whether it was fowl, deer, or other game animals, the challenging pursuit of a successful shot demanded a combination of skill, patience, and precision. Participants had to develop a keen sense of observation, understand the behavior of their targets, and adapt to the ever-changing Queensland environment. These hunts also tested their physical endurance and mental acuity, enhancing the overall experience. 4. Conservation and Wildlife Management: While shooting parties were primarily focused on the sport of hunting, they also played a role in wildlife conservation and management. Many participants recognized the need to strike a balance between preserving the natural environment and indulging in hunting activities. Queensland's shooting parties often adhered to strict regulations, ensuring the sustainability of wildlife populations and the preservation of natural habitats. 5. The Essence of Luxury: Shooting parties in early 1900s Queensland were synonymous with opulence and luxury. The extravagant events were characterized by lavish accommodations, fine dining, and entertainment. Participants would often be treated to sumptuous meals, prepared with the freshest local produce, and enjoyed in picturesque settings. The shooting parties provided a respite from the demands of city life and offered a chance to revel in the beauty of the Australian wilderness. 6. Changing Times: As the 20th century progressed, the popularity of shooting parties gradually waned. Changing societal attitudes towards hunting, increased urbanization, and the advent of stricter wildlife conservation laws contributed to the decline. Today, shooting parties in Queensland are less common, with a greater emphasis on ethical and sustainable practices. Conclusion: The shooting parties of early 1900s Queensland offered participants an unparalleled blend of sport, socialization, and immersion in the wonders of the Australian wilderness. These events not only served as a means of showcasing hunting skills but also fostered a sense of camaraderie among the elite. Although the era of shooting parties has largely passed, their legacy lives on, reminding us of a time when the pursuit of game and the appreciation of nature were intertwined.

Most Aussie kitchens had these back in the day, collectors items now.

Pay as you go coin operated gas meter