Yarrowee Hall

Yarrowee Hall is a large home in Darling Street, Redan.

The house is at 1 Darling Street. It is listed on the Victorian Heritage Database.

It was built c.1870 as the home for Robert Malachy Serjeant, who was the manager of the Band and Albion Mine.

Attempted burglary
In July 1898 a attempted burglary was foiled by the occupants: "An exciting encounter with a burglar was experienced at an early hour yesterday morning by Mrs R. M. Serjeant, Redan. The lady was disturbed about half-past two by seeing a glimmer of light from one of the rooms of her borne. She left her room in order to investigate, and noticed a dark figure slip hurriedly into the pantry. The discovery was naturally a great shock to Mrs Serjeant, but, with great presence of mind, the simply commanded the marauder to come out immediately. He did so, but at the same time he made a dash for the outer door, and succeeded in getting away just as Mr Serjeant, who had been aroused by the unusual sounds, appeared on the scene, armed with a loaded revolver."

Arson attack
In July 1908 an attempt was made to set fire to the house: "SUSPECTED INCENDIARISM. What is deemed to have been a carefully-devised scheme to burn down Yarrowee Hall, the residence of Mr. W. H. Sewell, at Redan, Ballarat, is the subject of police inquiry. Mr. Sewell is a prominent investor in the Plateau and other mines, and his house is an extensive building at the corner of Darling-street and Campbell's parade. While walking round the house last Thursday morning, Mrs. Sewell saw a parcel lying under a bedroom window not far from the street. She examined it, and speedily concluded that an attempt at incenidarism had been made. Mr. Sewell found that the parcel consisted of a small box, wrapped in a woman's undergarment. The box contained a quantity of finely-shredded bark saturated with kerosene, and a piece of candle 3in. in length. Two holes had been made in the box, evidently to allow of the entry of air, but the flannel garment had been, pulled too closely over the box, and had seemingly led to the extinguishing of the candle, which had been placed in such a position that it would have burned for some minutes before reaching the bark. This would have enabled the incendiarist to get well away from the building before the flames broke out. The box had the name 'MacRobertson' on it, and was similar to those issued by that firm at Christmas time. The word 'Christmas' also appeared on the side of the box. The detectives are satisfied that a deliberately-planned attempt was made to destroy the house and its furnishings, and that it was unsuccessfully put into execution on the night prior to its discovery. They are hopeful that the flannel garment will assist them in finding the delinquent. Mr. Sewell is at a loss to account for the malicious action. He states, that he cannot think of anyone who would be likely to try to injure him or his property."

In July 1908, a local man was charged with attempting to burn the house down: ALLEGED INCENDIARISM. Edward Bond, an elderly man, described as a mining investor, was, at the Ballarat Court on Friday, charged with attempting to burn down "Yarrowee Hall," at Campbell-crescent, Redan, the residence of Mr. W. H. Sewell, chairman of the Star of the East and other companies. Sub-Inspector Ryan prosecuted, and Mr. Fred. Ham defended the accused, who appealed on bail. Mr. Sewell gave evidence that on going to bed on the night of the 1st inst. he smelt something burning, but did not detect the cause. The box containing splintered wood and bark saturated with kerosene (produced), which was found against the wall of the house, was shown to him on the following day. He undoubtedly regarded it as a serious matter. He did not know accused at all. One of the companies on which he was a director was the British Lion. He had told all his friends that the shares were worth buying. Mr. Ham objected to the line of examination on the part of Sub-Inspector Ryan, who replied that he was desirous of showing that the shares had become worthless. Mrs. Sewell gave evidence corroborative of the testimony of her husband as to the firebox having been found on the verandah, close to the wall of the main building.

Thos. E. Greenhalgh, fruiterer, carrying on business at 508 Skipton-street, and living in Yarrowee-parade said that accused rented the back portion of the shop premises. On one occasion prisoner made inquiries regarding Mr. Sewell, and he went to have a look-at him. On returning, however, he told witness Mr. Sewell had boarded a tramcar, and he could not see him. Witness stated that he remembered Bond returning home on the evening of 1st July between 5.30 and 6 o'clock. Witness left for his own home shortly afterwards, and know nothing of Bond's subsequent movements. A short end of paling, said to have been found in the firebox, was fitted into a length alleged to have been found in Bond's room, and they corresponded perfectly.

Alfred G. Serjeant, mine manager, deposed that about three months ago he had had a conversation with Bond about British Lion shares, telling him, on the authority of Mr. Sewell, that they were "all right," and that Mr. Sewell had advised him (witness) to buy shares himself. Bond told witness that he bought shares, but whether, before or after this incident witness was unable to say. Mr. Sewell had told witness that he had bought 1,200 shares. They were quoted at the time at 1s. 8d. and 1s. 10d. Witness did not buy the shares, which came down a little later to 4d. Bond seemed upset once when witness was sitting in Greenhalgh's shop, he fancied he heard Bond exclaim, "My God! What have I done, to be robbed like this!" He was unable to say that this remark had anything to do with the British Lion transaction. A deal of other evidence having been heard, the Bench committed Bond for trial, bail being allowed in the sum of £100.

In spite of the evidence, the jury acquitted Bond at the trial: BALLARAT SUPREME COURT. Wednesday, 19th August. (Before His Honor Sir John Madden.) ATTEMPTED ARSON ALLEGED. THE BALLARAT SOUTH CASE. EDWARD BOND ON TRIAL. THE ACCUSED ACQUITTED. The hearing in the charge of attempting to set fire to the dwelling house of Mr Wm. H. Sewell, the well known mining investor, preferred against Edward Bond, a middle aged man, was continued. Mr F. Ham defended, and Mr Gurner prosecuted. On the previous day the evidence of Detective Rogerson was heard. Dr Gardiner deposed that he had been attending Senior-Constable Evans, who was a Crown witness and who was so ill that he could not attend the court. Detective Armstrong stated that he was in the police court on the 17th July when Senior-Constable Evans gave his evidence. The prisoner was defended by counsel, who had an opportunity of cross-examining the Senior-Constable.

At this stage the Crown prosecutor put in the depositions of Senior-Constable Evans, taken at the City Court. Armstrong, continuing, stated that on the 9th July he took possession of a small deal box, which contained pieces of wood, bark, flannel and a piece of candle. Some of the bark was charred and the contents of the box smelt strongly of kerosene. There was a piece of flannel wrapped around the box and it was damp with kerosene. Witness had been told that the box and its contents were found on the front verandah of Mr Sewell’s house at Campbell’s Crescent; on the 2nd July. Witness then corroborated the evidence tendered on Tuesday by Detective Rogerson with regard to an interview with the prisoner on the 9th July. Prisoner was shown how a piece of wood found in the box fitted, a piece found at his own home, and he admitted that they were the same. Witness found two bone buttons in the fireplace at Bond’s rooms and the prisoner when shown them said he had cut thorn off a pair of underpants a year before and had thrown them in the fire on the previous day. Witness asked how it was that the buttons had been off the underpants for a year and had only been put in the fire on the previous day. Bond said they had been lying about on the floor and on the sofa. Witness pointed out to Bond that the two buttons exactly fitted two button holes in the piece of flannel underpants wrapped about the box found on Mr Sewell’s verandah. Cross-examined by Mr Ham, witness said he did not see the piece of candle in the box when it was handed to him. The piece of candle had been in the box at the detective office since the City Court case. No one had tampered in any way with the candle. When the box was first handed to him everything was covered with kerosene.

William Henry Sewell, mining investor, residing in Campbell’s Crescent, said he was chairman of directors of the Normanby North Gold Mining Co. and a director of the British Lion Coy. The house in which he lived was his own property. On the night of the 1st July Mrs Tweedie was at his house and she remained there until 9.45. Witness went into the front bedroom at about 10 o’clock, and when he had been there for a few minutes he smelt fire. Next day at midday he was shown the fire box produced. There was a strong smell of kerosene about it. Some of the chips and bark in the box had been partly burnt. He at once sent for Detective Armstrong and they had a talk at the house about the matter. Next day, in consequence of his suspicions witness sent for Armstrong again and he then emptied out the contents of the box and found a piece of candle. On the morning of the 2nd July witness found distinct footprints in the garden which he could positively say were not there on the previous evening. To Mr Ham.—He had no hesitation in swearing that the candle (produced) was the same as that found in the firebox. There were seven persons in the house on the night of the 1st July and none of them heard any noise outside. The light of the diningroom would shine on the verandah and anyone coming in could see it. He was interested in about a dozen mines. He had told his brother-in-law, Mr Serjeant, that British Lion were worth buying. That was when they were from 1s 8d to 1s 10d. To Mr Gurner.—When he told his brother-in-law British Lion wore worth buying he gave an honest opinion. He bought 6000 shares at the same time himself.

Eliza Sewell, wife of the last witness, stated that at 10.30 on the morning, of the 2nd July she found the box produced on the front verandah. It was against the wall of the house, and was all covered in. She spoke to the gardener, Frank Osborne, who took the box to the kitchen, opened it, and closed it up again, after ascertaining what the contents were. There was a piece of flannel tied round the box, and a piece of brown paper was standing on the top of it. At midday on the 2nd July Detective Armstrong called at the house, and saw the box. He came again the next day, and turned the box out, and witness saw the piece of candle. It was very similar to the candle produced.

Daisy Tweedie, married woman, stated that she left Mrs Sewell’s house to catch a tram-car on the night of the 1st July. When going out she noticed a peculiar smell of burning, with a kerosene flavor, and she thought it was the bath-heater. Francis D. Osborne, gardener, employed by Mr Sewell, deposed that on the morning of the 2nd July he took the box produced from Mr Sewell's verandah. It was close against a weatherboard wall. He opened the box, and saw chips and bark in it.. No candle was visible at the time.

Thomas Ed. Greenhalgh, fruiterer, of Skipton street, stated that, for some months the prisoner had rented rooms at his premises. He had heard the prisoner talk of shares, and had spoken of mining directors. Three months ago Bond said to witness—"It’s a funny thing I’ve never seen this. Mr Sewell." A month later when at the front door of his shop, witness saw Mr Sewell talking to Constable Hooley, and he drew the prisoner’s attention to the matter. When leaving the shop Bond said he was going to see him, and when he returned later he remarked that Mr Sewell had boarded a tram car, and that he had not got a good look at him. Boxes like the one produced were generally in the shop kept by witness, and prisoner could have got them had he liked. On the night of the 1st July Bond was talking with him from about 5 o’clock until 8.45.

Alfred George Serjeant, mine manager; living in Skipton street, said he had known the prisoner for from 12 to 13 months. He had on two occasions conversed with him on mining investments, and Mr Sewell’s name was mentioned. At the end of April or the beginning of May Bond asked him if he could give him any information about British Lion shares. He said he would see Mr Sewell. He did so and on Mr Sewell’s information he told the prisoner British Lion were worth buying. The shares were then valued at from 1s 8d to Is 10d. In from a week to 10 days they fell to 4d. After the drop he saw Bond, who was upset about the depreciation in the share values. He had after heard the prisoner say, "My God, what have I done to be robbed like this?" He had complained that the mining manager's reports had not appeared in Monday's newspapers for the information of shareholders, and he referred particularly to the British Lion. Bond said he believed the information was being purposely held back. Mr Ham -- Did you buy any of these shares yourself? --No. What! after getting the straight up from your brother-in-law? --I went to the Exchange with the intention of buying, but after seeing some of the stone and consulting my broker, I decided not to purchase. Constable Hooley, stationed at Redan, stated that on the 8th July he saw the pine box, and the contents included the piece of candle produced. On the following day he put a mark on the candle for identification purposes On the 9th July Witness, with Senior-Constable Evans and the two detectives, went to Bond’s house, and interviewed him about the matter. Corroboration of evidence given by the detectives was given by witness. Bond told him he had lost £60 or £70 in British Lion shares. He also told witness he had lost from £6000 to £7000 in mining, and had never made a profit in a share transaction. This was the case for the Crown.

Alfred E. King, managing solicitor's clerk, said he inspected the contents of the fire-box on three occasions. At the Police Court he closely examined the piece of candle said to have been found in the box. He measured it, and it was three inches in length. If the candle produced was the same piece that was produced at the Police Court, nearly an inch of it had been consumed. The court piece was clean, without a mark of any kind on it. He looked particularly for marks, and found none. Frederick Ham; barrister and solicitor, deposed that he conducted the case for the defence at the City Court. The candle produced was not in the same condition as when it was seen by him at the police court. It was shorter in length, and had guttering on it, whereas at the City Court it was clean. Mr Gurner—-Why did you examine this candle so closely in the police court ?—l knew the inference was that the candle caused the fire in the box, and that is why I examined it so. Mr Sewell in his evidence said the candle had been burning for some time, and I desired to find whether this was so. I also desired to test the truth of my client’s story. What other reason had you for examining the candle so closely?—l could not understand how this piece of candle was not melted altogether, seeing that it was in a box with burning bark and chips, and was covered with kerosene. Bertram Whitington, a member of the School of Mines staff, stated that he had examined the contents of the box. His opinion as an expert man was that had the candle been in the box with fire and kerosene it must have been consumed. His opinion was that the burnt material had been put in the box when it went out. Mr Gurner obtained permission to call-another witness. Sub-Inspector Ryan deposed that he conducted the case for the Crown in the police court. When the candle was called for he asked the police to produce it, and it was handed to him, and then on to Mr Ham or his clerk. If the candle produced was not the same it was a mould of it.

Mr Ham addressed the jury on behalf of the prisoner. He said he had no hesitation in declaring that his client was no incendiary. Bond had come to Ballarat after amassing considerable wealth, because he thought the climate here would agree with his health, and since he had been here he had lost heavily in mining speculations. The explanation of the prisoner for the whole business was this. He imagined that Mr Sewell had wronged him, put some burnt bark and chips with a piece of candle in the box, nailed the box up, tied a cloth around it, and left it harmlessly in Mr Sewell’s verandah. If the Crown story was to be believed then the prisoner either lighted the contents of the box before he left home, and then carried it through the streets, or he arranged the material in the box and set fire to them at Sewell’s. Both theories failed to hold water. No man would be fool enough to carry a box of fire through the streets, and no man would be idiotic enough to take a box to a person’s verandah, arrange the contents, set fire to them, nail the lid on the box, and tie a cloth round it. The prisoner had committed not a crime, but an act of folly, and under the circumstances he asked the jury to accept the story, of the defence, and to bring in a verdict of not guilty. Bond read from the dock, a statement setting out that he had no desire or intention whatever to injure Mr Sewell’s property. He had committed an impulsive and foolish act, for which he was very sorry. He repeated the story of his counsel that the box was not alight when he placed it on Mr Sewell’s verandah; He felt that Mr Sewell had been guilty of very sharp practices in connection with mining affairs, and he (the prisoner) and other investors had suffered much in consequence of Mr Sewell’s misrepresentation and misleading reports. His object in placing the box on Mr Sewell’s verandah was to frighten him, and bring him to a sense of his wrong doing. He repeated, that there was not a particle of fire in the box when he left it on the verandah, and that he had no desire to injure any one. Bond stated that he came to this country a few months ago a wealthy man, and now he was ruined in consequence of mining transactions.

The Crown prosecutor, in a short address, ridiculed the feasibility of the prisoner’s story, and asked the jury to say that Bond with malice left the box of fire on the verandah, and that but for want of draught he would have succeeded in his purpose.

His Honor summed up impartially The jury at 4.20 retired, and 10 minutes later returned a verdict of not guilty, and Bond was discharged. The court adjourned sine die.

Garden Party
The house was used to host a garden party in April 1910: "Mrs. W. H. Sewell, president of the Ballarat Ladies' Art Association, gave a garden party on Friday afternoon at her residence, 'Yarrowee Hall,' Redan. About 150 ladies were present, including Mrs. Deakin, wife of the ex-Prime Minister. Afternoon tea was served on the spacious gardens surrounding 'Yarrowee Hall,' and music was supplied by an operatic band. The programme included a game of golf, in which gentlemen were permitted to compete. The competition, which was for handsome trophies, was won by Messrs. C. Sewell and R. Chandler."

Other websites

 * Victorian Heritage Database