History and Provenance
This 6 NHP compound roller ( 4 1/2" and 6 7/8" cylinders with 8" stroke )
was purchased new from the importers, Noyes Bros. (Melbourne) Pty. Ltd. by the Latrobe municipal Council in 1927
and worked continuously within the shire until 1963 when, after the completion of
road reconstruction between Latrobe and Devonport it was consigned to a children's playground
in the Apex Park in Latrobe. This was a joint community project by the Latrobe Rotary and Apex clubs.
A portion of the Works Order Register made out to Noyes Bros can be viewed by clicking here.
The current owner is in possession of a complete copy of Works order number EO 1151 which
includes not only the roller but additional associated equipment.
The Roller was recovered from the playground in 1970 by replacing it with an appropriately restored
traction engine more suitable for the purpose. To effect this changeover the current owner had to obtain
permission from all members of the service clubs involved in the playground project as well as the Latrobe municipal Council.
With permission granted, the specially constructed playground traction engine
was towed into place and the Aveling and Porter roller removed to its new home at Sassafras
where it currently resides. Both traction engine and roller were towed some 6 km
along the highway behind a tractor with the aid of a specially constructed A-frame towbar.
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