Holt’s Matrimonial Agency
by Holt’s Matrimonial Agency provided a matchmaker service to turn-of-the-century Melbourne. It was also the place, for a quickie wedding.
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The Origins of Easter
Rabbits, chocolate and hot cross buns: what do these things have to do with the death of Jesus? Here are the origins of Easter.
Pallas’s Cat
Pallas’s Cat has the longest fur of any feline, which helps it survive in some of the world’s toughest environments. It is named after an intrepid Prussian naturalist.
The Yarra Waterfall
The Yarra Waterfall used to stretch across the river where Queen Street is today. It was demolished in 1883.
The Wow Signal
In 1977 astronomers detected the Wow Signal, a short powerful burst of radio waves from deep space. Its origin is still unexplained.
The First Vaccine
The first vaccine was invented to tackle smallpox, a virus that is the single greatest killer humankind has ever faced.
The Origins of Tim Tams
The origin of Tim Tams required a penguin, a racehorse, a copycat, and a lot of chocolate. The end result: Australia’s most popular biscuit.
The 1978 Melbourne Landmark Competition
The Melbourne Landmark Competition was launched in 1978 to find a southern equivalent to the Sydney Opera House. It was (mostly) not successful.
Synthetic Test Cricket: Calling the Ashes by Telegraph
Before live TV, Synthetic Test Cricket used telegraph cables and radio to bring the Ashes home to Australia.
The Secret Tunnels at St James Station
Never used for train services, the secret tunnels at St James station in Sydney have led a fascinating, shadowy existence.