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The Great War : City of Footscray Annual Report 1917-1918 |
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RECRUITING
HONOUR BOARD
SOLDIERS' CERTIFICATE (Report) - IMAGE OF A CERTIFICATE
MEMORIAL SERVICE
RETURNED SOLDIERS
FOOTSCRAY BRANCH RED
CROSS AND PATRIOTIC FUND
REPATRIATION AND WAR SERVICE COMMITTEE
WOUNDED SOLDIERS FUND
AVENUE OF HONOUR
1891. Redefined, 30th May, 1892, and 12th March, 1894.
Division: MARIBYRNONG. Sub division : Part FOOTSCRAY NORTH
Representative : JAMES EDWARD FENTON, M.P.
Chief Polling Place : Moonee Ponds. : Polling Place for Sub division : Footscray North.
Representative : JAMES MATTHEWS, M.P.
FOOTSCRAY, in Footscray ; YARRAVILLE.
Province : MELBOURNE WEST. Divisions : FOOTSCRAY, NORTH FOOTSCRAY.
Members: HONs. JOHN GEORGE AIKMAN, JAMES HERBERT DISNEY, M's.L.C.
Member: EDWARD COUGHLAN WARDE, M.L.A.
X JAMES RITCHIE JOHNSON, J.P., Address, 48 Geelong Road, Retires August, 1919
X THOMAS BEZER DREW, Address, 121 Nicholson Street, Retires August, 1920
X ALFRED JOHN PEARCE, J.P., Address, 16 Eldridge Street, Retires August, 1921
MIDDLE WARD :
X FRANK ERNEST SHILLABEER, J.P., Address, 46 Geelong Road, Retires August, 1919
ALEXANDER McDONALD, Address, 70 Albert Street, Retires August, 1920
ALBERT ASTON HARRIS, J.P., Address, 67 Nicholson Street, Retires August, 1921
X HENRY WILLIAM CHRISTOPHER JENKINS, 85 Gamon St., Y'vle, Retires August, 1919.
X STUART MURRAY BELL, J.P., Address, 116 Nicholson Street, Retires August, 1920.
MICHAEL WALSH, J.P., Address, 89 Whitehall Street, Retires August, 1921.
(X Has been Mayor.)
Telephone : Footscray 8. Electrical Department : Footscray 365.
Finance : Chairman, Cr. S.M. Bell. Health: Chairman, Cr. H. W. C. Jenkins. Legislative Chairman: Cr. F. E. Shillabeer, J.P.
A. A. Harris (Mayor). ex officio member of all Committees.
DELEGATES and REPRESENTATIVES, 1916 1917.
Infectious, Diseases Hospital Cr. William Edward Cash, J.P. (Coburg)
Metropolitan Board of Works Cr. Frank Ernest Shillabeer, J.P.
(Mayor)
Metropolitan Fire Brigade Board Cr. Fred'k Thos. Hickford (Brunswick)
Municipal Association Cr. Albert Aston Harris, J.P.
Public Health Board Cr. Wm. Henry Treganowan (Williamstown)
OFFICERS :
Town Clerk and Treasurer : John Gent, A.F.T.A. Assistant Town
Clerk : Ernest .J. Smith.
Surveyor : Charles James Herbert Neylon, C.E. Assistant Surveyor
: Robert McGregor Dawson, C.E.
Collector and Valuer : Joseph Schofield. Asst. Collectors : W.
W. Jones, William Hogg.
Sanitary, Market, Weights and Measures, and Dog Inspector : Mervyn
Copeman Whitehead.
Asst. Inspector : Hector Sutherland. Electrical Supt.: J. A.
Carmody. Meat Inspector : George Dawson. City Gardener : D. Matthews.
Hallkeeper : T. T. Sallows. Health Officer : James Ramsay Webb,
M.B., B.S., F.R.C.S. Government Auditor J. McKinley Wilson, F.I.A.C.,
Collins Street, Melbourne. Bankers Commercial Bank of Australia
Limited.
Bailiwick : Central. Magistrate : Mr. R. Knight. Sessions : Court House. M. and Th., 10 a.m.
Clerk : George Henry Brown.
Justices : John Box, George Henry Bracher (Deputy Chairman), Stuart Murray Bell, Harold Edward Caldecott (Chairman), Isaac Collins, Archibald R. P. Crow, William Gallant, Albert Aston Harris, George Hills, James Ritchie Johnson, William Charles Low, George McKay, John McPhee, Alfred John Pearce, Claude Belcher Smith, William Peter Smith, Frank Ernest Shillabeer, Michael Walsh.
MAYOR'S REPORT, 1917-1918
22nd August, 1918.
TO THE MEMBERS OF THE
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FOOTSCRAY,
Gentlemen, In concluding my second consecutive year of office
as Mayor of this City, I beg to submit to you a report on the
most important and interesting matters that have demanded notice
and attention during the past twelve months.
It was my pleasure and privilege to place on record last year when retiring from the chair my appreciation of the manner in which Councillors had supported me in the performance of my duties, and I again feel highly pleased to be able to report that such support has been loyally accorded me during the closing year. I have endeavoured to the best of my ability, without fear or favour, to administer the affairs of the City in such a way as to promote its best interests as a loyal and progressive centre of civic life in this State.
Paramount amongst questions has been our duty to the Empire and its sacred cause for the maintenance and triumph of those principles of justice and freedom so dear to the British people. The year has been an anxious one, but the fourth anniversary of the war finds the Allies regaining the initiative on the West Front, and the boasted power of Germany on the wane. By "holding fast," as Lloyd George appeals, and by each and every one centre of the Nation doing its duty, the end will the sooner come to this struggle.
I am gratified to state that all classes in this City have been ready and willing to assist me in the furtherance of any and all of the City's patriotic efforts.
RECRUITING. Foremost amongst these has been the appeal to the men of the City to enlist and to fight for their mates, who have for so long and so well done their duty on the battlefield. Melbourne Ports electorate has gained the proved distinction of being the leading electorate of Victoria in the supply of recruits since the beginning of the year. Footscray, as a large part of that electorate, has given more than its full proportionate part, according to the returns submitted to the Council from time to time by the local Recruiting Committee.
The Recruiting Officer, Capt. Scott, has been a zealous and tactful official, and under his organisation and methods, and with the assistance of the Recruiting Committee, the local recruiting appeals have been very satisfactorily responded to. On the 19th April, 1918, 1 entertained in Footscray one hundred members of the A.I.F., who had visited the City for the purpose of conducting a special recruiting march and call to arms. I desire to express my thanks to the Committee and officer of the Recruiting Committee for responding to each and every appeal made for their co operation and support.
The following has been kindly furnished by Capt. Scott :
"I have the honour to submit to you the result of the
year's work in the sub divisions of Footscray and Yarraville
of the Federal Electorate of Melbourne Ports, of which I am in
charge as Recruiting Officer.
"On the 5th July of last year, when I took charge of this
electorate, we were eighteenth on the list of twenty one electorates
for enlistments for the A.I.F. since the start of the recruiting
campaign; on the same date of this year we reached to sixth on
the list and first for enlistments for the last half year ending
31st July, 1918.
"For the twelve months Melbourne Ports secured 1,003 volunteers,
out of which 756 passed a , fit for the A.I.F. "Footscray
and Yarraville enlistments out of the above figures are: Volunteers
410, fit for the A.I.F. 364, out of which 370 volunteers and
270 fits resided in the above districts.
"As these figures may be of interest to ' you, Sir, on relinquishing
office, and on behalf of the State Recruiting Committee of Victoria
and Recruiting Committee of Footscray, I desire to thank you
for the services you have rendered this recruiting staff during
this year of your office as Mayor of the City of Footscray.
"(Sgd.) S. S. SCOTT, Captain,
Recruiting Officer, Melbourne Ports.
HONOUR BOARD The Honour
Board which the Council had erected in the Town Hall, and
which has been universally admired for its design and ornamentation,
has been enlarged at a cost of £75. An extra panel has
been added at each side, containing room for another 1,000 names,
but it is becoming evident that even this extension will be insufficient
to record the whole of the names of the Footscray men who have
done their duty by enlisting,
Visitors to the hall who were well qualified to speak have expressed
a decided opinion that in no other place in Australia could be
found a more comprehensive, fitting, and appropriate emblem for
recording the names of members of the A.I.F. The cost of the
Honour Board to date has been £375.
SOLDIERS' CERTIFICATES. This
year has seen the selection and printing of a certificate
to be issued to every Footscray soldier or sailor. Here, again,
a happy choice has been made. Acting on the principle that only
the best should suffice, the Council commissioned the best experts
to design a superior certificate. The first series of certificates
for the next of kin of those Footscray men who have fallen and
for returned men have been issued to all those who applied, and
a start is now being made to issue the certificates for all those
still on active service.
On application forms being filled in, a certificate is written
and issued. The application form requires the following particulars
to be stated : Soldier's number ; surname ; Christian name married
or single ; occupation ; rank on enlistment ; age on enlistment
; date of enlistment residence ; company, corps, regiment, battalion,
etc.; brigade forces ; where on active service ; period ; and,
for those killed in action, date of death, rank on death ; and
for those who return, date of return, rank on return.
These papers, when supplied, will form the basis of a complete
and thorough roll of the municipality's soldiers, and will be
a very valuable record for all future time. The certificate reads
as follows :
THE CITY OF FOOTSCRAY HONOURS HER BRAVE.
This is to certify that ........................................................
served the British Empire in the Great War for the sacred cause
of freedom, liberty, and justice, and is entitled to and duly
accorded the thanks and appreciation of the Mayor, Councillors,
and Citizens
of the City of Footscray.
Signed on behalf of the Mayor, Councillors, and Citizens.
F. E. SHILLABEER, Mayor.
22nd May, 1918. JOHN GENT, Town Clerk.
MEMORIAL SERVICE. An open
air memorial service in honour and in grateful remembrance of
those brave men who had made the supreme sacrifice was held on
26th December, 1917, at the Railway Reserve, and was largely
attended by all sections of the community. Appropriate addresses
were made on the occasion to express to all the relatives of
dear ones lost the City's deepest and sincerest sympathy and
condolence, and to pay further tribute of respect to the great
honour and work of the fallen.
"They fought for County's honour
They live in ours."
RETURNED SOLDIERS. The unquestioned right of our returned soldiers to receive a civic right royal welcome home after their arduous tasks was, I am very pleased to report, recognised in a handsome and generous manner by citizens. In response to my invitation, a committee of Councillors and citizens was formed to carry out this duty in a worthy manner.
LIEUT.COL. DR. RAMSAY WEBB. The first function organised was a Welcome Home on the 9th May, 1918, to Dr. Ramsay Webb, who had seen over three years of active service. Dr. Webb was amongst the first to volunteer, and the splendid reception he received was thoroughly well deserved. We heartily congratulated him upon his services. Many of our boys at home and at the front tell glorious accounts of his kind sympathy and interest, as well as skilful and successful treatment of them when they were ill or wounded.
RETURNED SOLDIERS. Equally enthusiastic and cordial was the citizens' second Welcome Home arranged on the 22nd May, 1918, in honour of officers and men who had returned to the City up to that date. All possible effort was made to discover the names of those men. It is a matter of regret that there is no official means of a Council being notified of soldiers as they return to their homes from time to time. In the absence of such a record it was found faii1v difficult to get in touch with everyone, but I am glad to know that the Citizens Committee succeeded in obtaining very good results. As many as 301 men were invited to the function, which took the form of a smoke night and musical entertainment, interspersed with suitable expressions of civic greetings and welcome.
The Federal Hall, where this soldiers' night was held, was beautifully decorated and, illuminated, and advantage was also taken of the opportunity to present each man present with one of the City's Soldiers Certificates.
I trust that the Council's public invitation to be furnished with the names of soldiers as they return will he made widely known, so that the Council may be facilitated in its desire and policy to gather their returned men together occasionally and extend to them such an enthusiastic and earnest welcome as they richly deserve.
FOOTSCRAY BRANCH RED CROSS SOCIETY AND PATRIOTIC LEAGUE,
On behalf of Mrs. Shillabeer and myself, I deem it a duty, as well as feel it a great privilege, to thank the Committee and members of the above for the noble work they have done. It is gratifying to us to state that all have worked in a proper spirit for the one grand end in view, viz., to afford relief and succour to our wounded and sick and to provide as much comfort as possible for the men in the fighting line. All this service requires unceasing attention day after day and week after week ; collecting money to enable their work to be done ; attending to the purchase of the material necessary, and making up and despatching the same. I now include a report on the year's work by the hon. secretary, Mrs. Forge, to whom every credit is due for her devotion to these duties :
REPORT FROM THE SOCIETY.
The Committee consists of the following members: Mrs. Shillabeer
(Mayoress), president ; Mesdames Harris, Webb, Farnbach, Francis,
Hales, Drew, Flower, Jobson, Wall, Simpson, Bishop, Christensen,
Claffy, Pearce, Huldoon, Brockett, J. Mitchell, Ward, W. H. Cuming,
Arblaster, Foster, Elsbury, Aston, Hicks, and the Misses McDonald,
Lawlor, Webb, and Lovett.
The late Willing Workers' League joined us this year. They donated
the funds equally to the French Red Cross; £12/10/ , and
the Patriotic Footscray, £12/10/ . The Committee welcomed
them heartily, as they are a strong band of workers under the
guidance of Misses Whitehead and Day.
Every month during the year a collection was taken from house to house by members of the Committee, and thanks are due to those donors who have given so liberally each month during the whole period of the war. Several new donors have given this year, and the Committee hope they will continue their generosity until there is no more need for war work. Two thousand Christmas boxes were despatched to Government House in December, 1917.
The Committee regret losing the services of one of their best workers during the year. Mrs. Howe going to Sydney to reside. The committee of the Red Cross showed their appreciation of her work by giving an afternoon and making Mrs. Howe a small presentation.
The committee thank Mrs. Shillabeer, the Mayoress, for her successful and splendid guidance and direction of the affairs of the Society, and for her kindness and help on all occasions.
List of articles sent to Government House from September, 1917, to 2nd August, 1918:- 4.410 pairs of Socks, 671 Flannel Pyjamas, 61 pairs of Bed Socks, 1099 Old Linen Bandages, 28 Parcels of Books and Papers, 380 Hot Water bottle Covers, 218 Washers, 225 Scarfs, 41 Balaclavas, 43 pairs of Mittens, 76 Sheets, 45 Pillow slips, 16 Caps, 22 Quilts. Total, 7,355 articles.
To Lady Mayoress' Patriotic League, Town Hall, Melbourne:- 700 Flannel Pants, 2,000 Socks, 2 cases of books, 219 Flannel Shirts, 6 Balaclavas, 12 Mittens, 28 Scarfs, 2,000 Christmas Boxes. Total 4,967.
(Follows a statement of receipts and expenditure of Victorian Red Cross Society - Footscray Branch not reproduced here.)
SECRETARY' REPORT - MEN'S
SECTION RED CROSS
To His Worship The Mayor of Footscray,
Sir, - I beg to report that the year 1917-18 has been again successful,
both as regards the work done and the position of our finances.
Our workers are as numerous as last year, and are showing still
the keen interest in their endeavours to assist the boys at the
front, but are somewhat retarded by the limitation of shipping
space, so we have been requested to make certain articles for
the different Red Cross hospitals, which have been highly appreciated.
It will give you great pleasure to learn that the high standard
of our work has brought great praise to us from Head Depot, Government
House, and is regarded as second to nothing delivered there.
The thanks for quality is due to our organiser, Mr. T. F. H.
Smith, who passes nothing for delivery except it is of Al quality.
The financial side of our branch has been most satisfactory.
We are proud to say that we have not had to ask for financial
assistance for the whole year.
Our share of the proceeds of the Red Cross Fair held last year
has seen us right through the year, leaving us with a. credit
balance of £206/3/6-, which will keep us going for some
time yet. Owing to the indifferent health of the Hon. Secretary,
the secretarial duties have been left in the bands of Mr. E.
Ward, Assistant Secretary, and to him is due the success of the
management of the branch.
On behalf of my Committee and workers of this branch, we take
this opportunity of once again thanking you for your financial
assistance, also your interest and practical advice during your
two years' term of office as Mayor of the City of Footscray and
President of our branch. The thanks of the Committee and workers
is also due to Messrs. W. H. Cumming, C. Dobinson, N. Douglas,
Ross Bros., T. H. Buzza, and H. Bishop for the kindly use of
their motor cars to convey workers of our branch to an outing
that was held at Frankston during the year, which proved most
enjoyable. We desire to especially thank W. H. Cuming, Esq.,
our Vice president, who provided afternoon tea for the members
attending the outing.
The Committee also tenders its thanks to C. A. Hoadley, Esq.
(Principal of the Technical School, Footscray), for the use of
workroom ; also Messrs. W. H. Cuming, C. Dobinson, C. Forge,
and Ed. Johnstone (Michaelis, Hallenstein & Co.) for the
conveyance of goods manufactured to Government House.
Below is appended a list of various articles sent in to Head Depot for the year, also finished articles on hand and in the making.
I have the honour to be,
Yours obediently
(Sgd.) J. C. MITCHELL, Hon. Secretary. 14th August 1918.
MEN'S RED CROSS.
Delivered In Stock Making
Deck Chairs 41 39
Camp Chairs 40 10 60
Bed Back Rests 20
Bed Foot Rests 14
Camp Stools 20
Crutches. . 10 pairs 40 pairs 100 pairs
Framed Hurdles 40
Pot Stands 25 25
Flower Boxes 24 25
Folding Tables 6 15 19
Hospital Table, 20
Trays 24 30
Cribbage Boards 120 12 50
Card Holders 84 15 20
Solitaire Boards 75 25 100
Solitaire Sets 75 25
Bed Pans 42
Bottles 218
6th August, 1919 (Sgd.) T.F. H. SMITH Director of Works
PATRIOTIC COLLECTIONS ACCOUNT Under this heading are shown the results of the efforts of Footscray patriotic workers for the good of the various appeals made from month to month. They are summarised in the following statement
Italian Day, 6th July, 1917 £102 13 8
Christmas Boxes Fund, 1917 242 3 5
Wattle Day, 24th August, 1917 108 0 5
Hospital Day, 28th October, 191
90 13 3
Suffering Nations Day, 7th December, 1917 62 14 3
State War Council's Appeal March, 1918 £460 10 0
April, 1918 76 6 9
534 16 9
Boomerang Day, 15th March, 1918 169 10 6
Red Cross House Badge, May and June, 1918 108 15 0
Red Cross Button Day, 24th May, 1918 103 8 9
Heroes' Cards, June and July 1918 15 3 1
Our Fighting Men's Day, 28th June, 1918 120 5 3
French Red Cross Appeal 24 11 10
£1,682 16 2
Only those who have been closely associated with these collections appeals know how much detail work, and often discomforting circumstances, has to be done. I cannot speak too highly of the way in which the lady collectors succeeded in achieving the results shown, especially as they were made up principally of very small sums and from sales of 1/- buttons or badges.
REGULATION OF PRIVATE PATRIOTIC EFFORTS . Throughout my term
I have insisted upon a strict observance of the regulation of
the Commonwealth Government respecting private patriotic efforts.
I think it is due to the public, who so generously give, and
to the promoters of these efforts themselves, that the regulations
should be so controlled and authorised.
By all these applications going through the local authority,
the Government and all concerned can rest assured that there
is proper supervision, and those for whom the appeal is made
get all that is given for them. I am very pleased to be able
to report that every application that has been made in Footscray
could be well recommended by me, and this is creditable testimony
to the good purpose of all who have had occasion to obtain official
sanction to their entertainment or effort.
REPATRIATION AND WAR SERVICE COMMITTEE. The Committee who have managed on behalf of the City this essential business has been Mr. H. E. Caldecott, J.P., Cr. A. A. Harris, J.P., with Mr. Greenwood as Hon. Secretary. There is no branch of patriotic service more onerous and more needful of well balanced consideration and attention than this. The Committee are the local representatives of the Commonwealth Government in its duty of caring for those who have the best right to every fair and generous treatment by the nation, viz., those returned soldiers and dependents of soldiers who need assistance for sustenance or in business.
The claims made are very justly and carefully considered and
dealt with by the Committee, and this work they have carried
out in a manner highly praiseworthy. The service has been rendered
in a quiet, businesslike way. Here, again, few amongst our citizens
realise the vast amount of detail work that is inseparable from
the duties of such a Committee, and I take this opportunity of
thanking them publicly for their almost daily ministrations for
the welfare of deserving applicants, and I hope that they will
be able to see their way clear to continue in their office as
long as the necessity for the same continues. The following is
a report furnished by the Hon. Secretary :
12th August, 1918.
"The Footscray War Service Committee, comprising Mr.
H. E. Caldecott, J.P. (Chairman), Councillor A. A. Harris, J.P.,
and A. Greenwood (Secretary), was appointed by the State War
Council in October, 1916. Meetings are regularly held at Mr.
Caldecott's office.
"The duties of this Committee are to investigate and report
on all applications for assistance to the State War Council and
to the State Repatriation Department.
"These Central Boards, after considering, reports, if satisfied
assistance is justified, disburse direct to the applicant.
"Two hundred applications have been dealt with.
"Practical assistance has been given to returned soldiers
in the shape of gifts to purchase furniture, loans for the purpose
of commencing business, and in a few instances loans to purchase
stock for farms.
"Soldiers' widows and soldiers' wives have been relieved
of much anxiety by grants from funds raised for this purpose.
"Class of applicants : Returned soldiers, 101 ; soldiers'
widows, 22 ; soldiers' wives, 77.
"The Committee desire to extend its sincere thanks to many
local business proprietors for generous allowances made when
asked to compromise with the debts of soldiers or their wives.
"The Doctors also have generously attended soldiers' dependents
without charge.
A. GREENWOOD, Secretary.
WOUNDED SOLDIERS' FUND. The money raised by public subscription for the benefit of wounded soldiers of Footscray is administered by a Committee, of whom Cr. S. M. Bell, J.P., is Chairman, with Mr. A. A. Thomas, Hon. Secretary's. Their work is closely allied to that of the former Committee, but has more of a local significance. Good use is made of the funds, and I also wish to compliment and thank the management for their efforts. The following is the Secretary's report :
"In presenting to you the Statement of Receipts and Expenditure of the above fund, the Committee, to have the fund more widely made known, decided to advertise in the three local papers. Seventeen, cases have received assistance to the extent of £60/9/-. The Investigation Committee, in making allotments, have been particularly careful so that only deserving cases received assistance. With a credit balance of £1,082/4/1 in the banks, we still have a substantial amount for those yet to return. The balance at close of last year was £l,098/3/2. The Committee, not being permitted to raise any further funds have assisted some very deserving cases; although the number assisted may appear small, it goes to show that the boys returning are not in want."
Receipts Expenditure
Donations £ 10 3 Assistance to Soldiers and Dependants
£ 60 9 0
Interest
Advertising 7 0
Commonwealth Bank of Australia 14 16 6 Balance
State Savings Bank 13 2 6 Commonwealth Bank of Australia. . 482
10 10
Commonwealth Savings Bank Balance 6 4 10 State Savings Bank 385
7 3
214 6 0
State Savings Bank 372 4 9 Commonwealth Savings Bank
£1,143 0 1
Commonwealth Savings Bank 208 1 2
Commonwealth Bank of Australia 517 17 3 July 1918 Balance in
Bank £1,082 4 1
£ 1,143 0 1 July 1917 Balance in Bank £1,098 3 2
GENERAL PATRIOTIC MOVEMENTS.
In many other ways additional to those hereinbefore referred
to the municipal aid has been invoked for the furtherance of
the nation's good. All appeals for assistance in advertising
and recommending the War Loans were supported as far as possible.
In this matter the Council decided to invest a sum of £2,000
in the last 41/2 % War Loan, whilst official endeavours to organize
War Savings Groups were encouraged.
On the 24th May, Empire Day, the Council entertained the school children at the theatres of the City, and the arrangements made proved in every respect an unqualified success.
AVENUE OF HONOUR The suitability of planting Avenues of Honour in Footscray for our soldiers having been suggested, the Council gave their approval of the idea, and wrote to the Melbourne City Council requesting that they should convene a conference of all Councils interested in the proposal to plant trees along, the main roads connecting Melbourne with Ballarat and Geelong.
I expect this conference to be called at an early date.
STATEMENT OF MONEYS RAISED DURING THE YEAR FOR ALL PATRIOTIC EFFORTS.
Red Cross Society and Patriotic League £ 840/ 9/ 5
Men' Section, Red Cross £ 260 / 0/ 4
Patriotic Collections Account £1,682 / 5/ 11
£2,783 / 5/ 11
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