Lot 2740

Description

New South Wales mining. Webb’s Silver Mining Company, 1888, contributing shares (these words printed vertically) (red print) (2); same company but with contributing shares within text (black print) (9, including six consecutive) of these, seven including the six consecutive are named to John Belisario, one named to William H. Paling and one to Lewis P. Bain; Webb’s Consols Silver Mining Company, Emmaville, 1889. One of the first item with edge tear, one of the second item with piece missing from bottom edge, last item with spike hole, the rest very fine. (12)

John Belisario (1820-1900), dental surgeon, arrived at Sydney from England in 1841 setting up a dental practice in Princes Street and in 1844 moved to Spring Street. He achieved renown in 1847 by administering surgical anaesthesia, believed to be the first use of ether for that purpose in Australia. He had a distinguished career in dentistry and was well known in his field both in Australia and overseas. William H. Paling (1825-1895), ’first violinist of the Royal Holland Academy’ arrived at Sydney in 1853. He was prominent as a violinist, music teacher and composer issuing his ’Sydney Railway Waltz’ in 1855 to commemorate the inauguration of the Sydney to Parramatta Railway. Among his many achievements and activities he is probably best remembered for his Paling’s Music Store in George Street, Sydney. He also established branches at Toowoomba, Brisbane and Newcastle. A noted philanthropist he donated his 450-acre model farm, Grasmere at Camden, to be used as a convalescent and respite hospital.