David and Alexina Duncan

Mr. Duncan and his wife Alexina voyaged to Port Phillip on the first settlers’ ship, the “David Clark” in 1839. After putting his hand to a variety of jobs, in 1848 Mr. Duncan became a member of the provisional committee to report on the formation of “The Victorian Horticultural Society”. In that same year the Port Phillip Farmers Society was formed – consisting of the parent body ( later the National Agricultural Society ) and the Royal Agricultural Societyand three branches: Mornington, Bacchus Marsh and Gisborne. For his efforts Mr. Duncan was presented with a five piece silver tea service. The family held the gift for 135 years before his great-grand-daughter, Miss Butcher, presented it to the Royal Agricultural Society in 1987. The first show took place around a ploughing match on “la Rose” farm in Moonee Ponds in 1848. By 1856 the total value of money prizes, portraits of animals, gold and silver medals awarded was £ 640/12/-. Needless to say the show has grown beyond all expectations and continues to delight young and old today.