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As always, the British especially shudder at the latest American vulgarity, and then they embrace it with enthusiasm two years later.


Why is there a lion on the Tasmanian flag? Mount Nelson Signal Station, Mount Nelson. March 2011.

Mount Nelson is a suburb of the city of Hobart, Tasmania, Australia. Its name would suggest that it is located upon a mountain, but you’ve not reckoned with the cunning logic of Tasmanians.

Now, there is no universally accepted definition of a mountain. The Oxford English Dictionary defines a mountain as
a natural elevation of the earth surface rising more or less abruptly from the surrounding level and attaining an altitude which, relatively to the adjacent elevation, is impressive or notable.
Strictly speaking, Mount Nelson is not much of a mountain. Given that Mount Wellington towers over it right next door, I’m not sure it’s visage is either impressive or notable. Indeed, its highest peak is a measly 350 metres above sea level.


The view of South Arm Peninsula and beyond. Mount Nelson Signal Station, Mount Nelson. March 2011.

Mount Nelson was originally named Nelson's Hill – a far more appropriate name – by noted subject of revolts, Captain William Bligh (think mutiny on the Bounty/Rum Rebellion). The Nelson is not THE Nelson though, it actually refers to David Nelson, local brothel keeper and night soil collector chief Botanist of the Bounty mission. The name 'Nelson's Hill' was later altered to Mount Nelson, no doubt to assuage any feelings of inadequacy.

The station itself was used to keep an eye on traffic coming up the Derwent Estuary, and send/receive messages down to Port Arthur (usually relating to the behaviour of one Martin Cash).


the view from within the Signal Station itself. Mount Nelson Signal Station, Mount Nelson. March 2011.

The Signal Station itself is about the size of a (very small) front room you might find in a Victorian terrace house. I’m sure that it must have been quite dull sitting up there in the pre- Internet PC television radio telephone telegraph.

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Comments

Roddy said…
The intrepid mountaineer. I'm sure you have to start small.
I am enthralled by your history lesson, as with your photography.
24 March 2011 at 13:32
Kris McCracken said…
It's a nice spot.
25 March 2011 at 11:07
Roddy said…
Yes. I like it!
25 March 2011 at 19:09
Chris Rees said…
I like to think that the expedition to conquer and name Mts Nelson and Stuart were home in time for lunch.
18 November 2011 at 13:34
Kris McCracken said…
It's quite a nice spot for a picnic, really.
18 November 2011 at 13:55
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