The phrase “necessity is the mother of invention” was never more apt than during World War II when a British army captain captured by the Japanese and interned at a prisoner-of-war camp in Thailand sent a secret message cleverly squeezed between two layers of a postcard to his wife back home.

On September 9, 1943, Captain Phil Rogers inscribed a 133-word message in micro-writing on tissue paper, which he then secreted between the postcard layers, alerting his wife to his fate.

When Hong Kong born Feng Xiao Wei took a position in 1969 with Radio Australia in Melbourne, little did she realise what an impact this would have on her future as a collector and seller of traditional Chinese furniture, art and antiquities.

Barely 22 years old and also known by her Anglicised name Teresa Chung, the young broadcaster was one of two (and the only woman) selected from 2000 applicants.

Melbourne auction houses loved Har Siu and she was regarded fondly as one of their favourite customers.

As Philips Auctions director Tony Philips commented, “she collected pretty decorative items over many years – the crowning glory being a fine gilt bronze neoclassical mantel clock ‘a Cercles Tournant’ that she bought from Sothebys for $50,000.”

Har Siu died five years ago and her collection is now being auctioned through Philips Auctions from 3pm Sunday June 23 at 47 Glenferrie Road, Malvern - with all lots unreserved.

General Sir John Monash (1865-1931) is undoubtedly one of Australia’s most iconic figures – his name perpetuated in institutions such as Melbourne’s Monash University and a major city freeway also bearing his moniker.

Regarded by some as “the only general of creative originality produced by the First World War”, Monash headed Australia’s 4^th Infantry Brigade at Gallipoli and in May 1918 became the Australian Corps commander, at the time the largest military contingent on the Western Front.