Ballarat No. 17 at the time of the opening of the tramway in 1905. Photographed on the depot lead. Original negative held in the negative file. See also Reg Item 5104, 4290, 8700 for other copies of this image and 9466 for a glass plate negative.Yields information about Ballarat 's first trams - No. 17 - built by Duncan and Fraser for ESCo. Shows the dress of the crews and the fittings on the tramcar in detail.Copy negative of a black and white photograph from Ray Pearson Collection, taken by Dave Macartney in 1975ctrams, tramways, esco, wendouree parade, crews, tram 17, uniforms

This item is from the ‘Pattison Collection’, a collection of books and records that was originally owned by the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute, which was founded in Warrnambool in 1853. By 1886 the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute (WMI) had grown to have a Library, Museum and Fine Arts Gallery, with a collection of “… choice productions of art, and valuable specimens in almost every branch and many wonderful national curiosities are now to be seen there, including historic relics of the town and district.” It later included a School of Design. Although it was very well patronised, the lack of financial support led the WMI in 1911 to ask the City Council to take it over. In 1935 Ralph Pattison was appointed as City Librarian to establish and organise the Warrnambool Library as it was then called. When the WMI building was pulled down in 1963 a new civic building was erected on the site and the new Warrnambool Library, on behalf of the City Council, took over all the holdings of the WMI. At this time some of the items were separated and identified as the ‘Pattison Collection’, named after Ralph Pattison. Eventually the components of the WMI were distributed from the Warrnambool Library to various places, including the Art Gallery, Historical Society and Flagstaff Hill. Later some were even distributed to other regional branches of Corangamite Regional Library and passed to and fro. It is difficult now to trace just where all of the items have ended up. The books at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village generally display stamps and markings from Pattison as well as a variety of other institutions including the Mechanics’ Institute itself. RALPH ERIC PATTISON Ralph Eric Pattison was born in Rockhampton, Queensland, in 1891. He married Maude Swan from Warrnambool in 1920 and they set up home in Warrnambool. In 1935 Pattison accepted a position as City Librarian for the Warrnambool City Council. His huge challenge was to make a functional library within two rooms of the Mechanics’ Institute. He tirelessly cleaned, cleared and sorted a disarrayed collection of old books, jars of preserved specimens and other items reserved for exhibition in the city’s museum. He developed and updated the library with a wide variety of books for all tastes, including reference books for students; a difficult task to fulfil during the years following the Depression. He converted all of the lower area of the building into a library, reference room and reading room for members and the public. The books were sorted and stored using a cataloguing and card index system that he had developed himself. He also prepared the upper floor of the building and established the Art Gallery and later the Museum, a place to exhibit the many old relics that had been stored for years for this purpose. One of the treasures he found was a beautiful ancient clock, which he repaired, restored and enjoyed using in his office during the years of his service there. Ralph Pattison was described as “a meticulous gentleman whose punctuality, floorless courtesy and distinctive neat dress were hallmarks of his character, and ‘his’ clock controlled his daily routine, and his opening and closing of the library’s large heavy doors to the minute.” Pattison took leave during 1942 to 1945 to serve in the Royal Australian Navy, Volunteer Reserve as Lieutenant. A few years later he converted one of the Museum’s rooms into a Children’s Library, stocking it with suitable books for the younger generation. This was an instant success. In the 1950’s he had the honour of being appointed to the Victorian Library Board and received more inspiration from the monthly conferences in Melbourne. He was sadly retired in 1959 after over 23 years of service, due to the fact that he had gone over the working age of council officers. However he continued to take a very keen interest in the continual development of the Library until his death in 1969. WARRNAMBOOL PUBLIC LIBRARY The Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute (WMI) was formed by a voluntary community group in 1863, within six years of Warrnambool’s beginnings, and its Reading Room opened in 1854. The WMI operated until 1963, at which time it was one of the oldest Mechanics’ Institutes in Victoria. Mechanics’ Institutes offered important services to the public including libraries, reading rooms and places to display and store collections of all sorts such as curiosities and local historical relics. In 1886 a Museum and Fine Arts Gallery were added to the WMI and by the beginning of the 20th century there was also a billiards room and a School of Art. By this time all Mechanics’ Institutes in country Victoria had museums attached. Over the years the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute Library was also known as the Warrnambool Public Library the Warrnambool Library and the Free Library. Early funding from the government was for the “Free Library”. The inscription in a book “Science of Man” was for the “Warrnambool Public Library”, donated by Joseph Archibald in 1899. Another inscription in the book “Catalogue of Plants Under Cultivation in the Melbourne Botanic Gardens 1 & 2, 1883” was presented to the “Warrnambool Library” and signed by the author W.R. Guilfoyle. In 1903 the Warrnambool Public Library decided to add a Juvenile Department to library and stock it with hundreds of books suitable for youth. In 1905 the Public Library committee decided to update the collection of books and added 100 new novels plus arrangements for the latest novels to be included as soon as they were available in Victoria. In July 1911 the Warrnambool Council took over the management of the Public Library, Art Gallery, Museum and Mechanics’ Institute and planned to double the size of the then-current building. In 1953, when Mr. R. Pattison was Public Librarian, the Warrnambool Public Library’s senior section 10,000 of the 13,000 books were fiction. The children’s section offered an additional 3,400 books. The library had the equivalent of one book per head of population and served around 33 percent of the reading population. The collection of books was made up of around 60 percent reference and 40 percent fiction. The library was lending 400 books per day. In 1963 the Warrnambool City Council allocated the site of the Mechanics’ Institute building, which included the Public Library, Museum and Art Gallery, for the new Municipal Offices and the Collections were dispersed until 1971. The Warrnambool Library took over the Mechanics’ Institute Library’s holdings on behalf of the Warrnambool City Council. Since the closure of the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute the exact location and composition of the original WMI books and items has become unclear. Other materials have been added to the collection, including items from Terang MI, Warrnambool Court House and Customs House. Many of the books have been identified as the Pattison Collection, named after the Librarian who catalogued and numbered the books during his time as Warrnambool Public Librarian in the time before the Mechanics’ Institute closed. It seems that when Warrnambool became part of the Corangamite Regional Library some of the books and materials went to its head office in Colac and then back to Warrnambool where they were stored at the Art Gallery for quite some time. Some then went to the Warrnambool Historical Society, some stayed at the Art Gallery and some were moved to Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village. The various stamps and labels on the books held at Flagstaff Hill show the variety of the collection’s distribution and origin. The books in the collection at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village date from the 1850’s to the late 1950’s and include rare and valuable volumes. Many of the books are part of the “Pattison Collection” after the Warrnambool’s Public Librarian, Mr. R. Pattison. The Pattison Collection, along with other items at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, was originally part of the Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s collection. The Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute Collection is primarily significant in its totality, rather than for the individual objects it contains. Its contents are highly representative of the development of Mechanics' Institute libraries across Australia, particularly Victoria. A diversity of publications and themes has been amassed, and these provide clues to our understanding of the nature of and changes in the reading habits of Victorians from the 1850s to the middle of the 20th century. The collection also highlights the Warrnambool community’s commitment to the Mechanics’ Institute, reading, literacy and learning in the regions, and proves that access to knowledge was not impeded by distance. These items help to provide a more complete picture of our community’s ideals and aspirations. The Warrnambool Mechanics Institute book collection has historical and social significance for its strong association with the Mechanics Institute movement and the important role it played in the intellectual, cultural and social development of people throughout the latter part of the nineteenth century and the early twentieth century. The collection of books is a rare example of an early lending library and its significance is enhanced by the survival of an original collection of many volumes. The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s publication collection is of both local and state significance. The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute Collection is primarily significant in its totality, rather than for the individual objects it contains. Its contents are highly representative of the development of Mechanics' Institute libraries across Australia, particularly Victoria. A diversity of publications and themes has been amassed, and these provide clues to our understanding of the nature of and changes in the reading habits of Victorians from the 1850s to the middle of the 20th century. The collection also highlights the Warrnambool community’s commitment to the Mechanics’ Institute, and to reading, literacy and learning in the regions, and proves that access to knowledge was not impeded by distance. These items help to provide a more complete picture of our community’s ideals and aspirations. As with many Mechanics' Institutes in Australia, the one which operated in Warrnambool was established and overseen for many years by key individuals associated with the development of the city itself. The WMI publication collection is historically significant because of its association with local people, places and the key historical themes in the development of Warrnambool of rural development, industry, farming, education, and community. The collection documents and illustrates the changing interests, focus and tastes of Victorians, especially those in regional cities. Generally the individual items in the collection are not particularly rare, as examples of all probably exist in other public collections in Victoria. It is primarily because there are so very few surviving Mechanics' Institute collections in Victoria, which lends this overall collection its significance. Many items in the WMI Collection have the potential to support further research, both as individual objects and through the collection in its entirety. This material is significant for its ability to assist in the interpretation of the history of the area and adds to the general understanding of the development of the township. Many components of the WMI publication collection complement and reinforce the Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum Collection, the Warrnambool Art Gallery Collection, and that in the Warrnambool Historical Society, and also contribute to a clearer understanding of the original Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute collections. This will greatly enhance the appreciation of the few surviving Mechanics' Institute collections across Victoria, and also in New South Wales. The similarities and differences between the small number of collections that have survived can provide further insights into how the people of Victoria in general, and Warrnambool in particular, constructed a civic culture of adult learning to foster an informed citizenry. The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute publication collection is of both local and state significance. Bernard Shaw His Life and Personality Author: Hesketh Pearson Publisher: St James Library Date: 1950Label on spine cover with typed text PAT 920 SHA Pastedown front endpaper has sticker from Warrnambool Public Library covered by a sticker from Corangamite Regional Library Service Front loose endpaper has a stamp from Corangamite Regional Library Servicewarrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, book, pattison collection, warrnambool library, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, ralph eric pattison, corangamite regional library service, warrnambool city librarian, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool books and records, warrnambool children’s library, great ocean road, bernard shaw, hesketh pearson

Colour photograph of Lieutenant Colonel Noik and Colonel Frank Pearson at Formal Dinner, Wangaratta, 20 June, 1992.vmr, pearson, noik, wangaratta, dinner

WWII historical significanceKhaki canvas Royal Australian Air Force pack.VA. M.T.X. 1938 1735 Pearson C.A. RAAF.

Knotting by Gilcraft, soft cover 108 pages with illustrations on different knots, published 1929 by C.Arthur Pearson Ltd London.Gilcraftbooks, technical, knotting

Yields information about Ballarat 's trams in the 1930's and three street scene at the City Centre with the Town Hall in the background. Shows nature of the area with street lights and parked motor vehicles and a sign on the tram regarding prohibition and a vote on the banning of the sale of alcohol.Copy negative of a black and white photograph from Ray Pearson Collection, taken by Dave Macartney in 1975c of the intersection of Sturt and Lydiard St during the late 1920s. From the Rose series P1713, photograph of a postcard. Shows tram with a "Vote No" banner - about a local vote on prohibition in Ballarat? See Reg Item 5117 for another version and 8979 for the actual postcard. Image from the Ray Pearson album used to replace previous image 30/5/2020. Ray Pearson identified this as No. 6 in his album.trams, tramways, sturt st, prohibition, town hall

The photograph shows the east end of Collins St with a cable tram set inbound towards Spencer St between Exhibition and Spring Streets. The State Treasury building is in the far background. Some soft-top motor vehicles are in view along with a postal pillar or letterbox. Photo 1920sYields information about the east end of Collins St and cable trams.Black and white photograph, with source notes on the rear.In Pencil "Top of Collins St 1920s, (Duplicate Ray Pearson)trams, collins st, cable trams

Black and white photographTyped below photograph: "Mr. A.T. Miles, Councillor Pearson".

Yields information about a Ballarat single trucker, ex MMTB tram in Sturt St, by the Town HallCopy negative of a black and white photograph from Ray Pearson Collection, taken by Dave Macartney in 1975c of a Ballarat single trucker, No. 28, ex MMTB tram in Sturt St, by the Town Hall Image replaced 29/5/2020 from a print held in the Ray Pearson album, could read the tram number.trams, tramways, sturt st, town hall

Yields information about Ballarat 's No. 23 operating as the Gold Tram in 1951.Copy negative of a black and white photograph from Ray Pearson Collection, taken by Dave Macartney in 1975c of a No. 23 painted as the Gold Tram in 1951, at the corner of Sturt and Lydiard St, looking south east. See also Reg item 4185 Image updated from a scan from the Ray Pearson Album 30/5/2020.trams, tramways, sturt st, gold tram, gold, centenary of gold, decorated trams

8 photographs of Staff engaged in preparations for the 1991 Centenary Celebrations. (1) Peter Shepherd and son. (2) Jamie Pearson, Jim Pleasance. (3) James Hitchmough. (4) Putting Self-guided tour brochurse in envelopes. (5) Student Representative in Audio Visual Room. (6) Darryl Gibbs, Jamie Pearson, Ian Winstone.staff, preparations, 1991, centenary celebrations, peter shepherd, jamie pearson, jim pleasance, james hitchmough, student representative, audio visual room, darryl gibbs, jamie pearson, ian winstone

This photo album was collated by Ray Pearson, a tramways history enthusiast and collector. It was donated to the museum in 2012 along with one other photo album, by his grandson.This photo ablum is significant for containing a large volume of historic photographs of vehicles, personnel and events related to the the Victorian tramways - particularly Victorian Railways, Ballarat, Bendigo and Geelong tramways - from c1920's to c1994.Brown rectangular photo album (landscape format) containing photographs, newsclippings, postcards and other paper documents. The album contains 25 separate leaves plus a front and back cover. The album is bound on the left edge with brown cord, tied in a knot at the front. The spine and page edges are tattered and many of the photographs and documents within are loose.The front cover has a printed decorative border, rectangular in shape with a geometric pattern. The corners of the border also have decorative geometric shapes. Printed inscription within the border: PHOTOGRAPHS Hand written inscription in white-out or white pen: TRAMS of VICTORIAN RLYS. / BALLARAT. BENDIGO. GEELONG. Hand written inscription in black biro pen: RAY PEARSON collection Hand written inscriptions in biro and white-out or white pen for photographs and documents within. Sticker on inside left of back cover. Printed fine rectangular border with logo (depicting a lion holding a flag within a shield shape) and text within. On left: DICKINSON / LION BRAND / PHOTO ALBUMS On right: When ordering ask for / THE LUCETTA / ALBUM / Size of Leaf / No. 3011 10 X 8 / Also Stocked in / No. 3010 8 X 6 / No. 3012 12 X 10 Bottom edge outside of border: BRITISH MADE.victorian railways, photo album, victorian tramways, ray pearson, melbourne tramway museum, ballarat tramways, bendigo tramways, geelong tramways, melbourne tramways, vintage trams, historic tramways, cable tram, steam tram, dickinson, lion brand, lucetta album

Page (frontispeice) from Sandhurst, Castlemaine, Echuca Districts Directory 1872-3 (compiled by Emil Sandner & John D Treanore).J.W. Pearson & Co., Sandhurst. Emil Sander and John D. Treanore.bendigo, council, community information directory, d. rosenthal

Photo shows one of the tramcars originally built for The North Melbourne Electric Tramways and Lighting Co Ltd in 1906 and subsequently fitted with a windscreeen by the MMTB. Based on Reg Item 6370, photo possilby late 1940. See Reg Item 5758 for a photo of the tram as a Freight Car, 1950. Vicsig.net - 1938 (Converted to spare freight car, bad accident in 1947 and scrapped 1950.)Yields information about U class trams.Black and White photograph of MMTB U 206 Preston Workshops. On rear in ink - "MMTB U 206 Preston WS – RWO Pearson"tramways, trams, u class, preston workshops, u 206

Photo shows two of the trams built for the Melbourne Brunswick & Coburg Tramways Trust in 1916 in the Coburg depot yard. The trams were renumbered following a takeover by the MMTB in 1920. Yields information about S class trams.Black and White Photograph - S class 160 and 169 at Coburg DepotOn rear in ink - "MMTB S160 & 169 – Coburg Depot – Ray Pearsontramways, trams, s class, tram 160, tram 169, coburg depot

The Ballarat School of Mines was established in 1870 and was the first site of technical education in Australasia.Correspondence to the Ballarat School of Mines for the month of August 1908. Includes correspondence from: *Jumbunna Coal Mine, South Gippsland * Ballarat Fine Art Public Gallery Association Letter 289 Ballarat Dine Art Public Gallery Association Ballarat 21 August 1908 F.J. Martell Esq Director The Ballarat School of Mines Ballarat Sir The reply to request contained in your letter dated 11 June for transfer to the President Council of the Ballrat School of Mines of Debenture Stock referred to therein, I am instructed to inform you that the Council of the Ballarat Fine Art Public Gallery Associaiton finds, after exhaustive inquiry, that although it has been the practice, for convenience sake, to classify the Association assets under seperate headings, the Debenture Stock in question has always been justlu regarded as all assets of the Association with which it did not parch when consenting , in late 1893, to accept the Deparmental Regulations for Technical Art Schools. The Council is, therefore, of opnion that it would be acting wrongfully to make the desired transfer. I have the honor to be, Sir, Your obedient Servant, J.A. Powell Secy ballarat school of mines, frederick martell, jumbunna, coal, south gippsland, gippsland, j.s. wittkowski, ballarat fine art gallery, j.a. powell, art gallery of ballarat, gallery association, egerton and gordons mining company, a.h. walsh, dressmaking, c.h. james, jubilee extended quartz mining company, letterhead, depatment of public instruction, p. board, eduducation department melbourne, i. coulter, lease, miller and co, g.h. warner, h.c. taylor, teroscia, port kembla, w.s. macartney, alumni, john britain, department of woods and forests western australia, rutherglen, john harris, a.d. gilchrist, scottsdale, tasmania, r.c. elliott, tocomwal, kites, john byatt, greta pryar, pennsylvania women's press association, kalgoorlie, melville g. gray, tasmanian consols limited, jumnanna coal mine, borough of creswick, john wallace, glen forbes, ponsonby carew-smyth, huddart, parker and co, ballarat fine art public gallery association ballarat, greenmont mines no liability, i.d. cameron, a. pearson, alber j. robin

A history of Canterbury Cricket Club from 1887. Each chapter dedicated to a decade through to the 1980's. Includes appendices and results, awards, achievements. 58p. photosA history of Canterbury Cricket Club from 1887. Each chapter dedicated to a decade through to the 1980's. Includes appendices and results, awards, achievements. 58p. photosFrontis page: Given to Surrey Hills Historical / Society 15/7/14 / Simon Gardiner(mr) simon gardiner, (mr) sid mackie, (mr) keith silvers, (mr) len larkin, (mr) clyde ingram, (mr) frank gion, cricket, sport, (mr) n nesbit, (mr) s bisset, (mr) w grubb, (mr) r falconer, (mr) f leach, (mr) - slater, "tuss" curtis, (mr) stan self, (mr) maurie webb, (mr) norm shores, (mr) geoff matthews, (mr) wally bates, (mr) t mackie, (mr) harry swan, (mr) r mcconchie, (mr) r vaux, (mr) a pearson, (mr) - walduck, (mr) mick maguire, (mr) bob trengrove, (mr) lindsay ridgwell, (mr) john mccarthy, (mr) ewan mccarthy, camberwell union cricket club, canterbury cricket club, (mr) s parry, (mr) w lauchlan, (mr) e yeomans, (mr) a cooper, (mr) h gates, (mr) - gittus, (mr) f sheppard, (mr) - walker, (mr) a abud, (mr) - bishop, (mr) a. leach, (mr) - edgoose, (mr) - allan, (mr) a brooks, (mr) c swan, reporter competition, north balwyn, mont albert, (mr) s stevens, (mr) j carlson, (mr) c yeo, (mr) e hosken, (mr) j smart, (mr) n booth, (mr) l warmbrun, (mr) w lachlan, deepdene, canterbury, box hill, surrey hills, eastern suburbs cricket assoc., (mr) t alway, (mr) k briggs, (mr) n thackeray, (mr) r rudd, (mr) r littlefield, (mr) (cr) r dimmick, (mr) g guiver, (mr) t cameron, (mr) ian coles, (mr) gerry hegarty, 1960-1969

A history of Canterbury Cricket Club from 1887. Each chapter dedicated to a decade through to the 1980's. Includes appendices and results, awards, achievements. 58p. photosA history of Canterbury Cricket Club from 1887. Each chapter dedicated to a decade through to the 1980's. Includes appendices and results, awards, achievements. 58p. photos(mr) simon gardiner, (mr) sid mackie, (mr) keith silvers, (mr) len larkin, (mr) clyde ingram, (mr) frank gion, cricket, sport, (mr) m nesbit, (mr) s bisset, (mr) w grubb, (mr) r falconer, (mr) f leach, (mr) - slater, "tuss" curtis, (mr) stan self, (mr) maurie webb, (mr) norm shores, (mr) geoff matthews, (mr) wally bates, (mr) t mackie, (mr) harry swan, (mr) r mcconchie, (mr) r vaux, (mr) a pearson, (mr) - walduck, (mr) mick maguire, (mr) bob trengrove, (mr) lindsay ridgwell, (mr) john mccarthy, (mr) ewan mccarthy, camberwell union cricket club, canterbury cricket club, (mr) s parry, (mr) w lauchlan, (mr) e yeomans, (mr) a cooper, (mr) h gates, (mr) - gittus, (mr) f sheppard, (mr) - walker, (mr) a abud, (mr) - bishop, (mr) a leach, (mr) - edgoose, (mr) - allan, (mr) a brooks, (mr) c swan, reporter competition, north balwyn, mont albert, (mr) s stevens, (mr) j carlson, (mr) c yeo, (mr) e hosken, (mr) j smart, (mr) n booth, (mr) l warmbrun, (mr) a webb, (mr) w lachlan, deepdene, canterbury, box hill, surrey hills, eastern suburbs cricket assoc., (mr) t alway, (mr) a briggs, (mr) k silvers, (mr) n thackeray, (mr) r rudd, (mr) c ingram, (mr) r littlefield, (mr) (cr) r dimmick, (mr) g guiver, (mr) t cameron, (mr) ian coles, (mr) gerry hegarty, 1960-1969

Wooden Shield, engraved with Winners of the House Shield and their Captains for the years 1939, 1940 and 1941 Winnington Grammar School House Shield 1939 Term I Singleton House Captain Joyce Holder Term II Browning House Captain Judith Pearson Term III Browning House Captain Judith Pearson 1940 Term I Ruskin House Captain Joan Pearson Term II Ruskin House Captain Joan Pearson Term III Ruskin House Captain Joan Pearson 1941 Term I Browning House Captain Freda Beninga Term II Singleton House Captain Denise Wood

See also 3794Election flyer for Ringwood Borough Council 24-Aug-1946 including background details for candidates Miles, A.T. and Pearson, H.F. both former Mayors Ringwood Mail Print Phone 65

This book was part of a large group of books referred to as the Pattison Collection, which belonged to the Warrnambool Public Library, part of the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute. About RALPH ERIC PATTISON and the ‘PATTISON COLLECTION’ The ‘Pattison Collection’ is a collection of books and records that was originally owned by the Warrnambool Mechanics Institute, founded in Warrnambool in 1853. By 1886 the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute (WMI) had grown to have a Library, Museum and Fine Arts Gallery, with a collection of “… choice productions of art and valuable specimens in almost every branch and many wonderful national curiosities, are now to be seen there, including historic relics of the town and district.” It later included a School of Design. Although it was very well patronised, the WMI was led to ask the City Council to take it over in 1911 due to a lack of financial support. In 1935 Ralph Pattison was appointed as City Librarian to establish and organise the Warrnambool Public Library as it was then called. Ralph Eric Pattison was born in Rockhampton, Queensland, in 1891. He married Maude Swan from Warrnambool in 1920 and they set up a home in Warrnambool. In 1935 when Pattison accepted the position as City Librarian for the Warrnambool City Council his huge challenge was to make a functional library within two rooms of the Mechanics’ Institute. He tirelessly cleaned, cleared and sorted a disarrayed collection of old books, jars of preserved specimens and other items reserved for exhibition in the city’s museum. He developed and updated the library with a wide variety of books for all tastes, including reference books for students; a difficult task to fulfil during the years following the Depression. He converted all of the lower areas of the building into a library, reference room and reading room for members and the public. The books were sorted and stored using a cataloguing and card index system that he had developed himself. He also prepared the upper floor of the building and established the Art Gallery and later the Museum, a place to exhibit the many old relics that had been stored for years for this purpose. One of the treasures he found was a beautiful ancient clock, which he repaired, restored and enjoyed using in his office during the years of his service there. Ralph Pattison was described as “a meticulous gentleman whose punctuality, floorless courtesy and distinctive neat dress were hallmarks of his character, and ‘his’ clock controlled his daily routine and his opening and closing of the library’s large heavy doors to the minute.” Pattison took leave from 1942 to 1945 to serve in the Royal Australian Navy, Volunteer Reserve as Lieutenant. A few years later he converted one of the Museum’s rooms into a Children’s Library, stocking it with suitable books for the younger generation. This was an instant success. In the 1950’s he had the honour of being appointed to the Victorian Library Board and received more inspiration from the monthly conferences in Melbourne. He was sadly retired in 1959 after over 23 years of service, due to the fact that he had gone over the working age of council officers. However, he continued to take a very keen interest in the continual development of the Library until his death in 1969. THE NEW WARRNAMBOOL LIBRARY When the WMI building was pulled down in 1963 a new civic building was erected on the site and the new Warrnambool Library, on behalf of the City Council, took over all the holdings of the WMI. At this time some of the items were separated and identified as the ‘Pattison Collection’, named after Pattison. Eventually, the components of the WMI were distributed from the Warrnambool Library to various places, including the Art Gallery, Historical Society and Flagstaff Hill. Later some were even distributed to other regional branches of Corangamite Regional Library and passed to and fro. It is difficult now to trace just where all of the items have ended up. The books at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village generally display stamps and markings from Pattison as well as a variety of other institutions including the Mechanics’ Institute itself. The Pattison Collection, along with other items at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, was originally part of the Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s collection. The Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute Collection is primarily significant in its totality, rather than for the individual objects it contains. Its contents are highly representative of the development of Mechanics' Institute libraries across Australia, particularly Victoria. A diversity of publications and themes has been amassed, and these provide clues to our understanding of the nature of and changes in the reading habits of Victorians from the 1850s to the middle of the 20th century. The collection also highlights the Warrnambool community’s commitment to the Mechanics’ Institute, reading, literacy and learning in the regions, and proves that access to knowledge was not impeded by distance. These items help to provide a more complete picture of our community’s ideals and aspirations. The Warrnambool Mechanics Institute book collection has historical and social significance for its strong association with the Mechanics Institute movement and the important role it played in the intellectual, cultural and social development of people throughout the latter part of the nineteenth century and the early twentieth century. The collection of books is a rare example of an early lending library and its significance is enhanced by the survival of an original collection of many volumes. The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s publication collection is of both local and state significance. Chambers Encyclopædia Vol 7 Publisher: William and Robert Chambers Date: 1904 Further Information: A Dictionary of Universal Knowledge - Illustrated Edition Maltebrun to PearsonThe label on the spine cover with typed text H 030 CHA Paste down front end paper has a sticker from Corangamite Regional Library Service.flagstaff hil, warrnambool, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, book, pattison collection, warrnambool library, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, ralph eric pattison, corangamite regional library service, warrnambool city librarian, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool books and records, warrnambool children’s library, chambers encyclopædia vol 7, william and robert chambers

More Scout Stunts And Ideas, green hard cover 152 pages with black and white photographs and illustrations published by C Arthur Pearson Ltd London.Jack Bluntbooks, technical, scouts

Henry Pearson was a dentist in Numurkah between 1911 and 1929 (referenced in Bossence book) This document is an agreement between Pearson and Leonard Bennett (son of Ernest Bennett, Hairdresser, who was the witness to this document). the agreement was that Pearson would take on Leonard as an apprentice in profession of Mechanical Dentist. The documents then goes on to outline what was involved in the apprenticeship: days, hours, bord, Yellowed legal document outlining Articles of Apprenticeship, dated 16th January, 1915. Names of people involved on the front. When opened up, the document outlines the what's involved in the apprenticeship, and includes signatures of the people involved. Solicitors were Morrissy & Deane, Numurkahsee photos abovesolicitors, morrissy & deane, apprenticeship, legal documents, indenture

Pumice sand soap is used to clean and/or restore a variety of materials and structures, as well as soiled hands.Two blocks of pumice sand soap in original wrappings (one damaged and roughly repaired)"Pearson's celebrated pumice sand soap" printed in black on orange paper wrappingsoap, sand soap, pumice soap

Black and white photograph - Student excursion, Ringwood Post Office, circa 1980."Attached to photograph" L to R: Ben Pearson, Kirsty (?), Daniel (?), Sean Peterson.

Photo shows one of the A class tramcars originally built for The Prahran & Malvern Tramway Company in 1910-11, then transported to the isolated Footscray System in 1923-24. Most were withdrawn between 1928 and 1931. Yields information about original A class trams.Black and White photograph of MMTB A Class 3 at Preston Workshops. DerelictOn rear in ink - "MMTB A3 (ex A8) Preston WS – RWO Pearson"tramways, trams, preston workshops, original a class tram, a class, tram 3

Letters to a patrol leader The Tenderfoot and second class tests soft cover 72 pages with black and white illustrations published by C Arthur Pearson Ltd London.Capt. The Hon. Roland E Philippsbooks, technical, scouts

number in album 03549.01Black and white photograph Thelma Barr President of Garden Club awarding Hazel Pearson a prize for Best Ditty at the end of year activities. Lakes Entrance Victoriaclubs, gardening, activities

This Kodak camera was a popular model early in the 20th century. This one belonged to Elisabeth Tait (nee Pearson). Elisabeth Pearson was born in 1911 to James and Amy Pearson. Her father had established, in 1910, the clothing firm of Pelaco in association with James Law. The business mostly produced men’s shirts. Elisabeth Pearson married a Warrnambool lawyer and was known for her community work, especially in connection with the Warrnambool Ladies’ Benevolent Society. She joined this society in March 1969 and became president in November, 1961. She retained this position until the society was disbanded in 1993. This camera is retained as a memento of Elisabeth Tait, a well-known Warrnambool person in the 20th century. .1 This is a brown leather camera case with a metal catch and a leather shoulder strap. The case has stitching along the sides. The initials of the owner are stamped in gold lettering on the front of the cover. The leather is somewhat rubbed. 2. This is a Kodak camera with a black covering and a telescopic mechanism inside. It has gold lettering on the back. ‘E.M.P.’ (twice) ‘Use film no. A 116’ ‘No 2A Folding Autographic Brownie’ ‘Kodak’ ‘Tait 246 Lava Street Warrnambool’ 20th century photography, elisabeth tait, warrnambool