Ron White was born in 1920. He received a Diploma of Mechanical Engineering at Footscray Technical School in 1946. He started work as a laboratory assistant and after several promotions was appointed Senior Operator in 1948. In 1949, he was Engineer, Grade 1 (Hydro Areas). After further promotions he became Assistant Area Engineer, Rubicon at new Eildon Power Station and Area Engineer, Kiewa in commissioning Mt Beauty Terminal Station and West Kiewa Power Station.. By 1956, he was the Area Operations Engineer at Kiewa and four years later the Kiewa Electrical Superintendent (Operations and Maintenance) . In 1961, he was officially recognised as deputy for the General Superintendent, Kiewa. In 1966 he was appointed General Superintendent Kiewa and Kiewa became 'a branch of the Transmission Department'. In 1974, the Rubicon / Eildon Area was also under Ron's control. His title was "Principal Hydro Engineer, Hydro Division, Transmission Operations Department. He held this position until his retirement in 1985.Ron White was an important identity in his role as Principal Hydro Engineer from 1966 to 1985 after the completion of the Kiewa Hydro Electric Scheme. His long period of service involved him in the construction, operation and maintenance of the SECV's Hydro Electric Schemes and administration of related catchment areas. He had a close association with the local communities and care for the welfare of employees. He lived in Mt Beauty and was well respected in the community and beyond. He passed away on 30 September 2019, aged 99 years.A) History of Ron White's Working Life: including papers relating to "Promotion & Staff Appointment" B) Ron White's Retirement - 11th Jan. 1985: papers, cards, letters, photos, disc/plaque C) Ron White's Certificates: Diploma of Mechanical Engineering; First Aid; D) Ron White's Correspondence - miscellaneous E) Ron White's History of the 'Kiewa Scheme' from 1936- 1966. Written 1986 F) Ron White's Photo album Includes photos of him and the 2003 bushfires G) Miscellaneous Photos (not labelled) from Ron's photo album. Possibly relatives including nieces and nephews. H) Pewter Mug presented to Ron - Water Board I) Wall hanging presented to Ron - Scouts J) Ron White's Slide Ruler & Mathematical Instruments K) Collection of 7 books owned by Ron L) Starting Pistol Caps box M) Ice-cream serverF) One photo of Ron with 'Ken Connors'. One photo with 'l to r: Norm Middleton, Graham Napier, Ron White, Les Peart.' G) 2003 fires has a note re time, date and whereabouts of fires H) "Presented To / Ron White / In Appreciation For Service / To The / Kiewa Valley / Water Authority / And / Its predecessor Bodies / December 1994 I) Wall hanging: On emblem - "Lord Baden-Powell Society / The Scout Association of Australia". On Name Plate below - Ronald K. White 1989" J) mathematical Instruments have 'R. W' embossed in red on the corner of the cover M) 100 Straitline, Starting Pistol Caps N) National Ice-cream Server with stainless steel spring Size 20 ron white, hydro engineer, kiewa hydro electric scheme

The first school of Mines in Australia was established at Ballarat in 1870. At the time of its jubilee (1930) the following people were members of the School Council: W.H. Middleton (President), W.T. Humphreys (VP), J.S. Vickery (VP), F. Barrow, Col. W.K. Bolton, William Baragwanath, A.E. Cutter, J.N. Dunn, G. Fitches, W.H. Fleay, F. Herman. W.D. Hill, T. Hurley, K. Kean. J. Kelly, L. Lederman, Mayor of Ballarat, Mayour of Ballarat East, D. Maxwell, M. Martin, R. Maddern, D. Ronaldson, F. Saunders, R. Stephenson, A.O. Stubbs, R.E. Tunbridge. The School Staff in 1920 comprised: Herbert H. Smith, Walter Rowbotham, Reginald L. Cutter, M.C. Young, Hilda Wardle, M. Wiliamson, P.S. Richards, L.H. Archibald, J. Woods, Ken Moss, W. Kenneth, Mrs McIlvena. B. Robinson, S. Rowe, E. Hope-Jones, Miss Abrams, L.St.G.P. Austin, Alfred Mica Smith, J.R. Pound, Herbert R. Murphy, N.H. Junner, Maurice Copland, L.H. Archibald, E.J.A. McConnon, Newton King, D.m. Hull, T.R. Gordon, John M. Sutherland, T.K. Jebb, Dick Richards, C. Tonkin, A.W. Steane, J. Paterson, H.W. Malin, R.V. Maddison, S.M. Mayo, F.A. King, W.H. Steane, T.R. Gordon, T.A. Williams, H. Waldron, G. Black, E.J. McConnon, R.V. Duncan. R. Cutter, E.G. Vawdrey, Hilda WardleWhite stapled booklet - landscape format - 20pp + soft covers with blue writing. Includes an historical sketch of the Ballarat School of Mines. Contains images of the school from around 1920. The history outlined in the booklet follows: 'Ballarat has helped to influence the life and destinies of Australia in many ways, the recital of which would perhaps prove tedious to the citizens of less favoured localities! However, it can be said, without much fear of contradiction, that only less known thought Australia than its fame as a gold field is the reputation won for it by its school of Mines, ... Ballarat was still quite a new place when the School was founded, but a very propserous and popular place all the same, with a go-ahead lot of citizens brim full of the spirit of enterprise which seemsto animate mining populations generally. Money was plentiful, and they launched out into ventures, which later, were to develop and take the place of the gold mines, while what is more to the point, they understood the value of education. the old digging days were passing away. So far as Ballarat itself was concerned the day of the cradle and tin dish had already passed into an antiquity "as dead and distant as the age of the Tubal Caon," said dir redmond Barry on declaring the School open. Mining had become a serious business, and the mining engineer, the metallurgist, and the geologist had become a power in the land. In these circumstances the suggestions to found a School of Mines met with ready acceptance. The late Mr James M. Bickett had the honor of bringing forward the proposition at a meeting of the Ballarat Mining Board in October, 1869. it was agreed to, and the Government, having been approached for assistance, granted a lease of the old Supreme Court buildings at a nominal reantal. A modest sum, including 100 pounds from the Borough Council of Ballarat West, was subscribed by a number of sympathisers, and on the 26th October, 1870, the inaugural address was delivered by Sir Redmond Barry, the first President of the School. Classes were commenced on the 23rd January, 1871. The students at first were mostly adults. They were chiefly men emloyed at the mines, who had the wisdom and energy to devote their spare time to study, and, though their attendance was somewhat irregular, they made very good progress. Old prints which have been preserved show them at work at furnaces, big bearded men of the old-fashioned type of miner. It is interesting to note that among those who gave evidence and encouragement was Sir Roderick Murchison, who many years before had advised Cornish miners to emigrate to Australia to search for gold, and who in 1848 was in possession of gold ore sent from this country. Sir Roderick sent a parcel of books for the library, and gave useful advice as to the curriculum which should be adopted. The Museum, which now contains a most valuable collection of minerals, was one of the first things attended to, and the reports presented to the Council from time to time speak of additions being made from all parts of the world. New equipment was constantly being added to the School, a good deal of assay work was done, and some specimens were sent from the East Indies for examination as far back as 1873. By this time there was a difficulty in providing accomodation for the students who wished to enrol, and the number of instructors had grown from two to four. In 1882 the first building was being erected on what was then part of the gaol reserve. A little more than ten years afterwards a buildnig formerly serving as a Methodist Church was absorbed, while later on, the demand for accomodation increasing, the attack upon the gaol was renewed. The School continued to grow in reputation and size, and became the science centre of the district, and in 1889 a learge new building was opened by Sir Alexander Peacock. Students came from over seas as well as from all the States of Australia, and after going through their courses they took with them the name and fame of the old School to all parts of the globe. School of Mines boys have played a great part in developing the mining fields of Western Australia, South Australia, and africa, while old students who have made a name in their profession are constantly dropping in to see how the old place is getting along. It was not to be expected, however, that the Ballarat School would be left without rivals, its very success inspiring competition. Mining Schools were started in other parts of Australia, and, at the same time, Victoria ceased to hold first place as a mining state. On the other hand there was a great advance in manufacturing, and the demand for technicaly trained men became a great and as insistent as ever it had been for trained mining men. The Council was quick to adapt the school to the new conditions, and the result is seen in the institution, which is one of Ballarat's proudest possession. Instruction is given in all branches of technical work, and the classes are filled with students who are building up for Ballarat a reputation as an industrial centre, which promises to equal that which it formerly held as a mining town. Owing to its bracing climate, its abundant opportunities for recreations, and its accessibilty, Ballarat as a city is an ideal place for educational purposed, and is yearly becoming more and more appreciated throughout the State. The chairman of one of Ballarat's biggests industries claims that the workman can do twice the day's work here that he can do in Melbourne. he was a little enthusiastic over it, perhaps, but it is a well-known fact that the healthy and invigourating Ballarat climate is conducive to both physical and mental activity, and the records of the School provide ample proof of it. One of the most interesting and successful branches of the School of Mines and Industries - if the name be enlarged with the enlargement of its scope - is the Technical Art School. "The City of Statues" has from its earliest days been a stronghold of art. Art schools have flourised here, and in 1905 the Education Department came to the conclusion that the best thing to do with them was to place them under the management of the School of Mines Council. A magnificent new Technical Art School was built at a cost of some 12,000 pounds on the site of the old Supreme Court building, and was formally opened on the 23rd July, 1915. The results have not only been justified but surpassed all anticipations. The most comprehensive list of subjects is taught, and this list is constantly added to. Students have flocked to the art School, which may be said to occupy a unique position in Australia, and its record of success is really astonishing. Its students supply art teachers for the newer schools that are being built, and many occupy leading positinos in important business houses. So well is its reputation known that orders are constantly being received, not only from Victoria, but from other States, for honor boards and challenge shields to be designed and made. The most recent addition to the School of Mines and Industries is the Junior Technical School, for which a new building is now being erected on a portion of the gaol site, transferred to the School of Mines Counci by the Government. At the present moment temporary quarters are being occupied. Some students after passing through the Junior School go straight to employment, continuing perhaps to attend the evening trade classes, while others move on to the senior School. In a review of the work of the School of Mines mention must be made of a series of industrial research carried out under supervision of the Principal. One in particular, regarding the suitability of the local ores for the manufacture of pigments attracted much attention, while the experiemtns on the manufacture of white potery from Victorian clayes were considered of sufficient importance by the Federal Advisory Council of Science and Industry to warrant the appointment of a special investigator. The results of these have been most encouraging, and may have far-reaching consequences. The vocational training of returned soldiers also should not be overlooked. The work was taken in hand from the first, before the Repatriation Department gave assistance, and now with the help of the department of the School has become one of the largest vocational training centres in Victoria outside of Melbourne. The soldiers, trained in a variety of occupations, have made remarkable progress, and already considerable numbers have found employment in local workshops and factories. To sum up, the School is divided into the following departments, each well staffed and equipped: - The School of Mines, science, and Engineering; the Techncial Art School, the Boys' Junior Technical School, the Girl's Preparatory Technical Classes, Trade Classes, and the Commercial School. The school of Mines, science and Engineering, comprises the following branches: - Mining, Metallurgy, Geology, Electrical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Applied Chemistry, and Pharmacy. Battery treatments, Cyanide Testing, Smelting, Assays, and Clay Testing from a regular part of the School's work. Students gaining qualifications obtain concession in their courses at the university, should they proceed there to continue their studies. The technical Art school curriculum includes training in all branches of pictorial and applied art, an Architectural Diploma Course, a Draughtman's Course, technical Art teachers' Course, Photography,Ticket Writing, Art Metal Work, Woodcarving, Needlework, and Leather work. The Trade Classes give instruction in Telephone Mechanics, telegraphy, Carpentry, Cabinet Making, Plumbing, Blacksmithing, Fitting, Electric Wiring, and Printing. Numerous Scholarships are offered every year, and altogether students will find few places to equal the Ballarat School of Mines and Industries as a training place for their life's work. One of the first in the continent to be established, its Jubilee finds it still in the front rank, keeping pace with the times, and offering to the youths of this country the means of taking advantage of Australia's teeming opportunities. william, battery, smith, herbert, drawing from the antique, ballarat school of mines botanical gardens, ballarat school of mines, redmond barry, alfred mica smith, james bickett, museum, dick richards, ballarat junior technical school, s m b, ballarat school of mines and industries, ballarat technical art school, model mine, james m bickett, j m bickett, roderick murchison, vocational training rooms, wesley church, methodist church, alexander peacock, lathes, repatriation, repatriatin department, war service, school council, baragwanath, gold mining, mining laboratory, plaster cast, r.w. richards, anniversary, jubilee

The illuminated signs in this photograph were erected over the main Lydiard Strert entrance to the Ballarat School of Mines somewhere around 1960. The signs were erected by Principal Harry Arblaster in an attempt to emphasis the Diploma Courses were of a tertiary level. Black and white photograph of Ballarat School of Mines building in Lydiard (south) Street, Ballarat. The photo features to signs. The first one includes the word 'The Ballarat School of Mines and Industries, and well as the Ballarat School of Mines shield. The other sign includes the word 'Professional courses, Geology, Chemistry, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Metallurgy, Art"ballarat school of mines, professional courses, gology, chemistry, civil engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, metallurgy, art, trades, arblaster, harry arblaster, illuminated sign

Typed sheets listing departments, staff and developmentsstaffing, ballarat school of mines, civil engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, geology, mathematica, humanities, time allocations

Red covered booklet of 12 pages. Back and front covers are written onapplied chemistry, metallurgy, geology, electrical engineering, mecanical engineering, civil engineering, mining engineering, applied physics, art

The Ballarat School of Mines is a predecessor institution of Federation University Australia. The Contents outline areas covered. The School Council, The Staff, Graduates of the School, Facts about the School, School Boards, General Regulations, Student Activities, Scholarships, Prizes, Courses of Instruction, Professional Diploma and Certificate Courses, Art Department, Trade Department, Juniot Technical School.R W Richards was the Principal and L C Garner was the Head Master of the Junior Technical School.Beige soft covered book of 67 pages. It includes information on the courses offered by the Ballarat School of Mines in 1955. Photographs include: 2 students on the steps to the Administration Building. The student on the top step is Alec Kinnane; Rear of the Administration Building, student activities; heat engines laboratory, Civil Engineering students, micro-examination of metals; Potter (Neville Bunning in background); machine shop; wool classing ballarat school of mines, prospectus, alec kinnane, wool classing, electrical engineering, surveying, courses, r w richards, principal, l c garner, head master, diploma courses, certificate courses