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Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Photograph - Photograph, Black and white, Herald, Captain R. Sunter of the M.S. Manunda , at the invitation of the War memorial in Melbourne, plants a tree, 04 August 1934
On the 4 August 1934, to mark the 20th anniversary of the Great Britain declaration of war on Germany, 106 trees were planted, during a ceremony, on the lawns of the newly created garden of the Shrine of Remembrance. The Shrine of Remembrance was built to provide a place to grieve and remember Victorians killed in the First World War (1914-18). Prince Henry, the Duke of Gloucester and son of King George V, officially opened the Shrine before a crowd of 300,000 people in November 1934. Captain Robert Sunter, commander of the coastal liner Manunda, Adelaide Steamship Company, was chosen to plant a Queensland kauri (tree - number 100) on the main avenue from Domain Rd leading to the Shrine of Remembrance. The photograph was published in the Herald (4 August 1934, p. 40). In the Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), Friday 3 August 1934, page 8 In Memory of the Merchant Service- Captain Sunter to Plant Tree at the Shrine Tomorrow will be the 20th anniversary of Great Britain's declaration of war on Germany, and at 10 and. Captain R. Sunter, the commander of the coastal liner Manunda, will plant a tree in the Shrine! of Remembrance reserve In memory of the officers and men of the Australian merchant service who gave their lives during the war. The tree, , which will be No.100 in the reserve, will bear the following inscription based on the wording of the ' British Mercantile Marine memorial at Tower Hill. London: "1914-1918. In remembrance of the officers and men of the Australian Mercantile Marine who died for King and Country and have no grave but the sea. Planted August 4, 1934." During the war 12 ships of the Australian merchant service were sunk and 95 officers and men lost their lives.The Shrine of Remembrance committee recently asked the director of navigation (Captain J. K. Davis) to nominate a member of the mercantile marine to plant a tree in the reserve. Captain Davis passed on the request to the secretary of the Merchant Service Guild of Australia (Captain T. D. Snape) and, after having conferred with various sections of the sea-going service, Captain Snape announced yesterday that Captain Sunter had been chosen unanimously. Captain Sunter has a distinguished war record as commander of the hospital ship Wandilla. Born at South Shields, in England, in 1878, he is a son of the late Canon Sunter, of Adelaide. He served an apprenticeship in sailing ships, and soon after obtaining his master a certificate entered the service of the Adelaide Steamship Company, where he has remained. In the Wandilla during the war Captain Sunter became known to thousands of wounded soldiers and troops." Padre Frank Oliver of MtS can be seen assisting with dedication at far left. Captain Robert Sunter who also served in WW1, a friend of the seamen and the mission, died a month later in Cairns. A window funded by crew of the Manunda and friends was dedicated to his memory in St Peter's Chapel, MtSV in February 1936 by Padre Oliver. (see item 0038).Depicts one of the few memorials specifically commissioned for Merchant seamen of WW1 and in later years also a focus for those who died in WW2 and other conflicts. Mounted black and white photograph of a group of people at a tree planting, minister of religion at far left, on dark grey mount with typed caption label on the lower edge of mountTyped caption in upper case: CAPTAIN R. SUNTER OF THE M.S. “MANUNDA”, AT THE INVITATION OF THE TRUSTEES OF THE WAR MEMORIAL IN MELBOURNE , PLANTS A TREE IN THE AVENUE OF REMEMBRANCE TO COMMEMORATE THE OFFICERS AND MEN OF THE AUSTRALIAN MERCANTILE MARINE WHO BETWEEN 1914 AND 1918 DIED AS A RESULT OF ENEMY ACTION AND WHO HAVE NO GRAVE BUT THE SEA. AUGUST 4TH 1934padre oliver, captain robert sunter, m.s. manunda, war memorial, mercantile marine memorial tree, melbourne, shrine of remembrance, wandilla, hospital ship, adelaide steamship company, memorial trees, queensland kauri -
8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles Regimental Collection
Photograph album, The Eighth Light Horse Book, 1920 circa
Following the death of his only child Mervin on 23 December 1916 at Magdhaba Egypt, Mr Justice Higgins HB has a small number, possibly as few as six, of memorial books made. He sought permission from Signaller JC Campbell to use a selection of photographs taken at Gallipoli and Egypt. The photographs together with typed copies of several letters written by Captain MB Higgins 8th ALH make up the book. It seems likely this copy of the book was given to the 8th Light Horse Association for safe keeping. Following the closure of the Association the last secretary Mr Matthew Maynes entrusted the book to a relative Mrs Baily to be donated to the 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles.This is a rare, historic and artistic example of how one family sought to come to terms with the loss of their only child in the Great War 1914-1918.Leather bound album of 44 leaves containing collection of photographs taken by Signaller JC Campbell and typescripts of two letters written by Captain Mervin Higgins 8th Australian Light Horse AIF during WWI. Cover is faded maroon in colour.Donated by Mrs Baily [held] in trust to late M Maynes 8 ALH [to] VMR Museum 17.11.92world war one (1914-1918), higgins mervin b captain, 8th light horse, higgins henry b justice mr -
Port of Echuca
A black and white copy of a photograph, 24/09/1984
During the Second World War the P.S Marion operated as a passenger vehicle up and down the Murray River.This is a photograph showing Hugh Price steering the P.S. Marion while the Captain looks on! This photograph is linked to P000067, P000065 as they are all part of the Hugh Price Family collection.A copy of a black and white photograph of Hugh Price and Captain George Makins in the wheelhouse of the P.S Marion.In pencil, written on the back is Price / Oct 43 / Capt. Geo Makins, (in cap) & Hugh Price.p.s marion, hugh price, captain george makins, george makins, 1943, price family collection -
8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles Regimental Collection
Photograph
A’ Squadron 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles conducted a parade at Buna Barracks, Albury on Sunday 1 May 1988 to mark the 103rd Anniversary of the formation of the Victorian Mounted Rifles and the 40th Anniversary of the linking of the 8th (Indi), 13th (Gippsland) and 20th (Victorian Mounted Rifles) Light Horse Regiments to form the 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles. Colonel G K Howard, Director of the Royal Australian Armoured Corps was the Reviewing Officer. The Pipes and Drums of the 5th/6th Battalion Royal Victorian Regiment provided the music for the occasion. Following the parade Colonel Howard officially opened the Regimental Museum.Colour photograph of SSM P. Clarke handing over the parade to Adjutant captain P. Williams -
Phillip Island and District Historical Society Inc.
Photograph, Yeoman & Co, John Barnard Lock Jnr & Elizabeth
This photograph belonged to the Lock family before being acquired by the Museum.Black & White Photograph of Captain John Barnard Lock and his wife Elizabeth (nee Cavell).local history, photography, captain john barnard lock & elizabeth, black & white photograph, lock family, john barnard lock jnr -
Running Rabbits Military Museum operated by the Upwey Belgrave RSL Sub Branch
Jacket - Battledress
Army Battle Jacket Captain, City of Essendon and army reseve Flashes.(Stored with trousers UU087)uniform, post ww2, army -
Running Rabbits Military Museum operated by the Upwey Belgrave RSL Sub Branch
Jacket
Uniform Dress Jacket with Rank of Captain and Badges for Melbourne Rifles and spare shoulder boards in pocketuniform, post ww2, army -
Running Rabbits Military Museum operated by the Upwey Belgrave RSL Sub Branch
Jacket - Dress
Army Artillery Captain with ribbons (Henry Bradfield )Use with trousers U513 and Sam Brown U514uniform, 1939, army -
Melton City Libraries
Newspaper, Melton Fire Captain Honoured, 1984
Participated in the Formation of Mt Cottrell Fire Brigades Group in 1967Article featuring Stephen John Hirt, Captain of CFA Melton Urban and Rural Fire Brigades.local identities, emergency services -
Glenelg Shire Council Cultural Collection
Photograph - Photograph - Captain James Fawthrop, c. 1970
Photographic print of a rephotographed photograph. Image of Captain James Fawthrop, Portland's first Harbour Master.Back: 'Fawthrop' - blue biro -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Booklet, Australian Army: Report on written examinations for promotion to Captain and Major, entrance to staff college, 1977
Also, briefing materials for written examination for promotion to Captain and Major, entrance to staff college, 1978australia - armed forces - service manuals -
Lakes Entrance Regional Historical Society (operating as Lakes Entrance History Centre & Museum)
Book, Le Cheminent Marion, Penetration info Gippsland during the early 1840s, 1990c
Compilation of Captain Edgar Slade R.N census taken for Alberton and Tarravile South Gippsland Victoriasettlers, township -
Lakes Entrance Regional Historical Society (operating as Lakes Entrance History Centre & Museum)
Book, Bull, J.C. and Williams, Peter, Story of Gippsland Shipping, 1967
History of early navigators, lakes, steamers, coastal windjammers, shipwrecks and famous captains. Illustrated with photographs.G.E.Scarce, 7 Warde St., Bairnsdale. Happy Birthday to Mum, etc.ships and shipping, maritime history -
Lakes Entrance Regional Historical Society (operating as Lakes Entrance History Centre & Museum)
Photograph, 1916 c
Black and white photograph of Miss Lillian Munro daughter of Captain and Mrs Munro, Canterbury Victoriagenealogy -
Lakes Entrance Regional Historical Society (operating as Lakes Entrance History Centre & Museum)
Photograph
Black and white photograph of Andrew Rayner Captain of A Reserve Cricket team Lakes Entrance Victoriaclubs, sports -
Tatura Irrigation & Wartime Camps Museum
Photograph, 1943
Each boy wears his Junior Red Cross badge on his left breast.Black and white photograph of a group of 13 boys with Captain Jenkins. A junior Re Cross group. L-r: Captain Jenkins back row Bruno East, Adolf Lin, Sgt Maier, ?. Front: Ernst Lewandowski, Manfred Haering, Ernst Wied.camp 3, red cross in camps, captain jenkins, bruno east, adolf lin, sgt maier, ernst lewandowski, manfred haering, ernst weid -
8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles Regimental Collection
Photograph
The western plains of southern NSW provided ideal training areas for a cavalry squadron engaged in reconnaissance training.Colour photograph of three officers of 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles standing near Land Rover during annual exercise in Balranald area c. 1979. From left: Lieutenant T. Goode, Captain J. Mclean and Captain T. fraser. -
Glenelg Shire Council Cultural Collection
Negative - Ambrotype, Captain Cairncross, c. 1890
On display in History House.Portrait of a man seated next to a table with a tablecloth on it. He is wearing a three-piece suit of a pale shade, and has his left hand at rest on his left thigh, and his right hand on the table. A white hat with a dark band lies on the table. Image has been tinted.Front: (no inscriptions) Back: Captain Cairncorss. This photo came from Windson Cottage. Captain Fawthrop and Captain Cairncross were close friends over many years.(fountain pen, centre). Harry Ward Goldsmith, Late of Portland (green pen, lower centre). -
Bendigo Military Museum
Certificate - DISCHARGE CERTIFICATE, 19.7.1946
Refer 622.3 medals, 772P.Certificate of Service/Discharge for an Officer TX6321 Capt. Warick Rosenthal - Number 47545. CMF - 02/05/1942 - 09/09/1942, AIF - 10/09/1942 - 19/07/1946. (RAS Badge issued 211849). form is yellowed, mounted on cardboard with photo corners with black edging all around" TX6321 Captain Warick Rosenthal Aust Army Medical Corps." certificates, military service, 2nd aif, mediccal -
4th/19th Prince of Wales's Light Horse Regiment Unit History Room
Booklet, Ceylon Command, Aircraft Recognition Silhouettes (Allied and Japanese Types), 1//5/1942
Soft covered booklet used as an aid to aircraft recognition for less experienced observers, showing the silhouettes of various Allied and Japanese aircraftCaptain on the Staff C in C Ceylon 1st May 1942japanese aircraft -
Whitehorse Historical Society Inc.
Flag - Australian Red Ensign
British Red Ensign. Red flag with Union Jack in the left hand top corner. Rope threaded through placket on left side of flag with toggle on one end.Tom Wright Captain O.M. Watts Ltd London W1military history, navy, flags, maritime -
Whitehorse Historical Society Inc.
Flag - White Ensign, 1914
The ensign was in the Mitcham R.S.L. collection and transferred to W.H.S. when the RSL closed.Flag with cream background with Union Jack in top left hand corner. Red 'St Georges' cross length and width of flag. White Ensign also called St Georges Ensign used by British Navy 1914 - 1918 War. Cotton binding on left hand side with toggle and rope attached. 'Tom Wright' printed on binding in blue and purple ink. Rope is secured by metal clip.'TOM WRIGHT' Captain O.M. Watts Ltd London W1flags, maritime -
HMAS Cerberus Museum
Document- Founding of Australia
EXPLANATION KEY. L.T PHILLIP GIDLEY KING R.N LT GEORGE JOHNSTON A.D.C CAPTAIN AURTHUR PHILLIPS R.N CAPT DAVID COLLINS LT HENRY L BALL R.N (Commander of HMBrig Supply, the first vessel to enter Sydney harbour. STEPHEN DONOVAN R.N. (Midshipman of HMS supply). LT NEWTON FARRELL R.N (1st Lt of HMS Supply). DAVID BLACKBURN R.N. (master of HMS Supply) DONATED AND THANKED VIC CNS-SEE DONATION FILE.Brown framed of founding of Australia with explanation key in frame bellow.THE FOUNDING OF AUSTRALIA: at sydney cove by Captain Arther Phillips R.N First Governor & Captain Gerneral of New South Whales on Saturday 26th of January 1788. After landing from H.M Brig supply the govenor about to propose the health of his Majesty King George III just after the union jack had been hoisted and saluted by the Guard of marines. PRESENTED TO THE ROYAL AUSTRALIAN NAVY BY MARSDEN HORDEN. -
Kew Historical Society Inc
Photograph - Kew Football Club Team, 1905
The first club to have born the name of Kew is known to have been in existence as early as 1879, and to have participated in a number of different competitions, all of junior status, between then and 1891, when it disbanded. Whether the Kew Football Club which emerged at the end of the 1890s should be viewed as a wholly new organisation or a reincarnation of the previous club is a moot matter, and not one that can be satisfactorily resolved here. However, it is at least arguable that the amateur football club which today participates in the VAFA under the name of Kew can trace its origins as far back as 1898. It was during that year that the club was invited by the Metropolitan Junior Football Association (a direct forerunner of the VAFA) to enter its competition as a replacement for St Francis Xavier, which had been forced to withdraw after just a few matches. The idea was that Kew would pick up the departing club’s remaining fixtures, but that these matches would be played with no premiership points at stake. The MJFA appears to have had at least two objectives in mind in doing this: first, to avoid the necessity for a bye in the weekly draw; and secondly, to test Kew’s worthiness for full admission by having it serve a kind of probation. In 1899, having satisfied the MJFA authorities as to its viability, Kew was formally admitted to the MJFA, only to withdraw after two predominantly disappointing seasons. The club later participated in at least three, and possibly more, junior and district competitions, attaining a modest level of success, especially during the late 1920s and early 1930s. Extremely rare photo of the club from this period.This photo of a junior Kew football team dates from 1905. While the team is wearing a range of centre-laced guernseys, at least seven players wear a dark guernsey with a pale sash. Players identified in the photo include: the captain, Jack Allen, middle row, third from left; George Allen on the right in the striped jumper; and Lex Allen in the front row. Alva Allen, who donated the photo in 1986 to the Kew Historical Society, noted on the reverse that ‘most of these boys were killed in World War I’.Reverse: "Kew Football Club 1905 / Jack Allen, captain, 3rd from left in middle row / George Allen on right striped jumper / Lex Allen grandfather in front row / Most of these boys were killed in the First World War."kew football club (vic), jack allen, george allen, lex allen -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Photograph, c1885
This carte de visite was taken of Hiram Crawford in fire brigade uniform taken by Stewart & CO., Melbourne. Hiram Crawford was Captain of the Beechworth Volunteer Fire Brigade for twenty-five years. Hiram arrived in Australia at the age of 21 in August 1853. He mined for short time at Back Creek Bendigo, then went to the Ovens where he sought gold in Spring Creek, Buckland and 3 Mile. After moving to Albury for 18 months he married Anna, moved to Woolshed and was there for two years mining gold. After discovering his fortune he formed Crawford and Co. Coaching Lines in Beechworth in late 1856. It was this company which became the longest surviving coaching business in the State of Victoria. Hiram and Anna had two daughters. Anna died in March 1862 and in May Hiram left from Melbourne to return to the United States on a visit. Hiram married Martha Foster during this visit and returned to Australia in March 1863. With his coach line established, and leaving it under management, he moved around the north east of Victoria establishing and building shops and the Star Hotel and Theatre in Chiltern in 1866. In 1869 he moved to Melbourne for a few years in which time he built the Eastern Arcade in Bourke Street. In 1876 the family returned to Beechworth for a few years eventually moving to Everton where Hiram grew hops, tobacco, fruit trees and established the largest lemon orchard at that time in Australia. Hiram spent a considerable amount of his time helping to develop the North East of the State not only in his private endeavours but as a public figure. Among his many achievements a few are listed - Councillor, Mayor of Chiltern and Beechworth, President of the Shire on two occasions, Director of many mining companies, Inaugural Chairman and Director of the Beechworth Gas Company roles he held for over 20 years, Foundation member of Beechworth Pottery, Committee member of the Beechworth Hospital, Captain/Superintendent of the Vol. Fire Brigade for over 20 years, Foundation, Life member of and on the State Fire Brigade Board for many years, President of the North Eastern Railway League in Chiltern On a personal level Hiram was involved in lodges including St. Johns #14, Beechworth. and had several grazing properties in the Ovens area. He had the Forest Park Hotel at Carboor, the Creamery at Carboor, and grazing land on which the Milawa Creamery was built during his ownership. He was a committee member for 3 committees duirng the 1888 International Exhibition in Melbourne. Hiram had many voyages around the world studying irrigation, hop growing, tobacco growing and drying. During his retirement in Melbourne Hiram purchased many properties in the Elsternwick area and acted as an Estate Agent. After the death of his second wife Martha, Hiram married for the third time in 1912 to Sophia Maude Heatley. Crawford and Co continued until 1921. [Taken from HighCountryHeritage.com.au]Black and white reproduction of a studio portrait of Hiram Crawford in fire brigade uniform, printed on gloss photographic paper and bordered with a white frame.Badge on uniform sleeve reads: CAPTAIN / BVFB Obverse: AB/ Stewart & CO./ Melbourne Reverse: Hiram Collection/ BMM2435burke museum, emergency services, beechworth, carte de visite, black and white, fire brigade, hiram crawford, stewart & co., melbourne. -
NMIT (Northern Melbourne Institute of TAFE)
Photographs: Collingwood Technical School 1968 Students
Black and white photos of Collingwood Technical School student teams. Includes Form Captains, House Captains, the Basketball team, Cricket team, Soccer team, Swimming team, and an unidentified group which could be the Radio Club judging from the equipment in front of group.collingwood technical school, students, teams, nmit -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Document - R.S.L. BENDIGO COLLECTION: SCORE CARD
Light brown card with Ex-Servicemen's Carpet Bowls Association - Score Card printed at the top. It has a line for the two players and the date. Two columns numbered from 1 to 20. At the end it has four line titled: 'Won by', 'Captain', 'Captain' and 'Referee'.clubs, social, bowls scroe card, r.s.l. bendigo collection - ex-servicemen's carpet bowls association - score card -
Victorian Harness Racing Heritage Collection at Lord's Raceway Bendigo
Photograph - Framed photo finish, Greg Matthews Photo, Captain Rufus, 23 January 1998
Captain Rufus won the Bendigo Pacing Cup on the 23 January 1998, followed by Skipper Trust and Low Bronze. Captain Rufus owned by A Gannell, H Manolitis, KR Hyslop & GJ Carey, was trained and driven by Ted Demmler. Captain Rufus raced from 1996 (3yo) through to 2001 (8yo). Career: 17 wins 13 seconds 18 thirds 85 starts.Two colour photographs, one small one large in a brown, black, gold frame. At the top: Bendigo Harness Racing 23-1-98/ The Sulky Shop Bendigo Pacing Cup At the bottom: Left corner: Distance 2385 metres/ Mile rate 2.00.1 / Greg Matthews Photos - Stawell Centre: Captain Rufus (Sokys Atom - Hurricane Mark) / Skipper Trust 2nd / Low Bronze 3rd Right corner: Owned by- A Gannell, H Manolitis, KR Hyslop & GJ Carey/ Trained and driven by Ted Demmlerbendigo harness racing club, horses, race, winner, bendigo trotting club, pacing cup, driver, trainer, owner, 1998, captain rufus, ted demmler, a gannell, h manolitis, kr hyslop, gj carey, skipper trust, low bronze, te demmler, t demmler -
Phillip Island and District Historical Society Inc.
Photograph, 1990
This photograph taken by Jack Eddy for the Phillip Island Cemetery Trust.Photograph of Captain David Reid Grave. First President of Phillip Island Cemetery Trust in 1880'slocal history, photography, photographs, slides, film, captain david reid grave, phillip island cemetery, coloured photograph, captain david reid -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Book, The Captain of The Guidara
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 per cent of the reading population. The collection of books was made up of around 60 per cent reference and 40 per cent 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 have 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 1850s to the late 1950s 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. 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. SIGNIFICANCE – Warrnambool Public Library 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. The Captain of The Guidara Author: Jules Verne Publisher: Sampson Low Marston Searle and Livington Date: 1884 The label on the spine with typed text by 843. VER Front loose endpaper has a sticker from Warrnambool Public Library covered by a sticker from Corangamite Regional Library Service warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, great ocean road, book, warrnambool library, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool books and records, warrnambool children’s library, warrnambool public library, the captain of the guidara, jules verne