Premier 23rd January 1893 – 27th September 1894. Born in Alnwick, England, Sir James Patterson (1833-1895) migrated to Victoria in 1852 to try his luck on the goldfields. After little success he turned his hand to farming, and later operated a slaughter yard at Chewton. Patterson served on the Chewton local council, being elected mayor four times before moving with his wife Anna and family to Melbourne in 1870. Patterson established a real estate business, and after two unsuccessful attempts to enter parliament in 1866 and 1868, he won the by election for Castlemaine in the Legislative Assembly in December 1870. He would hold this seat until his death 25 years later. Patterson served in Sir Graham Berry’s brief August to October 1875 government as Commissioner of Public Works and Vice-President of Board and Land Works. He repeated these roles two years later in Berry’s second government and additionally served as Postmaster-General, and in Berry’s third government was Commissioner of Railways and again Vice-President of the Board of Land and Works. In April 1889 after a time in Opposition, Patterson became Commissioner for Trade and Customs in Duncan Gillies’ Government. The following year he returned to the familiar positions of Public Works, Board of Land and Words and Postmaster-General. By 1891 Patterson was leader of the opposition, and when William Shiels’ government succumbed to a motion of no confidence, led by Patterson, he became premier on the 23rd of January 1893. During his premiership, James Patterson was also Chief Secretary and Minister for Railways. His term as premier coincided with a period of severe economic depression, and his enforced economies earned Patterson few public admirers. In May 1893 his government attempted to prevent a run on bank withdrawals and stabilise the sector, by declaring a 5 day 'bank holiday'. Patterson was awarded a knighthood in May 1894, however this did not increase public confidence in his government who were not returned to power in the August 1894 election. Again leader of the opposition, James Patterson died suddenly of influenza on the 30 of October 1895.This portrait was presented to Sir James Patterson by 'grateful citizens of Victoria' in appreciation of his services during the land boom depression. In 1929 the painting was donated to the Victorian Parliamentary Library by H. Lavinia Patterson, the wife of Sir James Patterson's nephew Colonel George Patterson.Oil on canvas, framed. Frame: ornate wood, gesso mouldings, unglazed. Signed on bottom right corner "G. Coutts" Stamped inscription along inner edge of canvas: "WINSOR AND NEWTON". Inscription on canvas, handwritten in ink: "13 1 92" from reverse.patterson, james brown (1833-1895)

In 1895 artist Gordon Coutts was commissioned by Elizabeth Harding (Mrs. Silas Harding), a wealthy pastoralist, to paint this portrait of Prince Albert. The portrait was completed by 1896 and is a copy of an original by German artist Franz Xaver Winterhalter (1805-1873). In 1843 Winterhalter was commissioned to paint matching portraits of Queen Victoria and Albert, the Prince Consort. These originals hang in the Garter Throne Room at Windsor Castle and are part of the UK Royal Collection. Queen Victoria’s appreciation of Winterhalter began after she saw portraits by him of other European monarchs. Accordingly, between 1842 and 1861 he made fifteen visits to England and painted over 100 portraits of Her Majesty, the royal family and other friends and dignitaries. There are a number of notable differences in the original Winterhalter work and this painting. The local artist Coutts has changed the colour of the Prince’s cloak from deep blue/black to red (perhaps as a result of working from a black and white photograph). Other differences include extra satin shoulder ribbons, a simplification of the furnishings, notably the floor, and an inexact representation of the medallions worn; collars of the Order of the Garter, Bath, and the Golden Fleece. The painting is framed to match the official copy portrait of Queen Victoria, with the coat of arms of Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, fixed atop the frame in place of the royal crown.Framed portrait, oil on cotton, of Prince Albert. The Prince Consort wears the robes of the Order of the Garter, holds a Field-Marshal’s baton, and is posed in front of a curtain and colonnade. Timber frame with a layer of gesso and decorative composition ornaments. There are rose, scotch thistle, clover leaf and Acanthus ornaments. The coat of arms that sits on top of the frame is a combination of carved timber and composition elements.Signed lower right corner in red brushpoint: ‘after Winterhalter / By Gordon Coutts / 1896’.albert, prince consort of victoria, queen of great britain, 1819-1861, winterhalter, franz xaver, 1805-1873, coutts, gordon (1865-1938)

An ensign is a national flag used within a naval or military context. A naval ensign is usually required to be flown when entering and leaving harbour, when sailing through foreign waters, and when a ship is signalled to do so by a warship. They are also flown during battles and when the ensign is lowered, the ship is said to have surrendered. This Victorian Naval Ensign was used by the Victorian Naval Contingent in the Boxer Rebellion in China in 1900. The contingent was led by Captain Frederick Tickell who had commanded the Victorian Naval Forces since 1897. In around 1901, Captain Tickell presented the ensign to Frederick Thomas Sargood [1834-1903] who had been Minister of Defence and Education for the Colony of Victoria and was a Senator in Federal Parliament. In September 1986 the ensign was stolen from Parliament House. The suspect was described as a young man wearing 'a beret and bow tie' ("The Age" 26 September 1986). Fortunately the ensign was recovered a week later. Victorian Ensign wool flag with Union Jack, Southern Cross and crown emblem. Hand written ink inscription on white linen sleeve. Rope attached. Framed.Handwritten black ink on flag header: "This Victorian Ensign (the first on active service) was used by the Victorian Contingent during service in 1900 in China. It was presented to Senator Sir F.T. Sargood K.C.M.G. by Captain Tickell C.M.B. Lieut. Col."colony of victoria, boxer rebellion, victorian navy

This photograph of John Pascoe Fawkner was commissioned by artist William Strutt in 1857. In 1907 Strutt gave the photograph to Victoria's London agent, Mr. Lake, to be presented to the Victorian Parliamentary Library. In a letter to Mr. Lake now in the library's archives, Strutt describes how he had planned to make use of the photograph in his artistic practice, and when finished with it, had promised to give the photograph to the Victorian Parliamentary Librarian Charles Ridgway (c.1801-1865). "That time then has come, late it is true, but alas Mr. Ridgeway [sic] is dead, so is Fawkner, but the old patriot will ever live in this portrait".Framed ambrotype portrait photograph of John Pascoe Fawkner seated and wearing a smoking cap. Note from William Strutt adhered verso. The ambrotype is a positive photographic image on a glass plate mounted inside a glazed frame with a gold-coloured inner-frame/preserver (possibly celluloid) and black velvet-covered backing board. Handwritten black ink verso: "John Pasco [sic] Fawkner/ This admirable portrait/ of the Founder of Melbourne is now presented in/ fulfilment of my/ promise (made years/ ago to the late Mr/ Ridgeway) to present it/ to the Parliament House/ Library of Melbourne./ William Strutt./ Wedsmnt [?] Dec' 18.1007."strutt, william, 1825-1915, fawkner, john pascoe, 1792-1869, ridgway, charles c.1801-1865, victorian parliamentary library

Cyril Everett Isaac (1884-1865) (MLC for South Eastern 1940-52) was a progressive educator, horticulturist and conservationist. A pioneer of school gardening, Isaac believed in the enlightening, spiritual values of working with the land, and founded the State Schools Horticulture Society in 1910. Following the outbreak of the Great War, Isaac recognised the potential to combine school gardening with humanitarian aid. In 1915, Isaac helped to establish the Young Gardeners’ League, whereby young garden enthusiasts could join for a penny and cultivate plots in their own backyards. These home-grown flowers and vegetables were then sold for the going market rates, and the proceeds went towards supporting the Education Department officers serving in the war and their families. This project culminated in a state-wide flower day show held at Melbourne’s Town Hall on 3 November 1916, known as Children’s Flower Day. Isaac hoped that this special day would encourage children to feel that by ‘growing the flowers they are doing something to help our brave soldiers.’ Originally aiming to raise £10,000, the inaugural Flower Day raised over £32,309 (including revenue from home produce), and was donated to the War Relief Fund. On 9 November, the Dandenong Advertiser reported: “This is a splendid record for the boys and girls of our State Schools, who are so well tutored, and ready and willing to help the British Empire against the enemy.” One month after Flower Day, Isaac enlisted in 58th Battalion of Australian Infantry Forces, and departed for Europe in May 1917. Subsequent Children’s Flower Days were held in 1917 and 1918 in Isaac’s absence, and accounted for 25 per cent of the £445,000 raised by the Education Department’s War Relief Fund. A badge created as a fundraiser for Children's Flower Day in 1918. These badges were sold in public places in order to raise funds for war relief. Round metal badge with celluloid insert that has a printed motif of flowers (wattle and forget-me-not) and three banners with red text.Printed recto: "CHILDREN'S/ FLOWER DAY/ 1918"isaac, cyril everett (1884-1865), children's flower day, world war 1, charity

The "Viva" was a steamboat operated by George Dent that ran on the Yarra River between Princes Bridge and Hawthorn Bridge from 1860-1861. Printer flyer pasted onto cardboard advertising ferry services between Melbourne and Hawthorne [sic]. Corrections to ferry departure times are in black handwritten ink. Flyer has losses around edges and stains from 'blue-tack' verso. Black ink, printed recto: "PIC-NIC PARTIES/ AND OTHERS./ A Steamer to Hawthorne Twice a day./ On and after Monday Next, 26th march, the/ STEAMER/ "VIVA"/ Will Run daily, (Sundays Excepted) between Melbourne and/ HAWTHORNE,/ Landing Passengers at Survey Paddock, Gardner's Creek, and/ any other place along the Yarra Banks./ Leavers Hawthorne Bridge 10 a.m./ 2 p.m./ 5.30 p.m./ Leaves Princes' Bridge, melbourne 12 p.m./ 4 p.m./ Fare One Shilling/ EACH WAY./ N.B.-Parties wishing to send packages or parcels by the Steamer th(?).../ will be received and a receipt given at the waiting room, Melbourne, or on board.../ by George Dent, who will execute any orders in Town./ Small Packages, - 6d. Large Packages, - 1s/ Abbot & Co., Printers, Melbourne.viva steamboat, dent, george, hawthorne, yarra river, princes bridge, melbourne, survey paddock, gardner's creek

In 1966 the Victorian Parliamentary Library established a newspaper clipping service. This sign, among many created by the Library, provided helpful instruction to Members of Parliament on how they should treat collection material. The Library was managed by a committee of Members of Parliament from 1851 to 2004, when the Library then became part of the Department of Parliamentary Services.Sign issued by the Library Committee advising Members to not remove newspaper clippings from files. Paper and cardboard with black printed text.Printed black ink, recto: "Newspapers are not to be/ removed from the files, nor/ are they to be mutilated./ Hon. Members are asked/ to co-operate with the Library/ Committee in having this rule/ observed./ By order of the Library Committee./ 14476/42". parliament of victoria, victorian parliamentary library, library committee

This album commemorates the third session 1897/8 Australasian Federal Convention held in Melbourne from the 22nd of January to the 17th of March 1898. It contains the photographs and signatures of the delegates and photographs of convention staff including those from the Victorian Parliament who assisted during the Convention.Blue leather album with gold embellishment containing 54 cabinet card photographs. Most pages have handwritten signatures of the sitters' below the portrait. Recto, gold: "The Australasian Federal Convention/ Melbourne 1898." "LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY/ THE CLERK/ VICTORIA". Each album page has the title: "The Federal Convention/ 3rd Session, Melbourne, 1898."australasian federal convention

Programme of celebrations during the visit of their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and York for the opening of the first Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia from the 6th to the 16th May 190148 pages : illustrations, maps, portraits

John Robson was born at Newcastle, Northumberland, England, the son of Mathew Robson and Hannah Sproat. Hesailed to Australia on the "Arabian", landing at Port Phillip in 1854. Obituary DEATH OF MR. JOHN ROBSON ANOTHER PIONEER GONE. AN EXTREMELY VERSATILE MAN. General regret was expressed at the death yesterday morning at Miss Garnett's private hospital, of Mr John Robson, musician and and elocutonist and one of Ballarat's oldest, best known and most respected citizens. Mr Robson had been sitting for a few weeks, and his medical adviser, diagnosed his complaint as appendicitis, which afflicted, him in such a severe form that an operation was deemed to be absolutely necessary. He was removed to Miss Garnett's private hospital, and about a week ago he was operated upon. Mr Robson, being a man of robust constitution, stood the shock of the operation well, and he was making good headway towards recovery when the spell of hot weather set in, and caused exhaustion. Heart failure followed, and exhaustion the attention of his medical adviser, and the careful nursing he received, the end came peacefully at the time stated above. Mr John Robson was born at Newcastle, Northumberland, England, in , and he was therefore 72 years of age. Mr Robson's father, who was a contractor, had much to do with the building of the City of Newcastle. After passing through minor schools, Mr John Robson entered the academy of Professor Ross, and soon rose to a foremost position in the classes. When his studies were completed he was apprenticed to an architect and for a time studied the technique of this important branch of his father's calling. His adaptability for the work was great, and hopes were entertained that he would rise to a high position in the profession. Then came glowing reports of the wonderful Australian gold discoveries. Mr Robson’s father decided to migrate to these parts, and he sent a son to prepare the way. Believing that tools and timber might not be procured in Australia. Mr Robson, senr, constructed a portable wooden residence, which was shipped in pieces on the White Star liner Arabian which brought the family over. In 1854 Mr John Robson, who was then nearly 17 years of age, landed at Port Phillip, and with the other members of the family came on to Ballarat, which place he made his home to the end. When he first reached Ballarat, Mr Robson joined in the search for gold, but not being strong enough for this rough work, he turned his attention to carpentering. This he did not care much about, and in 1858 he was appointed a teacher in St. Paul's Day School, Ballarat, but in the following year he relinquished this position and became exchange clerk in the local branch of the National Bank. Being adapted to this quickly made himself acquainted with the details of a banker’s profession, and his rise was rapid. In the year 1871, about 12 years after he joined the bank, he was appointed manager, and for four years occupied that position with conspicuous success. He was connected with the National Bank for eighteen years, and in 1875 he entered business on his own account. With his brother, Mr Wm. Robson, he erected red-gum sawmills at Gunbower, on the River Murray. Subsequently he was offered the management of the Australian and European Bank in mills. In 1886, he accepted the position and held it until the bank was absorbed by the Commercial Bank of Australia. For a time he lived privately, still, how ever, holding his interest in the saw mills. In 1886, he accepted, the position of manager of the Ballarat branch of the Mercantile Bank of Australia. This bank was closed in 1892, and Mr Robson retired, altogether from commercial circles. In the meantime his brother died, and the saw-mills were sold. Mr Robson held a very important position in music, in fact he for many years was looked upon as the leading musician in Ballarat, he being master of quite a variety of instruments. In 1864. he was appointed conductor of the old Harmonic Society in this city, and subsequently conductor of the Ballarat Liedertafel. Under his leadership this society attained a high state of efficiency, which has since been well-maintained. Many years ago Mr Robson formed an operatic company from amongst Ballarat residents, and such beautiful operas as “Lucrezia Borgia' "Lucia di Lammermoor," “Ernani,' La Sonnambula,” and others were successfully rendered. As an elocutionist, Mr Robson attained much prominence, he being recognised as one of the most capable teachers in Ballarat. He was president of the one-time Ballarat Shakespearian Dramatic Club, which under his direction, from time to time produced Shakespeare’s masterpieces. In this, too, he took the chief characters, the roles of Macbeth, Othello, Hamlet, and Shylock, all being powerfully represented by him. For some years prior to his demise Mr Robson, acted as a teacher of music, and elocution, and many of his pupils, competed with great success at the Ballarat and other competitions. Some years ago he acted as adjudicator at the South street competitions, when he gave every satisfaction, and his services were frequently secured to judge at competitions in other parts of the State and in other states of the Commonwealth. At the Ballarat band contests every year, he was a conspicuous figure, and he always acted as leader of the massed bands, by whom his appearance was always enthusiastically greeted. In his younger days he took a keen interest in several forms of sport, was a successful oarsman, one of the best amateur boxers of his weight and as a billiard player was able to hold his own with professionals. 'Mr Robson was an earnest adherent of the Church of England, and in social and other organisations he from time to time held important positions. As a Anglican churchman, he was widely respected, being the official principal and lay Canon of the Cathedral, a member of the Bishops Council, and a prominent member of St. Paul's Church, Ballarat East. He was also a prominent member of the Masonic order. and was a Past Grand Junior Warden of the Grand Lodge of Freemasons of Victoria, an office which he filled with the greatest credit. He was also a member of the Old Colonists' Association and the Mechanics' Institute, was at one time vice-president of the Art Gallery was once a member of the School of Mines Council, and was many years ago made a Justice of the Pence. On many occasions he was asked to stand for Parliament, as a representative of Ballarat and on one occasion he consented to do so, but subsequently retired without going to the poll in favor of the late Mr Daniel Brophy. He was also often pressed to stand for both the Ballarat East and City Councils, but he declined to allow himself to be nominated. Mr Robson was an active gentleman, and a brilliant conversationalist. His courtesy, high mental and moral endowments, and warm open-heartedness, made him a most interesting and congenial companion. During his long residence in Ballarat, which city he declined to sever his connected with, he was well known and much courted, and was looked up on as one of the most prominent citizens, and his loss will be very severely felt. Some years ago a portrait of Mr Robson, in full Masonic regalia, was painted by he late Mr Stanton Bowman, and was presented by Mr Robson to the citizens, and it was hung in the City Hall, where it is always admired by visitors. The late Mr John Robson never married, and with his brother, James, lived for many years in Eureka street, Ballarat. The two brothers were nearly always together, and as they walked the streets with arms linked, they were frequently referred to as the Siamese twins. The only Australian relative of the late Mr John Robson is his brother. Mr James Robson, who hardly left the bedside during John's illness, and to him the blow has been a very severe one. In his bereavement he will have the heartfelt sympathy not only of the whole of the residents of Ballarat, but of people in all parts of the State. When the news of Mr Robson’s death became known the flags were flown at half-mast at the City and Town Halls, and the Old Colonists’ Hall, out of respect to the memory of the deceased. The interment will take place at the Old Cemetery this afternoon. The cortege will leave “Rothbury," Eureka street, Mr Robson’s late residence, at 3 o'clock, for St. Paul’s Church, where there will be a short service conducted by the vicar, the Rev T. A. Colebrook. (Ballarat Star, January 1910)Photographic portrait of John Robson, member of the Old Colonists' Association of Ballarat.john robson, old colonists' association of ballarat, old colonists' club

This document is a speech titled "Empire Day 1933. A message to the children at Olinda School from their member". It is signed G H Knox. It was written by Sir George Hodges Knox and read to the children at Olinda School as part of the Empire Day celebrations in 1933. Sir George Hodges Knox (1885-1960) was a veteran of WW1 and was elected to the Ferntree Gully Shire Council in 1922. He held this post until 1927.The City Of Knox is named after him. He won the Victorian Legislative Assembly seat for Upper Yarra in 1927 for the Nationalist Party. He became Speaker for the Victorian Parliament in 1942 and remained there until 1947. Between 1945 and his death in 1960 he held the seat of Scoresby. He was knighted in 1945. The celebration of Queen Victoria's birthday on May 24 was renamed Empire Day in 1903 after her death in 1901. Empire Day was observed in state schools from 1905 with a program of addresses, pageants and patriotic songs, with children swearing allegiance to King and Empire with a loyal declaration. The last celebration of Empire Day in Australia took place in 1958. Five sheets of unlined paper that appear to have been torn from a writing pad with a speech handwritten in thick, black fountain pen commemorating Empire Day.olinda school, sir george hodges knox, empire day, speech, city of knox, knox, olinda, school, celebration

This photograph was probably taken at the opening of the Federal Parliament in Melbourne.Not an original photograph but of interest because it shows together two 'towering' figures in Australian Light Horse history.Black and white photograph of two officers seated being Lieutenant Colonel Harry Chauvel (left) and Colonel Tom Price, May 1901. Chauvel is in light Horse uniform and Price in Victorian Mounted Rifles uniform. Both are wearing mourning bands on their sleeve, possibly mourning the recent death of Queen Victoria (22 January 1901). The photograph is laminated and is possibly an image cut from a publication. chauvel, price, light horse, vmr, melbourne, federation, uniform

This flyer represents the historical process of elections celebrated in 1910 in Melbourne Victoria and one of the proposed options. The link to Legacy is not known. Legacy was founded in 1923 by returned soldiers from the first world war. Dr William Nuttall Maloney was a long serving member of Parliament from 1904 to 1940. This piece represents the kind of social issues that required attention at that time, and the kind of system they used for voting. Matte finished paper flyer about the Melbourne 1910 elections. Has a photo of the candidate on the front side and a description of the promises and details at the back of the card. Front side, Yours Fraternally W. Maloney / Vote for Dr. MALONEY, 13th April, 1910. Back side, description about the Melbourne Election process, details of promises, details about how to vote and the date. Also has details about the printing company. melbourne elections, voting

Demonstrates a consultation process and yields information about the process that saw the eventual take over of the ESCo and MESCo tramways by the SECMinutes - 23 carbon copy foolscap sheets - minutes or transcript of a meeting between the SEC and the City of Ballarat and Borough of Sebastopol 28/10/1929 to regarding the SEC take over and agreements with the locals councils, pending authorisation by Parliament. Sir John Monash led the SEC group Has a list of attendees. trams, tramways, minutes, sec, geelong, ballarat, bendigo, city of ballaarat, borough of sebastopol

Yields information about the actions of bus equipment suppliers when a sale could be seen.Set of two documents or letters regarding replacement buses for the reported closure of the Ballarat Tramway system. .1 - Letter to J. Stubbs of E. A Franklin Pty Ltd, dated 16/10/1962, responding to their letter of 10/10, suggesting that action be deferred until Parliament makes a decision. Signed H. W. Linaker. .2 - Letter from J. Stubbs Sales Manager of E. A. Franklin, dated 10/10/1962 to the SEC Ballarat regarding the provision of Level-Air suspension fitted to the latest MMTB buses. Both sheets have paper with rounded corners. trams, tramways, closure, buses, ballarat

Yields information about the views of various letter writers, Bendigo union views, Geelong, public meetings, finances and protest action.Foolscap sheet of plain paper, with rounded corners, with 4 newspaper cuttings, concerning the mooted closure of the Ballarat Tram system 10 Feb to 13 Feb 1962. All from The Courier, unless noted otherwise. 1 - "Bus v Tram" - 10-2-1962 - letter - from M Stewart of Sydney, say that the move to buses as in Sydney should not be allowed to happen. 2 - "Tram Facts" - 13-2-62 - letter - about the need for a private operator to run at a profit, higher fares - a public authority would maintain concession fares. 3 - "On the Lines" - 13-2-62 - letter - supporting the trammies. 4 - "Bendigo Meeting Moves to Retain Trams" - 12-3-62 - reporting on a meeting of 11-2-62- in Bendigo, well attended. Included the local Union Secretary, Mr G. T. James, State Secretary Mr C O'Shea, President Mr. S. Edwards, note that fares in Geelong had increased 100% since closure there. Mr Stoneham, noted that the petition to close the system must be laid in Parliament for 24 days. The current sitting would not last that long and it won't be considered until the Spring session.closure, atmoea, unions, parliament, bendigo, geelong, sec