The Ballarat School of Mines was established in the disused Ballarat Circuit Court in 1870 through the initiatives of the Ballarat Mining Board, which was concerned with the shortage of trained men for the goldfields. The former Ballarat Circuit Court House was originally abandoned due to subsidence of its foundations, possible caused by under-mining. This photograph shows students in front of that building, which was demolished c1912 to make way for the Ballarat Technical Art School building. A group of men pose for a photograph at the side of the original Ballarat School of Mines Building (Former Circuit Court - now demolished). Many wear hats.ballarat school of mines, ballarat circuit court house, court house, ballarat mining board, students, class, former ballarat circuit courthouse, alumni, boater hats