The Struggle for Freedom 2 Revised Edition Author: Walter Murdoch Publisher: Whitcombe & Tombs Date: 1903 Label on spine cover with typed text RA 942 MUR warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, book, the struggle for freedom, walter murdoch

The New Guide to Carpentry General Framing and Joinery by Robert Scott ed Burn Publisher John G Murdoch flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, book, the new guide to carpentry general framing and joinery

Pattison Collection 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 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. 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 it's 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 1850’s 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. WARRNAMBOOL MECHANICS’ INSTITUTE Warrnambool's Mechanics' Institute (or Institution as it was sometimes called) was one of the earliest in Victoria. On 17th October 1853, a meeting was held where it was resolved to request the Lieutenant Governor of the Colony to grant land for the erection of a Mechanics' Institutes building. A committee was formed at the meeting and Richard Osburne chaired the first meeting of this committee. The land on the North West corner of Banyan and Merri Streets was granted but there were no funds to erect the building. The Formal Rights of the Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute's encompassed its aims and these were officially adopted in1859; "This Institution has for its object the diffusion of literary, scientific, and other useful knowledge amongst its members, excluding all controversial subjects, religious or political. These objects are sought to be obtained by means of a circulating library, a reading room, the establishment of classes, debates, and the occasional delivery of lectures on natural and experimental philosophy, mechanics, astronomy, chemistry, natural history, literature, and the useful and ornamental arts, particularly those which have a more immediate reference to the colony." The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute opened its first reading room in November 1884 in the National School building at the corner of Banyan and Timor Streets. The Institute was funded by member subscription, payable on a quarterly, half-yearly or yearly basis. Samuel Hannaford, the Manager of the Warrnambool Bank of Australasia, was the first Honorary Secretary of the Mechanics' Institutes, and an early President and Vice-President. He also gave several of the early lectures in the Reading Room. Another early Secretary, Librarian and lecturer was Marmaduke Fisher, the teacher at the National School. Lecture topics included The Poets and Poetry of Ireland', 'The Birth and Development of the Earth', 'The Vertebrae - with Remarks on the pleasures resulting from the study of Natural History' and 'Architecture'. In 1856 the Reading Room was moved to James Hider's shop in Timor Street, and by 1864 it was located in the bookshop of Davies and Read. In the 1860's the Mechanics' Institute struggled as membership waned but in 1866, after a series of fundraising efforts, the committee was able to purchase land in Liebig Street, on a site then called Market Square, between the weighbridge and the fire station. A Mechanics' Institute building was opened at this site in August 1871. The following year four more rooms were added to the main Reading Room and in 1873 the Artisan School of Design was incorporated into the Institute. The same year Joseph Archibald established a Museum; however, it deteriorated when he was transferred to Bendigo in 1877. In 1880, with Archibald's return to Warrnambool, the Museum was re-established, and in 1885 a new building was built at the back of the Institute to accommodate the re-created School of Design, the Art Gallery and the Museum. In 1887 the Museum section was moved to the former courthouse in Timor Street (for some time the walls of the building formed part of the TAFE cafeteria but all is now demolished)). In 1911 the Museum was transferred back to the original building and the management of the Mechanics' Institute was handed over to the Warrnambool City Council. The Museum and Art Gallery became one and housed many fine works of art, and the Library continued to grow. The building was well patronised, with records showing that at the beginning of the 20th century there were between 500 and 800 visitors. During World War One the monthly figures were in the thousands, with 3,400 people visiting in January 1915. The Museum was a much - loved Institution in Warrnambool until the contents of the Museum and Art Gallery were removed to make room for the Warrnambool City Council Engineers' Department. The contents were stored but many of the items were scattered or lost. When the original building was demolished the site became occupied by the Civic Centre, which included the new City Library. (The library was temporarily located in the old Palais building in Koroit Street.) In the process of reorganisation the Collection was distributed amongst the community groups: -The new City Library took some of the historical books and some important documents, historic photographs and newspapers. -The Art Gallery kept the 19th Century art collection and some of the artefacts from the museum. -The Historical Society has some items -The State Museum has some items -Some items were destroyed -Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village has old newspapers, Government Gazettes, most of the Mechanics' Institute Library, ledgers and documents connected to the Mechanics' Institute Library, some framed and unframed artworks and some photographs. The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute Library book collection is deemed to be of great importance because it is one of the few collections in an almost intact state, and many of the books are now very rare and of great value. 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 Life of David Livingstone Author: J S Robertson Publisher: J G Murdoch & Co Date: 1882 The label on the spine with typed text PAT 920 LIV Pastedown front endpaper has a sticker from Warrnambool Public Library covered by a sticker from Corangamite Regional Library Service Flyleaf has a stamp from Warrnambool Mechanics Institute warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, book, the life of david livingstone, j s robertson

This book has been written by Walter Murdoch while he was living in Warrnambool in 1903. Walter Logie Forbes Murdoch (1874-1970) had a distinguished academic career and became Australia’s best-known essayist. He was a household name to two generations of Australians through his radio broadcasts and syndicated literary columns in many Australian newspapers. In 1901 Walter Murdoch came to Warrnambool going into partnership with James Scott, the proprietor of Warrnambool College. They bought out Warrnambool Grammar School previously run by John Stanley. When Scott retired Murdoch became the sole owner and headmaster of the school. While in Warrnambool Murdoch wrote the school history textbook ‘The Struggle for Freedom’ which covers British constitutional history and has chapters on Australian government at all levels, including the new Federal Government. In 1904 Murdoch left Warrnambool to take up a lecturing position in English at Melbourne University. He went on to become the foundation Professor of English at the University of Western Australia and later its Chancellor. Murdoch University in Western Australia is named after him. During his lifetime Murdoch published over 40 works and he was knighted in 1964. This book is of major significance as it was written by the distinguished writer and academic Walter Murdoch whilst he was working in Warrnambool. The address at the end of the book’s Preface is ‘The College, Warrnambool’ and the date is ‘October 7th 1903’. The book sold 10,000 copies in its first year. This copy of the book ‘The Struggle for Freedom’ was owned by a member of the Goodall family, a name prominent in Warrnambool’s history. The stamp of the stationer Walter Davies shows that it was originally bought at a well-known local Warrnambool bookstore.This is a hard cover book of 248 pages. It has a dark red cover with black printed material and a Whitcombe and Tombs logo. The cover is torn near the spine and there is much foxing. The book contains a Preface, Contents pages, an Introductory chapter, 28 other chapters on the development of Government in Britain and the Federation of Australia and an Index. There are some black and white photographs and some sketches.Inside front cover and on page edges: ‘T. Goodall, (changed to ‘E’ in one place) S.School Warrnambool’ Inside front cover: Stamp of Walter Davies, Warrnambool Bookseller history of warrnambool, warrnambool college (early 20th century), walter murdoch

Retyped Instruction - MMTB - C No. 143 - "MMTB Notice to Inspectors (Electric System)" regarding the use of Motorman's cabins suggesting that they ride in the trams as well. Notes keen competition of the Railways and Buses, selling the service to the public. Dated 17/6/1924, signed by A. Murdoch. Would appear to have been retyped from the original document.trams, tramways, inspectors, notices and information, instructions, buses, railways

Light blue hardcover novel by Nina Murdoch Title: "Portrait of Miss Emily" Published by: Angus & Robertson Dibliey's Bookstore Burwood stamped inside.Dibley's Bookstore Burwood

Black and white photo of John Murdoch,brakeman, wearing his hard hat working at top of mine shaft. Central Deborah Mine,Bendigomining, business, central deborah gold mine

Black and white photo of Brakeman,John Murdoch wearing a hard hat, pushing an empty skip into shaft lift at Central Deborah Mine, Bendigo.mining, business, central deborah gold mine

Newspaper photo of Jason Begg and Vivienne Charlton being instructed by Arts-craft teacher Glenda Murdoch, and physical education teacher, on the painting of clay models.education, primary, golden square laurel st p.s., golden square primary school 1189 collection - newspaper cuttings, glenda murdoch, jason begg, vivienne charlton

This history book, written by Walter Murdoch, is the third in a series on Australian history. Walter Logie Forbes Murdoch (1874-1970) was a distinguished academic and writer, regarded today as one of Australia’s foremost essayists. He was a household name to two generations of Australians through his radio broadcasts and syndicated newspaper columns in several Australian newspapers. He came to Warrnambool in 1901 as the proprietor of a private school and while in Warrnambool wrote the first of the history series, ‘The Struggle For Freedom’. In 1904 Murdoch became a lecturer in English at Melbourne University and went from there to be the foundation Professor of English at the University of Western Australia and later its Chancellor. Murdoch University in Western Australia is named after him and he was knighted in 1964. He published over 40 books. This book is of interest as it was written by Walter Murdoch, not only because he was important in both literary and academic circles in Australia but also because he has a place in Warrnambool’s history. In 1901 Walter Murdoch came to Warrnambool going into partnership with James Scott, the proprietor of Warrnambool College. They bought out Stanley’s Warrnambool Grammar School and when Scott retired Murdoch became the sole proprietor and Headmaster of Warrnambool College. Whilst in Warrnambool Murdoch continued his writing. He left Warrnambool in 1904.This is a hard cover book of 242 pages. It has an olive green cover with the titles and author information on the cover and the spine in black print. The front cover has the information enclosed in an ornamental black and green border. The book has a Preface, 30 chapters on the early history of Australia, a List of Illustrations, an Index and two pages of advertisements for other history books published by Whitcombe and Tombs. The book contains several black and white photographs and sketches. On first page: ‘Elizabeth Kiddle, St. Hilda’s 1st year’. walter murdoch, history of warrnambool, australian history textbooks

Ken Bryant and Brian Steele to the left hand side of a Ford Customline with Jock Murdoch to the right of the car, registration number GXZ 585. Wireless Patrol Circa 1959police vehicles; wireless patrol; motor transport branch; ford customline car; bryant, ken; steele, brian; murdoch, kevin archibald

Two copies of a white soft covered book titled, 'For The Empire. The Last Post.' On the inside front cover are the words, ' Major Murdoch Nish Mackay, LLM. Scholar and Patriot.' Forward by G. Mackay the father of Murdoch. One copy has some personal signatures. Cambridge Press, Bendigo. C.1917. 44 pgs. [photos]. In recent years someone has researched Mackay, and the printed sheets have been included here.Cambridge Press, Bendigo. C.1917.world war 1, major murdoch nish mackay, lydia chancellor, world war 1, memorials, major murdoch nish mackay llm., soldiers, war

Manila folder marked "Car valuation Reports" containing many typed papers concerning the valuation of the cable car fleet at the time of the hand or take over by the Tramway Board of the Melbourne Tramway and Omnibus Co in 1916. Includes listing of cars, when built, comments on method of valuation depot and status. Included is a letter between The Secretary of the Tramway Board, Mr Pringle (ESCo, but with a William St address) and mentions Mr. Murdoch of the NMETL. See image 3009i2.jpgtrams, tramways, cable trams, accounting, mto co, tramway board

Report, 14 foolscap, duplicated sheets, titled "Confidential - The Chairman, Conference of Victorian Tramways Undertakings", dated 5/2/1919 and signed by W. Strangward as Secretary to the Committee reporting on the conference between Mr. Wilcox (Tramway Board), Mr Dix (PMTT), Mr. Murdoch (Essendon), Mr Pringle (Ballarat and Bendigo - ESCo) considering the claims of the Union, "Log of Wages and Working conditions served upon most Tramway Undertakings" through the Commonwealth. Goes through each demand and makes a recommendation.trams, tramways, unions, pmtt, tramway board, wages, nmetl, esco

Wireless Patrol crew Ken Bryant and Brian Steele to the left hand side of a Ford Customline with Jock Murdoch and Norm Wilson to the right of the car, registration number GXZ 585. Circa 1959

Soft covered book titled Billy Murdoch Cricketing Colossus by Richard Cashman and Ric Sissons, printed by Walla Walla press Sydney, contains 256 pages with black and white photographs, signed by Author.Richard Cashman & Ric Sissonsrecreations, sports, cricket, sandhurst-cricket-murdoch

Hector McKenzie and Abigail (nee McLean), his wife, lived at Ullapool on the shores of Lochbroom in the far north-west of Scotland. They were married on 8 March, 1821, and had several children. Three of the children, Murdoch and his two sisters, Isabella and Lexcy, emigrated to Australia from Liverpool on the ship "Hornet" on 29 July, 1854, along with 434 other assisted passengers. They arrived at Geelong on 23 October, 1854. Later, Murdoch married a like-named Margaret McKenzie on 23 May, 1861, and had eight children. At the time as the children were thinking about branching out on their own the Otway forest was surveyed and opened for selection. In 1890/91 Murdoch, a son, Duncan, and a daughter, Abigail, selected blocks at Weeaproinah. McKenzie. Colin and Margaret McKenzie. Self published; Weeaproinah (Vic); 2007(?). 54 p.; Illus; maps. Soft cover. Loose-leaf A4.

Set of six reports from the "The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Railways" .1 - Report - 12 pages + plan printed stapled titled "Report - Darling - Glen Waverley" - includes connexion between Camberwell to Ferntree Gully and Oakleigh. Dated 30/6/1926 .2 - Report - 16 pages - "Report - Outer Eastern Suburbs Connecting Railway or Tramway (Doncaster, Templestowe and Warrandyte)"- 8/7/1925. .3 - Report - 24 pages - "Doncaster and Warrandyte Districts Connecting Railway" - 13/12/1928 - 2 copies held. .4 - Report - 12 pages - Proposed Kew to Doncaster Electric Railway Extension" - 4/12/1930 - 3 copies held - see also Reg Item 414. .5 - Report - 16 pages including plan - "Keilor and Bulla Districts Connecting Railway" - 1926. .6 - Progress Report - 12 pages including plans - "Proposed Expenditure under railway loan application Act - provision of connecting lines between Glenroy and Albion and Melbourne Goods Yard" - 30/6/1926. Includes a circular letter dated 24/7/1926, enclosing reports 5 and 6 from the Secretary of the Metropolitan Town Planning Commission. Note: All these documents are available as a pdf on the Parliament of Victoria website..2 - has "Manager" stamped and "Mr. Murdoch" and a date in the top right hand corner.. .3 - copy 2 - has "Mr. Lormer" as for .4trams, tramways, railways, parliament, darling, glen waverley, doncaster, templestowe, warrandyte, keilor, essendon

1924 dated telegram from Elizabeth Street Postmasters Generals Department, Vic to G Parry. 16 words. Murdoch what will we do immediate say ten pounds. Signed Braim Masonic hall.communication, telegraphic, telegram, telegram transmission

Black and White photograph, mounted onto grey impressed and lined card of 8 men in a doorway a the Essendon or Ascot Vale Power House operated by The North Melbourne and Electric Tramways and Lighting Company. NMETL Has the power station equipment in the background. Photo by "Darge" Photos, 175 Collins St Melbourne, printed on the bottom right hand corner. Mr Murdoch the manager, most likely in the right hand of the top row. Others unknown. May have been taken a the time of the hand over of Essendon Power Station to the SEC / MMTBOne person has been arrowed the expression "ME" written onto the photograph.trams, tramways, power station, personnel, equipment, essendon, nmetl, substation

Presentations to John Wicking and Dame Elisabeth Murdoch of shields by John Moule, and Jeff Kennett and Don Argus of 'No Sight, Great Vision' book as part of the Centennary Appeal celebrations.4 x col. photographsjohn wicking, dame elisabeth murdoch, john moule, jeff kennett, don argus, association for the blind

Bendigo Advertiser ''The way we were'' from 2002. Smithy: Dan Murdoch blacksmith was located in Napier Street, Eaglehawk, during the early 1950s. Bill Jones stands centre (the other two men are unknown). The clip is in a folder.newspaper, bendigo advertiser, the way we were

Photograph. Harry Biggs Collection. 4 photographs (3 copies) of Eaglehawk Fire Brigade. C1900. The 13 men are all dressed in suits & standing in front of a hose reel. In the background can be seen the Murdoch sign above their business.organization, club/society, community, harry biggs collection, eaglehawk fire brigade

Warrnambool's Mechanics' Institute (or Institution as it was sometimes called) was one of the earliest in Victoria. On 17th October 1853 a meeting was held where it was resolved to request the Lieutenant Governor of the Colony to grant land for the erection of a Mechanics' Institutes building. A committee was formed at the meeting and Richard Osburne chaired the first meeting of this committee. The land on the North West corner of Banyan and Merri Streets was granted but there were no funds to erect the building. The Formal Rights of the Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute's encompassed its aims and these were officially adopted in1859; "This Institution has for its object the diffusion of literary, scientific, and other useful knowledge amongst its members, excluding all controversial subjects, religious or political. These objects are sought to be obtained by means of a circulating library, a reading room, the establishment of classes, debates, and the occasional delivery of lectures on natural and experimental philosophy, mechanics, astronomy, chemistry, natural history, literature, and the useful and ornamental arts, particularly those which have a more immediate reference to the colony." The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute opened its first reading room in November1884 in the National School building at the corner of Banyan and Timor Streets. The Institute was funded by member subscription, payable on a quarterly, half yearly or yearly basis. Samuel Hannaford, the Manager of the Warrnambool Bank of Australasia, was the first Honorary Secretary of the Mechanics' Institutes, and an early President and Vice-President. He also gave several of the early lectures in the Reading Room. Another early Secretary, Librarian and lecturer was Marmaduke Fisher, the teacher at the National School. Lecture topics included The Poets and Poetry of Ireland', 'The Birth and Development of the Earth', 'The Vertebrae - with Remarks on the pleasures resulting from the study of Natural History' and 'Architecture'. In 1856 the Reading Room was moved to James Hider's shop in Timor Street, and by 1864 it was located in the bookshop of Davies and Read. In the 1860's the Mechanics' Institute struggled as membership waned but in 1866, after a series of fund raising efforts, the committee was able to purchase land in Liebig Street, on a site then called Market Square, between the weighbridge and the fire station. A Mechanics' Institute building was opened at this site in August 1871. The following year four more rooms were added to the main Reading Room and in 1873 the Artisan School of Design was incorporated into the Institute. The same year Joseph Archibald established a Museum; however it deteriorated when he was transferred to Bendigo in 1877. In 1880, with Archibald's return to Warrnambool, the Museum was re-established, and in 1885 a new building was built at the back of the Institute to accommodate the re-created School of Design, the Art Gallery and the Museum. In 1887 the Museum section was moved to the former court house in Timor Street (for some time the walls of the building formed part of the TAFE cafeteria but all is now demolished)). In 1911 the Museum was transferred back to the original building and the management of the Mechanics' Institute was handed over to the Warrnambool City Council. The Museum and Art Gallery became one and housed many fine works of art, and the Library continued to grow. The building was well patronised, with records showing that at the beginning of the 20th century there were between 500 and 800 visitors. During World War One the monthly figures were in the thousands, with 3,400 people visiting in January 1915. The Museum was a much loved Institution in Warrnambool until the contents of the Museum and Art Gallery were removed to make room for the Warrnambool City Council Engineers' Department. The contents were stored but many of the items were scattered or lost. When the original building was demolished the site became occupied by the Civic Centre, which included the new City Library. (The library was temporarily located in the old Palais building in Koroit Street.) In the process of reorganisation the Collection was distributed amongst the community groups: -The new City Library took some of the historic books and some important documents, historic photographs and newspapers. -The Art Gallery kept the 19th Century art collection and some of the artefacts from the museum. -The Historic Society has some items -The State Museum has some items -Some items were destroyed -Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village has old newspapers, Government Gazettes, most of the Mechanics' Institute Library, ledgers and documents connected to the Mechanics' Institute Library, some framed and unframed art works and some photographs. The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute Library book collection is deemed to be of great importance because it is one of the few collections in an almost intact state, and many of the books are now very rare and of great value. New World Heroes Lincoln and Garfield The Life-Story of two self-made men, whom the people made Presidents Author: By the author of "Our Queen", "Grace Darling" Eva Hope Publisher: J G Murdoch & Co Ltd Label on spine cover with typed text R.H. 92 LIN Pastedown front endpaper has sticker from Warrnambool Mechanics Institute and Free Library. Front loose endpaper has a stamp from Warrnambool Mechanics Institutewarrnambool, 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, new world heroes lincoln and garfield, lincoln, garfield, our queen, grace darling, eva hope

Legal document within a light brown manila document - titled "Attorney General of Victoria re Purchase of Essendon Tram Undertaking" containing 4 large sheets, typed, legally bound with tape and sewn cotton. Formally titled "The Honourable Arthur Robinson his Majesty's attorney general for the state of the Victoria with Melbourne and Metropolitan Tramways Board / Agreement" Dated 30/6/1922 - sets out the terms and cost of the Board purchasing the undertaking from the State Government (not NMETL), employees except Arthur Murdoch and gives a drawing of the land to be taken over. Agreement scanned. Was subject to Parliamentary approval. Folder has file number "91-2" written on the outside.trams, tramways, mmtb, essendon, nmetl, victorian government, legal agreements

Radio Transcript - 11 Foolscap pages, undated, given a reference to the connection of the Commercial Road tram line following conversion of St Kilda Road cable tram lines - early 1926. Presented by The Chairman, Mr Cameron, giving a short history of trams in Melbourne, formation of the Board, lists other Board members, the General Scheme, Railway electrification, public transport in Melbourne, William St extension, replacement of the cable trams, methods of conversion, reference to the Tramway Trusts, Mr. Strickland, Mr. Murdoch, W. Strangward, tramcars, speed of trams, use of buses and finally fares. Has a reference to the forthcoming conversion of the Commercial Road and Malvern Road cable tramsHas green pencil in top left hand corner "Chair"trams, tramways, public transport, radio stations, cable trams, conversion, general scheme, personnel

Radio transcript - 11 foolscap sheets, typed, titled "Draft Wireless Report 28th May 1926" of a talk possibly by the Manager Mr. Murdoch as it mentions the Assistant Manager Mr. Young. Document is a draft with pencil alterations and figures or numbers outstanding, some have been written in. Provides notes on running control, tickets, employment, training of both cable and electric drivers, driver training, Hawthorn school, braking, conversion from cable to electric driving, conductor training, monitoring of the services, rosters preparation, fare collection, speed of services, tram stops, passenger behaviour, issues with motor vehicles, collisions, accidents, safety and costs of extensions.In blue pencil in top right hand corner appears to be "Assist Mgr"trams, tramways, traffic staff, operations, training, radio stations, drivers, conductors, rosters, tickets, behaviour, accidents, safety