Published in three volumes in 1903, 1904 and 1905 respectively, the full titles read:- The Cyclopedia of Victoria (Illustrated) – in Thee Volumes – An Historical and Commercial Review – Descriptive and Biographical, Facts, Figures and Illustrations – An Epitome of Progress – Edited by James Smith. It was published by The Cyclopedia Company, Publishers, Melbourne. These books are from the estate of Elsie Cooke. Elsie Cooke lived all her life in Gippsland,. She was born at Brodribb in 1895 and died in 1970, Elsie Cooke lived at Bruthen for a short time and, in 1937, moved to live with her aunt, Miss Jean Munro. Miss Cooke was Librarian at the Mechanics Institute for many years. Kindness and consideration for other were Miss Cooke’s attributes and she endeared herself to all who knew her. She was a loyal member of the Presbyterian Church and a stalwart of the Ladies’ Guild, an energetic worker for the Municipal Auxiliary and a member of the Red Cross. This is a significant reference tool as it is a vast source of biographical information.Three volumes of "Cyclopedia of Victoria". They have blue covers, black spines and gold print. The three volumes contain historical details which mention many people and also many biographies and thousands of illustrations including portraits. smith-james cyclopedia-victoria biographies-victoria

Australia’s first silver sixpences were struck in sterling silver (92.5% silver, 7.5% copper) dated 1910 from the London Mint and don’t feature a mintmark. From 1916 to 1926, the Melbourne and Sydney mints were striking sixpences with dates between 1916-1920. From the estate of Elsie Cooke. Elsie Cooke lived all her life in Gippsland,. She was born at Brodribb in 1895 and died in 1970, Elsie Cooke lived at Bruthen for a short time and, in 1937, moved to live with her aunt, Miss Jean Munro. Miss Cooke was Librarian at the Mechanics Institute for many years. Kindness and consideration for other were Miss Cooke’s attributes and she endeared herself to all who knew her. She was a loyal member of the Presbyterian Church and a stalwart of the Ladies’ Guild, an energetic worker for the Municipal Auxiliary and a member of the Red Cross. (ref. Mary Gilbert) This is an early example of a pre-decimal coin.This 1918 Australian sixpence obverse has the robed and crowned bust of King George V facing left, with the legend: 'GEORGIVS V D.G.BRITT:OMN:REX F.D.IND:IMP:' and a dot below. The reverse shows the word 'SIXPENCE' and the Australian Coat of Arms. A kangaroo and an emu hold a shield, with a star above. Below this is a scroll with the words 'ADVANCE AUSTRALIA'. Underneath that is 1918.Obverse: 'GEORGIVS V D.G.BRITT:OMN:REX F.D.IND:IMP:' and a dot below. Reverse: 'SIXPENCE' and the Australian Coat of Arms. A kangaroo and an emu hold a shield, with a star above. Below this is a scroll with the words 'ADVANCE AUSTRALIA'. Underneath that is 1918.coin sixpence-1918 cooke-elsie

Erin's Isle was a paddle steamer built in 1912 by Messrs. A. & J. Inglis Pointhouse, Glasgow, for the Belfast and County Down Railway Company. It provided a regular service between Belfast Lough and Bangor, County Down in the summer season. In November 1915 it was requisitioned by the Admiralty, initially for transport purposes, and later as an auxiliary mine sweeper. Surviving World War One, this vessel as lost on 7 February 1919 after hitting a stray mine at the entrance of the Thames Estuary and immediately sank. There were 23 lives lost, and 28 survivors. Bangor is a city in Gwynedd Unitary Authority, north west Wales, and one of the smallest cities in Britain. This postcard was sent home to Australia by a six bob a day tourist, and member of the Australian AIF on active service. During leave soldiers often visited tourists sites, family, or towns important to their ancestral heritage.A view of paddle steamer with three moored mail steamers are visible to the left, and a pier and lamp on right. A ship can be seen iin distance on right. S.S Erin's Isle off down to Bangorchatham-holmes family collection, bangor, belfast, mail ships, steam ship, six bob a day tourist

Annual report on activities and financial performance of Kelaston, including the closure of the laneway behind Kelaston in preparation for the expected rebuilding, appointment of Dawn Veale, Rod McDonald, Deborah Hoover, Jane Brownfield and Anne Johnson, challenge issued to other centres to find the longest serving volunteer with no one beating Avenel McClure's record of 59 years with the Ballarat Auxiliary starting as a driver, Terry Fraser seconded to Mirridong, farewell to Teresa Skyrpko who use to carry bags of coal to fuel the stoves when she began 34 years ago, 4 residents attended a holiday at Halls Gap, Port Phillip Bay cruise for 2 residents, three people celebrated turning 100 (or more), establishment of an awareness program of vision impairment for Ballarat primary school students and the Low Vision Clinic in Horsham began operations.1 printed volume with illustrationskelaston home (ballarat), association for the blind, corporation records

Set of 5 back and white photographs of MMTB Buses .1 - MAN Bus Nop. 105 at Doncaster Depot - 4/2/1980 .2 - Leyland OPS1 bus No. 372 (Preston Workshops body) on a Bus and Coach Society Victoria Special in Alfred Crescent, North Fitzroy 10/1/1975 .3 - AEC Mk III bus No. 433 (Comeng Body) at new loading bay in Princess St at Kew Junction 5/2/1972 .4 - AEC Mike IV bus 606 with a J A Lawton body, departing Brunswick tram depot after a meal break. The photographer notes that it running the replacement rail service to Upfield on Sundays. Note the Upfield auxiliary board on the front of the bus. 20/2/1972 .5 - Leyland "National:" bus No. 817 at Heidelberg Railway Station 9/8/1975. 20/2/1972 All photos by Bruce TilleyHas extensive details of the photograph written on the rear,trams, tramways, mmtb, buses, doncaster depot, man, leyland, aec, kew junction, bscv, brunswick depot, upfield, tram 105, tram 372, tram 433, tram 606, tram 817

All the men in the photo were Great War soldiers. On the day of the presentation in 1972 the men were accompanied by their wives or relatives and treated to afternoon tea by the RSL Ladies Auxiliary and entertained by two RSL members George Elliot and George English. Top. Norman McLaren Young Regt No 7595, 13th & 14th Bn's. Thomas Richardson Liddle Regt No 1963, 21st Bn. Centre. Wm Earl Waters Regt No 718, 22nd Bn & 4th Fld Engineers. Robert Harrowfield Regt No 4954, 8th Bn. Jabez Hopkins Merryman Regt No 1981, 11th Bn & 1st M.G Bn. Bot. William Flett Regt No1767, 22nd & 24th Bn's. George Keir Regt No 1374, 13th LH Regt. David Jones Regt No 2670, 57th Bn. Norman Charles Boyle Regt No 1803, 38th Bn. Roy McEwan Johnson Regt No 2671, 57th Bn.Photograph B & W showing a group of 10 men who recieved their 50 year membership Certificates as members of the Bendigo RSL Sub Branch. Photograph was taken on the stairs to the stage in the Main Hall of the Soldiers Memorial Institute Bendigobrsl, smirsl, 50 years, membership, wabrsl

The Returned and Services League of Australia (often abbreviated to RSL) is a support organisation for men and women who have served or are serving in the Australian Defence Force (ADF). It was formed as the Returned Sailors and Soldiers Imperial League of Australia in 1916, became the Returned Sailors', Soldiers' and Airmens Imperial League of Australia in 1940, and became the Returned Services League of Australia in 1965. The change to its current name was made in 1990 to reflect the organisation's concern for current as well as former servicemen and servicewomen. The patron of the RSL is Queen Elizabeth II. The current National President of the League is Rear Admiral Ken Doolan, AO RAN (rtd).[2] As of 31 December 2009, the League comprised 186,652 members from 1,306 sub-branches and 5,533 members of the League's women's auxiliary from 381 sub-branches. Membership levels have been declining for at least ten years http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Returned_and_Services_League_of_AustraliaWooden Plaque 15cm x 13cmRSL Australia

Trench art letter opener cut into the shape of a scimitar from a section of a shell case. The handle for the letter opener is made from a discharged British or Australian MK VII .303 calibre rimmed cartridge. The blade of the letter opener is attached to the handle via a bullet which has been sliced through the middle HMAS Uralba was an auxiliary minefield tender and armament stores carrier operated by the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) during World War II. She was launched in 1942 by Ernest Wright, Tuncurry, New South Wales as Uralba for the North Coast Steam Navigation Company. Requisitioned by the RAN while under construction on 13 July 1942 and commissioned on 22 November 1942. After being returned to her owners and being sold and used for a number of purposes she was sunk on 4 November 1971 to create an artificial reef off Carrum Creek, in Port Phillip Bay.Stainless steel blade with handle made from 303 round/cartridgeHMAS Uralba inscribed on bladehmas uralba, ran, ww2, letter opener, paper knife

Articles in annual report include: List of RVIB president, vice president, board of management, medical staff and officers of the institute, honorary officers and consultant medical staff, President's report, The children - independence and achievement, Our Christmas party, Multi handicapped blind children, Training and understanding at Burwood centre, Financial independence through employment, Training confidence and achievement, Expansion of welfare services, Other services, Carols by candlelight, Auxiliaries and other generous helpers, Public education, Finance, Services and facilities, When you make or amend your will. Events that occurred in 1974 : Two permanent welfare officers in the country at Wangaratta and Sale, Re-equipment programme for the library and enlarging the range of books and magazines available to readers, Burwood centre for multi handicapped blind children separate to school - accommodation for twenty-four, Training department started instruction in use of hand tools - two clients gained employment in wood assembly. 1 volume of text and black and white photographsroyal victorian institute for the blind, annual reports

Articles in annual report includes: President's report, treasurer's report, Association for the blind balance sheet, life governors, Ballarat home report, Bendigo home report, Brighton home report, Blind citizens community centre, volunteers, auxiliaries, youth serves, facts about blindness. In this report, the three broad aims of the organisation (assist with readjustment, retain people in their own home, provide accommodation) is discussed with the need for more government support, the death of Hamish Mackenzie who was highly respected and represented Australia at the World Forum in August 1964, the visit by Sir Rohan and Lady Delacombe to the Ballarat home, opening of a hostel for 5 people at 25 New Street - at the rear of the Brighton Home, Granny Carson celebrated turning 102, approval for extension of Blind Citizens Community Centre is complete and building of the two storey building will finally progress at the end of the year, and the existing clubhouse modernised and painted.1 volume of text and black and white illustrationsassociation for the blind, h.m. lightfoot, hamish mackenzie, hubert opperman, sir rohan delacombe, granny carson, annual reports

Articles in annual report include: branch committees, President's report, finance report, balance sheet, hospital homes, blind citizens community centre, welfare, auxiliaries, senior staff, life governors, historical and current photographs of Ballarat, Bendigo, Brighton and the Blind Citizens Community centre, establishment of an ophthalmological clinic at Elanora, demand for more nursing beds and funding for nursing support, need for hostel accommodation for short stay or respite for carers, renaming of Brighton Blind Home to Elanora, 20 bed nursing wing to be opened at Mirridong next year, a second block of flats facing Glenferrie Road has been purchased due to demand for expansion at Kooyong Blind Citizens Community Centre, plan for a memorial garden with a sensory section in front of the club house, appointment of a hairdresser at Kooyong and two holidays at Cumberland House in Lorne have been organised and were a huge success1 volume of text and photographsassociation for the blind, elanora home (brighton), mirridong home (bendigo), kelaston home (ballarat), annual reports

Articles include the production of Christmas cards using a drawing by Lady Casey, death of Captain Semmens who was a member of many sub-committees, relocation of library, cupboard to be built in kitchen and Mr Skaftouros continues to be an excellent hirer, Bird and Bottle restaurant raised money with a special dinner and entertainment night, some difficulties with Stainsby and Perkins Braillers have been overcome, thermoform machine is on order, tape recorder/talking book project still under consideration, Tellatouch machine has been received and will be evaluated, loss of Mrs Simpson who was the leader in the Honour Roll this year, St Paul's School are assisting with binding books for students, resignation of Mrs Weir and appointment of Mrs Hearn as Librarian, revision of policy to only teach Braille to adults and first junior student taken on in Geelong, potential of more auxiliaries being established and need to increase income from Hall requires suggestions from the public.32 pages of text with drawingsbraille library of victoria, corporation records

Final report dated April 1972 submitted by the Residences Review Sub-Committee (J.E. Chancellor. Chair, H.C.G. Rogers, G.K. Rosman) - see drafts at Cat.Nos. 01672 and 01673. The report of the Forcasting Committee, Cat. No. 01670, is included as Appendix I, and comparative costs statements 1963-1971 are included as Appendices II-V. The report gives details of the situation at that date and projected changes to the functions of the residences, occupancy rates, costs and likely trends in accommodation needs. It explores at length auxiliary and alternate accommodation such as the Salvation Army, YMCA, YWCA and church hostels, before recommending that when the number of residents over the age of 14 falls below 34 in two consecutive years Blamey House be disposed of or developed for other needs, Stanhope is converted to co-ed accommodation for over 14s, and Harelands is used as co-ed accommodation for the under 14s. The report also recommends investigating as a separate project maintaining a separate cottage for problem children.Part of the history of Melbourne Legacy's involvement with residential care for children.10 doublesided foolscap sheets, black on white. Two holes punched for filing. Page 1: in pencil: 'FINAL REPORT'residences, review, blamey house, harelands, stanhope

The primary role of a Voluntary Aid Detachment (VAD) member was that of nursing orderly in hospitals, carrying out menial but essential tasks - scrubbing floors, sweeping, dusting and cleaning bathrooms and other areas, dealing with bedpans, and washing patients. They were not employed in military hospitals, except as ward and pantry maids; rather, they worked in Red Cross convalescent and rest homes, canteens, and on troop trains. At the start of the First World War, Australian VADs were restricted from travelling overseas by the Defence Council. As a result, many chose to travel on their own initiative and join British detachments, often in Australian Hospitals. It is reported that the 1st Australian Auxiliary Hospital included in their nursing staff some 120 VADs, chiefly Australians in the British service, employed through the Australian Red Cross Society. This policy was changed in 1916 after a request from Great Britain, and the first detachment of thirty official Australian VADs to serve overseas left Australia in September 1916.(http://www.awm.gov.au/encyclopedia/vad/, accessed 13 August 2014)A group of VADs, a nurse, and some men from the Australian Imperial Forces. Verso: 'group of nurses and some of the men at Highton - taken at an afternoon we had. Can you find me [Harold Holmes] it is not very clear. The 2nd in uniform from the right hand side.chatham family archive, chatham, holmes, world war, world war 1, world war i, world war one, highton, red cross, vad, voluntary aid detachment, nurse, nursing

Articles in annual report include: Office bearers of the institute/officers, President's report - 100 years, Residence nursery and school for blind children - in 1866 first nine blind children were accommodated in temporary premises in Commercial Road Prahran, the budget was $822 pounds, now the facility in Burwood can house 70 children and the, budget is $160,000, New found confidence after rehabilitation, Blind welfare work increases, Our factory now serves industry, Employ opportunities are widening, Our loyal auxiliaries and other supporters, What of the future, Income and expenditure, Where there's a will there's a way to help blind people. Events that occurred in 1966 : Millet broom making was discontinued and mat and industrial brush making and packing and assembly began, the Governor of Victoria and Lady Delacombe brought their dog to visit the children at the school, the Institute began two vital new projects - providing a residential geriatric facility and to establish the RVIB foundation for research and education.1 volume of print and illustrationsannual reports, royal victorian institute for the blind

These minutes contain information on attendees, meeting chairs, apologies, correspondence, subscriptions, donations, legacies and general business. Reports are also included from Auxiliaries, Auditors, Library and Home teacher, Directors, The Black and White committee, Victor Maxwell House, Helen Keller Hostel, The Victor Maxwell Kindergarten, The Sandy Robertson Kindergarten, Alexis Albert House, Lighthouse, Silver Lighthouse committee, Newcastle Branch, 'Heathfield' and other Woollahra properties. 22/3/1965 it was noted to assist blind persons with the transfer to Decimal Currency an application had been made to the Commonwealth Treasurer for early release of specimen coins and notes. 24/1/1996 it was resolved that a dollar note gauge be supplied to all blind persons in N.S.W. 30/11/1966 it was noted the Management Committee had recommended to Council that the Society should transfer all its activities currently conducted at Williams Street to Mitchell Street and that the William Street be offered for sale at not less than $700,000. 1 volume of typed sheets glued to pagesroyal blind society of nsw, annual reports

Many of the brigade and group base radios were situated in private residences and operated primarily by fire fighters wives who held the position of Communications Officer, either registered as a brigade member or informally. Edna Barrie was never registered as an operational brigade member but operated informally as an assistant to her husband Bon. She was however a member of the Melton Fire Brigade Ladies Auxiliary from its inception in 1968, a non-operational position. Edna kept up to date with radio procedure following the 1967 handbook; preparing maps, plotting compass points and taking notes on weather forecasts from the SA Border and Western District. Daily notes were taken in anticipation of fire warnings. These log books and daily radio traffic were incidental to the regular radio schedules. Emergency turnouts noted, burning off times and predicted location of smoke. In the summer fire season all TBF (total fire ban days were recorded.)CFA burning off dry grassemergency services

This framed document titled "The Victorian Missions to Seamen, St Nicholas Seamen's Church Williamstown" shows a list of donors of significant items to the St Nicholas Missions to Seamen's Church in Williamstown when the new building opened in 1944. The organisation ceased in 1966 and the furnishings were later donated to Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village in Warrnambool by the Missions to Seamen Victoria. The transcription of the document is as follows: The Victoria Missions to Seamen, St Nicholas Seamen's Church, Williamstown To the Glory of God List of Gifts Altar - Mrs. and Miss J.R. Schutt Cross - Mrs. R.J. Ewart Chalice and Paten - Mr. and Mrs. Percy Taylor 1 Pair Altar Lights - Mrs. R.J. Ewart 1 Pair Altar Lights - Mrs. M. Jackson Sanctuary Lamp - Miss C. Roberts Rerebos - Miss. M. Breaks, in memoriam Miss. L.A. Breaks Sanctuary Window - Victoria Missions to Seamen Lightkeepers' Auxiliary Missal - Mrs. R.J. Ewart Missal Desk - Mrs. R. Hodgkiss Altar Vases - Mrs. R. Kaybould Bible - Mrs. R.J. Ewart Sanctuary Chairs - Mr. and Mrs. F.H. Twist Credence Table - Mrs. F. Clark Altar Dish – Mrs L. Clark Font - Mr. and Mrs. C.V. Dyble Prayer Desk - H.M.H.S. "Centaur" Reed Organ - "Joy Club for Fighters" Collection Plates - Mr. D. MacKae Hymn Board - St. David's Musical Society, Brighton Pews, Carpet and Hangings - Williamstown Lightkeepers' Auxiliary Bell - Mrs. A.L. Feenes THE MISSIONS TO SEAMEN (Brief History: for more, see our Reg. No. 611, Set of Pews) The Missions to Seamen, an Anglican charity, has served seafarers of the world since 1856 in Great Britain. It symbol is a Flying Angel, inspired by a Bible verse. Today there are centr4es in over 200 ports world-wide where seamen of all backgrounds are offered a warm welcome and provided with a wide range of facilities. In Victoria the orgainsation began in Williamstown in 1857. It was as a Sailors’ Church, also known as ‘Bethel’ or the ‘Floating Church’. Its location was an old hulk floating in Hobson’s Bay, Port of Melbourne. It soon became part of the Missions to Seamen, Victoria. In the year 2000 the organisation, now named Mission to Seafarers, still operated locally in Melbourne, Portland, Geelong and Hastings. The Ladies’ Harbour Lights Guild was formed in 1906 to support the Missions to Seamen in Melbourne and other centres such as Williamstown. Two of the most significant ladies of the Guild were founder Ethel Augusta Godfrey and foundation member Alice Sibthorpe Tracy (who established a branch of the Guild in Warrnambool in 1920). The Guild continued its work until the 1960s. In 1943 a former Williamstown bank was purchased for the Missions to Seaman Club. The chapel was named St Nicholas’ Seamen’s Church and was supported by the Ladies’ Harbour Lights Guild, the Williamstown Lightkeepers’ Auxiliary and the League of Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Friends. It ceased operation in 1966. A Missions to Seamen Chapel and Recreation Room was a significant feature of ports during the late 1800s and into the 1900s. It seemed appropriate for Flagstaff Hill to include such a representation within the new Maritime Village, so the Melbourne Board of Management of Missions to Seamen Victoria gave its permission on 21st May 1979 for the entire furnishings of the Williamstown chapel to be transferred to Flagstaff Hill. The St Nicholas Seamen’s Church was officially opened on October 11, 1981 and closely resembles the Williamstown chapel. This document is significant through its association with the St Nicholas' Mission to Seamen Church in Williamstown, Melbourne, established in 1857. The document is socially significant as it connects the community of Williamstown with the St Nicholas' Missions to Seamen and represents the importance of the church to the community. The items in our collection from the Missions to Seamen in Williamstown, Victoria, have historical and social significance. They show that people of the 1800s and 1900s cared about the seafarers’ religious, moral, and social welfare, no matter what the religion, social status or nationality. It had its origins in Bristol, England when a Seamen's Mission was formed in 1837. The first Australian branch was started in 1856 by the Rev. Kerr Johnston, a Church of England clergyman, and operated from a hulk moored in Hobson's Bay; later the Mission occupied buildings in Williamstown and Port Melbourne. Document titled "The Victorian Missions to Seamen, St Nicholas Seamen's Church Williamstown". The document is a list of gifts originally given to the St Nicholas Seaman's Church in Williamstown, Victoria. The document is mounted in a decorative wooden frame with glass cover. This is one of the original items in our ‘St Nicholas Seamen's Church Williamstown Collection’.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, framed document, donations to st nicholas seamen's church williamstown, 139 nelson place williamstown, religion, religious service, sailors rest, bethel sailors’ church, bethel floating church, ladies harbour light guild, mission to seafarers, st nicholas seaman’s church williamstown, mission to seamen williamstown, st nicholas seamen’s church flagstaff hill, flying angel club, mrs. and miss j.r. schutt, mrs. r.j. ewart, mr. and mrs. percy taylor, mrs. m. jackson, miss c. roberts, miss. l.a. breaks, miss. m. breaks, victoria missions to seamen lightkeepers' auxiliary, mrs. r. hodgkiss, mrs. r. kaybould, mr. and mrs. f.h. twist, mrs. f. clark, mrs l. clark, mr. and mrs. c.v. dyble, h.m.h.s. "centaur", "joy club for fighters", mr. d. mackae, williamstown lightkeepers' auxiliary, mrs. a.l. feenes, st. david's musical society brighton

This set of seventeen church pews was originally used in St. Nicholas Seamen’s Church, 139 Nelson Place, Williamstown, Victoria, during religious services there. The Church was operated by the Mission to Seamen organisation. The pews were donated to the St Nicholas Seamen’s Church by the Williamstown Lightkeepers’ Auxiliary, founded by Ethel Margaret Musther, M.B.E.. THE MISSIONS TO SEAMEN (Brief History: for more, see our Reg. No. 611, Set of Pews) The Missions to Seamen, an Anglican charity, has served seafarers of the world since 1856 in Great Britain. It symbol is a Flying Angel, inspired by a Bible verse. Today there are centr4es in over 200 ports world-wide where seamen of all backgrounds are offered a warm welcome and provided with a wide range of facilities. In Victoria the orgainsation began in Williamstown in 1857. It was as a Sailors’ Church, also known as ‘Bethel’ or the ‘Floating Church’. Its location was an old hulk floating in Hobson’s Bay, Port of Melbourne. It soon became part of the Missions to Seamen, Victoria. In the year 2000 the organisation, now named Mission to Seafarers, still operated locally in Melbourne, Portland, Geelong and Hastings. The Ladies’ Harbour Lights Guild was formed in 1906 to support the Missions to Seamen in Melbourne and other centres such as Williamstown. Two of the most significant ladies of the Guild were founder Ethel Augusta Godfrey and foundation member Alice Sibthorpe Tracy (who established a branch of the Guild in Warrnambool in 1920). The Guild continued its work until the 1960s. In 1943 a former Williamstown bank was purchased for the Missions to Seaman Club. The chapel was named St Nicholas’ Seamen’s Church and was supported by the Ladies’ Harbour Lights Guild, the Williamstown Lightkeepers’ Auxiliary and the League of Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Friends. It ceased operation in 1966. A Missions to Seamen Chapel and Recreation Room was a significant feature of ports during the late 1800s and into the 1900s. It seemed appropriate for Flagstaff Hill to include such a representation within the new Maritime Village, so the Melbourne Board of Management of Missions to Seamen Victoria gave its permission on 21st May 1979 for the entire furnishings of the Williamstown chapel to be transferred to Flagstaff Hill. The St Nicholas Seamen’s Church was officially opened on October 11, 1981 and closely resembles the Williamstown chapel. The set of pews is significant historically for its origin in the St Nicholas Mission to Seamen's Church in Williamstown, established in 1857 to cater for the physical, social, and spiritual needs of seafarers. It originated in Bristol, England when a Seamen's Mission was formed in 1837. The set of pews id historically significant for their connection to the Ladies Lightkeepers’ Auxiliary, an organisation of women, formed to support seafarers. The connection of these pews to the Mission to Seamen and to the Ladies Lightkeepers’ Auxiliary highlights the strong community awareness of the life of people at sea, their dangers and hardships, and their need for physical, financial, spiritual and moral support. Set of seventeen varnished oak wood church high back pews. The pews have a shelf fitted behind the backrest. This is a set of original items in our ‘St Nicholas Seamen's Church Williamstown Collection’.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, religion, religious service, lightkeepers’ auxiliary, mrs musther, missions to seamen victoria, mission to seafarers, flying angel’s club, st nicholas seaman’s church williamstown, st nicholas mission to seamen church williamstown, mission to seamen williamstown, st nicholas seamen’s church flagstaff hill, 139 nelson place williamstown, church furniture, church seats, church pew, religious furniture, religious worship, anglican church

The Hong Kong Police Force (香港警務處, HKPF; HKP), also known as the Hong Kong Police, is the largest disciplined service under the Security Bureau of Hong Kong. It is the world's second, and Asia's first, police agency to operate with a modern policing system. It was formed on 1 May 1844, with a strength of 32 officers. Queen Elizabeth II granted the Royal Charter to the Hong Kong Police Force in 1969 for their handling of the Hong Kong 1967 riots—renaming them: the Royal Hong Kong Police Force. Following the transfer of sovereignty, the Force is once again named the Hong Kong Police Force.[1] The current Commissioner of Police is Andy Tsang Wai-hung.[2] Including the Hong Kong Auxiliary Police Force and civil servants, the force consists of about 40,000 personnel; which gives Hong Kong the second largest citizen–police officer ratio in the world. In addition, the Marine Region with about 3,000 officers and a fleet of 143 vessels, is the largest of any civil police force.Wooden Plaque 15cm x x13cmRoyal Hong Kong Police

Gordon Hall was the first public building in Buchan. European settlement first entered the area in October 1838 and Buchan station was established in January 1839. Free selection after 1868, and a township was proclaimed in 1873 taking its name from the station. The Grand ball was held on race night, Monday 28th December 1896 in the Gordon Hall at Buchan. From the estate of Elsie Cooke. Elsie Cooke was a librarian in Orbost for many years. She was the daughter of John Cooke early Brodribb settler. Elsie Cooke lived all her life in Gippsland,. She was born at Brodribb in 1895 and died in 1970, Elsie Cooke lived at Bruthen for a short time and, in 1937, moved to live with her aunt, Miss Jean Munro. Miss Cooke was Librarian at the Mechanics Institute for many years. Kindness and consideration for other were Miss Cooke’s attributes and she endeared herself to all who knew her. She was a loyal member of the Presbyterian Church and a stalwart of the Ladies’ Guild, an energetic worker for the Municipal Auxiliary and a member of the Red Cross. (ref. Mary Gilbert)This item reflects the recreational / social activities of a remote rural community. A public event such as a grand ball would have been a significant event on the calendar.Small, cream-coloured rectangular card with rounded edges and blank ink. Evidence of pin holes in each four corners and folds/signs of wear. Card is foxing and has small vertical tear in lower left quadrant.+ GORDON x HALL, x BUCHAN. + / Race Night! - Race Night! / A GRAND BALL / Will be held in the Gordon Hall, Buchan, on / Monday, : 28th : December, : 1896. / ADMISSION : / +- SINGLE, THREE SHILLINGS -+grand ball, 1896, gordon hall, buchan, elsie cooke

Articles in annual report include: branch committees, President's report, finance report, balance sheet, hospital homes, community centre, welfare, volunteer service group, auxiliaries, life governors, guiding light appeal, Isadore Smith's bravery, Prime Minister Hon. J.G. Gorton opening the Ballarat section of the Guiding Light Appeal, Victorian Governor General Sir Rohan Delacombe the Bendigo section and Victorian Premier Sir Henry Bolte the Metropolitan section, Hubert Opperman being knighted in the Queen's Birthday honours, waiting list time for admission is 18 months - two years and are almost exclusively nursing cases as the peak for active aged recedes, erection of the two storey wing at Brighton thanks to grant from estate of the late Herbert Engelbert, the demolishing of the 100 year house at Brighton required for the extension, Mrs Laura Clarke - a resident of Mirridong - celebrated turning 102, and the need for additional room and accommodation for a resident caretaker has necessitated the purchase of a block of flats facing Glenferrie Road, with the assistance of the William Buckland Trust.16 pages of text and photographsassociation for the blind, isadore smith, e.a. soderstrom, miss tobias, annual reports

President's overview of the year including: the beginnings of the school at Wonga Park, Arthur McKay being the first person to receive a dog, the scarcity of funds after training the first dog and the joy of receiving the first substantial donation from the Sunshine Foundation Trust, opposition from some quarters, Kim Gration and Dennis Gration involvement with the school, the work of Pat Mallaney in Tasmania, support and assistance from vet Dr Rowan Blogg, opening the activity centre in 1962, seeing eye dog trainer Judy Oakenfell, the sale of Wonga Park and transfer to Malvern, threats to dismiss Harold Gration working due to involvement with the school, overview of growth of Queensland branch, working with Jeff Mowat who developed the Mowatt sensor, training of people around Australia and from New Zealand, return of 'Stacey' from Singapore due to not being accepted on public transport, restaurants, etc, diverse age range of people trained, less people volunteering, loss of 3 auxiliaries due to lack of members, and opening of shop and welfare centre in Cairns.1 volume with text and illustrationsannual reports, lady nell seeing eye dog school, phyllis gration

The Hamilton-Smith collection was donated by the children of Grace Mary Hamilton-Smith nee Ellwood (1911-2004) and John Hamilton-Smith (1909-1984) who settled in Wodonga in the 1940s. The Ellwood family had lived in north-east Victoria since the late 1800s. Grace’s mother, Rosina Ellwood nee Smale, was the first teacher at Baranduda in 1888, and a foundation member of the C.W.A. Rosina and her husband Mark retired to Wodonga in 1934. The collection contains significant items which reflect the local history of Wodonga, including handmade needlework, books, photographs, a wedding dress, maps, and material relating to the world wars. Grace and John married at St. David’s Church, Albury in 1941. John was a grazier, and actively involved in Agricultural Societies and the Belvoir Wodonga Rotary Club. Grace was an active member of several organisations including the CWA, Red Cross, the Wodonga Show Ladies' Auxiliary and the Victorian Agricultural Societies Association. This uniform was owned by Grace Hamilton-Smith. She achieved recognition for more 20 years of service to the Red Cross.This item has well documented provenance and a known owner. It is part of a significant collection from the Hamilton-Smith family of Wodonga and reflects important aspects of social history including the roles of women and their contribution to the community. A tan coloured Red Cross uniform and badges worn C1940sred cross australia, hamilton-smith collection, wodonga red cross

This ticket was for a grand ball to celebrate the second anniversary of the Loyal Orbost M.U.I.O.O.F. Lodge. It was held in the Mechanics Institute hall on Friday 20th July, 1888. The cost of a single ticket was 5/-. The secretary of the lodge was John Rowe, the first teacher of the state school in Orbost. From the estate of Elsie Cooke. Elsie Cooke lived all her life in Gippsland,. She was born at Brodribb in 1895 and died in 1970, Elsie Cooke lived at Bruthen for a short time and, in 1937, moved to live with her aunt, Miss Jean Munro. Miss Cooke was Librarian at the Mechanics Institute for many years. Kindness and consideration for other were Miss Cooke’s attributes and she endeared herself to all who knew her. She was a loyal member of the Presbyterian Church and a stalwart of the Ladies’ Guild, an energetic worker for the Municipal Auxiliary and a member of the Red Cross. (ref Mary Gilbert) Manchester Unity Independent Order of Oddfellows (MUIOOF) had its origins in Manchester, England. It was established in Melbourne on 7 December 1840 when Augustus Greeves, a member of the MUIOOF in England, migrated to Australia and formed the first friendly society. In 1840 Manchester Unity IOOF was founded in Victoria. Friendly Societies were founded in the Australian Colonies in the mid-19th Century by immigrants from England who had been members in Societies which dated back to the 18th Century. Like all working people these immigrants experienced sickness, accidents, unemployment, death and burial. They needed help of like fellows to tide their families over these times. So they formed a branch of one of the Friendly Societies back in the mother country. The idea was to make fixed contributions to a fund and when they were off work they would receive a payment. When they died funeral benefits would be paid and the widow and children would be cared for. It was a form of local insurance for hard times. This was a time of 'look after yourself' as the Colonial Governments did not provide pensions or benefits. This item reflects those times.A small white rectangular paper ticket with black print. It is for the Loyal Orbost Lodge M.U.I.O.O.F. Grand Ball.front - "Dancing to Commence at 8pm."public-event-orbost document-ticket m.u.i.o.o.f

A Williamstown local, Ethel Margaret Musther nee Barber (1872-1956) was the daughter of Captain John Henry Barber (1842-1924), a sea pilot and Janet Lidell (1846-1891) Her grandfather, Captain Lidell, was also a seaman. In 1900, she married Nathan George Musther,(18..-1933) a chemist, and dentist in the Navy. They had two daughters: Rosamund Janet Musther(born 1903) and Nanoya Gwendoline Musther (born 1906). She was the principal of the Ladies' College in Footscray. She was involved in many philantropic associations especially for sailors but also during WWI and WW2. She worked for the Anzac Club, the Red Cross, She formed: 1941: the R.A.N. Friendly Union of Sailor's Wives and Mothers. 1943: the Lightkeepers Auxiliary to help the Mission raised funds. The plaque was a gift of the Lightskeeper Auxiliaire and unveiled on 30 July 1959 at the St Nicholas Chapel, by her eldest daughter, Mrs Jean McDonald.It was originally on stained and polished hardwood mount made by Mrs Murdoch (AR1959, page 24). On the day, a desk service-book was also dedicated in memory of Dr John Thompson at the request of his daughter, Mrs Sparrow.In early 1943, Ethel Margaret Musther formed the Lightkeepers' Auxiliaire and raised funds for the third building purchased for the Williamstown branch of the Victorian Seamen's Mission, the former E,S & A Bank. Thanks to her philanthropic work, she was rewarded with a Medal of the British Empire in 1953 for all her charitable work.Invitation card to the dedication of a brass plaque in memory of Ethel Margaret Mustherethel margaret musther, st nicholas' mariners' chapel, nelson place, williamstown, lightkeepers' auxiliary

A Williamstown local, Ethel Margaret Musther nee Barber (1872-1956) was the daughter of Captain John Henry Barber (1842-1924), a sea pilot and Janet Lidell (1846-1891) Her grandfather, Captain Lidell, was also a seaman. In 1900, she married Nathan George Musther,(18..-1933) a chemist, and dentist in the Navy. They had two daughters: Rosamund Janet Musther(born 1903) and Nanoya Gwendoline Musther (born 1906). She was the principal of the Ladies' College in Footscray. She was involved in many philantropic associations especially for sailors but also during WWI and WW2. She worked for the Anzac Club, the Red Cross, She formed: 1941: the R.A.N. Friendly Union of Sailor's Wives and Mothers. 1943: the Lightkeepers Auxiliary to help the Mission raised funds. The plaque was a gift of the Lightskeeper Auxiliaire and unveiled on 30 July 1959 at the St Nicholas Chapel, by her eldest daughter, Mrs Jean McDonald. It was originally on stained and polished hardwood mount made by Mrs Murdoch (AR1959, page 24). On the day, a desk service-book was also dedicated in memory of Dr John Thompson at the request of his daughter, Mrs Sparrow.In early 1943, Ethel Margaret Musther formed the Lightkeepers' Auxiliaire and raised funds for the third building purchased for the Williamstown branch of the Victorian Seamen's Mission, the former E,S & A Bank. Thanks to her philanthropic work, she was rewarded with a Medal of the British Empire in 1953 for all her charitable work.Folded booklet on creamy colour paper and black inkethel margaret musther, st nicholas' mariners' chapel, nelson place, williamstown, lightkeepers' auxiliary, dr john thompson