Showing 3183 items
matching 1946- ) -- foreign relations
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Melbourne Tram Museum
Negative, Wal Jack, 12-3-1946?
Black and white negative, of Victorian Railways tram 50 sitting outside the Sandringham tram depot. In the background is a VR bus and ute. Note the white bumper bars and the Robur Tea advertisements. Photo note in the Wal Jack Victorian Railways Album possibly dated 12-3-1946 given other photographs.trams, tramways, victorian railways, vr trams, sandringham, buses, tram 50 -
Bacchus Marsh & District Historical Society
Radio, Marshman Music Master, Ca 1946-1950
This radio set was designed and manufactured in Bacchus Marsh from 1946 and into the 1950s. In 1946 a local company Arbee Supply Co Pty Ltd acquired from Mr. R. C. Butler the business of wholesale and retail distributors of electrical goods carried on by him for some years at Bacchus Marsh. The company manufactured at Bacchus Marsh Marshman radio and electrical equipment for a number of years.A relatively rare example of a locally designed and produced new consumer technology product. Bakelite tabletop radio, small box, camel-coloured leatherette covered, glass front, three dialsIn blue print "MARSHMAN MUSIC MASTER" radios, manufacturing industries -
8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles Regimental Collection
Photograph - Major H J Archer 2/8 AR
Henri John ARCHER was born in Brunswick Victoria, Australia, on 27th May 1907, to parents William Thomas and Hetta (née LAWSON) ARCHER. In 1934, Henri married Stella Florence COLLER, and they had 3 children. Living in Balwyn, Victoria, and employed as an Insurance Superintendent, Henri commenced full-time duty as an officer in the Citizen Military Forces from 7th July 1940, until 20th February 1941 (number V7097). His appointment in the rank of Major with the 7th Infantry Battalion was due to him having served part time as an officer in the CMF since 1927. On 21st February 1941, Henri joined the Australian Imperial Force and was appointed as a Major, with the number VX39872. Following the completion of various armoured corps training courses at Puckapunyal, he was taken on strength with the 2nd/8th Armoured Regiment. On 17th April 1943, Henri embarked for service in New Guinea, for a period of 2 months. He again embarked on 3rd September 1943, for service in Rabaul, returning to Australia on 6th February 1944. Following the end of the War, on 8th May 1946, Henri was appointed as a member of the War Crimes Courts with HQ 8MD, and embarked for duty with the War Crimes Trials in Rabaul two days later. Henri returned to Australia on 15th August 1946, and was subsequently transferred to the Reserve of Officers (Armoured Corps) list for the 3rd Military District (Victoria) on 27th November 1946. He was awarded the Efficiency Decoration, as well as the 1939-45 Star, Pacific Star, 1939-45 War Medal and the Australia Service Medal. He was also issued Returned from Active Service Badge number A343705. Henri died in Melbourne on 27th July 1971, aged 64, and his ashes are interred in the Springvale Botanical Cemetery, Banksia Wall ZJ, Niche 01. (Compiled by Karan CAMPBELL-DAVIS from historical records kept by Births, Deaths and Marriages Victoria, the National Archives of Australia, and Find A Grave website. )Photograph mounted with timber frame. Some manuscript inscriptions of reverse.HENRI JOHN ARCHER / VX39872 / B 27 MAY 1907 / ENL 7 JULY 1940 / DISCH 26 NOV 1946 / OC A SQN 2/8 AAR [and] PURCHASED FROM EBAY / MAY 2024 [followed by signature undecipherable]wwii, armour, 2/8 armourned regiment, war crimes, rabaul, cmf -
Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Letter - Correspondence, 08/12/1946
Letter written to Allan Quinn from Bruce Burton in 1946 depicting his last 8 months spent in Europe.This letter is of historical, social and interpretive significance as it provides information about the life of a seaman during the mid 20th century. Four page letter (0332.A1-A4) written on beige lined paper in blue ink. Dated 08/12/46 from Singapore and envelope (0332.B).Front of envelope: "Mr. Allan Charles Quinn/14 Fitzroy Street/St. Kilda, Melbourne/Victoria Australia" Top right hand corner of first page of letter: "B.Burton/Mt.Anders Tahre/ C/o Sig. Bergesten/ Stavanger-Norway/Singapore 8-12-46" Letter contents: "Quinn Old man, I have quite a few..."allan quinn, 1946, mission to seafareres, bruce burton, europe -
Phillip Island and District Historical Society Inc.
Photographs, 11/1946
Part of a collection of photographs donated by Julie Barnett. Photographs taken whilst Julie's In-law's were on their honeymoon in November 1946.229-32. Black & White photograph of a koala sitting on the back of a wicker chair. 229-33 to 229-37. Black & White photographs of a koala in a tree. 229-38 to 229-40. Black & White photographs Broadwater Guesthouse in Cowes. 229-40 shows a cat in the garden. 229-41. Black & White photograph of the beach at Cowes taken from Broadwater. 229-42. Black & White photograph of the Cowes Pier in the background. 229-43. Black & White photograph of The Nobbies, Phillip Island.wildlife - koala, koalas, broadwater guest house, broadwater guest house cowes, guesthouses cowes phillip island, cowes beach, cowes beach phillip island, cowes jetty, cowes pier phillip island, the nobbies, the nobbies phillip island, julie barnett -
Bialik College
Card (item) - Invitation to farewell for Sara Segal, Carlton, 1946, 1946
Invitation in Hebrew for a farewell party for teacher Sara Segal, 1946. Please contact [email protected] to request access to this record.1940s -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Book, Buffalo Jim
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 area of the building into a library, reference room and reading room for members and the public. The books were sorted and stored using a cataloguing and card index system that he had developed himself. He also prepared the upper floor of the building and established the Art Gallery and later the Museum, a place to exhibit the many old relics that had been stored for years for this purpose. One of the treasures he found was a beautiful ancient clock, which he repaired, restored and enjoyed using in his office during the years of his service there. Ralph Pattison was described as “a meticulous gentleman whose punctuality, floorless courtesy and distinctive neat dress were hallmarks of his character, and ‘his’ clock controlled his daily routine, and his opening and closing of the library’s large heavy doors to the minute.” Pattison took leave during 1942 to 1942 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. 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. Buffalo Jim Author: William Hatfield Publisher: Oxford University Press Date:1946 -- 3rd printing 1st published 1938 The label on the spine with typed text PAT FIC HAT Pastedown front endpaper has a sticker from Warrnambool Children’s Library covered by a sticker from Corangamite Regional Library Service Front loose endpaper has a stamp from Corangamite Regional Library Service shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, warrnambool, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, book, pattison collection, warrnambool library, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, ralph eric pattison, corangamite regional library service, warrnambool city librarian, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool books and records, warrnambool children’s library, great ocean road, buffalo jim, william hatfield -
Port Melbourne Historical & Preservation Society
Photograph - Jack Woodruff as Mayor, with students at Port Melbourne library, 1947
Thought to be a library opening or launch of some sort.From the Woodruff family archives, Mayoral period, lasercopy of Jack Woodruff as Mayor, with students at Port Melbourne library 1946/1947.families, john william (jack) woodruff -
Tatura Irrigation & Wartime Camps Museum
Postcard, 1940's
Correspondence received by Gisela Wied whilst an internee in Camp 3.Postcard sent to Gisela from Hans Reuz, Melbourne 11 April 1946, written in English. It has a picture of 2 koalas. Picture of 2 Koalaspostcards, gisela wied, camp 3, internment camp correspondence -
University of Melbourne, Burnley Campus Archives
Photograph - Black and white prints, Student and Staff Groups, 1960-1970
15 group photographs of staff, student year groups and sporting teams. T.H. Kneen (Principal 1946-1967) is seated with the staff. staff, students, sporting teams, t.h. kneen, principal -
Bendigo Military Museum
Certificate - CERTIFICATES OF DISCHARGE, 1946
Sgt Foster - Royal Signals - British Army. Refer to Cat 5337.2.1. This is a paper document in very poor condition. It is an Army form with habdwritten entries in blue ink. The discharge date is stamped 30 April 1946. 2, This is a brown heavy duty paper "Release Leave Certificate". British form X202/A for 911335 W/Sub Sgt Foster, Edgar James William Royal Signals.It is stamped with "Combined Operation Signals" stamp. Last place was at 13 ABPO India Command, date 11/3/46.british army, discharge certificate -
Port Melbourne Historical & Preservation Society
Photograph - Photocopy, Aerial view, Swallow & Ariell to infilled Lagoon, 1946
Donor was researching property on the corner of Stokes and Graham St, as old timers claim it was "the Nelson Hotel" although there is no record of such in licensing records. Particular building is at upper left of this image.Large photocopy of an aerial photo. 1946 view from Swallow & Ariell to the infilled lagoon and HMAS Barracks. Poor quality image but shows St Joseph's Catholic Church; Holy Trinity; Edwards Park; Lady Forster Kindergarten; Methodist Church on Graham St (no longer there), Bay St. ; three storey Derham houses built environment - industrial, industry - food, swallow & ariell ltd, religion - anglican (holy trinity), religion - wesleyan methodist church, religion - roman catholic church (st josephs), nelson hotel, frederick thomas derham, hotels, built environment - domestic -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Document - LODGE COLLECTION: BENDIGO MARK LODGE NO. 12 GOLDEN JUBILEE SOUVENIR 1896 - 1946, 7th may, 1946
Buff booklet, on front cover Bendigo Mark Lodge No. 12, Golden Jubilee Souvenir, 1896 - 1946. Installation of the Master-Elect Bro. J.L. Court, S.W. and investiture of officers by the Grand Master M. W.R. Bro. A.J. Dean, and Grand Lodge Officers. Program is printed with pale aqua on cover, Masonic symbols.bendigo, clubs, bendigo mark lodge no 12 -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Document - WELCOME HOME 1946, 1946
Bendigo Citizens Welcome Home Souvenir Program for Saturday July 20, 1946. Crest of City of Bendigo, images of the Snamrock and the Fountain on cover. Cream coloured with blue and gold printing. Program includes a Procession and a Tableau at the Upper Reserve involving 3000 school children. Sports Program followed. See 74.215 Folder 6 .event, official, ww2 welcome home -
Rutherglen Historical Society
Document - Report Book, Albert J. Mullett, Government Printer, Inspector's Report Book - Rutherglen Primary School, 1946-1954
Report book. Has been covered in brown paper, covering the title information shown below. Contents include: instructions on record keeping, taped inside front cover; printed sheets, filled in by hand, some pages for "Arithmetic Text Book Account", some pages for "Victorian Reading Book Account". All of the following pages are headed "Inspector's Report Book | School No. 522 At Rutherglen |Date of Visit________ Time spent, from____ to ____" These pages contain extensive handwritten notes of each visit. Separate sheet inserted inside front cover: "Leaflet No. C4. | Department of Health, Victoria. | (Maternal and child Hygiene Branch.) | Maternal, Infant, and Pre-school Welfare Division. | The Diet of the Pre-school Child - Two to Six Years.""Department of Education, Victoria, Inspector's Report Book. State Elementary School at ____ By Authority, Albert J. Mullett, Government Printer, Melbourne" Written at top right of brown paper cover: "1946 / 54"rutherglen state primary school no 522, school inspection, primary schools -
Emerald Museum & Nobelius Heritage Park
Compilation of "The Fern Tree GuComilation of Newspaper Cuttings Relating to Emerald Football Club 1940 to 1950
The cuttings are primarily historically and socially significant for understanding the local football community. Also gives some insight into the local families who were regularly involved with the Emerald Football Club.black plastic 4 ring binderlabeled " Ferntree Gully News 1940 - 1946 Free Press 1947 - 1950"emerald, football, newspaper cuttings, free press, fren tree gully news -
The Ed Muirhead Physics Museum
Glass donut for 2.8 MeV Betatron
Glass donut with injector arm and attached wires. Internal surface is sand blasted and silver plated. Mounted on specially made demonstration stand. Reg 269.6 is photographs of the object.Plaque on mould: “Glass Donut for 2.8 MEV Betatron W.B.Laish and L.Riddiford 1946” -
Tatura Irrigation & Wartime Camps Museum
Folder, Loveday Internment Camp
Correspondence re WW2 camps trail from Cowra, Canberra, Hay, Tatura to Loveday South Australia. Also Loveday Internment Camp Museum Proposal Update, Proposal to establish a museum for the Loveday Internment Camp at the original camp site at Loveday.Clear plastic front, with blue plastic back coming around onto front. Contains 10 plastic sleeves of correspondence and documents. Front cover has title and 3 black and white pictures with 3 rows of barbed wire.Front cover: Loveday Internment Camps, Loveday South Australia; 1941-1946loveday internment camp, loveday museum proposal, rosemary gower -
Vision Australia
Award - Text, Malcolm Brodie, 1946
Reproduction of a tribute to Malcolm McCaul Brodie, who died in 1946, by his friend and work colleague William Tainsh. Mr Brodie was a passionate supporter of the Braille Library and joined the Board in 1923, occupied the position of Honorary Secretary before becoming Vice President in 1925, then President in 1929 until his death in 1946. Mr Brodie was the grandson of John Alston who made the first Braille bible.1 white page attached to cardboardvictorian association of braille writers, malcolm brodie -
Bendigo Military Museum
certificate - CERTIFICATE OF DISCHARGE, Aust Army, 1946
See Cats 2481.2 and 5556.2.This is a heavy paper document. The colour is off white and printing is in black ink. At the centre top is the Australian Crest. Certificate is numbered 483921. Army form AAF A.101. The Certificate is for VX79511 CFN John Alexander McDonald. 209 Aust Light Aid Detachment, AIF 1942 - 1946. It shows his R.A.S. badge and date of Discharge.Signature in ink at bottom shows J.A. McDonald.ww2, discharge certificate -
Port Melbourne Historical & Preservation Society
Financial record - Annual Report, City of Port Melbourne, Annual Statement of Accounts, Oct 1946
City of Port Melbourne Annual Statement of Accounts including Statement of Rates, Statement of Contracts, Statement of Receipts and Expenditure, Statement of Asset and Liabilities, Statement of City of Port Melbourne Annual Statement of Accounts 30 September 1946, including Statements of Rates, Contracts, Receipts and Expenditure, Assets and Liabilities, Electric Supply Accounts etc (May not be in this box)local government - city of port melbourne, t e sullivan, braybrook quarries, sydney sims anderson, g f yates, winifred mary woodruff nee prest, john william (jack) woodruff -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Document - NORMAN PENROSE COLLECTION: FOLDER, 1946
Document. Norman Penrose collection: faded light blue Education Department folder with brown spine. Contains various notes on art, colour schemes, drawings of animals, various emblems and symbols, lesson notes and some exam papers. Also some small pen & ink drawings pasted onto cardboard. 1946 exam paper.Norman Penrosecottage, miners, norman penrose collection, notes on art, drawings of animals, 1946 exam paper, lesson notes -
Anglesea and District Historical Society
Safety Matches, Bryant & May, Estimated: 1st in 1946
Carton (paper) with 12 boxes of Brymay Redhead matches containing 20 matches. The boxes depict the head and left shoulder of a red-headed woman and has had 4 major updates since the Logo's introduction in 1946. "Safety matches" presented fewer health risks than earlier matches and greatly minimizes the risk of accidental fire.Top: BRYMAY Redheads. (1/3). Box: Drawing of head and shoulders of red-headed girl (long hair tied back). Av. contents 60 made in Australia.brymay, redheads -
Ballarat Tramway Museum
Negative, Wal Jack, late 1945 early 1946
Yields information about the appearance of the ex Melbourne bogie trams during the initial period of operations in Ballarat and the appearance of the View point terminus. Rare view showing the sunblinds drawn.Negative and Digital image of the Wal Jack Ballarat Negative file of bogie car, 22 turning from Wendouree Parade into Macarthur St, View Point, late 1945 or early 1946 - tram has the destination of Gardens via Sturt St West (incorrect). Tram appears to have most of the windows open and the sunshades drawn.trams, tramways, wendouree parade, macarthur st, view point, tram 22 -
Melbourne Tram Museum
Pamphlet, Melbourne & Metropolitan Tramways Board (MMTB), "Grand Football Match & Band Performance", 1946
Grand Football Match & Band Performance Fire Brigade v Tramways Richmond City Reserve Sunday 14 July 1946 Pamphlet advertising event and Gala Ball at Melbourne Town Hall. Handwritten note with tram times from Swan St & Church St to North Richmond. Note signed "Dist Supt SS"trams, tramways, instructions, football, richmond, swan st, church st -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Card - Bogong United Church, Celebrating Ten Years of Co-Operation, 1956
The Bogong United Church began in Bogong Village under a non-resident Methodist in the year 1946 as a measure of convenience. The book was produced for a day of celebration to mark the 10th anniversary of the Church. In 1956 the Bogong United Church met for worship in Bogong, Mongan's Bridge, Mt Beauty and Tawonga and for Fellowship & Service there were 7 different groups mostly meeting in Mt Beauty. Minister at the time was Rev. John Goodluck, resident at 18 Kiewa Crescent, Mt Beauty.The Bogong United Church celebrated 10 years of co-operation with the Methodist and Presbyterian churches and was one of the first churches to do so. It is also significant because it also states the problems the church is facing in 1956: "Dependency on outside support. Inadequacy in state school visits. Extension on Fellowship visitation. Unity with other United Churches. "Let's keep Christmas" campaign and Representation at national convention". The information on this card is of interest to researches / students studying religion. Yellow card, folded in half, with brown writing on all 4 sides. It includes: Back of front cover: 'Theme for the Day'; Back of back cover: It states that "The Church is / Victoria's first successful co-operation / one of three in Victoria / Part of a World Movement / open to all Denominations / Still very young. Also It Began "In Bogong Village In 1946 It Faces ...On the back cover: It lists when Bogong United Church meets for worship and fellowship & service."The Bogong United Church / Gladly Announces / The Tenth Anniversary / of the Methodist and / Presbyterian churches / Co-operation" Dated "Sunday, / September 23rd / 1956"bogong. united church. presbyterian. methodist. mt beauty. tawonga. mongan's bridge. john goodluck. -
Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Letter - Correspondence, 21/02/1946
A letter written from Charles Quinn to his mother in 1946 depicting his time spent travelling from Sydney to San Francisco.This letter is of historical, social and interpretive significance as it provides information about the life of a seaman during the mid 20th century.Two page, double sided letter (0348.a1-a2) written on 21/02/46 from San Francisco from Allen to his mother with envelope (0348.b)Two double sided pages of script beginning with. "My Dear Mum...Arrived here on Wednesday being 2 days overdue...." Inscription on the top left hand corner which states. "M. I. Goonawarra/San Francisco/21-2-46" Inscription on the envelope. "Mrs. S Quinn/San Lorenzo/63 Ocean Beach/Manly N.S.W/Australia."charles quinn, sydney, san francisco, mission to seafarers, 1946, seafaring -
Greensborough Historical Society
Postage Stamps - Digital Image, Victory Second World War: First Day Cover, 14/02/1946
Digital image of Australian postage stamps, First Day Cover, stamped at Mont Park in 1946. Commemorates the end of World War 2.Part of a collection of miscellaneous historical images.Digital image of first day cover and stamps, colour."Victory. Second World War. 3rd Sept 1939 - 15th Aug 1945. First Day Cover" Franked:"14FEB46"postage stamps, first day envelopes, world war 2, mont park -
Greensborough Historical Society
Photograph - Digital image, Marilyn Smith, Grave of Stephen Cox and William James Cox, St Helena Cemetery, 30/07/1946
The Grave of Stephen Cox (died 30/07/1946) and William James Cox (died 18/02/1948), St Helena Cemetery.St Helena Cemetery was originally the burial place of the Beale family and friends. The first burials took place in the 1850s. There are now over 200 burials.Digital copy of colour photographst helena cemetery, stephen cox, william james cox -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Book, Poems
This book was part of a large group of books referred to as the Pattison Collection, which belonged to the Warrnambool Public Library, part of the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute. About RALPH ERIC PATTISON and the ‘PATTISON COLLECTION’ The ‘Pattison Collection’ is a collection of books and records that was originally owned by the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute, 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 WMI was led to ask the City Council to take it over in 1911 due to lack of financial support. In 1935 Ralph Pattison was appointed as City Librarian to establish and organise the Warrnambool Public Library as it was then called. 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 when Pattison accepted the 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. THE NEW WARRNAMBOOL LIBRARY 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 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. WARRNAMBOOL PUBLIC LIBRARY The Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute (WMI) was formed by a voluntary community group in 1863, within six years of Warrnambool’s beginnings, and its Reading Room opened in 1854. The WMI operated until 1963, at which time it was one of the oldest Mechanics’ Institutes in Victoria. Mechanics’ Institutes offered important services to the public including libraries, reading rooms and places to display and store collections of all sorts such as curiosities and local historical relics. In 1886 a Museum and Fine Arts Gallery were added to the WMI and by the beginning of the 20th century there was also a billiards room and a School of Art. By this time all Mechanics’ Institutes in country Victoria had museums attached. Over the years the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute Library was also known as the Warrnambool Public Library the Warrnambool Library and the Free Library. Early funding from the government was for the “Free Library”. The inscription in a book “Science of Man” was for the “Warrnambool Public Library”, donated by Joseph Archibald in 1899. Another inscription in the book “Catalogue of Plants Under Cultivation in the Melbourne Botanic Gardens 1 & 2, 1883” was presented to the “Warrnambool Library” and signed by the author W.R. Guilfoyle. In 1903 the Warrnambool Public Library decided to add a Juvenile Department to library and stock it with hundreds of books suitable for youth. In 1905 the Public Library committee decided to update the collection of books and added 100 new novels plus arrangements for the latest novels to be included as soon as they were available in Victoria. In July 1911 the Warrnambool Council took over the management of the Public Library, Art Gallery, Museum and Mechanics’ Institute and planned to double the size of the then-current building. In 1953, when Mr. R. Pattison was Public Librarian, the Warrnambool Public Library’s senior section 10,000 of the 13,000 books were fiction. The children’s section offered an additional 3,400 books. The library had the equivalent of one book per head of population and served around 33 percent of the reading population. The collection of books was made up of around 60 percent reference and 40 percent 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 has 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 1950’s 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. 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. Poems Author: John Masefield Publisher: William Heinemann Ltd Date: 1946 Edition: The Revised Edition of the Poet Laureate's Collected poemsThe label on spine cover has typed text PAT 821 MAS Pastedown front endpaper has a sticker from Warrnambool Public Library Front loose endpaper has a sticker from Corangamite Regional Library Service Front loose endpaper has a stamp from Corangamite Regional Library Service Flyleaf has a stamp from Warrnambool Public Libraryflagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, book, pattison collection, warrnambool library, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, ralph eric pattison, corangamite regional library service, warrnambool city librarian, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool books and records, warrnambool children’s library, poems, john masefield