Author C.J. Dennis inside a converted omnibus at Sunnyside. Robert garibaldi Roberts accommodated his literary and artistic friends in obsolete omnibuses at his country retreat Sunnyside at South Sassafras. C.J. Dennis wrote The Sentimental Bloke at Sunnyside.sunnyside, south sassafras, c j dennis, omnibus, tram, tram car

Printed folded heavy card folder with the title "100 Years of electric trams in Melbourne", used for containing documents. Has Yarra Trams and Siemens names along the top edge. In the centre has the various images of trams used in the publicity documents at the time. On the rear has Yarra Trams and Siemens web addresses, along with a Barney's Print Management docket addressed to Julie Roberts of Yarra Trams Collins St, Melbourne.trams, tramways, yarra trams, siemens, 100 years of electric trams

The letter is mostly about the training for and the raid which was carried out by a large group made up from the 37th and 38th Battalions AIF on the 27th February 1917. The raid which only lasted some 35 minutes was very successful and was known as the “Armentieres Raid”. Suggett was part of the raid. Robert John Suggett No 378 enlisted in A Coy 38th Batt on 24.2.1916 age 35 years 4 months. Embarked for England 20.6.1916, embarked for France 22.11.1916, hospital with Mumps 25.11.1916, return to unit 3.12.1916, promoted to Sgt 26.1.1917, Transfer to 3rd Div HQ 13.4.1917 to become part of Gas instruction and later Gas NCO, reverts to rank of Cpl 6.5.1917, WIA accidentally 24.9.1917 bombs wounds to right hand and knee, promoted Sgt 4.11.1917, hospital 9.2.1919 with Arthritis and then Tuberculosis, returns to Australia 6.5.1919 on Hospital ship classed incapacitated, discharged from the AIF 21.6.1920.Four page letter from Robert Suggett to his wife. Cream coloured paper with faint lines. Left edge of pages decorated with eight coloured flags on a flagpole. Letter is written in pencil and dated 1/3/17.documents-letters, military history, 38th

Golf diaries used by Thomastown Golf Club Secretary Rober (Bob) Jones. 1991, 1992 and 1993. These diaries include details of events and activities.Thomastown Golf Club was a social club formed in 1976. This is part of the Robert (Bob) Jones collection of Club memorabilia.3 Golf diaries, brown cover with gold writing. "Thomastown Golf Club. Robert Jones" embossed on cover.thomastown golf club, bob jones, diaries

"After the war Pipe-Major Duncan McLennan, moved to Ballarat and took up a position as cadet instructor and leader of the Ballarat Highland Pipe Band and the Ballarat Ladies Pipe Band. " (Victorian Historical Journal Vol. 85, No. 1, June 2014)Coloured photograph of taken from a slide.Written on slide - Paul & Robert Sept 57 Showgroundspipe band, ballarat, ladies, ladies pipe band, highland pipe band, photograph, coloured photograph, margaret bennett, slide, ballarat ladies' highland pipe band

THE ANNOTATED CONSTITUTION OF THE AUSTRALIAN COMMONWEALTH. 1008 pages. Inscribed on front page in pen ' with the authors' compliments'.John Quick LLB and Robert Randolph Garran MAaustralia, history, constitution, australia, constitution, sir john quick, r. garran

Sladen House was built by Sir Charles Sladen in 1850 and it served as the amenities section of the R S & R Mill after World War 2.Sladens in residence Robert Pockley Studios/ photographers... Copy by/woollen mills - history textile mills - history textile mills, returned soldiers and sailors mill, kidman, mr g. l., sladen house, geelong, woollen mills - history, textile mills - history, textile mills

Used by donorSmall round spice tin. Orange body of tin with 'ground cayenne' Printed on it.Robert Harper & Co. Ltd. (Incorporated in Victoria) Australiadomestic items, food preparation

Barber House, Carlton was designed by Edmond & Corrigan and built in 1980. The drawing was commissioned by Edmond and Corrigan. This image was published in Transition magazine, No.27/28 1989.This drawing of Barber house by Robert Pearce, who was best known as a fashion designer, broke the mould of how architecture could be represented. Suddenly it was understood as a part of contemporary culture. Illustration of Edmond & Corrian's Barber House, CarltonStamped in black ink, bottom left: 'Robert Pearce'architecture, domestic architecture, illustration, design

It was common for staff and members of the 8/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles to present a parting gift to the mess.Circular decorative silver place mat engraved at centre, with plastic base" Presented by WO 1 D.J. Roberts February 1982 "military, mess, roberts

Campbells Bridge Presbyterian Sunday School. To Robert Traskstawell education religion

Campbells Bridge Presbyterian Sunday School. To Robert Traskstawell education religion

Green leather bound New Testament Bible"Robert J. Mitchell Wandin 3/8/1887"bibles

Boys adventure book of short stories.Soft board with cloth spine showing image of a sailing ship which has been glued on to paper covering, very worn. Front & back covers have detached from body. Book is water damaged throughout with mildew on edges of first two pages. Loose pages. Evidence of previous insect damage. No page numbers - about 50 pp. Very poor condition.'Robert Glanville/Kilmore/Victoria', inside front coverglanville collection, childrens literature

Australian 1950sWatercolourNote - Befriended by Robert Smith and taught him to paint

Ticket printed for use by people attending a banquet held during the official opening celebrations for the Buninyong Railway line on Thursday, 12 September 1889. Printed ticket in a bronze coloured frame, with floral motif around the ticket edges. Not used.Unused. Issued by Robert M. Harvey, Hon. Secretary.trains, railways, buninyong railway

Aulsebrook Collection: Various Licenses Small paper lisences. Blue and yellow paper. Typed and handwritten. Stamps. All related to Aulsebrook and Ellis family. Inland Angling License, 19th January 1965, Mr Robert Aulsebrook (Image 19a) Inland Angling Licence, 7th January 1967, Mr Robert Wallace Aulsebrook (19b) Fishing Licence (Amateur), 7th January 1967, Mr Robert Wallace Aulsebrook, (19c) Game Licence, 19th February 1971, Robert Wallace Aulsebrook, (19d) 11. Shooters Licence, 31st December 1972, Robert Wallace Aulsebrook (19e) Amateur Fishing Licence (Inland Angling), 22nd January 1974, Mr Robert Wallace Aulsebrook, (19f) Amateur Fishing Licence (inland Angling), 22nd January 1974, Florence Jean Aulsebrook, (19g) Amateur Netting Licence, 25th February 1974, Mr Robert Wallace Aulsebrook (19h) Junior Permit, 24th April, 1974, Mr Maxwell Ellis (19i) Junior Permit, 24th April 1975, Kerrie Aulsebrook, (19j)

The 'Georgian' sealing set, in a blue leather covered box with brass clasp, contents include a crucible, wax seals, matches & spirit burner. Inside box lid lined with blue silk with gold writing reading, patent No 30394/10 Third Hand Patents Ltd 881 City Rd E.C. Donated by 'Wiegard 6.11.69'Third Hand Patents Ltdcommunication, postal, letters

Don Brown, H.S. Moss, C.R. Meeking, Robert Bourke, G.H.EarpPhotocopy on A4 paper, of black and white photograph of a group of 43 men in Army uniforms in front of a public hallAt bottom of photo: "C.O. and Officers 22nd Batt VDC" On back of photo: Stamp identifying donor. Also at bottom on back: "3rd from right, 2nd row - Don Brown | 3rd from left in 3rd row (1st standing) H.S. Moss, Springhurst | 4th from left in 3rd row - C.R. Meeking | 4th from right in front row - G.H. Earp, Glenrowan | Robert Bourke, back row 4th from right (O.C. Chiltern)"don brown, moss, meeking, robert bourke, earp, 22nd battalion, volunteer defence corps, world war 2, ww2

Document, Copy, Certificate of Competency as Engine Driver for Robert Strugnell. Dated 27.9.1888 The left corner shows the crest of Victoria with a rampant Lion and Unicorn. The back of the certificate shows Robert's date of birth as 1.11.1859 at Eaglehawk Victoria together with his signatureBoard of Examiners for Engine Driversdocument, certificate, mines

Document, Copy, Certificate of Service as Engine Driver to Robert Strugnell dated 26.11.1884 The left corner shows the crest of Victoria with a rampant Lion and Unicorn. The back of the certificate shows Robert's date of birth as 4.11.1859 at Eaglehawk Victoria together with his signatureBoard of Examiners for Engine Driversdocument, certificate, mines

Robert Carr - correspondence to BHS and life history information sent back to writer re Carr (Great Extended Hustlers). Robert Carr was born Magherfelt Ulster 1833 and educated in agricultural pursuits. He arrived at Eaglehawk (part of Sandhurst) 4 miles from Bendigo in 1853 and began alluvial mining in 1855. Robert was on the committee to establish the Presbyterian Church at Eaglehawk. Robert began reef mining at Hustlers and Extended Hustlers mines and was manager in 1881. Robert was also a past Secretary of Oddfellows. In the years 1871-2 the mine yielded marvellous cakes of gold. He was a model mine manager. During 1872 he was on the committee of School of Mines. In the year 1873 he fell 60 feet down an abandoned shaft and not badly hurt. Robert died in May 1893, aged 60 years, and at the time of death was director of Great Extended Hustlers, Hustlers Company. 'A person of uprightness, frankness and integrity.'person, individual, robert carr, presbyterian church eaglehawk, hustlers, extended hustlers and great extended mines, oddfellows, school of mines bendigo.

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 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. 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. Kidnapped Author: Robert Louis Stevenson Publisher: T Nelson & Sons First published in 1886 The label on the spine with typed text PAT 823 STE Pastedown front endpaper has a sticker from Warrnambool Public Library covered by a sticker from Corangamite Regional Library Service Front loose endpaper has a stamp from Warrnambool Public Museum 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, kidnapped, robert louis stevenson

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 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 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 Wesley and The Rise Of Methodism Author: Robert Southey Publisher: Bell & Daldy Date: 1871Label on spine cover with typed text PAT 922 SOU Pastedown front endpaper has sticker from Warrnambool Public Library covered by a sticker from Corangamite Regional Library Service Front loose endpaper has a stamp from Corangamite Regional Library Servicewarrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, 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, the life of wesley, robert southey

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 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 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. Lectures on Some of the Physical Properties of Soil Author: Robert Warington Publisher: Oxford Date: 1900Label on spine cover with typed text PAT 631.4 WAR Pastedown front endpaper has sticker from Warrnambool Mechanics Institute and Free Library Front loose endpaper has a sticker from Corangamite Regional Library Service Front loose endpaper has a stamp from Corangamite Regional Library Service warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, 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, lectures on some of the physical properties of soil, robert warington