SUMMARY - Ernest W (Bon) Barrie, 1909 – 1985 Profile Melton Mechanics Institute Member 1935 - 1982i Trustee 1952 - 1982 Life Member 1968 Years of service – 47 years He constructed and provided a public address system which was used at Melton and district halls and sports grounds for a wide variety of community events including school sports, gymkhanas, theatrical productions and processions. Fire Brigade Melton Fire Brigade (and predecessor Bush Fire Brigade) Apparatus Officer, 1945 - 1953 Captain, 1951 - 1965 Mt Cotterill Fire Brigades’ Group Elected Group Officer, on the formation of the Group, 1967. As Group Communications Officer he operated the VL3 LY base radio station from home on a 24 hour basis for fire brigades of Melton, Rockbank, Sydenham, Diggers Rest, Toolern Vale, Truganina and Werribee. With his brother Edgar, he built the first Melton Fire Truck. It was housed on the family property until a fire station was constructed in the Melton township. Recipient of the Queens Medal, 1979 Recognised for 44 years of service on the Melton Fire Brigade Memorial Wall Plaque, dedicated May 2013 Melton State School, no 430 Committee – School Correspondent (secretarial and financial role) 34 years of Service Provided his Amplifier Equipment for events and the annual district School Sports from 1939-1973. Donated the House Athletic Shield Melton and District Historical Society 1968 – 1985 President and foundation member Willows Historical Park – supported the establishment of the park and contributed many volunteers hours in the construction and landscaping of the precinct Member, Western Metropolitan Groups of Historical Societies, 1980s Shire of Melton Councillor South Riding, 1969-1971 Member of the Water Trust Melton Uniting Church Melton Uniting Church (and its predecessors the Methodist, Methodist-Presbyterian churches). A lifetime association which extended from childhood when he attended Sunday school until his death in 1985. Member of the Presbyterian Board of Management for more than 25 years in which he held positions of Honorary Secretary and Treasurer, Board member of the Parish Council and Member of the Committee of Management. He was a Sunday school teacher 1933. Community development With Mr RC Butler met with Shire Council in 1937 to canvass residents to ascertain prospective Electric consumers in the district. Electricity was subsequently turned on at dusk on 20th December 1939. Melton Progress Association, including Melton Musical, Elocutionary and Vocal Competitions, Vice President 1939 1940 Melton Development Association, 1960s Volunteer Air Observers Corps (VAOC)ii Carried out plane spotting at Shire Office and spotting tower in Melton and later from home until 1944/45. Agriculture and farming Progress and Better Farming Association, Melton. Honorary Secretary, 1935 Member, Agricultural Engineering Society Australia c1960-1985 A successful grower of wheat, oats and barley, he planted experiment plots and held Field Days on the “Darlingsford” property. He later diversified into other grains and sheep (wool and meat). He took a enthusiastic interest in agricultural engineering and was keen to introduce innovative ideas that improved the productivity of farms and farming practices. In the mid 1950 he conducted trials during harvest on the family property of the original mechanical hay fork built on a British Bedford truck by Bill Gillespie. This design was further refined in collaboration with the Gillespie brothers and resulted in the construction the hydraulically operated tractor mounted hay fork. The innovative design of the hay fork created interest from far and wide and was quickly taken up by farmers because it significantly reduced hand labouring of loading sheaves of hay with a pitch fork. His father established chaff mills in Melton, Rockbank, Parwan, Diggers Rest in the first decade of 1900 and in 1915 went into partnership with JR Schutt to establish the Schutt & Barrie Pty. Ltd. Chaff Cutting and Flour Mill in West Footscray. When it ceased trading in 1968 the directors were: Ernest W Barrie and Thomas L Barrie, R, A, and M Schutt. Awards Queens Medal, 1979 Rotary Award for Community Service, 1980 Victoria 150th Anniversary Celebrations contributions, 1985 Service held at Melton Uniting Church local identities

Electricity – 1939 eeb Express Dec 9th 1937 Electric Light Petition First combined (schools) sports meeting, Melton south, Rockbank, Mt Cotterell, Toolern Vale, Sydenham West, Melton Park, Exford. Jack Wallace Starter, G Wilson (ref) G McDonald, F Ryan judges. A G Macdonald Gate Keeper, A Bamford, E W Barrie, S Rogers Announcers. M P A call meeting for 24th March Two or three progressive residence of Melton township are still pushing quietly for a water scheme for Melton and extension of electricity service expected to be provided for the beam wireless station a Rockbank. One of these has gone so far as to seek opinion of an independent engineer regarding the possibility of township water supply. May 1 1937 A move to combine in Melton Shire Council to convene a public meeting to agitiate for extension of the Electric Supply to Melton is being undertaken by the Progress Association and the Hall Committee. Melton Progress Association and Melton Mechanics Institute Committee joined in a decision to request Melton Shire Council to call a Public Meeting to push for extension of Yallourn electricity to Rockbank and Melton June 12th July 3rd Residents of Melton and Rockbank have an opportunity to reveal attitude towards proposed extension a result of MSC in convincing a public meeting MMI support from Amalgamated Wireless A/Asia Ltd directors Mr Townsing to preside which had been convened by MPAssoc and MMI nicely timed as SEC estimates for ensuing year known to be in course of preperation. Saturday 17th July 1937 Melton Move for Electricity. Meeting shows ….. extensive article …. meetin appointed Messrs Butler and Barrie canvass the town Dec 9th 1939 Mechanics Institute floor to be prepared next week Electricity installed in Melton, article featured in the Melton Expresslocal significant events

Red cloth cover with gold embossing on the spine 1015 pages ; 22cm ; IllusLabel on inside cover 'Glenaroua Public Hall and Library no. 53' Stamp on various pages 'Glenaroua Public Hall and Library'short stories, kilmore mechanics institute library.

Red cloth cover with gold embossing on the spine 1103 pages ; 22cm ; illusLabel on inside cover 'Glenaroua Public Hall and Library' Stamp on various pages 'Glenaroua Public Hall and Library'short stories, kilmore mechanics institute library.

Brown hardboard cover with gold embossed detailing on cover and spine 'Whiston's Josephus, The Excelsior Edition' 11 unnumbered pages; 684 pages ; Illus; 24cm;Stamped inscription on front page 'Glenaroua Public Hall and Library No, 181' Stamp on various pages 'Public Hall and Library Glenaroua'kilmore mechanics institute library.

Red hardboard cover with gold writing on spine 'On Heroes and Hero - Worship' and black writing and embossed details on front and back cover 'On Heroes and Hero - Worship' Loose back cover 235 pages ; 18cm Handwritten inscription on first page '99' & '114' '920 R 86' '113' '43' Stamp on multiple pages 'Kilmore Mechanics Institute'kilmore mechanics institute library.

Red hardboard cover with gold writing on spine 'Sartor Resartus Thomas Carlyle' and black writing and embossed details on the front and back cover 'Sartor Resartus Thomas Carlyle' 228 pages ; 18 cmHandwritten inscription on first page '98' & '112' Stamp on multiple pages 'Kilmore Mechanics Institute'kilmore mechanics institute library.

Faded blue leather cover with gold writing on front cover spine 'Family Romance by Sir Bernard Burke' 341 pages ; 19 cm ; IlluHandwritten inscription on first page 'F493 BUR' 'Glenaroua Public Hall and Library No. 94' Stamp on title page 'Glenaroua Public Hall and Library'romance, kilmore mechanics institute library.

Volume 2 of 6 volumes. A selection of poetry & prose from the works of the most admired authors with bigraphical & literary notes.Red/Brown cloth covered hardback book. Embossed gold decoration to front. Decorative black patterning on back cover. Gold edging to pages. 384pp. 9 engraved plates. Volume 2 of 6. Fair condition but intact.Sticker on frontispiece 'Glenaroua Public Hall and Library/No. 107/This book to be Returned Within One Month Undamaged.poetry & prose., kilmore mechanics institute library.

"A selection of poetry and prose from the works of the most admired authors with biographical and literary notes". Volume 3 of 6.Red/brown cloth-covered hardcover book. Embossed gold decoration to front. Decorative black patterning on back cover. Gold edging to pages 9 engraved plates. 384 pp. Slightly worn cover. No staining or damage to pages.Label on P.2 'Glearoua Public Hall and Library/No. 105/This Book to be Returned Within One Month Undamaged'.poetry & prose., kilmore mechanics institute library.

"A selection of poetry and prose from the works of the most admired authors with bigraphical and literary notes". Vol. 5 of 6.Red/brown cloth-covered hardcover book. Embossed gold decoration to front. Decorative black patterning to back cover. Gold edging to pages. 9 engraved plates. 384 pp. Worn cloth with loss of colour. Small partial detachment of spine. Evidence of binding failure inside. Pages clean and undamaged.P.2 Label 'Glenaroua Public Hall & Library/No. 109/This Book to be Returned Within One Month Undamaged'.poetry & prose., kilmore mechanics institute library.

"A selection of poetry and prose from the works of the most admired authors with biographical and literary notes". Vol. 5 of 6.Red/brown cloth-covered hardcover book. Embossed gold decoration to front. Decorative black patterning to back cover. Gold edging to pages. 384 pp. 9 engraved plates. Some wear to cover with loss of colour. Structurally intact, pages clean & undamaged.P.2 Label 'Glenaroua Public Hall and Library/No. 110/This Book to be Returned Within One Month Umdamaged'.poetry & prose., kilmore mechanics institute library.

A second series of reminiscences of the camp, the court, and the clubs by Captain R.H. Gronow, formerly of the Genadier Guards, and MP for Stafford.Red/burgundy cloth-covered hardback book. Embossed decoration to front and back covers. Cover stained and faded, very worn. Title printed in gilt on spine. Splitting of cloth at spine corner. Water staining around edges of pages. 232 pp. Poor condition.'$4' handwritten on spine. Flyleaf label, 'Glenaroua Public Hall and Library'/No.84/This book to be Returned Within One Month Undamaged' Title page, Glenaroua Public Hall and Library stamp, 'John O'Connor' hand written inside stamp.court reminiscences, kilmore mechanics institute library.

non-fictionIn the course researching the opening of Masonic temples in Victoria, James Nicolas noticed that many non-Masonic buildings in the 19th century were opened with Masonic ceremonies. They were primarily historic buildings, including Mechanics Institutes, Town Halls, bridges, schools, hospitals and churches. They Masonic aspect was frequently a key part of the opening ceremony. Nicolas looks at the history including the opposition, including newspapers and the strident opposition of the Catholic Church. Nicolas also explores the apparent expunging of Freemasonry from contemporary histories of the openings of these buildings.freemasonry, historic buildings

SUMMARY - Ernest W (Bon) Barrie, 1909 – 1985 Profile Melton Mechanics Institute Member 1935 - 1982i Trustee 1952 - 1982 Life Member 1968 Years of service – 47 years He constructed and provided a public address system which was used at Melton and district halls and sports grounds for a wide variety of community events including school sports, gymkhanas, theatrical productions and processions. Fire Brigade Melton Fire Brigade (and predecessor Bush Fire Brigade) Apparatus Officer, 1945 - 1953 Captain, 1951 - 1965 Mt Cotterill Fire Brigades’ Group Elected Group Officer, on the formation of the Group, 1967. As Group Communications Officer he operated the VL3 LY base radio station from home on a 24 hour basis for fire brigades of Melton, Rockbank, Sydenham, Diggers Rest, Toolern Vale, Truganina and Werribee. With his brother Edgar, he built the first Melton Fire Truck. It was housed on the family property until a fire station was constructed in the Melton township. Recipient of the Queens Medal, 1979 Recognised for 44 years of service on the Melton Fire Brigade Memorial Wall Plaque, dedicated May 2013 Melton State School, no 430 Committee – School Correspondent (secretarial and financial role) 34 years of Service Provided his Amplifier Equipment for events and the annual district School Sports from 1939-1973. Donated the House Athletic Shield Melton and District Historical Society 1968 – 1985 President and foundation member Willows Historical Park – supported the establishment of the park and contributed many volunteers hours in the construction and landscaping of the precinct Member, Western Metropolitan Groups of Historical Societies, 1980s Shire of Melton Councillor South Riding, 1969-1971 Member of the Water Trust Melton Uniting Church Melton Uniting Church (and its predecessors the Methodist, Methodist-Presbyterian churches). A lifetime association which extended from childhood when he attended Sunday school until his death in 1985. Member of the Presbyterian Board of Management for more than 25 years in which he held positions of Honorary Secretary and Treasurer, Board member of the Parish Council and Member of the Committee of Management. He was a Sunday school teacher 1933. Community development With Mr RC Butler met with Shire Council in 1937 to canvass residents to ascertain prospective Electric consumers in the district. Electricity was subsequently turned on at dusk on 20th December 1939. Melton Progress Association, including Melton Musical, Elocutionary and Vocal Competitions, Vice President 1939 1940 Melton Development Association, 1960s Volunteer Air Observers Corps (VAOC)ii Carried out plane spotting at Shire Office and spotting tower in Melton and later from home until 1944/45. Agriculture and farming Progress and Better Farming Association, Melton. Honorary Secretary, 1935 Member, Agricultural Engineering Society Australia c1960-1985 A successful grower of wheat, oats and barley, he planted experiment plots and held Field Days on the “Darlingsford” property. He later diversified into other grains and sheep (wool and meat). He took a enthusiastic interest in agricultural engineering and was keen to introduce innovative ideas that improved the productivity of farms and farming practices. In the mid 1950 he conducted trials during harvest on the family property of the original mechanical hay fork built on a British Bedford truck by Bill Gillespie. This design was further refined in collaboration with the Gillespie brothers and resulted in the construction the hydraulically operated tractor mounted hay fork. The innovative design of the hay fork created interest from far and wide and was quickly taken up by farmers because it significantly reduced hand labouring of loading sheaves of hay with a pitch fork. His father established chaff mills in Melton, Rockbank, Parwan, Diggers Rest in the first decade of 1900 and in 1915 went into partnership with JR Schutt to establish the Schutt & Barrie Pty. Ltd. Chaff Cutting and Flour Mill in West Footscray. When it ceased trading in 1968 the directors were: Ernest W Barrie and Thomas L Barrie, R, A, and M Schutt. Awards Queens Medal, 1979 Rotary Award for Community Service, 1980 Victoria 150th Anniversary Celebrations contributions, 1985 Photographs of Bon Barrielocal identities, pioneer families

Blue cloth-bound hard cover book. Australian flag and title on front in black with decorative design. Beginnings of separation of cover from body at front & back. Minor damage to cover. 56 illustrations from photographs. 299 pp. Good condition.Label inside front cover, 'Glenaroua Public Hall and Library/No. 150/This book to be Returned Within One Month Undamaged'. Front flyleaf, Kilmore Mechanics Institute stamp.australian history, kilmore mechanics institute library.

Murray Comrie Collection. The players are posed in front of Tarnagulla Town Hall (later known as Burstall Hall) in the main street of Tarnagulla. The building has since been demolished. Mens football team posed in four lines in front of large building. All are wearing black tops and white shorts. Man at centre front is holding a football on which is painted PREMIER 1931. Taken in front of Tarnagulla Mechanics' Institute, formerly the Borough of Tarnagulla Council Chambers, and later known as Burstall Hall. Demolished c1980."Presented by Tarnagulla Football Club to H.E. Radnell player Premiers 1931". Player names listed in piece of paper adhered to photograph.tarnagulla, sport, football, radnell, mcnamee

Murray Comrie Collection. This image depicts stores in the main street of Tarnagulla, including the two-storey bank building being used as a licensed general store. The building on the left was also a bank, originally constructed by the Union Bank in 1859, and Is probably the first brick and stone building at Tarnagulla. It was used by the bank until 1888 at which time the Union and Colonial banks amalgamated. After this, the building was used for a variety of purposes. The milk bar section was constructed in the 1920s in an area at the front of what had once been the Bank’s manager’s residence. The Two-story bank building On the right was constructed and used by the Colonial Bank of Australasia (from 1866 to 1888) and, following bank amalgamation, by the Union Bank (from 1888 until closure in 1942). The original site had been occupied by Joseph Foo's store, a large wooden building with attached theatre. While the bank was being built, the Colonial Bank operated from the former Company's Hotel (soon after to become the Borough of Tarnagulla Council Chambers, then the Mechanics’ Institute, and finally, prior to final demolition in 1980, Burstall Hall) The new double-storey building was used by the Colonial Bank from 1866 until 21st February, 1888. The premises were sold to the Union Bank for £2500. The Union Bank moved in and commenced operations on 6th June 1888, continuing until 1942. The building was later used as a general store until the 1990s. It is a now private residence. This is a reasonable copy of an older original. Copy probably made by Murray Comrie in the 1970s. Monochrome photograph depicting a section of Commercial Road, Tarnagulla near the intersection with Poverty Street, including two stores - one a bakery/milk-bar and the other a general store operating in the former Colonial/Union Bank building. Photograph taken from north of milk-bar. Two people walking away from photographer on footpath/curb between the two stores. The building on the left was the Union Bank premises, constructed in 1859 and Tarnagulla's oldest surviving brick building. The Union Bank absorbed the Colonial Bank in 1888, and the Union Bank moved operations next door into the much larger former Colonial Bank premises which had been constructed in 1865/66. After amalgamation, the old Union Bank premises was then used for a variety of purposes from visiting doctor's rooms to cafe, etc. The Union Bank continued to operate at Tarnagulla until closure in 1942, at which time business had fallen away and Tarnagulla Branch had already been downgraded to sub-branch status. tarnagulla, banks, banking, commerce, stores, shopping, shops, food, groceries, buildings, commercial road

Murray Comrie Collection. Copy of an 1866 photograph by Aimé Marchand. The building was originally Company's Hotel, then used as temporary premises by the Colonial Bank during construction of the bank's own premises, then Borough of Tarnagulla Council Chambers and Mechanics Institute. Also known locally as Burstall Hall from c1960 following a donation of maintenance funding from the Estate of the late RH Burstall. In June 1866, Aimé Marchand (1846-1910) made a series of fourteen photographs which were submitted to the 1866-67 Melbourne Intercolonial Exhibition, where they earned a 1st Class Honorable Mention. This is one of those fourteen images. Of French or Belgian origin and possibly formerly an assayer in California, Marchand appears to have begun his practice of photography in Tarnagulla around 1865 as an assistant to A.B. Clay. By the following year he had settled in Portland, where he opened the Royal Photographic Studio in Gawler Street. From his base in Portland he toured surrounding districts, offering portrait and view services. Little else is known about his life. He appears to have left Australia in 1878. A misprint of his name in a local directory as Annie Marchand created the misconception that he was one of only a few named women photographers in the colonies. Monochrome photograph the Tarnagulla Council Chambers in June 1866. tarnagulla, views, burstall hall, council chambers, local government, commercial road, local people, residents, aimé marchand, photographers

Murray Comrie Collection. Information written by Donald Clark, (source Tarnagulla: A history of Tarnagulla and Districts website): The hotel was built on Commercial Road in 1859 and was opened on 26/12/1859. Festivities lasted for three days on opening. The building was of two storeys, built of brick and plastered throughout. It contained one bar, three parlors, billiard room, dining room, and four bedrooms with twelve others detached from the main building. Other out buildings consisted of kitchen etc. and stables to accommodate 30 horses. There was an underground tank capable of holding 3000 gallons of water. The licence was granted to Patrick McDermott at the Dunolly Court on 17/2/1860 and renewed on General Licensing Day on 12th June, 1860, and was transferred to William Hawkins in 1861. The premises became the headquarters of the Bet Bet Roads Board, following which it became the Council Chambers for the Borough of Tarnagulla, until 1915. The building was beyond repair and was removed by pulling the place down and storing the material for use of the Public Hall Committee. This took place on March 27th and 28th, 1981. This image must be after 1866, when the building was purchased for use as Council Chambers and the original heavy cornice was removed as that is not present in this image. This photograph is a reasonable copy created from an older original. Monochrome photograph depicting Company's Hotel in Tarnagulla. At the time of the photograph the old hotel is being used as the Mechanics' Institute. tarnagulla, hotels, company's hotel, companys hotel, burstall hall, businesses, commercial road

Murray Comrie Collection. A playbill for a performance titled 'The Evening Strollers' and subtitled 'Gadsby's Girls & The Digger's Lawn Party', held at the Victoria Theatre, Tarnagulla on Saturday October 4, probably 1919. States that performance will raise money for 'Soldiers Memorial Stone; Mechanics Library and Strollers Club'. Performers include: Miss F. Norwood, Mr. H. Turnley, Bertha Currier Porter, Reg Smith, Mr. S. Taylor, Mr. C. Wright, Mr. W. Jackson, Dolly Comrie, Daisy Jackson, Rachael Clark, Alf Radnell and Dorrie Bock.tarnagulla, victoria theatre, public hall, entertainment, music, performance, war, fundraising, world war one, veterans, soldiers memorial, mechanics institute, strollers club

Information from research by Mabel Rogers from the first meeting in August 1939 – 1969 Notable Events of the CWA The document contains information about meetings and events and numbers of members who attended. December 2013 – a selection of some of the items of interest have been extracted by Wendy Barrie NOTABLE EVENTS Page 1 1938 August 10th 1938 Minutes of inaugural meeting of Melton Branch Country Women’s Association. Cr Coburn introduced Mrs Toose, Ballarat G.P. [Group President] 42 ladies were present, including visitors from Bacchus Marsh and Smeaton Branches. September – Miss A Raleigh was elected Magazine Secretary October- 26 members present. Penny Collection for Million Members Fund November December – Mrs Swan gave demonstration of basketry, using stringy bark, Eucalyptus bark and reeds 1939 February 1939 – 18 members present. Branch total 50. Donation towards Pedal Transmitting Set. Inquiries made of Shire Council re permission to fence War Memorial March April – cost of fence material beyond Branch Funds May- 24 members present June, July, August – birthday celebrations. September 25 members present October – Meeting hled at Toolern Vale Bird Sanctuary 36 members present November – 1st Annual Meeting December – Owing to harvest operations, only 11 members present. 1940 February electric kettle and urn to be purchased for Mechanics Institute. Also to install a power point. [Electricity was connected to Melton in December 1939] April end of page 1 Page 2 May – Council Permission to be sought, to plant trees on oval below Shire Hall P.M.G. to be asked to supply a seat outside telephone booth for convenience of callers after P.O. was closed. June- Wives of A.I.F. soldiers be made honorary members. “1d per week drive” for gift for the Empire. July, September, October November – Group President stressed the importance of keeping Branches together during time of war. Collection of sheep skins to be made into vests for fighting forces worthy of consideration. Group President, Mrs Morgan-Paylor. December 1941 February 30 members present March – Eight members attend Ballarat Group Conference. Approach Council re fencing and preparation of land for tree plantation May – Mrs Swan demonstrated making of slippers from pieces of sheepskin June – Empire Gift Scheme of 1d per week to be continued for another year or duration of the war. July – Demonstration on making camouflage nets August, September Group Conference at Smeaton, October, November meetings held 1942 February- Enquiries to be made as how to help with A.R.P. work March, April, May, June,- Headquarters busy on war work. July end of page 2 Page 3 August, September. October – 15 Camouflage Nets forwarded to Headquarters November- Mrs Glasson Group President presided at Annual Meeting. Meetings to be held at 3 monthly intervals. Overseas link, enquiries be made of Melton Mowbray had a C.W.A. Branch 1943 February- Overseas link to be Lampeter, Cardiganshire, Wales May- 7 Camouflage Nets to Headquarters. American overseas link Nov 5th Annual Meeting, letters received from Wales and America 1944 May – Approach to be made to Council re formation of Baby Health Centre July – Ball held for Baby Health Centre effort. Admission 3/- 1945 February- Mrs Lemke present at meeting May August- Miss Strahan of Womens Hospital gave a talk on “Work of Almoner Departments in Public Hospitals” November Annual meeting. eight food parcels sent to Britain, 2 to Lampeter 1946 meetings held every two months May- Congratulations to Mrs Swan, Group President Elect June – 20 members present. August- 8th Birthday celebrated with a Social Evening Music was supplied by Mrs E.W. Barrie September - Scone competition 1. Mrs Beaty, 2. Miss Robinson 3. Mrs Exell November- Eggs sent to Somers House 1947 February – Demonstration of Glove-making March – revert to monthly meetings April - decided to have an auto tray made for the Branch May – Branch decided to plant a tree for Princess Elizabeth’s 21st Birthday.. Council to be asked if agreeable to continue arrangements in 1940, to fence C.W.A. Plantation end of page 3 Page 4 June - Food parcels sent to Overseas Link July – Invitations to birthday celebrations sent to Bacchus Marsh, Ballan, Sunbury, Mt Egerton August September - Collection of silver coin taken a donation from Branch towards wedding gift to Princess Elizabeth … forwarded to H.Q. November – C.W.A. together with Red Cross and Bacchus Marsh C.W.A. to provide afternoon tea and luncheon at Eynesbury sale. 1948 February – Food parcels sent to ex-Prisoner-of-war. Publicity agent appointed April – Decided to apply for trees to be planted in area already chosen a beauty spot May – Additional listeners to Broadcast Session were appointed June July – Gift of books received from Overseas Link. I was decided to stat a Library . Miss Raleigh to at a Librarian. August – 5 pound donation from Branch funds to “Save the Children” Appeal. September, October, November 1949 January – At Group Conference, delegates to vote in favour of resolution that State School children be allowed to sit for exams in own school March – Decided to contact Council for permission to fence off Water Reserve April, May – Another parcel to be sent to Ret. British P.O.W. Association June July – Fancy Dress Children’s Ball to be held for Annual Effort August – 11th Birthday September – Bank Balance November – 11th annual Meeting. Members agree to supply small gifts to Ballarat Mental Hospital 1950 February – Five books were received from Lampeter March – Branch to support idea of holding a Music Drama Festival in Group April – Miss Smith elected Group President May – C.W.A. Science Van visited Melton June – Demonstration of Macrame work - July August – 12th Birthday Celebration end page 4 Page 5 September, October November 12th Annual Meeting, Miss Smith Group President. Melton's Country Women's Association Choirlocal special interest groups, local identities

2 copies of photograph ( 1 large black and white, 1 small sepia postcard).Typed below large photograph: "Old Mechanics Institute on Maroondah Hwy. on opening day 1909. Was Cnr. Melbourne St. Written on back of postcard: "Mechanics Institute 1909. Later Ringwood Hall."

Black and white photograph (2 copies- 1 large, 1 small)Written under large copy: "Old Town Hall- c1930's." Image shows old Mechanics Institute at rear of Town Hall in Melbourne Street being demolished. J. B. McAlpin Real Estate on opposite corner.