Submission re Artists-In-Residence Music Program (1983) - Supporting letter from Mrs Amina Schutz, Convenor, Development Committee for Arts Bendigo 8th Feb 1983. Submission covers - Description of the proposed program; Justification for the program; Recommendations plus Support for the program (names and position). Follows an earlier submission in Dec 1982.

One copy of Bendigo Sub-branch R.S.S.A.I.L.A. Annual Victory Ball held at the Town Hall, Bendigo on August 15th, 1950. Guests of Honour were The Hon. Sir Norman Martin and Lady Martin. Card is cream with gold print on the front and a gold RLS badge. Other printing is blue. The inside of the tri-fold has a Dance Program of 28 dances and a space for Autographs. The other side has the Debutantes: Lesley Cornwell, June Beck, Genny Allan, Thea Abe, Margaret Phillips, Patrica Hall, June Tebb, Lexie Munro, Janet Neyland, Norma Sheard, Norma Richards and Vicky McCaw. Trained by Mr & Mrs G Hudson. Chaperone: Mrs F. Jackson. Flower Girl: Barbara Abe. Partners: Des Pearse, William Thomas, Junior Allan, Alf Whitely, Norman Goodwin, Frank Richards, Max Farnell, Allan Farnell, Allan Holmes,Lachlan Neyland, Frank Metcalf, Graeme Seddon and Kevin Murphy. President Bendigo Branch R.S.L.: Col G V Lansell. Chairman Ball Committee Mr F E Jackson. Hon. Sec. Ball Committee: Mr J W Swatton. MC: Mr R Wright. Printed by Hocking & Sloan Print.Hocking & Sloan Printevent, social, victory ball, r.s.l. bendigo collection - annual victory ball 1950, the hon sir norman martin, lady martin, lesley cornwell, june beck, genny allan, thea abe, margaret phillips, patrica hall, june tebb, lexie munro, janet neyland, norma sheard, norma richards, vicky mccaw, mr & mrs g hudson, mrs f jackson, barbara abe, hocking & sloan print, des pearse, william thomas, junior allan, alf whitely, norman goodwin, frank richards, max farnell, allan farnell, allan holmes, lachlan neyland, frank metcalf, graeme seddon, kevin murphy, col g v lansell, mr f e jackson, mr j w swatton, mr r wright

Letter to Amina Schutz Sec. Bendigo Arts & Education Committee 15/6/1984 from Doug Hall (Director, Bendigo Art Gallery) re acccommodation of the grand piano at the Gallery along with five conditions for such placement.

Letter dated 23rd Feb. 1982 from Arts Bendigo to local Councils (City of Bendigo, Shires of Strathfieldsaye, Marong, Huntly and Borough of Eaglehawk) re formation of Arts Bendigo and invitation for council representation on the committee. List of Office Bearers included.

Letter from Arts Victoria Music '81 (Dianne Brown, Co-ordinator) to Dr Fisher dated 14th Oct 1981 re a meeting to be chaired by David Wright on 26th October with guest speaker, John Little. - an ''opportunity to create a vigorous committee to further encourage growth in all areas of the arts''.'

Arts Bendigo Minutes Book Dec 2000 - Sept 2001. Minutes of Committee Meetings for the period.

Arts Bendigo Minutes Book Feb 1996 - Nov 2000. Minutes of Committee Meetings and Annual General Meetings for the period. Loose sheets comprise documentation regarding registration for Australian Business Number (ABN) effective as of 1 November 1999 and Certificate of Incorporation (22nd April 1986).

Arts Bendigo Minutes Book Apr 1992 - Dec 1995. Minutes of Committee Meetings and Annual General Meetings for the period.

Arts Bendigo Minutes Book Mar 1989 - Mar 1992. Minutes of Committee Meetings and Annual General Meetings for the period.

Arts Bendigo Minutes Book Sept 1985 - Feb 1989. Minutes of Committee Meetings and Annual General Meetings for the period.

Arts Bendigo Minutes Book Feb 1982 - Aug 1985. Minutes of Committee Meetings and Annual General Meetings for the period.

Thick card black in colour with white writing and picture. Corrupt-a-ball Gangster picture. Friday August 10th. White Hills Technical School Hall 8.30pm.- 2.00am. Fancy Dress or Formal Gear B.Y.O.G. and Glasses. Rear reads: B.I.T. Students Social Committee. Table 5.person, individual, peter ellis oam

Booklet: ''Ballarat Historical Park'' B&W illustrated booklet (''A Presentation of the Project of the Ballarat Historical Park Association'' re Sovereign Hill. - formation of the Association; story of Sovereign Hill; the site and the plan; potential as a tourist centre; committee and consultants listed.

Various documents re Bendigo Regional Arts Centre - a. ''Session Report'' (BRAC & AB) re ''Wish you were here'' event March 1993; b. In-House Reconciliation for Ravenswood Trio (May 1998); c. Program Statement and Session Report for the show ''Tony Gray Concert'' March 1993; d. In-House Reconciliation re ''Don't shoot me, I'm only the piano player'' July 1997; e. memo to AB Committee from BRAC re Program Activities 1993 re ''Wish you were here'' (Reg Livermore) and Paul Mercuric - Australian Choreographic Ensemble's - with financial details. (some handwritten annotations)

Three President's Reports containing Club news, etc. One has the conclusion to a series titled 'Quadrilles'. Another has an article titled 'Vale Trevor'. Trevor Holt was a member of the Wedderburn Oldtimers.clubs, music, bush dance & music club of bendigo, peter ellis collection, mavis mcgregor, lex ottrey, latrobe university school board, whipstick parks advisory committee, bendigo field naturalist club, western victorian field naturalist clubs association, jack kellam, bert gibson, shirley andrews, trevor holt, myers, brash's, wedderburn oldtimers, morrie gierisch, ian johnson, jack condon, salvation army, carolyn marrone, wally & phyllis tugwell, peter hunter, pedre gurteen, jack stroud, max klubal, rae doudle, bob allen, alex fisher, tom brereton, colin silk, mary smith, ellen smith, harry mcqueen, joe byatt, beat klippel, bertie gibson, ron mcnally, anthony & lisa simon, tom adams, ted egan, geraldine doyle, les rankin, maree murrell, victor silvestor, ken hall

Merle Hall Collection - Arts Bendigo, Various sundry documents- a. One-page notice (''To All Teachers of Piano in the Bendigo Area'') of visit to Bendigo of former Bendigo student Tony Gray, notice date March 1993 - concert in the Banquet Room, Capital Theatre 14/3/1993; b. One-page notice of visit of Russian pianist Elisio Virsaladze and ''Moving Harps'' (trio) for October dates Year??; c. A5 brochure of information and dates for 1985 ''for many of the local and visiting arts-associated functions''. (3 pages of functions with dates, summary of performance and location of show; d. Single-page sheet of ''Arts Bendigo Activities Oct. '84 - Sept. '85 with paragraphs of ''Major Achievements'' and ''Disappointments'' and ''Thanks''. Also - ''Just Happened of Still To Come''; d. Six paged listing of 'Bendigo Subscribers' List 1979'' (Arts Council of Australia) with * annotations of being ''Financial'' - mostly personal names/addresses but some organizations. Approx 150 entries; e. two-paged list of ''Arts Bendigo Members July 1985'' with annotations of s= Single and F = Family members - approx 65 names; f. one-page Brief Report of Program Subcommittee June 1982, with rough analysis of attendance figures for recent shows; g. 3-page report of AB Development Sub-Committee meeting of 25/2/1985; h. two-paged report on ''Possible rehearsal and performing spaces in Bendigo area as known at June 1988 by Merle Hall, Secretary - brief details of 7 facilities and a number of ''Other'' facilities, with a final section on ''The Grand Vision''; i. One-page ''Proposals from Development Sub-committee'', prepared by Ellis C Blainer 3/3/87 - eight proposals in small detail; j. Bi-fold flyer ''Membership Information'' with description of AB activities and membership details/application form (not dated); k. A5 invitation of 'parchment' paper to ''25 Years of Achievement in the Arts'' (27/101995) - a brief AGM with a Social Evening from 8 pm; l. one-page invitation note accompanying the formal invitation to the special evening for 25th celebration of working with the arts in the Bendigo region.

'Music '81' (Arts Victoria) - various documents relating to activities in Bendigo (Bendigo Steering Committee) . A. Handwritten book - 'Record of Receipts and Expenditure' (5 pages); b. Financial Report with attached Statement of Receipt and Expenditure; c. collection of various receipts for services, goods etc; d. Reconciliation Statement (to 12/2/1982; e. note to Val Broad re Statement of Account supplied; f. form letter to those receiving donation from Music '81 - letters dated 23/3/182 to Bendigo Chamber Choir, Community Theatre and Arts, Bendigo Symphony Orchestra, Bendigo Operatic Society

''Preparing a Brief for a Performing Arts Centre'' Min. for the Arts - this is a similar documents to 8350.117 but not exactly the same. It is entitled ''As adaptation of ''Preparing a Brief for a Theatre Building'' by the Standing Advisory Committee on Local Authorities and the Theatre, 9 Fitzroy Square, London W. 1, England. Handwritten annotation of cover as follows: ''Copies held by - President - R. Herriot - Secretary. 16 Pages and single page Appendix.

''Preparing a Brief for a Theatre Building'' 18 page publication of the Standing Advisory Committee on Local Authorities and the Theatre (London) - not dated but ca. 1970s? Sixteen consideration of 'How' and 'What' for local authorities contemplating a theatre or a hall with theatre use. Specific British thrust to these considerations - but with wider ramifications e.g. Bendigo?

On front cover is: ''Community Arts Centre - Deputation Notes''. Within this stapled collection are the following: typed notes for presentation at a Public Meeting at Bendigo Municipal Offices (25/6/1975) re the ''establishment of a cultural centre in Bendigo''.J. Cannon with the names of six supportive speakers; handwritten Notes from Public Meeting 25th June 1975 (two pages); handwritten ''Notes from Public Meeting 36 June 75'' (meeting to hear address from Federal Department of Tourism and Recreation (with newspaper advertisements of meeting); Loddon Campaspe Regional Council for Social Development Interim Committee questionnaire for seminar on nine aspects - housing, educational facilities, medical and welfare services, municipal and other public services, transport and communication, conservation features, active and passive recreation, employment, shopping; handwritten notes for Public Meeting 25th June ; handwritten notes re the Plaza theatre being up for sale, letter to The Editor re the recent reported announcement by the City Council of its intention to seek Federal finance to assist in the purchase of the Plaze theatre; two-paged document (letter??) re the problems of keeping the Plaza theatre and, instead, promoting a ''fine modern facility'' of the Bendigo Arts Council (no named author); ; handwritten notes of Sub-committee - Arts Centre Building (Report - J. Cannon); handwritten notes from the ''Tours Officer'' for comments on the past year's activities; handwritten list of 30-40 local people with 'ticks'' for their (potential) interest and time??

Submission by Bendigo Arts Council; Urban Renewal Study re site for a performing arts facility in Bendigo. This document is a heavily annotated draft of the final document entitled ''A Blueprint for the Future'' (Arts Council of Australia; Bendigo) - refer to 8350.3. In addition to the edited text in this document are the following: form 1974 letter from the Hon Sec of the Arts Council of Australia, Bendigo Branch re a ''Community Arts Centre'' inviting submissions from interested organizations and individuals and request for comments on the draft statement;original letter on City of Bendigo letterhead plus copy of that letter received from the Urban Renewal Liaison Committee to Arts Council of Australia, Bendigo Branch re participation in a study area (Queen St/Lyttleton Terrace/Mundy/Myers/Mitchell St.) 10/9/1974;

On 23 July 1922, Brighton City Council adopted the recommendation from a sub-committee that the site for a war memorial be at Green Point, Brighton Beach. Brighton Council invited designs, limited to returned soldier architects and 18 designs were received. The first prize of £30 was awarded to the architecture firm Irwin and Stevenson and the designs were exhibited at the Brighton Town Hall in 1925. The bronze casting, using lost wax technique, was executed by sculptor Mr. Paul Montford, to the design of the architect and the central assemblage was believed to be the largest bronze casting in relief carried out in Australia at the time. The Brighton War Memorial was unveiled by His Excellency the Governor, the Right Honourable Arthur Herbert Tennyson Baron Somers, K.C.M.G., D.S.O., M.C., on Sunday 24th April 1927 in the presence of 4,000 people. The memorial was originally constructed to commemorate those from the City of Brighton who served in World War One but has since been augmented to commemorate those from the municipality of Bayside who have made the ultimate sacrifice during official periods of hostility.War memorial consisting of a sandstone cenotaph, granite base and sandstone terrace situated at Green Point, Brighton. The cenotaph is a truncated obelisk with classical decoration in stone and bronze. The cenotaph bears the Rising Sun badge in bronze relief near its top with bronze lettering running down the cenotaph reading "ERECTED IN HONOUR OF THOSE WHO FOUGHT IN THE GREAT WAR 1914 – 1919". A bronze relief assemblage of crossed weapons, a wreath, the lamp of valour and the Latin phrase "DUCIT AMOR PATRIA" (love of country leads me) sit above the base which is carved with the word "SERVICE". The terrace walls have bronze relief medallions with images of the head of an airman on the left and an infantryman on the right. The back of the cenotaph bears a torch in bronze relief near its top. On the sandstone wall behind the cenotaph are three large bronze plaques that lists the names of those from the City of Bayside who have served in the various conflicts in which Australia has been involved. At the back of the sandstone wall is carved lettering reading "HISTORY GAVE THEM A COMMON FAME. POSTERITY A COMMON MONUMENT" with 1914 carved on the left and 1919 on the right.brighton war memorial, memorial, cenotaph, green point, war memorial, brighton, service, paul montford, irwin and stevenson, rising sun, wreath, weapons, lamp of valour, great war, world war one, honour roll, honour board, roll of honour, ducit amor patriae, brighton beach, city of brighton, leighton major francis irwin, roy kenneth stevenson

Amy Huxtable was born at Cheltenham in 1918, to Robert Henry Huxtable and Violet A Dagg. Her father was an installer for an oil company and travelled the State. taking his family with him. She completed her education at the Bendigo High School and later attended the Bendigo Business College, becoming an expert shorthand writer. Her first position was as a copy writer with Radio 3BO, in the mid 1930s. She worked with an advertising agency in Melbourne and then with the Age,newspaper. In 1953, Miss Huxtable was appointed temporarily to succeed Miss E B Millane as social editress of the Bendigo Advertiser, during the latter's absence abroad. In 1956, Amy travelled abroad and on her return in 1957 was appointed permanently as Women's editor, a position she held for twenty-three ears. During her early years with The Advertiser she wrote under the name Toora, but in later years her own name became widely known. Miss Huxtable was well known both in her professional capacity and through a interest and involvement in community activites. She was life governor of the Bendigo Hospital, the Bendigo Home for the Aged, and Mirridong Home for the Blind, she was a member of Soroptimist International and the Business and Professional Women's Club. Amy was also a tireless worker for the spastic society and a strong supporter of the YWCA. When Amy Huxtable died at Mt AJvernia Hospital on 16 January 1980 Mayor Campbell ordered the city flag to be flown at half-mast. "Lowering the flag is the least we can do for such a lady" Cr Campbell said. Douglas Lockwood, editor of the Bendigo Advertiser said, "She was a devot d colleague who gave her craft and her newspaper the kind of service which identified a rare and generous spirit." She was a true professional who decided to make Bendigo her home. More than 300 people packed St Paul's Church for her funeral ervice the bell tolled as the casket was carried from the church. At a ceremony in the Conservatory Gardens on No ember 22 1981 The Amy Huxtable Memorial Committee presented to the City of Bendigo, a garden seat in memory of the late Miss Huxtable. This Bendigo manufactured seat was a fitting tribute to one ofBendigo's most loved and esteemed citizens. All Miss Huxtable's Advertiser articles were microfilmed and presented to the Library by the above committee. Amy Huxtable Memorial Committee - Newspaper Articles and letters to the Bendigo Art Gallery 2808.9a First Article: Bendigo Advertiser article 18/12/1985 on "two of Bendigo's noted daughters , Ola Cohn and Amy Huxtable" Describes the restoration of the Ola Cohn drinking fountain in Rosalind Park, and the installation of the Amy Huxtable Memorial Seat in the Conservatory Gardens. Second Article: Bendigo Advertiser Letters to the Editor Column 30/12/1988 paragraph entitled "Credit where it is due: "A special tricentennial council effort would be to restore the paths, kerbs and sculpture by Ola Cohn, J H Curnow Fountain, the Bob Brothers Memorial and the Chain of Ponds" (Rosalind Park) 2808.9b Seven Pages of letters: 1. To Mrs Thelma Dingle from Doug Hall, Bendigo Art Gallery Director 30/1/1986 regards the Amy Huxtable committee funding the restoration of the Ola Cohn Fountain by sculptor Mr Marc Clark. 2. From the Amy Huxtable Committee 24/3/1986 back to the Art Gallery explaining that the committee leftover funds be given to the art Gallery to go towards the restoration of the Oal Cohn Fountain. 3. From the Art Gallery to Miss N D young, Amy Huxtable Committee 3/4/1986 thanking the committee for the funds. 4. From the committee to the Mayor and Councillors, Bendigo City, 4/2/1987 asking for an update on the project. 5. Copy of above letter. 6. From the City of Bendigo to the Committee 17/2/1987, advising of progress on the restoration of the fountain. 7. From Norma Young to the Bendigo Advertiser Letters to the Editor, advising of progress on the Ola Cohn Sculpture and the J H Curnow Fountain restoration. history, amy huxtable, bendigo, amy huxtable memorial committee, bendigo conservatory gardens, ola cohn, j h curnow fountain

The A.N.A. Hall in View Street was opened in August 1894. The Sandhurst Branch was started on August 26th, 1874. In July 1874, several gentlemen met together, and when a sufficient number had given in their names and sufficient promises of support had been received, the board of directors were approached with a view to forming a branch of the association in Bendigo. On August 26, 1874, the inception took place. The building was demolished in 1971. Photo collage of members of the Building Committee of the Sandhurst Branch of the Australian Natives' Association. Twenty sepia coloured photos recessed in oval or rectangular shaped opening with gold coloured edging, on backing board. One larger photo is surrounded by gold coloured pattern with scalloped edge. Below this is a photo of the ANA building in View Street. Banner beneath the Photo of the ANA building "Presented to Mr Chas. the Sandhurst Branch ANA in Recognition of His Valuable Service as President in Year 1894". The collage is framed in gold coloured ornate wooden frame. Plaque attached to lower edge of frame lists names of men in the photos. "BUILDING COMMITTEE - 1894" J H CURNOW M J CAHILL Dr J QUICK D A CAMPBELL M J E STAPLETON A DUNSTAN Dr J MURPHY C DALEY (President) A G DUNLOP W CROWLEY A J HAMPSON W BEEBE J HOGAN T GLASS J B YOUNG R H ABBOTT A.N.A. HALL A G DAYMOND D EGAN J DANIEL J BUCHAN S A COCK ana, australian natives' association, sandhurst, photo collage

The A.N.A. Hall in View Street was opened in August 1894. The Sandhurst Branch was started on August 26th, 1874. In July 1874, several gentlemen met together, and when a sufficient number had given in their names and sufficient promises of support had been received, the board of directors were approached with a view to forming a branch of the association in Bendigo. On August 26, 1874, the inception took place. The building was demolished in 1971. Plaque formerly attached to the lower edge of the framed photo collage of the Building Committee of the Sandhurst Branch of the Australian Natives' Association. It lists names of men in the photos. Names printed on gold coloured paper mounted on piece of masonite, matching the position on the collage. "BUILDING COMMITTEE - 1894" J H CURNOW M J CAHILL Dr J QUICK D A CAMPBELL M J E STAPLETON A DUNSTAN Dr J MURPHY C DALEY (President) A G DUNLOP W CROWLEY A J HAMPSON W BEEBE J HOGAN T GLASS J B YOUNG R H ABBOTT A.N.A. HALL A G DAYMOND D EGAN J DANIEL J BUCHAN S A COCK ana, australian natives' association, sandhurst, photo collage

Axedale is a town in Victoria, Australia. It is located on the McIvor Highway, in the City of Greater Bendigo, east of Bendigo. It was surveyed and proclaimed in 1861. (Wikipedia)A thirty-six pages book detailing the history of Axedale. Published by the centenary and back to Axedale committee. Chapters on early settlement, churches, education, police, municipal affairs, commerce, cemeteries, racecourse reserve, the railway, Eppalock weir, the hall, the wars, C.W.A. camp sites, C.F.A. sport. Many photographs throughout. L.J. Ellisonaxedale, history

On 19 July 1907, The Box Hill Reporter published an article on the Miniature Rifle Range. It stated: "Miniature Rifle Range for Kew. The Kew rifle club has made arrangements for the establishment of a miniature rifle range. The Kew borough council has provided a site in the yard at the rear of the town hall, fronting Brougham street. The site has been inspected by the military authorities, who have approved of the locality selected and the arrangements to be made to render the range absolutely safe. The plans are at present being prepared, and it is expected that the range will be completed within the next two months. The range will be under the direct control of the rifle club, subject to the supervision of a joint committee from the council and the club. The first committee will consist of Crs Wishart (mayor), Kellett, and Hiscock as representing the council, and Captain Argyle and Mr S. Abbott representing the rifle club. The range when completed will be available for the use of cadets, friendly societies, and other miniature rifle clubs in the district. Miniature rifle ranges are now occupying a great deal of attention in Great Britain, on the Continent, and in America. Lord Roberts, writing recently on the subject, remarks- "While I do not for a moment pretend that miniature rifle shooting is, in all respects, as useful as knowing how to shoot on a long range, I am satisfied that men can learn to shoot on miniature ranges, and that unless miniature ranges are very generally made use of, the greatest majority in this country will never learn to shoot at all." It is possible by this means also to divert the at present dangerous enthusiasm of uninstructed youths for the pea rifle into safer and more useful channels."Important early document identifying the specifications for a miniature rifle range in central Kew. Rifle clubs and rifle ranges were an important element in defending Victorians and Australians to outside threats. Single page plan (folded), created and approved in 1910, listing the approved specifications for a miniature rifle range in Brougham Street, Kew.Handwritten signature: J.M. / Staff officer for Works Victoria / 26-2-10rifle clubs - rifle ranges, miniature rifle ranges, rifle clubs -- kew (vic)

The Herald on 10 August described the Festival offerings as: "Varied 10-Day Programme For Kew Arts Festival Opened last night, the Kew Arts Festival in the Recreation Hall, Wellington Street, provides an interesting and varied programme for the next 10 days. Today at 8.15 p.m. Mr George Bell and Mr Colin Badger will have a public discussion on "What Is Modern Art?" The Vice-chancellor of the Melbourne University of Melbourne (Mr JDG Medley) will preside. Tomorrow at 10.30 a.m. Junior students of the Methodist Ladies College, directed by Dorothy Dwyer. will show how they learn to speak and move on the stage, and will present three short plays. Tomorrow night Elise Steele and Violet Ewart (violin and piano) Beryl Batten (songs) and Edith Parnell (accompanist) will give a concert. Paintings and other works of art will be on show from 2.30 to 5.30 p.m. on Sunday. On Monday night. Mr Colin Badger will speak on "Dead Wood and Green Shoot: Australian Literature Today" and on Tuesday night there will be "Ballet in Story and Action"— the story told by Norman Macgeorge, with Joan Burnett as ballerina and Fred Manners-Sutton at the piano. Wednesday night will have an illustrated lecture "Contemporary Art Education." by John Bechervaise. Remaining nights will be taken up with a performance of Somerset Maugham's "The Circle" presented by the Little Theatre, a youth concert, and another concert with songs and piano. On Saturday morning, August 18, there will be a special concert for young people. The festival will end on Sunday week with a chamber music programme in the afternoon."Important local arts festival initiated during the Second World War and continuing till the early 1950s. The souvenir programmes produced for successive festivals are historically and artistically significant records of visual and performing arts practice in Melbourne during this period.11 page souvenir program for the Kew Arts Festival, held in the Recreation Hall, Wellington Street, Kew from the 9th to the 19th August 1945. The content of the program can be viewed through the image carousel.kew arts festival - 1945, visual arts - kew (vic), performing arts - kew (vic)

James Robbie Mathers was born in Pleasant Creek [Stawell] in 1867 to James Allen Mathers, a storekeeper and former councillor. He was later to become a storekeeper in Gippsland and then at Heywood, near Portland. Following a move to Melbourne, he established a real estate business. He initially lived in Hawthorn, before moving his business to Kew where he traded as Mathers & McMillan, 136 Cotham Road, and later at 283 Burke Road. For a short time, the family resided at Landene, in Cotham Road. They were to finally move to Rosalea, in Dale Street, Deepdene. Following the death of Cr Henry Kellett in 1924, Mathers was elected unopposed as representative of College Ward. Elected Mayor in September 1930, he convened a meeting of citizens in the Town Hall in Walpole Street to form a local unemployment relief committee. His social initiatives included handing over council-owned premises in Brougham Street, the building re-purposed as a workshop for the unemployed, who were also granted free use of the Kew Municipal Baths. The Mayoress, Jean Mathers, set to work raising funds through charity balls, and also raised funds for St Anthony’s Orphanage in Wellington Street. James Robbie Mathers died on 8 April 1945. He was buried at Box Hill Cemetery. This rare civic testimonial is historically significant, especially locally, as it contains the signatures of all present councillors and parliamentarians representing the City of Kew as well as the names and signatures of leaders of local churches, schools, public officials and leaders of community groups.Boxed presentation folder and correspondence presented to the retiring Mayor of Kew, James Robbie Mather, in 1931. The book is leather bound with gilt lettering on the front. The 4 page testimonial includes and hand written statements about his contribution to Kew and its civic life. Other pages are signed by councillors, parliamentarians and community leaders.james robbie mathers, mayors of kew, civic testimonials