On 28 March 1981 the Ballarat College of Advanced Education 1870 Founders hall was opened. The hall was erected from the proceeds of the Centenary Appeal, held in 1975. It cost approximately $800,000. The hall commemorates the initiative of the founders of the original Ballarat School of Mines and its "descendants", including Ballarat College of Advanced Education, as well as formal technical education in Australia. The hall plans were to erect a building to accommodate 670 persons in a theatre type seating arrangement and to be used for multi-purpose use by community groups as well as by the College. Construction of the hall commenced in 1978. It was opened approximately 110 years after the Ballarat School of Mines (26 October 1870) and 10 years after the opening of the Mt Helen Campus (31 October 1870)..1) Morgan B. John on left with Bill North right. .2) L to R:- Betty Barrell; W.J.North; John Vernon; A.C.Burrow; Mrs North; Dulcie Burrow; Mrs Webb; K.C.Webb; Geoffrey Barrell .3) L to R:- unidentified; E.J. Tippett; Bert Stohr .4) L to R:- Mrs Handford-Stevens; Mrs Nicholson; J Handford-Stevens; Sir A Nicholson, Mayor of Ballarat .5) L to R:- Bill North; unidentified; S Martin-Brown; unidentifiedPhotographer's stamp on back of each photograph. .1) In pencil: "at Centenary Appeal conclusion reception 1975"; "M.B.John, President of (BIAE crossed out) SMB Council; W.J.C.(Bill) North, appeal committee chairman"; 10 - 3. .2) 10 - 4 .3) 10 - 2 .4) 10 - 1 .5) 10 - 5 a.w. nicholson, e.j. tippett, m.b. john, morgan b. john, ballarat junior technical school, ballarat school of mines, ballarat college of advanced education, 1870 founders hall, centenary appeal, 1978, 1981

Colour photograph: Maple Street Primary School 1991, staff. Front row: Anne Hocking, Anne Hawke, Maylene Rodda, Norm West, Chris Connolly, Wendy Neve, Anita Whittle. Second row: Anne Hartney, Helen Farrow, John Hayman, Colin Hayes, Brian Dolan, Sharon Derby, Brenda Savy, Lidia Dunne. Third row: John Williams, Chris Fithall, Bernie Colbert, Noel Boyd, George Wood, Bob Elliott, Frank Gargiulo.education, primary, golden square maple street

Book. ALEC H CHISHOLM COLLECTION. 56 page soft cover book of tributes to John Shaw Neilson, poet. Alec Chisholm contributes one of 28 tributes. Biographical note by Robert Henderson Croll. B & W portrait of John Shaw Neilson after title page. Two poems by the poet precedes the tributes. Published in 1942 by the Bread and Cheese Club, Melbourne and printed by J. Roy Stevens, Melbourne. Catalogue sticker ''2149 VAR'' on front cover.Variousbooks, collections, tribute, alec h chisholm collection, john shaw neilson, tribute, poetry

RAAF Radar Fiftieth Anniversary - Bendigo. Detailed Programme of Events.. The events started on Saturday 21st of March 1992 and continued for five days until Wednesday 25th. Some of the dignitaries taking part were: Parade Commander Wing Commander Peter Bevan, Squadron Leader John Harris, Wing Commander Marty Rowland, Wing Commander Eric Gidley, Squadron Leader Graham Lloyd, Walter Fielder-Gill, Ken Whalen, Flying Officer John Letchford, Max O'Halloran MBE.military, airforce, raaf radar

Printed leaflet dated 7th February 1888 and numbered No. 145. Amendment of Rule 5. At the Meeting held on Friday, 20th January, 1888 it was resolved that the Quarterly District Meetings held at the District Chambers on the third Friday in January, April, July and October, to commence at 5 p.m. and close at or before 10 p.m. Registed under the 'Friendly Societies Act, 1877'. Names on the paper are John Waller, Frankland Coates, James Carmichael, Henry R. Manning and John Burslam Gregory.societies, aof, correspondence, ancient order of foresters no. 3770 collection - correspondence, amendment of rule 5, john waller, frankland coates, james carmichael, henry r manning, friendly societies act 1877, john burslam gregory

Documents (2) pinned together Messages dated .28.3.1892, 1.4.1892 and 31.3.1892 Memo to Const. Meager seeking information re John Lynch, late of Terrick Terrick, said to be a relative of the Lyhnches residing at Mitiamo. On rear of memo ' John Lynch brother to Matthew and Patt Lynch has notyet returned to this colony. He is supposed to be living in the dist of Dubbo N.S.W., signed C.F. Major, Const. 2908, Kerang' Connelly, Tatchell & Dunlop response attached re information enclosed above.business, legal, connelly, tatchell & dunlop, connelly, tatchell & dunlop, john lynch, terrick terrick, mitiamo

Bendigo Advertiser ''The way we were'' from Saturday, June 18, 2005. Living in the seventies: Comet Hill Primary School 1D class of 1970. Among the students are, back row: John Milic (2nd from left, John Peterson (4th), Lee Henderson (7th). Middle row: Brett Burrows (2nd), Donna Huff (3rd), Peter Varker (5th). Front row: Christine Billett (2nd) Joanne Ermel (3rd) and Trevor Vincent (4th).newspaper, bendigo advertiser, the way we were

Black and white photograph, multiple people, organized photograph of 7 people lining up for a photograph at an office space, the people in the photo left to right are David Flint, Rob Gaylard, Neil White, Tim Borchers, Steve Kelly, Mark McLean, John Livermore. Bendigo Advertiser description on back of photo : 28/10/93 L to right David Flint Rob Gaylord Neil White Tim Borchers Steve Kelly Mark McLean John Livermorerecreations, sports, awards

Clothing, copy of photograph of a group of chaplains (padres) during WW2.Black and white. City buildings in background. Two rows of uniformed men. Front row of ten are seated. Back row of eleven men standing behind them. John Kenneth Martin is standing second from the right in back row. Photograph belonged to John Kenneth Martin, padre in 2nd Australian Corps AIF. Served overseas as a Chaplain from 1940-1945. Old box 314Y.costume, military, copy of photograph

Card containing an illustration of a little boy in a sailor suit. Above the illustration are the words: John A. Whitlam, painter and Decorator Sandhurst. Below the illustration is the phrase 'May Father Christmas banish every fear, save that of laughter from your eyes my dear' PTO.. On the back of the card John Alf Whitlam, House Painter and Paperhanger, Sign Writer and general Decorator, Mitchell St. Sandhurst. Latest designs in paperhanging's, panel decorations and dados. Your patronage respectfully solicitedpostcard, business card, john alf whitlam, mitchell st. sandhurst

Photograph. Portrait and obelisk relating to John Praed: a. Photograph of portrait of standing John Praed ''one of the many Cornish mayors and councillors of Eaglehawk and Bendigo, who died while in office'' typed beneath photo; b. Photo of obelisk with the following typewritten note attached: ''The handsome obelisk in the Eaglehawk cemetery raised by public subscription marks his last resting place''. (Obelisk mounted on large grave with decorative rails - name of 'Praed' clearly visible on front of obelisk).person, individual, john praed, mayor. councillor. eaglehawk.

Diary from John Mulcahy and Nell Millane's trip. It was presented to her on the eve of her trip abroad on 5th March 1953. Brown cover with gold embossed 'Trip Book' on the front. Hand written names in the front of the book. Six loose pieces of paper and a newspaper cutting. Diary contains notes on people; places visited, Buckingham Palace, gardens, etc. Diary in a white envelope with a note from John Mulcahy written on the front of it. Nell Millane was Social Editor of the Bendigo Advertiser.book, bendigo, personal views, miss e b millane - diary, john mulcahy, bendigo advertiser

Typewritten copy labelled ''for Marunari sometime'' re View Street - the 'doctors' street', re chemists and doctors who have had their business there. Mention of: John Green, John H Atkinson, G M Dorman, A Collins, David Anderson, Oliver Penfold, Jimmy Chisholm, A W McGibbony, Don Allen. Author is given (on reverse side of page) as R.A. - the 'A' being the family name of Anderson presumably. Article prompted by ''the closure of Allen's Pharmacy last month at 33 View Street''.document, names of bendigo pioneers, john green. don allen. g. m. dorman. a collins. allens pharmancy. oliver penfold.

This photograph was taken on the day that Gus Gervasoni left for army service during World War Two.Black and white photograph of members of the Gervasoni family at George and Anne Gervasoni's house in Albert Street, Daylesford. Standing left to right: George Gervasoni, Anne Gervasoni (Pedretti) Front left to right: Gus Gervasoni (in uniform), Kevin George Lock, John Hogan Gervasoni, Una Gervasoni, Jack Gervasoni. Gus, Vera and Jack were sibling, the children of George and Anne, John was the son of Gus, who is in army uniform. Kevin Lock stands in front of his grandfather, George.george gervasoni, anne gervasoni, anne pedretti, gus gervasoni, john hogan gervasoni, daylesford, albert street, daylesford

Newspaper clipping, page 2 from The Courier, Ballarat 5/3/2004 titled ""Summer not quite ready to depart" written by Emma O'Sullivan. Notes that hot spell of weather in Western Victoria and weather predictions for the next few days. Features in the bottom left hand corner a photo of John Clowes in the cab of No. 671 while running the Begonia service the previous day. Has caption "The old tram at Lake Wendouree was a bit of hot box for driver John Clowes"btm, weather, personnel

BHS CollectionCertificate of Competency No.852 - We, the members of the Municipal Clerks Board appointed by the Governor General for the examination of candidates for the Certificate of Competency as Municipal Clerk under the Local Government Acts, certify that Leslie John Ellison is duly qualified to fulfil the duties of such office. Given under our hands and seal at Melbourne this Thirty-first Day of March 1959. Signed by three members of the board and the Secretary. Typed at the bottom: This certificate is a replacement of original, issued 1943. Aileen and John Ellison Collection.municipal clerk board, ellison, certificate of competency

Soft cover book. The front cover is divided in four triangles, The first at the top, red with the St. john ambulance association logo. Moving clockwise in white a drawing of an injured man and a man and a woman assisting. The next triangle again in red with the words in black and white "preliminary first aid". the last vignette is of an injured man lying down and one assisting and a third man calling for help. This is the fourth edition and was published in London in 1963. Aileen and John Ellison Collection.On front cover: Aileen Ellison and a signature.first aid, st. john ambulance

An item forming part of a collection of costumes, photographs and documents relating to the Weir family who lived in the mansion originally named Illapa, 84 Princess Street, Kew, from c.1917 to 1950. This historically significant collection includes items relating to both George Weir (1866-1937) and his wife Edith Mary Weir (1867-1948). George Weir attained national prominence in the mining industry, becoming General Manager of the North Broken Hill Silver Mining Company in 1903 (later renamed North Broken Hill Mining Company 1905-12, and North Broken Hill Ltd 1912-1988), and subsequently President of the Mine Owners Association. He was to remain General Manager of North Broken Hill Ltd until his retirement in 1926.Important group family photograph, taken in Broken Hill, of Edith Mary Weir and her children. Another aspect of the photograph is that it is revealing about fashion and the tastes of the period.Studio portrait of Edith Mary Weir and her five children, taken by a photographer of the Sykes Studio in Broken Hill, New South Wales. The members of the family are from left to right: John Rigby Weir (1910-1971), Edith Mary Weir (nee Betteridge), Cecil Rigby Weir (1904-1983), Horace Rigby Weir (1907-1988), George Rigby Weir (1901-1927), and Edith Rigby Weir (1899-1981). [John Rigby Weir was the donor's father].Stykes Studio / Broken Hillweir collection, george weir, horace rigby weir, george rigby weir, john rigby weir, edith rigby weir, edith mary weir (nee betteridge), sykes studio -- broken hill

Two folded blue coloured writing paper handwritten pages without date, signature, addresses or donor. Author's surname Jackson. Mary Jackson daughter listed. L Jackson, Elizabeth Jackson, author's brother William and a John Christopher name referred to. Author seeking information regarding his brother John who with his wife immigrated to Gippsons Vale [Gippsland?] Australia. Probable date of letter late 20th Century. No connection with Bendigo apparent in letter, however circumstantially possible.bendigo, history, jackson

Colour photo of No 28 tram in green and gold livery, one man standing in door of tram, six men standing on roadside in front of tram. Tram is stopped on Pall Mall between Bull Street and Mundy Street. On back written, 'Bendigo Cup Day 1971 (L to R) Basil Miller (inspector), John Frost, John Betjeman - BBC LONDON, Tom McCaw, Charles Craig, George Sang, Michael Schnader. Also, a black and white copy.basil miller, bendigo trams

Newspaper clipping titled "This tram fare means a la carte with style" about the launch of the Restaurant Tram 442 dated 15/2/1983 from the Age Newspaper, Melbourne Living Section. Has a photo of John Murphy and Paul Stephen Daly. Item has notes about the tramcar, the work involved and a review of the menu and food and contact numbers. Notes that the cost was some $500,000. Photo by John French and story by Marshall Wilson. Item over two pages.trams, tramways, restaurant tram, w2 class, tram 442

A black and white soft covered booklet titled, 'St. John's Presbyterian Church Bendigo. Positive Stewardship 1957.' It contains a short history of St. John's and an outline of what the needs of the Church are and what the future plans are. Through ''Positive Stewardship 1957'' the aim of the book is to encourage members to commit pledges in order for the church to achieve its aims. Cambridge Press, Bendigo, 1957. photos. Item part of Mr. Ken Hesse Collection donated by Mr. James Lerk.church, history, presbyterian church forest st bendigo, ken hesse collection, collection, bendigo, history, christianity, organisation, religions, report, st. john's bendigo, presbyterian church

Thermals, top and pants, jungle green colour, polyester/spandex fabric, grid structure and fleece lining. Nylon and metal zipper. 1. Top - polo shirt shape with collar, long sleeves with thumb hole and half zipper front closure. Black colour polyester manufacturers label, back below collar. 2. Pants - Long Johns - elastic waistband, front fly opening, long legs. Manufacturers label, back below waistband - black colour polyester fabric.Manufacturers information on label - white and gold print. 1. "GEN111/ SIZE M/ LONG SLEEVED TOP/ LEVEL 2/ HELIKON.TEX.COM/ ART.ID: BL-UH2-PO/ STOCK NO. 9415-09-229-1357/ NATO SIZE 7585/ 9404/ ACCORDING TO U.S. ARMY / SPECIFICATION." 2. "GEN111/ SIZE M/ LONG-JOHNS/ LEVEL 2/ HELIKON.TEX.COM/ COMFORT DRY/ HELIKON-TEX.COM/ 95% POLYESTER 5% SPANDEX/ AVOID USE OF FABRIC SOFTENERS/ ART.ID: SP.UN2.PO/ STOCK NO. 9415-09-229-1357/ NATO SIZE 7585/ 9404/ ACCORDING TO U.S. ARMY / SPECIFICATION." "PO#1325" uniform, army, underwear, thermals

This kiln glazed container for liquid's, was the type used in the 1700's to mid 1900's to contain fluids mainly for human consumption which needed to retain liquid that could be affected by sunlight and or required to be maintained at a cooler temperatures. Ginger beer and other "brews" for human consumption were the prime target. The ability to refill these vessels were of the utmost importance to the consumer. Over time these containers were reduced in size and produced for "special" liquids e.g. alcoholic Port. This Demi John stone ware was manufactured in Tamworth (England) and imported into Australia during a period when the majority of "quality" domestic items were sourced from "the Mother Country" and the ties between the still "colonial" outpost were very strong. This bondage remained longer in rural communities than in the cities. The "multi-culturalism of the post World War II era resulted in the lessening of the earlier ties. The growing of nationalism, the Aussie evolution, was brought about by the increased social and business/commercial interactions between Australia and the United States of America, post World War II.This container(jug) is very significant to the Kiewa Valley, a rural region that required these type of liquid storage vessels, especially in the late 1800's to the mid 1900's. These were times when household refrigeration, if available, would be from the "block ice" coolers or "cool" storage nooks and crannies within farmhouse locations.This large "stone ware" glazed Demi John, alias Carboy has a capacity of over 20 litres. It has a conical smooth lipped neck top with a wide, flat(three to four finger) carry and poring handle. The top third portion of the jug is caramel in colour and the bottom a darker cream. It has a manufacturer's seal stamped into the surface before glazing. This item would have been corked and then sealed (air tight) with wax.manufacturer's seal "GEORGE SKEY WILNECOTE TAMWORTH"household liquid jar container, 1800's food storage, kiln fired glazed pottery

This electroplated teaspoon made by Walker & Hall of Sheffield. It was recovered from an unknown shipwreck in the coastal waters of Victoria in the late 1960s to early 1970s. The shipwrecks in the area range from around the 1840s to the early 1930s. It is part of the John Chance Collection. Walker & Hall’s Marks on this teaspoon, the SHIELD and the FLAG, date the spoon between 1910 and before 1920. The letters, possibly N S, within a shield may stand for Nickel Silver. The first Sheffield licence to make electroplated pieces of work was granted to John Harrison in 1843. One of his employees, George Walker, had been sent to learn electroplating skills at Elkington’s in Birmingham, who had patented the process discovered by Dr John Wright. Walker left Harrison in 1845 and started up his own company with Samuel Coulson and William Robson, to become George Walker & Co., electro-platers and gilders, taking out a licence with Elkington’s. In 1848 Robson retired and Henry Hall joined the partnership, operating at Electro Works at 11 Howard Street Sheffield, with a showroom in at 45 Holborn Viaduct, London. The firm had changes in the partnership and by 1853 it was called Walker & Hall. Over the years the company grew, with branches in the UK and overseas in Australia and South Africa. Then John Bingham, and later his brother Charles Bingham, became involved in the business, increasing profits. In 1861 the firm registered its first Trademark, a stamped ‘Flag’ with a banner with letters ‘W & H’. In 1884 Walker & Hall were one of the largest manufacturers and the second to introduce a voluntary system of using dating marks for silver plate, based on the alphabet and styles of shields or figures. The firm grew and prospered. It was described as ‘comprehensive … touching almost every department of Social life’, selling all manner of silverware and other goods. In 1920 the firm became Walker & Hall Limited and continued to expand in the goods produced and the member employed. Then the effects of war brought economic depression and fewer people able to afford the quality luxury goods. Eventually, in 1963, the company amalgamated with Mappin & Webb and Elkington & Co., becoming British Silverware Ltd. Although the spoon is not linked to a particular shipwreck, it is recognised as being historically significant as an example of cutlery, perhaps part of a passenger’s luggage or imported for use in Victoria in the early 20th century. This spoon is significant for its association with makers Walker & Hall, famous for silverware and silver plate in the mid-19th to early-20th century. It is the only example in Flagstaff Hill’s shipwreck artefact collection. The spoon is also significant as it was recovered by John Chance, a diver in Victoria’s coastal waters in the late 1960s to early 1970s. Items that come from several wrecks have since been donated to the Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village’s museum collection by his family, illustrating this item’s level of historical value. Spoon, teaspoon, electroplated, silver-bronze colour with dark flecks. Old English design. Maker’s Marks on back of spoon. Made by Walker & Hall, Sheffield.Embossed individual stamps “W”, “&”, “H”, “S” Embossed shape [SHIELD] with letters within, possibly “N S” Embossed shape of [FLAG] with letters with “W & H” flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, shipwreck artefact, john chance, sheffield, cutlery, eating utensils, electroplate, silver plate, silverware, flatware, antique flatware, old english flatware pattern, spoon, teaspoon, silver flatware, dining, silver plated, epnns, 20th century silverware, walker & hall, george walker, henry hall, john wright, elkington

This object relates to John GORDON. He was born on 18/02/1870. John enlised on, 01/12/1914 in Carlton before being discharged from duties with the AAMC on 22/03/1919. John GORDON was not a prisoner of war. His next of kin is Ada GORDON (wife). John Gordon was awarded the British War Medal.first world war (ww1), 1914 - 1918, medals, ballarat rsl, ballarat

This ceramic soap dish was recovered from the wreck of the 1882-1883 George Roper between the late 1960’s to early 1970’s. It is one of the shipwreck artefacts in the John Chance Collection. Soap dishes were often part of a wash set that also included a water jug and wash bowl. The holes in the dish allowed water to drain out of the dish, keeping the soap dry for next use. The GEORGE ROPER 1882 - 1883 - The George Roper was a 4-masted iron sailing ship built in Liverpool, England, in 1882 for fast international trade with Australia. The large vessel was launched in February 1883. The ship was on its first trip, departing Liverpool for Melbourne, captained by John Ward and a crew of 31. She had almost reached her destination on July 4 1883, approaching Port Phillip Bay and being towed by the steam tug William. The weather changed to rough with fog and both the George Roper and the William hit the dangerous Lonsdale Reef at Port Phillip Heads. The Captain and crew were eventually rescued and taken to Queenscliff. Salvage syndicates were able to recover a lot of the cargo before the George Roper broke up and sank. Amongst the cargo was soft goods, draperies, household items, spirits of malt and distilled liquors, chemicals, dynamite, and 1,400 tons of steel rails for the Victorian Government. Also in the hold were Russell Stourbridge bricks, as paying ballast. This 1880s soap dish is an example of personal hygiene accessories and may have been part of a set comprising jug, bowl and dish.. The soap dish is also significant as it was recovered by John Chance, a diver from the wreck of the George Roper in the 1960s-70s. Items that come from several wrecks along Victoria's coast have since been donated to the Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village’s museum collection by his family, illustrating this item’s level of historical value. The soap dish is significant for its association with the barque George Roper, which is considered historically and archaeologically significant and as such, is listed on the Victorian Heritage Database, VHR S286. The George Roper is an example of a vessel built specifically for fast travel to and from Australia with a large shipment of cargo. Its cargo of steel rails adds to the historical significance of international trade to the growing colony of Australia and Victoria in particular, with rail transportation soon to become a faster and safer form of transportation between colonial towns. Divers can still access parts of the scattered wreck and other artefacts recovered in the 1970s and 1980s can be viewed in both public and private collections. Soap dish; glazed white porcelain. Round shallow bowl with blue patterned border, resembling butterflies. Two raised, concentric rings are moulded into the base. Six pierced holes are evenly spaced between the rings, five holes are in the centre of the dish.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, john chance, west coast trader, george roper, captain john ward, russell stourbridge bricks, port phillip heads, lonsdale reef, dive wreck, vhr s286, coastal trader, ceramic, vintage, personal hygiene, bathroom accessory, soap dish

Awarded to Hans Van Der Horst Centenary of Federation Medal granted Queen Elizabeth the Second. Signed by the Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia and Prime Minister "John Howard" Warrant is crowned by the Emblem of Australia.Under the Official Emblem of Australia Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth The Second, Queen of Australia has warrant Award to Johannes Van Der Horst The Australian Medal to commemorate the Centenary of Federation of Australia. Signed by Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia and Prime Minister,centenary medal, johannes van der horst

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 it's 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 per cent of the reading population. The collection of books was made up of around 60 per cent reference and 40 per cent 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 1950s 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. Waterless Horizons The first full-length study of the extraordinary life-story of Edward John Eyre. Author: Malcolm Uren Historical research worker Robert Stephens Publisher: Robertson & Mullens Date: 1941 The label on spine cover has typed text R.A. 923.9 URE Pastedown front endpaper has a sticker from Warrnambool Public Libraryflagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, book, warrnambool library, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool books and records, warrnambool children’s library, warrnambool public library, waterless horizons, eyre, edward john eyre, malcolm uren, robert stephens

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 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. The Rambler and The Idler Author: Samuel Johnson Publisher: William P Nimmo Date: 1876 Further Information: The flyleaf reads The Rambler and the Idler. By Samuel Johnson. The Adventurer. By John Hawkesworth. The Connoisseur. By Mr. TownThe label on the spine cover with typed text PAT 823 JOH Pastedown frontend paper has a sticker from Warrnambool Mechanics Institute and Free Library covered by a sticker from Corangamite Regional Library Service Front loose endpaper has a stamp from Corangamite Regional Library Service Flyleaf has a stamp from Warrnambool Mechanics Institute flagstaff 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, the rambler and the idler, john hawkesworth., mr. town, samuel johnson