The Adult Deaf and Dumb Society of Victoria, now known as Vicdeaf, (the Victorian Deaf Society), was founded in 1884 as the Victorian Society for Promoting the Spiritual and Temporal Welfare of the Adult Deaf and Dumb. The provisional committee being Mr W Bates, Mr J M Bruce, Mr J D Gowan, Mr Edwin Newbiggin, Mr C M Officer, M. L, A., and the Rev. W. Moss. The Adult Deaf and Dumb Mission's objects were: 1. To provide the means for religious worship and instruction for the adult deaf and dumb of Victoria 2. To visit the deaf and dumb in their homes, especially when sick or in distress 3. To assist the deaf and dumb of good character in obtaining suitable employment 4. To provide technical and other education for the adult and dumb 5. To give pecuniary assistance to adult deaf and dumb who are in needThe Annual Reports of the Adult Deaf and Dumb Society are historically significant providing insight into the history of the evolving Deaf Community in Victoria. They are a annual 'snapshot' of the year with references not only to the progress of the Society but also to the significant people and events within the Deaf Community.Gold Cover, Size 21.5Hx13.5W, 42 pagesearl of stradbroke, dr j. f. mackeddie, e. r. peacock, j. dudley,m. l. miller, r. j. oehr, o. r. macdonald, charles w. campbell, j. m. griffiths, mrs c. luke, henry masterton, mrs henry masterton, lady mcfacharn, e. r. peacock, h. sumner martin, g. g. mercy, mrs w. g. stephens, dr w. j. craig, dr. heyer, harold w. bickford, f. e. frewin, j. m. johnston, r. h. luff, w. a. paterson, s. l. massina, george vial, ernest j. d. abraham, rose dow, e, empson ,mrs abraham, douglas abraham, a. mcellan, m. g. b. mortimer, a. sutherland, e johnson, w. a. paterson, j. cariss, f. rees, n. amos, mrs w. pierce, mrs a. wilson, margaret gibson, lydia sanders, mrs gladman. mrs j. johnston, d. hickey, w. b. anderson, j. bladier, p. o'gorman, adam c. muir, s. moss, w. taylor, j. pierce, blackburn, jeanes, kemble, moore, peters, tyzzer, hunt, paul, johnston, noonan,

The Adult Deaf and Dumb Society of Victoria, now known as Vicdeaf, (the Victorian Deaf Society), was founded in 1884 as the Victorian Society for Promoting the Spiritual and Temporal Welfare of the Adult Deaf and Dumb. The provisional committee being Mr W Bates, Mr J M Bruce, Mr J D Gowan, Mr Edwin Newbiggin, Mr C M Officer, M. L, A., and the Rev. W. Moss. The Adult Deaf and Dumb Mission's objects were: 1. To provide the means for religious worship and instruction for the adult deaf and dumb of Victoria 2. To visit the deaf and dumb in their homes, especially when sick or in distress 3. To assist the deaf and dumb of good character in obtaining suitable employment 4. To provide technical and other education for the adult and dumb 5. To give pecuniary assistance to adult deaf and dumb who are in needThe Annual Reports of the Adult Deaf and Dumb Society are historically significant providing insight into the history of the evolving Deaf Community in Victoria. They are a annual 'snapshot' of the year with references not only to the progress of the Society but also to the significant people and events within the Deaf Community.Pink Cover, Size 21.5Hx13.5W, 36 pagesearl of stradbroke, dr j. f. mackeddie, e. r. peacock, j. dudley,m. l. miller, r. j. oehr, john higgins, dr w. j. craig, dr. heyer, harold w. bickford, george brown, e. r. frewin, j. m. johnston, r. h. luff, w. a. paterso, h. a. sinclair, george vial, ernest j. d. abraham, rose dow, e, empson ,mrs abraham, douglas abraham, a. mcellan, m. g. b. mortimer, a. sutherland, e johnson, w. a. paterson, j. cariss, f. rees, n. amos, mrs w. pierce, mrs a. wilson, margaret gibson, lydia sanders, mrs gladman. mrs j. johnston, d. hickey, w. b. anderson, j. bladier, p. o'gorman, adam c. muir, s. moss, w. taylor, blackburn, n. webb, g. damman, t. peters, e. jackson, f. johnson, e. crockford, j. leber, e. thompson, w. b. anderson, g. bates, s. jeanes, d. carr, mrs a. c. muir, mrs w. a. paterson, r. h. watson, mrs w. burge, d. nolan, g. woods, miss phillips, cricket, lacrosse

The Adult Deaf and Dumb Society of Victoria, now known as Vicdeaf, (the Victorian Deaf Society), was founded in 1884 as the Victorian Society for Promoting the Spiritual and Temporal Welfare of the Adult Deaf and Dumb. The provisional committee being Mr W Bates, Mr J M Bruce, Mr J D Gowan, Mr Edwin Newbiggin, Mr C M Officer, M. L, A., and the Rev. W. Moss. The Adult Deaf and Dumb Mission's objects were: 1. To provide the means for religious worship and instruction for the adult deaf and dumb of Victoria 2. To visit the deaf and dumb in their homes, especially when sick or in distress 3. To assist the deaf and dumb of good character in obtaining suitable employment 4. To provide technical and other education for the adult and dumb 5. To give pecuniary assistance to adult deaf and dumb who are in needThe Annual Reports of the Adult Deaf and Dumb Society are historically significant providing insight into the history of the evolving Deaf Community in Victoria. They are a annual 'snapshot' of the year with references not only to the progress of the Society but also to the significant people and events within the Deaf Community.Pink Cover, Size 21.5Hx13.5W, 40 pagese. r. peacock, j. dudley,m. l. miller, r. j. oehr, o. r. macdonald, charles w. campbell, j. m. griffiths, mrs c. luke, henry masterton, mrs henry masterton, lady mcfacharn, e. r. peacock, h. sumner martin, g. g. mercy, mrs w. g. stephens,,,h. , dr w. j. craig, dr. may, harold w. bickford, f. e. frewin, j. m. johnston, r. h. luff, w. a. paterson, s. l. massina, george vial, ernest j. d. abraham, rose dow, e, empson ,mrs abraham, douglas abraham, a. mcellan, m. g. b. mortimer, adam c. muir, s. moss, w. taylor, j. pierce, blackburn, cricket, lacrosse,

The Adult Deaf and Dumb Society of Victoria, now known as Vicdeaf, (the Victorian Deaf Society), was founded in 1884 as the Victorian Society for Promoting the Spiritual and Temporal Welfare of the Adult Deaf and Dumb. The provisional committee being Mr W Bates, Mr J M Bruce, Mr J D Gowan, Mr Edwin Newbiggin, Mr C M Officer, M. L, A., and the Rev. W. Moss. The Adult Deaf and Dumb Mission's objects were: 1. To provide the means for religious worship and instruction for the adult deaf and dumb of Victoria 2. To visit the deaf and dumb in their homes, especially when sick or in distress 3. To assist the deaf and dumb of good character in obtaining suitable employment 4. To provide technical and other education for the adult and dumb 5. To give pecuniary assistance to adult deaf and dumb who are in needThe Annual Reports of the Adult Deaf and Dumb Society are historically significant providing insight into the history of the evolving Deaf Community in Victoria. They are a annual 'snapshot' of the year with references not only to the progress of the Society but also to the significant people and events within the Deaf Community.Grey Cover, Size 21.5Hx13.5W, 44 pagese. r. peacock, a. a. peverill, j. g. murphyr. j. oehr, o. r. macdonald, dr w. j. craig, dr. may, morman armstrong, a. e. atherton, g. fethers, e. l. morton, k. macdonald, j, mclean, g. newnham, edgar h. peacock, f. e. frewin, r. h. luff, w. a. paterson, a. h. spencer, a. w. sutherland, j. m. johnston, m. g. b. mortimer, adam c. muir, j. pierce, blackburn, cricket, lacrosse

The Adult Deaf and Dumb Society of Victoria, now known as Vicdeaf, (the Victorian Deaf Society), was founded in 1884 as the Victorian Society for Promoting the Spiritual and Temporal Welfare of the Adult Deaf and Dumb. The provisional committee being Mr W Bates, Mr J M Bruce, Mr J D Gowan, Mr Edwin Newbiggin, Mr C M Officer, M. L, A., and the Rev. W. Moss. The Adult Deaf and Dumb Mission's objects were: 1. To provide the means for religious worship and instruction for the adult deaf and dumb of Victoria 2. To visit the deaf and dumb in their homes, especially when sick or in distress 3. To assist the deaf and dumb of good character in obtaining suitable employment 4. To provide technical and other education for the adult and dumb 5. To give pecuniary assistance to adult deaf and dumb who are in needThe Annual Reports of the Adult Deaf and Dumb Society are historically significant providing insight into the history of the evolving Deaf Community in Victoria. They are a annual 'snapshot' of the year with references not only to the progress of the Society but also to the significant people and events within the Deaf Community.Green Cover, Size 21.5Hx13.5W, 38 pagese. r. peacock, norman armstrong, l. a. cleveland, j. oehr, dr w. j. craig, dr. may, a. e. atherton, g. fethers, e. l. morton, g. newnham, edgar h. peacock, f. e. frewin, r. h. luff, w. a. paterson, a. h. spencer, a. w. sutherland, j. m. johnston, m. g. b. mortimer, adam c. muir, a. e. stephens, n. webb, rev j. j. booth, blackburn, cricket, lacrosse

The Adult Deaf and Dumb Society of Victoria, now known as Vicdeaf, (the Victorian Deaf Society), was founded in 1884 as the Victorian Society for Promoting the Spiritual and Temporal Welfare of the Adult Deaf and Dumb. The provisional committee being Mr W Bates, Mr J M Bruce, Mr J D Gowan, Mr Edwin Newbiggin, Mr C M Officer, M. L, A., and the Rev. W. Moss. The Adult Deaf and Dumb Mission's objects were: 1. To provide the means for religious worship and instruction for the adult deaf and dumb of Victoria 2. To visit the deaf and dumb in their homes, especially when sick or in distress 3. To assist the deaf and dumb of good character in obtaining suitable employment 4. To provide technical and other education for the adult and dumb 5. To give pecuniary assistance to adult deaf and dumb who are in needThe Annual Reports of the Adult Deaf and Dumb Society are historically significant providing insight into the history of the evolving Deaf Community in Victoria. They are a annual 'snapshot' of the year with references not only to the progress of the Society but also to the significant people and events within the Deaf Community.Cream Cover, Size 21.5Hx13.5W, 40 pagese. r. peacock, norman armstrong, l. a. cleveland, j. oehr, dr w. j. craig, dr. may, a. e. atherton, g. fethers, e. l. morton, g. newnham, edgar h. peacock, f. e. frewin, r. h. luff, m. j. hoath, j. mclean, j. m. johnston, m. g. b. mortimer, adam c. muir, a. w. taylor, n. webb, rev j. j. booth, blackburn, cricket, lacrosse

The Adult Deaf and Dumb Society of Victoria, now known as Vicdeaf, (the Victorian Deaf Society), was founded in 1884 as the Victorian Society for Promoting the Spiritual and Temporal Welfare of the Adult Deaf and Dumb. The provisional committee being Mr W Bates, Mr J M Bruce, Mr J D Gowan, Mr Edwin Newbiggin, Mr C M Officer, M. L, A., and the Rev. W. Moss. The Adult Deaf and Dumb Mission's objects were: 1. To provide the means for religious worship and instruction for the adult deaf and dumb of Victoria 2. To visit the deaf and dumb in their homes, especially when sick or in distress 3. To assist the deaf and dumb of good character in obtaining suitable employment 4. To provide technical and other education for the adult and dumb 5. To give pecuniary assistance to adult deaf and dumb who are in needThe Annual Reports of the Adult Deaf and Dumb Society are historically significant providing insight into the history of the evolving Deaf Community in Victoria. They are a annual 'snapshot' of the year with references not only to the progress of the Society but also to the significant people and events within the Deaf Community.Green Cover, Size 21.5Hx13.5W, 24 pagese. r. peacock, eugene gorman, norman armstrong, l. a. cleveland, j. oehr, dr w. j. craig, dr. may, a. e. atherton, g. fethers, f. e. frewin, m. j. hoath, e. l. morton, e. johnson, g. newnham, edgar h. peacock,s. watkin, edgar h. peacock, s. watkin, j. mclean, j. m. johnston, m. g. b. mortimer, adam c. muir, e. noble, a. w. taylor, n. webb,a. stephens, rev j. j. booth, mrs a. piper, blackburn, cricket, lacrosse, jolimont square, john e. muir, alice graham, solomon moss, mrs moss, victorian deaf and dumb institution, ven. archdeacon hancock, rev dr. borland, rev h. crawford, w. smith, tennis, a. hull, r. h. lambert, interstate sports carnival, victorian deaf, quantock, bladier, anderson, campbell, walsh, tyzzer, marks, wilson, fairman, taylor, vicary, muir, halliday, nolan, lindsay,

The Adult Deaf and Dumb Society of Victoria, now known as Vicdeaf, (the Victorian Deaf Society), was founded in 1884 as the Victorian Society for Promoting the Spiritual and Temporal Welfare of the Adult Deaf and Dumb. The provisional committee being Mr W Bates, Mr J M Bruce, Mr J D Gowan, Mr Edwin Newbiggin, Mr C M Officer, M. L, A., and the Rev. W. Moss. The Adult Deaf and Dumb Mission's objects were: 1. To provide the means for religious worship and instruction for the adult deaf and dumb of Victoria 2. To visit the deaf and dumb in their homes, especially when sick or in distress 3. To assist the deaf and dumb of good character in obtaining suitable employment 4. To provide technical and other education for the adult and dumb 5. To give pecuniary assistance to adult deaf and dumb who are in needThe Annual Reports of the Adult Deaf and Dumb Society are historically significant providing insight into the history of the evolving Deaf Community in Victoria. They are a annual 'snapshot' of the year with references not only to the progress of the Society but also to the significant people and events within the Deaf Community.Cream/Pink Cover, Size 21.5Hx13.5W, 24 pagese. r. peacock, eugene gorman, norman armstrong, l. a. cleveland, j. oehr, dr w. j. craig, dr. a. j. fargie,w. h. crush, g. fethers, f. e. frewin, m. j. hoath, e. l. morton, g. newnham, edgar h. peacock, f. w. spry, g. w. sweetland, s. watkin,ernest j. d. abraham, j. mclean, e. empson, j. m. johnston, e johnson, m. g. b. mortimer, e. noble, n. webb o. quinton, rev j. j. booth, mrs a. piper, maurice mark, blackburn, cricket, lacrosse, jolimont square,

The Adult Deaf and Dumb Society of Victoria, now known as Vicdeaf, (the Victorian Deaf Society), was founded in 1884 as the Victorian Society for Promoting the Spiritual and Temporal Welfare of the Adult Deaf and Dumb. The provisional committee being Mr W Bates, Mr J M Bruce, Mr J D Gowan, Mr Edwin Newbiggin, Mr C M Officer, M. L, A., and the Rev. W. Moss. The Adult Deaf and Dumb Mission's objects were: 1. To provide the means for religious worship and instruction for the adult deaf and dumb of Victoria 2. To visit the deaf and dumb in their homes, especially when sick or in distress 3. To assist the deaf and dumb of good character in obtaining suitable employment 4. To provide technical and other education for the adult and dumb 5. To give pecuniary assistance to adult deaf and dumb who are in needThe Annual Reports of the Adult Deaf and Dumb Society are historically significant providing insight into the history of the evolving Deaf Community in Victoria. They are a annual 'snapshot' of the year with references not only to the progress of the Society but also to the significant people and events within the Deaf Community.Green Cover, Size 21.5Hx13.5W, 28 pagesl. a. cleveland, norman armstrong, f. w. spry, w. f. rowe, dr w. j. craig, dr. a. j. fargie,e. j. l. bremner, g. fethers, f. e. frewin, m. j. hoath,s. g. hobson, e. l. morton, j. mclean, edgar h. peacock,, g. w. sweetland, a. sutherland, s. watkin, ernest j. d. abraham, e. empson, j. m. johnston, e. johnson, m. g. b. mortimer, e. noble, t. farnam, g. martin, n. webb o. quinton, c. monahan, maurice mark, blackburn, cricket, lacrosse, jolimont square,

The Adult Deaf and Dumb Society of Victoria, now known as Vicdeaf, (the Victorian Deaf Society), was founded in 1884 as the Victorian Society for Promoting the Spiritual and Temporal Welfare of the Adult Deaf and Dumb. The provisional committee being Mr W Bates, Mr J M Bruce, Mr J D Gowan, Mr Edwin Newbiggin, Mr C M Officer, M. L, A., and the Rev. W. Moss. The Adult Deaf and Dumb Mission's objects were: 1. To provide the means for religious worship and instruction for the adult deaf and dumb of Victoria 2. To visit the deaf and dumb in their homes, especially when sick or in distress 3. To assist the deaf and dumb of good character in obtaining suitable employment 4. To provide technical and other education for the adult and dumb 5. To give pecuniary assistance to adult deaf and dumb who are in needThe Annual Reports of the Adult Deaf and Dumb Society are historically significant providing insight into the history of the evolving Deaf Community in Victoria. They are a annual 'snapshot' of the year with references not only to the progress of the Society but also to the significant people and events within the Deaf Community.Cream Cover, Size 21.5Hx13.5W, 28 pagesl. a. cleveland, norman armstrong, f. w. spry, w. f. rowe, dr w. j. craig, dr. a. j. fargie,e. j. l. bremner, g. fethers, f. e. frewin, m. j. hoath,s. g. hobson,, j. mclean, edgar h. peacock,, g. w. sweetland, a. sutherland, ernest j. d. abraham, e. empson, j. m. johnston, e. johnson, m. g. b. mortimer, e. noble, v. buttacavoli, n. webb o. quinton, c. monahan, maurice mark, blackburn, cricket, lacrosse, jolimont square, national council of the deaf

The Adult Deaf and Dumb Society of Victoria, now known as Vicdeaf, (the Victorian Deaf Society), was founded in 1884 as the Victorian Society for Promoting the Spiritual and Temporal Welfare of the Adult Deaf and Dumb. The provisional committee being Mr W Bates, Mr J M Bruce, Mr J D Gowan, Mr Edwin Newbiggin, Mr C M Officer, M. L, A., and the Rev. W. Moss. The Adult Deaf and Dumb Mission's objects were: 1. To provide the means for religious worship and instruction for the adult deaf and dumb of Victoria 2. To visit the deaf and dumb in their homes, especially when sick or in distress 3. To assist the deaf and dumb of good character in obtaining suitable employment 4. To provide technical and other education for the adult and dumb 5. To give pecuniary assistance to adult deaf and dumb who are in needThe Annual Reports of the Adult Deaf and Dumb Society are historically significant providing insight into the history of the evolving Deaf Community in Victoria. They are a annual 'snapshot' of the year with references not only to the progress of the Society but also to the significant people and events within the Deaf Community.Cream Cover, Size 21.5Hx13.5W, 12 pagesl. a. cleveland, f. w. spry, edgar h. peacock, w. f. rowe, dr w. j. craig, dr. a. j. fargie,e. norman armstrong, e. j. l. bremner, r. dow, g. fethers, f. e. frewin, m. j. hoath,s. g. hobson,, g. w. sweetland, a. sutherland, ernest j. d. abraham, e. empson, j. m. johnston, e. johnson, m. g. b. mortimer, e. noble, v. buttacavoli, n. webb o. quinton, c. monahan, maurice mark, blackburn, cricket, lacrosse, jolimont square, deaf dramatic club, alice c. graham

The Adult Deaf and Dumb Society of Victoria, now known as Vicdeaf, (the Victorian Deaf Society), was founded in 1884 as the Victorian Society for Promoting the Spiritual and Temporal Welfare of the Adult Deaf and Dumb. The provisional committee being Mr W Bates, Mr J M Bruce, Mr J D Gowan, Mr Edwin Newbiggin, Mr C M Officer, M. L, A., and the Rev. W. Moss. The Adult Deaf and Dumb Mission's objects were: 1. To provide the means for religious worship and instruction for the adult deaf and dumb of Victoria 2. To visit the deaf and dumb in their homes, especially when sick or in distress 3. To assist the deaf and dumb of good character in obtaining suitable employment 4. To provide technical and other education for the adult and dumb 5. To give pecuniary assistance to adult deaf and dumb who are in needThe Annual Reports of the Adult Deaf and Dumb Society are historically significant providing insight into the history of the evolving Deaf Community in Victoria. They are a annual 'snapshot' of the year with references not only to the progress of the Society but also to the significant people and events within the Deaf Community.Cream Cover, Size 21.5Hx13.5W, 28 pagesl. a. cleveland, f. w. spry, edgar h. peacock, w. f. rowe, dr w. j. craig, dr. a. j. fargie,e. norman armstrong, e. j. l. bremner, r. dow, g. fethers, f. e. frewin, m. j. hoath,s. g. hobson,, g. w. sweetland, a. sutherland, ernest j. d. abraham, e. empson, j. m. johnston, e. johnson, m. g. b. mortimer, e. noble, v. buttacavoli, n. webb o. quinton, c. monahan, maurice mark, blackburn, cricket, lacrosse, jolimont square, deaf dramatic club, alice c. graham

The Adult Deaf and Dumb Society of Victoria, now known as Vicdeaf, (the Victorian Deaf Society), was founded in 1884 as the Victorian Society for Promoting the Spiritual and Temporal Welfare of the Adult Deaf and Dumb. The provisional committee being Mr W Bates, Mr J M Bruce, Mr J D Gowan, Mr Edwin Newbiggin, Mr C M Officer, M. L, A., and the Rev. W. Moss. The Adult Deaf and Dumb Mission's objects were: 1. To provide the means for religious worship and instruction for the adult deaf and dumb of Victoria 2. To visit the deaf and dumb in their homes, especially when sick or in distress 3. To assist the deaf and dumb of good character in obtaining suitable employment 4. To provide technical and other education for the adult and dumb 5. To give pecuniary assistance to adult deaf and dumb who are in needThe Annual Reports of the Adult Deaf and Dumb Society are historically significant providing insight into the history of the evolving Deaf Community in Victoria. They are a annual 'snapshot' of the year with references not only to the progress of the Society but also to the significant people and events within the Deaf Community.Pink Cover, Size 21.5Hx13.5W, 20 pagesl. a. cleveland, edgar h. peacock, c. r. b. james, dr boyd penfold, dr w. j. craig, dr selwyn sutton, f. w. spry, n. armstrong, h bedggood, h. belyea, e. j. l. bremner, r. dow, m. j. hoath, s. g. hobson, g. newnhame. r. noble, g. w. sweetland, ernest j. d. abraham, e. r. empson, douglas abraham, j. m. johnston, h. blackmore, f. williams, f. kendall, w. m. underwood, c. monahan, h. ludbrook

The Adult Deaf and Dumb Society of Victoria, now known as Vicdeaf, (the Victorian Deaf Society), was founded in 1884 as the Victorian Society for Promoting the Spiritual and Temporal Welfare of the Adult Deaf and Dumb. The provisional committee being Mr W Bates, Mr J M Bruce, Mr J D Gowan, Mr Edwin Newbiggin, Mr C M Officer, M. L, A., and the Rev. W. Moss. The Adult Deaf and Dumb Mission's objects were: 1. To provide the means for religious worship and instruction for the adult deaf and dumb of Victoria 2. To visit the deaf and dumb in their homes, especially when sick or in distress 3. To assist the deaf and dumb of good character in obtaining suitable employment 4. To provide technical and other education for the adult and dumb 5. To give pecuniary assistance to adult deaf and dumb who are in needThe Annual Reports of the Adult Deaf and Dumb Society are historically significant providing insight into the history of the evolving Deaf Community in Victoria. They are a annual 'snapshot' of the year with references not only to the progress of the Society but also to the significant people and events within the Deaf Community.Green Cover, Size 21.5Hx13.5W, 22 pagesl. a. cleveland, edgar h. peacock, c. r. b. james, dr boyd penfold, dr w. j. craig, dr selwyn sutton, f. w. spry, n. armstrong, h bedggood, h. belyea, e. j. l. bremner, r. dow, d. hickey, m. j. hoath, s. g. hobson, e. r. noble, g. w. sweetland, ernest j. d. abraham, e. r. empson, douglas abraham, j. m. johnston, h. blackmore, f. williams, w. hately, b. grayden, f. kendall, w. m. underwood, c. monahan, h. ludbrook

The Adult Deaf and Dumb Society of Victoria, now known as Vicdeaf, (the Victorian Deaf Society), was founded in 1884 as the Victorian Society for Promoting the Spiritual and Temporal Welfare of the Adult Deaf and Dumb. The provisional committee being Mr W Bates, Mr J M Bruce, Mr J D Gowan, Mr Edwin Newbiggin, Mr C M Officer, M. L, A., and the Rev. W. Moss. The Adult Deaf and Dumb Mission's objects were: 1. To provide the means for religious worship and instruction for the adult deaf and dumb of Victoria 2. To visit the deaf and dumb in their homes, especially when sick or in distress 3. To assist the deaf and dumb of good character in obtaining suitable employment 4. To provide technical and other education for the adult and dumb 5. To give pecuniary assistance to adult deaf and dumb who are in needThe Annual Reports of the Adult Deaf and Dumb Society are historically significant providing insight into the history of the evolving Deaf Community in Victoria. They are a annual 'snapshot' of the year with references not only to the progress of the Mission but also to the significant people and events within the Deaf Community.Green Cover, Size 21.5Hx13.5W, 40 pagesearl of stradbroke, dr j. f. mackeddie, e. r. peacock, j. dudley,m. l. miller, r. j. oehr, o. r. macdonald, charles w. campbell, j. m. griffiths, mrs c. luke, henry masterton, mrs henry masterton, lady mcfacharn, e. r. peacock, h. sumner martin, g. g. mercy, mrs w. g. stephens,,,h. , dr w. j. craig, dr. heyer, harold w. bickford, f. e. frewin, j. m. johnston, r. h. luff, w. a. paterson, s. l. massina, george vial, ernest j. d. abraham, rose dow, e, empson ,mrs abraham, douglas abraham, a. mcellan, m. g. b. mortimer, a. sutherland, e johnson, w. a. paterson, j. cariss, f. rees, n. amos, mrs w. pierce, mrs a. wilson, margaret gibson, lydia sanders, mrs gladman. mrs j. johnston, d. hickey, w. b. anderson, j. bladier, p. o'gorman, adam c. muir, s. moss, w. taylor, j. pierce, blackburn, amos, driscoll, hughes, bragg, peters, tyzzer, robertson, leber, kemble, honor, rees, muir, allison, cullis, brooks, hawkins, vivian, herlihy, elwin, ashby, thompson, pollock, smith, burke, yates,

The Adult Deaf and Dumb Society of Victoria, now known as Vicdeaf, (the Victorian Deaf Society), was founded in 1884 as the Victorian Society for Promoting the Spiritual and Temporal Welfare of the Adult Deaf and Dumb. The provisional committee being Mr W Bates, Mr J M Bruce, Mr J D Gowan, Mr Edwin Newbiggin, Mr C M Officer, M. L, A., and the Rev. W. Moss. The Adult Deaf and Dumb Mission's objects were: 1. To provide the means for religious worship and instruction for the adult deaf and dumb of Victoria 2. To visit the deaf and dumb in their homes, especially when sick or in distress 3. To assist the deaf and dumb of good character in obtaining suitable employment 4. To provide technical and other education for the adult and dumb 5. To give pecuniary assistance to adult deaf and dumb who are in needThe Annual Reports of the Adult Deaf and Dumb Society are historically significant providing insight into the history of the evolving Deaf Community in Victoria. They are a annual 'snapshot' of the year with references not only to the progress of the Society but also to the significant people and events within the Deaf Community.Green Cover, Size 21.5Hx13.5W, 28 pagesl. a. cleveland, f. w. spry, edgar h. peacock, w. f. rowe, dr w. j. craig, dr. a. j. fargie,e. norman armstrong, e. j. l. bremner, r. dow, g. fethers, f. e. frewin, m. j. hoath,s. g. hobson,, g. w. sweetland, a. sutherland, ernest j. d. abraham, e. empson, j. m. johnston, e. johnson, m. g. b. mortimer, e. noble, v. buttacavoli, n. webb o. quinton, c. monahan, maurice mark, blackburn, cricket, lacrosse, jolimont square, deaf dramatic club, alice c. graham

The Adult Deaf and Dumb Society of Victoria, now known as Vicdeaf, (the Victorian Deaf Society), was founded in 1884 as the Victorian Society for Promoting the Spiritual and Temporal Welfare of the Adult Deaf and Dumb. The provisional committee being Mr W Bates, Mr J M Bruce, Mr J D Gowan, Mr Edwin Newbiggin, Mr C M Officer, M. L, A., and the Rev. W. Moss. The Adult Deaf and Dumb Mission's objects were: 1. To provide the means for religious worship and instruction for the adult deaf and dumb of Victoria 2. To visit the deaf and dumb in their homes, especially when sick or in distress 3. To assist the deaf and dumb of good character in obtaining suitable employment 4. To provide technical and other education for the adult and dumb 5. To give pecuniary assistance to adult deaf and dumb who are in needThe Annual Reports of the Adult Deaf and Dumb Society are historically significant providing insight into the history of the evolving Deaf Community in Victoria. They are a annual 'snapshot' of the year with references not only to the progress of the Society but also to the significant people and events within the Deaf Community.Pink Cover, Size 21.5Hx13.5W, 24 pagesjulius bruche, l. a. cleveland, edgar h. peacock, c. r. b. james, dr boyd penfold, dr w. j. craig, dr selwyn sutton, f. w. spry, n. armstrong, h bedggood, h. belyea, e. j. l. bremner, m. j. hoath, s. g. hobson, e. r. noble, h. puddy, g. w. sweetland, ernest j. d. abraham, e. r. empson, douglas abraham, j. m. johnston, h. blackmore, w. hately, b. grayden, t. d. mcrae, w. m. underwood, c. monahan, h. ludbrook

The Adult Deaf and Dumb Society of Victoria, now known as Vicdeaf, (the Victorian Deaf Society), was founded in 1884 as the Victorian Society for Promoting the Spiritual and Temporal Welfare of the Adult Deaf and Dumb. The provisional committee being Mr W Bates, Mr J M Bruce, Mr J D Gowan, Mr Edwin Newbiggin, Mr C M Officer, M. L, A., and the Rev. W. Moss. The Adult Deaf and Dumb Mission's objects were: 1. To provide the means for religious worship and instruction for the adult deaf and dumb of Victoria 2. To visit the deaf and dumb in their homes, especially when sick or in distress 3. To assist the deaf and dumb of good character in obtaining suitable employment 4. To provide technical and other education for the adult and dumb 5. To give pecuniary assistance to adult deaf and dumb who are in needThe Annual Reports of the Adult Deaf and Dumb Society are historically significant providing insight into the history of the evolving Deaf Community in Victoria. They are a annual 'snapshot' of the year with references not only to the progress of the Society but also to the significant people and events within the Deaf Community.Cream Cover, Size 21.5Hx13.5W, 24 pagesjulius bruche, l. a. cleveland, edgar h. peacock, c. r. b. james, dr boyd penfold, dr w. j. craig, dr selwyn sutton, f. w. spry, n. armstrong, h bedggood, h. belyea, e. j. l. bremner, h. greensmith, d. hickey, m. j. hoath, s. g. hobson, e. r. noble, g. w. sweetland, ernest j. d. abraham, e. r. empson, douglas abraham, j. m. johnston, h. blackmore, f. williams, w. hately, b. grayden, j. b. murphy, w. m. underwood, c. monahan, h. ludbrook

The Adult Deaf and Dumb Society of Victoria, now known as Vicdeaf, (the Victorian Deaf Society), was founded in 1884 as the Victorian Society for Promoting the Spiritual and Temporal Welfare of the Adult Deaf and Dumb. The provisional committee being Mr W Bates, Mr J M Bruce, Mr J D Gowan, Mr Edwin Newbiggin, Mr C M Officer, M. L, A., and the Rev. W. Moss. The Adult Deaf and Dumb Mission's objects were: 1. To provide the means for religious worship and instruction for the adult deaf and dumb of Victoria 2. To visit the deaf and dumb in their homes, especially when sick or in distress 3. To assist the deaf and dumb of good character in obtaining suitable employment 4. To provide technical and other education for the adult and dumb 5. To give pecuniary assistance to adult deaf and dumb who are in needThe Annual Reports of the Adult Deaf and Dumb Society are historically significant providing insight into the history of the evolving Deaf Community in Victoria. They are a annual 'snapshot' of the year with references not only to the progress of the Society but also to the significant people and events within the Deaf Community.Cream Cover, Size 21.5Hx13.5W, 20 pagesjulius bruche, l. a. cleveland, edgar h. peacock, c. r. b. james, dr boyd penfold, dr w. j. craig, dr selwyn sutton, h bedggood, e. j. l. bremner, m. j. hoath, s. g. hobson, e. r. noble, h. puddy, f. w. spry, a. w. sutherland, g. w. sweetland, e. r. empson, douglas abraham, j. m. johnston, h. blackmore, b. grayden, t. d. mcrae, w. m. underwood, c. monahan, h. ludbrook

The Adult Deaf and Dumb Society of Victoria, now known as Vicdeaf, (the Victorian Deaf Society), was founded in 1884 as the Victorian Society for Promoting the Spiritual and Temporal Welfare of the Adult Deaf and Dumb. The provisional committee being Mr W Bates, Mr J M Bruce, Mr J D Gowan, Mr Edwin Newbiggin, Mr C M Officer, M. L, A., and the Rev. W. Moss. The Adult Deaf and Dumb Mission's objects were: 1. To provide the means for religious worship and instruction for the adult deaf and dumb of Victoria 2. To visit the deaf and dumb in their homes, especially when sick or in distress 3. To assist the deaf and dumb of good character in obtaining suitable employment 4. To provide technical and other education for the adult and dumb 5. To give pecuniary assistance to adult deaf and dumb who are in needThe Annual Reports of the Adult Deaf and Dumb Society are historically significant providing insight into the history of the evolving Deaf Community in Victoria. They are a annual 'snapshot' of the year with references not only to the progress of the Society but also to the significant people and events within the Deaf Community.Cream Cover, Size 21.5Hx13.5W, 20 pagesjulius bruche, edgar h. peacock, c. r. b. james, dr boyd penfold, dr w. j. craig, dr selwyn sutton, h bedggood, e. j. l. bremner, g. collie, m. j. hoath, s. g. hobson, e. johnson, e. r. noble, h. puddy, f. w. spry, g. w. sweetland, j. e. vincent, douglas abraham, a. e. reynolds, j. m. johnston, h. blackmore, b. grayden, t. d. mcrae, w. m. underwood, c. monahan, h. ludbrook, lancelot a. cleveland, e. r. empson, j. m. johnson, alice c. graham

The Adult Deaf and Dumb Society of Victoria, now known as Vicdeaf, (the Victorian Deaf Society), was founded in 1884 as the Victorian Society for Promoting the Spiritual and Temporal Welfare of the Adult Deaf and Dumb. The provisional committee being Mr W Bates, Mr J M Bruce, Mr J D Gowan, Mr Edwin Newbiggin, Mr C M Officer, M. L, A., and the Rev. W. Moss. The Adult Deaf and Dumb Mission's objects were: 1. To provide the means for religious worship and instruction for the adult deaf and dumb of Victoria 2. To visit the deaf and dumb in their homes, especially when sick or in distress 3. To assist the deaf and dumb of good character in obtaining suitable employment 4. To provide technical and other education for the adult and dumb 5. To give pecuniary assistance to adult deaf and dumb who are in needThe Annual Reports of the Adult Deaf and Dumb Society are historically significant providing insight into the history of the evolving Deaf Community in Victoria. They are a annual 'snapshot' of the year with references not only to the progress of the Society but also to the significant people and events within the Deaf Community.Tan Cover, Size 21.5Hx13.5W, 20 pagesjulius bruche, r. f. sanderson, edgar h. peacock, c. r. b. james, dr boyd penfold, dr w. j. craig, dr selwyn sutton, h bedggood, e. j. l. bremner, g. collie, m. j. hoath, s. g. hobson, e. johnson, e. r. noble, h. puddy, f. w. spry, g. w. sweetland, j. e. vincent, douglas abraham, a. e. reynolds, e. r. empson, j. m. johnston, h. blackmore, b. grayden, t. d. mcrae, c. monahan, h. ludbrook, alice c. graham, rev f. a. hagenauer, rev a. veneer, r. j. oehr, william irvine

The Adult Deaf and Dumb Society of Victoria, now known as Vicdeaf, (the Victorian Deaf Society), was founded in 1884 as the Victorian Society for Promoting the Spiritual and Temporal Welfare of the Adult Deaf and Dumb. The provisional committee being Mr W Bates, Mr J M Bruce, Mr J D Gowan, Mr Edwin Newbiggin, Mr C M Officer, M. L, A., and the Rev. W. Moss. The Adult Deaf and Dumb Mission's objects were: 1. To provide the means for religious worship and instruction for the adult deaf and dumb of Victoria 2. To visit the deaf and dumb in their homes, especially when sick or in distress 3. To assist the deaf and dumb of good character in obtaining suitable employment 4. To provide technical and other education for the adult and dumb 5. To give pecuniary assistance to adult deaf and dumb who are in needThe Annual Reports of the Adult Deaf and Dumb Society are historically significant providing insight into the history of the evolving Deaf Community in Victoria. They are a annual 'snapshot' of the year with references not only to the progress of the Society but also to the significant people and events within the Deaf Community.Grey Cover, Size 21.5Hx13.5W, 20 pagesjulius bruche, r. f. sanderson, edgar h. peacock, c. r. b. james, dr boyd penfold, dr w. j. craig, dr selwyn sutton, h bedggood, e. j. l. bremner, m. j. hoath, s. g. hobson, e. j. f. hunt, johnson, e. r. noble, h. puddy, f. w. spry, g. w. sweetland, i. trescowthick, j. e. vincent, douglas abraham, a. e. reynolds, e. r. empson, j. m. johnston, h. blackmore, b. grayden, t. d. mcrae, c. monahan, h. ludbrook, alice c. graham, rev f. a. hagenauer,

The Adult Deaf and Dumb Society of Victoria, now known as Vicdeaf, (the Victorian Deaf Society), was founded in 1884 as the Victorian Society for Promoting the Spiritual and Temporal Welfare of the Adult Deaf and Dumb. The provisional committee being Mr W Bates, Mr J M Bruce, Mr J D Gowan, Mr Edwin Newbiggin, Mr C M Officer, M. L, A., and the Rev. W. Moss. The Adult Deaf and Dumb Mission's objects were: 1. To provide the means for religious worship and instruction for the adult deaf and dumb of Victoria 2. To visit the deaf and dumb in their homes, especially when sick or in distress 3. To assist the deaf and dumb of good character in obtaining suitable employment 4. To provide technical and other education for the adult and dumb 5. To give pecuniary assistance to adult deaf and dumb who are in need The Annual Reports of the Adult Deaf and Dumb Society are historically significant providing insight into the history of the evolving Deaf Community in Victoria. They are a annual 'snapshot' of the year with references not only to the progress of the Society but also to the significant people and events within the Deaf Community.Cream/tan Cover, Size 21.5Hx13.5W, 20 pagesjulius bruche, r. f. sanderson, f. w. spry, edgar h. peacock, c. r. b. james, dr boyd penfold, dr w. j. craig, dr selwyn sutton, h bedggood, e. j. l. bremner, m. j. hoath, s. g. hobson, j. f. hunt, c. r. b. james, e. r. noble, w. ross, g. w. sweetland, i. trescowthick, j. e. vincent, douglas abraham, e. a. reynolds, e. r. empson, j. m. johnston, h. blackmore, b. grayden, t. d. mcrae, h. g. campbell, c. monahan, h. ludbrook, alice c. graham, rev f. a. hagenauer,

The Adult Deaf and Dumb Society of Victoria, now known as Vicdeaf, (the Victorian Deaf Society), was founded in 1884 as the Victorian Society for Promoting the Spiritual and Temporal Welfare of the Adult Deaf and Dumb. The provisional committee being Mr W Bates, Mr J M Bruce, Mr J D Gowan, Mr Edwin Newbiggin, Mr C M Officer, M. L, A., and the Rev. W. Moss. The Adult Deaf and Dumb Mission's objects were: 1. To provide the means for religious worship and instruction for the adult deaf and dumb of Victoria 2. To visit the deaf and dumb in their homes, especially when sick or in distress 3. To assist the deaf and dumb of good character in obtaining suitable employment 4. To provide technical and other education for the adult and dumb 5. To give pecuniary assistance to adult deaf and dumb who are in needThe Annual Reports of the Adult Deaf and Dumb Society are historically significant providing insight into the history of the evolving Deaf Community in Victoria. They are a annual 'snapshot' of the year with references not only to the progress of the Society but also to the significant people and events within the Deaf Community.Brown/Grey Cover, Size 21.5Hx13.5W, 16 pagesjulius bruche, r. f. sanderson, h. l. bedggood, c. r. b. james, edgar h. peacock, dr boyd penfold, dr w. j. craig, dr selwyn sutton, e. j. l. bremner, f. w. cox, s. g. hobson, j. f. hunt, e. r. noble, w. ross, g. w. sweetland, i. trescowthick, j. e. vincent, h. f. mccrea, douglas abraham, e. a. reynolds, e. r. empson, j. m. johnston, h. blackmore, b. grayden, t. d. mcrae, h. g. campbell, c. monahan, h. ludbrook, alice c. graham, rev f. a. hagenauer,

The Adult Deaf and Dumb Society of Victoria, now known as Vicdeaf, (the Victorian Deaf Society), was founded in 1884 as the Victorian Society for Promoting the Spiritual and Temporal Welfare of the Adult Deaf and Dumb. The provisional committee being Mr W Bates, Mr J M Bruce, Mr J D Gowan, Mr Edwin Newbiggin, Mr C M Officer, M. L, A., and the Rev. W. Moss. The Adult Deaf and Dumb Mission's objects were: 1. To provide the means for religious worship and instruction for the adult deaf and dumb of Victoria 2. To visit the deaf and dumb in their homes, especially when sick or in distress 3. To assist the deaf and dumb of good character in obtaining suitable employment 4. To provide technical and other education for the adult and dumb 5. To give pecuniary assistance to adult deaf and dumb who are in needThe Annual Reports of the Adult Deaf and Dumb Society are historically significant providing insight into the history of the evolving Deaf Community in Victoria. They are a annual 'snapshot' of the year with references not only to the progress of the Society but also to the significant people and events within the Deaf Community.Brown/Grey Cover, Size 21.5Hx13.5W, 16 pagesjulius bruche, r. f. sanderson, h. l. bedggood, c. r. b. james, edgar h. peacock, dr boyd penfold, dr w. j. craig, dr selwyn sutton, , e. j. l. bremner, f. w. cox, s. g. hobson, j. f. hunt, e. r. noble, w. ross, g. w. sweetland, i. trescowthick, j. e. vincent, h. f. mccrea, douglas abraham, e. a. reynolds, e. r. empson, j. m. johnston, h. blackmore, b. grayden, t. d. mcrae, h. g. campbell, c. monahan, h. ludbrook, alice c. graham, rev f. a. hagenauer,

The Adult Deaf and Dumb Society of Victoria, now known as Vicdeaf, (the Victorian Deaf Society), was founded in 1884 as the Victorian Society for Promoting the Spiritual and Temporal Welfare of the Adult Deaf and Dumb. The provisional committee being Mr W Bates, Mr J M Bruce, Mr J D Gowan, Mr Edwin Newbiggin, Mr C M Officer, M. L, A., and the Rev. W. Moss. The Adult Deaf and Dumb Mission's objects were: 1. To provide the means for religious worship and instruction for the adult deaf and dumb of Victoria 2. To visit the deaf and dumb in their homes, especially when sick or in distress 3. To assist the deaf and dumb of good character in obtaining suitable employment 4. To provide technical and other education for the adult and dumb 5. To give pecuniary assistance to adult deaf and dumb who are in needThe Annual Reports of the Adult Deaf and Dumb Society are historically significant providing insight into the history of the evolving Deaf Community in Victoria. They are a annual 'snapshot' of the year with references not only to the progress of the Society but also to the significant people and events within the Deaf Community.Brown Cover, Size 21.5Hx13.5W, 22 pages r. f. sanderson, h. l. bedggood, c. r. b. james, edgar h. peacock, dr boyd penfold, dr w. j. craig, dr selwyn sutton, m. e. spetts, e. j. l. bremner, f. w. cox, m. dow, s. g. hobson, e. r. noble, w. ross, g. w. sweetland, g. c. tootell, i. trescowthick, j. e. vincent, h. f. mccrea, douglas abraham, e. a. reynolds, e. r. empson, j. m. johnston, h. blackmore, b. grayden, t. d. mcrae, h. g. campbell, c. monahan, h. ludbrook, , alice c. graham, miss osborn,

The Adult Deaf and Dumb Society of Victoria, now known as Vicdeaf, (the Victorian Deaf Society), was founded in 1884 as the Victorian Society for Promoting the Spiritual and Temporal Welfare of the Adult Deaf and Dumb. The provisional committee being Mr W Bates, Mr J M Bruce, Mr J D Gowan, Mr Edwin Newbiggin, Mr C M Officer, M. L, A., and the Rev. W. Moss. The Adult Deaf and Dumb Mission's objects were: 1. To provide the means for religious worship and instruction for the adult deaf and dumb of Victoria 2. To visit the deaf and dumb in their homes, especially when sick or in distress 3. To assist the deaf and dumb of good character in obtaining suitable employment 4. To provide technical and other education for the adult and dumb 5. To give pecuniary assistance to adult deaf and dumb who are in needThe Annual Reports of the Adult Deaf and Dumb Society are historically significant providing insight into the history of the evolving Deaf Community in Victoria. They are a annual 'snapshot' of the year with references not only to the progress of the Society but also to the significant people and events within the Deaf Community.Blue/Grey Cover, Size 21.5Hx13.5W, 24 pages r. f. sanderson, h. l. bedggood, c. r. b. james, g. c. tootell, dr boyd penfold, dr selwyn sutton, j. c. carrodus, f. w. cox, s. g. hobson, e. r. noble, h. puddy, w. ross, i. trescowthick, h. f. mccrea, l. w. abraham, e. a. reynolds, m. b. dyson, r. m. small, h. blackmore, m. fraser, t. d. mcrae, h. g. campbell, c. monahan, h. ludbrook, douglas abraham, g. w. sweetland, j. e. vincent

The Adult Deaf and Dumb Society of Victoria, now known as Vicdeaf, (the Victorian Deaf Society), was founded in 1884 as the Victorian Society for Promoting the Spiritual and Temporal Welfare of the Adult Deaf and Dumb. The provisional committee being Mr W Bates, Mr J M Bruce, Mr J D Gowan, Mr Edwin Newbiggin, Mr C M Officer, M. L, A., and the Rev. W. Moss. The Adult Deaf and Dumb Mission's objects were: 1. To provide the means for religious worship and instruction for the adult deaf and dumb of Victoria 2. To visit the deaf and dumb in their homes, especially when sick or in distress 3. To assist the deaf and dumb of good character in obtaining suitable employment 4. To provide technical and other education for the adult and dumb 5. To give pecuniary assistance to adult deaf and dumb who are in needThe Annual Reports of the Adult Deaf and Dumb Society are historically significant providing insight into the history of the evolving Deaf Community in Victoria. They are a annual 'snapshot' of the year with references not only to the progress of the Society but also to the significant people and events within the Deaf Community.Grey Cover, Size 21.5Hx13.5W, 28 pagesr. f. sanderson, h. l. bedggood, c. r. b. james, g. c. tootell, dr boyd penfold, dr selwyn sutton, j. c. carrodus, f. w. cox, e. r. noble, h. puddy, w. ross, i. trescowthick, g. wigney, h. f. mccrea, m. fraser, e. a. reynolds, m. b. dyson, sister panther, h. blackmore, t. d. mcrae, h. g. campbell, c. monahan, h. ludbrook, l. w. abraham, douglas macleod

The Adult Deaf and Dumb Society of Victoria, now known as Vicdeaf, (the Victorian Deaf Society), was founded in 1884 as the Victorian Society for Promoting the Spiritual and Temporal Welfare of the Adult Deaf and Dumb. The provisional committee being Mr W Bates, Mr J M Bruce, Mr J D Gowan, Mr Edwin Newbiggin, Mr C M Officer, M. L, A., and the Rev. W. Moss. The Adult Deaf and Dumb Mission's objects were: 1. To provide the means for religious worship and instruction for the adult deaf and dumb of Victoria 2. To visit the deaf and dumb in their homes, especially when sick or in distress 3. To assist the deaf and dumb of good character in obtaining suitable employment 4. To provide technical and other education for the adult and dumb 5. To give pecuniary assistance to adult deaf and dumb who are in needThe Annual Reports of the Adult Deaf and Dumb Society are historically significant providing insight into the history of the evolving Deaf Community in Victoria. They are a annual 'snapshot' of the year with references not only to the progress of the Society but also to the significant people and events within the Deaf Community.Cream Cover, Size 21.5Hx13.5W, 20 pagesr. f. sanderson, h. l. bedggood, c. r. b. james, g. c. tootell, dr boyd penfold, dr h. whitaker, j. c. carrodus, f. w. cox, r. driver, e. r. noble, h. puddy, w. ross, i. trescowthick, g. wigney, h. f. mccrea, m. fraser, e. a. reynolds, m. b. dyson, sister panther, h. blackmore, , t. d. mcrae, h. g. campbell, c. monahan,

"The Mechanics Institute movement flourished in Victoria from 1839 to 1950. It was based on the development of Mechanics’ Institutes in Scotland and England from the 1820s, which were intended to educate and enlighten the working classes. The term ‘mechanic’ in those days meant an artisan, craftsman or working man, especially those who had moved from rural areas to work in new city factories during the Industrial Revolution. The early Institutes were usually equipped with a reading room, a library and a lecture room. Although enjoying mixed success in Britain, they contributed to the development of public education and library services. The movement was adopted more enthusiastically in the colonies. It began slowly in Victoria but its expansion after the gold rushes population influx was rapid, especially in rural areas. Every suburb and town wanted to have a Mechanics’ Institute. During the 1850s approximately forty Institutes were established, with even greater growth in the period 1860 to 1900. By 1900 there were 400 Institutes in Victoria. The establishment of a Mechanics’ Institute was often a great achievement for a local community, requiring organising committees to raise substantial funds for a building site (where this had not been granted by the Government), and the building. Once built, the committee then had to purchase books, provide a caretaker or librarian, and finance the ongoing use of and improvements to the building. ‘The history of many Institutes is a story of tremendous community effort, and often, financial difficulties’. In addition to being monuments to local enterprise and community life, the Mechanics’ Institutes played a vital role as an intellectual forum, and in contributing to an informed and participatory democracy in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. They provided journals and other reading matter on local, state, national and international issues, and hosted of lectures and held debates about wider issues such as Federation, colonial nationalism, defence, female suffrage, the price of land and labour. With the development of the school and technical education in the latter part of the nineteenth century, the need for community technical and adult education declined. As a result of the introduction of government library grants in 1867, many Mechanics’ Institutes incorporated a free library in their buildings to finance collection of their books. By 1884-85, there were 257 free libraries in Victoria. However, government support and library grants dropped off in the 1890s depression. Entertainment took on a greater role in the 1890s, with the introduction of moving pictures, billiards rooms, games rooms (chess), concerts and dances. The First World War had a devastating impact on many rural communities, and some Mechanics’ Institutes were no longer viable. On the other hand the early twentieth century was also a time of agricultural development, and many country towns were growing in this period. The 1930s depression further limited growth of many libraries and reduced grants substantially. In response many Mechanics’ Institutes were renamed, for example as memorial halls, in order to retain and attract more patrons (eg at nearby Sunbury). The diminishing role for Mechanics’ Institutes and the preference for larger and better appointed halls (with supper rooms, cloak rooms etc) resulted in demolition of some small Institutes. The advent of cars, radios, and television also provided other opportunities for recreation, learning and entertainment. The greater role of municipalities in providing library services also eroded the need for free libraries. While over 500 Mechanics’ Institutes or halls are extant, very few of these retain their original role as ‘diffusers of useful knowledge’. Most are still available for community purposes, as venues for meetings, socials, civic occasions etc, while others are employed as museums, shops and theatres. Most buildings are on Crown land, and managed by a delegated committee of management, who are responsible for raising revenue to maintain aging buildings. Many of those which were originally established on private land, such as Melton, have since reverted back to the Crown, and municipal Councils. The most common Mechanics Institute building form is the simple weatherboard gable building with iron roofs, notable for their ‘honest simplicity’ rather than as ‘monuments of the ancients’. At the other extreme there are some magnificent two storeyed brick and stucco structures with elaborate ornamentation (as was apparently envisaged by some in Melton in 1905-10)". The future of Melton Mechanic Institute Gazette articlelocal architecture