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 a 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 a 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. 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. Works of Ralph Waldo Emerson Author: Ralph Waldo Emerson Publisher: George Routledge & Sons. Date: Further Information: Routledge's Popular Library of Standard Authors. These include Essays, First and Second Series Representative Men. Society and Solitude English Traits. The conduct of Life Letters and Social Aims, Poems, Miscellanies embracing Nature, Addresses and Lectures. The label on the spine cover with typed text PAT 814 EME Paste down front end paper has a sticker from Warrnambool Mechanics Institute and Free Library covered by a sticker from Corangamite Regional Library Service. Front loose end paper has a stamp from Corangamite Regional Library Service. flagstaff hil, warrnambool, 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, works of ralph waldo emerson, ralph waldo emerson

``Newspaper clipping from "The Mail", 13-4-93, P 14. Sponsors Ringwood Council's lollipop people could soon be advertising products as part of a plan to make up for lost State Government subsidies for the school crossing supervisor scheme. Council's corporate services director, Bill Black, is investigating possible sponsors for the scheme. Mr Black sugggested that sponsors could be associated with school wear, safety equipment or children's goods and services. No consideration would be given to a sponsor that was not appropriate for children. `

``Newspaper clipping from "The Mail", 1-6-93, P17, The Mayor's challenge by Jodie Haythorne Ringwood Mayor Greg Adkin's has issued a challenge to residents in the lead up to the 1993 local government elections. "I am running in August and would like to see anyone who thinks they can do a better job than me stand"`

``Newspaper clipping from "The Mail", 15-6-93, P3, Facilities open Ringwood Council last week voted to open its senior citizens facilities to all aged residents after applications from two community groups. It will also extend the senior citizens' consultative committee to include all major groups .`

``Newspaper clipping from "The Mail", 21-1-97, P11, Move on club soon. By Jamie Duncan The Administrative Appeals Tribunal has still not handed down its decision on whether to allow construction of the controversial Glenwood Social Club in North Ringwood. The proposal caused a storm of protest as residents, churches, traders and commumnity groups resisted the plan.`

``Newspaper clipping from "The Mail" 7-1-97, P 11. Councils' split set to hurt owners claiming strays. By Jeff Jones Maroondah pet owners now have to travel to the RSPCA in Burwood East to claim their strays, following a sudden split between Maroondah and Manningham councils over pound usage.`

``Newspaper clipping from "The Mail" 21-1-97, P 15. Residents urged to have a say Maroondah City residents are invited to have a say on key issues facing Australia as part of Maroondah Council's 'Australia Consults' forum. Last year's Maroondah forum, administered by 'Leadership Maroondah Program' participants, was praised by the Australia Council as being one of the best attended forums.`

``Newspaper clipping from "The Mail" 11-2-97, P14 COUNCIL BRIEFS Candidates for the Maroondah Council elections must lodge their nominations with the returning officer before 4pm, February 12. Fees will increase at various Council leisure facilities. Ringwood Lake and Croydon Park have been declared alcohol-free zones for the duration of the Festival of the Foothills on February 15-16. Various other council issues of minor sectional interest are included in this article.`

``Newspaper clipping from "The Post" 21-1-97", P2, Cable rates under review A proposal being considered by Maroondah and other Victorian councils to charge telecommunication and power companies rates on their overhead cables was met with a low-key response by Telstra last week. Optus Vision would be affected too.`

``Newspaper clipping from "The Post"16-8-95, P 3. Eastland deals all clear The Victorian Auditor General has found no major inconsistencies or financial implications for the new Maroondah Council in any deals between the former Ringwood Council and retail giant Coles Myer over the Eastland Shopping Centre Project. Howevber, the long awairted "Due diligence" report rel;eased on Monday by council reveals that because of the escalation in Ringwood Plaza project costs - from over $7.5 million in February 1993, to over 12.2 million last February - the Ringwood Trust has "short term liquidity problems".`

``Newspaper clipping from "The Mail"5-12-95", P 5. Depopt will be subdivided. Maroondah Council will subdivide the former Ringwood Depot site and sell it. The council last week passed amendment 1.38 to rezone the land to light industrial, allowing the subdivision to go ahead. It would not reveal how much it expected for the land because of the tender sale process.`

``Newspaper clipping from "The Post" 26-7-95, P 1. GOVT PROBES LAND DEAL The proposed multi-million dollar sale of the Ringwood Bowling Club site to retail giant Coles Myer, is currently being investigated by the State Government. Local Government minister, Roger Hallam, confirmed the Office of Local Government investigation this week.`

``Newspaper clipping from "The Post" 24-12-94, P 16. Ringwood RSL Club lends a hand to drought victims Ringwood RSL Club has already raised over $20,000 to help drought affected farmers in Queensland. Club members aim to raise $60,000 and have enlisted the help of Tatts, Comalco, Club Keno, CUB, the Queensland Rugby Association and the Brisbane Bears football club`

``Newspaper clipping from "The Mail" 12-10-94, P 7. Help for farmers The Ringwood RSL has come to the rescue of drought stricken farmers by scheduling an auction on Sunday November 20. But the RSL desperately needs items to be auctioned. All proceeds from the auction will go directly to Queensland farmers, RSL President Mr Ron Burch said.`

``Newspaper clipping from "The Mail" 24-8-94, P 7. News watch. Cloud over trust by Leonora Elliot-Bruce The new Ringwood mayor has changed the ball game in council deliberations over Eastland's expansion and the future of the Ringwood Bowling Club's Miles Ave site. On the casting vote of the new mayor, Cr Neil Macdonald, negotiations have been taken out of the hands of a special commitee and into full council.`

``Newspaper clipping from "The Mail" 24-8-94, P 3. Trust Assets Legal opinion has confirmed Ringwood Trust assets could go to a new council when amalgamations occur. The information was presented to Ringwood councillors last Monday night from trust specialist, Mr Ian Hardingham.`

``Newspaper clipping from "The Mail" 28-9-93, P 3. NEWS watch. "Basketball stadium comes a step closer" by Jodie Haythorne Ringwood Basketball Association and Ringwood Council are forging ahead with plans for the municipality's first big basketball complex. The council has allocated $400,000 in its 1993-1994 budget towards the $1.3 million project.`

Newspaper clipping from "The Mail", September 7, 1993, P 25 SPORTS star, Step at a time. North Ringwood teenager Simone Kuppler has taken her walking a long way and competed in several competitive walking events. At the August Australian all-schools championships in Perth, Simone blitzed the competition by walking 3km in just over 15 minutes. Simone said "that time was nothing to skite about. I was sick during the race...."

``Newspaper clipping from "The Post", 4-2-97, P 15. HITTING THE GREENS....Ringwood Bowling Club services manager Wal Fabian, men's president Maurice Boyd, lady's president Mabel Bartling and executive officer Tom Lowe try oput the club's new greens in Loughnan Rd, Ringwood. With pennant competition underway, Ringwood Bowling Club members are very happy with their new facilities`

``Newspaper clipping from "The Mail", 14-9-93, P 11. NEWS Watch - MP slams taskforce. by Leonora Elliot-Bruce State Liberal MP Phil Honeywood has slammed an Education Directorate Quality Provision recommendation to close Norwood Primary School. Mr Honeywood said the taskforce rcommendations were not accurate or comprehensive.`

``Newspaper clipping from "The Post", 21-7-93, P 3. NEWS Watch - Council calls for school plan details The policy and resources committee has recommended Ringwood Council call on Education Minister Don Hayward to outline plans for Ringwood schools. Councillor Chris McRae moved that council ask Mr Hayward to outline plans for amalgamations and closures and consult with council.`

Newspaper clipping from "The Mail", 18-7-95, P 16. SPORTS STARS .. Top netball players take aim for a national title Netballers Kate Gold and Emma O'Callaghan, both state representatives, are this week's sports stars. The pair are hoping they can help Victoria win a national championship.

Newspaper Clipping from the ""Mail", 5 May 1998 P20. "No plans for improvement to Oban Rd's poor condition"Ringwood North residents say they are fed up with speeding traffic, "dangerous" gravel edges and deep potholes on Oban Road. Ringwood North Primary School Principal Barry Archibald said there was a great deal of concern within the school community about the condition of the road. A council spokesman said no works were planned for the unsealed section of Oban Road because "council only had a certain amount of money for grading" He said no roadworks were planned near the school either.

Newspaper Clipping from the ""Mail", 6 July 93, P5. "Ex-mayor dies"Former Ringwood mayor, Mr Norm Aus has died, aged 76. He died at Caboolture Queensland after a long illness.

Newspaper Clipping from the ""Post", 27 April 94, P9. "Athletic coach dies"Theo Orr, a keen athlete and successful coach at the Ringwood Athletic Club, died on March 17 after a short illness. His daughter Jenny Orr was a finalist in the 1972 Olympic Games and another daughter Susan was a champion walker

Newspaper Clipping from the ""Mail", 29 October 96, P 26. "Schools mourn".Cancer has claimed two of Maroondah's school principals in recent weeks. Yarra Valley Anglican School principal Margaret Peters died last Sunday. She was appointed principal of Yarra Valley in 1994. Meanwhile, the principal at Tinternvale Primary School, Gary Hooper died of cancer on October 11. He was 54. A new principal, Martin Winfield, had been appointed to replace Mr Hooper, who had retired due to ill health

Newspaper Clipping from the ""Mail", 17 December 96, P 1. "It's farewell for teacher".The Ellie V Pullin Pre-school's teacher, Jean Fairthorne, has retired after 19 years with the centre. Mrs Fairthorne said she will miss all her ex-students dearly.

Newspaper Clipping from the ""Post", 24-1-96, P 1. "Hostel for school site", and P3 "New look likely for school site".A thirty bed aged nursing home facility will join the Ringwood Bowling Club at its new home on the former Norwood Primary School site in North Ringwood. Construction of both facilities commenced early in the new year, after the former bowling clib site was sold by Maroondah Council to Coles Myer on January 5 for over $5 million.

Newspaper Clipping from un-named local paper re Reserve on Mullum Creek, category of PARKS, GARDENS, RESERVES. Dated 18-7-1928Lands Department, intimating that a reserve had been created of 10 acres along Mullum Creek between Oban Road and Brewer's, and asking that a committee of management be appointed. -- Cr. McAlpin moved that the necessary steps be taken to have the Borough Council appointed. Cr. Wilkins seconded. Carried.