The Kew RSL is located in "Wilton" House, 63 Cotham Road. The RSL was established on January 1st 1920, later joining with the Hawthorn RSL. In November 1931, Cr. C.R. Parry organised the reformation of the Kew Sub Branch and its first president was Brig-Gen Pat McGlin, a veteran of the Boer War and the First World War. On July 17th 1932, the club rooms first opened on Army land at the corner of High Street and Highbury Grove. In late November 1948, the Kew RSL bought the "Wilton" house from the Kew City Council for £10,067, opening seven years later in July 1955. [Source: Victorian Heritage Database]This work forms part of the collection assembled by the historian Dorothy Rogers, that was donated to the Kew Historical Society by her son John Rogers in 2015. The manuscripts, photographs, maps, and documents were sourced by her from both family and local collections or produced as references for her print publications. Many were directly used by Rogers in writing ‘Lovely Old Homes of Kew’ (1961) and 'A History of Kew' (1973), or the numerous articles on local history that she produced for suburban newspapers. Most of the photographs in the collection include detailed annotations in her hand. The Rogers Collection provides a comprehensive insight into the working habits of a historian in the 1960s and 1970s. Together it forms the largest privately-donated collection within the archives of the Kew Historical Society.The exterior of the Kew RSL on the corner of Cotham Road and Charles Street, Kew. Designed by Guyon Purchase for Dr. William Walsh in 1886, the building was originally called Wilton."Chap 59. Cotham Rd. Built/Commences about 1885-6. Present day Wilton . Kew RSSUILA rooms. (Rumour of sale 1972?)"wilton, dr william walsh, guyon purchas, dorothy rogers, cotham road (kew)

In Kew’s Civic Century (1960), Cr. W.D. Vaughan described William Dickie Birrell M.B.E. (1899-1974) as follows: “Mr. W. D. Birrell, who had been on the staff of the Country Roads Board after his return from active service with the First A.I.F., was appointed assistant town clerk on February 15, 1921. On Mr. Harrison’s retirement he was appointed town clerk and city treasurer, and has given outstanding service. His knowledge of municipal administration has been acknowledged by the Government calling on his services to advise on amendments to the Local Government Act. He is a past president of the Town Clerks Institute, and on the nomination of that body was honoured by Her Majesty the Queen in 1958 with the award of the M.B.E. He still occupies the position and is held in the highest esteem not only by the Kew Council, but also by local government administrators throughout the metropolitan area.” (page 132) He died on 7 May 1974, and his ashes were interred at the Boroondara General Cemetery. This portrait is one of a series of mounted and framed photographic portraits of Mayors and Town Clerks of the former Borough, Town and City of Kew, for the period 1863 to 1969. The portraits were transferred by the City of Kew to the Kew Historical Society in March 1989. A Significance Assessment in 2018, funded by the National Library of Australia confirmed the historic, and often artistic significance of the series. Framed portrait of W. D. Birrell - Town Clerk of the City of Kew from 1936 -. The mounting and framing of the photograph follows a typical layout or style in that it each is framed in dark wood, glazed, and laid down on an inscribed board. The inscription identifies the name of the town clerk and the year/s that he served.W.D. BIRRELL / TOWN CLERK 1938-town clerks - kew (vic), w.d. birrell, photographers - stuart tompkins studios - camberwell (vic), kew (vic.) — municipal collection

Alan J. McConchie, a manufacturer’s agent, was elected to Kew Council in 1924, serving as a councillor for 21 years. He was elected Mayor of Kew in 1927-28, and again in 1945-46. During his second term as Mayor, he gained the support of Council for a pre-school plan which was the first of its kind in Victoria. The scheme established nursery schools and kindergartens as an extension of the existing baby health centres. Alan McConchie was active in Methodist Church work, and was one of the founders of the East Kew church, of which he was a trustee for 29 years. He was well known in the district as a cricketer and was a founder and past president of the East Kew Bowling Club. A Resident of Strathalbyn Street, he died in 1945 aged 60, while attending morning service at the East Kew Methodist Church. He is buried in the Burwood Cemetery. Handmade illuminated invitation to a notable Kew Mayor and MayoressAn illuminated invitation sent to the Mayor and Mayoress of Kew, Cr. and Mrs. McConchie, by a Citizens Committee to a Ball in the Kew Recreation Hall on 26 July 1928. The double page invitation is encased in an embossed maroon leather cover. The invitation was donated to the Society by a descendant of the McConchies in 2014.Inscription Cover: "To Councillor A.J. McConchie and Mrs McConchie". Inside cover in watercolour: "The Chairman Councillor George Ramsay and Members of the Citizens Committee desire the honor of the Company of HIS WORSHIP THE MAYOR OF KEW AND MRS. McCONCHIE at a BALL to be held in the Kew Recreation Hall Tuesday 26th July 1928 at 8 P.M. Tendered to them as a mark of recognition of the services rendered to the City during their Mayoral Year 1927".cr. a. j. mcconchie, mayor of kew (1927-28, 1945-46)

The Meals on Wheels Service in Victoria began in 1953 in South Melbourne. The service in Kew began three years after in 1956 and originally operated out of the Council-owned South Esk in Cotham Road. With the building of a new Senior Citizens Centre, the service moved to Childers Street.Leather case containing 12 aluminium containers, stacked in groups of three which was used to deliver meals to elderly residents by the Kew Meals on Wheels group. The program was initiated in 1956. The items were presented to the Society in 2008 by Dorothy Fox, President of the Kew Seniors Association.meals on wheels (kew), south esk - kew elder citizens, dorothy fox

The Municipality of Kew (1860-1863), the Borough of Kew (1863-1910), the Town of Kew (1910-1921) and the City of Kew (1921-1994) were local government instrumentalities in the State of Victoria. In 1994, the City of Kew was amalgamated, together with the former Cities of Camberwell and Hawthorn, into the new City of Boroondara (1994- ). Like other local government entities of the period, Kew was administered by town clerks. The two notable town clerks in Kew's history were H. H. (Henry Hirst) Harrison (1868-1955) and W. D. (William Dickie) Birrell (1899-1974). Harrison was appointed to the position in 1901 and retired in 1938 after 37 years. Birrell, appointed Acting Town Clerk in 1921, became Town Clerk in 1938, following Harrison's retirement. He continued in this role until his retirement in 1966.This card is part of an historically significant civic collection, containing hundreds of separate invitations, documents, greeting cards, programmes and tickets issued and/or collected by successive town clerks. Items in the collection illuminate the political, social and cultural history of the district. As a continuous record, ranging across most decades of the Twentieth Century, they reveal changing tastes in design, values and relationships in the history of local government in Victoria.THE MAYOR AND COUNCILLORS OF THE CITY OF KEW / REQUEST THE PLEASURE OF THE COMPANY OF / ________________________ / AT THE OFFICIAL OPENING OF THE W D VAUGHAN REFERENCE LIBRARY / BY / THE HONOURABLE MR JUSTICE J E. STARKE / PRESIDENT LIBRARY COUNCIL OF VICTORIA / KEW MUNICIPAL LIBRARY / THURSDAY 28TH JUNE, 1973, AT 2.30 P.M. / RSVP TOWN CLERK, KEWcivic invitations -- kew (vic), kew municipal library, w d vaughan

Born in Bendigo and trained as a nurse in the 1950s, Sonia Jill O’Brien devoted a lifetime to social and environmental issues at both the state and local level. From her work in the 1960s with the Family Planning Association of Victoria, of which she was a founding member, through to the 1990s as a member of the Ethics Committee of the Department of Health, she supported efforts to improve women’s health and reproductive rights. At the local level she was most active on committees that worked to save the natural and built environment. The Power-line Action Group, the Studley Park Conservation Society, and the Yarra Bend Park Trust all benefitted from her indefatigable endeavours as well her vision. In 1980, Jill O’Brien successfully stood for the Kew City Council and served as Mayor in 1983 and 1984. With an eye to preserving the past as well as guarding the future, she had the Mayoral robes restored and in 1980 and 1981 was president of the Kew Historical Society. The preservation and restoration of Villa Alba in Walmer Street owes much to her determined efforts throughout the 1980s. On Council, she chaired a number of committees involved in the saving of the Kew River Parklands from the proposed transmission line of the SEC. To this end, she was the Council representative on the Merri Yarra Municipal Protection Committee.Rare colour photograph, used as the official mayoral portrait of Cr Jill O'Brien.Formal civic portrait of Cr Jill O'Brien in red mayoral robes wearing lace jabot and cuffs. The portrait is part of the larger Jill O'Brien Collection donated by her daughters.cr jill o'brien, city of kew -- mayors, mayoral portraits -- city of kew

Gladys Machin was the first female Councillor for the City of Caulfield. She served between 1950-1965 and was Mayor in 1955-56 and 1959-60. Machin championed the opening of the Caulfield Elderly Citizens Club in 1952 (later renamed in her honour as the Gladys E Machin Senior Citizen's Club). Machin was also President between 1953-1974, as noted on the engraving. The club now forms part of the Caulfield Senior Citizen's Centre at 8 Cedar Street, Caulfield South. Caulfield was one of the first local councils to establish an elderly citizen's club. This photograph used to hang in the main hall at Caulfield Senior Citizen's Centre alongside a photo of the Queen.This object is considered of historic significance for its portrayal of Gladys Machin, first female Councillor for the City of Caulfield. Framed sepia toned and hand-painted photograph of Gladys E. Machin. Engraving on panel at bottom reads: 'Mrs Gladys E.Machin OBE J.P Founder of the Club, President 1953-1974'. gladys e machin, city of caulfield, councillor, mayor, gladys e wallace, glen eira, caulfield senior citizen's club

The interview is one of a series recorded in 2013-2014 to document memories and experiences of the Williamstown Botanic GardensA primary source of information on memories of the Gardens from 1945 to the present (2013) and the founding of the Williamstown Botanic Gardens Friends Group by Sue Murray, who is the inaugural President CD and transcript of interview with Sue Murray on the founding of the Friends of Williamstown Botanic Gardens and her memories of the Gardens from her childhood through to adulthood.sue murray, friends of williamstown botanic gardens, cannons, mr anderson, gates, horses, jessie sims (nee faichney), hobsons bay city council

This bag belonged to by Mrs Alice "May" Moss CBE (1869-1948), Australian suffragist, social welfare campaigner and longtime resident of 59 North Road, Brighton. Born Alice Frances Mabel Wilson in Ballarat, in 1887 May married Isidore Moss, the son of Norwood's builder Mark Moss. While her children were young, she began to campaign for the rights of women and served as vice-president of the Australian Women's National League in 1906-14, during which time she actively campaigned in Victoria for women's suffrage. She was an Australian delegate at the League of Nations Assembly at Geneva in 1927, where she was the first woman to sit on a finance committee. She attended the International Council of Women in Geneva in the same year and in 1928 was elected as vice president of the ICW, a position she held until her death. She was the first president of the National Council of Women of Australia, serving from 1931 to 1936. May was active in many other community organisations and causes, including the Royal Women's Hospital, the Collingwood Crèche and the Free Kindergarten movement. She served on the board of management of the City Newsboys' Society in 1906-48 and was the first woman lay-member of the National Health and Medical Research Council in 1936-45. She was also member of the International and Lyceum clubs, with an interest in the theatre, painting and woodcarving.French petit point tapestry bag featuring seven people in a bucolic scene, with trees and buildings in the background. Black border. Gold metal hinged opening with ornamental clasp and gold chain.may moss, petit point, 1930s

Articles in annual report include: Mission Statement, Office-bearers and Committee, Executive Director's Review, President's Report, Vision Resource Centre, Volunteer Service, A Record of Service, Blind Members' Council, Sources of Appeal Income, Finance Report, Head Office and Regional Administration, Our Grateful Thanks. 1 printed volume with illustrationsassociation for the blind, corporation records

Articles in annual report include: Office-bearers and Committee, President's report, AFB Community Care in Action, Executive Director's Review, The International Conference on Low Vision 1990, Volunteer Service, Blind Members' Council, A Record of Service, finance report, head office and regional administration, our grateful thanks. 1 printed volume with illustrationsassociation for the blind, corporation records

Articles in annual report include: "President's Report: A Season of Celebrations", "A Future in their Fingers: 1894-1994", "Pride and Problems", "The Next 100 years", "Volunteer Report: Service Since Day 1", "Blind Member's Council: Keeping the focus Sharp", "Once in a Century Appeal, CEO's Report: New Beginnings", "Services: Vision and Hearing Assessment, Rehabilitation, Confident Living, Resident Care, Telephone Support Programs, Information Radio, Vision Information Line, Newsline, Training" "Treasurer's Report: Satisfying Results"32 printed pages with illustrationsassociation for the blind, corporation records

Activities in annual report include: beginning to plan for centre for multi-handicapped children, expansion of home care program for deaf/blind children, continued to provide secretariat for the Australian National Council for the Blind, past President Dr Charles Bennett was awarded an OBE in June 1969, teacher George Findlay awarded an MBE in June 1968, formation of a ski club which conducted a ski camp, continuance of interest-free home purchase loans for blind workers, death of Bert Merrick who led the Blind People's Social Club for many years and the creation of the Bert Merrick Memorial Picnic and two prizes for Burwood School children to honour him.1 volume of print and illustrationsannual reports, royal victorian institute for the blind

Articles in annual report include: "President's report: Ship-shape condition" Profiles: 'Crusader for colour contrast', 'You have to take risks', 'My life with Braille', 'A need to feel good', 'You can do anything'. Executive Director's report: A Challenging Year; Blind Members' Council report: We Kept Our Trust, Treasurers' report: A Year of Consolidation , financial statement, donors, office holders, record of service.28 printed pages with illustrationsassociation for the blind, corporation records

Graham KING (23 February 1915 – 11 October 2008) Known as a master printmaker, Graham King was instrumental in the revival of Australian printmaking in the 1960s. He was the inaugural Secretary of the Print Council of Australia, and was later President. A lecturer in Printmaking at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) from 1966 to 1988, he was awarded an Order of Australia for his services to education in 1991. This item is part of the Federation University Art Collection. The Art Collection features over 2000 works and was listed as a 'Ballarat Treasure' in 2007.Framed lithograph in predominantly blue and black.Signed lower edge " Proof 2/5. 'Nocturne'. Graham King '63."art, artwork, graham king, king, printmaking, edition, available

Barbara Weir (b. 1945-03/01/2023) Born: In the region of Utopia, North East of Alice Springs, formerly known as Derry Downs Station Language: Anmatyerre and Alywarr Country: Atnwengerrp, Utopia Region, North East of Alice Springs, Northern Territory One of the Stolen Generation, Barbara Weir was removed from her Aboriginal family at the age of nine, and she was raised in a series of foster homes. Reuniting with her mother, Minnie Pwerle, in the 1960s, Weir eventually returned to her family territory of Utopia, 300 kilometres northeast of Alice Springs. Active in the local land rights movement of the 1970s Barbara Weir was elected the first woman president of the Indigenous Urapunta Council in 1985. Barbara’s career as an artist was inspired by the dynamic community of artists at Utopia and the work of her adopted auntie Emily Kame Kngwarreye. Highly experimental in her approach, Barabara Weir tried many mediums before travelling to Indonesia in 1994 with other artists to explore batik technique. She returned full of ideas on how to develop her own style which has since evolved to a more expressive abstract form. Grass Seed is part of her Dreamings and is associated with women’s ceremony and the activity of food gathering of local seeds, grasses, berries, potato, plum, banana, flowers and yams. This item is part of the Federation University Art Collection. The Art Collection features over 1000 works and was listed as a 'Ballarat Treasure' in 2007.Barbara Weir's paintings include representations of particular plants and "dreamings". Inspired by a small grass found in Utopia called Lyaw, Munyeroo or Pigsweed, Barbara's Grass Seed paintings consist of a series of small brush strokes that overlap and weave to create a swaying effect. This Dreaming tells the story of grass seed that is part of the bush tucker found in the region of Utopia. This seed is collected, crushed to a fine powder and is then used to make a bread, very similar to damper. The people of Utopia were still using this seed as late as the 1950s. During that time the seed grew in abundance but as the years passed there were very few good seeds to be found due to bullocks roaming the land and eating the grasses. The people then began to eat a substitute that the white man provided, and today very few Aboriginal people collect these seeds. art, artwork, barbara weir, aboriginal, dreaming, stolen generation, acrylic on linen

Mrs Augusta Tutton was the president of the Council of Auxiliaries for the RVIB for over 12 years, an Auxiliary member for 27 years, and undertook hundreds of speaking engagements and met with thousands of people at charity events, openings and auxiliary meetings. 8 B/W images of Augusta Tuttonroyal victorian institute for the blind, augusta tutton

"The Committee, Blind Members and Staff acknowledge and record for posterity the outstanding service given to the blind people of Victoria by (blank) This exceptional contribution, which has enriched the quality of their living, was made in a selfless and warmhearted manner in the Association tradition of caring and sharing. Inherent in the many attributes displayed were the admirable qualities of leadership, loyalty, consistency of purpose, and a great generosity of spirit. In recognition of this distinguished service we now pay tribute to and honour Katharine Margaret Rose in the presentation of the John Wilson Award." Signed by Diana J. Jones (President), John Cook (staff representative), B. J. Sittlington (Chairman, Blind Members Council) on 16th October 1967.1 cream A3 page with tan border around edgeassociation for the blind, katharine (kitty) rose

These minutes contain information on attendees, meeting chairs, apologies, correspondence, subscriptions, donations, legacies and general business. Reports are also included from Auxiliaries, Auditors, Library and Home teacher, Directors, The Black and White committee, Victor Maxwell House, Helen Keller Hostel, The Victor Maxwell Kindergarten, The Sandy Robertson Kindergarten, Alexis Albert House, Silver Lighthouse committee, 'Heathfield' and other Woollahra properties. 20/1/1958 it was noted that considerable developments were taking place with respect to the recording of books on discs to tape and the Society will adopt system of recording set out by R.N.I.B. 24/2/1958 an order for 100 small silver plated lighthouses had been decided on to be presented to outstanding benefactors of the Society. 15/8/1959 'Lighthouse', home for aged Blind women was opened. 5/9/1958 The President welcomed the first 6 residents to Alexis Albert House, home for aged Blind men. 6/9/1958 The Newcastle Blind Centre was opened. 23/9/1963 it was unanimously resolved that 5 Lots comprising of the estate left by the late Mrs F. I. Skovronksi were to be sold. 1 volume with sheets pasted on to pagesroyal blind society of new south wales, alexis albert hostel, victor maxwell kindergarten, sandy robertson kindergarten, helen keller hostel

These minutes contain information on attendees, meeting chairs, apologies, matters arising out of minutes, correspondence, subscriptions, donations and general business. Reports are also included from Reports for Honorary Treasurer, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Council Committee, Information Services, Corporate Services, Accommodation Services, Rehabilitation, Marketing, Administration Support and Personnel. 25/8/1997 The President read a letter from the CEO, Mr. J. M. Isaacs formally advising of his resignation to take into effect from 31 December 1997. 24/11/1997 The President reported that Mr. John Landau was to be appointed to the position of CEO. 8/7/1997 The CEO advised the telephone based daily new service using interactive voice response technology developed by RBS was launched. 10/8/1997 it was reported the Queensland Talking Book Service (QTBS) was launched. 21/3/2000 The CEO reported that Ms. Jane Evans had been appointed as General Manager of the National Information Library Service (NILS). 18/4/2000 The CEO reported that one of the reasons for the creation of NILS was to combine the resources of RVIB and RBS to ensure an economical and smooth transition of both collections. 12/11/2001 The CEO reported that a meeting was held to discuss the merger of NILS and Vision Australia Foundation. 1 volume of sheets glued to pagesroyal blind society of nsw, national information library service

These meetings were held at the Kooyong office and the minutes include Present, Chair, Apologies, Minutes, Matter arising from minutes, Correspondence, Life governors, Election of nominees, Nominations, Reports from Finance, Welfare, Brighton, Ballarat, Kooyong, Regional Centres, Nursing homes, Blind Members' auxiliary, Social activities, General business, Guest speakers. The AFB Blind Members' Council Annual Reports are also included beginning with June 30th 1977. Some highlights include: 25/5/1976 it was reported that the newly formed Tandem Bicycle Club would be holding their meetings at Kooyong the first Sunday of each month. 30/6/1978 it was reported that in April the Kooyong complex of buildings was named H.M. Lightfoot Centre after the immediate past President of AFB. The Council has been successful in having included in the learner driver book of road rules a question on the significance of the white cane. 30/7/1979 The Chairman, Mr Sitlington, represented Blind Members at the opening of the Ballarat Day Centre, Kelaston, in April. 30/6/1980 it was reported that the BMC welcomed 119 new members during the past twelve months. The Chairman, Mr Sitlington, represented Blind Members at the opening of the new George Vowell Nursing Home and Day Centre. 20/2/1981 a letter from the Chairman of VicRail, Mr Reiher, giving assurance that audio announcements will still be made in conjunction with the computer board. Minute book for Blind Members Councilassociation for the blind, blind members council

These meetings were held at the Kooyong office and the minutes include Present, Chair, Apologies, Minutes, Matter arising from minutes, Correspondence, Life governors, Election of members, Nominations, Reports from Regional Blind Members groups, White Cane Day October 15th promoted. Some highlights include: 3/12/1982 the film, 'A world that is dark', which was made by AFB for television release is now available on video. 31/8/1984 the Blind members' brochure includes sections titled 'Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow' which outlines the history, present position and the aims for the future of the AFB, 'Information about Blind Members' and Blind Members' Council', List of AFB homes and centres' and 'An invitation from Bryan Sitlington to be a Blind Member accompanied by an application form. It will be available to all visually impaired people, their family and friends, AFB staff and suitable for distribution at doctor's surgeries. 14/12/1984 it was reported 29 new Blind members were elected at the September meeting and the 1,000th member was among them. 8/6/1984 Mr John Blanch reported that the General Committee had approved, although rather reluctantly, Mr John Wilson's resignation and had appoint Mr John Cook as his successor. 13/9/1985 Mr John Blanch reported that following Mr Pat Lightfoot's resignation he had contacted Mr John Wicking to offer him the position of sighted representative on Blind Members' Council. John Wicking had been approached for role on the BMC however he was unable to attend Fridays. It was moved to move the meetings to the last Monday of the Month, after approaching John Wicking again. Council members agreed that if John Wicking took the position it would be good as would have been held by Pat Lightfoot and John Wicking, both past Presidents of AFB. Mrs Margaret Canavan and Mr Alan Cooper had been selected to attend a garden party at Government House with Her Majesty the Queen and His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburg on Thursday March 6. Minute book for Blind Members Councilassociation for the blind, blind members council

Dorina Nowill, the President of the World Council for the Welfare of the Blind (later known as the World Blind Union) and Vice-President John Wilson discuss items at a meeting in the Brighton offices of the Association for the Blind.B/W photograph of Dorina Nowill and John Wilson in a meeting.Mrs Dorina Nowill, President of the World Council for the Welfare of the Blind, and Mr John Wilson, Vice President, in discussion during meetings at the Association for the Blind, Brighton.dorina nowill, john wilson, world blind union, association for the blind

Framed portrait of David Robertson who was the first President of the Association for the Advancement of the Blind, from 1895-1899. It is part of a series of paintings commissioned by the VAF Board to commemorate the work of past presidents of the organisation. Mr Robertson sits with his hands resting upon a wooden cane. He is wearing dark spectacles, a gray suit and waistcoat, white shirt with starched collar and pleated front, and a red and blue striped necktie. On his left lapel is a blue and red medal. David Robertson was educated at the Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind and was trained as a basket maker. He was one of eight foundation members of the Association for the Advancement of the Blind (now Vision Australia Foundation ) which was formed in 1895 in order to encourage blind people to manage their own affairs and build their self esteem. He was appointed the inaugural president and served as such from 1895 to 1899 and again in 1913 as well as acting as vice president from 1900 to 1902 and in 1911 and 1915. Known as a level headed and wise peacemaker he was elected chairman of the first interstate conference of blind people, which took place in Melbourne in 1913. From this evolved the Federal Council of Organizations of the Blind, which undertook to consider all matters affecting blind people. 1 art original in gold frameThe plaque at the base of the painting reads 'David Robertson / Inaugural President of / Association for Advancement of the Blind'.david robertson, association for the advancement of the blind

On 30th August 1901 The Chronicle, an Adelaide newspaper, announced that J.W.Hosking was leaving Terowie to establish a business in Port Fairy. He had lived in Terowie for 25 years and had been chairman of the District Council, a member of the school board and a Justice of the Peace. He was also a keen supporter of the cricket and other sporting teams. On leaving Treowie he was presented with a Gladstone bag and an illuminated address signed by 47 residents. Hosking had a wife and daughter and it was reported that with his brother, he had bought the drapery and furnishing business of W.T.Hattam in Port Fairy. Trading as G.E.Hosking &Co., the brothers already had branches in N.S.W. South Australia and Western Australia. By 1905 J.W.Hosking was President of the Port Fairy Hospital and, although in July of that year he announced that he was resigning because of pressure of business, he was obviously persuaded to stay on. Indeed, he remained President until 1907. In September 1907, the brothers were bought out by D.E.MacLellan, late of MacLellan & Craig of Mount Gambier. So when the silver cigar/cigarette case was presented to Hosking, he was not only ceasing to be President of the Hospital but was almost certainly leaving the town. On February 1908 he resigned as a JP for the Western Bailiwick of the State of Victoria.Typical of the type of item given to express gratitude for voluntary work especially in positions such as Presidents and Secretaries.silver cigar case, chased hall marked, interior gold washto J W Hosking Esq/ from the Committee/Port Fairy Hospital/14/11/07civic mementoes, presentations, hospital, hosking, g.e.hosking&co, port fairy, president, jp, western bailiwick, state of victoria, demaclellan, wthattam