Prior to the election of female Councillors and Mayors in the 1960’s, the Lady Mayoress role was one of the few ways women could officially undertake civic duties. Mayoresses made important contributions to their local communities through their charity work and as ambassadors for their region on a state and federal level. They also undertook some Mayoral duties on occasions when their husband was unavailable. The Bendigo Mayoress medallion was commissioned by Sir George Lansell Jnr in the tradition of making a mayoral presentation in gold. It was first worn by Mayoress Snell and was presented to her on April 11th, 1956 at the municipal centenary dinner at the Shamrock Hotel. The medallion was passed on to each subsequent Mayoress when the new Mayor was appointed. The Mayoress medallion was commissioned by Sir George Lansell Jnr in the tradition of making a mayoral presentation in gold. The drop and chain have been hand crafted n 18ct yellow gold and engraved by a master engraver also by hand. It was first worn by Mayoress Snell and was presented to her on April 11th, 1956 at the municipal centenary dinner at the Shamrock Hotel. Front; Progress / BENDIGO. Verso; PRESENTED / TO THE / BENDIGO CITY COUNCIL / by / SIR GEORGE LANSELL, / TO COMMEMORATE THE CENTENARY OF / LOCAL GOVERNMENT IN BENDIGO / 10 - 1 - 56george lansell jnr, mayoress chain, bendigo centenary, mayoress snell, city of greater bendigo ceremonial item, lansell pendant

Medal commemorating the Centenary of Government of Victoria and the Discovery of Gold, commissioned by the Victorian Government. Designed by Andor Mészáros and minted by K.G. Luke, Melbourne, 1951 marked the centenary of Victoria's separation from the colony of New South Wales. As part of the celebrations, the Victorian Government commissioned this medal from Andor Meszaros. Drawing on his classical background, Mészáros developed the imagery for 'Equality and Justice through Freedom'. The man holding the torch represents equality; the blindfolded woman holding a sword is the symbol of justice, and both are mounted on a horse that has broken its shackles.Obverse Description Horse bounding left, broken shackles on foreleg, carrying woman holding sword and man holding torch; around, EQUALITY AND JUSTICE THROUGH FREEDOM Artist's name behind horse's tail Reverse Description Stake supporting plant; above, CENTENARY OF THE GOVERNMENT OF VICTORIA 1851 - 1951; inscribed, CENTENARY OF GOVERNMENT OF VICTORIA 1851 - 1951; Artist's initials to left of stake. Edge Description PlainObverse Description: Equity and Justice Through Freedom Reverse Description: Centenary of the Government of Victoria 1851 - 1951; inscribed, Presented to the / Shire of Strathfieldsaye/ 1951andor mészáros, centenary of government of victoria, shire of strathfieldsaye, city of greater bendigo medals

Navy ceremonial robe with lapin fur collar and cuffs and three lines of gold braid along hem. Blashki & Sonscity of greater bendigo ceremonial item

Borough of Eaglehawk black mayoral robe, lined with blue fabric and decorated with three gold braid stripes. city of greater bendigo ceremonial item

Prior to the election of female Councillors and Mayors in the 1960’s, the Lady Mayoress role was one of the few ways women could be active in civic life. Mayoresses made important contributions to their local communities through their charity work and as ambassadors for their region on a state and at times, national level. Mayoresses were also required to undertake Mayoral duties on occasions when their husband was unavailable. Mayoress Snell was born in Durham UK. Mayoress Snell was the first Mayoress to wear the gold medallion which came with the office. It was presented on April 11th 1956 at the municipal centenary dinner at the Shamrock and was a gift from Sir George Lansell who followed in the tradition of his late father George Lansell in making a mayoral presentation in gold. (1) p 209 Jackman.Framed, oval photographic studio portrait. Hand coloured detail. Image is flat, glass is domed.cl; Mrs H. W. Snell / Mayoress 1955 - 56 1958 - 59 / 1959 - 60vincent kelly, studio photography, edith margaret snell, city of bendigo mayoress, city of greater bendigo portraits, lansell pendant

Held in Melbourne from the 22nd November to 8th December, the 1956 Summer Olympics, officially known as the Games of the XVI Olympiad or the Melbourne Olympics were the first held outside of Europe or the USA. The Olympic torch relay passed through Central Victoria on its way from Cairns to Melbourne. Faith Yvonne Leech (31 March 1941 – 14 September 2013) was born in Bendigo and won a gold medal in the 4×100–metre freestyle relay and bronze in the 100-metre freestyle at the Melbourne Games.White cotton towel with green and gold horizontal stripes with the word Australia written across centre.left top manufacturers label; Olympic Games / 1956 / Manufactured by Supertex. Verso manufacturers label; Super Tex / All Cotton Fast Colour / Made in Australiamelbourne olympics, 1956, olympic games, bendigo, faith leech, faith leech memorial swimming pool, city of greater bendigo tourism

Held in Melbourne from the 22nd November to 8th December, the 1956 Summer Olympics, officially known as the Games of the XVI Olympiad or the Melbourne Olympics were the first held outside of Europe or the USA. The Olympic torch relay passed through Central Victoria on its way from Cairns to Melbourne. Faith Yvonne Leech (31 March 1941 – 14 September 2013) was born in Bendigo and won a gold medal in the 4×100–metre freestyle relay and bronze in the 100-metre freestyle at the Melbourne Games.Commemorative glass produced by Greig's Honey prior to the Melbourne Olympic Games in 1956. The glass has both images and text printed on the outside and features an image of Faith Leech in swimsuit, accompanied by Olympic symbols and advertising text. [Head, shoulders and torso image Faith Leech], [Olympic ring, torch and wreath], OLYMPIC PAGEANT / MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA / 1956 / Faith Leech, Australia / May represent / in / 100 metres / freestyle / Greig's Honeyfaith leech, melbourne olympics, 1956, faith leech swimming pool

Held in Melbourne from the 22nd November to 8th December, the 1956 Summer Olympics, officially known as the Games of the XVI Olympiad or the Melbourne Olympics were the first held outside of Europe or the USA. This booklet published the results from all the events and includes an overview of the Games on page 2. Australia won 13 gold medals and tallied third overall. A5 size illustrated booklet publishing the winning results from the 1956 Melbourne Olympics.16 pages, printed with yellow and green ink. Front cover depicts the MCG. Stapled at spine. melbourne olympics, city of bendigo

The Bendigo Caledonian Society is a social club for Scottish descendants still active today.Event program for the Bendigo Caledonian Society. Half fold design printed in gold, white, pink and light and dark blue ink on cream card. Embossed with scalloped edge on cover. Musical program listed inside. Front cover: Bendigo Caledonian Society / Welcome / to / His Excellency the State Governor / and / Lady Gibson-Carmichael / Town Hall / December 8th, 1908 / D. Andrew / Chief / A.C. Forbes / Secretary bendigo town hall, bendigo caledonian society, sir thomas gibson carmichael, lady gibson carmichael, governor of victoria 1908, bolton brothers printers, making a nation exhibition, councillor david andrew, city of greater bendigo events, city of greater bendigo community groups

John Robert Hoskins was a Councillor with the City of Bendigo from1888 - 1902 and Mayor from 1901 - 1902. Hoskins' interests in the region included the mining company Hoskins & Co, which distinguished itself on the late Derwent Reef United Company's leased ground in 1868 by achieving a yield of over an ounce to the ton. In the late 1870s John R. Hoskins formed a estate agency in partnership with Frederick Illingworth. He was also manager of the New Nil Desperandum, formed to work the shaft of the old Raywood mine, from 1906 to 1908. Event program for the Mayoral Dinner July 25, 1902. Gold, green and brown ink on cream card. Half fold with menu printed inside and Toast List on back cover. Scalloped edges.Front cover: (Picture) Bendigo Coat of Arms / Mayoral Dinner / Given by / The Mayor / (Cr .J. R. Hoskins) / July 25, 1902 / Town Hall / Bendigo bendigo town hall, making a nation exhibition, c roberts caterer, mayor j. r. hoskins, councillor j. r hoskins, mayoral ball, city of greater bendigo events, city of greater bendigo ceremonial item

Luke Murphy served as a Councillor from 1902 - 1917 and was elected the 35th Mayor of Bendigo in 1905. The Mayor and Mayoress gave the customary ball at which over 400 guest attended and was regarded as one of the most successful in the municipals history. (p219 Mayors of Bendigo). Event program for the Mayoral Ball, 26th June, 1906. Gold and green ink on green card. Half fold with menu and drinks list printed inside.Embossed and scalloped edges.Front cover: City of Bendigo / 26-06-06 / Menu Card / Cr. Luke Murphy, Mayor bendigo town hall, making a nation exhibition, mayoral ball, mayor luke murphy, councillor luke murphy, milburn catering bendigo, cambridge printers, city of greater bendigo events, city of greater bendigo ceremonial item

Rose Anne Murphy nee Herbel married Luke Murphy in 1902 and became Mayoress when Councillor Luke Murphy was elected 35th Mayor of Bendigo in 1905. The Mayor and Mayoress gave the customary ball at which over 400 guest attended and was regarded as one of the most successful in the municipals history. (p219 Mayors of Bendigo). This invitation is for a Mayoress Reception in November, 1906. Event program for a reception held by Mayoress of Bendigo Mrs J Semmens 1906. Gold ink on cream / pink card. Half fold with program listed inside. Front cover: Reception / The Mayoress of Bendigo. / Mrs J Semmens. / Town Hall, / Bendigo / (Picture: Coat of Arms) Thursday / 15th Nov. 1906bendigo town hall, making a nation exhibition, mayoress murphy, rose murphy, city of greater bendigo events, city of greater bendigo ceremonial item

David Andrew was born in Castlemaine in 1866 and moved with his family to Bendigo in 1871. He took over his fathers auctioneering business which was situated on the corner of Hargreaves and Williamson Streets in 1893. David Andrew married Myra Swan McIntyre in 1888 and they had two children. After the death of Myra in 1892 aged 27 he married Myra's younger sister Clare and together they had a further two children. David Andrew was a prominent member of the old Bendigo Caledonian Society, Captain of the Bendigo Fire Brigade, a member of the Bendigo Masonic Lodge and for many years Secretary of the Easter Fair. He served as a Councillor from 1904 - 1925 and Mayor 1909 - 10 and 1913 - 14.Event program for the Mayor's Ball. Gold and purple print on white and cream card. Half fold with menu and wine list inside. Back cover has portrait of both the Mayor and Mayoress.Front cover: Mayor's Ball / 1910 / (Picture: City of Bendigo Coat of Arms) / MENU / Cr. D ANDREW, Mayor. / TOWN HALL, BENDIGO, / July 1910.bendigo town hall, making a nation exhibition, councillor david andrew, mayor andrew, bendigo caledonian society, bendigo masonic lodge, mayoress myra andrew, clare andrew, city of greater bendigo ceremonial item, city of greater bendigo events

J. H. Carolin was active in municipal politics from 1886 - 1913. He began his career in Kyneton and arrived in Bendigo in 1879. Councillor Carolin became Mayor for the first time from 1889 - 90 and then again in 1907 -08. John Paul Carolin married Mary Corcoran in 1861and together had 10 children. Event program for the Mayor's Ball. Gold and purple print on pink card. Half fold with menu and wine list inside. Embossed and scalloped edging. Back cover lists the 'light refreshments' served in the Council Chamber throughout the night. Front cover: Return Ball / by the / Citizens of Bendigo / TO HIS WORSHIP / The Mayor of Bendigo, / Cr Carolin and Mrs Carolin / TOWN HALL, BENDIGO / TUESDAY, JULY, 14th, 1908bendigo town hall, making a nation exhibition, councillor john paul carolin, mayor carolin, mayoress mary carolin, mary corcoran, james printer eaglehawk, r.h. reed caterer bendigo, city of greater bendigo events, city of greater bendigo ceremonial item

Primarily a promotional publication to attract new residents and encourage tourism to the district. This publication espouses the many attractions and benefits of life in Bendigo while not relying heavily on its gold rush past. 'In the restful atmosphere of a provincial city Bendigo's 40,000 inhabitants are contented and friendly, ever ready to make a newcomer at home'. Booklet promoting the climate, character and industries of the City of Bendigo and surrounding districts. Includes black and white and colour photographs, drawings, and text describing various facets of life in regional Victoria. Publication art work and design are particularly striking. councillor alec craig, city of greater bendigo tourism, mayor w cambridge, cambridge press, making a nation exhibition

Souvenir colouring and activity book and set of colour pencils for children. Contains illustrations of a family of four undertaking various tourism activities such as visiting Deborah Gold Mine, Bendigo Pottery and the Chinese Dragon.A4 size, twelve page illustrated children's activity book with set of six coloured pencils. Book includes pages to colour in and find-a-word puzzles. Coloured pencils are housed in separate plastic pocket.Bendigo / The Centre of Attraction / Activity / Book / Bendigo / The Centrepiece of Victoriacity of greater bendigo tourism

Medal commemorating the Centenary of Government of Victoria and the Discovery of Gold, commissioned by the Victorian Government. Designed by Andor Mészáros and minted by K.G. Luke, Melbourne, 1951 marked the centenary of Victoria's separation from the colony of New South Wales. As part of the celebrations, the Victorian Government commissioned this medal from Andor Meszaros. Drawing on his classical background, Mészáros developed the imagery for 'Equality and Justice through Freedom'. The man holding the torch represents equality; the blindfolded woman holding a sword is the symbol of justice, and both are mounted on a horse that has broken its shackles.Obverse Description Horse bounding left, broken shackles on foreleg, carrying woman holding sword and man holding torch; around, EQUALITY AND JUSTICE THROUGH FREEDOM Artist's name behind horse's tail Reverse Description Stake supporting plant; above, CENTENARY OF THE GOVERNMENT OF VICTORIA 1851 - 1951; inscribed, CENTENARY OF GOVERNMENT OF VICTORIA 1851 - 1951; Artist's initials to left of stake. Edge Description: Plain. Boxed. Obverse Description: Equity and Justice Through Freedom Reverse Description: Centenary of the Government of Victoria 1851 - 1951; inscribed, Presented to / the City of /Bendigo/ 1951andor mészáros, centenary of government of victoria, city of greater bendigo medals

The Bendigo School of Mines was opened in 1873 following the first report of the Technological Commission in 1869 which recommended the establishment of schools of design and science to meet the scientific and technical needs of the mining industry on the local gold fields. Initially mining, chemistry, geology, metallurgy and art were taught while a separate school of design was established in c. 1870 but incorporated into the School of Mines around 1883 when it was renamed as the School of Mines and Industry. In 1904 The Mechanics Institute was liquidated and its assets and buildings acquired by the School of Mines. Around 1907 a Junior Technical School commenced to operate at the School of Mines and Industry but ceased operating in 1961 with that function being transferred to the White Hills and Kangaroo Flat Technical Schools. The Bendigo School of Mines and Industry became known as the Bendigo Technical College from the 1st July 1959. It operated under that name until February 1967 when it became the Bendigo Institute of Technology (B.I.T.). Construction work commenced in c.1965 which saw the Institute progressively re-locate to new buildings at Flora Hill. (Fn: https://prov.vic.gov.au/archive/VA3091) Richard Hartley Smith Abbott was the step son of Joseph Henry Abbott and continued on in the family tradition of entering into business. He was elected a representative in the Mandurang riding in the Shire of Strathfieldsaye in 1887, served as Mayor of the City of Bendigo from 1917 - 1918 and was Secretary of the Bendigo Art Gallery for over 20 years. His father Joseph Abbot had been a member of the School of Mines Administrative Council and RH Abbott served as President of the School of Mines for two years and was a highly regarded business man within the local community. The School of Mines and Industries would have written to him asking him to intervene to ensure that their reputation remained intact.Handwritten letter by the registrar from the School of Mines to R H S Abbott on lightly lined writing paper.city of greater bendigo education, city of greater bendigo mining, mayor rhs abbott, shire of strathfieldsaye, bendigo art gallery

Assay is a process of metallurgy and chemical analysis used to determine proportions of precious metals in ores and other metallurgy substances such as silver or gold. The process helps identify pollutants present within a sample and can indicate a high level of pollution in a mining site. Stoneware crucibles are used in the fire assay process due to their ability to withstand high temperatures. Fire assay is a three step process where by samples from the mine are ground in a find powder and then mixed with dry powder chemicals. This mixture is heated in a crucible to extreme temperatures (crucible fusion) until all of the powers fuse into a glass like slag. Once this reaction is complete, the contents are poured into a mold and cooled. In step three (known as cupellation) the mixture is separated in a fire assay cupel and once this is complete the cupel with reveal a small bead of precious metals. Established by George Guthrie in 1857 (about 5km north of its current site) and then again seven years later in 1864 after it initially closed, Bendigo Pottery remains one of the most influential and longest running potteries in Australia. Over the years the Pottery has contributed to the growth and development of the district through both its products including building products, table ware and decorative and commemorative war as well as artistically, being responsible for training and supporting many potters locally. It has partnered with the City on various tourism promotions and the Civic Collection holds a number of important items within its collection.Two stoneware vessels of differing dimensions (0287.1 & .2). Unglazed and porous, showing extensive signs of use. Stamped and marked on the outside. 0287.2 has a shaped pouring lip. Six smaller items, coins, buttons (0287.3,.4,.5,.6,.7,.8) were found with the crucibles but their relationship to the assay items is unknown.0287.1; Large crucible; Bendigo Pottery / E. 0287.2; Small crucible: Pottery / C Icity of greater bendigo commerce, city of greater bendigo mining, making a nation exhibition

A pennyweight was a unit of mass that was equal in weight to 20 grains, one twentieth of an ounce and one 240th of a Troy pound. The abbreviation for a pennyweight is ‘dwt’ (denarius weight). These measures and weights were typically used for weighing gold and other precious metals. Group of eleven weights and measures including seven rectangular pennyweights with clipped corners and marked 10 DWTS, 6 DWTS, 5 DWTS, 4 DWTS, 3 DWTS, 2 DWTS respectively, two gram weights; 5 grams and 4 grams with top right pressed corner and two cup troy weights marked 4oz TROY and ½.284.1 10 DWTS 284.2 6 DWTS 284.3 5 DWTS 284.4 4 DWTS 284.5 3 DWTS 284.6 2 DWTS 284.7 1 DWTS 284.8 5 GRAMS 284.9 4 GRAMS 284.10 4 oz TROY 284.11 ½ city of greater bendigo commerce, making a nation exhibition, city of greater bendigo mining

When the Commonwealth Post and Telegraph Act was passed in June 1902, and a national Postmaster General's Department (the PMG) was established and the responsibility for the nation's mail and telephone services fell on Post Offices. The Bendigo Post Office, built in 1887 and situated on Pall Mall was the central distribution centre for receiving and delivering telegrams and continued to deliver communication and postal services until 1997. This stamped, addressed Commemorative Pictorial Postmark envelope celebrates the 1951 Bendigo Gold Centenary Philatelic Exhibition. Registered, postmarked 02 July 1951. Printed and stamped envelope featuring an image of a poppet head on the left and four commemorative stamps celebrating 100 years of gold top right. Letter is addressed.Obverse Top left; $30 Centre top and bottom; various pencil markings Lower right; T. Clark / 5 Princes St / Oakleigh s.12 / Vic Reverse- Two red pencil lines Centre - postal stamps bendigo post office, bendigo tourism, city of greater bendigo tourism, post office collection, making a nation exhibition

Premier Town Awards are awarded by the Victorian State Government to regional communities that best protect and enhance their environment through innovative initiatives. The award recognizes success in litter prevention, waste management and environmental projects and is designed to encourage tourism. In 1982 - 1985 Bendigo was named Victoria's Premier Town and an official dinner was held at the Town Hall, Bendigo on October 5, 1985.Two large gold coloured medals manufactured to promote the awarding of 'Premier Town' to Bendigo from 1982 - 1985. 0349a,b; Front face is has raised image of poppet head and text, reverse is blank. Front face; Premier Town Advancement Award / Bendigo / Premier Town / Victoria 1982 - 1985city of bendigo, city of bendigo commerce, city of greater bendigo awards, city of greater bendigo community groups, city of greater bendigo tourism, city of bendigo premier town 1982-85

The Bendigo School of Mines was opened in 1873 following the first report of the Technological Commission in 1869 which recommended the establishment of schools of design and science to meet the scientific and technical needs of the mining industry on the local gold fields. Initially mining, chemistry, geology, metallurgy and art were taught while a separate school of design was established in c. 1870 but incorporated into the School of Mines around 1883 when it was renamed as the School of Mines and Industry. In 1904 The Mechanics Institute was liquidated and its assets and buildings acquired by the School of Mines. Around 1907 a Junior Technical School commenced to operate at the School of Mines and Industry but ceased operating in 1961 with that function being transferred to the White Hills and Kangaroo Flat Technical Schools.Obverse; Ornate relief design made up of a coat of arms with mining icons in each quarter flanked by flags on either side. Per varios usus artem experientia fecit written in scroll underneath. Translation: Practice has brought skill through different exercises. (Manilius) Reverse; Outer wheel Bendigo School of Mines and Industries. Inner; 1873 /Jubilee /1923Obverse; Per varios usus artem experientia fecit Reverse; Outer wheel Bendigo School of Mines and Industries. Inner; 1873 /Jubilee /1923city of greater bendigo education, bendigo school of mines

Medal commemorating the centenary of the establishment of a settlement on Bendigo Creek. (.1) Small, circular, gold pin with blue and green enamel. below. (.2) Seventeen numbered paper envelopes containing single pin.Face of pin has the City of Bendigo Coat of Arms in relief with 'City of Bendigo' above and 'Centenary 1851 - 1961' city of greater bendigo medals

Alec Sandner was a Strathfieldsaye Shire Councillor from 1982 -1987, Strathfieldsaye Shire President from 1985 – 86 and Mayor of COG Bendigo 2011 - 2012. These cuff links would have been worn during official events, such as council meetings. Matching set of two cuff links worn by Alec Sandner while serving on the Shire of Strathfieldsaye Council. Cuff links are metallic (gold) with the circular Shire coat of arms. The coat of arms are represented in full colour. sandner collection, mayor alec sandner, helen sandner, shire of strathfieldsaye, president of strathfieldsaye shire, city of greater bendigo mayor

Medal commemorating the centenary of the establishment of a settlement on Bendigo Creek. Stokes & Sons pressed medal with gold finish to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the establishment of Bendigo. obverse; 1851 / City of Bendigo Centenary / 1951. Reverse: In centre: Coat of arms (Bendigo), Below Progresscity of greater bendigo medals

The Bendigo Base Hospital was established in 1853 as the Bendigo Gold District General Hospital. This forty second Annual Report provides a detailed account of finances, building and maintenance works. The report also provided information on the number of people admitted, their occupation, residence area, operations undertaken. The largest number of patients were listed as those doing domestic duties (522), with labourers (333), miners (264) and school children (220) making up the top four from a total of 1886. James Buick was the Resident Surgeon during this year and his report states that the number of in-patients by far exceeded any previous years with the Hospital at full capacity most of the time. A typhoid and a measles epidemic added to the strain on resources. Printed annual report with brown paper cover. city of greater bendigo health services, councillor mcgowen, councillor h m marks, councillor j h abbott, james buick

Mayoress Taylor was born Hannah Ellen Mullany and died 9th September 1963 aged 83. Hannah Taylor served as Mayoress from 1930 -31, 1937 - 38 and 1942 - 43.Oval portrait of Mayoress Taylor. Portrait is sealed within a plastic cover and gold coloured metal oval casement. Designed to stand upright on shelf. city of bendigo mayor, city of bendigo mayoress, city of greater bendigo portrait, hannah mullany

Mayor Harkness is best known for abolishing liquor from the Town Hall and replacing the Mayor's Ball with a Monster Sunday School Picnic for children which took place in Ravenswood in 1883 and was attended by 15,000 people. Abraham Harkness arrived in Victoria in 1857 aged 28. He was initially successful in his search for gold and after a return trip to England in 1862 returned to Bendigo where he opened a general store and then a foundry manufacturing mining machinery. He stood for council from in 1880 and was elected a further eight times over the next twenty years. Cr Harkness served as Mayor in 1882, 1897 and 1898. His son Andrew became Mayor in 1908-09. Abraham Harkness married Jane Elizabeth Noble in Bendigo in1864 and together they had six sons and five daughters. Abraham died in 1912 and Jane in 1927. This elegant silver service was gifted to Mrs Harkness by her husband the Mayor in remembrance of the event and then gifted back to the City.Four piece Victorian tea and coffee silver service consisting of tall coffee pot, tea pot, two handled covered sugar basin and covered cream jug. Oval, chamfered shaped base tapering at top. Bodies are decorated with foliate decoration and central finial entwined with cartouche which holds either the Bendigo Coat of Arms, or the entwined initials J E H except the large coffee pot which has engraved dedication to Mayoress Harkness instead of the Coat of Arms. Insulated handles on pots. 0432.1 Coffee pot 0432.2 Teapot 0432.3 Sugar Pot 0432.4 Cream Jug Stamped back top left of each part and inside lids - Makers Mark: Martin, Hall & Co (Richard Martin & Ebenezer Hall). Hallmarks; (Lion) sterling silver, (Panther head) London Assay Office, (Women's head in left profile) duty paid, (A)1876 on coffee pot, (G) 1882 on other three pieces.mayor harkness, mayoress harness

Abraham Harkness was Mayor of the City of Bendigo when St Andrew's Presbyterian Church school hall was erected. The foundation stone was laid on Wednesday the 15th March 1899 to much ceremony including hymns and speeches. Abraham Harkness had arrived in Victoria in 1857 aged 28. He was initially successful in his search for gold and after a return trip to England in 1862 returned to Bendigo were he opened a general store and then a foundry whereby his company manufactured mining machinery. He stood for council from in 1880 and was elected a further eight times over the next twenty years. Cr Harkness served as Mayor in 1882, 1897 and 1898. His son Andrew became Mayor in 1908-09. Abraham Harkness married Jane Noble in Bendigo in1864 and together they had six sons and five daughters. Abraham died in 1912 and Jane in 1927.Sterling Silver ceremonial trowel with silver collar and bone handle. Front surface is ornately engraved with fern leaf pattern scrolled around central middle section which holds the engraved dedication. Back section is plain. Engraved: PRESENTED / TO / A. HARKNESS. ESQ. J.P. / MAYOR OF BENDIGO / ON THE OCCASION OF HIS LAYING / THE / FOUNDATIONAL STONE / of / St Andrew's School Hall / 15th March, 1899. Hallmark: P.A & S E P (Peter Atkin ?) + (windmill or pump) mayor harkness, mayoress harkness, city of greater bendigo education