This photograph shows approx 50 men in suits in a formal pose sitting and standing around tables, all facing the camera.The British flag hangs on one wall. Black and white photograph stuck on cardboard with biro note on rear. Sargents Cafe Elizabeth St City 1923. Send off to M A Browne Line manager Brighton Rd Car Housemen's group

This item was designed to be worn with an academic gown, and was possibly worn by FJ Browne at University of Edinburgh.Hooded academic cape, with attachment for a standard academic gown. Red wool with grey grosgrain silk lining. browne fj, clothing

'The Mixture'. Belonged to Dianne Browne's mother. Dianne was school Secretary at Ringwood Heights 1970s - 1990s.Clear glass bottle with screw top (no top) with directions for use of 'Mixture'.|Label - Mitcham Pharmacy R&D Wellington 704 Whitehorse Road Mitcham15M - 17 (on base)medicine, bottle

B&W photograph of The Mucky Duck Bush Band (Andy Copeman, Davy Browne, Erik Kowarski, Roy Abbott) with Musica Viva address label. Photo of casually dressed group surrounding a large tree in a park

The Blair-Bell medal was awarded quinquennially for the advancement of science in gynaecology or obstetrics or both in the preceding five years. The image on this block was used in an article, "The Blair-Bell Award" in the Australian & New Zealand Journal O + G [1961]1:77 featuring Prof. F.J. Browne, winner of the Blair-Bell Medal, 28/10/60. Also used in obituary of Professor Browne.Metal printer's plate attached to a wooden block. Depicts the official recto medal image of the Blair-Bell medal, featuring a portrait of William Blair-Bell. blair-bell award, browne fj, printing

The Blair-Bell medal was awarded quinquennially for the advancement of science in gynaecology or obstetrics or both in the preceding five years. The image on this block was used in an article, "The Blair-Bell Award" in the Australian & New Zealand Journal O + G [1961]1:77 featuring Prof. F.J. Browne, winner of the Blair-Bell Medal, 28/10/60. Also used in obituary of Professor Browne.Metal printer's plate attached to a wooden block. The image is the official verso medal image of the Blair-Bell medal, depicting a mother and child in Greco-Roman dress. The black of the block is covered in cream paper.blair-bell award, browne fj, printing

90 year old Lyla Browne attends gym classes at Eltham Leisure Centre to keep herself fit and active.News clipping, black text, colour image.lyla browne, eltham leisure centre, prime movers

This A.P.C. Bottle belonged to Dianne Browne's mother. Dianne was school secretary at Ringwood Heights 1970's - 1990'sClear small glass bottle with label (white with blue surround and blue instructions). Screw top. No lid.|Mitcham Pharmacy|K&D Wellington|Dispensing Chemists|704 Whitehorse Road|Mitcham69 (on base)medicine, first aid

Issued to Royal Army Medical Corps soldiers, this cap badge would have been worn by Francis Browne during World War I. Francis James Browne died in Sydney 1963. He had a long career in obstetrics and gynaecology. Summary of appointments include: General Practice in Wales, Maternity Department of the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, 1st director of obstetric unit, University College Hospital London. Retired and continued postgraduate teaching in London and NSW. Married to Grace Cuthbert, who was director of Maternal and Baby Welfare in NSW. Collection of objects transferred from the Archives to the Museum collection found amongst Professor FJ Browne's papers.Dark brown metal cap badge. Design features a crown sitting atop a laurel wreath, which surrounds a representation of the Rod of Asclepius (serpent wrapped around a rod). A scroll is affixed below the wreath which is inscribed 'ROYAL ARMY MEDICAL CORPS'.world war i, numismatics, browne fj

Built by Water Browne c.1903 Greenhills was one of the first pastoral runs, and centres of European settlement, established in the Shire of Melton. Estate in Diggers Rest Coimadai Road, Toolern Valelocal architecture, pioneer families

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. Barnaby Rudge Author: Charles Dickens Publisher: Oxford University Press Date: First Published 1840 - 1841 Further Information: A Tale of the Riots of 'Eighty. Wth Seventy six Illustrations by George Cattermole and Hoblot K Browne ('Phiz')The label on the spine cover with typed text PAT 823.8 DIC Pastedown front endpaper has a sticker from Warrnambool Public Library covered by a sticker from Corangamite Regional Library Service. Front loose endpaper has a stamp from Corangamite Regional Library Service. flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, book, pattison collection, warrnambool library, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, ralph eric pattison, corangamite regional library service, warrnambool city librarian, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool books and records, warrnambool children’s library, barnaby rudge, charles dickens, george cattermole, hoblot k browne ('phiz'), 'phiz'

Lieutenant Albert Borella, 26th Battalion AIF, was awarded the Victoria Cross for his actions at Villers Bretonneux, France, in March 1918.Possibly the only self portrait of an Australian VC winner.Framed self portrait of Captain Albert C Borella VC MM MID in World War One (1914-1918) uniform with 'Sam Browne' belt and medals. Stained wooden frame has been covered with a protective clear acrylic sheet.Engraved plaque on lower face of frame "Capt Albert C Borella VC MM MID presented to 8/13 VMR by Mrs E Borella"borella, victoria cross, self-portrait

Lieutenant Des Martin was a member of the Wodonga Troop of the pre-WWII 8th Light Horse (Indi) regiment. He volunteered for the AIF, 12/6/1940 (VX31564) and served with the 2/2nd Pioneer Battalion in Syria and New Guinea. He was discharged 11/2/1944 with the rank of lieutenant. He was a horseman of considerable repute and was the author of the book “Australia Astride”. He provided valuable assistance to the 8/13 VMR Heritage Troop when it was raised. Wearing this uniform, he rode with a group of former light horsemen leading ANZAC Day marches in Melbourne for many years.Half mannequin dress in service dress tunic with 8th Light Horse lapel badges, silver buttons, badges of rank and colour patches. Complemented with slouch hat with 8th Light Horse hat badge and emu plumes, and Sam Browne belt.military, anzac day, melbourne, martin, pioneer, vmr, light horse, world war two, wwii

Personal diary of Dr F.J Browne used in England, 1951. Some loose papers associated with this diary were returned to the RANZCOG Archives in March 1998.Small 'Datada' diary for the year 1951. The diary has a dark brown leather cover, and the word "diary" is printed in gold lettering on cover. Associated personal notes, medical notes, journal references, and patient notes for this item are held in the RANZCOG Archives.browne fj

Francis James Browne died in Sydney 1963. He had a long career in obstetrics and gynaecology. Summary of appointments include: General Practice in Wales, Maternity Department of the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, 1st director of obstetric unit, University College Hospital London. Retired and continued postgraduate teaching in London and NSW. Married to Grace Cuthbert, who was director of Maternal and Baby Welfare in NSW. Collection of objects transferred from the Archives to the Museum collection found amongst Professor FJ Browne's papers.Square medal with ribbon. Medal is decorated with blue, green, and red enamel and has silver inserts. Medal design is divided vertically and horizontally by silver lines and carries the text, "B.M.A/DUBLIN/1933". There are three symbols on the upper section of the front of the medal. Top of medal is attached to a green grosgrain ribbon, which in turn is attached to a silver bar inscribed with the words "VICE-PRESIDENT/OBSTETRICS". Small stamp printed on back of medal.numismatics, british medical association

Donated by Margaret Mayer, a friend of Mrs Browne who made childrens wear for Georges of Collins Street Melbourne. Dress made for donors grand daughter but has not been worn.Blue floral child's dress, smocked to the waist. Peter Pan collar embroidered along a scalloped edge. Extra label (Georges) stitched onto dress by catalogue number.Georges of Melbournecostume, children's

Francis James Browne died in Sydney 1963. He had a long career in obstetrics and gynaecology. Summary of appointments include: General Practice in Wales, Maternity Department of the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, 1st director of obstetric unit, University College Hospital London. Retired and continued postgraduate teaching in London and NSW. Married to Grace Cuthbert, who was director of Maternal and Baby Welfare in NSW. A collection of objects found amongst Professor FJ Browne's papers were transferred from the Archives to the Museum collections in January 1994.A round metal badge with a green enamelled rim. There is a shield in the centre which is divided into three. In the left hand comer there is a flag, in the right hand comer the medical insignia, and at the bottom of the shield there is a sailing ship. The year 1938 is either side of a central white enamelled plug with the number "106" on it. Attached to the badge is a green grosgrain ribbon, to which is attached an oblong bar with a pin at the back. Inscriptions Around the edge of the badge: "THE BRITISH MEDICAL ASSOCIATION PLYMOUTH"; inscribed on the back of the badge: "BRUFORD, EASTBOURNE AND EXETER"; front lower right hand side ofbadge:"M & W"; front of bar: "PRESIDENT/ GYNAECOLOGY and OBSTETRICS"numismatics, browne fj, rcog

Francis James Browne died in Sydney 1963. He had a long career in obstetrics and gynaecology. Summary of appointments include: General Practice in Wales, Maternity Department of the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, 1st director of obstetric unit, University College Hospital London. Retired and continued postgraduate teaching in London and NSW. Married to Grace Cuthbert, who was director of Maternal and Baby Welfare in NSW. A collection of objects found amongst Professor FJ Browne's papers were transferred from the Archives to the Museum collection in 1994.Round copper coloured badge attached by two metal links to a rectangular bar. The bar is designed to hold a small name plate. The badge features a map of Australia as the central design overlaid with a representation of the Staff of Asclepius (a serpent entwined around a staff). Front of badge carries the words, "AUSTRALASIAN MEDICAL CONGRESS/ (B.M.A.) 9TH SESSION/ SYDNEY 1955".browne fj, australian medical congress, numismatics

Handwritten message underlined important dated March 23 rd 1893 to E V Hastings Sec Cohns bros Brewery, from E V Browne Galway Ireland, re dividends , balance sheets etc. Initialled M C please acknowledge the receipt.bendigo, industry, cohn bros brewery, e v browne, ireland.

Summer dress uniform, dress, jacket and slacks. Fabric - light green colour, wool/polyester. 1. Dress - with wide collar, front opening with five button holes, no buttons, short sleeves with self cuff. Two inset front pockets and pair of box pleats. Manufacturer's label back below collar - white cotton label. 2. Jacket - with wide collar, front opening has button holes, no buttons, short sleeves with self cuff, two inset front pockets. Two manufacturer's labels - back below collar and exterior of left pocket. 3. Slacks - full length slacks - no belt loops. Front metal and nylon zipper fly, green colour plastic button at waist. No pockets. Two manufacturer's labels, inside back of waistband, exterior back of waistband (to be removed when worn). White cotton/polyester fabric. 4. Belt - with keeper and gold colour plastic buckle.Manufacturer's labels - black ink print. 1. "A.G.C.F./ VICTORIA/ 1978/ ^/ 8410-66-097-0796/ size 18 AV HEIGHT/ AV HIP/ 100 CM BUST/ 80 CM WAIST/ 105 HIPS/ FABRIC/ WOOL/POLYESTER/ NAME/ SERVICE NO." with "LAUNDRY INSTRUCTIONS" 2. Inside collar "A.G.C.F./ VICTORIA/ 1980/ 6/ 8410-66-097-0841/ SIZE 14 AVE HEIGHT/ FULL HIP/ 90 CM BUST/ 70 CM WAIST/ 100 CM HIPS/ FABRIC/ WOOL/POLYESTER/ NAME/ SERVICE NO." Pocket - THIS TAG IS FOR IDENTIFICATION ONLY/ PLEASE REMOVE BEFORE WASHING" with printed and handwritten information. 3. Inside back of waistband - same as 2. Inside collar label. Exterior back of waistband - same as 2. exterior of left pocket. uniform, summer service dress, army, browne, passchendaele barracks trust

Refer Cat. No. 6939.6Service Dress Shirt with neck scarf. Fabric - cotton polyester colour, patterned with alternating bands of dark and light green vertical stripes of varying width. 1. & 3. Shirt - with wide collar, six white colour plastic buttons on front placket, long sleeves with two white colour plastic button cuff. No pockets. Manufacturer's label - inside back of collar. White cotton fabric. 2. & 4. Scarf - long rectangular shape with each end cut on the Diagonal.Manufacturers label - black ink print. 1. “SANDRA LEIGH/ QUEENSLAND/ 1981^/ 8410-66-097-4954/ SIZE 14 TLL/ NAME/ SERVICE NO". Followed by "WASHING INSTRUCTIONS" 2. "WILLS INDUSTRIES/ WESTERN AUSTRALIA/ 1983/ ^/ 8410-66-097-4954/ SIZE 16 AVE/ NAME/ SERVICE NO". Followed by washing instructions.uniform, women's service dress, army, browne, passchendaele barracks trust

The 20th Light Horse (Victorian Mounted Rifles) was raised in 1920 as part of the 3rd Cavalry Brigade, 2nd Cavalry Division, Citizen Military Forces, with Headquarters at Seymour and depots along the Goulburn Valley from Mansfield to Tocumwal in southern NSW. In December 1941, 20th Light Horse (Victorian Mounted Rifles) converted from horse to mechanised, initially as 20th Motor Regiment. In 1943 the Regiment was deployed to Merauke, Dutch New Guinea. Upon its return in April 1945, the Regiment was redesignated 20th Pioneer Battalion. It was disbanded following the end of the war. 20th Light Horse was the only light horse regiment to serve overseas in WWII.This is one of a collection of photographs featuring a Light Horse regiment drawn from rural and regional Victoria in the period immediately prior to mobilisation for World War 2 (1939-1945).Black and white photograph of 25 soldiers and one Officer of the 20th Motor Regiment (Victorian Mounted Rifles). Officer is wearing peaked cap, Sam Browne Belt and shoes; men are wearing slouch hats, boots and web anklets. 20th Motor Regiment colour patches are evident.Cross over head of one soldier in rear rank.20th motor regiment, wwii, world war two

East side Main Road shops from Luck Street to Dudley Street. Includes Browne's Self Service, Milk Bar, Delicatessen, Chemist, Mac's Meats, Thompson's Pharmacy, N.H. Baxter Estate Agent.In February 1968 an unknown person took a series of photos from the Eltham Hotel at Pitt Street heading north along Main Road through the shopping centre to just north of Elsa Court covering the length of the section of Main Road which was duplicated shortly thereafter. Shows the condition and environment of the streesscape of Main Road, Eltham immediately prior to the duplication between Pitt Street and Elsa Court through the shopping centre. Also shows a number of shops and businesses that operated at that time.Black and white photographduplication, eltham, main road, browne's self service, dudley street, milk bar, delicatessen, chemist, mac's meats, thompson's pharmacy, n.h. baxter estate agent

Rolf Boldrewood (1826-1915) ‘Rolf Boldrewood’ is the pen-name used by Thomas Alexander Browne as a writer. Browne was the eldest child of Captain Sylvester John Brown and Elizabeth Angell nee Alexander. He was born in London on 6th August 1826 and arrived in Australia with his parents and siblings when he was 5 years old and grew up in Sydney. In the 1860’s Browne added the ‘e’ to his surname. As a 17 year old Browne took up land in the Western District of Victoria between Portland and Port Fairy on a property named “Squattlesea Mere”. He remained there until 1858, enjoying the squatters’ life on his 32,000 acre property, growing potatoes and running cattle and horses. He sold in 1858 and purchased a sheep station on the Murray River near Swan Hill. He later sold this and bought another sheep station near Narrandera until bad seasons and severe droughts eventually caused him to change his career after 25 years as a squatter. Over the next 25 years Browne held the position of Police Magistrate and as a gold commissioner in various locations. His third career as an author lasted approximately 40 years. In 1865 he wrote two articles on pastoral life while he was recovering from a riding accident. In the 1870’s his writing was bringing in the income to support his family, changing his focus to the writing of novels. A series of these was written for the Australian market and published in The Sydney Mail and the Centennial Magazine. His later novels were aimed at the overseas markets. His best known novel “Robbery Under Arms” was written from 1882 to 1883 and has been serialised on radio in Australia and Britain. The novel was filmed in 1907, 1920 and 1957, and in 1985 it was made into a television series. It is now an Australian Classic. He also wrote short stories, several nonfiction graziers’ guides, and an autobiography named “Old Melbourne Memories” in 1884. [This information has been taken from Wikipedia; Australian Authors-Perry Meddlemiss; Australian Dictionary of Biography, Browne, Thomas Alexander (1826-1915)] A Colonial Reformer Author: Rolf Boldrewood Publisher: MacMillan & Co Date: 1891Label on spine cover with typed text RA 823.91 BOL Front loose endpaper has a stamp from Warrnambool Public Library The fly paper has the name "A. H. Stanley" handwritten in pencil. warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, great ocean road, book, warrnambool library, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool books and records, warrnambool children’s library, warrnambool public library, a colonial reformer, rolf boldrewood

Rolf Boldrewood (1826-1915) ‘Rolf Boldrewood’ is the pen-name used by Thomas Alexander Browne as a writer. Browne was the eldest child of Captain Sylvester John Brown and Elizabeth Angell nee Alexander. He was born in London on 6th August 1826 and arrived in Australia with his parents and siblings when he was 5 years old and grew up in Sydney. In the 1860’s Browne added the ‘e’ to his surname. As a 17 year old Browne took up land in the Western District of Victoria between Portland and Port Fairy on a property named “Squattlesea Mere”. He remained there until 1858, enjoying the squatters’ life on his 32,000 acre property, growing potatoes and running cattle and horses. He sold in 1858 and purchased a sheep station on the Murray River near Swan Hill. He later sold this and bought another sheep station near Narrandera until bad seasons and severe droughts eventually caused him to change his career after 25 years as a squatter. Over the next 25 years Browne held the position of Police Magistrate and as a gold commissioner in various locations. His third career as an author lasted approximately 40 years. In 1865 he wrote two articles on pastoral life while he was recovering from a riding accident. In the 1870’s his writing was bringing in the income to support his family, changing his focus to the writing of novels. A series of these was written for the Australian market and published in The Sydney Mail and the Centennial Magazine. His later novels were aimed at the overseas markets. His best known novel “Robbery Under Arms” was written from 1882 to 1883 and has been serialised on radio in Australia and Britain. The novel was filmed in 1907, 1920 and 1957, and in 1985 it was made into a television series. It is now an Australian Classic. He also wrote short stories, several nonfiction graziers’ guides, and an autobiography named “Old Melbourne Memories” in 1884. [This information has been taken from Wikipedia; Australian Authors-Perry Meddlemiss; Australian Dictionary of Biography, Browne, Thomas Alexander (1826-1915)] Old Melbourne Memories 1 Author: Rolf Boldrewood Publisher: MacMillan & Co Date: 1896Label on spine with typed text R.A. 994.5 BOL warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, book, old melbourne memories 1, rolf boldrewood

Magenta coloured soft covered souvenir booklet.provided by Nicki Shea, Granddaughter of Stan & Jo Bridgman of Eastwood Cycles Editorial introductions by Alf Stumbles, President, Federation of Wholesale Cycle Traders and Manufacturers' Association of Australia, Ted Waterford, Director of Promotions, and Owen R. Browne, Chairman of Victorian Milk Board.

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. Little Dorrit Author: Charles Dickens Publisher: Oxford University Press Date: 1953 First Published in 1857 Further Information: With Illustrations by 'Phiz' (Hublot K Browne) We do have 2 different copies of Little Dorrit, both with different publishers. (R.N. 8159, R.N. 8390) The label on the spine cover with typed text PAT 823.8 DIC Pastedown front endpaper has a sticker from Warrnambool Public Library. Front loose endpaper has a stamp from Corangamite Regional Library Service. flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, book, pattison collection, warrnambool library, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, ralph eric pattison, corangamite regional library service, warrnambool city librarian, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool books and records, warrnambool children’s library, little dorrit, charles dickens