"A court was established in Melton by 1864, when the first recorded case was heard before Mr BA Porter JP, with Mr A Carroll as the Clerk of Courts. John James was convicted of being drunk, for which he was fined five shillings or 24 hours imprisonment. The court was held in the ‘long room’ of the old Melton Hotel, before moving to rented accommodation at the Raglan Hotel, and finally to the Roads Board office. Tenders for construction of the present building were called for by the Public Works Department on 13th February 1892. The architect Samuel Edward Brindley was born in Birmingham, England, in 1842. He was articled to the local architect, J.R. Botham, FRIBA, before emigrating to Victoria where he was employed as an architect in the Education Department from 18 August 1873. With the amalgamation of the architectural branch of the Education Department with the Public Works Department in 1884, Bindley was placed in charge of Victorian government building design for the North-Western District. In 1975, the Melton and District Historical Society became concerned at hearsay that the court house was to be demolished to make way for carparking space. Melton had been declared a ‘satellite city’ and was developing rapidly. A new shopping centre had recently been built at a setback of 60 feet (c.18 metre) from 323-329 High Street, and the court house, together with the adjacent weatherboard police station, had been left standing alone. A new police station was planned, and the weatherboard police station was subsequently demolished. In its nomination of the building for National Trust classification the Society argued that the Court House was ‘the best of two early buildings left in the main street’ (the other being a bluestone hotel) and that its loss would be ‘tragic’. However the nomination was unsuccessful, the National Trust at the time judging that it was of no particular ‘distinction’ or ‘antiquity’. The building continued to be used as a court house at least until 1991 when the Department of Housing and Construction (formerly the PWD) conducted a heritage study of court houses. By this time Federation-era architecture had achieved acceptance within the heritage movement. The building was recognised as being ‘the only surviving example in brick of the Federation Queen Anne style which was used for court houses only twice.’ Twenty years later when it was proposed to modify the eastern façade of the building to accommodate a café, the M&DHS was again concerned. This time the National Trust objected that the proposed extension would be an over-development of the site, and questioned the changes to the interior court room furnishings and fittings. The site never appears to have been nominated to the Victorian Heritage Register. It has since been converted into the Shire of Melton Tourist Information Centre". Opening of the Visitor Centre in Meltoncouncil, local architecture

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

"On 17th May 1858 a State subsidised, combined Denominational School was opened by HT Stokes, with an attendance of about 30 children. This school was conducted in the wooden Melton Combined Protestant Church, situated on ‘a creek flat’ thought to be on the north side of Sherwin Street between Pyke and Byran Streets. It is likely that the Church had been established by 1855 and that the first minister was the Rev. Hampshire, who lived in Cambridge House on the Exford Estate. Ministers of the Protestant denominations were invited to hold services there. As there was only one resident Minister in the town (Presbyterian Mr J Lambie), laymen of the various denominations often spoke on Sundays. In 1863 this building was declared a Common School with the number 430. One of its first and most prominent headmasters was John Corr, who served from 1860 to 1864. Most of Mr Corr’s children also became teachers, including Joseph Corr, at the Rockbank school, and J Reford Corr and WS Corr, headmasters and teachers at numerous prestigious private secondary schools around Australia. John Corr purchased land alongside the school and elsewhere in and near Melton, became secretary and treasurer of the new Cemetery Trust, and by July 1861 was deputy registrar of births, deaths and marriages. He walked three miles every Sunday to teach at the Weslyan Sunday School he had established. Despite good reports from the Education Department Inspector, and burgeoning enrolments, the local school committee recommended the dismissal of, firstly, his wife (from the work mistress position), and then him from the headmaster position. Corr saw his dismissal as an attempt to redirect state aid for education from the Combined Protestant school to the support of the Free Presbyterian Minister Rev James Lambie (by one account the owner of the land on which the Common School was erected), whose son-in-law James Scott subsequently assumed responsibility for the school. Rev Lambie failed in his efforts to keep the existing school, which the Education Department Inspector and the majority of Melton citizens regarded as badly situated and badly built. Following a conditional promise of state aid, local contributors in 1868-69 raised ₤72.10.6 towards the cost of an iron-roofed bluestone rubble building 43 ft x 12 ft. This was erected on a new site of 1.5 acres (the present site). The State contributed ₤120 to the new school, which opened in 1870. A very early (c.1874) photograph of the school shows its headmaster and work mistress / assistant teacher (probably James Scott and his wife Jessie) and its (very young) scholars. Similar photos show pupils in front of the school in c.1903, and 1933. In 1877 a second bluestone room costing ₤297 was added and further land acquired from the Agricultural Society (who only needed it two days a year) to enlarge the schoolground to 3 acres. In the early 1880s an underground tank augmented the school water supply and in 1919 a five-roomed wooden residence was added. During this period the school correspondents often compained that the walls of the bluestone buildings were damp, affecting the plaster. In 1923 a brick room 26 ft 6 in by 24 ft with a fireplace and four rooms facing south, was added, and a corridor built to link the three buildings. This served adequately for the next 40 years. The school bell probably dates to 1883. The school also has a memorial gate (1951) to World War One ex-students, and an honour board to the 64 ex-students who served in the First World War. The school roll fell to 42 in the early post war-years, but was boosted by an influx of migrants, mainly from the UK, from the late 1960s. This presaged the boom in Melton’s development, and the corresponding growth of the school, with timber and temporary classrooms added to the previous masonry ones. An endowment pine plantation established in 1930 augmented the school’s fundraising activities when it was harvested in 1968. Part of the site was planted with eucalyptus trees in 1959. Famous ex-students of the early twentieth century included Hector Fraser (internationally successful shooter) and cyclist Sir Hubert Opperman". Photo of Edna and Margaret Barrie with Miles Baunders taken for the Telegrapheducation, local identities

Donated by Dan Clancy. 1 Powlett Street, Kilmore, Mitchell Shire , Victoria, Australia10cm x 20cm black and white photograph of 1 Powlett street, former colonial bank of Australasia. Corner of Powlett Street and Lancefield Road, Kilmore. Reproduction on standard photographic paper, possibly because of damage seen in the reproduction. The image has a low contrast possibly from incorrect development or other damage. Two story light coloured rendered building with blue stone street curbing. Seven figures stand outside of the building, six men and one child. The photograph was take around 1883 and reproduced in 1986.Printed on the back: 104/2.6 200486/2 Colonial Bank of Australia - cnr Powlett & Lancefield Rd. Kilmore Historical Society "In front of this Hotel was a weigh-bridge there was big drain covered with a grating, with the tunnel going across the road diagonally, Kids used to walk under it. The window panes on the corner were curved, as was the door." 2.10/86 Colonial bank of Australia Cnr Lancefield Rd. & Powlett St. C. 1883 (bank oved to opposite Mill St. on that date.) Dan Clancy Collection.hotels, 19th century

Previously Mobil Garage owned by Danny and Pat D'Elia until 2001. Then demolished in 2006.15cm x 10cm colour photograph of the corner of Lancefield Road and Sydney Street. Printed on matte photographic paper (Kodak brand) Recent demolished building with rubble piled up and green security fencing around the perimeter of the property. Sign for the Willowmavin Estate is visible advertising land sales. Multiple photographs with multiple views available.Printed on back: Development information: Premier service station, construction sites

Previously Mobil Garage owned by Danny and Pat D'Elia until 2001. Then demolished in 2006.15cm x 10cm colour photograph of the property on the corner of Lancefield Road and Sydney Street. Sydney Street view. Printed on glossy photographic paper (Konica brand) Recent demolished building with rubble piled up and green security fencing around the perimeter of the property. Multiple photographs with multiple views available.Printed on the back: Development information: Simon Yu Pharmacy s029 service stations, construction sites

Previously Mobil Garage owned by Danny and Pat D'Elia until 2001. Then demolished in 2006.15cm x 10cm colour photograph of the corner of Lancefield Road and Sydney Street. Printed on matte photographic paper (Kodak brand) Recent demolished building with rubble piled up and green security fencing around the perimeter of the property. Sign for the Willowmavin Estate is visible advertising land sales. Multiple photographs with multiple views available.Printed on the back: Development information: PREMIER service stations, construction sites

Previously Mobil Garage owned by Danny and Pat D'Elia until 2001. Then demolished in 2006.15cm x 10cm colour photograph of the corner of Lancefield Road and Sydney Street. Printed on matte photographic paper (Kodak brand) Recent demolished building with rubble piled up and green security fencing around the perimeter of the property. Visible in the background is 1 Powlett Street.Printed on the back: Development information: PREMIER service station, construction sites

State Electricity Commission (SEC) outlined details of a site available for the development of a Tourist Hotel Project in Falls Creek in late 1962/3. SEC estimated that by the winter of 1963 Falls Creek Village would be able to accommodate 500 persons. The site for development was up to 2½ acres adjacent to the Upper Kiewa Valley Road. It envisaged a building able to accommodate about 100 guests. The successful developer would be granted a lease for 45 years at a rent of £300 per annum. Written applications for the lease were to be submitted by 31st March 1963.This item is significant because it documents plans made by the State Electricity Commission to develop the Falls Creek Tourist Area. A folder with a black and white image of skiers outside a hotel on the left. The logo of the State Electricity Commission and text is on the right half of the folder.On right half of cover: Logo of the State Electricity Commission TOURIST HOTEL PROJECT Falls Creek / North East Victoria Forwarded with the compliments of the State Electricity Commission of Victoriafalls creek tourist area, hotel development falls creek, falls creek projects 1963

Ski-Horizon is the official journal of the Federation of Victorian Ski Clubs which began publication in 1949. The original member clubs were Albury Ski Club, Alpine Club of Victoria, Australian Postal Institute Ski Club, Australian Women's Ski Club (Victoria), Beechworth Ski Club, Bogong Ski Club, Bull Lodge Ski Club, Chamois Ski Club, C.S.I.R. Ski Club, Edelweiss Ski Club, Howqua Ski Club, Lazy Eight Ski Club, Melbourne University Ski Club, Melbourne Walking Club, Monsanto Ski Club, Moose Ski Club, Myrtleford Ski Club, Rongbuk Ski Club, Tallangatta and District Ski Club, Tanjil Ski Club, Telemark Ski Club, University Ski Club, Victorian Rover Scouts (B.S.A.), Wangaratta Ski Club, Youth Hostel Association, Yurredla Ski Club. Two pioneers of Falls Creek, Tom Mitchell, M.L.A., and Martin Romuld were Vice-Presidents of the Federation.This Journal is significant because it documents the early development of skiing in Victoria.The journal features stories and events chronicling developments in Victoria and internationally. Items in this publication include:- Page 1 Information related to the F.O.V.S.C Organisation and item stating Tom Mitchell M.L.A. has been negotiating for Inter-Dominion races to be held at Falls Creek in 1950. Page 3: The State Development Committee to visit the Bogong High Plains to take evidence regarding future development of the area. Page 4 Information about Member Clubs building over the coming summer. This included Myrtleford and Albury at Falls Creek. Page 16 A list of Club Racing results for 1949. Included on the list are the Bogong Ski Club Championship; the Albury Ski Club and the N.E.D.S.A. Championships.ski history victoria, federation of victorian ski clubs, nedsa events, victorian skiing 1949

Thomas Rooney was born in Den Carvan, Ireland, spent 36 years in Australia. Tom was married with nine children, he died 6th May 1914, aged 57 years, and at that time he was the Curator of the Ballarat Botanical Gardens.As Curator of the Ballarat Botanical Gardens Thomas Rooney made the begonia and orchid houses famous throughout Australia, which was part of his valuable contribution to the development of the Gardens.Black and white reproduction of an old photograph of T.Rooney in an oval frame with a black backgroundT.Rooney is printed at the bottom of the photograph and underlined.john garner collection, garner, dr, rooney, ballarat botanical gardens, ballarat, gardens, curator, thomas rooney, charles robert rooney, john lingham, w.r guilfoyle, begonias, orchids., ballarat old cemetery, grave

Claxton was born in 1832 in England and settled in Ballarat in 1856. He was an active member of the Ballarat community and the development of the Lake and Gardens. Claxton's contributions to the development of Ballarat were significant especially the development of the Gardens and the Lake.01 Ballarat Courier article undated with coloured photo of the monument. 02 Thumbnail sketch of Claxton's life (3 Copies) 03 Legible small print Mayor's Report 04 The Claxton Memorial (Commentary for Video) p1 2copies and half of p1. Pages 1-4 2 copies Pages 1-6 one copy.03 Written in biro across the top of the page, "Mayor William Little from Mayor's Annual Report 1890".frederick moses claxton, claxton memorial, mayor of ballarat, development of the lake and gardens, ballarat's city fathers, foundation member of civic organisations in ballarat, english cholera, webster street, restoration of the claxton memorial, death of claxton, "modesty", john garner collection, garner, dr, ballarat, ballarat botanical gardens, gardens, claxton, grave, ballarat old cemetery

Ballarat Horticultural Society, Double Diamond Jubilee, Courier newspaper, Saturday October 20, 1979, page 33The Horticultural Society was one of the oldest societies in Ballarat and some of the longstanding and eminent members played an important role in the establishment and development of the Ballarat Botanic Gardens and other public gardens especially in Ballarat. 1 sheet with large photograph in black and white, top half of page, 2 Certificates of Merit, bottom half of page with print left hand side and middle of the page. Folded page.Printing in black biro on the left hand side of the page concerning John Ross and Andrew Anderson.john garner collection, garner, dr, horticultural society, courier, ballarat botanical gardens, ballarat, gardens, jubilee, society, double diamond jubilee, gardening, roy mosman, henry shaw, john ross, t.b.toop, geo longley, blue gums, pollarding scheme, trees in victoria park, test gardens, roses, gladioli, public gardens

Tom (Mr Begonia) Beaumont, death July 14, 1989, Courier newspaper. A cream-shaded begonia and a lawn at the Botanic Gardens bear the name of Ballarat's best known gardener, Tom Beaumont, who died at the weekend. Mr Beaumont retired in 1978 after 54 years on the staff of the Ballarat Botanical Gardens, including more than 30 years as superintendent.Tom Beaumont played an important role as a Begonia Specialist who contributed significantly to Ballarat's iconic Begonia Festivals and the maintenance and development of the Ballarat Botanic Gardens.Two yellowed newspaper sections. A brief article in one extract, which is folded and Death Notices for Tom Beaumont on the other.None.john garner collection, garner, dr, beaumont, begonia, ballarat botanical gardens, ballarat, gardens, tom beaumont, superintendent, curator, blackmore's, begonia festival, tom toop, tom beaumont lawn

James Oddie is an archetypal example of the young men of British origin who came to the Ballarat diggings hoping to make their fortune during the Gold Rush and stayed on to establish the foundations of the regional centre that became the modern city of today.James Oddie witnessed the Eureka Stockade and played a significant role in the formative years of Ballarat's development.Part of a single newspaper sheet, folded, yellow with age.Nonechartists, eureka stockade, geelong, buninyong, doctor lang, foundry business, storeman, licences, estate agent, benefactor, ballarat benevolent asylum, rachel riding, female refuge, ballarat bank, mount pleasant observatory, electric light, trams, ballarat botanical gardens, railways, ballarat art gallery, john garner collection, gardens, ballarat

The Death Certificates discussed are of notable people who made important contributions to the establishment and development of the Ballarat Botanical Gardens.The analysis of the death certificates provides insights not only to the practice of medicine at the turn of nineteenth century Ballarat but into the lives and state of health of a few important people at that time.5 typed pages of a talk in black ink.Several "typos" corrected in black biro, pp.2,3,and 4.john garner collection, garner, dr, death, certificate, ballarat botanical gardens, gardens, ballarat, personalities, claxton, ham, mcdonald, morey, rooney, stoddart, thomson, cause of death, statistics