p.284.fictionNicholas, his mother, and his sister Kate have been left penniless by the death of Mr. Nickleby. In their poverty and desperation they seek help from Nicholas's uncle, the difficult and oppressive Ralph Nickleby who is a usurer. Nicholas's independent attitudes immediately bother his uncle and he is sent to Dotheboys Hall to teach. There he witnesses the mistreatment of orphans by the evil-hearted Wackford Squeers. Nicholas and the orphan boy, Smike, run away and join a troupe of traveling actors. Hearing that his sister Kate is in danger, Nicholas travels to London and foils his uncle's vile plans for her. english fiction, charles dickens 1812-1870

Ill, p.399.fictionDickens's story of solitary miser Ebenezer Scrooge, who is taught the true meaning of Christmas by a series of ghostly visitors, has proved one of his most well-loved works. Ever since it was published in 1843 it has had an enduring influence on the way we think about the traditions of Christmas. Dickens's other Christmas writings collected here include 'The Story of the Goblins who Stole a Sexton', the short story from The Pickwick Papers on which A Christmas Carol was based; along with shorter pieces drawn from the 'Christmas Stories' that Dickens wrote annually for his weekly journals. In all of them Dickens celebrates the season as one of geniality, charity and remembrance.english fiction, charles dickens 1812-1870

Ill, p.360.non-fictionA treatise on various items of home furnishings .interior decoration, pottery, silverwork

Index, ill, maps, p.193.non-fictionWell illustrated history of activities of Australian National Antarctic Research Expeditions since 1947. Includes list of expeditions and personnel.antarctica - discovery and exploration, scientific expeditions - australia

Anthology - 140 autobiographical, fictional and documentary writings on Australian School Days.Hardcover book with text and paper sleeve with Sepia Imageshort stories, schooldays, australian history, schools, students, biographies

Presented to Robert Challis of Yendon on 31 May, 1912. Dark red cover with gold embossed patterning around the inside edge. Gold embossed emblem on cover. Robert Challis, Yendon, 31.5.12prayer books, religion, christianity, yendon

Bible presented to Miss Dulcie Graham on the occasion of her wedding by her friend and minister, John D Davies, on 11 June, 1919.Black, leather covered Bible, gold embossed title on the cover and spine and gold coloured edging on the pages. Inscribed on inside cover 'To Miss Dulcie Graham on the occasion of her marriage, 11 June 1919 from her friend and Minister John D Davies, Buninyong.'religion, christianity, bibles, buninyong

Donated to Roy Brown in 1919 by the Methodist Sunday School in Linton. Book is signed Geo.Whiteham, Teacher, R. Ching, Superintendent, L. Cornish, Secretary.Small copy of the New Testament, printed as part of peace celebrations after the end of World War I. Pages 464Handwritten inside front cover: "Presented to Roy Brown by the Methodist S. School / Linton 1919 / Geo. Whiteham Teacher / R. Ching Sup. / L Cornish Sec".roy brown, methodist church linton, world war 1914-1918, bibles

p.282.fictionThe landscape, social life, and rural traditions of Holme’s native Westmorland are vividly evoked in The Old Road from Spain, the story of two brothers. When the younger brother arrives home from Spain it disrupts the even tenor of life in their Westmorland home. Meanwhile, a wreck in Morecambe bay links the story back to the Spanish Armada.england - adventure fiction, english fiction

An Australian history book that deals with the idea of nationalism and how it developed in Australia.Hard cover book.336 pages, colour and black and white illus. Cover has painting of swagmen at camp.australia history, nationalism, australian legend, russel ward

A text outlining Aboriginal life before European settlement.Basic background to traditional Aboriginal life.Soft cover. 112 pages, illus., maps. aborigines, indigenous australians, pre european settlement

Index, ill, p.308.non-fictionThis book describes the life of a man, the late Commander J. H. Walker, and of his ship. HMAS Parramatta; both used to represent their service. Inscription on half-title [AU-SyACU ] : "Parramatta was one of the 'little ships' which made the great sacrifice in keeping the hard pressed garrison of Tobruk supplied. She went down fighting gallantly and in doing so added a glorious page to the naval history of our Empire. royal australian navy - history, parramatta (destroyer)

Illustrated book with dust jacket. Book has a marron cover with title, author and publisher's name embossed in gold on the spine. Front and spine of dust jacket has a black and white photograph: sick sisters on Lemnos. Title and authors name in black and red print on front and spinenon-fictionThis book investigates the contradictions, paradoxes and anomalies which have arisen for those assigned the role of army nurse. Financial discrimination saw the female captain in charge of an operating theatre in Vietnam being paid less than a male corporal working with her. Guns have replaced brooches as part of the nurses' uniform, as "total war" increasingly makes a mockery of the distinction between combatants and non-combatants.military nursing-australia, australian army nursing service, nurses, nursing

A badly damaged thick black hardcover Holy Bible with an embossed insignia on the front cover as well as lined patterns on the front and back covers. The front has stamped inside a circular insignia the words, 'British and Foreign Bible Society, Two Shillings and Sixpence' embossed in the middle. The end paper at the front has come away from the spine, there are marks and foxing inside. The text is clear. There is no spine and many pages are loose. Throughout the bible are several added pieces of handwritten notes on paper, small leaflets a newspaper article about the death of King George VI. There is no pagination. Included are two ribbon bookmarks, one yellow with 'Think of Me. 1870.' embroidered on perforated paper in blue cross stitch. The other blue one has 'Love' embroidered on perforated paper in coloured thread. A third green ribbon bookmark has 'Who ever absent dear' embroidered in brown thread on perforated paper. non-fictionThe Holy Bible containing the Old and New testaments: translated out of the original tongues and with the former translations diligently compared and revised, By His Majesty's Special Command. Appointed to be read in churches. holy bible, religion, christianity, gibson collection

non-fictionA HOMESTEAD HISTORY Alfred Joyce began a pastoral partnership with his brother in the Upper Loddon early in 1844. His reminiscences reveal events of the venture, from the departure from Melbourne with the completion of a roomy homestead, from the threat of bankruptcy, to substantial success within a decade. In writing them, he was not dependent upon his memories; the many letters he had written to his parents in London had eventually been returned to him, and those written between 1851 and his mother's death in 1858 form a continuation of his own narrative. They describe in vivid detail the upheavals that followed the discovery of gold, the transformation of both town and country, the dissolution of the Joyce brothers' partnership, and Alfred's activities as pastoralist, farmer and miller at Norwood on die Bet Bet Creek. In this third edition, for which a much wider range of illustrations is available, an epilogue continues the story of George Joyce at Plaistow and Alfred Joyce at Norwood until both properties had passed into other hands. Domestic tragedy overwhelmed the one, while droughts and mortgages eventually ruined the other. It is a record which, in the words of the American Historical Review, 'would serve as script for a first-class documentary film and deserves high rank, in the literature of pastoral pioneering'. Other reviewers have been equally emphatic: 'The real history of Australia is written very largely in such records as this' (Australian Quarterly); 'of historical documents such as diese we cannot have too many' (Sydney Morning Herald). (back cover)alfred joyce, upper loddon

non-fictionAlexandra Hasluck is well-known as one of a distinguished group of female historians who have done so much, by their perceptive biographies, to enlarge our knowledge of the characters of our history. In her autobiography she brings her discerning eye to bear on her own ancestors, and with vivid sketches of her English, Irish and Scottish forebears portrays what she regards as the typical experiences of British settlers. The same observing eye and mind follow her basically happy childhood and youth in Western Australia to becoming herself a 'Governor's Lady'. She married Paul Hasluck, then sub-editor on the West Australian newspaper. When he entered the diplomatic sphere she moved with him to Canberra and her descriptions of life in war-time Canberra and later in America, are enlivened by humorous sketches of people and events which few people have been fortunate enough to experience. These opportunities increased when, on their return to Australia, her husband became a member of Parliament and a Cabinet Minister in Sir Robert Menzies' Government, first as Minister for Territories and later as Foreign Minister. Both positions provided them with many new experiences: of journeys to the remoter parts of Australia and New Guinea in his responsibility for Territories and, later, as Foreign Minister, of visits to the capitals of the world, meeting most of the great men of our time. Even wider vistas opened when her husband became Governor General of Australia and the observing historian was able to record characteristically life at Government House with its constant stream of visitors colouring its own equally interesting inner life. Portrait in a Mirror is not only a fascinating story but also a remarkable self-portrait, told through letters diaries and speeches as well as her own commentaries ot a watching woman: a dispassionate observer of the famous people and great events of her time, who was unaffected by her varying environments and remained, as she had begun, a typical scion of that early colonial stock - intelligent, literate, strongly-opinioned - and staunchly Australian. (Cover)autobiography, alexandra hasluck, paul hasluck, governor-general

non-fictionThe Mackenzie and Wright family story from around 1840 in the Hunter Valley in NSW to the Dawson Valley indalwood station, wright station

Robert Page, the gift of his affectionate mother, Edith Page, April 1849bible, robert page, edith h. page

193 pages, illustrated.

A badly damaged black miniature leatherette softcover book, Methodist free Church Hymns with School Hymns. On the front cover printed in gold lettering is the title. The spine is blank. At the back there is an Index of First Lines. The pages have gilt edges. 312p. Following the first section are the School Hymns. On the front end papers there is a name handwritten in blue ink - D.H Gaudion Wandin Yallock May 24th 1896. There are pencil written arithmetic addition notes all over the end papers front and back. The back cover is broken away from the spine.non-fictionA miniature Methodist Free Church Hymns with School Hymns book. It is a new and enlarged edition of the hymn book which was used by the Uniting Methodist Free Churches since 1860. This was necessary because 'in recent years after the first publication, many hymns have been published, whose fervour and poetic power have won the approval and acceptance of nearly all sections of the Christian Church. Other reasons were, the imperfect classification of the hymns in the book hitherto in use, and the fact that a considerable number of them had become obsolete, owing to their want of adaptation for public worship'.religious books, hymn books, prayer books

A faded, badly damaged black miniature leatherette antique hardcover book, The Book of Common Prayer. The Church of England together with The Psalter or Psalms of David. On the front cover and the spine is stamped in gold lettering - Common Prayer. At the bottom of the spine is printed in gold: London. Underneath the title on the front are five tiny crowns in a line. At the back there are Forms of Prayer, The Form and Manner and other prayers. The pages have gilt edges. 355Pp but some are missing at the end. On the right front end paper is a bookplate from St Hilda's Sunday School , Macclesfield with the award to Ada ? 1904.non-fictionA miniature, antique, The Book of Common Prayer, and administration of the sacraments, and other rites and ceremonies of the church, according to the use of The Church of England: together with the Psalter or Psalms of David. Prayer books help us find the words when we are in a crisis and do not know what to say, as well as for daily and Sunday worship in the English language.religious books, hymn books, prayer books

Hard cover book ' Betty Lends a Hand' By Margaret Baines Read.Oxford University Pressbooks, children's

This item is from the ‘Pattison Collection’, a collection of books and records that was originally owned by the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute, which was 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 lack of financial support led the WMI in 1911 to ask the City Council to take it over. In 1935 Ralph Pattison was appointed as City Librarian to establish and organise the Warrnambool Library as it was then called. 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 Ralph 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. RALPH ERIC PATTISON Ralph Eric Pattison was born in Rockhampton, Queensland, in 1891. He married Maude Swan from Warrnambool in 1920 and they set up home in Warrnambool. In 1935 Pattison accepted a 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 area 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 during 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 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. Typee Author: Herman Melville Publisher: Oxford University Press Date: 1950Label on spine cover with typed text PAT 910.4 MEL Pastedown front endpaper has 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 warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, 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, great ocean road, typee, herman melville

Army Nurses from Boer War to the Gulf War. It is a reference book with archive material.Hard Cover Book with Plastic Sleeve, 8" x 10"ISBN 0 19 553380 I. OXFORD University Pressnurses, army, boer war, gulf war, women

Pattison Collection This item is from the ‘Pattison Collection’, a collection of books and records that was originally owned by the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute, which was 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 lack of financial support led the WMI in 1911 to ask the City Council to take it over. In 1935 Ralph Pattison was appointed as City Librarian to establish and organise the Warrnambool Library as it was then called. 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 Ralph 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. RALPH ERIC PATTISON Ralph Eric Pattison was born in Rockhampton, Queensland, in 1891. He married Maude Swan from Warrnambool in 1920 and they set up home in Warrnambool. In 1935 Pattison accepted a 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. WARRNAMBOOL PUBLIC LIBRARY The Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute (WMI) was formed by a voluntary community group in 1863, within six years of Warrnambool’s beginnings, and it's Reading Room opened in 1854. The WMI operated until 1963, at which time it was one of the oldest Mechanics’ Institutes in Victoria. Mechanics’ Institutes offered important services to the public including libraries, reading rooms and places to display and store collections of all sorts such as curiosities and local historical relics. In 1886 a Museum and Fine Arts Gallery were added to the WMI and by the beginning of the 20th century, there was also a billiards room and a School of Art. By this time all Mechanics’ Institutes in country Victoria had museums attached. Over the years the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute Library was also known as the Warrnambool Public Library the Warrnambool Library and the Free Library. Early funding from the government was for the “Free Library”. The inscription in a book “Science of Man” was for the “Warrnambool Public Library”, donated by Joseph Archibald in 1899. Another inscription in the book “Catalogue of Plants Under Cultivation in the Melbourne Botanic Gardens 1 & 2, 1883” was presented to the “Warrnambool Library” and signed by the author W.R. Guilfoyle. In 1903 the Warrnambool Public Library decided to add a Juvenile Department to library and stock it with hundreds of books suitable for youth. In 1905 the Public Library committee decided to update the collection of books and added 100 new novels plus arrangements for the latest novels to be included as soon as they were available in Victoria. In July 1911 the Warrnambool Council took over the management of the Public Library, Art Gallery, Museum and Mechanics’ Institute and planned to double the size of the then-current building. In 1953, when Mr R. Pattison was Public Librarian, the Warrnambool Public Library’s senior section 10,000 of the 13,000 books were fiction. The children’s section offered an additional 3,400 books. The library had the equivalent of one book per head of population and served around 33 per cent of the reading population. The collection of books was made up of around 60 per cent reference and 40 per cent fiction. The library was lending 400 books per day. In 1963 the Warrnambool City Council allocated the site of the Mechanics’ Institute building, which included the Public Library, Museum and Art Gallery, for the new Municipal Offices and the Collections were dispersed until 1971. The Warrnambool Library took over the Mechanics’ Institute Library’s holdings on behalf of the Warrnambool City Council. Since the closure of the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute, the exact location and composition of the original WMI books and items has become unclear. Other materials have been added to the collection, including items from Terang MI, Warrnambool Court House and Customs House. Many of the books have been identified as the Pattison Collection, named after the Librarian who catalogued and numbered the books during his time as Warrnambool Public Librarian in the time before the Mechanics’ Institute closed. It seems that when Warrnambool became part of the Corangamite Regional Library some of the books and materials went to its head office in Colac and then back to Warrnambool where they were stored at the Art Gallery for quite some time. Some then went to the Warrnambool Historical Society, some stayed at the Art Gallery and some were moved to Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village. The various stamps and labels on the books held at Flagstaff Hill show the variety of the collection’s distribution and origin. The books in the collection at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village date from the 1850’s to the late 1950s and include rare and valuable volumes. Many of the books are part of the “Pattison Collection” after the Warrnambool’s Public Librarian, Mr R. Pattison. 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. The Old Curiosity Shop Author: Charles Dickens Publisher: Oxford University Press Date: 1841 The label on the spine 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 Servicebook, the old curiosity shop, charles dickens, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, warrnambool, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, 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, great ocean road

This item is from the ‘Pattison Collection’, a collection of books and records that was originally owned by the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute, which was 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 lack of financial support led the WMI in 1911 to ask the City Council to take it over. In 1935 Ralph Pattison was appointed as City Librarian to establish and organise the Warrnambool Library as it was then called. 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 Ralph 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. RALPH ERIC PATTISON Ralph Eric Pattison was born in Rockhampton, Queensland, in 1891. He married Maude Swan from Warrnambool in 1920 and they set up home in Warrnambool. In 1935 Pattison accepted a 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 area 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 during 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 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. The Recollections of Geoffry Hamlyn Author: Henry Kingsley Publisher: Oxford University Press Date: 1954Label on spine cover with typed text PAT FIC KIN Pastedown front endpaper has sticker from Warrnambool Mechanics Institute and Free Library covered by a sticker from Corangamite Regional Library Servicewarrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, 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, great ocean road, the recollections of geoffry hamlyn, henry kingsley