Warrnambool's Mechanics' Institute (or Institution as it was sometimes called) was one of the earliest in Victoria. On 17th October 1853 a meeting was held where it was resolved to request the Lieutenant Governor of the Colony to grant land for the erection of a Mechanics' Institutes building. A committee was formed at the meeting and Richard Osburne chaired the first meeting of this committee. The land on the North West corner of Banyan and Merri Streets was granted but there were no funds to erect the building. The Formal Rights of the Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute's encompassed its aims and these were officially adopted in1859; "This Institution has for its object the diffusion of literary, scientific, and other useful knowledge amongst its members, excluding all controversial subjects, religious or political. These objects are sought to be obtained by means of a circulating library, a reading room, the establishment of classes, debates, and the occasional delivery of lectures on natural and experimental philosophy, mechanics, astronomy, chemistry, natural history, literature, and the useful and ornamental arts, particularly those which have a more immediate reference to the colony." The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute opened its first reading room in November1884 in the National School building at the corner of Banyan and Timor Streets. The Institute was funded by member subscription, payable on a quarterly, half yearly or yearly basis. Samuel Hannaford, the Manager of the Warrnambool Bank of Australasia, was the first Honorary Secretary of the Mechanics' Institutes, and an early President and Vice-President. He also gave several of the early lectures in the Reading Room. Another early Secretary, Librarian and lecturer was Marmaduke Fisher, the teacher at the National School. Lecture topics included The Poets and Poetry of Ireland', 'The Birth and Development of the Earth', 'The Vertebrae - with Remarks on the pleasures resulting from the study of Natural History' and 'Architecture'. In 1856 the Reading Room was moved to James Hider's shop in Timor Street, and by 1864 it was located in the bookshop of Davies and Read. In the 1860's the Mechanics' Institute struggled as membership waned but in 1866, after a series of fund raising efforts, the committee was able to purchase land in Liebig Street, on a site then called Market Square, between the weighbridge and the fire station. A Mechanics' Institute building was opened at this site in August 1871. The following year four more rooms were added to the main Reading Room and in 1873 the Artisan School of Design was incorporated into the Institute. The same year Joseph Archibald established a Museum; however it deteriorated when he was transferred to Bendigo in 1877. In 1880, with Archibald's return to Warrnambool, the Museum was re-established, and in 1885 a new building was built at the back of the Institute to accommodate the re-created School of Design, the Art Gallery and the Museum. In 1887 the Museum section was moved to the former court house in Timor Street (for some time the walls of the building formed part of the TAFE cafeteria but all is now demolished)). In 1911 the Museum was transferred back to the original building and the management of the Mechanics' Institute was handed over to the Warrnambool City Council. The Museum and Art Gallery became one and housed many fine works of art, and the Library continued to grow. The building was well patronised, with records showing that at the beginning of the 20th century there were between 500 and 800 visitors. During World War One the monthly figures were in the thousands, with 3,400 people visiting in January 1915. The Museum was a much loved Institution in Warrnambool until the contents of the Museum and Art Gallery were removed to make room for the Warrnambool City Council Engineers' Department. The contents were stored but many of the items were scattered or lost. When the original building was demolished the site became occupied by the Civic Centre, which included the new City Library. (The library was temporarily located in the old Palais building in Koroit Street.) In the process of reorganisation the Collection was distributed amongst the community groups: -The new City Library took some of the historic books and some important documents, historic photographs and newspapers. -The Art Gallery kept the 19th Century art collection and some of the artefacts from the museum. -The Historic Society has some items -The State Museum has some items -Some items were destroyed -Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village has old newspapers, Government Gazettes, most of the Mechanics' Institute Library, ledgers and documents connected to the Mechanics' Institute Library, some framed and unframed art works and some photographs. The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute Library book collection is deemed to be of great importance because it is one of the few collections in an almost intact state, and many of the books are now very rare and of great value. Australian Poets 1788 - 1888 Being a selection of peoms upon all subjects written in Australia and New Zealand during the first century of the British colonization Edited by Douglas B W Sladen Publisher: Griffith, Farran, Okeden & Welsh Date: 1888Label on spine cover with typed text RS 899.1 SLA Pastedown front endpaper has sticker from Warrnambool Mechanics Institute and Free Library Front loose endpaper has a stamp from Warrnambool Mechanics Institutewarrnambool, 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, australian poets, douglas b w sladen

The 17th Brigade (Australia) was an Infantry Brigade first formed in 1917 during WW1, but did not see action. The Brigade was reformed during WW2 and served in Libya, Greece and New Guinea. The Brigade was disbanded in 1946.This supplement is an original as printed and issued with The Argus News Paper on 22 February 1940.Oblong, buff colour news paper, souvenir supplement of The Argus,16 pages, 22 February 1940. The supplement is dedvoted to the 17th Australian Infantry Brigade 2nd A.I.F.The front cov er of the supplement has a photograph of Brigadier S.G. Savige, DSO, MC, ED, Commander. The following pages are photographs of Companies within the Brigade.ww1, ww2, 17th brigade, aif,

WW1 HistoryA Shorter History of the Australian Fighting Services in the First World War. Canberra Australian War Memorial 1952. (Third Edition).

The Underdown family were early settlers on the Island, possibly in the 1890s. They lived in Reid Street, Rhyll. Name of donor is Ossie or Oswald Underdown.HistoricalLarge, pale green sketch book with scale and freehand drawings of plants, flowers. Completed in 1912Australian Sketch Book. Oswald Underdown.drawing, oswald underdown, drawing book

Wooden Plaque 15cm x 13cmRoyal Australian Army Nursing Corps

Gold circular badge with enamel front, back pin and part of the map of Victoria in green. Floral design in pink and green on dark blue background with gold lettering.Gold enamel circular badge with gold writing and outline of Victoria and pink heath (state emblem)Australian Blind Bowlers Championships 1988recreation, badges

The Pacific Black Duck is also known as the Grey Duck in New Zealand. Despite these names, the plumage of the bird is brown in colour with the occasional cream and small amount of black. This species of Duck is located in all of Australia with the exception of the most arid zones. They can also be found throughout the Pacific region. The Pacific Black Duck resides in a range of different habitats that have some sort of water. These birds feed on aquatic plants, crustaceans, molluscs and aquatic insects. To catch their food, these birds plunge their heads and necks under the water with their rear raising above the top of the water. This technique is termed "dabbing". This specimen is part of a collection of almost 200 animal specimens that were originally acquired as skins from various institutions across Australia, including the Australian Museum in Sydney and the National Museum of Victoria (known as Museums Victoria since 1983), as well as individuals such as amateur anthropologist Reynell Eveleigh Johns between 1860-1880. These skins were then mounted by members of the Burke Museum Committee and put-on display in the formal space of the Museum’s original exhibition hall where they continue to be on display. This display of taxidermy mounts initially served to instruct visitors to the Burke Museum of the natural world around them, today it serves as an insight into the collecting habits of the 19th century.This specimen is part of a significant and rare taxidermy mount collection in the Burke Museum. This collection is scientifically and culturally important for reminding us of how science continues to shape our understanding of the modern world. They demonstrate a capacity to hold evidence of how Australia’s fauna history existed in the past and are potentially important for future environmental research. This collection continues to be on display in the Museum and has become a key part to interpreting the collecting habits of the 19th century.Despite its name, the Black Duck is largely brown in colouring. It has a mixture of light brown and cream plumage on the neck, face and stomach. The wings and rear of the duck are a darker brown. Each brown feather is bordered with a cream colour which separates the feathers from each other. The top of the head is also dark brown and there is a darker stripe of black colour horizontally on either side of the eye. The specimen has two brown and black glass eyes and a black bill. The legs and webbed feet are a dark brown and black colour. Tied around the left leg is a paper identification tag. The number 134 is inscribed on the left side of the wooden platform on which the bird is standing. This specimen is stocky.3a. / Australian Wild Duck / See Catalogue, Page 38. /taxidermy mount, taxidermy, animalia, burke museum, beechworth, australian museum, skin, reynell eveleigh johns, bird, australian birds, duck, pacific black duck, grey duck, australian duck

A typed two page letter address to Mr. Kerr from The Australian dated May 19, 1988. The Australian is asking to Mr. kerr's assistance in the compilation of an important supplement planned for The Australian newspaer in early July.letter, james kelly kerr

The Bi Annual Planning Conferences were to plan and coordinate the activities of the Royal Australian Survey Corps. The conferences were chaired by the Director of the Survey Corps and were attended by representatives from all elements of the Corps. The conferences were held at the Army Survey Regiment Fortuna Villa Bendigo . 1) Black and white photograph of the attendees at the Royal Australian Survey Corps Planning Conference November 1964 taken outside Fortuna Villa. Conference Chairman Brigadier Don Macdonald AM, MID Director of the Survey Corps. .2) Black and white photograph of the attendees at the Royal Australian Survey Corps Biennial Planning Conference November 1966 taken at Fortuna Villa. Conference Chairman Brigadier Don Macdonald AM, MID Director of the Survey Corps. .3) Black and white photograph of the attendees at the Royal Australian Survey Corps Biennial Planning Conference November 1966 taken in the Ball Room at Fortuna Villa. Conference Chairman Brigadier Don Macdonald AM, MID Director of the Survey Corps. Conference in progress. .4) Black and white photograph of the attendees at the Royal Australian Survey Corps Planning Conference November 1967 taken outside at Fortuna Villa. Conference Chairman Brigadier Frank Buckland OBE, MID; Director of the Survey Corps. .5) Black and white photograph of the attendees at the Royal Australian Survey Corps Biennial Planning Conference 1962 taken in the gardens of Fortuna Villa. Conference Chairman COL Don Macdonald AM, MID Director of the Survey Corps. Back Row L to R: LT M. Gler, LT F. Thorogood, LT. W.A Gillard, CAPT W.P. Constantine, MAJ E.U. Anderson, MAJ. J.K. Nolan, MAJ N.R.J. Hillier, CAPT W. Greer, MAJ. M.A. Marks, LT. G. Roy. Front Row L to R: 2T F. High, MAJ C.T. Carter, MAJ T. C. Sargent, MAJ J. L. Stedman, MAJ F.D. Buckland, LTCOL C.S. Tyler, COL D. Macdonald, LTCOL W.B. Relf, MAJ H.M. Hall, MAJ L.B. Sprenger, MAJ G.H. Tomlinson, MAJ S.W. Snow. .6) Black and white photograph of the attendees at the Royal Australian Survey Corps Biennial Planning Conference c1972 taken in the gardens of Fortuna Villa. Conference Chairman COL John K. Nolan, Director of the Survey Corps. .7) Black and white photograph of the attendees at the Royal Australian Survey Corps Biennial Planning Conference 05th October 1973 taken in the gardens of Fortuna Villa. Conference Chairman COL John K. Nolan, Director of the Survey Corps. Back Row L to R: MAJ Laker, SQNLDR Porter, CAPT Clues, SQNLDR McCormack, MAJ Eddy, FLTLT O’Loghlin, MAJ Illingworth, MAK Laing, MAJ Thorogood, MAJ Millar, CAPT Mason. Front Row L to R: MAJ Taylor, MAJ Ricketts, LTCOL Anderson, WGCOMD Whitely, LTCOL Ridge, MAJ Dalton, MAJ Todd..1 Nov 64 written on back, .2 RA Svy - Biennial Conference Nov 66 annotated on front, .3 Biennial Conference Nov 66 annotated on back, .4 RA Svy Planning Conference - Nov 67 annotated on front, .5 All officers annotated at footnotes on front, 6. No annotations, 7. All officers annotated on back and dated 5 Oct 73royal australian survey corps, rasvy, fortuna, army survey regiment, army svy regt, asr

This photograph of a flag raising ceremony by a contingent from the Army Survey Regiment was taken on Australia Day on the 26th of January 1996. It is not known where this ceremony took place, however it could have been in the grounds of Fortuna Villa. Most units of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) provide contingents to regional towns in their local area to assist in commemoration ceremonies on days of national significance, such as Australia Day, ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day. This was most likely one of the last flag raising ceremonies before the closure of the Army Survey Regiment. This photograph of a flag raising ceremony by a contingent from the Army Survey Regiment was taken on Australia Day on the 26th of January 1996. The photograph was printed on photographic paper and is part of the Army Survey Regiment’s Collection. The black & white photograph was scanned at 300 dpi. .1) and .2) - Photo, black & white, 1996. contingent of unidentified Army Svy Regt personnel L to R: SPR James Commons, SGT Doug Willis, SPR Mick Bullock, SPR Kim Baker, SPR Russ BrodieThe occasion and personnel were annotated on the back of the photos. ‘Flag Raising Ceremony Jan 26 1996. IC – Sgt DJQ Willis Party Spr KVG Baker Spr RJ Brodie Spr MJ Bullock Spr JM Commons L – R Spr Commons, Sgt Willis, Spr Bullock, Spr Baker, SPR Brodie. Had been done for 5 years’royal australian survey corps, rasvy, army survey regiment, army svy regt, fortuna, asr

In 1982 Mitchell Manufacturing received a design award for the Mitchell Coaster cycle from the Industrial Design Council of Australia.1 cream coloured page with blue background and cream upside down V on upper two thirds of page."Australian design award number #1514 awarded to Mitchell Manufacturing - a division of the Royal Blind Society for Mitchell Coaster bicycle designed by Peter Corbin Date 22/2/82, Signed (signature illegible) Chairman".royal blind society of nsw, mitchell manufacturing

The Battle of Alamein - The Australian Casualties. The Australian`, The Weekend Australian - 50th Anniversary Special Edition. Honour Roll and Newspaper Articles.SOFT COVER BOOK - FOLIO FACSIMILE - Cloth tape binding. Cover - thin cardboard, front cover - black print on blue background, illustrated in black print three photographs - top/troops in a vehicle, bottom/ tanks and soldiers advamcing. Pages - paper, cut, plain white. Illustrated black and white copies of photographs. Owners stamp - inside front cover.Inside front cover - owner's stamp black ink "Mr W.J. HAMMILL, A.A.I.M./ PO Box 76, KANGAROO FLAT/ VICTORIA, 3505, AUSTRALIA"books, history, ww2

Jacket - Khaki colour wool serge fabric. Battle Dress style with belt at waist. Brown metal buttons with shank and split pin. Buttons have raised emblem - map of Australa and Crown and lettering "AUSTRALIAN MILITARY FORCES". Collar, shoulder epaulettes, four front pockets with button down flaps, sleeve cuffs. Unit colour patch insignia - handmade purple over red - 38th Battalion. Collar badges - metal - Rising Sun Badge. Shoulder epaulettes - metal "AUSTRALIA" badge. Manufacturers white cotton fabric label - inside right pocket.Manufacturers information on two labels. Black ink print - "REGIMENTAL NO./NAME" Red ink print - "V162/ MADE IN/ AUSTRALIA/ 1942/ size". Handwritten black ink pen "XXX/ 20X" uniform, army, battle dress, ww2

The Olive-Backed Oriole are very common birds for northern and eastern Australia, as well as New Guinea. Similar to the Yellow Oriole, this species is more versatile yet less distinctive in colouring. The streaked underparts and red bill and eyes are easy identification features of this bird. Both sexes look very similar, with female colouring being slightly duller than males. This species frequents open forests and woodlands, and can tolerate dry climates. Most of this species breeds from September to January during the tropical wet season in northern Australia, but some are known to migrate south to breed in the summer. This species eats mainly native fruit, berries, and insects. This specimen is a good example of this species, but the colouring is very dull compared to living birds. This specimen has one red eye, which is a good example of a distinctive feature of this species. This specimen is part of a collection of almost 200 animal specimens that were originally acquired as skins from various institutions across Australia, including the Australian Museum in Sydney and the National Museum of Victoria (known as Museums Victoria since 1983), as well as individuals such as amateur anthropologist Reynell Eveleigh Johns between 1860-1880. These skins were then mounted by members of the Burke Museum Committee and put-on display in the formal space of the Museum’s original exhibition hall where they continue to be on display. This display of taxidermy mounts initially served to instruct visitors to the Burke Museum of the natural world around them, today it serves as an insight into the collecting habits of the 19th century.This specimen is part of a significant and rare taxidermy mount collection in the Burke Museum. This collection is scientifically and culturally important for reminding us of how science continues to shape our understanding of the modern world. They demonstrate a capacity to hold evidence of how Australia’s fauna history existed in the past and are potentially important for future environmental research. This collection continues to be on display in the Museum and has become a key part to interpreting the collecting habits of the 19th century.This Olive-Backed Oriole has a faint olive-green head and back, and a faint red-tinged beak. Its body is cream coloured with brown streaks. It has one red eye. This specimen appears to be immature and/or female, as it has a pale pill and a duller-olive green back, with streaks quite high up on it's chin, which is indicative of an immature female of this species. This specimen stands upon a wooden platform and has an identification tag tied around its leg.Swing-tag: 52a / Australian Oriole / See catalogue page 17. taxidermy mount, taxidermy, animalia, burke museum, beechworth, australian museum, skin, reynell eveleigh johns, bird, oriole, olive-backed oriole, yellow oriole, australian birds

$1 uncirculated 'c' mint mark coin. The coin depicts a young ANZAC soldier in a slouch hat. The coin has a letter next to the design to signify for which Australian Capital City it was struck. The coin is in a cover. "The Last ANZACS" inscribed across from the $1 inscription.

Each year The Australian Insitutue of Mining Engineers held a meeting in an important mining district or township. In 1906, via the good offices of David Ham an invitation was extended to the Ballarat students to take part in a trip to Broken Hill, via Wallaroo and Moonta, and Port Pirie. They left the Ballarat station on Saturday May 19, 1906 aboard the Adelaide Express. The Ballarat party consisted of David Ham (Ballarat School of Mines Council Member); staff members Frederick J. Martell, A.D. Gilchrist, John Sutherland, A.E.C. Kerr, A. Garard and E.J. McConnon. The attending students were W.P. Avery, M. Boyer, M.H. Bade, E. Booth, E. Crossly, A. Cooper, G.H. Davenport, W.E. Figgis, R. Galloway, C. Hesselmann, H. Hawkesworth, M. McCallum, H.F. Owen, W. Pearce, W. Sayer, J. Sutherand, Arthur E. Tandy and H.C. Valentine. Students were also present from the Working Men's College (later RMIT), Bairnsdale School of Mines, Melbourne University and the Bendigo School of Mines. Members of Australian Institute of Mining Engineers and students from the Ballarat School of Mines at the Central Mine, Broken Hill. It is assumed the Ballarat School of Mines students are in the boater hats with the striped hat braid. ballarat school of mines, australian institute of mining engineers, central mine, broken hill, broken hill, visits, excursions, david ham, frederick j. martell, a.d. gilchrist, john sutherland, a.e.c. kerr, a. garard, e.j. mcconnon, w.p. avery, m. boyer, m.h. bade, e. booth, e. crossly, a. cooper, g.h. davenport, w.e. figgis, r. galloway, c. hesselmann, h. hawkesworth, m. mccallum, h.f. owen, w. pearce, w. sayer, j. sutherand, arthur e. tandy, h.c. valentine.

The motto of the ANA was Unity, Prosperity, PeaceA framed certificate of the Australian Natives' Assoiation Ballarat Branch No 4 made out to Hohn H.A. James.ana, australian natives' association, john h.a. jones, ship, steam train, horses, cows, plough, industry\weaving, mining, f.w. niven, poppet head

A Guide to the Study of Australian Butterflies Author: W. J. Rainbow Publisher: TC Lothian Date: 1907Label on spine cover with typed text R.A.595.789 RAI Pastedown front endpaper has sticker from Warrnambool Mechanics Institute and Free Library warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, book, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, a guide to the study of australian butterflies, w. j. rainbow

History of The Australian Bushrangers Author: George E Boxall Publisher: Home Entertainment Library Date: 1935Spine cover has hand written label, in white ink,then covered by a typed text label R.S. 994.02 BOX Front loose endpaper has a stamp from Warrnambool Public Library The top of the text block has a stamp from Warrnambool Public Librarywarrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, book, warrnambool public library, history of the australian bushrangers, george e boxall

The History Of Australian Exploration 1788-1888 Author: Ernest Favenc Publisher: Turner & Henderson Date: 1888Label on spine cover with typed text RA 994.02 FAV Front pastedown endpaper has sticker from Warrnambool Public Librarywarrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, book, warrnambool library, warrnambool public library, the history of australian exploration 1788-1888, ernest favenc

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 its 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 percent of the reading population. The collection of books was made up of around 60 percent reference and 40 percent 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 1950’s 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 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, and to 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. As with many Mechanics' Institutes in Australia, the one which operated in Warrnambool was established and overseen for many years by key individuals associated with the development of the city itself. The WMI publication collection is historically significant because of its association with local people, places and the key historical themes in the development of Warrnambool of rural development, industry, farming, education, and community. The collection documents and illustrates the changing interests, focus and tastes of Victorians, especially those in regional cities. Generally the individual items in the collection are not particularly rare, as examples of all probably exist in other public collections in Victoria. It is primarily because there are so very few surviving Mechanics' Institute collections in Victoria, which lends this overall collection its significance. Many items in the WMI Collection have the potential to support further research, both as individual objects and through the collection in its entirety. This material is significant for its ability to assist in the interpretation of the history of the area and adds to the general understanding of the development of the township. Many components of the WMI publication collection complement and reinforce the Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum Collection, the Warrnambool Art Gallery Collection, and that in the Warrnambool Historical Society, and also contribute to a clearer understanding of the original Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute collections. This will greatly enhance the appreciation of the few surviving Mechanics' Institute collections across Victoria, and also in New South Wales. The similarities and differences between the small number of collections that have survived can provide further insights into how the people of Victoria in general, and Warrnambool in particular, constructed a civic culture of adult learning to foster an informed citizenry. The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute publication collection is of both local and state significance. Dictionary of Australian Biography Vol 2 Author: Percival Serle Publisher: Angus & Robertson Date: 1949Label on spine cover with typed text 920 SER Pastedown front endpaper has sticker from Warrnambool Public Library 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, dictionary of australian biography vol 2, percival serle

Six page document issued by Australian Military Forces Military Board dealing with amphibians in amphibious operationsarmour, amphibious operations