Showing 5937 items
matching 1946-1954.
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Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Card - KIA ORA ENTRY IN VICTORY PROCESSION 1946
Black and white postcard of the Kia Ora float entry in the Victory procession in 1946. The photo shows the Kia Ora banner and products on the back of a truck with four men in uniform standing at the front of the truckbendigo, business, kia ora -
Wodonga & District Historical Society Inc
Photograph - Fred Rochow Railways Collection - Cliff Thomas, C. 1970s
The Fred Rochow Railways Collection incorporates photos related to the operation of the Wodonga Railway Station including different types of trains and railways staff C. 1930 – 1990. It was donated to the Wodonga Historical Society by Fred Rochow, a railwayman who spent many years based in Wodonga. He joined the Victorian Railways on 17th June l947 and retired in 1988. For some time, he was a member of the Australian Federated Union of Locomotive Enginemen and served a term as a member of the Trades Hall Council. He had an extensive knowledge of the struggles that took place to achieve better conditions for railway workers. Fred worked for many years as a fireman and then worked his way up the ranks to driver, experiencing many changes from the days of steam locomotives through to diesel trains, locomotives and even the modern XPT train. He worked throughout Victoria at different stages of his career, with his final working years focused on the northeast of Victoria and the Albury to Melbourne line. After his retirement, Fred continued to share his love of steam miniature trains with the community.This collection has local and statewide significance as it captures images of trains, locomotives and personnel who operated the railway services in Wodonga and throughout Northeast Victoria. The railways played a critical role in opening up Victoria and connecting Australia for trade, business, social communication and transport.Cliff Thomas started his career with Victorian Railways at Geelong in 1946. He was driving electric locomotives and running the depot in 1952. Cliff moved to Wodonga in 1969 where he retired in 1984.railways wodonga, fred rochow, wodonga railwaymen, cliff thomas -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Photograph - Easter Show 1951-1969
Black and white photographs of the Bendigo Easter Show, one 1946, plus 1951-1969, and two Freedom of the City 24/8/1958. all taken by Richard Briggs. Dates on back of photographs -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Book, Men and Manners, 1945
This book was one of several independent publications dealing with Australian and Pacific topics. The author, J. Alex. Allan, was a Councillor with the Historical Society of Victoria. The book is less important than the inscription on the first page which indicates that the book was a gift from the staff of Warrnambool High School to William L. Grauer, a teacher who was leaving the school in 1946. Mr Grauer, born in Warrnambool in 1915, became Supervisor of School Forestry in 1968 and served in in the Australian Army and Air Force in World War Two. The Grauers were a prominent early family in the Allansford area and descendants still live today in Allansford and Warrnambool. Warrnambool High School opened in 1907 as the Warrnambool Agricultural High School and merged with Warrnambool North Technical School in 1994 to become Warrnambool College. This book is of interest as it was given as a farewell gift to a member of the Warrnambool High School staff in 1946 and contains the signatures of ten fellow teachers, including the Headmaster, Roy Andrews. The recipient of the book, William Grauer, was a member of a prominent family in the Allansford area.This is a hard- cover book (Social and Economic Sketch of Victorian History) of 172 pages. It has a plain dark red leather cover with a buff-coloured strip pasted on the spine. It is by J. Alex. Allan and was printed in 1945. There are 19 chapters and an Epilogue. There are several pages of black and white photographs. Spine: ‘Cheshire, Men and Manners in Australia, Allan’ On frontispiece: ‘To W.L. Grauer, With best wishes from the Headmaster & Staff, 1946, Roy W. Andrews, Betty H.T. Ward, H.E.L.Jones, S.A.O’Keefe, W.B.Gow,.A.F. Coggins, Leo Ingwersen, Winifred B. Gray, Ida L. Henderson, Lilian M. Williamson’ w.l. grauer, warrnambool high school -
Hume City Civic Collection
Book, Education Department of Victoria, Physical Education for Victorian Schools, 1946
A physical education course of study for primary and secondary school teachersA 480 paged bound text book with a grey cloth cover and navy blue printing on the cover and spine.non-fictionA physical education course of study for primary and secondary school teachers physical education, reference books, schools, teachers -
Williamstown High School
Senior Speech Night 1954
Program for the 1954 Senior Speech night of the Williamstown High School. Held on Monday, 6th December, 1954 at 8 p.m.Light blue paper pamphlet printed in dark blue.williamstown high school, speech night, 1954 -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Print - Ration Cards and Tickets, 1946-48
Rationing regulations for food and clothing were gazetted on 14 May 1942. Rationing was introduced to manage shortages and control civilian consumption. It aimed to curb inflation, reduce total consumer spending, and limit impending shortages of essential goods. The broad reasoning behind the introduction of rationing was to ensure the equitable distribution of food and clothing. It was also hoped that a cut on consumer spending would lead to an increase in savings, which in turn could be invested in war loans. Australians were never as short of food nor rationed as heavily as civilians in the United Kingdom. Rationing was enforced by the use of coupons and was limited to clothing, tea, sugar, butter, and meat. From time to time, eggs and milk were also rationed under a system of priority for vulnerable groups during periods of shortage.Motor Spirit Ration Tickets and Clothing Ration Cards: Three of tickets, Commonwealth Liquid Fuel Control Board, Issued under National security (Liquid Fuel) Regulations, Valid only until 30th Sep. 1946. 2 of Clothing Ration Cards, 56 tickets issued to Emily Hall, 112 Collins Street, N17 and 56 tickets issued to John Hall of the same address. Also a Clothing Ration Card for Child Under 6 Years issued to Ian Hall at the same address.history, bendigo, ration cards -
Melbourne Tram Museum
Document - Memorandum, Melbourne & Metropolitan Tramways Board (MMTB), Cricket - Victoria v South Australia at St Kilda Cricket Ground, 14/01/1946 12:00:00 AM
Cricket - Victoria v South Australia at St Kilda Cricket Ground Friday 18th to Tuesday 22 January 1946 Memorandum - four typed sheets - titled "Cricket - Victoria v South Australia at St Kilda Cricket Ground" from District Traffic Superintendent S.S. to Mr McCutchan, Hanna Street Depot, Mr Mazoletti, Malvern Depot, Mr Cliff, Glenhuntly Depot, Mr Taylor, Port Melbourne. Memo dated 14 January and specifies trams, buses and inspector positions required for event."Interstate Cricket - Vic v South Aust @ St Kilda Ground - Saty 19/1/46" written in black pencil on both copies.trams, tramways, instructions, events, specials, cricket -
Vision Australia
Photograph - Image, Braille Library Presidents board
An honour board listing the current and past presidents of the Braille Library of Victoria, formerly known as the Victorian Association of Braille Writers.Wooden board with gold letteringPresident J.H. Cockayne Past Presidents Thomas Luxton 1895-1900 Sir Malcolm Mc Eachern M.H.R. 1901 Hon. Thomas Luxton M.L.C. 1902-1910 Cr. J.G. Davey, Lord Mayor 1911-1912 Cr. A.J. Weller, JP 1913-1919 W.H. Mac Lennan 1920-1921 F.E. Pettifer, JP 1922-1928 Malcolm M. Brodie 1929-1946 A. Harold Gaze, C.B.E. 1946-1953 A. Lawrence Keep 1954-1963 Dr. R Graeme Orr 1963-1970 F.H. Bathurst 1970-1984 victorian association of braille writers, braille library of victoria -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Newspaper - Lydia Chancellor collection: New arrivals
1. Rev Harry George Mackay (30/5/1914 - 9/9/1988) was born in Sheffield, Tasmania. He served part time as a chaplain during WW2 (V517227) After the war he married Thelma Muriel Phillips (10/6/1920 - 13/7/2008) in 1946. They are both buried at the Mornington Cemetery. 2. Mr John Brown Hamlett was born in England. In 1951 he married Audrey Sommerville in in Scottsdale, Tasmania. Their first son, David was born in Tasmania in 1952. In 1954, John was preaching in the Launceston Methodist circuit.Bendigo Advertiser from 02/02/1962 and 05/02/1964. Two articles introducing three new families who have moved to Bendigo. These are the family of H.G. Mackay minister of the Wesley church in Forest Street, Rev, Baldwin of the Arnold Street circuit and Rev. J.B. Hamlett in charge of the Eaglehawk Methodist Circuit.bendigo advertiser, rev. hamlett, minister mackay, rev. baldwin -
Ballarat Tramway Museum
Photograph, Wal Jack, Bendigo No. 23 at Charing Cross, 3/01/1954
Photo of No. 23 at Charing Cross with the destination of Quarry Hill, photo by Wal Jack 3-1-1954. Has the Beehive in the background, a Plume petrol sign and the watchmaker's clock in the background. Printed on Ilford paper. Two prints held. See image i2 for rear of photograph. See image i3 for hi res scan of negative Yields information about Bendigo tram 23 in 1954 and Charing Cross.Black and White print contained within the Wal Jack Bendigo and Geelong Album, see Reg Item 5003 for more details. On the rear in blue ink "SEC Bendigo No 23 bogie to Quarry Hill at Fountain (Charing Cross) Bendigo 3-1-54" with Wal Jack copyright stamp in the top right hand corner and the number "T59PC" written in.trams, tramways, bendigo, charing cross, tram 23 -
Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Flyer - Souvenir, late 20th Century
The SS Athenic was one of 2 vessels of the Shaw Savill Line. One became a whale factory ship and the second a passenger ship built and launched by Harland and Wolff in1944 and had maiden voyage 1947 between London and New Zealand. Donor of this document Mr GW Duncan sailed on the maiden voyage and has also gifted sample menus from that trip.Mariner Duncan had a particular regard for the Mission to Seafarers. A plate for display on a commissioned new table at the MTSV acknowledges his bequest and the material donated. Collectively the G W Duncan material includes: photographs, professional data memorabilia and written and commercially printed resources. The memorabilia relates to his career at sea and in particular the role of an engineer, including a handwritten manual of notes and references relating to the mechanical and engineering aspects and areas of responsibility for maintenance. Double sided colour flyer with 'collaged' arrangement of various reproduced photographs of SS AthenicAt lower right edge on one side: " SS Athenic launching on November 6th, 1946 / From the Harland & Wolff Archive"shaw savill line, ss athenic, harland and wolff, george winfield duncan (1922-2017), ship engineer, 1946 -
NMIT (Northern Melbourne Institute of TAFE)
Photograph: CTS 1926 Football team, Photograph of Collingwood Technical School 1926 Football team with trophy cup
Photograph, unframed, of Collingwood Technical School Football team 1926 with trophy cup.On football in the photograph: 'CHAMPIONS / 1926'. On the reverse side there is an arrow at centre top and underneath 'MR. G.E.WHITAKER / AT C'WOOD 1923 - 1946'collingwood technical school, football team 1926, students, classes, nmit, -
Tatura Irrigation & Wartime Camps Museum
Photograph, William James Connor
William James Connor was a guard at Camp 3 during WW2.Colour photographic copy of a painting, in a brown frame, of a man in uniform, side on profile facing right.on back in pencil: William James Connor, painted by Jack Davies 1946 Rushworth Camp donated by Betty Taylor 2007william james connor -
Cobram Historical Society Inc
Silver trophy with lid
Silver trophy, 55cm tall and 45 cm wide. Cup shape on pedestal stand with lid.Cobram Agricultural Society won by Mrs. B. Henley for the highest number of points in ring events 1946, 47, 48. -
Frankston RSL Sub Branch
Document, Certificate of Discharge
Certificate of Discharge issued to VX117810 Frederick Charles Perry by the 2/47th Australian Transport Platoon, Australian Military Forces. Dated 3rd April, 1946. Certificate number 503474. F C Perry served as a Driver, he was enlisted in the Citizen Military Forces from the 5th November, 1941 to the 10 August, 1942 and then transferred to the Australian Military Forces from 11th August, 1942 to the 3rd April, 1946. He was on Active Service in Australia for 1157 days and Overseas for 394 days.Australian Military Forces Certificate of Discharge. -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Photograph, George Burton Coop, The Royal Train enroute to Lilydale, near Croydon, 6 Mar. 1954
Believed to have been taken bewteen Croydon Railway Station and the Dorset Road bridge. Taken late afternnon by George Coop's father. There is a Landrover parked on the grass with a person standing on it - believed to be Security. George recalls originally being located closer to the fence and being ushered up the hill where it was 'safer' to stand. In 1954 at age 27, Queen Elizabeth II was the first reigning British monarch to visit Australia.. She visited Victoria between March 1-10. Where to see the Queen (1954, January 21). Fern Tree Gully and District Times (Boronia, Vic. : 1953-1954), p. 5. Retrieved October 25, 2021, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article264220429 “The Lilydale Shire President, Cr. Burgi, stated that the Royal train en route for Warburton on Saturday, March 6th, would slow down at Croydon and Lilydale. There was little possibility that it would stop at either of these towns. The train would pass through Lilydale at 5.52 p.m. Council had appointed a sub-committee to arrange matters, and had allocated £400 towards expenses. It was suggested that the train slow down between the railway station and Dorset Rd. bridge at Croydon, and between the Cave Hill Quarry and railway station at Lilydale.” An album of images of the Queen's visit to Victoria is available on the PROV Flickr account at https://www.flickr.com/photos/public-record-office-victoria/7252885616Digital TIFF file Scan of Kopdak 620 black and white negative transparencygeorge coop collection, croydon, royal train -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Photograph, George Burton Coop, The Royal Train enroute to Lilydale, near Croydon, 6 Mar. 1954
Believed to have been taken bewteen Croydon Railway Station and the Dorset Road bridge. Taken late afternnon by George Coop's father. There is a Landrover parked on the grass with a person standing on it - believed to be Security. George recalls originally being located closer to the fence and being ushered up the hill where it was 'safer' to stand. In 1954 at age 27, Queen Elizabeth II was the first reigning British monarch to visit Australia.. She visited Victoria between March 1-10. Where to see the Queen (1954, January 21). Fern Tree Gully and District Times (Boronia, Vic. : 1953-1954), p. 5. Retrieved October 25, 2021, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article264220429 “The Lilydale Shire President, Cr. Burgi, stated that the Royal train en route for Warburton on Saturday, March 6th, would slow down at Croydon and Lilydale. There was little possibility that it would stop at either of these towns. The train would pass through Lilydale at 5.52 p.m. Council had appointed a sub-committee to arrange matters, and had allocated £400 towards expenses. It was suggested that the train slow down between the railway station and Dorset Rd. bridge at Croydon, and between the Cave Hill Quarry and railway station at Lilydale.” An album of images of the Queen's visit to Victoria is available on the PROV Flickr account at https://www.flickr.com/photos/public-record-office-victoria/7252885616Digital TIFF file Scan of Kopdak 620 black and white negative transparencygeorge coop collection, croydon, royal train -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Photograph, George Burton Coop, The Royal Train enroute to Lilydale, near Croydon, 6 Mar. 1954
Believed to have been taken bewteen Croydon Railway Station and the Dorset Road bridge. Taken late afternnon by George Coop's father. There is a Landrover parked on the grass with a person standing on it - believed to be Security. George recalls originally being located closer to the fence and being ushered up the hill where it was 'safer' to stand. In 1954 at age 27, Queen Elizabeth II was the first reigning British monarch to visit Australia.. She visited Victoria between March 1-10. Where to see the Queen (1954, January 21). Fern Tree Gully and District Times (Boronia, Vic. : 1953-1954), p. 5. Retrieved October 25, 2021, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article264220429 “The Lilydale Shire President, Cr. Burgi, stated that the Royal train en route for Warburton on Saturday, March 6th, would slow down at Croydon and Lilydale. There was little possibility that it would stop at either of these towns. The train would pass through Lilydale at 5.52 p.m. Council had appointed a sub-committee to arrange matters, and had allocated £400 towards expenses. It was suggested that the train slow down between the railway station and Dorset Rd. bridge at Croydon, and between the Cave Hill Quarry and railway station at Lilydale.” An album of images of the Queen's visit to Victoria is available on the PROV Flickr account at https://www.flickr.com/photos/public-record-office-victoria/7252885616Digital TIFF file Scan of Kopdak 620 black and white negative transparencygeorge coop collection, croydon, royal train -
Ballarat Tramway Museum
Slide - 35mm slide/s, Ben Parle, Jan. 1954
Kodachrome Transparency - 35mm slide - cardboard mount, with one side with red border and words "Kodachrome Transparency" top and bottom. On the other side is "Made in England" and "View from this side". Photo taken by Ben Parle 1/1954. Photo of Ballarat No. 26, outbound to Sebastopol line, in Albert St at the Gray St. loop. Note the long grass on either side of the track. Tram has the destination of Sebastopol. For high resolution scan see btm2819h.tif "Sebastopol line Ballarat" "1/54"tramways, trams, albert st, sebastopol, gray st, tram 26 -
Ballarat Tramway Museum
Slide - 35mm slide/s, Ben Parle, Jan. 1954
Kodachrome Transparency - 35mm slide - cardboard mount, with one side with red border and words "Kodachrome Transparency" top and bottom. On the other side is "Made in England" and "View from this side". Photo taken by Ben Parle 1/1954. Photo of Ballarat No. 40, on the Wendouree Parade, SEC Depot fan or track, possibly being shunted within depot, as driver not in SEC uniform. Tram has a destination of Victoria St. For high resolution scan see btm2823h.tif "Depot Ballarat" "1/54"tramways, trams, wendouree parade, sec depot, depot, tram 40 -
Ballarat Tramway Museum
Slide - 35mm slide/s, Ben Parle, Jan. 1954
Kodachrome Transparency - 35mm slide - cardboard mount, with one side with red border and words "Kodachrome Transparency" top and bottom. On the other side is "Made in England" and "View from this side". Photo taken by Ben Parle 1/1954. Photo of Ballarat No. 27, on the Wendouree Parade, SEC Depot fan or track, possibly being shunted within depot, as driver not in SEC uniform. Tram has a destination of Special. For high resolution scan see btm2824h.tif "Depot Ballarat" "1/54"tramways, trams, wendouree parade, sec depot, depot, tram 27 -
Ballarat Tramway Museum
Document - Report, R. J. Risson, "Moving People", Aug. 1954
Ten page Foolscap, duplicated report or paper, titled "Moving People". Delivered as an address by R. J. H. Risson, Chairman, Melbourne and Metropolitan Tramways Board, August 1954. Ten sheets stapled in top left hand corner. Looks at transport in general, Melbourne's situation, road costs, rolling stock, power and labour costs, traffic congestion, costs and fares, peak load and staggering of hours. Makes references to 3 charts, not included with paper.trams, tramways, melbourne, mmtb, traffic control, tramcars -
Port Melbourne Historical & Preservation Society
Postcard - Various Port Melbourne views, 2015 - 2016
A set (11) of postcards from historic photographs produced by John Hoskin, trading as Great Southern Card Publishing, Australia. .01 - J Kitchen & Sons factory in 1939 .02 - J Kitchen & Sons factory 1939 also showing Port Melbourne Football Ground .03 - Strathaird - 1934 - departing Station Pier .04 - British Aircraft Carriers at Station Pier from 23 to 31 January 1946 .05 - USA warships at Princes Pier 26July to 6 August 1925 .06 - Railway Pier c 1890 .07 -Wanganella - 1946 at Station Pier .08 - Uraba minesweeper at Station Pier 1946 .09 - Oronsay and Ormonde at Station Pier c 1951/52 .10 - Empress of Britain and Reliance at Station Pier 6 April 1938 transport - shipping, piers and wharves, industry, manufacturing, piers and wharves - station pier, piers and wharves - princes pier, piers and wharves - railway pier, j kitchen & sons pty ltd, wanganella, strathaird, oronsay, ormonde, uralba, hms implacable, hms glory, hms indefatigable -
Bendigo Military Museum
Uniform - JACKET, BATTLE DRESS, ARMY, Australian Defence Industries, 1954
"Herbert Rex WILLIS" Reg No. 342872 Service Details. Refer Cat No. 5231.31. Jacket - Khaki colour, wool serge fabric, Battle dress style, belted at the waist with metal buckle and brown plastic buttons. Collar, shoulder epaulettes, two front pockets with concealed button down flap and sleeve cuffs. Shoulder insignia - with yellow lettering - "ROYAL AUSTRALIAN ELECTRICAL & MECHANICAL ENGINEERS". Rank insignia on sleeves - brown, white and red, - Warrant Officer Second Class. Service Ribbons above left pocket L-R, Vietnam Campaign Medal. Long Service Medal, South Vietnamese Medal with clasp "60-". Light khaki colour cotton twill fabric lining. Manufacturers white cotton twill fabric label - inside on left pocket lining. 2. Lanyard - dark blue colour cotton cord with knots. 1. Manufacturers information on label - black ink print "REGIMENTAL NO./ NAME", Red ink print "M.TX/IZE 5". On pocket lining - purple ink "D^D/ MADE IN AUSTRALIA/ 1954. On collar lining - handwritten, black ink pen "WILLIS" .uniform, army, battle dress, rex willis -
Tatura Irrigation & Wartime Camps Museum
Book, Ticket and Sign Writing, 1940's
Possession of internee, Kurt Frank, at Camp 3 and used as a practical guide to ticket and sign writing. Small book, minus cover, with a label stuck onto the first page with German writing on it, which translates roughly to this book was given as a gift to Kurt Frank December 1946 by the Camp Management. 64 pages.ticket and sign writing, hornung g, frank g, kurt frank, camp 3 internee, grett hornung nee frank -
Clunes Museum
Honour Board - MEMORIAL BOARD
Local people involved in Clunes Football ClubList of local people involved in Clunes Football Club1. J.H. Leishman memorial Board Past President and Player List 2. Coaches 1931-1945 and 1946-1985 List 3. Clunes Football Club Presidents and Secretaries 1931-1985 Listlocal history, sport, leisure, football -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Photograph - GOLDEN SQUARE LAUREL STREET P.S. COLLECTION: CLASS AND STAFF PHOTO
Staff and class photos laminated upon blue cardboard. From top, [a] Uncaptioned staff photo with school in background. [b] Class photo with two teachers captioned SS 1189, 1946, Grade V.bendigo, institutions, golden square primary school -
8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles Regimental Collection
Document
The 8th Light Horse (Indi) Regiment superseded the 16th Light Horse in 1919. It had its headquarters at Benalla with sub-units throughout the Upper Murray and Northeast Victoria. In December 1941, the regiment converted from horse to mechanised, initially as 8th Reconnaissance Battalion then in July 1942 it became 8th Cavalry Regiment and served in Northern Territory. As Japanese threat to the mainland declined the regiment was disbanded.Shows keenness to maintain war time AssociationColoured two-fold card for the ReUnion of the 8th Australian Cavalry Regiment AIF held at Prahran Town Hall Anzac Eve 24th April 1946. On inside Honour Roll and Office-bearers Auxiliary. -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Book, The Australian Annual Digest 1953
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 1942 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 Australian Annual Digest 1953 A digest of the reported decisions of the Australian courts and of Australian Appeals to the Privy Council Editor Jean Malor Publisher: The Law Book Comp of Australasia Date: 1954 Label on spine cover with typed text PAT 346.94 AUS warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, book, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, pattison collection, warrnambool library, ralph eric pattison, warrnambool city librarian, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool books and records, warrnambool children’s library, the australian annual digest 1953, jean malor