Standard personal issue itemStandard personal issue item c 1960's +Set of two aluminium mess tins. Smaller fits into larger. Rectangular with rounded corners, Fitted with folding handlesGovernment broad arrow on eachsouvenir, equipment, catering equipment

Issue item c 1950'sSet of two steel mess tins, nesting - larger fits the smaller. With folding steel handlesWillow, "D (govt arrow) D", Australiasouvenir, equipment, catering equipment

The original Nurse family business began in 1841 in Maidstone Kent until 1861 where they were plane makers, moving to London in 1887 the company became C Nurse & Co. And continued until 1937 under that name at the (Invicta works). The majority of their plane making was done in London but there are Sheffield and Brighton marks on their tools as well. The company was not only wood plane makers but tool makers in general with the Charles Nurse & Co catalogue having 350 pages of tools for sale of varying types for different building trades and over 138 pages dedicated to woodworking tools. Records show that the company was at 182 Walworth Road London from 1887-1949. However, they had several retail outlets before this time and records indicate before 1887 Charles Nurse was at 32 Mill St Maidstone Kent, from 1844 -1860 but were in business before then. Also in Brighton at 135 Queens Road from 1865 -1871 and at 3 Mill Street Maidstone, again from 1872 - 1889 listed on records of the time as “plane and tool makers.”A vintage item made by a significant tool maker and retailer from the middle of the nineteenth century and into the first half of the twentieth century. These items were made commercially for firms and individuals that worked in wood and needed a tool that could produce an ornamental finish to timber. The tool was used before electric or mechanical routers or spindle moulders came into use. They were used by craftsmen to produce decorative mouldings by hand. These profiled planes came in various shapes and sizes. A significant tool that today is quite rare and sought after by collectors. It gives us a snapshot of how furniture and other decorative finishes were created on timber by the use of hand tools only. Moulding Plane a Casing Moulding Plane with two Scotia profiles Maker C Nurse and Co London. Owner A. E. NunnMaker C Nurse & Co & A E Nunn (previous owner)flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village

The original Nurse family business began in 1841 in Maidstone Kent until 1861 where they were plane makers, moving to London in 1887 the company became C Nurse & Co. And continued until 1937 under that name at the (Invicta works). The majority of their plane making was done in London but there are Sheffield and Brighton marks on their tools as well. The company was not only wood plane makers but tool makers in general with the Charles Nurse & Co catalogue having 350 pages of tools for sale of varying types for different building trades and over 138 pages dedicated to woodworking tools. Records show that the company was at 182 Walworth Road London from 1887-1949. However, they had several retail outlets before this time and records indicate before 1887 Charles Nurse was at 32 Mill St Maidstone Kent, from 1844 -1860 but were in business before then. Also in Brighton at 135 Queens Road from 1865 -1871 and at 3 Mill Street Maidstone, again from 1872 - 1889 listed on records of the time as “plane and tool makers.”A vintage item made by a significant tool maker and retailer from the middle of the nineteenth century and into the first half of the twentieth century. These items were made commercially for firms and individuals that worked in wood and needed a tool that could produce an ornamental finish to timber. The tool was used before electric or mechanical routers or spindle moulders came into use. They were used by craftsmen to produce decorative mouldings by hand. These profiled planes came in various shapes and sizes. A significant tool that today is quite rare and sought after by collectors. It gives us a snapshot of how furniture and other decorative finishes were created on timber by the use of hand tools only. Cornice Moulding plane type Maker C Nurse and Co. Has A E Nunn stamped on end (Owner)flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village

This photograph and a matching earlier photograph are the images of a painting of the British steamship SS Warrnambool at Dover Strait in the English Channel. The photographs were donated by the painting’s owner, who acquired the 30” x 56” (76 x 142.5 cm) oil on canvas painting in 1998. Both photographs were accompanied by a letter, one written in 2001, and the other in 2003. The letters confirm that the artist of the painting was Charles Keith Miller, signed with the initials “CKM” and dated “1893”. The painting shown in the photographs was a gift to the Town Council of Warrnambool, presented to Warrnambool folks in Melbourne on December 1, 1892, by the Captain of William Lund’s ship SS Warrnambool. The painting was given by Lund in appreciation of the Ladies of Warrnambool who had presented the ship with a ‘house’ flag bearing the Blue Anchor Line’s symbol of a diagonal blue anchor on a white background; the ladies had made the decision to present the flag only a month earlier. A few days later, December 6th, the SS Warrnambool was on its homeward journey to Britain, sailing via Adelaide. It anchored for a short time off the Port of Warrnambool. A boat was launched from Lady Bay to take a group of friends to the ship with a delivery of gifts. After cheers were roused for both the ship and the Captain, the ship continued on its way. The photograph shows the gifted white flag with a diagonal blue anchor flying from the masthead. The same symbol is painted on the ship’s black funnel. The signal flags on the foremast display ‘M’ ‘R’ ‘V’ ‘B’. These letters are most likely the ship’s call number ‘MRVB’. Although the painting was given as a gift in December 1892, it is post-dated “1893”. Perhaps the painting was given earlier than anticipated; or the date added later, but whatever the reason, the provenance of the painting was confirmed at auctions of this painting and other works by the same artist. CHARLES KEITH MILLER 1836-1907:- Captain Charles Miller left his home in Scotland at the age of 15 years for a life at sea. He earned his Master’s Certificate ten years later. After being the captain of sailing ships he moved over to the steamships because they were faster. In 1866 he married and settled in Glasgow. Over the following eleven years he and his wife had five children, then sadly his wife passed away. Captain Miller returned to the sea for a while but in 1888 he gave up his sea life to spend his time as a marine artist. His understanding of seafaring life and vessels, combined with his artistic skills, gave him the ability to produce fine art and several galleries and museums have collections of his sought-after works. S.S. WARRNAMBOOL 1892-1925:- The steamship SS Warrnambool was built in 1892 by the Sunderland Ship Building Company for the Lund Line of London, founded by William Lund in 1869. It efficiently carried both passengers and cargo across the world to Australia, under the command of her master Captain Joshua Edward Iibery, who had many years of experience with the Blue Anchor Line. The company, referred to as the Blue Anchor Line or BAL, owned a fleet of both sail and steamships. The funnels of all of the steamships were painted black, with a white band around the top bearing a diagonal blue anchor and chain. The company’s house flag was also white with a diagonal blue anchor. The SS Warrnambool carried passengers and cargo in a ‘no frills’ service to and from Europe around the Cape of Good Hope, stopping at some ports in between. The ship was involved in bringing home returned solders in 1895. At one time it carried a doctor from Victoria, Australia, to assist at the war front in South Africa. The ship had a very good reputation for its cargo arriving ‘almost always in excellent condition.’ Exported goods from Australia included iron safes, flour, wool, apples, frozen rabbits, butter, cheese, pork, cattle, poultry and sheep. One remarkable delivery contained Ostriches for Queen Victoria and they survived the journey well. The SS Warrnambool was sold in 1900 to the British and South American Steam Navigation Co. Ltd of Liverpool and was renamed ‘Harmodius’. The company was managed by R.P. Houston & Company of London and its Houston Line funnels were red with a black top. The Harmodius was sold in 1919 to K.S.S. Co. Ltd, managed by Kaye Son & Co. Ltd. of Liverpool, and was renamed ‘Kut’. The line had black funnels with a white ‘K’ in a diamond or between white stripes. In 1926 it was purchased by T.W. Ward Ltd. and broken up. NOTE- other vessels named “Warrnambool” Two other vessels carried the name “Warrnambool” (1)- HMAS Warrnambool J202 (1941-1947), a Bathurst Class corvette vessel owned by the Royal Australian Navy, destroyed by a mine. The photograph is significant for its association with the painting "SS Warrnambool" by well-known early 20th century marine artist Charles Keith Miller, whose paintings are well valued. The painting and the photograph of it are namesakes of Warrnambool and are connected through the gifts exchanged between the ship company owner, the City of Warrnambool and the Ladies of Warrnambool; the House Flag and the painting by C K Miller. The image is a good likeness to original photographs of the late-19th to early-20th century steam and sale vessel. Coloured photograph of a painting, the steamship S.S. Warrnambool. The three-masted ship has lowered sails. It is in calm water, land on one side, and other vessels in the water. The ship has four raised signal flags, a house flag and a blue ensign. The funnel also bears the house flags symbol. Smoke emits from the funnel. Figures are visible onboard. There is a signature and a title on the lower edge of the photograph. (Artist of the painting in the photograph was Charles Keith Miller)House flag symbol, [diagonal blue anchor on white background] Text "CKM" and "1893" Text "S. S. WARRNAMBOOL."flagstaff hill, warrnambool, photograph, steam ship warrnambool, flagstaff hill maritime village, shipwreck coast, ss warrnambool, captain, charles keith miller, ckm, 1893, william lund, warrnambool town council, blue anchor line, lund line, ladies of warrnambool, house flag, diagonal blue anchor, captain miller, sunderland ship building company, migrant ship, 1892 ship, home flag, bal, australian export, s.s.warrnambool, dover strait, english chanel, port of warrnambool, lady bay, mrvb, captain charles miller, captain joshua edward iibery, ostriches, queen victoria, british and south american steam navigation co., harmodius, r.p. houston & company, houston line, k.s.s. co. ltd, kaye son & co. ltd, kut, t.w. ward ltd

Donated by Jack JennerBlack & White photograph of Chapel Street Cowes with Catholic church and houses in background. Corner Co-Op site in foreground immediately before building. Glencoe Guest House next to Co-Op.On Back: "Co-op Corner & C. Church. 1960"phillp island co-op cowes, glencoe guest house, chapel street, cowes phillip island, phillip island, jack jenner

The Chapel attached to the 1917 Mission Building has been known variously over the years as: Memorial Chapel ( WWI Merchant seamen) ; St Peter Mariner's Chapel and St Peter's, Mariner's Church. In current day usage due to modest size it is referred to as Chapel. This postcard provides a sample record of the appreciation of volunteers by committee members at the Mission in the 20th C. and forwarded on their behalf to the donor's Grandfather Mr Arthur Ware countersigned by Padre Oliver ( Chaplain 1930-1960)A black and white photographic postcard of the interior of St Peter's Chapel, Mission to Seafarers, 717 Flinders St Melbourne. Image has a 5cm white border.On the back is a message from Padre Oliver on behalf of the Christmas Committee to Mr Ware and dated 14-12-51. "Thanking Mr Ware for ... all your kindness..."photograph, josephine atkinson, arthur ware, padre oliver, st peter chapel, flinders street, mission to seafarers, mission to seamen, seamen's mission, donors, supporters, frank leslie oliver, 1951

Aerial view of Melbourne pre October 1997 as the Docklands stadium, landmark of the new precinct is not yet built.Large framed and glazed print of aerial colour photograph of the Yarra river and Docklands, C - 1982 - 1995 docklands, melbourne, aerial view, yarra river, city, port melbourne, albert park

Built in 1888, the building at Port Melbourne was in need of renovation. In February 1929 a fundraising was organised by the Box Hill branch of the Ladies Harbour Lights Guild: "The Mayoress of Box Hill (Mrs. C. Palling) opened a very successful Australian tea, held on Tuesday afternoon in St. Peter's Parish Hall, by members of the Box Hill branch of the Ladies' Harbour Lights Guild, to raise funds towards the cost of renovating the Port Melbourne Seamen's institute. The building is in a very dilapidated condition, and is totally inadequate for the extensive requirements of the Mission to Seamen." (1929 'AUSTRALIAN TEA.', Box Hill Reporter (Vic. : 1925 - 1930), 15 February, p. 7.) "Additional buildings at the Seamen's Institute, conducted by the Victoria Missions to Seamen, at Port Melbourne, were officially opened and dedicated yesterday (23 January 1930) by Archbishop Head. The additions, which have been erected at a cost of £3000, comprise an extension of the recreation hall, new canteen and office, ladies' rest room, apprentices' room, officers' room, and five-roomed dwelling, for the caretaker." 1930 'MISSION TO SEAMEN.', The Age (Melbourne, Vic. : 1854 - 1954), 24 January, p. 13.Rectangular foundation stone with inscription inlayed in a bluestone wall.To the glory of God and the welfare of seamen/ This stone was unveiled by the most Rev. Frederick Waldegrave Head B.O. Archbishop of Melbourne, on the 23rd day of January 1930archbishop head, port melbourne, reverend h. s. bailey, building renovations, 1930, port melbourne mission

One of 2 volumes of late 19th early 20th Century letter books. Each volume provides us with extensive listings of correspondence with supporters, fundraisers, patrons, architects, Mission staff and business transactions carried out by the Honorary Secretary Mr WHC Darvall over the period of a decade. Queen Victoria, Governors of Victoria: Earl of Hopetoun, Lord Brassey, Sir George Sydenham Clark, Lord Talbot and Governors General: Baron Northcote, performers such as Nellie Melba, Kitty Grindley, Sir Samuel Gllott president of the Law Institute, Hugh Reid, Crawford Pasco R.N. FRGS are just a few. The late 19th C - early 20th C period covered by the 2 vol collection of correspondence records together with annual reports and minutes documents a significant transition period not only across centuries but also towards a new framework of operations for the original mid 19th C founded Mission to seamen. The death of a long-standing Chaplain, Wesleyan, Ebenezer James in 1901 eventually led to a proposed merger in 1905 which resulted in the amalgamation of the Victorian Mission with the Anglican based Mission to Seafarers under the leadership of Rev'd Gurney Goldsmith who arrived in 1905. The new Mission was launched in 1906 with a long planned and much needed new central building opened in 1907 on the Australian Wharf. Mr Darvall, in his time produced a handwritten 40 page epitomised history, drawn from annual reports and was exceptionally meticulous in his efforts to cross reference related correspondence, press clippings, report material and documents. He was a strong supporter of Libraries and first town clerk of Beechworth.Primary inscription on title page ( see title field this record) also: "Commencing on Sunday 1st of February , 1895. / Ending on Saturday 18th December , 1902 / Indexed to / Page 18,22,29,32,34,35,44,45,48,53,63,75,80,82, 90, 112, 120, 121,136,151,167,171,173,174, 185, 200, 212, 216, 218, 232, 233, 241, 361, 362, 373, 375, 378, 428, 455, 477, 508, 509, 516, 520, 521, 543, 562, 607, 657, 658, 667, 669, 706, 718, 724, 732, 735, 738, 741, 745 748, 749 ./ WHC Darvall / Hon'y Secretary. "correspondence records, seafarer advocacy, seafarer shore facilities, ship to shore, index, missions to seamen, seamen's missions, mission to seafarers, correspondance, letters, letter book, welfare, nellie melba, kitty grindley, crawford pasco, lord thomas brassey, william henry charles darvall (1830-1906)

One of 2 volumes of late 19th early 20th Century letter books. Each volume provides us with extensive listings of correspondence with supporters, fundraisers, patrons, architects, Mission staff and business transactions carried out by the Honorary Secretary Mr WHC Darvall over the period of a decade. Queen Victoria, Governors of Victoria: Earl of Hopetoun, Lord Brassey, Sir George Sydenham Clark, Lord Talbot and Governors General: Baron Northcote, performers such as Nellie Melba, Kitty Grindley, Sir Samuel Gllott president of the Law Institute, Hugh Reid, Crawford Pasco R.N. FRGS are just a few. The late 19th C - early 20th C period covered by the 2 vol collection of correspondence records together with annual reports and minutes documents a significant transition period not only across centuries but also towards a new framework of operations for the original mid 19th C founded Mission to seamen. The death of a long-standing Chaplain, Wesleyan, Ebenezer James in 1901 eventually led to a proposed merger in 1905 which resulted in the amalgamation of the Victorian Mission with the Anglican based Mission to Seafarers under the leadership of Rev'd Gurney Goldsmith who arrived in 1905. The new Mission was launched in 1906 with a long planned and much needed new central building opened in 1907 on the Australian Wharf. Mr Darvall, in his time produced a handwritten 40 page epitomised history, drawn from annual reports and was exceptionally meticulous in his efforts to cross reference related correspondence, press clippings, report material and documents. He was a strong supporter of public Libraries and first town clerk of Beechworth.In handwritten black ink primary inscription on title page (see title field this record...) also: "Commencing on 19th October 1902 Ending ...1905 / Indexed to:.../ WHC Darvall / Hon'y Secretary. "correspondence records, seafarer advocacy, seafarer shore facilities, ship to shore, william henry charles darvall (1830-1906), letters, sailors' rest, welfare, seamen's mission, mission to seamen, mission to seafarers, correspondence, letter book, nellie melba, kitty grindley, lord thomas brassey, crawford pasco

Early 20th C. image of crew members on board ship. It is thought that the basins were used to collect their meals as a way of ensuring minimum spillage when the vessel was under way. The Barque Crocodile out of Liverpool is documented in an Annual report as donating 15 shillings and sixpence from the crew towards the building fund for the Mission Building. This image may well depict some of those crew members who 'chipped in'.Small monochrome photograph (faded) depicting small group of seamen aboard the Barque Crocodile performing chores.Hanwritten in pencil on verso: 12barque crocodile, crew, apprentices, life on board, dinner, meals

This set of six original chairs (2 armchairs + 4 chairs) along with the dining table was originally used in the dining room of the Manse, the chaplains' residence. Upon completion of the Institute building in 1917, the Goldsmiths moved in after living for many uncomplaining years in a flat on Australia Wharf, which had “many disadvantages and discomforts”. It was photographed in the Manse dining room by the reverend or Mrs Weller c. 1926.It is not known when they were purchased or gifted. But they are likely originating from Europe. Reverend Weller photographed the dining suite during his stay betwenn 1926-1929 (see item 1568).Wooden oakwood dining chairs with two heart-shaped carvings on the backrest. Two of the chairs have armrests. Eucalyptus green leather cushion seats. Canvas webbing underneath. Set of 6 original chairs used in the Manse. chair, dining, manse, heritage listed, dining suite, arts and crafts

This image appears to have been taken from the second storey of the Mission to Seamen, on Beach Rd Esplanade, Port Melbourne circa 1912 - 1920. One of several images on loose album pages.An early image taken from the building established in Port Melbourne initially in the mid 19th C and operating up to the 1930s until replaced by a modern deco building in 1936. Shows examples of vintage cars.Small Landscape B and W image of ships moored alongside a pier in distance and small early car in foreground on unsealed road travelling left to right. Handwritten descriptive inscription is written underneath on an album page.port melbourne, mission to seamen building, port melbourne pier, fan album

Donated by N. M. & J. D. Archibald. April, 1973Colour Photograph. Chicory Kiln. Cowes. Mr. E. C. Wood, Settlement Road, East. Built of mud 18" thick about 1880 by J. Jenner. Oldest Kiln in operation as at 1973. Chicory Kiln Albumlocal history, photography, photographs, agriculture buildings, historic, chicory kiln, cowes, phillip island, e c wood, j jenner, n & j archibald

Donated by N. M. & J. D. Archibald. April, 1973Black & White Photograph. Chicory Kiln. Cowes - Mr. E. C. Wood, Settlement Road East. Built of mud 18" thick about 1880, by J. Jenner. Oldest Kiln still in operation as at April 1973. Chicory Kiln Album.local history, photography, photographs, agriculture buildings, historic, chicory kiln, cowes, phillip island, e c wood, j jenner, n & j archibald

Stradbroke House was once run by W Smith - now (1979) owned by C CarterColoured photograph of Stradbroke House.local history, photographs, buildings - historical, housing, coloured photograph, john cook, phillip island, stradbroke house

Mr S J McFee built this wattle and daub outhouse himself - c 1918Coloured photograph of Mr S J McFee at the door of his outhouse.local history, photographs, buildings - historical, coloured photograph, john cook, phillip island, s j mcfee

Originally The Warley Hospital built by Robert Walpole in 1908 and moved to its present site in Genista Street, when the present hospital building was erected c 1967. Now owned by Mr Reith. In 1923 Mr & Mrs W E Thompson purchased the property of the late Robert Walpole and presented it to the people of Phillip Island for a hospital.Early house built by Robert Walpole. White timber with pale blue roof. Lace work on verandah. Two bay windows. White picket fence.local history, photographs, buildings, historic, buildings - historical, coloured photograph, john cook, phillip island, warley hospital

From Jessie Smith's collection. Current Post Office front extensively renovated in c August 1994. 72-23a. Side view of Post Office, Cowes. J. Harold Smith shop front at left. 72-23b. Cowes first Post Office on the cnr Thompson Avenue & The Esplanade. (Now where Isola Di Capri Italian Restaurant is located)local history, photographs, post office, cowes phillip island, black & white photograph, public buildings, thompson avenue, cowes, jessie smith collection, stan mcfee

Business - shop - around the turn of the century of Robert Anderson Senior.Business of Robert Anderson Snr's, shop between other buildings. Figures of six men, three young lads posing across the front. All figures with hats. Building of wood above windows, corrugated iron beside and below windows. Name of owner and trade in large printing.No. 132 Machinist and General smith, Brass Finisher, Gas Fitter - Robert Anderson. Plumber + C, Keys Fitted, Fitted & Repairs. Locksmith and Bell hanger.local history, photography, photographs, slides, film, buildings, historic, lt, collins street, melbourne - business of robert anderson, sepia photograph, mrs emma anderson jacobs

This table along with the set of six original dining chairs (2 armchairs + 4 chairs) was originally used in the dining room of the Manse, the chaplains' residence. Upon completion of the Institute building in 1917, the Goldsmiths moved in after living for many uncomplaining years in a flat on Australia Wharf, which had “many disadvantages and discomforts”. It was photographed in the Manse dining room by the reverend or Mrs Weller c. 1926.It is not known when the dining suite was purchased or gifted. But they are likely originating from Europe. Reverend Weller photographed the dining suite during his stay between 1926-1929.Extandable rectangular dining tabledining, manse, heritage listed, arts and crafts, dining suite

The console was originally used in the dining room of the Manse, the chaplains' residence. Upon completion of the Institute building in 1917, the Goldsmiths moved in after living for many uncomplaining years in a flat on Australia Wharf, which had “many disadvantages and discomforts”. It was photographed in the Manse dining room by the reverend or Mrs Weller c. 1926. In the same style as the other oak sideboard, we can assume it was made by the same maker, H.F. Fischer around the same time.It is not known when they were purchased or gifted. But they are likely originating from Europe. Reverend Weller photographed the dining suite during his stay betwenn 1926-1929 (see item 1568).Wooden oakwood dining chairs with two heart-shaped carvings on the backrest. Two of the chairs have armrests. Eucalyptus green leather cushion seats. Canvas webbing underneath. Set of 6 original chairs used in the Manse. manse, dining suit, sideboard, arts and crafts, english, h.f. fischer

This document reveals the way in which Mission to Seafarers grew in response to demand. With increased shipping to Australia for all purposes, the need for the then existing Mission to grow to be conveniently located and to accommodate seafarers became increasingly evident. This document also shows the formal nature of documents and petitions in the 1890s and documents the names of twenty-two contemporaneous ships and their respective captains. The Anna, Dharwar and Mermerus arrived in port at the end of July 1897. The Carmanina arrived on the 21 October 1897. The Loch Katrine, at the end of the list, arrived on 5 November 1897. The letter was published in the Argus, 22 December 1897: "APPEAL FOR SEAMEN. TO THE EDITOR OF THE ARGUS. Sir, I beg that in the interests of the Victorian Seamen's Mission you will be kind enough to publish the appended testimony of the ship masters who for many years have been trading to this port, and therefore have had many opportunities of judging the effects of his work. The mission has much need of monetary assistance, and, should any of your numenous leaders deem it worthy of support, the committee would feel most grateful for any help that may be given in this direction. It has been the pleasure of the committee as far as possible to supply the crews of all outward bound steamers and sailing vessels with literature for their use on the voyage. My former appeals through your columns for leading matter have always been liberally responded to, and I trust that should any of our booksellers have any surplus stock of periodicals, religious and secular, illustrated or otherwise, at the end of the year, they will kindly remember the Victorian Seamen's Mission and the sailors. Private individuals also who may have stacks of literature by them, if they would kindly send some to the Seamen's Institute, Beach street, Port Melbourne, would cause the cheering of many a dark and lonely hour in the seamen's life. From 900 to 1.200 parcels have hitherto been given to the sailors and firemen annually by this mission, and we should be extremely grateful to those who would place us in a position to continue such donations in the future. Yours, &c. , E. JAMES, Chaplain to the Mission. Seamen's Institute, Beach street, Port Melbourne, Dec. 10." -------------------------------------------------- "To the Executive Committee of the Victorian Seamen's Mission, Melbourne. "Ladies and Gentleman, "We, the undersigned captains of several ships now lying at the Melbourne wharves think it most desirable that the Victorian Seamen's Mission, being the mission that has for so many years shown a most part their interest in the spiritual, moral, and social well-being of the seamen of all nationalities, shall him on the banks of the Yarra an institute such as that at Port Melbourne, where sailors of every grade could profitably and pleasantly spend their evenings. At almost every other seaport in the world such institutions are being provided for seamen, and we are satisfied from our opinion of the Melbourne public that the matter needs only to be prominently brought under their notice to be accomplished. We are confident that the good work of the mission is being hampered by its not having such a place near the shipping at the Melbourne wharves. Our crews are at present placed at a great dis advantage through not having an institute more convenient to the scene of their labours than that at Port Melbourne, which, on a very wet or a very hot, is not easily reached. If a site could be obtained immediately above the Gasworks but on the other side of Flinders street extension, that is to say, on the lower part of the land on which the Harbour Trust offices are built, it would be most convenient for the shipping on both the north and south side of the river. Trusting that it may be possible to do some thing to meet this long felt want, We suscribe ourselves, Yours respectfully, Geo.H Steven, master ship Dharwar; Thos. Curd, master ship Narcissus; James Horne, master ship Loch Garry; T.Tait, master ship Loch Ryan; T. Nilsen, master ship Hebe; G. Ch Christian, master ship Anna; R.E. Peasley, master ship Seminole; Wm. Martin, master ship Loch Ness; T.C. Martin, master ship Loch Tay; W.H. Bennett, master ship Loch Vennachar; J. Raglan Brodie, master s.s. Warrnambool; James E. Coles, master ship Mermerus; J. H. Walker, master ship Hinemoa; R.J. Johns, master ship Ariel; D. Gorchem (sic. Gerckens), master ship Matador; H. Petersen, master ship Nesaia; Wm. J. Reid, master s.s. Star of New Zealand; A. F. Svhanstrom, master ship Hermes; Alex. Smith, master ship Sophocles; W. Y. Bunn, master ship Carmanian; William Anderson, master ship Loch Katrine."This petition is historically significant as it is documentary evidence of the need for a new facility for seafarers signed and presented by the captains of 21 ships, including several of the sister ships of the Loch Ard. The need for a new facility was a result of changes in shipping and the use of the Melbourne ports in the 1890's and this document supported the pressure on the Harbour offices to finally release land for an appropriate building in the early 20th C.Mounted hand-written petition to the Executive Committee of the Victorian Seaman's Mission Melbourne. The letter petitions the Executive Committee to create a facility on the wharves, "where sailors of every grade could profitably and pleasantly spend their evenings." This portion of the letter takes up three quarters of the document. The remainder has two lists, one of twelve captain's signatures and the other of the names of their ships. The list is continued on the reverse side with an additional nine signatures and corresponding ship names.In cursive handwriting: To The Executive Committee of the Victorian Seamans Mission', / Melbourne / Ladies and Gentlemen / we the undersigned captains....... We subscribe / ourselves respectfully, Captain signatures and names of ships ( NB Ship names in upper case for this entry ): Geo H. Stevens - DHARWAR / Thomas Curd - NARCISSUS; / James Horn - LOCH GARRY / T.Tait - LOCH RYAN ; / T.NIlsen - Hebe ; / G.C. Christians - ANNA ;/ R E Peasley - SEMIOLE ; / William Martin - LOCH NESS ; / T C Martin - LOCH TAY;/ W H Bennett - LOCH VENNUACHAR; / RJ Raglan Brodie - SS WARRNAMBOOL; ; / James E. Coles - MERMERUS; / ( signatures continue overleaf) J H Walker - HINEMORA ; / R J Johns - ARIEL; / D Gorchem - MATADOR; / H Petersen - NESAIA;/ William J Reid - STAR of N. ZELAND [sic] ; / TJ Sohanstrom - HERMES;/ Alex Smith - SOPHOCLES; / W Y Bunn - CARMANIAN;./ William Anderson - LOCH KATRINE;/ Handwritten in red ink on the front of the parchment: "8182" NB The second digit in the number sequence appears to have been written over and could also be a "9", an "8" or a "3". paper Watermark "HERCULES". Prior to conservation and taped to the glass on the reverse side of the parchment was a small piece of paper reading: "Letter written in 1897 and signed between the last week of October and the first week of November." T and C probably stands for Trade and Customs and 8382 is the file no." (H8.4 x W11.8)victoria, melbourne, ships, petition, australia-wharf, captains, signatures, 717-flinders-street-docklands, maritime welfare services, mission to seafarers, seamen's mission, mission to seamen, mermerus, captain coles, sir john coode, loch line, loch ness, loch gary, loch ryan, ss warrnambool, loch tay, loch vennachar, matador, nesaia, d. gerckens, h. petersen, a.f. svhanstrom, hermes, ariel, loch katrine, william anderson, dharwar, narcissus, hebe, anna, hinemoa, sophocles, carmanian, captains' petition

This organ was gifted by the Bethel Community in 1890 to the then Victorian Seamen's Mission, originally founded by the Bethel Union in 1857. The gift was intended to assist with worship. Despite all appearance, this organ is not a pipe organ but a reed organ that works in a similar manner to an accordion. In May 1890, the sum of seventy pounds was put towards the purchase of the organ. The sum being raised via subscriptions. The organ was inaugurated in September 1890. Jabez Carnegie (1832-1892), importer of piano and organs in Melbourne, had made a trip to Europe and Canada in 1887 and had secured the agency of Bell organs. W. Bell & Co were a Canadian organ and piano manufacturer, considered the premier organ manufacturer of the time. W Bell & Co changed its name to Bell Organ and Piano Co in 1888 meaning this organ had to be manufactured prior to the name change. The organ was first used in the mission main room from 1890 to 1915 when the St Nicholas chapel was built at the back (see item 0548. It was transfered to the new Port Melbourne mission in 1937 (link on postcard from State Library Victoria). In 1972, it was transferred to the Holy Trinity Church in Bay Street after the closure of the Mission In the late 1980s during a National Trust campaign to save the building, the organ was sold by the Anglican Men's Society to the Trust's organ committee, who carried out some restoration work and returned it to the former Missions to Seamen chapel. In 1991 the Office of Major Projects had control of the whole 'Bayside' development site. With the Mission to Seamen Building emptied and proposed for demolition, the Office of Major Projects removed the organ and placed it in storage in various locations - finally, in the Museum of Victoria store in Abbotsford. In 1995-6, enquiries by Jim Hillis resulted in the return of the organ to the control of the Port Melbourne HIstorical & Preservation Society. As the Society had no suitable location for the organ, several churches and schools in Port Melbourne were approached to take the organ with no results. The nearby suburbs were suggested next. Finally the Melbourne Maritime Museum (Polly Woodside) was approached and agreed to place it in their Museum on a long term loan. In 1997 it was on display in no 5 shed South Wharf (23/3/1997). In 2006, the Polly Woodside South Wharf site was to be re-developed, and they could no longer retain the organ. Accordingly, on 4 May 2006, the organ was transferred to the Mission To Seafarers building in Flinders Street Extension as an indefinite loan (refer OL 022) The PMHPS deaccessioned it to finally transfered it in 2018 to MTSV.(See also acquisition details re 21st C finalisation of acquisition) This organ is a tangible reminder of the longevity of the Mission to Seafarers, a link with the original Bethel Union which was instrumental in 1856 calling a public meeting and inviting subscriptions by various non-conformist churches to found a mission to Seamen. Rev Kerr-Johnson delivered the first service in 1857 aboard the Emily. The Mission to Seafarers has been in operation ever since and continues to operate to the same purpose today.Large reed organ that looks like a pipe organ with fifteen elaborately painted pipes bearing a floral motif. The body of the organ is elaborately decorated in carved wood. It has 17 knobs above the keyboard both which can be concealed when the keyboard cover is lowered. There are two foot pedals at the bottom of the organ with "Mouse Proof Pedals" cast into the framing iron. list of stop names: Viola 4Ft Diapason 8Ft Dolce 4Ft Violetta 2Ft Sub Bass 16 Ft Octave Coupler Vox Humana Forte Picciolo 2Ft Hautboy 8Ft Aeoline 8Ft Cremona 16Ft E---bone 16Ft Echo 8Ft Celeste 8Ft Melodia 8Ft Flute 4FtMaker's mark in gold lettering above keyboard: W. Bell & Co Brass plaque on front board: Presented to/The Victorian Seamen's Mission/by/Congregation worshipping in Bethel/& friends./1st September 1890 Behind the stops a wooden plaque: J. CARNEGIE & SONS, SOLE AGENTS FOR VICTORIA MELBOURNE organ, worship, bethel, pipes, reed, bethel union, pipe top, jabez carnegie, w. bell & co, port melbourne, mission to seafarers, seamens' mission, mission to seamen, guelph, ontario, canada, pmhps, polly woodside, harmonium, reed organ