This album commemorates the third session 1897/8 Australasian Federal Convention held in Melbourne from the 22nd of January to the 17th of March 1898. It contains the photographs and signatures of the delegates and photographs of convention staff including those from the Victorian Parliament who assisted during the Convention.Blue leather album with gold embellishment containing 54 cabinet card photographs. Most pages have handwritten signatures of the sitters' below the portrait. Recto, gold: "The Australasian Federal Convention/ Melbourne 1898." "LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY/ THE CLERK/ VICTORIA". Each album page has the title: "The Federal Convention/ 3rd Session, Melbourne, 1898."australasian federal convention

Official Record of The Debates of The Australasian Federal Convention New South Wales. Second Session. Sydney, 2nd to 24th September, 1897 Publisher: William Applegate Gullick, Government Printer, Phillip-Street Date: 1897 Label on spine cover with typed text R.A. 328.94 AUS Pastedown front endpaper has sticker from Warrnambool Mechanics Institute and Free Library Front loose endpaper has a stamp from Warrnambool Public Museumwarrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, book, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, mechanics’ institute library, official record of the debates of the australasian federal convention new south wales., debates of the australasian federal convention

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. Official Record of The Debates of The Australasian Federal Convention Victoria Vol 1 Third Session. Melbourne 20th January to 17th March 1898 Publisher: Jonathan Cape Date: 1898Label on spine is unreadable Pastedown front endpaper has sticker from Warrnambool Mechanics Institute and Free Librarywarrnambool, 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, official record of the debates of the australasian federal convention victoria vol 1

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. Official Record of The Debates of The Australasian Federal Convention Victoria Vol 2 Third Session. Melbourne 20th January to 17th March 1898 Publisher: Government Printer Melb Date: 1898Label on spine is unreadable 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, pattison collection, warrnambool library, ralph eric pattison, warrnambool city librarian, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool books and records, warrnambool children’s library, official record of the debates of the australasian federal convention victoria vol 2

The Australasian Federation Conference met in Melbourne from 6-14 February, 1890. The National Australasian Convention, met in Sydney, from 2 March–9 April 1891. Debates about the draft Australasian Federal Convention of 1897/8 took place over three sessions: First session, Adelaide, 22 March – 5 May 1897 Second session, Sydney, 2-24 September 1897 Third session, Melbourne, 22 January-17 March 1898This volume formed part of the private library of Malcolm Carkeek, former Archivist of the Royal Society of Victoria, and was donated by him to the Kew Historical Society.29 p. : coat of arms ; 21 cm.Adressed to "Mr Edwin McKereth (sic), Farmer, Avoca".australia - constitution, australia - political history - development

Paper certificate commemorating the Australian Federal Convention with photograph of State Premiers and names of participants, presented to Mrs. George Lansell of Bendigo by F. C. Mason, Speaker, Melbourne. Markings - 'Presented to Mrs. George Lansell, Bendigo, by F C Mason (Frederick Conway Mason), Speaker, Melbourne, Victoria.' 'Robert S. Brain, Government Printer, Melbourne.' 'L. (Ludwig) Lang del and lith.'person, individual, george lansell

Four Lever Arch folders relating to the Anglo-Irish lawyer Henry Cuthbert. .1) Henry Cuthbert politics and Victorian Legislative Council (includes information on 'representative Government in Victoria 1851-1993 by Ian McLaren; Charles Gavan Duffy in Australia by J.E. Parnaby; image of Henry Cuthbert from the Australasian Sketcher -Also John Gavan Duffy John Madden, Duncan Gillies, J.G. Francis, R.S. Anderson, James Service, Robert Clark, Thomas Bent, Robert Ramsay. George B. Kerford) .2) Henry Cuthbert Memberships and Affiliations, Freemasons, UFS Dispensary, Yarrowee Lodge NO 10, Ballarat Base Hospital, Ballarat Central Bowling Club, Ballarat Fine Art Gallery, Ballarat Mecahnics' Institute, Ballarat School of Mines, Ballarat Observatory, Ballarat Benevolent Asylum, Ballarat Gas Company, Ballarat Orphanage .3) Henry Cuthbert - Ireland .4) Henry Cuthbert family information and biographies and photographslawyers, legal, dianne campbell goldfields lawyers collection, ireland, irish, anglo-irish, henry cuthbert, solicitor-general, william collard smith, duncan gillies, victorian legislative council, federal convention, melbourne club, the rest is history, the rest is history by dorothy wickham, ballarat orphanage, ballarat orphan asylum, ballarat gas company, annie cuthbert, john headon cuthbert, john bryan cuthbert, emma cuthbert, anna cuthbert, john cuthbert, tom cuthbert, robert cuthbert, family history, genealogy

Ornate certificate Australasian Federal referendum July 1899. This is to certify that the question of an Australasian Federal Constitution was submitted to the electors of Victoria on the 27th day of July 1899 and that out of a Poll of 163,783 votes 152,653 were cast in favour of such Australasian Federal Constitution and further that Anthony Hall Seniors voted at the said election. Signed by the premier. Photo of the six state premiers: G. Reid from NSW, G. Turner from Victoria, E. Braddon from Tasmania, J. Forrest from WA, R. Dickson from Queensland, C. Kingston from SA. Also a drawing of Parliament House.government, state, federation convention

This magazine supplement celebrates a most significant event in the history of Australia – Federation. Australia became a nation on 1 January 1901 when 6 British colonies – New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia and Tasmania – united to form the Commonwealth of Australia. Prior to this time each colony acted like a separate country which caused inefficiencies and problems as the population grew. Sir Henry Parkes began the movement towards a Commonwealth. Elected delegates worked through a series of processes to finally present a constitution that would unite the colonies and give Australia a federal system of government. The people of the colonies approved the constitution in a series of referendums. The Commonwealth of Australia was declared on 1 January 1901 at a ceremony held in Centennial Park in Sydney. During the ceremony, the first Governor-General, Lord Hopetoun, was sworn-in and Australia's first Prime Minister, Edmund Barton, and federal ministers took the oath of office. The first federal elections for the new Australian Parliament were held on 29 and 30 March 1901. The first Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia was opened at noon on 9 May 1901 by the Duke of Cornwall and York (later King George V). For more information see https://peo.gov.au/understand-our-parliament/history-of-parliament/federation/the-federation-of-australia The item is significant as both a written and pictorial document pertaining to the formation of the Commonwealth of Australia.The magazine supplement, put out by the Sydney Mail, is a celebration issue for the new Commonwealth of Australia. It provides written background on the formation of the Commonwealth, maps of Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Adelaide and pictorial photos of each state and it’s capital city. It includes the portraits of: delegates to the National Australasian Convention, 1891; delegates to the Federal Convention, Sydney, 1897; delegates sent to England to see the Commonwealth Bill through the House of Commons; the Earl of Hopetoun, first Governor-General of Australia and Queen Victoria. Being a magazine supplement, it has pages at the beginning and end devoted to advertisements for a variety of goods ranging from jewellery to farm machinery. flagstaff hill maritime museum and village, great ocean road, shipwreck coast, commonwealth, federation, jan 1 – 1901, sydney mail, commonwealth number, melbourne 1901, sydney 1901, brisbane 1901, adelaide 1901, capital city maps 1901, victoria, tasmania, new south wales, queensland, south australia, western australia