Children used slates to practise writing letters and numbers. They sometimes used their slates to play games when not learning their lessons Early models of small, hand-held chalkboards were slates encased in a wood frame to keep the slate from breaking. Pencil and paper were available but paper was very expensive. Using a small, hand-held slate meant that a child could practise writing, erase and write again without having to consume expensive paper.This item is an example of early educational equipment and can be compared to modern school equipment.A double-sided rectangular-shaped school slate with a wooden frame.Chalk markings - number sentences. On frame-Made in Portugalschool-slate education writing educational-equipment

Slates were used in schools during the eighteenth century and early nineteenth century before cheap paper became widely available. Slate pencils in various colours were used, made from a variety of materials, incuding slate, chalk and compressed clay. 'Bluevein' brand slate chalkboard, double sided, in a wooden frame.Stamped on top of the wooden frame: "Bluevein Slate", W.C.S.& Co. J.M.S." schools, writing materials

The Refreshment Services Branch was established in 1920, and initially focused on providing station-based refreshment rooms and the dining car service. Its scope expanded to include diverse activities such as stall rental; sales of advertising space on railways infrastructure; laundry services; operation of a hair-dressing salon, a bakery, a butchery and a poultry farm; and the management of the chalet guesthouse at Mt Buffalo. The majority of staff worked in refreshment rooms and dining cars, both of which were a popular feature of the railway service. Previous to 1920 refreshment services had been provided by contractors, but after many complaints the Department decided to provide a standardised service across the system. It grew quickly: five years after it was established the Branch employed approximately 500 staff. Station refreshment facilities ranged from elaborate dining rooms to decorated push-carts. They were staffed predominately by women, who provided everything from a cup of tea to a three course meal. Most refreshment room services were closed in the 1970s. Reference from : Fielding, K. (2012) Victorian Railways - Refreshment Services Branch in Museums Victoria Collections http://collections.museumvictoria.com.au/articles/11470Historic - Replica of a a Victorian Railways Refreshment Services Serving Trolley used on Puffing Billy Railway Replica large wooden serving cart with fitted wooden cabinet featuring sliding glass doors and one glass shelf. Cart has chrome handles, two wooden shelves, a wooden drawer with chrome handle and a small chalkboard adhered to end. Cart has four small black rubber and metal wheels and a metal foot brake.puffing billy, serving trolley, replica, dining cart, refreshment services, victorian railways