This is a set of documents including three sheets of blueprint plans for the New Town Hall and Offices for Warrnambool, created in 1890 by the Architect Mr Arthur H. Cutler of Melbourne. The Contract was signed by the Town Mayor for Warrnambool, Mr William Simpson on May 7th 1890. Also, a Council copy of the Contract dated 26 June 1890, with the signatures and diagram where the two official stamps would be placed. The Foundation Stone was laid the following year by the next Mayor, John Hyland on February 24th 1891. The contractor for the building was granted to W. Kellas (William) of Warrnambool. The Town Hall and Offices were built on the corner of Liebig and Timor Streets in Warrnambool. On March 20th 1983 the new Performing Arts Centre was opened y the Mayor, Councillor R w Andreson, on the same site. The new building incorporates the 1890 Town Hall building. The plans, contracts, documents and various references to people on the documents are significant to the history of the City of Warrnambool and its community. The Warrnambool Town Hall building is also significant for the many community events held there over the decades after it was built. Appreciation for the significance of the almost century-old Town Hall building is demonstrated by its inclusion in the new Performing Arts Centre.Set of five documents that includes Plans for the Warrnambool Town Hall, the Contract cover page and a letter from the Architect to the Council. The Contract cover page and the Letter are hand written on cream-coloured paper with a waxy finish, with watermarks. 1) Contract Cover Page, 5th May 1890, Specification of the New Town Hall and Offices at Warrnambool. 2) Letter, 29th January 1892, from Architect Arthur H. Cutler to Mayor and Councilors, Town of Warrnambool 3) Blueprint Sheet 4, Longitudinal Section, and profiles of Liebig Street and Timor Street, Warrnambool Town Hall, 4) Blueprint Sheet 3, First Floor & Balcony Plan, and Roof Plan 5) Blueprint Sheet 2, Ground Floor Plan, Warrnambool Town Hall 6) Contract, 26 June 1890, marked (Draft Copy Tow Hall Contract), Between Mayor, Councillors and Rate Payers, and William Kellas, ContractorWatermarks on handwritten pages [horizontal lines], "36" "BUSBRIDGE'S / LOFT DRIED" Contract cover page, Oval stamp "CUTLER - 281 COLLINS ST. E. MELBOURNE - ARCHITECT " (other crossed out text) Handwritten script "This is the specifications referred to in our agreement" "Dated this 7th day of May A.D. 1890" Signed "W. Simpson Mayor" "Arthur H. Cutler Architect", [two Witnesses' signatures and others] Letter from Arthur Cutler, handwritten, has his address "472 Chancery Lane, Melbourne" CONTRACT of 26 June 1890: "The Mayor, Councillors and Rate Payers of Warrnambool" "William Kellas of Warrnambool" "Signed William Simpson, Maoyorr" "R F Kennedy, Councillor" "Wm Kellas" with diagrams where the round Common Seal and square Stamp would be applied.warrnambool, flagstaff hill, warrnambool, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime village, shipwreck coast, great ocean roaad, warrnamboo town hall, warrnambool council offices, mayor william simpson, arthur h cutler, architect, civic centre, town hall, performing arts centre, mayor john hyland, william kellas, mayor r w anderson, r f kennedy, contract

This certificate is one of a number held by the Warrnambool and District Historical society which relate to the occasion of Federation of Australia , January 01/1901. Some are for social functions at the time others like this are for more formal occasions. There was a strong local vote for Federation at the referendum in 1898 with district figures 957 voting for and 146 against . By 1899 the vote had increased to 1411 yes and 39 against.. The official federation celebrations were held in Sydney and Warrnambool like towns all over Australia held celebrations. The Mayor and five of Warrnambool's councillors travelled to Sydney for the celebrations. The first federal Member of Parliament for the Warrnambool district was John Chester Manifold of "Talindert," Camperdown. Some local well known people of the time who were contributed in various fields to the Federation spirit, include John Archibald, Willian Astley, Louis Bayer, Richard Kennedy, Walter Murdoch, and Con O'Mahony. This certificate has an added link to Warrnambool in that the son of Councillor W. Henry, Victor Henry, an art student had designed and illuminated the municipal Addresses presented to the Governor general and the Duke of York. This item has historical, artistic social and interpretive significance. It links the most important event of the Federation of Australia to our city. That the art work was completed by Victor Henry, a local person is a significant claim to fame for our city. It presents an opportunity for present generations to consider local aspects of the process of the Federation of our country.Framed Certificate. Inauguration of the Commonwealth of Australia, Municipal Association of Victoria 1901. Signed by councillorsWilliam Ferguson Mayor, Giffens Russell, John Ward, John Marfell, Chas Macknight, W J Hickford, W Simpson, G S Mackay, M Saltau, H C Lawson, E J Murray William Kucks Jnr, W Henry. Small card inserted in bottom right reads With compliments of W Ferguson, Mayor.warrnambool, warrnambool history, warrnambool at federation, federation of australia, victor henry