Typed letter on Mount Morgan Gold-mining Company, Limited Letterhead relating to staffmember W. Gildard who worked in the Electrical Department at Mount Morgan. The letter is signed by Norman F. White..1) I hereby certify the Bearer Mr W. Gildard has been under my supervision this last two years and six months in Electric Light Dept Mount Morgan G.M.Co. Ltd While under me he was quick steady and industrious also possessed good mechanical ideas. He has been switch board and Dynamo attendant worked on outside circuits series are Lighting Mine Lighting under Ground Electric Bells and Telephone work. He has had experience also on our new plant turbo generators Stationary Motors and Electric Locomotives Electric Tramway Work over head wiring and ground return you will also find him most obliging and willing. Leaving of his own accord. Frank McFarlane A.G.E.E. Electric Foreman Mount Morgan G.M. Co. Ltd march 21st 1907ballarat school of mines, mount morgan gold-mining company, mount morgan, norman f. white, electricity, w. gildard, letterhead

The article was the cover story of a discussion between Morgan and the Rev. Dr D'Arcy Wood regarding Aboriginal land rights in C&N for July 25, 1984.Photograph of Hugh Morgan as part of an article on land rights.Identification of Hugh Morgan.land rights, morgan, hugh, wood, d'arcy

The article was the cover story of a discussion between Morgan and the Rev. Dr D'Arcy Wood regarding Aboriginal land rights in C&N for July 25, 1984.Photograph of Hugh Morgan as part of an article on land rights.Identification of Hugh Morgan.land rights, morgan, hugh, wood, d'arcy

The article was the cover story of a discussion between Morgan and the Rev. Dr D'Arcy Wood regarding Aboriginal land rights in C&N for July 25, 1984.Photograph of Hugh Morgan as part of an article on land rights.Identification of Hugh Morganland rights, morgan, hugh, wood, d'arcy

James Venn Morgan was one of the early landowners in Kew. In later life he owned the Model Dairy. This work forms part of the collection assembled by the historian Dorothy Rogers, that was donated to the Kew Historical Society by her son John Rogers in 2015. The manuscripts, photographs, maps, and documents were sourced by her from both family and local collections or produced as references for her print publications. Many were directly used by Rogers in writing ‘Lovely Old Homes of Kew’ (1961) and 'A History of Kew' (1973), or the numerous articles on local history that she produced for suburban newspapers. Most of the photographs in the collection include detailed annotations in her hand. The Rogers Collection provides a comprehensive insight into the working habits of a historian in the 1960s and 1970s. Together it forms the largest privately-donated collection within the archives of the Kew Historical Society.James Venn Morgan and his three daughtersJames Morgan and 3 daughtersjames venn morgan, dorothy rogers

James Venn Morgan was one the most important landowners and pioneers in Kew. He founded the Model Dairies. This work forms part of the collection assembled by the historian Dorothy Rogers, that was donated to the Kew Historical Society by her son John Rogers in 2015. The manuscripts, photographs, maps, and documents were sourced by her from both family and local collections or produced as references for her print publications. Many were directly used by Rogers in writing ‘Lovely Old Homes of Kew’ (1961) and 'A History of Kew' (1973), or the numerous articles on local history that she produced for suburban newspapers. Most of the photographs in the collection include detailed annotations in her hand. The Rogers Collection provides a comprehensive insight into the working habits of a historian in the 1960s and 1970s. Together it forms the largest privately-donated collection within the archives of the Kew Historical Society.Mr and Mrs James Venn Morgan of Charles Street, Kew with one of their daughters and their granddaughter.Four generations of Morgan Familyjames venn morgan, kew

James Venn Morgan suit the first house in Kew. This work forms part of the collection assembled by the historian Dorothy Rogers, that was donated to the Kew Historical Society by her son John Rogers in 2015. The manuscripts, photographs, maps, and documents were sourced by her from both family and local collections or produced as references for her print publications. Many were directly used by Rogers in writing ‘Lovely Old Homes of Kew’ (1961) and 'A History of Kew' (1973), or the numerous articles on local history that she produced for suburban newspapers. Most of the photographs in the collection include detailed annotations in her hand.The Rogers Collection provides a comprehensive insight into the working habits of a historian in the 1960s and 1970s. Together it forms the largest privately-donated collection within the archives of the Kew Historical Society.Photograph of James Venn Morgan, probably taken on the occasion of his 100th birthday in 1923. He was one of the most important pioneers of Kew.James Venn Morgan about 100 years. Born Lancashire 1823.james venn morgan, dorothy rogers, kew

Wattle and Daub home of Morgan family at Dadswell's Bridge. The house is surrounded by Bee hives with wooden palings in foreground, mountains in the background. The two gentlemen in the photograph are David Morris Morgan Jn on the left and John Richard Morgan on the right. David Morris Morgan came to Australia in September 1857.Black & white photograph of a scene featuring a simple Wattle and Daub dwelling. In a bush setting, mountains in background. Bee hives and wooden palings in foreground.Morgan House between Dadswell's Bridge & Rose's Gap Donation - Maurie Robson Left David Morris Morgan Jnr. Right John Richard Morganstawell

Shows the extent of the River trade in the Murray Darling River basin in the early 20th Century.Helps show the extent of river trade in the Riverland area of South Australia in the early 20th Century.Copy of an original photograph of a wharf scene with moored river boats. possibly of Morgan c. 1900.Written on back in pencil."boats tied up at Morgan-?"murray river, paddle steamers, river boats, morgan. south australia., riverland

James Venn Morgan was known affectionately as ‘The Father of Kew’. Born in Somersetshire on February 21, 1823, he sailed to Australia in April, 1851. James V. Morgan, was a member of one of the first parties to leave for the diggings. At Chewton, near Castlemaine his party tried their luck in an abandoned shaft, and in two weeks returned to Melbourne after having won 35lb weight of gold. James Venn Morgan was content with his success, and induced his partners to invest their money with him in land. After obtaining the advice of a friend, the party negotiated with Mr Samuel Watts, of Collingwood, who had recently purchased land from the Crown, and from him they took over at £15 an acre about 32 acres of land in the district that is now known as Kew. This land extended from where the Kew Post-office now stands to the locality of the Boroondara Cemetery. Here it was that Mr Morgan decided to settle, and, after having had the land surveyed, the partners apportioned it by drawing straws for the four sections into which it had been divided. One of them sold his holding later in the year for £100 an acre, and was sorry for it afterwards. In 1853 Mr. Morgan built the first house in Kew, and this house is the one in which he still resides. Here with his wife, he settled down to market gardening and dairying. So successful was the new venture that he induced his father and other members of the family to come out to Australia to assist him. Gradually the district became settled, Mr. Morgan parted with a portion of his holding, and subdivided and built on the remainder, which he still retained. In 1884 he found himself in a position to retire from active business. He celebrated his 100th birthday in 1923. He was later to die in the same year. The Argus, 17 January 1923.Rare and-tinted framed photograph af Annie Morgan, the wife of one of the founding pioneers of the district.Hand tinted photograph in a gilt frame of Anna Morgan (nee Chidgey), the wife of James Venn Morgan. Anna Morgan was the wife of one of Kew's earliest pioneers and landowners. She died in 1915.anna morgan, kew - pioneers

Selwyn Morgan operated the shop between 1956 and 1964.Enlarged copy of original black and white photograph, which has been mounted on card. Photograph is of the general store in Linton operated by several generations of the Morgan family, photograph taken when Selwyn Morgan was proprietor. Shop has sign on parapet 'LINTON / ECONOMIC STORE', and on verandah 'S.E. MORGAN / General Merchant'. A large car is parked in front of the store.s. e. morgan, selwyn morgan, linton economic store, shops

The store is understood to have been first owned by the Treloar and Nicholls families before being purchased by J. H. Morgan (father of H. R.. Morgan) in the early 1900s.Black and white copy of original photograph which shows the general store run by three generations of the Morgan family when it was being managed by H. R. Morgan (between 1930 and 1956). The photograph shows a store with large windows, a square parapet, and a verandah which is supported by four posts. A petrol bowser is outside the store near the road on the right of the photo. A sign on the parapet reads 'LINTON ECONOMIC STORE', and a sign across the verandah reads 'H.R. MORGAN GENERAL STORE'.linton economic store, h. r. (harold robert) morgan, shops, sussex street linton

Dianne Morgan from Ararat at Sister Rocks. c 1952 Diane is standing in front of a lions face painted with a white outline on a dark background. Photograph is black & white taken in 1965. Diane married Noel Raeburn in 1965.Diane Morgan from Ararat at Sister Rock's. c 1952 stawell scenery

James Venn Morgan was known affectionately as ‘The Father of Kew’. Born in Somersetshire on February 21, 1823, he sailed to Australia in April, 1851. James V. Morgan, was a member of one of the first parties to leave for the diggings. At Chewton, near Castlemaine his party tried their luck in an abandoned shaft, and in two weeks returned to Melbourne after having won 35lb weight of gold. James Venn Morgan was content with his success, and induced his partners to invest their money with him in land. After obtaining the advice of a friend, the party negotiated with Mr Samuel Watts, of Collingwood, who had recently purchased land from the Crown, and from him they took over at £15 an acre about 32 acres of land in the district that is now known as Kew. This land extended from where the Kew Post-office now stands to the locality of the Boroondara Cemetery. Here it was that Mr Morgan decided to settle, and, after having had the land surveyed, the partners apportioned it by drawing straws for the four sections into which it had been divided. One of them sold his holding later in the year for £100 an acre, and was sorry for it afterwards. In 1853 Mr. Morgan built the first house in Kew, and this house is the one in which he still resides. Here with his wife, he settled down to market gardening and dairying. So successful was the new venture that he induced his father and other members of the family to come out to Australia to assist him. Gradually the district became settled, Mr. Morgan parted with a portion of his holding, and subdivided and built on the remainder, which he still retained. In 1884 he found himself in a position to retire from active business.He celebrated his 100th birthday in 1923. He was later to die in the same year. The Argus, 17 January 1923.Rare and historic hand-tinted framed portrait of one of the founding pioneers of the district.Hand tinted photograph in a gilt frame of the Kew pioneer James Venn Morgan (1823-1923).james venn morgan, kew - pioneer families, kew - landowners

Kew achieved independence from the Boroondara Roads Board in 1860. As a new municipality, its first three leaders were designated as chairmen. On becoming a borough in 1863, its leaders were identified as mayors. The earliest photographs date from ca.1906, when the Town of Kew commissioned the noted local photographer Josiah E Barnes to produce standardised portraits of former mayors to be displayed in the Mayoral Chamber of the Town Hall. The collection also includes photographs by other well-known photographic studios such as Burlington Studios, Melba – Melbourne, Stuart Tompkins, Spencer Shier and Talma & Co. The majority of mounts identify the photographer. Eighty photographs are housed in their original frames.This portrait is one of a series of mounted and framed photographic portraits of mayors and town clerks of the former Borough, Town and City of Kew. The portraits were transferred by the City of Kew to the Kew Historical Society in March 1989. A Significance Assessment in 2018, funded by the National Library of Australia confirmed the historic, and often artistic significance of the series.Framed portrait of Cr. H.L. Morgan, Mayor of Kew 1936-7. The mounting and framing of the photograph follows a typical layout or style in that each is framed in dark wood, glazed, and laid down on an inscribed board. The inscription identifies the name of the mayor and the year/s that he/she served.H.L. Morgan / Mayor 1936-7 Melba, Melbournemayors of kew (vic), australian photographers - melba - melbourne, cr. h.l. morgan, kew (vic.) — municipal collection

This street directory of Melbourne and Suburbs was the 52nd edition published by Val Morgan. It is printed with a new map format.A Morgan's street directory of Melbourne and Suburbs without a front cover.morgan, val and co., melbourne, directories, street directories, george evans collection

Receipt issued to W. Grigg Junior for petrol purchased from H.R. Morgan, 02/12/1940.Text: " PHONE / LINTON 6 / ECONOMIC STORES / LINTON and SKIPTON / BOUGHT / OF H.R. MORGAN / GENERAL STOREKEEPER, IRONMONGER, SEEDSMAN &c. / Colonial Produce, Paperhangings, &c., Window Glass, Paints, Stationery and Fancy Goods / AGENT for Texas Oil Co., Healing Radio, Patriotic Insurance Co. "h.r. morgan, w. grigg, economic stores

Receipt issued to W. Grigg Junior for items purchased from H.R. Morgan, 02/12/1940.Text: " PHONE / LINTON 6 / ECONOMIC STORES / LINTON and SKIPTON / BOUGHT / OF H.R. MORGAN / GENERAL STOREKEEPER, IRONMONGER, SEEDSMAN &c. / Colonial Produce, Paperhangings, &c., Window Glass, Paints, Stationery and Fancy Goods / AGENT for Texas Oil Co., Healing Radio, Patriotic Insurance Co. "h.r. morgan, w. grigg, economic stores

The Morgan family ran a store in Sussex Street from 1894, known as the Linton Economic Store. It was run between c.1906 and 1930 by J.H. (John Hutchison) Morgan, between 1930 and 1956 by R.H. (Robert Harold) Morgan, and between 1956 and 1964 by S.E. (Selwyn Eric) Morgan. Alwyn Roberts worked at the store from about 1946. See information in Charles & Alwyn Roberts family file. Carrie Murrell ran the newsagancy in Linton for more than fifty years.Black and white photograph of two men (Bert Rutherford on left, Alwyn Roberts on right), wearing grocer's aprons, standing next to a truck which is parked outside H. R. Morgan's shop in Sussex Street, Linton. Miss Carrie Murrell's head can be seen on the other side of the truck. She has apparently just thrown a doormat at the two men. This can be seen as a shadow in the photograph, above Alwyn Roberts' head.On back: "Bert Rutherford, Alwyn Roberts & Mrs Murrell - has just thrown a doormat at the two men - it is in mid-air behind Alwyn's head".morgan's economic store, h. r. morgan store, carrie murrell, bert rutherford, alwyn roberts

Marjorie Morgan discovered some of his carvings and found nothing about the carver. She set herself the project and contacted many family members who had received a carving as a gift. She organised a family reunion so everyone could bring their carvings to one place (Surrey Gardens) and have them photographed for the book. Some relatives even came from New Zealand.This book traces the recorded life of John Kendrick Blogg, prominent citizen, industrial chemist, poet and woodcarver. It is liberally illustrated with photographs of some of his 300 or more carvings.Title page : Top righthand corner: Jocelyn Hall / Middle of page: signed with pleasure and thanks / Majorie Morgan / 18.4.1993(mr) john kendrick blogg, wood-carvers, chemists, poets, (mrs) marjorie morgan

Marjorie Morgan noticed a beautiful wood carving of gumleaves and gumnuts by John Blogg. The carving, donated by a Box Hill resident, is in the impressive art collection of the City of Whitehorse. The more Marjorie researched the more she felt his achievements should not be permitted to disappear into the mists of time. This collection of poems was compiled by Marjorie Morgan, collected from the local newspaper "The Reporter" (Box Hill) and in 1927 a book of poems entitled "Selected Poems", "Modern Roses in Australasia", "American Rose Magazine" and "The Australian Rose Annual" during his lifetime and for 10 years after his death in 1936.This collection of poems was compiled by Marjorie Morgan, collected from the local newspaper "The Reporter" (Box Hill) and in 1927 a book of poems entitled "Selected Poems", "Modern Roses in Australasia", "American Rose Magazine" and "The Australian Rose Annual" during his lifetime and for 10 years after his death in 1936.(mr) john kendrick blogg, poetry, literature, (mrs) marjorie morgan

Black and white copy of a photograph showing a man standing in the doorway of Morgan's Store when it was run by JH Morgan.linton economic store, morgan's store, j.h. morgan

A crucible is a vessel made of a refractory substance such as graphite or porcelain, used for melting and calcining materials at high temperatures. (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/crucible) Morgan Crucible was established in 1856. See http://ubshwiki.ballarat.edu.au/index.php/Morgan_Crucible_Co. A crucible is used to hold small amounts of chemicals during heating at high temperatures. The lid covers the bowl so nothing escapes, or to keep oxygen out of the reaction. (http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_is_a_crucible_and_how_is_it_used_in_a_laboratory)Two used narrow high shape crucibles with small spouts made by Morgan of England. They are heat-resistant containers used to melt ores, metals, and other materials. One has green (copper origin?) glaze like material on the base and sidecrucible, assaying, morgan

Miss B. Morgan owned a stationery, fancy goods and tobacco shop in Orbost. Robert Pullar Cameron was a Shire Councillor for many years. He married Penuel Hossack and had a family of James, Flora, Penuel and Alex.This item is an example of trhe early 20th century book-keeping of an Orbost business. It is a useful research tool.A white paper account with red lines and black print. Details are hand-written. There is a pink sticker attached. It is from Miss B. Morgan to Mr R. Cameron. account-book-keeping cameron morgan-miss-b.

Felt rag from H. Morgan and Sons Melton Victorialocal identities

Wedding portrait of Frederick Morgan and Doris (nee Curran)Names on back of Photostawell

M.B. John was a long time president of the Ballarat School of Mines Council Black and white photograph of Morgan B. John being presented with a framed artwork of the Ballarat School of Mines M.B. John Building created by Brian McLennan. Standing left to right: Morgan B. John, Brian McLennan, Ken Flecknoe, Peter Shiells m.b. john, morgan b john, m.b. john building, brian mclennan, ken flecknoe, peter shiells, ballarat school of mines

Pattison Collection 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 a 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 areas 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 from 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. WARRNAMBOOL PUBLIC LIBRARY The Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute (WMI) was formed by a voluntary community group in 1863, within six years of Warrnambool’s beginnings, and its Reading Room opened in 1854. The WMI operated until 1963, at which time it was one of the oldest Mechanics’ Institutes in Victoria. Mechanics’ Institutes offered important services to the public including libraries, reading rooms and places to display and store collections of all sorts such as curiosities and local historical relics. In 1886 a Museum and Fine Arts Gallery were added to the WMI and by the beginning of the 20th century, there was also a billiards room and a School of Art. By this time all Mechanics’ Institutes in country Victoria had museums attached. Over the years the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute Library was also known as the Warrnambool Public Library the Warrnambool Library and the Free Library. Early funding from the government was for the “Free Library”. The inscription in the book “Science of Man” was for the “Warrnambool Public Library”, donated by Joseph Archibald in 1899. Another inscription in the book “Catalogue of Plants Under Cultivation in the Melbourne Botanic Gardens 1 & 2, 1883” was presented to the “Warrnambool Library” and signed by the author W.R. Guilfoyle. In 1903 the Warrnambool Public Library decided to add a Juvenile Department to the library and stock it with hundreds of books suitable for youth. In 1905 the Public Library committee decided to update the collection of books and added 100 new novels plus arrangements for the latest novels to be included as soon as they were available in Victoria. In July 1911 the Warrnambool Council took over the management of the Public Library, Art Gallery, Museum and Mechanics’ Institute and planned to double the size of the then-current building. In 1953, when Mr R. Pattison was Public Librarian, the Warrnambool Public Library’s senior section 10,000 of the 13,000 books were fiction. The children’s section offered an additional 3,400 books. The library had the equivalent of one book per head of population and served around 33 per cent of the reading population. The collection of books was made up of around 60 per cent reference and 40 per cent fiction. The library was lending 400 books per day. In 1963 the Warrnambool City Council allocated the site of the Mechanics’ Institute building, which included the Public Library, Museum and Art Gallery, for the new Municipal Offices and the Collections were dispersed until 1971. The Warrnambool Library took over the Mechanics’ Institute Library’s holdings on behalf of the Warrnambool City Council. Since the closure of the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute the exact location and composition of the original WMI books and items have become unclear. Other materials have been added to the collection, including items from Terang MI, Warrnambool Court House and Customs House. Many of the books have been identified as the Pattison Collection, named after the Librarian who catalogued and numbered the books during his time as Warrnambool Public Librarian in the time before the Mechanics’ Institute closed. It seems that when Warrnambool became part of the Corangamite Regional Library some of the books and materials went to its head office in Colac and then back to Warrnambool where they were stored at the Art Gallery for quite some time. Some then went to the Warrnambool Historical Society, some stayed at the Art Gallery and some were moved to Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village. The various stamps and labels on the books held at Flagstaff Hill show the variety of the collection’s distribution and origin. The books in the collection at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village date from the 1850s to the late 1950s and include rare and valuable volumes. Many of the books are part of the “Pattison Collection” after the Warrnambool’s Public Librarian, Mr R. Pattison. 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. Warrnambool Public Library 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, and to 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. As with many Mechanics' Institutes in Australia, the one which operated in Warrnambool was established and overseen for many years by key individuals associated with the development of the city itself. The WMI publication collection is historically significant because of its association with local people, places and the key historical themes in the development of Warrnambool of rural development, industry, farming, education, and community. The collection documents and illustrates the changing interests, focus and tastes of Victorians, especially those in regional cities. Generally, the individual items in the collection are not particularly rare, as examples of all probably exist in other public collections in Victoria. It is primarily because there are so very few surviving Mechanics' Institute collections in Victoria, which lends this overall collection its significance. Many items in the WMI Collection have the potential to support further research, both as individual objects and through the collection in its entirety. This material is significant for its ability to assist in the interpretation of the history of the area and adds to the general understanding of the development of the township. Many components of the WMI publication collection complement and reinforce the Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum Collection, the Warrnambool Art Gallery Collection, and that in the Warrnambool Historical Society, and also contribute to a clearer understanding of the original Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute collections. This will greatly enhance the appreciation of the few surviving Mechanics' Institute collections across Victoria, and also in New South Wales. The similarities and differences between the small number of collections that have survived can provide further insights into how the people of Victoria in general, and Warrnambool in particular, constructed a civic culture of adult learning to foster an informed citizenry. The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute publication collection is of both local and state significance. Godfrey Morgan A Californian Mystery Author: Jules Verne Publisher: Sampson Low Marston Searle and Rivington The label on the spine with typed text PAT 843 VER Pastedown front endpaper has a sticker from Warrnambool Public Library covered by a sticker from Corangamite Regional Library Service Front loose endpaper has a stamp from Corangamite Regional Library Service shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, warrnambool, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, book, pattison collection, warrnambool library, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, ralph eric pattison, corangamite regional library service, warrnambool city librarian, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool books and records, warrnambool children’s library, godfrey morgan a californian mystery, jules verne