One star on the clasp means " One son K.I.A in WWII" This Mothers and Windows Badge was issued to Mrs M Baldwin, the mother of Pte Walter Robert Baldwin who died as a prisoner of war in Burma on the 27th of May 1943. He rests at the Thanbyuzayat Prisoner of War Cemetery, which is in what is now called Myanmar. This is a Death Railway related POW cemetery. Walter Baldwin was born in Mildura on the 12th of May 1921, and prior to enlisting lived at Iron Bark in Bendigo with his parents. He enlisted as No VX55835 in the 2nd AIF on 14.5.1941 in the 2/29th Batt aged 20 years. Embarked for Singapore on 30.7.1941 and disembarked 15.8.1941. He contracted Malaria in a December 1941. Taken POW early 1942 he is listed as died suffering from Cholera on 27.5.1943. “The 2/29th Infantry Battalion was formed at Bonegilla in Victoria in October 1940. It was part of the 8th Division's 27th Brigade, which was the last AIF infantry brigade raised for service during the Second World War.” Badge, metal, "for Australia." Circular section depicting a woman, wreath and an arm. suspended by two rings is a clasp with one star =. Rear has 2 lugs and a pin." issued by C'wlth govt A12229”numismatics - badges - military - army, mothers, widows

Badge issued to War Widows and Widowed mothers in recognition of loss of family on active service.Small circular badge, Gold colour, blue band around edge with "War Widows & Widowed Mothers" inscribed & "Association" across the bottom. Inscription in gold writing. Centre is white background and Southern Cross stars. On back is pin and hook to attach to clothing.Inscribed "Stokes & Sons". On front "War Widows & Widowed Mothers Association"war widows, badge

The Female relative's badge with 2 Stars is believed to have belonged to Mrs Keane. She had 2 sons who served with the 6th Battalion 2nd AIF. VX6710 A. Keane was killed in the Battle for Crete on 2nd April 1941. His brother VX6725 L. G. Keane was taken prisoner in the same battle.oo430 . 1 WW1 Memorial Death Plaque, , .2 WW2 Females Relative Badge also known as Women of Australian Badge with 2 stars . 3 WW2 Mother and Widow's Badge also known as the Weeping Woman's Badge with 1 star.Death plaque named to Clyde Alexander Lumsden. Female Relative badge No 8252 Mother and Widows Badge No 708

These cloth and metal badges were issued in WW1, the metal section missing on the bottom had a star for each son missing in the case of Mothers. First issued in Feb 1919.Mothers and widows cloth badge. Black with Lattice Rising Sun 'For Australia' silver metal bar with Oak leave hold cloth NR14743.mothers and widows, badges ww1

Item with the collection of Cyril John JOHNSON VX 36298 died as a POW of the Japanese. Refer 3144 for his service history.Badge, circular, Mothers & Widows, depicting a woman with wreath. Under via 2 small links is a clasp with 1 star depicting 1 son lost in the war.On front: FOR AUSTRALIA On rear: A17189 AMOR SYDNEYbadges, military, sacrifice

Souvenir, silver coloured teaspoon with round medallion top with blue edge and white centre, with gold Southern Cross and text for the War Widows and War Mothers Association.cutlery, silverware, commemorative

.1) Sent by M J TAYLOR to his sister Avril. .2) Issued to Mrs Ida TAYLOR, who lost her son, M J TAYLOR in WW11. A star was added for each son who lost their life in the war. Malcolm John Taylor 418772 RAAF. Refer Reg No's 112P, 113, 114.2. .1) Badge, RAAF, melted into blue perspex. Oval shaped. Type of trench art Souvenier. .2) Badge, Mothers and Widows. Metal circular shape with a bar supporting 1 star & suspended by 2 small chains..2) On front: For Australia Issued by the Commonwealyh Governmentbrooches, badges commemorative

Female Relatives BadgeWW2 x 2 (removed from collection 2013) Mothers & Widows Badge WW2 x 2 (removed from collection 2013) Volunteered Badge No. 20984 Australian National Flag Association Badge x 2 "Australia Remembers 1945-1995" Badge x 2 RAAF Europe 193uniforms, ballarat rsl, ballarat

Richard James Smethurst enlisted No 2517 in the 7th reinforcements to the 5th Bn AIF on 13.7.15. He embarked for overseas and was hospitalised in Malta where he died from septicaemia caused by an insect bite on 28.11.15.550.1. Medals, court mounted, set of (3) re R.J Smethurst. 1. 1914-1915 Star 2. War Medal 1914-1919. 3. Victory Medal 550.2 Mothers and Widows Ribbon. Black cloth ribbon with silver bar. For a son KIA No 12701. Silver bar missing from bottom edge. (Possibly J2701)550.1, " Pte R.J Smethurst 2517 5 BN AIF" 550.2,"Australian Military Forces for Australia".medals, military, remembrance

Thomas Alan Broadbent, a student prior to enlisting had served 4 years in Snr Cadets. He enlisted in the AIF aged 18 years 5 months under a special condition from his parents that he not embark for overseas until he turned 19 years. Enlisted No 15887 in 10 reinforcements 46th Batt AIF on 7.5.17. Embarked for England 28.2.18, hospital 18.6.18 with Bronchitis, hospital 1.8.18 with Influenza, embarked for France 22.8.18, KIA by high explosive shell on the advance towards Bellicourt on 20.9.18. Refer 2567P, 2568.2..1) Medals, court mounted, set of (2) re T.A Broadbent. 1. War Medal 1914-19. 2. Victory Medal. .2) Badge "Mothers & Widows Ribbon" re T.A Broadbent. Metal and fabric, centre fabric has the Rising Sun in colour, metal plate top and bottom, bottom plate has one Star depicting one person lost in the War..1) "15887 Pte T.A Broadbent 46 BN A.I.F" .2) "32774"medals, badges, military

A brochure explaining Legacy's work and the facilities they provide. It is aimed at the widows to inform them of what is available to them and it outlines the times for classes for the children. 'Melbourne Legacy offers friendship and help to the dependants of our departed comrades.' Headings included: Help and advice to mothers or guardians; Mothers' Club; Senior Widows' Club; Housing and repairs; Legal advice; Medical, dental and optical care; Education, Employment, Camps and holidays, Christmas party, Residences, Junior Legacy groups. A record of how Legacy portrayed itself to the widows and children in 1961 and 1962.Black and white brochure x 6 pages made of white paper, folded into a 6 page booklet from June 1961 and another from October 1962. Black printed text. legacy promotion, fundraising

John Holley No 1311 enlisted on 11.3.16 in D Coy 39th Batt AIF aged 24 years. Embarked for England 27.5.16. Transferred to the 8th Batt 15.9.16. Hospital with PUO 14.12.16. Hospital on 20.4.17 with sore feet. KIA France 16.4.18. PUO (Pyrexia unknown origin) Refer 2132.2P. .2) One star on a ribbon represented one son/husband lost in the War. John Holley had a younger brother Arthur who enlisted in WW11. Refer 2134..1) Medals, court mounted, set of (2) re J Holley. 1. War Medal 1914-19. 2. Victory Medal. .2) Mothers and Widows Ribbon, black length of ribbon with Rising Sun centre, under is "For Australia", at the top is a polished metal piece with a floral emblem, at the bottom is same metal piece with one brass 7 pronged star. Rear of the top plate is engraved with a number. .3) Small brownish coloured box that housed .2). ..1) "1311 Pte J Holley 8 BN A.I.F" .2) "32962"medals, military, history

A brochure explaining Legacy's work and the facilities they provide. It is aimed at the widows to inform them of what is available to them and it outlines the times for classes for the children. The earliest copy in 1944 included the charter of Legacy and headings in red printing. 'Melbourne Legacy offers friendship and help to the dependants of our departed comrades.' Headings included: Help and advice to mothers or guardians; Mothers' Club; Senior Widows' Club; Housing and repairs; Legal advice; Medical, dental and optical care; Education, Employment, Camps and holidays, Christmas party, Residences, Junior Legacy groups. The notation H26 in red pen shows that it was part of the archive project that was trying to capture the history of Legacy. See other editions at 01447.A record of how Legacy portrayed itself to the widows and children in 1944,1959 and 1961/8. Black and white brochure made of white paper, folded into a 8 page booklet. 01498.1 1944 (handwritten in red pen) 01498.2 April 1953 01498.3 April 1959 01498.4 October 1959 01498.5 June 1961 with markings to edit it for reprinting in July 1968Handwritten 'H26' and '1944' in red pen. 01498.5 has edits in blue pen to revise the content for republication.legacy promotion, history

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother was the mother of Queen Elizabeth II and the widow of King George VI. King George took the throne in 1936, at which time she became the first British-born Queen consort since the Tudor times. She visited Australia on 14 February – 7 March 1958 to attend the British Empire Service League Conference in Canberra. She travelled to the Australian Capital Territory, Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Tasmania, Adelaide and Perth, as well as many regional and rural areas.black and white photograph, unmounted, original, fair conditionst kilda, st kilda town hall, queen mother, queen elizabeth the queen mother, 1958

Various invitations, programmes and other mementos collected from Legacy events held during the early 1960's. These include invitations and tickets to the Annual Demonstrations of 1960 and 1961, the ANZAC eve school children's ceremony, also to the Senior Widows Club Grand concert (18 December 1961). The Senior Widows club also held a Christmas Dinner. Also a lapel tag for the Legacy Mothers Club. There are also mementos for Junior Legatees, such as tickets to attend the Christmas party at Government House and to Operation Float in 1962 and 1963. There are also tokens for ice creams and soft drinks at the events. There is a programme for the 1961 Annual Demonstration.A collection compiled to remember various events held in the early 1960s. It's a good record of the practice of printing invitations and tokens.Brown scrapbook pages with commercially printed items attached. The 6 pages have event invitations, notices and cards glued to the brown paper, 4 pages are double sided. The items include invitations and tickets to Christmas Parties at Government House in the 1960's, Operation Float, School Children's Anzac Eve Ceremony Attendance Card, Senior Widows Club-Christmas Dinner 1961 & Grand Concert 1962, plus a Greeting and Get Well Card. The items were commercially printed.government house party, christmas, annual demonstration, junior legatee outing, senior widows club

A copy of note that was given to donors to thank them for their donations it was sent with their receipt. Was part of a folio of proforma stationery from the 1960s. The flyer gives some information about Legacy House. It mentions the facilities available for the benefit of widows and children. Including two large well equipped gymnasia which are attended by more than 700 junior legatees each week. A dental clinic were Junior Legatees under 17 years of age are able to receive free dental examinations and treatment. Free medical examinations are carried out here too. Meeting rooms for Junior Legacy Mothers' Club and Senior Widows Club (those over 50 years of age). When printed the Senior Widows Club numbered more than 5,200. It mentions room for fetes run by a number of auxiliaries to raise funds. Also a sewing room fitted with 5 electric sewing machines to make costumes for the Annual Demonstration. A well equipped library for use of the Junior Legatees. A ladies lounge and television room where widows may rest when visiting the city. Rooms for speech training and mathematics coaching classes. A maintenance workshop where all sporting and general equipment used by widows and children can be repaired and/or constructed. Sundry committee meeting rooms where members of Legacy meet to consider and find solutions for the many problems which arise in respect of the families they care for. Sundry equipment and costume storerooms. Office accommodation for permanent staff including welfare and pension officers. Was compiled in a folio of proforma stationery. A similar set of proformas are at 00338.A record of forms and items used in Legacy's business practices in the 1960s.Yellow brochure thanking donors and a flyer about Legacy pasted on brown paper from a folio of forms and brochures from the 1960s.Pencil mark '1960/1'.proformas, stationery, forms, dureau house

Photos of widows, legatees, President Millie and the Transport Minister riding in a tram that was decorated to promote Legacy in 1995. 1995 which was the 50th Anniversary of the end of World War II. Wording on the tram says: "This year - Australia remembers the Heroes of World War II / 50 years on / Legacy never forgets to care for the widows and children of those who fought for our freedom". It appeared in The Answer in June 1995 after the tram had been launched on May 2nd by President David Millie and Public Transport Minister, Mr Alan Brown. The ribbon was cut by Junior Legatees Kim Anderson and Peter Hazelager. "The distinctive white tram will be running on routes around Melbourne for at least six months and our thanks go to the Public Transport Corporation for making it possible." 01810.1 shows President David Mille, Legatee Roger Greene (seated in the centre) and others. 01810.2 shows David Millie with Minister for Transport Alan Brown. 01810.3 is Kim Anderson and her mother Margaret speaking with the Minister Legatee Lucky Luscombe is in 01810.6 and 01810.9 01810.7 shows legatee George Woodward with two widows eating snacks 01810.10 is a photo of 4 widows. Second from the left is Hazel McKean, then Lorraine Dalton, and Irene Noll on the right.A record of a way to promote Legacy during Legacy Week in 1995.Colour photo x 10 of a tram painted to promote to Legacy and widows riding the tram.legacy promotion, tram, answer

Significant items relating to Albert Telfer White who entered Ballarat College April 1912 and left December 1918. Albert was born 29 June 1897 at his home 'Ashford Vale" farm, Cuthbert's Road, Cardigan. Albert, a second generation Australian, was the fourth son and sixth of eleven children born to dairy farmer John White and his wife Elizabeth, nee Douglas. Albert attended Bunker's Hill State School prior to enrolling at Ballarat College. After College he obtained employment with the engineering firm Ronaldson and Tippett in Ballarat. Following his eighteenth birthday Albert enlisted in the AIF in Ballarat with the rank of Private, No 2012. He embarked for the Middle East with 23rd Battalion on 26 August 1915 and was 'taken on strength at the Gallipoli Peninsular 25 October 1915". On 10 January 1916 Albert was posted to Alexandria, Egypt and during this time he was able to meet with his aunt Rose Douglas, an Australian Army Nursing Sister. This was a great comfort to his family. Albert was sent to France 19 March 1916 and transferred to the 22nd Battalion. He was mentioned in dispatches for 'good and gallant conduct' 5 August (1917?). Albert was hospitalised 30 March 1918, rejoined 22nd Battalion 3 June 1918, wounded in action 3 October 1918 but died of wounds at Rouen 10 October 1918. news of his death was received by his family n Australia just prior to the armistice. Albert Telfer White's sacrifice is commemorated at Ballarat College, Avenue of Honour Ballarat (Tree 1214), Ballarat Shire Honour Avenue Learmonth (Tree 163) and the Australian War Memorial Canberra. (These notes provided by family November 2016)Collections of items including: Bayonet, Carl Eickhorn, Solingen, (29.A.159 engraved on handle) Trench shovel The ANZAC book 1916 (flyleaf inscribed: No 2012 / Pte A T White / H Quarters / 22nd Battalion / 6th Inf Brigade / France) Gallipoli medal with documentation First World War Mothers’ and Widows’ Badge Next of Kin Memorial Plaque (Death Penny) and accompanying letter from King George V Imperial War Graves Commission documentation and photograph Australia Graves Services In Memory card and photograph Documentation relating to Australian War Memorial Roll of Honour, Learmonth Memorial Wall, Ballarat and Learmonth Avenues of Honours Documentation from the Australian Army Records office Documentation relating to Military Medal, 1914/15 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal (whereabouts unknown, November 2016) Portraiture of Albert Telfer White as a child, as a young adult (civilian dress), in full kit (A I E F formal), and at camp 1915 Portraiture of sisters Cis, Addie, Bessie, Evelyn (with personal inscriptions) Four postcards (one with letter from Albert ‘at sea’ to his mother - undated) Death notice (unreferenced newspaper clipping) Biographical and family relationship details Photocopy of The White Family 1906 showing (standing) Adeline, Leslie, Harold (father), Muriel (mother), William; (seated) Albert, John (Grandfather), Elizabeth, Allan, Elizabeth (Grandmother), Evelyn (baby) and Benjamin The ANZAC book 1916 (flyleaf inscribed: No 2012 / Pte A T White / H Quarters / 22nd Battalion / 6th Inf Brigade / France) Gallipoli medal: engraved on reverse: A T WHITE Embossed lettering on death penny: ALBERT TELFER WHITE Handwritten on reverse of portraits: Lovingly yours / Cis / 21/11/17; your / loving sister / Addie; your loving / sister / Evelyn; Yours lovingly / Bessie Handwritten on back of postcard of ship H M A T 'Anchisis' 14.3.16: Dear Mother, I am sending you a card / of the boat we are on. Our deck is right / on the back. I have marked it with an X. / We are not allowed to put the date on or / where we are. I am sitting on the deck now / holding the card in my hand so it is hard / to write. We are together yet haven't been / separated Bill, Matt and myself. Haven't / had anything to do. I will write a couple / of letters now. Albert Handwritten on back of postcard photograph of Albert at camp: 30th September 1915 / Dear Mother / There is a studio at the / camp so Matt and I got our Photos / taken yesterday morning, & got them/ this morning. I am sending / Ciss one of Matt.albert-telfer-white, ballarat college, world-war-one, avenue-of-honour

Julien Hardy married Elizabeth Sophia Francis (a widow) from Basle, Switzerland at St John's Anglican Church, Melbourne on 14 August 1858. According to the certificate, he was a stonemason, living at 27 Victoria Street, North Melbourne. His father was Julien Hardy, a carpenter, and his mother was Jean Marie Penton. He was born at Mon Joie, Normandy, France, near the town of Vire. Elizabeth Sophia Francis was the daughter of Nicholas Cage? Burchardt, a banker, and Elizabeth Leslin. The witnesses were Claude Pottee and Marie Petitjean.julien hardy,basle, switzerland, st john's anglican church, melbourne, 1858, stonemason, julien hardy, jean marie penton, mon joie, normandy, france, vire, elizabeth sophia francis, nicholas burchardt, elizabeth leslin, claude pottee, marie petitjean.

Colour slide of mothers and children on the steps of Government House. Melbourne Legacy held an annual Christmas Party for Junior Legatees and Widows at Government House for many years. The year is unknown but likely to be during the 1950s. A group of slides in glass mounts with green tape are probably from a couple of consecutive years. They will be catalogued separately. Was with many other slides taken in the 1950s and 1960s. The slides have been photographed to make digital images and moved to archive quality sleeves. In many cases the original images were not well focussed and the digital image is the best available.A record of a Legacy Christmas party held at Government House.Colour slide of mothers and children coming down the steps of Government House for a Legacy Christmas Party, in a glass mount with green tape.christmas party, government house party

Colour slide of mothers and children on the steps of Government House. Melbourne Legacy held an annual Christmas Party for Junior Legatees and Widows at Government House for many years. The year is unknown but likely to be during the 1950s. A group of slides in glass mounts with green tape are probably from a couple of consecutive years. They will be catalogued separately. Was with many other slides taken in the 1950s and 1960s. The slides have been photographed to make digital images and moved to archive quality sleeves. In many cases the original images were not well focussed and the digital image is the best available.A record of a Legacy Christmas party held at Government House.Colour slide of mothers and children coming down the steps of Government House for a Legacy Christmas Party, in a glass mount with green tape.christmas party, government house party

List of the Seating for Supper, includes Official Party, Debutantes and their Partners, and Other Guests. Official Party consisted of: Sir George Lansell, Lt General Wells & Mrs Wells, Col J W Swatton & Mrs Swatton, Cr. Oliver & Mrs Oliver, Mr F E Jackson & Mrs Jackson, Mr R C Wright & Mrs Wright, Ladies Auxiliary, Mr A V Palmer and J. Barton. Other Guests: Miss Liddell, Col. J Lockwood & Mrs Lockwood, Col P Seymour & Mrs Seymour, Major P Kennedy & Mrs Kennedy, Ladies Carpet Bowls, War Widows Guild, S. S. & A. Mothers, Eaglehawk Sub-branch, Parma Dance Club, Harcourt Sub-branch, Mr B Wood & Mrs Wood, Mr Tout & Mrs Tout, Mrs Keck, Captain Poole,event, social, victory ball, r.s.l. bendigo collection - rsl victory ball 1951 seating for supper, sir george lansell, lt general wells & mrs wells, col j w swatton & mrs swatton, cr oliver & mrs oliver, mr f e jackson & mrs jackson, mr r c wright & mrs wright, ladies auxiliary, mr a v palmer, j barton, miss liddell, col j lockwood & mrs lockwood, col p seymour & mrs seymour, major p kennedy & mrs kennedy, ladies carpet bowls, war widows guyild, s s & a mothers, eaglehawk sub-branch, parma dance club, harcourt sub-branch, mr b wood & mrs wood, mr tout & mars tout, mrs keck, captain poole

Friendly Societies were founded in the Australian Colonies in the mid-19th Century by immigrants from England who had been members in Societies which dated back to the 18th Century. Like all working people these immigrants experienced sickness, accidents, unemployment, death and burial. They needed help of like fellows to tide their families over these times. So they formed a branch of one of the Friendly Societies back in the mother country. The idea was to make fixed contributions to a fund and when they were off work they would receive a payment. When they died funeral benefits would be paid and the widow and children would be cared for. It was a form of local insurance for hard times. This book was used in a time of 'look after yourself' as the Colonial Governments did not provide pensions or benefits. This item reflects those times.A brown book with ablue spine. It contains pink paper copies of correspondence from M.U.I.O.O.F. (Manchester Unity Independent Order of Oddfellows)on front cover - handwritten in pen "M.U.I.O.O.F Orbost Branch"m.u.i.o.o.f. friendly-society manchester-unity

Friendly Societies were founded in the Australian Colonies in the mid-19th Century by immigrants from England who had been members in Societies which dated back to the 18th Century. Like all working people these immigrants experienced sickness, accidents, unemployment, death and burial. They needed help of like fellows to tide their families over these times. So they formed a branch of one of the Friendly Societies back in the mother country. The idea was to make fixed contributions to a fund and when they were off work they would receive a payment. When they died funeral benefits would be paid and the widow and children would be cared for. It was a form of local insurance for hard times. This item was used in a time of 'look after yourself' as the Colonial Governments did not provide pensions or benefits. This item reflects those times.An account book for M.U.I.O.O.F. (Manchester Unity Independent Order of Oddfellows ). It has a dark blue fabric cover. It contains hand-written accounts.m.u.i.o.o.f. friendly-society accounts-book

Friendly Societies were founded in the Australian Colonies in the mid-19th Century by immigrants from England who had been members in Societies which dated back to the 18th Century. Like all working people these immigrants experienced sickness, accidents, unemployment, death and burial. They needed help of like fellows to tide their families over these times. So they formed a branch of one of the Friendly Societies back in the mother country. The idea was to make fixed contributions to a fund and when they were off work they would receive a payment. When they died funeral benefits would be paid and the widow and children would be cared for. It was a form of local insurance for hard times. This item was used in a time of 'look after yourself' as the Colonial Governments did not provide pensions or benefits and reflects those times.A very large cash book with a blue fabric cover , a brown spine and edges.

10 minute sound and colour, which has faded to red. Begins with an unseen business man asking his secretary to ring his wife to tell her he will be late and is going to visit one of his other families. We see him driving his car, which is full of smoke from his pipe, whilst the narrator explains what Legacy does. The Legatee sheds his coat and trilby hat to play cricket with the fatherless son before having tea and cake with the widow whilst her story and that of her two children is told - details of the Legacy assistance are given. The film then moves to Legacy House where exercise classes are taking place and the smoking pipe makes a reappearance. Information about Legacy's work for the health and wellbeing of Junior Legatees is given, as well as details of the Mother's Club. The film shows the many Legacy committees at work before moving on to holidays organised for Junior Legatees at a beach side cottage - there is no indication of which city is featured at this stage but the beach could be Bondi. Widows are shown meeting at Legacy House, and then we see more elderly widows at Lady Gowrie House. Kyle Williams House for convalescent children is featured and is located near Sydney, which would indicate that the film is about Sydney Legacy. Archbold House, a hostel for girls, and Glen Mervyn House for boys are also featured, as is Cull House for boys undertaking apprenticeships. The film notes that there were 88,000 widows and children in Legacy's care, and the pipe smoking Legatee is seen driving the fatherless boy to tennis practice before the film concludes by saying that Legacy is contributing to the future of the nation. This film has been digitised to preserve its content. Melbourne Legacy gratefully acknowledges the support of the Victorian Government and Public Record Office Victoria for making this possible.A visual record of life in Sydney after the war and the huge number of children to have lost their father in WWII. The commitment of Legacy to giving them a better childhood and the amount of work done by Legatees is impressive.Khaki coloured film cannister with yellowing label.Handwritten 'John Gray Prods' and 'His other family - A Legacy' / '16mm Comp E/Color Print'sydney, residences, junior legatee

This item probably belonged to Albert Coulson a farmer of Brodribb. Friendly Societies were founded in the Australian Colonies in the mid-19th Century by immigrants from England who had been members in Societies which dated back to the 18th Century. Like all working people these immigrants experienced sickness, accidents, unemployment, death and burial. They needed help of like fellows to tide their families over these times. So they formed a branch of one of the Friendly Societies back in the mother country. The idea was to make fixed contributions to a fund and when they were off work they would receive a payment. When they died funeral benefits would be paid and the widow and children would be cared for. It was a form of local insurance for hard times. This book was used in a time of 'look after yourself' as the Colonial Governments did not provide pensions or benefits. This item reflects those times.A small grey book with the Manchester Unity Independent Order of Oddfellows. At the bottom of the cover in black print is the society's Coat of Arms showing a woman holding a child with two children beside her. On the right is a woman holding an anchor with her arm around a woman holding a cross. There is an images of a group of people holding a scroll beside a reclining lion."Brother A.H.J. Coulto was initiated a member of the Loyal Orbost Lodge 8 Sept 1909"