Frank Wright was a renown resident of Smeaton, where he was born in 1901. He lived at Laura Villa, and attended Smeaton State School. His father William was a gold miner and his mother's name was Sarah. He was the youngest of eleven children. Their family won many singing and instrumental awards. Frank was tutored by Percy Code and was awarded a gold medal for the highest marks in the ALCM examinations in the British Colonies at the age of seventeen years. He became the Australian Open Cornet Champion by the age of eighteen. A year later, Frank conducted the City of Ballarat Band, and later the Ballarat Soldiers’ Memorial Band. He formed the Frank Wright Frisco Band and Frank Wright and his Coliseum Orchestra. These bands won many South Street awards, and Frank as conductor won many awards in the Australian Band Championship contest. In 1933 Frank Wright sailed to England to conduct the famous St Hilda’s Band and was appointed in 1934 as the Musical Director of the London County Council (the GLC or Greater London Council), where he organized many amazing concerts in most of the 150 parks, in and around the London district. He was also responsible for some of London’s major concerts at Kenwood, the Crystal Palace and Holland Park. He was made Professor of Brass and Military Band Scoring and Conducting and was a Fellow of the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. Frank was often invited to adjudicate Brass Band Championships around Europe, in Australia, including South Street and in New Zealand. Frank was awarded an M.B.E. in 1967 and he died in November 1970. The Frank Wright Medal at the Royal South Street competition is awarded to an individual recognized as making an outstanding contribution to brass music in Australia.Three booklets of Programmes of the Henry Wood Promenade Concerts - 30 July 1960 (66th Season), 5 September 1964 (70th Season) and 9 September 1966 (72nd Season) held at the Royal Albert Hall. Also contained with the booklets are programme notes about each of the composers and the pieces being played. These programmes were owned by Frank Wright.frank wright, henry wood promenade concerts, albert hall, programme

This programme is for the 1956 Warrnambool production of ‘The Heiress’. It was produced by Joyce Hayward, assisted by her husband Cyril. Joyce Hayward produced more than 80 plays and musicals in Warrnambool over a 30 year period and was a life member of the Warrnambool Theatre Company (as the Warrnambool Musical and Dramatic Society was re-named). Cyril Hayward acted in more than 40 plays in Warrnambool and stage-managed more than 50. Together they dominated the cultural scene in Warrnambool from 1955 to 1985 and were chiefly responsible for the establishment of the Warrnambool Performing Arts Centre (now the Lighthouse Theatre). Both received British Empire Medals.This program is of interest as an early example of the plays produced in Warrnambool by Joyce Hayward assisted by her husband Cyril. The Haywards had a major influence on the cultural life of Warrnambool for 30 years in the second half of the 20th century. The advertisements in this programme are also historically important.This is a soft cover programme of eight pages. It has an orange cover with black printing. The programme has many advertisements, information on the cast and the play produced. The booklet has been stapled but the staples have been removed.Front Cover: Warrnambool Musical & Dramatic Society presents The Heiress, a Play by Ruth and Augustus Goetz, Warrnambool Town Hall, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, 15th, 16th, 17th Nov. 1956, Programme 1/-warrnambool musical & dramatic society, cyril & joyce hayward, warrnambool

This is a programme of a concert called ‘Grand Symphonic Concert and Irish Ballad Night’ staged by the Warrnambool Orchestral Society at the Warrnambool Town Hall on July 10th 1902. The conductor was Louis Bayer (1857-1907). Born in Germany, Bayer came to Warrnambool in 1891 and, with his wife, Eleanor, taught piano. violin, orchestration and singing and established the Warrnambool Orchestral Society. In 1896-7 Bayer was the musical director of the Warrnambool Industrial and Art exhibition, composing the Cantata for the opening ceremony and directing over 60 musical performances, including 22 operas and many concerts. Bayer was a composer and wrote several operas, including one called ‘Federation’. Bayer’s wife was an accompaniste at this symphonic concert and two of his sons played the horn and the drums. The soloists at this symphonic concert included Minnie Sloane, Lucy Meares and J. Robertson. This programme is of great significance as it features a concert conducted by Louis Bayer, one of the most important musicians in Warrnambool’s history. This is a yellow-coloured piece of paper folded in two to make four pages. The pages have details of the concert programme, a list of members of the orchestra, one advertisement and a front page with the concert headings in a fancy border. The pages are somewhat torn at the folds and there is heavy staining, especially on the back page. warrnambool orchestral society, louis bayer, history of warrnambool

This is a programme for a concert put on by the Warrnambool High School students in 1927. The concert included choral items, folk dancing, a gymnasium display and two one-act plays. Warrnambool High School was established in 1907 and merged with Warrnambool North Technical School in the 1990s to form Warrnambool College. One of the performers in this concert was the Head Teacher of Warrnambool High School, Colonel George Langley. This programme is of interest as an example of the entertainment offered in Warrnambool in the 1920s by a local group. This is a one-page pink sheet of paper with black printing. The page has a black decorative border and the pink colouring has faded. The inscriptions are handwritten in blue ink. ‘1927’ ‘N. J. Absalom’ warrnambool high school, history of warrnambool

This is a program for two plays staged by The Arcadians in 1934. This drama group was originally known as the Warrnambool High School Ex-Students’ Dramatic Society and was founded in 1925 by Colonel Langley, the Head Master of Warrnambool High School and his wife, Edmee. The Arcadians drama group was still operating in 1947 and proceeds from the productions went to the Warrnambool High School, funding many school projects including a tennis court, a Senior English prize and Watson Hall. By 1934 a special project was the funding of the ‘Langley Library’. Notable among The Arcadians performers were Colonel George Langley (in the early years of the group), Horace Jones, an English teacher at the school, Syb Carpenter, Bill Earle, Mary and Ron Mack and Nancy Humm. This programme is of particular interest as an example of the plays staged by the well-known Warrnambool drama group, The Arcadians.This is a programme made of two sheets of green paper folded in two to make eight pages. The printing is in black. The sheets were originally stapled but the metal staples have been removed. The inscription is handwritten in blue ink. ‘N. J. Absalom’ the arcadians, warrnambool high school, colonel and mrs langley

This is a programme for the 1997 Warrnambool Theatre Company production of ‘Into the Woods’. Warrnambool has had many drama and theatrical groups throughout its history, with the present day Warrnambool Theatre Company evolving from the Warrnambool Theatre Group which was founded in 1948. Plays and musicals have been produced each year since, with most productions being staged at the Warrnambool Town Hall/Performing Arts Centre/Lighthouse Theatre. This programme is of interest as an example of the productions staged by the Warrnambool Theatre Company. This is a booklet of 16 pages with a white cover. On the front cover is an illustration of a wooded forest in black and white tonings with the lettering in black and white. The back cover has an advertisement in black and white. The booklet contains advertisements, information on the play and the theatrical performers and producers and black and white photographs. The booklet is bound with metal staples. warrnambool theatre company, history of warrnambool

This is a programme of a concert given by the pupils of the Frances Sinclair Dancing Academy in Warrnambool. The programme included orchestra and other musical items, dances, short skits or plays and solo singing. Most of the pupils of the dancing academy were young girls. The title of the concert, ‘Lyndoch Revue’, may indicate that the proceeds of the concert were given to the Lyndoch Aged Care Centre in Warrnambool. This programme is of interest because it is a good example of the type of concert given by pupils of a Warrnambool dancing academy in the mid 20th century. The donor of this item, Lynette Wright, nee Bristol, was a performer in the concert, one of the ‘petite ballerinas’. This is a buff-coloured sheet of paper folded in two to make four pages. The edges of the first and third pages have red decorative scroll work and the front cover has an image of a 19th century lady doing needlework. The lettering is in brown type. The edges of the first and third pages are torn. ‘Lyndoch Revue, Produced and Directed by Frances Sinclair’ frances sinclair, history of warrnambool

This is a program for the 1997 Holiday Actors production of ‘Me and My Girl’. The Holiday Actors began in 1985 when a group of students from what was then C.B.C. College and St. Ann’s School performed in a production of ‘Joseph and His Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat’. The following summer ‘The Boyfriend’ was staged and it was decided to extend the production in future years to include students in other secondary schools. Holiday Actors became incorporated in 1986 and the productions are staged annually today in the January school vacationThis program is of interest as an example of the productions staged by the Holiday Actors, an important Warrnambool theatre company. This is a program of 16 pages for the 1997 Holiday Actors production of ‘Me and My Girl’. It has a mauve-coloured cover with a black and white sketch of a dancing couple on the front cover and a sketch of a violin and a McDonalds logo on the back cover. The program includes advertisements, photographs of the cast and information on the play and the Holiday Actors. The pages were stapled but the staples have been removed. holiday actors, warrnambool theatre productions, production – ‘me and my girl’

This is 1955 programme of a Western District One Act Play Festival held in Camperdown . Five drama groups from Leslie manor, Camperdown, Portland, Warrnambool, Cobden and Portland staged pone act plays with the best performance being awarded a prize of Ten Guineas.This program is of interest as an example of the drama performances held in the Western District in the mid 20th century .This is an A4 sheet of cream coloured thick paper folded in two to make four pages. The pages contain black printing. The front page has three vertical parallel lines as a decorative feature.Camperdown Repertory Society Presents THIRD ANNUAL Western District One Act Play Festivalcamperdown, one act plays, camperdown repertory society, western district one act play festival

This is a program of the production of the comedy Quiet Weekend by the Warrnambool And District Musical and Dramatic Society. It was staged at the Warrnambool Town Hall probably in the 1950s. This local dramatic society is known to have been in existence since 1945 and its successor today is the Warrnambool Theatre Company.This programme is retained as an example of the plays staged locally in the 1950s.This is a sheet of yellow paper folded in two to make four pages with blue printing and decorative patterns on the front cover.Quiet -Weekend WARRNAMBOOL AND DISTRICT DRAMATIC SOCIETYwarrnambool & district musical & dramatic society, theatre productions

This is a play staged by the Warrnambool Little Theatre, perhaps in the early 1950s. The play was "Blithe Spirit" written by the prominent English playwright Noel Coward who was very popular at the time. Scant information is available on the Warrnambool Little Theatre but it is believed that this is one of its earlier productions.This programme is retained as a memento of the Warrnambool Little Theatre production in the mid 20th century.This is a sheet of cream coloured paper folded in two to make four pages and the pages contain black printing and two advertisements.THE WARRNABOOL LITTLE THEATRE COMPANY Presents 'BLITHE SPIRIT" warrnambool little theatre, theatre productions

This is a programme of a play "Present Laughter" staged by the Warrnambool Little Theatre in the early 1950s The playwright Noel Coward was very popular at that time .We have not found much information on the role of the Warrnambool Little Theatre. This programme is retained as a memento of a Warrnambool stage production in the mid 20th century.This is cream coloured piece of lightweight card folded in two to make four pages with black printing. The front page has a small stain.Warrnambool Little Theatre Presents " Present Laughter" IN THREE ACTS By Noel Coward PROGRAMME warrnambool little theatre, theatre productions

The opening of the Tawonga Hall was celebrated in the evening on Wednesday 11th March 1925. A band played and guests danced.This 'programme' was used by people in the district who attended the opening of the Tawonga Hall in 1925.This is a small programme for the evening of the opening of the Tawonga Hall in 1925. It also doubled as a dance engagement book for the evening. Front cover "Programme" is printed It is in the form of folded cardboard with a picture of a rose on the cover that passes through a white tag entitled 'Programme' on the stem of the rose. Edges have spaced zig-zag cuts in groups of 6. On back of front a lot writing printed in black. Opposite is a list of 15 dances eg. Waltz with space for names of partners. On the folded card a hole has been pierced at the top left hand corner with red wool threaded through and a small pencil hanging at the end of it. tawonga public hall, programme, opening ceremony, dance programme, annie sullivan

This concert was held in the Mechanics' Institute on Friday, October 16th, 1891 commencing at 8pm. A dance was held after the concert. The secretary at that time was J. McNair. The first Orbost Brass Band was formed in 1889. Around 1908 the town band split and the Orbost Workers' Band was formed. Eventually the two bands merged in 1913 to reform as the Orbost Municipal Band under conductorship of Charles Spink. The band continued for many years but was later disbanded and again reformed. This was to happen a number of times, the last time being in 1961 and continuing through to the late 1970's. Further info and Ref: In Times Gone By - Deborah Hall From the estate of Elsie Cooke. Elsie Cooke was a librarian in Orbost for many years. She was the daughter of John Cooke early Brodribb settler. Elsie Cooke lived all her life in Gippsland,. She was born at Brodribb in 1895 and died in 1970, Elsie Cooke lived at Bruthen for a short time and, in 1937, moved to live with her aunt, Miss Jean Munro. Miss Cooke was Librarian at the Mechanics Institute for many years. Kindness and consideration for other were Miss Cooke’s attributes and she endeared herself to all who knew her. She was a loyal member of the Presbyterian Church and a stalwart of the Ladies’ Guild, an energetic worker for the Municipal Auxiliary and a member of the Red Cross. (ref. Mary Gilbert)The various Orbost bands over the years played a major role in community activities providing entertainment and musical experiences for the many members.An orange, paper program with black print. The program and details are inside a black frame. It is for a concert in aid of the Orbost Brass Band.At the top handwritten in black pen is" Donated by Mrs Elsie Cooke".orbost-brass-band-programme cooke-elsie

These images capture for all time Light Horsemen travelling through Geelong on their way to camp at Torquay for the last Group meeting in Australia . information following - details obtained from .........https://torquayhistory.com/light-horse-brigade/ On Australia Day, 1997, Sir John Young unveiled this plaque on Point Danger, Torquay. Torquay history, Light Horse Training Camp, WW2 Plaque at Pt. Danger Note----- (See images to view plaque) The plaque identifies a significant event in Torquay’s history and the sentiments of ‘change’ for the Light Horse Brigade – from horses to machines. In 1940 the four Light Horse Regiments (4th, 8th, 13th and 20th), some 5000 Light Horse and 2000 horses camped and trained at Torquay. Three other regiments, formerly mounted on horses, were also at Torquay ‘mounted’ on privately owned trucks and cars. Division troops included Artillery, Engineers, Signals, Field Ambulance and other branches of the Army necessary to enable a Division to function. It wasn’t just the sheer numbers of men coming to this little town that made the event significant, it was also the fact that the men of the Light Horse were dramatic, almost glamorous figures and it is easy to see their exploits as some splendid adventure. Horses have played a special role in the story of Australia. They were the only means of transport across this huge country, so it was necessary for everyone to have the ability to ride a horse. When war broke out in 1899 between Britain and the Boers of South Africa (“Boer” was Dutch for “farmer”) Australia sent troops to fight. At first Britain was wary of using untried, unprofessional colonial cavalrymen but soon saw that the slouch-hatted Australian “bushmen” were a match for the fast-moving and unconventional mounted commandos of the Boers. The Australians proved themselves to be expert rough-riding horsemen and good shots. Bush life had hardened them to go for long periods with little food and water. They also showed remarkable ability to find their way in a strange country and use its features for cover, in both attack and defence. By 1914, when Australia joined the war against Germany, there were 23 Light Horse regiments of militia volunteers. Many men from these units joined the Light Horse regiments of the Australian Imperial Force (AIF). Men were given remounts (if not using their own horses) – army horses bought by Commonwealth purchasing officers from graziers and breeders. These were called “walers” because they were a New South Wales stockhorse type – strong, great-hearted animals with the strains of the thoroughbred and semi-draught to give them speed, strength and stamina. On 1st November, 1914, Australia’s First Infantry Division and the first four Light Horse regiments sailed for England in a fleet of transport ships. The first of the Light Horse arrived at Gallipoli in May without their horses. Back with their horses after Gallipoli, they were formidable combatants across the Sinai and Palestine. Some British commanders observed that the light horseman moved with a “lazy, slouching gait, like that of a sleepy tiger” but described how the promise of battle “changes that careless gait, into a live athletic swing that takes him over the ground much quicker than other troops”. They had Light Horse, Torquay, training campdeveloped a reputation as formidable infantrymen. The Turks called them “the White Ghurkas” – a reference to their deadly skill with the bayonet. The Arabs called them “The Kings of the Feathers”. The plume had originally been a battle honour of the Queensland Mounted Infantry for their work in the shearer’s strike of 1891. During WW1 it was adopted by almost all the Light Horse Regiments. It was the proud badge of the light horseman. The most famous of their battles was the attack on Beersheba- the charge of the 4th Light Horse Brigade. Mounted infantrymen and their superb walers had carried out one of the most successful cavalry charges in history – against what seemed impossible odds. They surprised the Turks by charging cavalry-style, when they would normally have ridden close to an objective then dismounted to fight. The fall of Beersheba swung the battle tide against the Turks in Palestine; and changed the history of the Middle East. While 19 men from the Surf Coast Shire served with the 4th Light Horse over the course of WW1, only four were involved in the charge of Beersheba- John GAYLARD, Philip QUINN.(Winchelsea); Wallace FINDLAY (Anglesea); Harry TRIGG (Bambra). After the war, Light Horse units played a key role in the Australian Government’s compulsory military training programme. The Citizen Military Forces (C.M.F.) thrived on the glamour of the wartime Light Horse tradition, ignoring the possibility that motor vehicles would soon replace the horses. When training was no longer compulsory, the C.M.F. regiments declined and horses became more of a luxury during the 1930s depression years of poverty and unemployment. Some regiments were motorised. Then, in 1939, Australia joined Britain in another world war. Training was increased for the militia at both home bases and regional training camps. The camp at Torquay in 1940, commanded by Major General Rankin, was at Divisional strength. By the end of the camp some felt that the Division was ready for active service. Gradually, over the next four years, the Australian Light Horse units were mounted on wheels and tracks and the horses were retired. Six men enlisted at the Torquay camp and another 57 men and women enlisted at Torquay for service in WW2. Those who served in the Militia provided valuable Officers and NCOs and men for the armed services during the war. Each infantry division of the 2nd AIF had a Light Horse regiment attached to it. But the day of the Australian mounted soldier hadn’t quite passed. During World War II, Australia’s 6th Cavalry Regiment formed a mounted unit they called “The Kelly Gang” which did valuable scouting work. In New Guinea, a mounted Light Horse Troop did patrol duty and helped carry supplies. Some fully equipped walers were flown into Borneo for reconnaissance in rugged mountain country. But by the end of the war, in 1945, the horse had disappeared from the Australian Army. References: Australian Light Horse Association www.lighthorse.org.au National Australia Archives Australian War Memorial Surf Coast Shire WW1 memorials www.togethertheyserved.com The Light horse- a Cavalry under Canvas Light Horse, Training Camp, Torquay, WW2 Late in 1939 it was decided to set up a Lighthorse training camp in Torquay to train both men and horses for the battles of the Second World War. Horses, men and equipment came on special trains from all over Victoria and NSW, and as you would expect horseman came from areas such as Omeo and Sale, the Wimmera and the Western District. They arrived at the Geelong racecourse for watering in the Barwon River and then were ridden across the ford at the breakwater and began their 11 mile trek to Torquay. Light Horse, Training Camp, Torquay, WW2 Tent city By the end of January 1940 the camp at Torquay accommodated some 5000 men and 2500 horses of the Second Cavalry Division. The rows of horses, tents and huts near Blackgate Road were quite a sight. While the cavalrymen engaged in exercises on the land and on the beaches, many of the troops took over the Torquay School for special training of men and officers. Mr Bob Pettit local farmer and Councillor for the Barrabool Shire, wrote about the Light horse in the Surf Coast Community News in 1985 saying “They used to travel about the district riding four abreast in one long convoy. To my annoyance they went through my property and shut all the gates behind them. I had certain gates open to let stock in to the water holes and it would take me three -quarters of an hour to follow the horsemen up and put all the gates right again” he continued “the men from the Light Horse were here when the fire went through in March 1940. He recalled an incident when early one morning, as some one blew the bugle, a soldier putting a white sheet on the line frightened the horses. They panicked and ran off in all directions. Six went over the cliff near Bird Rock, five were never found, and the rest were gathered up after nearly a fortnight in the bush around Addiscott and Anglesea" Light Horse, Training Camp, Torquay, WW2, Geelong Parade Geelong parade The training camp culminated in a parade through the streets of Geelong on March 12th 1940. The salute was given at the Town Hall and the troops continued on a route to the You Yang’s for a training exercise. Note-----(see media section for photograph) The Camp was abandoned in mid 1940 as it was deemed unsuitable for training during winter and the cost of a permanent camp could not be justified if it could not be used all year. Historic.......Rare,,,Interpretive.Sepia photographs.set of four ....post card size ....Horses &LighthorsemenNo 1, Lighthorsemen Regiment Geelong 1940......No 2 Light Horse at Breakwater Geelong 1938 to 1940....No 3 Light Horse at Breakwater Geelong 1938 to 1940.....No 4 Light Horse crossing Breakwater camped at Geelong Showgrounds. These markings are on reverse of photographs.light horsemengeelong 1940., world war 2

Card - Official Invitation by the Mayor of Bendigo and Mrs. J.H. Curnow. Town Hall, Bendigo. 'At Home' 7.10.1902. Musical Programme. Songs sung/played by Mr. J. Gray. Miss Ruby Lamb. Mr. W. Cahill. Miss F. Bolton. Miss A & Mrs. J.F. Warren. Miss Kilfedder. Mrs. Higgins. Mrs. J. Morgan. Mr. J.F. Warren. Written on back Mayor 1902-03 and 1903-04. Card made with cardboard lace on edges, raised flower on front. City of Bendigo stamp on back. Photo of The Mayor and Mrs. Curnow.T.Cambridge, Art Printer & Engr.organization, government, city of bendigo

Card as 'invitation' to the production of "Dimboola" by the Eltham Little Theatre, listing cast and crew.Bruce Morgan was the first Shire Secretary (1964-1983) of the Shire of Diamond Valley. This collection was compiled by his wife, Mavis Morgan, detailing the events they attended in their official capacityPurlpe Card folded into four with black text on all sides, and pink slip of paper insidebruce morgan, mavis morgan, eltham little theatre, dimboola (play)

On the 19th and 20th September 1910, the Mission organised a fundraising evening at the Masonic Hall on Collins Street. The "Tableaux vivants", called "Tennison's Dream of Fair Women" were arranged by artist Violet Teague. She arranged and painted the decors for the "tableaux vivants" in the Siddeley Mission. It's likely she also created the cover of this programme. "Mother and Lover of Men the Sea" is a verse form the poem: The Triumph of Time by Algernon Charles Swinburne While she was working, seamen from the Carnarvon Bay shipwreck were welcomed to the institute and subsequently invited to the evening. "They went through a large room, where a lady was standing on a scaffolding pointing a scene for the enter" tainment which is to take place this evening in the Masonic-hall. The lady was Miss Violet Teague, but she took her mind and her brush off the effects in marine blue sufficiently long to learn the main outlines of the story. " (Argus 19 September 1910). "During the evening the Rev W F Haire, acting chaplain to the mission announced that among those present were the shipwrecked survivors of the Carnarvon Bay, which was wrecked at King Island on Thursday last The men, who bore no traces of the hardships they endured took their places on the platform, whilst the large audience cheered itself hoarse and sang "For They Are Jolly Good relics". (Argus 20 September 1910) In 1935, Violet Teague was on the passengers on the C.B. Pedersen, one of the last windjammers. She Drew and painted during her voyage and exhibited the artworks in 1938.This rare programme is the last remaining testimony of the relationship between the Mission and famous artists of the time who provided illustrations for quotation calendars (Daryl Lyndsay, John Shirlow).12 pages programme. The cover is light blue paper with the design of the Greek ship printed in black ink.violet teague, tableaux vivants, 1910, fundraising, theatre, play, algernon charles swinburne, sponsors, advertising, carnarvon bay, shipwreck, una le souef, masonic hall, lady gibson-carmichael, willsmere certified milk and co, fry's cocoa, remington typewriter, hypol, lhlg, ladies harbour lights guild

The Annual Meeting presenting the Annual Report was held on the 21st of September 1886 at the Melbourne Athenaeum. In the Standard (Port Melbourne, Vic. : 1884 - 1914), Saturday 25 September 1886, page 2 VICTORIAN SEAMEN'S MISSION. This institution held its annual meeting in the Melbourne Athenæum on Tuesday evening under the most favourable auspices. The hall was filled in every part, a very large pro portion of the audience being seamen. The half hour previous to the com mencement of the meeting was very pleasantly occupied bv listening to the capital playing of the band of the Naval Brigade, and precisely at eight o'clock the musicians heralded the entrance of the vice-regal party by playing ' The National Anthem.' Sir Henry and Lady Loch were received by the Mayor of Melbourne (Mr. Stewart), the Hon. F. T. Derham, Captain Pasco, Mr. H. R. Reid (hon. secretary), and Lieutenant - Colonel Templeton, and His Excellency imme diately took the chair. The venerable ex-chaplain, the Rev. Kerr Johnson, was present, but as he did not feel equal to taking part in the proceedings, the Rev. E. T. Miles opened the meeting with prayer. Nothing could have been more cal culated to give a distinctive character to the meeting than the singing of the Sailors' Hymn by the 300 odd seamen present. The rugged yet tuneful voices of the men blending with those of the ladies present, who heartily joined in, gave a most spirit-stirring effect to the beautiful words of the refrain : — Rocks and streams I'll fear no more, When on that eternal shore; Drop the anchor ! furl the sail ! I am safe within the vail. Next followed His Excellency's address as chairman. The Governor threw himself heartily into the pro ceedings, and his remarks, expressive of the utmost sympathy with the sea men of the empire, were applauded to the echo. In fact from the start all the speakers struck the right key-note. The institution was not held up as a charity on which Jack was more or less dependent. According to the gentlemen who one and all welcomed him as a friend, and a right useful friend too, the thing was all the other way. To the sailor it was, they de clared, that they owed all that the colony possessed, and more — the great ness and prosperity of the Empire, He was the sort of man who never turned his back on a fellow creature, or refused to give a hand to a comrade in distress. Therefore it was deter mined that Jack should not come to these shores and think there were none to care for the comfort of his body or the welfare of his soul, and with the object of greeting the sailor on his arrival, of grasping his hand as a friend, beguiling his hours on shore, and saving him from the scores of dangers and temptations which beset a sea-faring man's stay in port, the institution had in '57 been started. Its claims on the Victorian public, not as a charity, but as a means of show ing some recognition of the services of the brave men who man our mercan tile marine, were ably put before the meeting. The Rev. G. D. Buchanan de clared that if the Melbourne merchants contributed to the mission a tithe of the amount they spent in insurance, they would find their goods better looked after by the seamen than by the insurance companies. Captain McCallum, the treasurer, read the following report of the com mittees of the Port Melbourne and Williamstown Rests : — In no part of the Queen's dominions have there been more changes during the last thirty years than in the colony bearing her gracious name ; and it is therefore all the more pleasant to report that the Victorian Mission to seamen, which started so long ago as 1857, still pursues an active career of usefulness, holding out a helping hand to mariners of all nations, without distinction of colour, race or creed. Eight years ago, some of the supporters of the Mission, feeling the want of a Temperance Club, where the crews of the various ships might recreate themselves and enjoy the three ' C's' — Coffee — Comfort — Company, appealed to the public for assistance, resulting in sufficient funds being obtained to justify the establishment of Sailors' Rests at Sandridge and Williamstown. Both these institutions were opened by a distinguished gentleman who has always taken a practical interest in sea men, and who, but for illness, would have been present at this meeting — Sir W. F. Stawell — and the result jof several years' experience fully justifies the statement that these institutions have supplied a felt want — the attendance of visitors reaching now about 30,000 per annum ; whilst so economically are they managed, that the annual cost to the public is less than L150 The thanks of the committee are specially due to those ladies and gentlemen who so kindly made a special and successful effort to supply both of the Bests with new piano fortes, to the great enjoyment of ' Jack ashore.' The instrument which was pre sented to the Port Melbourne institution by Mr. J. M. Bruce, on behalf of the sub scribers, the funds having been collected by his daughter yet in her teens, being espec ially one of great value. Concerts free to all seamen, given by amateur singers, are held weekly on both sides of the bay, and are largely attended and much appreciated. The building at Port Melbourne, which, being of wood, is merely of a temporary character, is free from debt ; but there is a mortgage of L500 on the Williamstown institution, which cripples its usefulness. The committee have regretfully to report that during the year under review they have lost, through the weakness of increas ing years, tbe loving services of the Rev. Kerr Johnston, their venerable friend and chaplain, whose life is, indeed, the history of the Mission, for he has been connected with it from the commencement of the work. Mr. Johnston has proved himself a true disciple of his Divine Master, and the com mittee trust that in the evening of his days he may enjoy that peace and rest which he lias so well earned. The com mittee presented Mr. Johnston, on retiring, with an honorarium of L100. Mr. E. James has been appointed iu Mr. JohuBton'u room, and the committee believe that their choice lias been a fortunate one. The Mission aud Sailors' Bests have been kept afloat by the unwearied and self -deny-ing exertions of the Ladies1 Committee, who have personally collected nearly the whole of the income ; but it may fairly be asked whether, in this great seaport, where last year there entered in at Her Majesty's Customs 1711 ships, manned by 61,256 men, the mercantile community of Melbourne should net take a more active interest in the welfare of the thousands of brave men who, for a few weeks, temporary sojourners on our shores, away from friends and relatives, have a special claim on our sympathy and help. We are of the old land, ' that gem sunk in the silver sea and we can re-echo Mr. Gladstone's recent words to the crew of the yacht Sunbeam, ' The calling which you follow is a noble one, and is calculated to bring forth the highest qualities of our common nature ; ana if it is possible for any occupation to make a man, in the highest and wideBt sense of the word, it is ' the occupation to which your lives are given. How closely it is connected with the the prosperity and fame of tbi» great nation ; how closely, indeed, it is connected with advancement of civilisation, and tiie general welfare of the world, it needs no words of mine to tell yon, for in your work and life you know it well, and feel it truly.' Look ing at what we Victorians owe to the British sailor, the committee earnestly trust that, with the blessings of the Almighty God, increased success will attend the work of the Mission and Rests. Mr. James read the chaplain's re port: — Since my appointment as chaplain to tbe Seamens' Mission, I have met with greater success than I anticipated. I have visited all the ships that have come into port, also many of the vessels on the Yarra, and am pleased with the civil and courteous manner in which I have been received by captains, officers and men, and in most cases my invitations to them to attend our meetings have been most heartily responded to. . The attendance at the services in the Bethel has much improved — on some occasions scarcely sitting room is to be found. The services have proved a great blessing to many Christian seamen ; whilst several who have come into port caring for nothing of a religious nature, have left praying. God fearing men, with the request that those left behind would remember them in their supplications, that they should be kept through all the trials and temptations to which seamen are exposed. The weekly Tuesday evening concerts got up bj the ladies of the committee and others, have proved a great benefit to the Mission, and a source of great enjoyment to the seamen in port. The programmes are excellent; and are spoken of by the sailors as the best they have heard in any port. The Sailors* Rest is provided with a library, the daily papers, and illustrated literature, with games of chess, draughts, dominoes, quoits, and other amusements, which are much taken advantage of during the evenings. Seamen ' are alio provided with writing materials, free, bo that everyone may have any opportunity of writing to their friends; for many an anxious parent is counting the days and hoping for .the time to come when they shall get a line from their sons in the far distant land, and many a son is reminded of his obligation by the opportunity thus afforded. I am much pleased at this time to acknowledge the kindness of the committee, and the great help I have received from them, also from Mr. Douglas, the manager of the Best. I do not think I could have been blest with a better co-worker. I have no hesitation in recommending the seamen to go to the Best, and telling them that they will receive a most hearty welcome, to which they can all testify ; my thanks are due to the voluntary workers, who have given every assistance ft their power, especially to Miss Lloyd, who is an invaluable help, attending in all weathers, and playing the organ at every service. The Sunday School is progressing, and we aie now about to make another addition to the library, of good readable books. The work at Williamstown is also pro gressing well, the Wednesday night concerts being well attended, and the singing and reciting supplied by local talent really good; the sailors contributing largely to the programmes. Captain McCallum is the backbone of the work at Williamstown, well supported by many warm friends of the sailors. The services held every Sunday night are productive of mnch good. The work here, too, is very encouraging, having much improved of late. I am thank ful to God that He has so blessed the efforts of His people, and hope they may be long spared to carry on the work. The Rev. G. D. Buchanan in an eloquent speech proposed the first re solution : — ' That the Reports now read be adopted, and that the following ladies and gentlemen be the Committee for the ensuing year : — SEAMEN'S MISSION. Ladies Committee. — Mesdames Templeton, Campbell, Chamberlin, Elworthy, Lormer, Gourlay, Gowan, B. Johnston, Webb, Young, Plummer, Misses Elwortny, Webb, Gowan, and M. Hastie. Gentlemen's Committee. — Captains Pasco, R. N., Adams, McCallum, J.P., Dalgarno, Garside, Messrs. Courtis, A. J. Smith, Macpherson, H. R. Reid, J.P., Henry Berry, J.P., Revs. Kerr Johnston, and A. R. Edgar.' Captain Pasco seconded, and in formed the audience that Baron Von Mueller had written regretting his inability to attend, but had sent a substantial cheque. (Applause.) A collection was then taken up and liberally responded to, the band mean-time playing airs suitable to the occa sion, such as ' The Death of Nelson' and ' Rocked in the Cradle of the Deep.' The hon. F. T. Derham next pro posed the second resolution : — ' That the success which has attended the working of the Port Melbourne Sailors' Rest justifies this meeting in taking imme diate steps to raise the funds necessary to erect a Seamen's Institute worthy of the in creasing trade and commerce of Victoria.' This was seconded by the Rev. A. R. Edgar, and both were carried by ac clamation. The Mayor of Melbourne moved a vote of thanks to His Excellency, and Sir Henry in the course of his reply said his sympathies were not only with sailors because he had been much brought into contact with them, but because he had been a sailor himself and had had the honour and privilege of serving in Her Majesty's navy. At this the men sprang to their feet and gave three deafening cheers for the Governor and another for Lady Loch, who bowed her acknowledgment and appeared very pleased at the hearty reception accorded to her. During the evening Mrs. Pearce, and Messrs. Walsh, Woods, and Robinson, members of the Liedertafel, contributed songs. The lady, who has sung at the Tuesday evening concerts, sang ' When the Tide comes in' so charmingly that an encore, although against the rule of the evening, was insisted upon, which was responded to by a beautiful rendering of the old ballad ' Robin Adair,' Altogether the meeting was a com plete success, and will doubtless afford the committee fresh encouragement in their well-directed efforts. Printed programme for the 1886 annual meeting taking place in the Melbourne AthenaeumWritten in black ink at the back by WHC Darvall: annual meeting, melbourne athenaeum, 1886, baron ferdinand von mueller, sailors' rest, hugh ronald reid, captain fullarton, captain mccallum, henry loch, captain pasco, reverend kerr johnston

"The Student Prince" is an Operetta in four acts, music by Sigmund Romberg and book and lyrics by Dorothy Donnelly, based on W. Meyer-Forster's play "Old Heidelberg".Bendigo Operatic Socety Music Programme for "The Student Prince" - a musical in 4 acts, opening for 6 nights, 15th, 16th 17th, 22nd, 23rd and 24th June 1972 - A5 booklet with 16 pages - booklet consisting of lists of individuals participating and organizing the concert, advertisements, acknowledgments, synopsis of story and scenes. Included also are cast, musical numbers and Orchestra.programme, concert, bendigo operatic society, capital theatre

"No No Nanette is a musicall in three acts music by Vincent Youmans and Lyrics by Irving Ceaser and Otto Harbach based on Frank Mandel's 1919 Broadway play.. Music Programme for "No No Nanette" a musical in 3 acts by the Bendigo Operatic Society, opening December 2nd-6th 1980 at J.B. Osborne Theatre, Kangaroo Flat - A5 booklet with 16 pages - booklet consisting of lists of individuals participating and organizing the concert, advertisements, acknowledgments, synopsis of story, musical numbers and scenes. (2 copies)programme, concert

"Oklahoma!" is the first musical written by Rodgers and Hammerstein and is based on Lynn Rigg's 1931 play "Green Grow the Lilacs'. Music Programme for "Oklahoma!"-an 8 page programme with advertisements, acknowledgements, details of cast and story synopsis (Penned date 1985)programme, concert

"Viktoria and her Hussar" is a German operetta in 3 Acts based on a play by Hungarian Imre Foldes. Music was written by Paul Abraham and libretto by Alfred Grunwald and Fritz Lohner-Beda. It was first performed in 1930.Bendigo Operatic Society - "Viktoria and Her Hussar" Programme - Capital Theatre, Bendigo. Opening Friday 14th April 1961 for five nights. A5, 15 pages - booklet filled with names and some pictures of participants and organizers, advertisements, details regarding synopsis of story and scenes and acknowledgements. programme, concert, music

First performed in 1943, Oklahoma was a Rogers (music) and Hammerstein (lyrics) musical based on the play "Green Grow the Lilacs", written by Lynn Riggs in 1931.Bendigo Operatic Society - "Oklahoma!" Programme. A musical Play by Rodgers and Hammerstein. Produced by Norman Lee, Capital Theatre, Bendigo. Opening Friday, 14th July, 1961, for six Nights. A5 booklet with 15 pages, black print with Red title on the front. programme, music, concert

"The White Horse Inn" was a German play written in Germany in 1894. It was revived as a musical comedy in 1930 with music by a variety of composers including Ralph Benatzky and Robert Stolz.Bendigo Operatic Society, "White Horse Inn" Programme. Opening, 23rd November, 1962 for six nights. A5 booklet with 15 pages. Booklet filled with names and pictures of participants and organizers. Acknowledgements, advertisements, Synopsis of Story and Scenes. music, programme, concert

"The Merry Widow" was composed by Austro Hungarian composer Franz Lehar with the libretto by Viktor Leon and Leo Stein. It was based on the comedy play "The Embassy Attache". It premiered in Vienna in 1905.Bendigo Operatic Society music programme. "The Merry Widow," - Capital Theatre, Bendigo - Opening Friday, April 30th, 1965 for 5 nights. A5 booklet of 15 pages. Booklet consists of lists and photos of people involved and organizing the concert, advertisements, synopsis of story and scenes. music, concert, programme

The Student Prince is an operetta in 4 acts plus a prologue. Music is by Sigmund Romberg and lyrics by Dorothy Donnelly. It was based on a play "Old Heidelberg". It opened on Broadway in December 1924 and portrayed European student fraternities.Bendigo Operatic Society program from The Student Prince production 8 double sided pages, printed program with photos of those involved & cast Capital Theatre for a six night season: Thurs 15th, Friday 16th, Saturday 17th, Thurs 22nd, Friday 23rd & Saturday 24th June 1972 Pink coloured program (front & back pages)souvenir programme, bendigo operatic society