"GYMNASIUM OF NOVEL DESIGN TO BE LIGHTED FROM DOME Trafalgar Day (October 21) was selected as a fittlng occasion for the laying of the foundation stone of the "Norla" gymnasium In connection with the Missions to Seamen new building in Flinders street extension. The ceremony was performed by Lady Fraser. The design of the gymnasium is an entirely novel one. The building is of reinforced concrete, with a dome having a span of 40 feet. The design is based on that of the Pantheon at Rome, and like the Pantheon has no windows. The entire lighting is from an opening In the centre of the dome. Through this aperture the light radiates equally throughout tho gymnasium; and the necessary ventilation is also secured. Between the gymnasium and the main building there is an ambulatory 12ft. wide, from which onlookers may watch the games and exercises. The floor Is to be laid with a fall to the centre for rlnking purposes. The gymnasium will complete the buildings connected with the Missions to Seamen In Melbourne, and the claim Is made that the society has not anywhere a flner or more complete set of buildings than the seamen are favored with here. The ladies who take an active interest in the Mission are inviting subscriptions to furnish the gymnasium with trapeze, punch balls, and other exercising apparatus. Messrs Walter and Richard Butler are the architects."norla dome, lady fraser, 1919, foundation stone, walter richmond butler (1864–1949), richard butler, gymnasium, trafalgar day, simon fraser (1832-1919), pantheon

Trafalgar Day (21 October) was chosen to inaugurate the stone. The ceremony was performed by Lady Fraser who had generously organised a Fete in her property Norla to raise the funds for the dome. "Owing to the recent death of Simon Fraser (30 July 1919), the ceremony was as simple as possible." according to the Australian dating from the 25th October 1919.Probably due to humidity and the apparent lack of thickness, the stone has become brittle and is now completely lost. There is sadly no depiction of it.Photograph depicting the place where the foundation of the Norla Dome was laid on the 21 October 1919 (Trafalgar Day) by Lady Fraser. lady annie bertha fraser (1854-1933), norla dome, gymnasium, trafalgar day, norla, simon fraser (1832-1919), foundation stone