WARRNAMBOOL MECHANICS’ INSTITUTE Warrnambool's Mechanics' Institute (or Institution as it was sometimes called) was one of the earliest in Victoria. On 17th October 1853, a meeting was held where it was resolved to request the Lieutenant Governor of the Colony to grant land for the erection of a Mechanics' Institutes building. A committee was formed at the meeting and Richard Osburne chaired the first meeting of this committee. The land on the North West corner of Banyan and Merri Streets was granted but there were no funds to erect the building. The Formal Rights of the Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute's encompassed its aims and these were officially adopted in1859; "This Institution has for its object the diffusion of literary, scientific, and other useful knowledge amongst its members, excluding all controversial subjects, religious or political. These objects are sought to be obtained by means of a circulating library, a reading room, the establishment of classes, debates, and the occasional delivery of lectures on natural and experimental philosophy, mechanics, astronomy, chemistry, natural history, literature, and the useful and ornamental arts, particularly those which have a more immediate reference to the colony." The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute opened its first reading room in November 1884 in the National School building at the corner of Banyan and Timor Streets. The Institute was funded by member subscription, payable on a quarterly, half-yearly or yearly basis. Samuel Hannaford, the Manager of the Warrnambool Bank of Australasia, was the first Honorary Secretary of the Mechanics' Institutes, and an early President and Vice-President. He also gave several of the early lectures in the Reading Room. Another early Secretary, Librarian and lecturer was Marmaduke Fisher, the teacher at the National School. Lecture topics included The Poets and Poetry of Ireland', 'The Birth and Development of the Earth', 'The Vertebrae - with Remarks on the pleasures resulting from the study of Natural History' and 'Architecture'. In 1856 the Reading Room was moved to James Hider's shop in Timor Street, and by 1864 it was located in the bookshop of Davies and Read. In the 1860's the Mechanics' Institute struggled as membership waned but in 1866, after a series of fundraising efforts, the committee was able to purchase land in Liebig Street, on a site then called Market Square, between the weighbridge and the fire station. A Mechanics' Institute building was opened at this site in August 1871. The following year four more rooms were added to the main Reading Room and in 1873 the Artisan School of Design was incorporated into the Institute. The same year Joseph Archibald established a Museum; however, it deteriorated when he was transferred to Bendigo in 1877. In 1880, with Archibald's return to Warrnambool, the Museum was re-established, and in 1885 a new building was built at the back of the Institute to accommodate the re-created School of Design, the Art Gallery and the Museum. In 1887 the Museum section was moved to the former courthouse in Timor Street (for some time the walls of the building formed part of the TAFE cafeteria but all is now demolished)). In 1911 the Museum was transferred back to the original building and the management of the Mechanics' Institute was handed over to the Warrnambool City Council. The Museum and Art Gallery became one and housed many fine works of art, and the Library continued to grow. The building was well patronised, with records showing that at the beginning of the 20th century there were between 500 and 800 visitors. During World War One the monthly figures were in the thousands, with 3,400 people visiting in January 1915. The Museum was a much - loved Institution in Warrnambool until the contents of the Museum and Art Gallery were removed to make room for the Warrnambool City Council Engineers' Department. The contents were stored but many of the items were scattered or lost. When the original building was demolished the site became occupied by the Civic Centre, which included the new City Library. (The library was temporarily located in the old Palais building in Koroit Street.) In the process of reorganisation the Collection was distributed amongst the community groups: -The new City Library took some of the historical books and some important documents, historic photographs and newspapers. -The Art Gallery kept the 19th Century art collection and some of the artefacts from the museum. -The Historical Society has some items -The State Museum has some items -Some items were destroyed -Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village has old newspapers, Government Gazettes, most of the Mechanics' Institute Library, ledgers and documents connected to the Mechanics' Institute Library, some framed and unframed artworks and some photographs. The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute Library book collection is deemed to be of great importance because it is one of the few collections in an almost intact state, and many of the books are now very rare and of great value. 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 a 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 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. The Despatch Publisher: James M Tait Date: From May 21 1864 to October 1864 Further Information:Paste down front end paper has a sticker from Warrnambool Mechanics Institute and Free Library.flagstaff hil, warrnambool, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, 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, the despatch

Copy of file no. 38-422-322 from the National Archives of Australia being a despatch relating to the 12 Australian General Hospital 164 personnel and supplies departing on the Hospital Ship Wanganella to serve in Ceylon [Sri Lanka]. This number included 50 Australian Army Nursing Service nurses, 23 Officers, 3 Masseuses, 20 Voluntary Aid Detachment staff, and others.Foolscap copy of a multi-page Department of the Army Despatch report with information on the source along the left hand edge.'38-422-322' [Blue ink on left hand side]wwii, ww2, world war 2, 12 agh, ceylon, sri lanka

Coloured postcard of SS Despatch leaving the Bairnsdale wharf on Mitchell River Bairnsdale VictoriaSS Despatch leaving Bairnsdale Wharfships and shipping, waterways, wharfs

Black and white photograph showing SS Despatch in the Mitchell River, with lines of ship, masts and rigging, funnel and life boats. Vegetation on river bank behind the vessel. Bairnsdale VictoriaHuddart Parker and Company, SS Despatchships and shipping, historic ships

Also two other copies 10 x 15 cmSepia postcard showing diver going down to the SS Despatch off piers. Four small boats in attendance, belonging to the Salmon company. Lakes Entrance VictoriaDiver going down to the Despatch R Martin photoships and shipping, shipwrecks, ocean rescue

Is one of 4 certificates framed together in a frame 55cm W x 55cm H belonging to Bdr. Joesph Moore.Photocopy of original certificate of despatchThe War of 1914-1918/ Australian Imperial Force/ 1272 Gnr. (A.Bomdr.) J. Moore, 51st By Field Artilery./ was mentioned in a despatch from/Field Marshal Sir Douglas Haig. KT., G.C.B., G.C.V.O., K.C.J.E./ dated 7th April 1918/ for gallant and distinguished services in the Field/ I have it in Command from the King to record His Majesty's/ high aprreciation of the services rendered. (indecipherable signature)/ Secretary of State for War.1918, moore, joseph, world, war, 1, despatch, field, marsh, sir, douglas, haig, ioffice, 1914 1918

Owned by Sig. L. W. Hanger who enlisted in February 1942 at Caulfield and was discharged in December 1945. Last posting was with 5 Aust. Jungle Trunk Line Maintenance Section with rank of Lance Corporal. Note: Although these helmets were designed for Motorcycle Despatch Riders, they were also widely used by the 1st Australian Parachute Battalion from 1943-1945 due to a lack of available British Steel Airborne Helmets. Despatch rider's helmet made of Duperite (similar to Bakelite) with leather wraparound side and back below helmet. Cloth webbing inside for firm fitting. (See photos for detail of leather wrap and internal webbing). Chinstrap buckle and tongue attached to leather wrap.External front of helmet: ink-stamped Despatch Rider insignia Name (Inside on webbing support): Sig. L.W. Hanger Service Number (Inside on webbing support): VX74482 Manufacturer's Label (inside): Duperite 1942 Made In Australia THIS HELMET IS SUITABLE FOR HEAD SIZES 6 3/4 TO 7 MODEL No. 2200/2 (See photos for more detail of Label)

In 1912 there was a Military Relay Despatch Ride through South Australia, Victoria and New South Wales. The purpose of the ride was to deliver a despatch in the quickest possible time by road through the three states mentioned. The ride was carried out under the auspices of the Dunlop Rubber Company and involved cyclists, motor cyclists and motorists.This is an original program of the event that was carried out in 1912. The program details the list of participants, a map of the route taken and statements of appreciation from the Military and the Promoters', there is also a message of greeting from the Military Commandant, South Australia to the Military Commandant, New South Wales.A cardboard cover program with white thick pages inside.On the front cover a Coat of Arms, a red stripe with souviner written in the stripe and Dunlop Military Relay ... Despatch Ride - 1912.military relay, 1912, despatch ride, dunlop rubber company

These 10 photographs of the despatch area of Lithographic Squadron’s Print Room were taken at the Army Survey Regiment, Fortuna, Bendigo circa 1985. bulk printed map stock to customers The despatch of printed map products was the final task performed by teams of Printer Technicians. It involved the wrapping of trimmed bulk maps into manageable parcels and sending them by freight to customers or to the Army Map Depot at Bandiana, VIC. The task’s Due date and sensitivity were essential considerations in the planning of production affecting the lead time and method of delivery. Freighting by commercial means was the normal method for routine tasks. The method of despatch for urgent time-critical tasks sometimes meant having to use military freight or safe-handed by Army Survey Regiment personnel. The Wohlenberg MCS-2 guillotine seen in photos .1P & .2P, .4P .8P & .9P was a heavy-duty guillotine that became in 1990 an integrated component of the Map Handling Station, to trim bulk printed map stock. See item 6242.25P for photos of the configuration. See Item 6069.6P for more information and photos of earlier types of guillotine equipment and Item 6070.9P for photos of Printer Technicians working in the despatch area of the Print Room. The two Ultra-MAN-III Printing Presses seen in photos .4P to .7P were made in Germany at a standard map size format and introduced in June 1962 as a two-colour offset press with improved safety features. With an upgrade to a third colour deck in 1968, productivity greatly improved as the two presses could print a five-colour standard topographic map in two passes, rather than the three passes before their upgrade. They were replaced with a single Heidelberg Speedmaster five colour Printing Press in 1990. The Original Heidelberg Printing Press seen in photo .6P was a single colour offset press. It was a robust and well-made lithographic printing press and was in service at the Army Svy Regt for decades. Its primary use was for initial training and rapid response tasks, such as single pass overprints over existing print stock.This is a set of 10 photographs of the despatch area of Lithographic Squadron’s Print Room, taken at the Army Survey Regiment. circa 1985, Fortuna Villa Bendigo. The photographs were printed on photographic paper and are part of the Army Survey Regiment’s Collection. The photographs were scanned at 300 dpi. .1) & .2) - Photo, black & white, c1985, Map despatch work area and Wohlenberg MCS-2 guillotine. .3) - Photo, black & white, c1985, Map despatch work area. Unidentified print technician. .4) - Photo, black & white, c1985, Map despatch work area and Wohlenberg MCS-2 guillotine. Unidentified print technician. .5) - Photo, black & white, c1985, Ultra-MAN-III Printing Presses in foreground. .6) - Photo, black & white, c1985, Original Heidelberg Printing Press in foreground, Ultra-MAN-III Printing Presses in background. .7) - Photo, black & white, c1985, Ultra-MAN-III Printing Presses in foreground. .8) - Photo, black & white, c1985, Map despatch work area. Pallets of wrapped printed maps in foreground, pallets of paper stock in background. .9) - Photo, black & white, c1985, Map despatch work area. Pallets of printed maps awaiting wrapping in foreground, Wohlenberg MCS-2 guillotine in background. .10) - Photo, black & white, c1985, Map despatch work area, pallets of wrapped printed maps in foreground, Pallets of wrapped printed maps in background..1P to .10P – There are no annotationsroyal australian survey corps, rasvy, fortuna, army survey regiment, printing, litho, litho sqn

Leather. White. Despatch Ridersuniform, ww2, army

This collection of twenty photos was most likely taken in Lithographic Squadron, Army Survey Regiment, Fortuna, Bendigo in 1986. Print Troop’s technicians were most likely operating the Komoni, Planeta or Ultra-MAN-III offset printing presses and working in the map despatch dock. Although these photos are not annotated most personnel are positively identified.This is a set of twenty photographs of Print Troop personnel and equipment from Lithographic Squadron at the Army Survey Regiment, Fortuna, Bendigo, 1986. The photographs were on 35mm negative film and were scanned at 96 dpi. They are part of the Army Survey Regiment’s Collection. .1) - Photo, black & white, 1986, Original Heidelberg Printing Press. .2) - Photo, black & white, 1986, Original Heidelberg Printing Press, unidentified technician. .3) - Photo, black & white, 1986, Heavy-duty paper guillotine. .4) - Photo, black & white, 1986, Polygraph Heavy-duty paper guillotine. .5) - Photo, black & white, 1986, Newkoni Komori Printing Press .6) - Photo, black & white, 1986, Ultra-MAN-III Printing Press, Russ Mollenhauer. .7) - Photo, black & white, 1986, Print roller cleaning tank .8) - Photo, black & white, 1986, Planeta Polygraph Printing Press .9) - Photo, black & white, 1986, Planeta Polygraph Printing Press .10) - Photo, black & white, 1986, Roy Hicks, unidentified technician, Steve Egan, Dale Hudson. .11) and .12) - Photo, black & white, 1986, L to R: Paper drilling machine, wire stitcher. .13) - Photo, black & white, 1986, Map Despatch dock, Greg Rowe. .14) - Photo, black & white, 1986, Print area, Pear Andersen. .15) - Photo, black & white, 1986, Map Despatch dock, Pear Andersen. .16) - Photo, black & white, 1986, Map Despatch dock, .17) - Photo, black & white, 1986, Map Despatch dock, Russ Mollenhauer. .18) - Photo, black & white, 1986, Map Despatch dock, unidentified technician. .19) - Photo, black & white, 1986, Map Despatch dock. Peter Dillon, Mick Minchin. .20) - Photo, black & white, 1986, Map Despatch dock.No personnel are identifiedroyal australian survey corps, rasvy, army survey regiment, army svy regt, fortuna, asr, litho, printing

Copy supplied by Great Niece of Beatrice McGregor (wife of Bill)Photograph of Charles in uniform Plus copy of despatch 8th November 1944stawell, ww2

Sepia photograph showing the SS Despatch sinking outside the piers. Shows three row boats with three or four men standing in each boat and a glimpse of the hull of the Despatch just showing the name. Actual picture in oval shape on card. Lakes Entrance VictoriaLast sight of the Dispatch Cunningham Sept 22nd 1911shipwrecks, ocean rescue

Sepia photograph showing the SS Despatch sinking outside the piers. Shows three row boats with three or four men standing in each boat and a glimpse of the hull of the Despatch just showing the name. Actual picture in oval shape on card. Lakes Entrance VictoriaLast sight of the Dispatch Cunningham Sept 22nd 1911shipwrecks, ocean rescue, historic site

Sepia photograph showing the SS Despatch sinking outside the piers. Shows three row boats with three or four men standing in each boat and a glimpse of the hull of the Despatch just showing the name. Actual picture in oval shape on card. Lakes Entrance VictoriaLast sight of the Dispatch Cunningham Sept 22nd 1911shipwrecks, ocean rescue

Acquired when "Classweave Industries" closed down20 Final wrapping/ Despatch/ at end of [M?]ending Room 25/87textile mills - staff woollen mills, classweave industries pty ltd federal woollen mills ltd, textile mills - staff, woollen mills

Souvenier Programme "Welcome Home to Returned Servicemen" by Myer Despatch Social Club (Contains numerous signaures) (part of COL049)documents, ww2, general

Black Framed Document of a list of 161 Recce Flt Members Awarded Mention in Despatch Medals during Vietnam Warframed document, mention in despatches, 161 reconnaissance flight

Black and white photograph showing sleek lines of SS Despatch, , 2 masts, lifeboats and black smoke issuing from funnelwaterways, ships and shipping

Photograph of two men and a small truck loading various fireworks prior to despatch to place of usagephoenix fire works, industry, sunshine north, advertisement

These nine photographs of Printer Technicians working on the despatch of bulk printed map stock to customers, were probably taken circa 1970s to 1990s in Lithographic Squadron at the Army Survey Regiment, Fortuna, Bendigo. Except for photo .3P, personnel are not annotated on the photos. Despatch was the final task performed by a team of Printer Technicians. It involved the wrapping of trimmed bulk maps into manageable parcels and sending them by freight to customers or to the Army Map Depot at Bandiana, VIC. The task’s Due date and sensitivity were essential considerations in the planning of production affecting the lead time and method of delivery. Freighting by commercial means was the normal method for routine tasks. The method of despatch for urgent time-critical tasks sometimes meant having to use military freight or safe-handed by Army Survey Regiment personnel. The mishap captured in photos .6P and .7P was rare, but costly if it was a time critical task. The Print Room’s Map Handling Station in photos .8P and .9P provided ergonomic benefits to the Printer Technician and improved despatch productivity.This is a set of photographs of Printer Technicians involved in the despatch of bulk printed map stock c1970s to c1990s. The photographs were printed on photographic paper and are part of the Army Survey Regiment’s Collection. The photographs were scanned at 300 dpi. .1) - Photo, black & white, c1970s, L to R: unidentified, unidentified, Lithographic Squadron .2) - Photo, black & white, c1980s, Steve Egan, Lithographic Squadron .3) - Photo, black & white, c1980s, L to R: unidentified, Kim Reynolds, Lithographic Squadron .4) - Photo, colour, c1980s, L to R: Jeff Willey, Gary Kerr, Lithographic Squadron .5) - Photo, black & white, c1980s, L to R: Jim Ash, Mark ‘Dogs’ Doherty, Stuart Ridge, Lithographic Squadron .6) - Photo, colour, c1980s, printed maps toppled, Lithographic Squadron .7) - Photo, colour, c1980s, printed maps toppled, Lithographic Squadron .8) - Photo, black & white, c1990s, L to R: unidentified, unidentified, Lithographic Squadron .9) - Photo, black & white, c1990s, unidentified, Lithographic Squadron .3P, personnel annotation on back. .1P, .2P, .4P, .5P, .8P and .9P – no personnel annotated .6P and .7P – ‘Good one Daryl’ annotated on back.royal australian survey corps, rasvy, army survey regiment, army svy regt, fortuna, asr, litho, printing

Second copy same viewSmall format postcard showing coastal steamer SS Despatch leaving Cunninghame Arm, with entrance piers and rock groynes in view. Lakes Entrance VictoriaThe Piers from the lookout at Jemmys Point (on back)jetties, topography, ships and shipping

Souvenir from England in WW1. Part of the collection of "Capt. Fred Baxter MC". Refer Cat No. 4219 for his service history.porcelain model of British soldier riding a motor bike. on side of front wheel is the shield emblem of Welwyn, a town in England. There is a hole in the bottom.on bottom is the stamp of a swan around which is written 'Swan China'. At bottom is written "Model of Despatch Rider" and a code number.baxter collection, fred baxter mc, souvenir, ceramic model, ww1

The company was founded by merchant squatter, Isaac Younghusband, originally as Younghusband & Co Ltd and was registered in Victoria on 1 May 1889. The business was engaged in woolbroking and as stock and station agents. In 1897 it became a proprietary company under the name of Younghusband & Co Pty Ltd. Another change in name occurred in 1902 when the company took over the woolbrokers R Goldsbrough Row & Co Pty Ltd and became known as Younghusband Row & Co Pty Ltd. In 1920 the company became known as Younghusband Limited. In September 1971 the company was taken over by Elder Smith Goldsbrough Mort Ltd.Orange and cream wool tag with black printed text. Front: [printed] TO / YOUNGHUSBAND LIMITED / WOOL, SKIN, HIDE AND TALLOW BROKERS / KENSINGTON / Owner / Address / Date Despatched / No. of / Packageswool brokers, kensington, textile industry, wool, skin, tallow, hide, sheep, wool industry, younghusband limited

One of fifty one photographs originally in a photo album found in the National Wool Museum’s office. The album was water damaged and the images were removed for conservation. The images follow the process of wool. Beginning in a sheep paddock and finishing as a folded fabric. It includes all the steps in between in this process, including shearing, transporting, selling, washing and the many different steps in the process of turning a single thread of wool into fabric.Black and white image showing a man with a wool bale on a trolley.AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL PUBLICITY / ASSOCIATION / FLINDERS STREET RAILWAY BUILDING, / MELBOURNE AUSTRALIA / W8 / W8. Wheeling away for despatch.wool industry, working life, women, boonoke station, farming, sheep farming, agriculture, sheep stations, transport, wool processing, shearing, textile industry, wool

Paper form with text in red ink, and typed details in black. The document is a despatch Advice from the State Film Centre to the Ballarat Junior Technical School Old Boys Club.ballarat junior technical school, film, state film centre, entertainment

Magazine. Harry Biggs Collection. Booklet in black & white with a wooden bridge on the cover telling the story of local government in the Oxley Shire, 1862 - 1962. Printer is Despatch Printing. Written by M. A. Moonie.magazine, government, oxley shire, harry biggs collection, bridge to the future: the story of local government in oxley shire, 1862 - 1962

When the Commonwealth Post and Telegraph Act was passed in June 1902, and a national Postmaster General's Department (the PMG) was established the responsibility for the nation's mail and telephone services fell on local Post Offices. The Bendigo Post Office, built in 1887 and is situated on Pall Mall, it was the central distribution centre for receiving and delivering communication and postal services until 1997 and is now the Bendigo Visitor Centre. The Dead Letter Office, aka Mail Distribution Centre's job is to reunite the mail with their owners and to protect the integrity and confidentiality of the mail. This item is part of the postal collection donated by the Rankins family in memory of the last postal manager at the Bendigo Post Office, Ted Rankins.Printed brown paper which folds into an envelope.O.H.M.S / Postmaster - General's Department / P.M. 29. / Dead Letter Mail / Date Stamp / Office of Despatch / to the / Dead Letter Office / Enclosed are Articlested rankins collection, bendigo post office, bendigo tourism, city of greater bendigo tourism, post office collection

Black and white photograph showing SS Despatch steaming out the Entrance. Photo shows wooden piers with concrete extensions, kiosk beside boardwalk and black smoke from funnel of ship. Lakes Entrance VictoriaLakes Entrance Breakwater Piers waterways, jetties, ships and shipping