Historical information

These scales were used by students at St Joseph's School in Orbost. St Joseph's Catholic School in Orbost was planned from 1913 when the town's population was increasing rapidly. It wasn't until 1923 that the school was built in Raymond Street next to St Colman's Church. The Catholic school was opened in thecharge of Sister Moira and Sister Lucy, Fifty-five students were initially enrolled and taught in two rooms. When the numbers increased to 170 work began on extensions which were completed in 1959.
St Joseph's school had classes to Form 4 at one stage. Later on Form 2 was the highest level. However, after Nagle College at Bairnsdale built a new school on the Lindenow Road site, a Nagle College school bus ran from Orbost and the school was reduced to Grade 6. It was also about this time that the last of the St Joseph teaching nuns left Orbost. From 1969 to the early 1980s the secondary St Joseph students attended Orbost High School for the practical subjects of Woodwork and Home Economics.

Today enrolments reflect the declining population of the district.

Significance

This item is an example of early school equipment.

Physical description

A set of beam balance scales in a wooden framed cabinet with glass windows on all for sides. The front is a vertical slide which allows acess to the scales. The scales have one fixed leg and two adjustable legs for accurate levelling.

Inscriptions & markings

GRIFFIN GEORGE LIMITED, LONDON, BIRMINGHAM, MANCHESTER label on front of wooden section of case -ANALITE PTY LTD
ASG@W EDINBURGH MADE IN GREAT BRITAIN MINOR
REG DES No's 891235 &
891238