Historical information

On 18 May 1937, Lord Huntingfield, Governor of Victoria (14 May 1934 – 4 April 1939) layed the foundation stone of the last of the missions built in Melbourne.

The Mission to Seamen, Port Melbourne opened in December 1937, superceded the original 19th C building and service point in Port.

Significance

Demolished in the late 20th C by developers the building was of architectural significance and funded originally by Alfred Nicholas who gifted 18,000 pounds. An indicator of the importance of shipping and seafarer welfare as regarded by Industry and business during the interwar years of the 1930s. This photograph is a record of the founding of the building.

The stone is now part of the bluestone wall on Beach Road, Port Melbourne.

The Mission was given the name: George V Memorial Institute, and the concert hall was given the name Huntingfield Hall.

Physical description

A black and white photograph depicting the laying of a foundation stone. Photograph of two clergymen standing to one side of the Governor of Victoria (1934-1939), Lord Huntingfield, who is holding a trowel in his left hand. A foundation stone, resting on a low brick wall is thought to be the granite foundation stone of the Port Melbourne Mission. A small crowd of approximately 21 people are gathered behind the wall.

Inscriptions & markings

Back of photograph stamped, "Herald Feature Service Melbourne".