Historical information

The collection of artefacts formely belonged to the writers father, J.M. Marshall of Sturt Street. He was born and lived in Ballarat most of his life, and was interested in the Ballarat School of Mines Museum during the era of Professor Alfred Mica Smith.

The response to this letter foreshadows the closure of the Ballarat School of Mines Museum.

Alan Sonsee of the Ballarat Teachers' College was a Field Naturalist and collector of Aboriginal artefacts, and may have been associated with the decision.

Physical description

Handwritten letter from Jessie Marshall of Adelaide offering a collection of Australian "Native Weapons and Curios" to the Ballarat School of Mines Museum. The writer describes the collection as "not a large collection but a very good one - there are also some lovely shells."

Ballarat School of Mines Registrar, F.E. Ferguson, declined the offer on behalf of the School Council, suggesting the Ballarat Teachers' College (Dana Street) would like to have the weapons, etc.

Inscriptions & markings

C/- Collison & Co
32 Waymouth St
Adelaide
11/2/54

Sear Sir
A am writing this to offer a collection of Native Weapons and Curious - Australian - the Islands and S. Africa - the the Museum as a gift - they originally belonged to my father J.M. Marshall - formerly of Sturt Stree - who was born and lived in Ballarat most of his life and who was always interested i nthe Museum and School of Mines back in Prof. Mica Smith's time. This is not a large collection but a very good one - there are also some lovely shells. They have beenin stroage since his death and I feel he would have liked them to be of some use + give pleasure to someone + I can think of no better plance than your museum.
Would you be goodenough to put this offer to your Committee + let me know if that are interested.
I am
yours
Jessie Marshall
PS I've made enquiries + there is plenty of motor transport available
J.M.