Historical information

This photograph was given to Horace Lawson on the occasion of his retirement in 1918 as Town Clerk of Warrnambool. The photographs are of the Town Clerk, the Town Surveyor, the Mayor and Councillors in June 1918. The Mayor, William Swinton and the Town Clerk, Horace Lawson are in civic robes. Horace Lawson had a distinguished career as the Town Clerk of Warrnambool from 1893 to 1918 (which is actually 25 years, not 30 years as stated on the photograph). Lawson was a keen cyclist and a member of the Warrnambool Volunteer Army Corps. He left Warrnambool in 1918 to take up the position in Melbourne as Secretary of the Municipal Association of Victoria. The photographer, Arthur Jordan, working in Warrnambool at the end of the 19th century and in the early 20th century, was well-known, particularly for his photographs of civic affairs.

Significance

This photograph is of considerable interest as it concerns the retirement of Horace Lawson, an influential and highly-respected municipal officer in Warrnambool at a time of great growth in the town/city.

Physical description

This is a black and white photograph in a wooden frame with a heavy card inset and glass covering. The glass is broken at the right hand corner. On the back is a wire piece for hanging the photograph. The photograph is of 14 men with the names and inscription included.

Inscriptions & markings

Presented to Mr. H.E. Lawson by the Mayor & Councillors of the City of Warrnambool on his retirement from the position of Town Clerk after 30 years faithful service June 1918
A.Lavercombe Town Surveyor W.E.Downing 1917 F.J.Gill 1917 M.L.Carter 1917 W. Burleigh 1915 H.H.Smith 1917 H.E.Lawson Town Clerk W. Swinton Mayor 1903 R.P. Christian 1917 W.H. Haberfield 1917 C. Jukes 1917 J.D.Anderson 1913 J.D. McConnell 1914 F.T. Retford 1916
Arthur Jordan Wbool