The Magazine of the Mechanics’ Institutes Of Victoria Inc. UsefulNo. Knowledge37 – Winter 2015 PO Box 1080, Windsor VIC 3181 Australia ISSN 1835-5242 Reg No. A0038156G ABN 60 337 355 989 Price: Five Dollars $5

THE MECHANICS' ON SHOW

the Stereoscopic Panoramic Theatre

wasOther established Institute in itor in Hall1977. relocations It also has followeda collection around of books. the State: the Narracan

at Old Gippstown East Mechanics’ Institute (est. 1877) donated and relocated, Moe; to theCoal Kardella Creek, Mechanics’ Institute (est. 1893) Hall at Wimmera-Mallee Pioneer MuseumKorumburra in 1977; and the Warrup

at Jeparit; and the SouthOld TailemLillimur Town Institute (est. 1883) which was shifted on 25 October 1995 to just across the border Scarsdale Mechanics' Institute at Sovereign Hill, into South Australia. More Flagstaff recently Ballarat. Photo: Lorraine Huddle Hill there has been the recreated Flagstaff But thenHill all Mechanics’ Institutes Institute, are on show to In late June, early July there was evening TV , Warrnambool; saturation advertising for Sovereign Hill, Ballarat’s It was a well Christmas in July. the general public as street frontages, road produced advert, and in part it featured their somefrontages unfortunately or in isolated aren’t paddocks. signed. So Who we can knows put who is looking? Check out the range onHome flikr, floodlit Mechanics’ Institute and Free Library. is Where the Hall Is Month of November, our best foot forward for the forthcoming c1868).The Institute Sparsely furnished,building, which as those you old can Institutes enter, is the former Scarsdale Mechanics’ Institute (est. can we suggest a sign preferably and proudly declaring the Mechanics’ Institute name, with were, it has: some of the remnant library, along an establishment date. Also do a small sign ‘For with some other books from regional Institutes, Bookings Contact: Phone Number’. behind glass in the original bookcases; the ever a very important Open Day for the community. Plan an activity for November even if it is only present clock; a framed lithograph of Queen Victoria; and ‘a cheery fire’ still heats the competition for a picture or model of your hall The local school may even like to run a drawing shiftedbuilding. to The Sovereign building Hill. was purchased in 1971 for $200, with the clock being an extra $20, and then are after all our and your future. and these can be displayed on the day. Our youth

This publicitySwan got Hill us to Pioneer thinking Settlement about the, new dates for reinvention - other Institutes in theme parks. There’s the: Hall thriving in the 21st century with(est. c.1872)the arrival at of the Paddle Steamer Gem in see page 5 Victoria’s first outdoor museum, which opened

1963. Later the Hall was relocated to the site and 2 Useful Knowledge - MARK YOUR CALENDAR ComingSEPTEMBER Events FEBRUARY 12 Let's Talk - MIV Community Halls Forum 13 130th Tolmie Sports. Enquiries tolmie. 7 [email protected] Gymkhana and Sports Day @ Lilydale Athenaeum Gunn’s Plains Hall (Tas), 90th MARCH OCTOBERAnniversary Celebrations 3-4 Pomonal Hall - Native Flower Show your event now! 9-11 Birregurra Festival and Art Show. 12-21 Cultural Diversity Week. Start planning Fair 10 St Arnaud - Open Day 19-20 Romsey Mechanics' Institute Antiques Enquiries: Liz Bashford 0475 265 249 JUNE

18-25NOVEMBER History Week TBCOCTOBER AIL AGM. Date and Venue to be advised. 1-30 Home is Where the Hall Is! Show 6 Snake Valley Hall Biennial Photographic 14 MIVRoad, Annual Prahran, General 10am. Meeting, Prahran Mechanics' Institute, 39 St Edmonds NOVEMBERHistory Week

15 Arthurs Creek Mechanics’ Institute 3-6 Independent Libraries and Mechanics’ Garden Ramble Anniversary Ball TBC RuffartzInstitutes Biennial Worldwide Art Show 2016 22 Bundalaguah-Myrtlebank Hall – 60th 2016 – San JANUARY Franciso Mechanics’ Institute. Contact: [email protected] Institute 41st Antique Fair 7 AmericanInstitute, USA Membership Libraries - Annual 22-24 Fryerstown Burke and Wills Mechanics’ Meeting - San Franciso Mechanics’

MIV'S EVENTS CALENDAR IS NOW ONLINE!

vicnet.net.au/~mivic/events Subscribe for weekly email updates on events throughout the week. The calendar will include events held at or by MIV Institute Members, and important dates and events that may be of interest to Institutes and other members of MIV. Member Institutes: email through details of your events, big and small to [email protected] for inclusion in the online calendar. MIV Contacts President: Robert Kingston Research:Archives ScanningPam Baragwanath Project; Plaques; Travelling Secretary: Judith Dwyer [email protected] [email protected] Exhibition: Judith Dwyer [email protected] Treasurer:Vice-President: Position Luke Vacant Mitchell [email protected] Magazine/Website: Bron Lowden MIRC/E-News [email protected] [email protected] MIV Magazine No. 37 – Winter 2015 3

MIV - VICNET.NET.AU/~MIVIC News Over the past few months, MIV has been rolling out its newOur websitenew site - isstill aimed currently at putting hosted our through Institute the State Library of Victoria's Vicnet web service. to see. In this digital age, more and more people members on show - front and centre - for everyone rely on searching the web for the information majoritythey need of about Council a place, directories and often will what only youlist arean looking for cannot be found in enough detail. The

Institute's name and contact number without any photographs of the place you are trying to find, and costlyunless toyou manage have the for capability some Committees), for your Institute Institutes to have its own website (which can prove difficult and for their activities or events. canWe be overlookedare endeavouring by people to tryingcreate to a findlittle a spaceplace on the web for each of our members to showcase providing a snippet of history, a few images of your and we would love people to be able to find your their Institute to the web surfers of the world. By Institute as the place for their event. Our member profiles are for our financial Institute Members Institute, both inside and out, hire availability and We are also in the process of digitising our who wish to have their information available. rates, facilities, regular events, membership details, contacts and social media profile links, we hope to be able to connect people with your Institute to old newsletters (our first issue, a seven page, encourage use and support of our members. text only document from way back in 1999) is MIV receives a few enquiries every year about interestingnow available to see online how in Institutes our magazine have changed archive Institutes that may be available for hire for events over(vicnet.net.au/~mivic/magazine-archive). the years, and the ups and downs they Ithave is like weddings, exhibitions and photo/film shoots, gone through to get to where they are today, and we are happy to have these articles and stories

available for people to follow through the 16 years of MIV's newsletters and magazines. Keep checking back as new newsletters (with coloured pictures added back in where available) are uploaded to our website. 4 Useful Knowledge

EditorialAs we settle into the second half of the year, we NEW MEMBERS time has gone. Gary Bester look back at the first half and wonder where that Welcome to our new members: Gunns Plains Hall, Tasmania • Our upgraded website has opened new John Graham restorationopportunities of forthe MIVsocial, to cultural carry out and one physical of its • objectives: "...to foster the preservation and • heritage of Mechanics' Institutes...". We want to • Tamaki Makaurau Library (National NEWSLETTER ROUND put our member Institutes on show for people to Library), New Zealand find on the world wide web. Tick after reading and pass it on Bron Lowd e n President...... USEFUL KNOWLEDGE Vice-President...... Useful Knowledge Treasurer...... Secretary...... If you would like to receive your regular hard copy, please send an email to Insert your name) by email in addition (or as an alternative) to our mailing list. Receiving your Useful Knowledge Committee...... ( [email protected] and I will add you to ...... via email enables you to see all the photos in full ...... colour, and you can forward the magazine onto yourMEMBERSHIP Institute's RENEWALSCommittee or members...... were ...... due on 30 June 2015. If you have not yet paid Membership fees for the 2015-2016 year ...... renew ASAP so you will not miss out on any news. your membership for the coming year, please ......

REINVENTION - THRIVING IN THE 21ST CENTURY INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE OF INDEPENDENT LIBRARIES AND MECHANICS' INSTITUTES 2016 SAN FRANCISCO, USA NEW DATES! 3-6 NOVEMBER 2016

Reinvention is the fourth in a series has advised of a change to the dates of the InternationalThe San FranciscoConference Mechanics' of Independent Institute Libraries and Mechanics' Institutes 2016 due of conferences for Independent Libraries, to limited accommodation and other events on Mechanics' Institutes, Athenaeums, Societies, the previously appointed dates. Institutes.Literary At Institutes, this critical Lyceums, time in our Mercantile evolution Libraries, Schools of Arts and Working Men's American Membership together representatives from around the world LibrariesThe new Group dates for IL&MI 2016 are 3-6 toand exchange in relation ideas, to explore information histories we and will discuss bring November 2016. The their present situation and their aims for the Annual Meeting will be held on future. 7 November 2016, after the conference. MIV Magazine No. 37 – Winter 2015 5

ARMY APPRENTICES DEPLOYED TO WALHALLA

The Walhalla Mechanics' Institute was originally built in 1867 and was twice burnt to the ground. In 1988 a completely new building was opened. peopleIt was builtand overwith twothe toassistance three years of theby aArmy dedicated Apprenticeship group of School Walhalla and other groups. The building is now the responsibility of the Walhalla communityBoard of Managementproperties in Walhalla. - a group of As volunteers committees that lookcan afterimagine, four with only 14 permanent residents in the town and an irregular tourist trade, managing the upkeep on the in the town. Not only have they completed the Mechanics' building is never easy. In March of 2015 the Army importantly for the town, they returned for work planned, they are keen to return. More returned to Walhalla to undertake Barrie urgent Seearworks to replace a large deck at the rear of the Dulux also provided the Board with paint building. Through the good work of ANZAC Day to march in the morning service. , an original member of the committee in the year. This is a huge exercise, not only so that the entire building can be painted later alsothat rebuiltsupport the from Mechanics, Bowens the Hardware Army agreed Group to (Hallamcome back branch) and undertake, which assisted the work. in the There original was because of the size of the building but because construction and from Dulux, which helped out weather. of the location and the possible variations in the Bob McKee the assistance given for these projects. Such a with paint. All of this was co-ordinated by The Board has been most appreciative of all , the Board member who manages the can get. building. wonderful building deserves all the attention it veryThe high Army standard apprentices and generating were great absolutely interest fantastic, completing the work in good time to a Reverse cycle air conditioning has also been installed in thea huge building. improvement. Walhalla winters can be especially cold so this has been

The library has also seen a check through the book stock to identify the few books that came from the original library and to identify the books of value within the collection. 1895A long catalogueterm aim isthat to obtain was copiesfound of the books that were listed in an Graham Goulding whenLeft: cleaning Army apprentices up the library. at work replacing the back deck at the Walhalla Mechanics' Institute; Top: Walhalla Mechanics' Institute from nearby hill. (Photos: Walhalla Board of Management) 6 Useful Knowledge PRAHRAN: A HARDY SURVIVOR INDEED

of Bruce Turner and Laurie McCalman, who had determined the Institute’s fate in 1981 to

Professorgo the ‘Victorian Don Schauder Local . History Past- PresidentRoute’ recommended Alf Lazar [and by Catherine Monash’s Milward-Bason], in more recent times, had driven that vision.

At the time it was a niche risk but, in hindsight, clearly has made Todaythe PMI it of vitalis unique interest in to AustraliaPrahran, offeringthe State a of Victorianationwide and beyond.lending service, with its own now unique 1899 Parliamentary Act, under the

Government. purview of the Minister for Local Saturday, 30 May 2015 was designated for the collections such as those of the Mechanics’ Instituteofficial opening the very of recently the now removed relocated scaffolding Prahran InstitutesThis activity of Victoria has been, reinforcedCinema and by specialistTheatre hadMechanics’ revealed Institute. a distinctive As new one frontage, walked upon carrying the Historical Society and the Australian Railways signage in traditional seraphic lettering painted Historical Society (Victorian Division). in tangerine. Beside it was the new logo for a new President John mentioned additional outreach era. Strains of music wafted down the stairwell Glen Stonnington Symphony String intoEira work,Historical studies Society and leisurethat was and held noted in the Quartet in plena voce, a nice touch, as music most recentWilliam World Moss War Room I Exhibition from provided by the . A of many. Gallery ( ) would be the first providedhad been a an worthy integral prelude, part ofas Institutefaces from life the past of 160 years, there was the exciting future pastliberal and array present of food, arrived along withto pay drinks homage of choice to a Whilst the Institute could look on its illustrious Edmonds Road site offered more space and some clearly thrived. to look to for at least the next 150 years. The St Mechanics’President that John has Chandler not only survived,OAM, who but has served on Prahran’s Committee since 1981, welcome car parking. chaired the proceedings. He noted the presence Tribute was paid to the support from previous Councils which largely ‘staffed’ the Institute’s Committee, but in recent times has dwindled to MIV Magazine No. 37 – Winter 2015 7

PRAHRAN: A HARDY SURVIVOR INDEED CONT...

Chris one member. The Stonnington Council has shown Gahanwork and and visit. Steve She Stefanopoulos noted Council’s involvement $120,000its past recognition spread over by threeway of years ongoing to fund support the and the past significant contribution of in a very tangible way by providing funding of and unveil the commemorative. Mayor plaque Melina in then proceeded to officially open the building shift and re-establishment. The Heritage Council of Victoria’s Jon CurnowMention Freiverts was made Glover of the refurbishment of Hickmancollaboration was with next President to the microphoneJohn. to not Keonthe current Constructions 1964 building. overseen by architects President John referred andto the undertaken support his by contemporaneousonly recognise theand historicalongoing role. contribution Heritage role of the dedicated long-serving staff: Tim Victoriaof the Prahranwas now Institute, shifting to but also also recognise noting not its McKennafellow Committee members and particularlyChristine Worthington Ursula Zamecnik, as well. This was one such occasion that this , Secretary Librarian; only tangible elements but also ‘spiritual’ aspectsGlenn Edmonds Road., Librarian; and Blair Library Technician, in theMelina seamless Sehr shift to 39 St was being done by presenting a plaque to the podium and in doing so she referred to the presence.of Melbourne Polytechnic, Creative Arts Stonnington’s Mayor then took Department, marking the Institute’s previous around and enjoy our hospitality’ tested the longstandingPMI’s long service technical to the education. citizens ofThe Prahran Institute by And Chairman John's closing remarks ‘Look providing its first community library and later for afternoon tea. So concluded an event which new kitchen with the provision of a well catered had been a huge part of the character and viability of Prahran, a most desirable place to live markedillustrious the beginning history. of the exciting third epochPhotos, in the clockwise Prahran from Mechanics’ below: (L-R) Institute’s Ben Quin, Cr Claude Ullin, Chris Michalopoulos, Peter Wolfenden, Cr Melina Sehr (Mayor, City of Stonnington), Cr John Chandler OAM (PMI President), Dr Judith Buckrich, Steve Stefanopoulos; the old Mechanics' Institute building at 140 High Street, Prahran; Stonnington Symphony String Quartet; the new frontage at 39 St Edmonds Road; new shelving and signage in the library; Cr Melina Sehr and Cr John Chandler OAM with the new plaque commemorating the official opening of Prahran Mechanics' Institute at 39 St Edmonds Road, Prahran. 8 LITTLE RIVER'S "ROSES OF NO MAN'S LAND" Useful Knowledge REMEMBERED

A67-Orsova GeneralOn 17 July Hospital, 1915 His Majesty’ssailed away AustralianTransport from the Station , with members of the 2nd Australian Sister CatherinePier, Port Melbourne.‘Kit’ McNaughton Aboard was 29 year old Little River-born Geelong Hospital-trained . Unbeknown to exemplaryher at the time, wartime she was service about andto write the herwartime name indelibly into Australian history, by way of her diary she was to keep. Joanne Ryan WesternShe worked Front, where in the after military the Battle hospitals of the of: theKit’s unveiling proud ceremony. grand-daughter, Federal Labour Somme,Lemnos, withshe rendered Gallipoli casualties;assistance andto onmostly the MP was one of thoseStaff-Nurse who spoke Sarah at the German wounded. She was mentioned in Helen ‘Sadie’ McIntosh Little River’s other ‘Rose’, service and devotion to duty in the Field’ was Hospital. Sadie also sailed, was on also the born Orsova, at Little despatches and for ‘distinguished and gallant River, but in 1885, and had trained at the Geelong General Hospital, Special Reinforcements. but awarded the Royal Red Cross (First Class) on 18 later on 12 December 1915, with 1st Australian November 1916. Diseases Hospital, Cairo, where she contracted After taking leave in England in December She served in Egypt at the Choubra Infectious 19181917, she Kit was was promoted appointed Theatre to No. 3Sister Australian at the General Hospital at Dartford, Kent. In August influenza; then later in France, where she was Brighton.mentioned Prior in despatches; to returning and home finally she England was new facio-maxillery (myofacial reconstruction) at the Kitchener War Memorial Hospital at unit at Queen Mary’s Hospital, Sidcup working in Shippioneering Wiltshire plastic on 19 surgery August work. 1919. Stepping off the granted study leave with pay at the ‘Municipal Kit returned to Australia aboard the Hospital shipSchool Wahehe of Carthery?, 8 St George Street, Bristol?’ cigarette’. However her military service was not She returned to Melbourne aboard the Hospital train at Little River she was noted as ‘smoking a on 13 December 1919 and was nearfinally destitute, discharged in desperation, on 13 April Sadie 1920. sought Sadie the did door’done untilJoseph discharged ‘Joe’ Ryan on and3 September they had 1920. two sons not marry. Being not eligible for a pension and BernardBack home, and Gerald Kit was and to one marry daughter ‘the Patricia boy next. 1950. She died in 1970, aged 85, and her remains financial assistance of the Edith Cavell fund in River. inShe her died loved at Werribee local Catholic on 14 church,February St 1953,Andrew’s, aged were buried in the Rothwell Cemetery Little 68 from a heart attack. Following a requiem mass variousThe aboveWorld twoWar nursesI theatres are of representative war. One World of her remains were interred in the Werribee the vital part played by Australian nursesDr Robert in the Cemetery with a guard of honour being formed by former nurse colleagues. War I surgeon New Zealand born MIV Magazine No. 37 – Winter 2015 9 LITTLE RIVER'S "ROSES OF NO MAN'S LAND" REMEMBERED CONT...

Campbell Begg MC, later wrote that the role of the nurse was pivotal not only in hospital duty, Grants Program. Federal Government’s Anzac CentenaryLodge LocalBros actionsbut by their did much simple for provision morale and of patienta hearty welfare. cup of The memorial was crafted by tea,Some a warm 2800 blanket nurses and volunteered a word of comfort.during World Such of Thornbury from stone sourced from the War I of which 2300 served overseas. Forty-seven McNaughton property and marble. It is located were decorated with the Royal Red Cross and on the Little River Mechanics’ Institute Reserve, which was gifted toHon. the Michael community Ronaldson by the Thirty-one died during active service. Some 340 McIntosh family. The Memorial was unveiled on seven received the Distinguished Conduct Medal. presence17 July 2015 of large by the audience which included the suffering from trauma or pulmonary infection. and family members of Kit and Sadie, in the were discharged as medically unfit, with others Little River Primary School. wholeHistorian student Dr community Janet Butler of the neighbouring married,Many of thesewith hadmany died dying within in a decadeimpoverished of the War’s end. Less than fifty per cent of ex-nurses the war experiences of nurse spokeand diarist on the Sister role of nurses in the World War I and specifically on 2000circumstances ladies who being served ineligible with the for Australian war pensions. Red Kitty’s War: The Remarkable Wartime Cross.In addition The noted to theBluebirds above there, a group were of anothertwenty ExperiencesCatherine ‘Kit’ of Kit McNaughton. McNaughton civilian nurses, including a masseuse served The book with the Red Cross in France. by Dr Janet Butler, No Australian medals were published by the University of Queensland awarded to these personnel $32.95University Press, is available at most bookshops, RRP Photos, clockwise from but several were recognised left: The new memorial deby the la French Reconnaisance Government outside the Little River Francaise.and awarded Their the Medailliesalaries Mechanics' Institute (Photo: Josie Hayden); the crowds Australian Jockey Club gathered under marquees were seemingly paid by the (Photo: Peter Jones); Les Sanderson, President, Little and their distinctive dark River Historical Society, departmentblue uniforms storeand other David ‘kit’ with Lalor MP Joanne Ryan Joneswere provided. by the Sydney (Photo: Josie Hayden); local Australian councillors and author Dr World War I Nurses Janet Butler being given MemorialLittle River’s a tour of the library room the Little River Historical at the Institute by Les Society was auspiced by Sanderson before signing the of a $50,000 grant from the visitor's book (Photo: Peter and funded by way Jones). 10 Useful Knowledge WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON TEA AT HALLSTON HALL

On recent wanderings in Gippsland we noted a into area from Dandenong. In in. Before we readied the camera, another half a car parked outside the Hallston Hall and drove we watched all the lady occupants purposely not2015 so the the library Hall dozen cars pulled up after us. It was surreal as whichis little is used, used butfor On duly presenting at the door we noted Church services, stride towards the back door of the Hall. Women’s Wednesdaythe ladies seated Afternoon on both Tea sides Set. of aThe long group table suppertable tennis room and in the kitchen. This was the weekly wasbadminton. used Thefor at 1pm for at least twenty years. A recent query the school in the have been meeting on Wednesday afternoons 1970s. had established at least that estimate, but as no Minutes or proceedings are recorded and There have been four Hallston Halls. One Hall no membership fee is paid it was difficult to is now a milking shed. Another Hall burned down establish just when ‘the group’ started. Ridgeabout 1928.Road, were called on 15 April 1886 and it WednesdayOn reflection and alocals regular are date at the Hall is Tenders for the first Hall, to the north of Grand welcomea great idea.to just Everyone turn knowsup. it is on every was built in the same year. a Indeputation March 1903to Narracan Messrs People take a plate and coffee Griggs and Clarke formed communityor tea is available events and theydeal to move the Institute from withjust talkany andlocal network, crises, plannot Council stating they ‘had permission to occupy one The Hall is adjacent to the jointly managed acre of Council-ownedits land present leased site’ to J to [James] seek Tennisnecessarily Court based Reserve, on the on Hall. land donated in 1914. O’Neill.

2010. The internal toilets were upgraded and the The well resourced kitchen was fitted out in hall,In consisting 1915 it was of areported front porch ‘New and additions side verandah to the a 2013 grant of $2500 from the Michael’s Supa cost of over £20 have been effected to the local IGAladies of toiletsLeongatha were completelyCommunity replaced Chest. thanks to from(the latter the question also serving of utility.’ as a shelter shed), &c, and addDuring to the appearanceWorld War of theI the building, Hall quitewas apartused In 2014 the west wall weatherboard cladding extensively for fundraising as well as for soldier was replaced with Hardie Plank and four new send-offs and welcome homes. withwindows $5000 were grant installed. in 2013 Thesefrom the works Gardiner were The present Hall, in a different location, dates Foundationundertaken bywhich voluntary supports labour dairy communities. and financed The area underneath the Hall is well fenced with family. The Argus from 1932 and is on land donated by the Dekker of 8 May 1933 announced netting to keep out wombats and rabbits. ‘The official opening of the new hall at Hallston The Hall has a shelved library of about 400 was performed by Councillor [John Edward] donated books, mostly paperback, established CookHonour (1866-1945) Rolls from before World aWar large I and attendance.’ World War in 1980s by a former librarian who had moved Extensions took place in 1934.

II hang on the wall, behind the portable stage. A plaque was unveiled on a Memorial Stone in 1978 to celebrate the district's centenary and carries the wording ‘1878-1978. This plaque 1978’.commemorates Underneath Hallstons’ the stone first was 100 placed years a time and was unveiled by Cr MJ O’Bryan on 11 March

capsule to be opened in 2038. MIV Magazine No. 37 – Winter 2015 11 LET US NOT FORGET WHERE OUR PRESENT LIBRARY SYSTEM BEGAN BY PAM BARAGWANATH

It is surprising and significant that the Mechanics' thatInstitute the institutes libraries were can be not regarded part of an as organised the first substantial library system in Victoria, given enterprises. Also inspiring is that they not only system but rather individual, local, voluntary held the fort for library services in Victoria, arguably for the first 100 years of European settlement but that they paved the way for the governmentestablishment grants of thenot presentonly gave rate-supported the institutes regional library system. The provision of modest widespread legitimacy but helped to stimulate Chiltern Athenaeum Library Collection the establishment of community buildings and Institute Library Maldon the early luxury of libraries. Athenaeum Library Little River Why was that? Mechanics' Institute for and 152Free years;Library for 105 To get some idea we need to look at their Bonnie Doon for 150Library years; on and off for general objectives: 84 years depending on necessary relocations of “The diffusion of literary, scientific and other years; and useful knowledge and the literary advancement and recreation of its members and the community the original building. circulation,generally. The a reading means roomto be andemployed the formation are – the of Also housed in their original buildings from delivery of lectures,Back to a Apsley library, 1965.) of references and the 1850’s are 14 smaller Mechanics' Institute library collections at: classes”. (Ref: Ararat Mechanics' Institute Against a background of the new settler’s desire for a more egalitarian society and the ChilternBeechworth Athenaeum Athenaeum and Burke Museum impetusexperience for self of theimprovement institutes via in education, the UK, the Briagolong Mechanics' Institute institute committees made a rational decision Digby Mechanics' Institute and Free Library Eaglehawk Mechanics' Institute to incorporate mutual benefit and social well- Kyneton Mechanics' Institute being into a practical, community building. A Lancefield Mechanics' Institute ofbuilding reference for alland seasons recreation, it provided current much newspapers, needed Linton Free Library infrastructure nearly always including a library journals and a reading room. StanleyMollongghip Athenaeum Community Hall Proudly surviving in Victoria are seven Scarsdale Mechanics' Institute Wandiligong Athenaeum. Talbot Library purpose built Mechanics' Institute libraries in their original heritage listed buildings, heroically Twelve substantial regional libraries are and continuously providing a substantial library preserved and funded in order to survive as the at:housed Alexandra, in the originalBairnsdale, Mechanics' Benalla, InstituteBright, outstandingservice to their historic communities. treasures They that deserve they are. to Not be buildings or in new buildings on the same site only are they an essential part of the history of Fairy.Castlemaine, Drouin, Lakes Entrance, Newport, North Melbourne, Oakleigh, Queenscliff, Port Melbournethe development Athenaeum of library Library services in Victoria but in 2015 continue to serve the public at: the Prahran Mechanics' Institute Library for 161 untilHealesville, fairly recently. Fitzroy, Prahran and Mildura Footscray Mechanics' Institute for 175 Library years; original Institute buildings served as libraries Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute Libraryyears; Berwick Mechanics' Many Mechanics' Institute library collections for 158 years; have now been catalogued and preserved for 155 years; including two large, valuable collections, that of 12 Useful Knowledge LIBRARIES CONT...

Bairnsdale Mechanics' Institute

Ballarat and Warrnambool Institutes, as well as many smaller collections. Narracan Mechanics' disappeared along with their communities but Institute library collection has been catalogued amazingly, half the original number of institutes and housed in a custom built building at the records intact. survive, many with their library collections and MoeOther Heritage archival Park materialswhere the suchoriginal as accessionNarracan Mechanics' Institute building is also on display. professionalSome early staff institute and officecouncil bearers supported were in the forefront of library reform urging for registers, borrowing registers, lists of borrowers, correspondence, lists from finances. They had been holding the fort for long booksellers, purchases, minute books, balance and rules, censorship, annual general meetings enough and when the Munn and Pitt Report was sheets, librarians' reports, library book stamps service, it led to positive change. Eventually etc. all help to tell the complete story of how a generally, but unfairly, critical of their library committee of amateurs organised, learned and library associations were created but progress was slow in achieving the goal of – rate-supported took very seriously, the availability and delivery particular community. libraries, professionally trained staff, systems of up to date library resources to their own and suitable premises. They were generally realised well over 100 years after the first one, The Mechanics' Institutes of Victoria Inc. thousands of records and hopes to continue the Melbourne Mechanics' Institute Library, was (MIV) scanning project has scanned many established in rented premises in Bourke Street, Melbourne in 1839. this worthwhile work for future researchers, That the idealism of the Mechanics' Institute making the MIRC (MI Resource Centre) the committees and community members in best Mechanics' Institute archival collection in achieving their goals for the wider benefit Australia. This is situated at Prahran Mechanics' at 39 St Edmonds Road, Prahran. is nothing short of amazing. These human Institute Library, now relocated to a new building Hundreds of early settlements and over resources and their buildings deserve to be 1,000 institutes were recognised and celebratednearly 1,000 for thesettlements valuable incontribution Victoria. of It’s a library almost in varying degrees of life span. Settlementestablished in Victoriapopulations with intellectual and personal waxed and waned depending growthunthinkable in those to times imagine and in remote areas, without and where people could the comfort, latest news and earnon availability a good ofliving resources and companionship of a local imagine a future. Many of and facilities. The travelling struggled on with voluntary Mechanics’ library collection the Mechanics' Institutes Port Fairy Mechanics' Institute of onerous fundraising, others library box scheme initiated labour and the responsibility by the Melbourne Public MIV Magazine No. 37 – Winter 2015 13 LIBRARIES CONT... often remote institute collections. Sir Redmond BarryLibrary supported proved to the be institutes a great additionin many toways, the present day committees have seen fit to re- instate the original name, Mechanics' Institute, alive.and the Although establishment anachronistic date on and their suggestive buildings, of by attending official openings, making speeches previouskeeping theireras, the proud original and continuousname does serve heritage to furtherexpressing lending the importanceof articles from of the the availability museum and of convey to future generations, the ideal of self artreading gallery materials for display. for the general public and by Some present-day committees have seen fit to re-instate the original name on their hall. Thatimprovement message throughis just as libraries relevant and today education as it alwaysand that was. they should be available to everyone. education and literary heritage in Victoria, made The Institute libraries embody a proud Lakes Entrance Mechanics' Institute successful by idealism and voluntarism. Some

A NATIONAL REPOSITORY AND STUDY CENTRE?

Captain Bill the early community, cultural and educational McAuley suggested the idea of a National development of Australia. RepositoryEarly this and year Centre MIV for member the study of Australia’s Pioneering Culture: Mechanics’ Institutes and which could also extend to Community Halls. SchoolsIt took of JohnArts inLaurent Australia and Philip Candy’s work 3500Mechanics’ odd Mechanics’ Institutes Institutes were and after their ilk,all highlight the Institute role. Pam Baragwanath Australia’s first libraries, and continued to published in 1994 to be so even into the second half of the 20th to show its extremely wide diversity with her century. But Institutes were very much has plumbedIf the the Walls Institute Could Movement Speak in Victoria more, they were also the hub of pioneering communities. In many cases they were landmark (2000). Since initially used by Local Government, Education then Bronwyn Lowden has shown the number of Departments, Crown Law, Churches, visiting herInstitutes Checklist in Australia which has to be gone more through than the several ‘about health professionals and the place where a updates2500’ to since be in 2006. excess of 3000 Institutes, with community’s organisations were formed and ideas were aired, eg. Federation. Australia-wide is long overdue, as is the The serious study of the Mechanics’ Movement art galleries and even technical schools, roles Institutes were also the first museums, oralestablishment tradition ofand a centralaging and national remote repository. halls in Government. All Institutes were independent regionalThe timing Australia is critical either before dies the or currentfalls down. existing andwhich largely like did libraries their own were thing. later transferred to History of the Book in Australia Consequently MIV recently wrote to the The landmark withNational representatives Library of Australiafrom all States to float to move the idea the project has touched on the Mechanics’ projectsuggesting forward. an initial Watch Nationalthis space. Working Party Institutes, but if only to highlight the fact that the Institute Movement was very important in 14 Useful Knowledge AIL AGM PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS

Excerpts of Presidential Address written by Dr Robert G.W. Anderson, delivered by Emma per se, Marigliano in his absence from the Association and £10 for every child to invest in better school of Independent Libraries AGM, Morrab Library, 15 libraries. UKIP said nothing about libraries June 2015. but there was a posed photograph of the deputy leader, Paul Nuttall, seen reading a book in front of what seemed to be a bank of filled library I suppose the biggest national event of the past shelves. It was soon realised that the books sectoryear was were the even General less Election happy with at the the beginning result than of were fakes, photoshopped to provide Mr Nuttall weMay. are. I suspect In recent that addresses many librarians to you, inI have the publicmade with a scholarly setting. The bookBritish he is reading Rebels andwas Reformers quickly identified:, of 1942. it was in the ‘Britain in Pictures’The Conservative series, Harry manifesto Roberts’ was the only one a point of talking about the decline of the local public library, and the desperate measures which local communities have taken to redress the pastto include few years, anything its opening of any substance words were on libraries,less than situation. Things seem to have gone from bad to convincing:but considering “We the will government’s continue to record support over local the worse, and they may even get even less palatable as local authorities are squeezed even more by the re-elected Chancellor’s ambition to run down libraries”, it read, and continued: “We will help the funding of public services. Cambridgeshire public libraries to support local committees by County Council, which runs the City Library, has providing free wi-fi. And we will assist them in had the wonderful wheeze of getting a private chargeembracing and the with digital appropriate age by working compensation with them for individualcompany to runemployment a ‘Library Enterpriseprospects Centre’and the on to ensure remote access to e-books, without the top floor which will, and I quote, “support Scheme”. authors that embraces the Public Lending Right localgrowth studies of small collection, local businesses” and meeting – for rooms a fee, for of localcourse. societies. It looks as though this may displace the So there wasn’t much about the books It is instructive to see what, prior to the therethemselves, are scarcely and considering grounds for it likelyoptimism. that localIt is authorities will be squeezed even further, Greenselection, said the nothingpolitical at parties all. The said Scottish about Nationallibraries communities,interesting that and keeping yet notneighbourhood a single opposition libraries Partyin their said manifestos. theyAIL would – Labour, Annualspend an LibDems additional Meeting and £30 the partyopen seemedthought it to worth be a addressing. live issue amongst local Friday 12th June – Sunday 14th June 2015 for every pupil in Scotland, £20 on school books I have broughtdon’t up theseem topic to affectof public us librariesdirectly, itin isthe important past because that eventhey ifthrive they

readingif only becauseamongst developing children theis necessaryhabit of bookpreparation selection andfor those who in the future will

take out subscriptions to our own libraries. I would be very interested to know whether the decline in public library provision has had a beneficial effect on the subscriber levels of independent libraries. It should be easy enough to plot a graph Left: Morabb Library, Penzance, showing numbers of closures Cornwall. At The Morrab Library Morrab Gardens Penzance Cornwall TR18 4DA 01736 364 474 www.morrablibrary.org.uk

MIV Magazine No. 37 – Winter 2015 15

AIL AGM PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS CONT... against time and compare this with a graph giving

shouldwere held drive in the a few library, readers mainly into involving the independent children whethermembership success levels in againstthe independent time. The level analysis was, and librarians wearing funny hats. I imagine that would be crude – for example it couldn’t indicate sector, though the nearest independent library is in part due to public libraries dumbing-down in closereither theis SaffronSpalding Walden Gentlemen’s Town Library Association, Society, additionI suspect to their we closingshall hear down of – further but I think cuts that and it or the Midland Institute in Birmingham. Much furthermight be desperateworth doing. measures to maintain a though it still resists being drawn into the AIL. In my addresses I usually begin with semblance of a library system. I recently saw something about our host institution. Because I ismy quite first close red telephone-boxto where I now library, live. I moved in the from very onam occasion), not here, and,I have indeed, left it have to the not end. been I tomust the small village of Great Snoring in Norfolk. That Morrab Library (even if I have visited Penzance

Cambridge to King’s Lynn largely so I could get first congratulate the library which has clearly myOne books early and papersthought out after of storage I moved where was they to weathered a number of vicissitudesIn in recent had been languishing for the last ten years. years, has emerged triumphantly, and is looking thoughwonderful I am (if sure photographs that Emma don’t will lie). add herabsentia, voice wonder whether an independent library existed I want to thank the organisers of this meeting, in King’s Lynn which could be recruited as an andAIL member.Spencer caféI was for encouraged coffee and by a thecheese name scone. of a on many occasions in this respect. I have been passage I pass through on my way to the Marks infascinated larger population to know centres, why institutions have disappeared. like the IMorrab feel sure have that survived, it is something whilst so to many do with others, the 1797Library in an Close, adjacent I have Georgian discovered, house. does The indeedhouse relative remoteness of the South-West from the refer to a subscription library established in remains, but the library is long gone. This South-East. Wondering what distance Penzance wouldn’t have been the first library - King’s equallywas from distant, King’s around Lynn, 380 I miles, was surprisedand that our to Lynn is an ancient Hanseatic port, and the two discover that the Morrab and Innerpeffray are mediaeval churches both had their own libraries, but these disappeared even earlier. In the 19th Dublin member, the Central Catholic Library, Athenaeum,century, the a town,school likeof arts, many and others, so on. hasThese, its is nearer than both. Another thought was how, too,libraries are noestablished longer extant. in a mechanics In the usual institute, manner, an frombefore such the distantrailway parts network They spread, must have young received people their collections deteriorated, were stolen and who would become major public figures came were amalgamated with others, until in 1884 an an excellent education locally, and books must whohave experimentedbeen available. andThe taughtobvious so Penzance successfully star aristocratic benefactor, Lord Stanley, revived the in this category is Humphry Davy, born in 1778, subscription library idea. Only eight years later, that he isolated more chemical elements than that was brought into public ownership. This at the Royal Institution in London. I believe demand,was not terriblyand the satisfactoryTown Council as Lordapplied Stanley’s for a near-contemporary who was equally fascinated building was too small to meet the increased anybody else, before the era of atom smashers. A situation. He was the inventor, Alexander Bain, £5000 grant from Andrew Carnegie to build a by electricity came from an equally remote Sandringhamnew library. Thisand Carnegie was agreed. was Cynics wangling say for that a 800 miles to the north of here. He, too, was he chose King’s Lynn because it was close to born in 1810 near Wick in Caithness, more than knighthood. This is a trifle unfair, as he funded fascinated by electricity and he constructed the whichmore than Carnegie 600 libraries. himself Carnegie’sopened in library1905. Theis a world’s first electrical clock. dramatic castellated edifice of dark red brick Here I shall finish. I wish you all a very fruitful year is its 110th anniversary, and ceremonies lovelymeeting, part both of the in country. terms of the serious business building still serves as the public library. This which will be transacted, but also socially, in this 16 Useful Knowledge

OLOOKINGpinion FORWARD, LOOKING BACK BY JIM LOWDEN

Commemorative ofAs Victoriawe approach Inc. isour concerned Annual General at a State Meetings level, atwe a PlaquesAlmost fifty local level, and as far as the Mechanics’ Institutes installed on Institutes hopefully through succession planning. This is across Victoria have beenand thelook time to fill when the variouspeople office-bearermust consider positions doing more Institutes their bit for their community, or even the wider community, as with MIV. I am reminded of the profound statement of eitherhave hostedRemember a MIV Andrew Rawsthorne theTravelling Mechanics? Exhibition, or Small communities Mechanics’… and wither and die when, good a grazier men and from women small- Proud of It! dotown nothing!' Trundle Andrew in NSW, led 'his dying community, MIV Bus Tours. Scores of Institutes have been the country’, to host the major national annual acrosstouched the by State. A joint letter was even sent from Trundle with the ‘second widest main street in MWMIV 2009-Bath has gone reminding in to bat fora Council many Institutesthat they

AbbaBut Tribute then Festival.economic Andrew and socialput his historian hand up Richardfor his community. Henry Tawney But will you? Only those were custodians of an internationallyAustralian significant National institutions are loved which touch the Mechanics’ Institute Institutes collection. Conference in 2000 and imagination.' Surely nothing stated is more ' loved than MIV hostedWorld theConference first the community hall. These hold the memories partnered the International Buildings, Books of their various communities. They have most andthe firstBlackboards Conference inin 2012.2004. It MIVhas alsoco- surely touched the imagination.

Has it touched the hosted a number of Regional Meetings. imagination?But what of the Institution the Mechanics’ majorMIV revision has just and launched upgrade its of If new the website.Walls Could We InstitutesPam of Victoria?Baragwanath Victoria has the Speakare now onPam the Baragwanath eve of seeing the and publication Ken James. of a best documented Thanks Mechanics’ to the massive regional pioneering history inwork the of world by MIV now enters an exciting era and we ask and MIV has been the financial you to come on boardPam and Baragwanath be a part of theGraham future. beneficiary from the publication of that work. DudleyIn doing soLorraine we salute Huddleand acknowledgeFrank theHurley past This work has been ongoingPeter by way Pereyra. of a massive OAMcontributionsWallace of: Kirsop John Murphy; Leila scanning project instigated by former MIV Winchcombe; , and our vital; newsletter past President and Life Member editors; Julann Meabank; and Donald Barker; . That said other Hall communities have also future challenges, the very survival against

their lavish recreational centres being built by ‘enlightened’ Councils. Whilst regarded initially causedas a boon serious to social the community,unrest and consequences. the required fundraising and the inevitable sale of alcohol, has

capital’This ‘phenomena’ to justify the must massive surely expenditures. be worthy of a detailed study in the context of ‘community

If you can lend skills to MIV then put your The MIRC at Prahran Mechanics' Institute Honourhand up Board for a and position volunteer at the for next the MIVride. AGM in November. Put your name proudly on the MIV MIV Magazine No. 37 – Winter 2015 17 MECHANICS' WORKPLACE RESIDENCE PLAQUED IN ARMAGH

History Circle unveiled their Following his retirement in On 12 March 2015 the Ulster took up residence in 1962. DRM ‘Roger’ first blue plaque in Armagh to Weatherup.1963, he was succeeded by his a true Mechanic. The function ableOn ‘apprentice’ retirement he served as took place in Charlemont Gardens beside the Armagh County Museum, a site of great allowedMuseum, to Honorarylive in the Advisorcottage Thomascultural significanceGeorge Farquhar and the untiland Boardhis death Member on 6 April and 1971. was Patersonlongtime workplace of one TGF’s other interests TGF or Thomas, as he was included: National Trust, (1888-1971). in Toronto, Canada of Irish Irish Astronomical Society, parents,universally John known, Paterson was bornand Northern Ireland Committee; Ireland Field Naturalists Society. For services to Armagh Centre; and Northern Rachel, nee Farquhar, on 29 February 1888. awarded an Order of the British Empire in 1954. ShortlyFrom afterthere his he birthattended his parentsthe National returned School to the Museum and cultural life of Armagh he was the family farm at Cornascreeb, County Armagh. Portadown grocers, Davison Bros. He moved He was also elected as a member of the Royal inat 1911 Aghory to Couser’s and took Provision an apprenticeship Store in Armagh, with Irish Academy in 1914 and was accorded a Master twenty-fourof Arts (honoris volumes causa) of the by Armagh Queen’s Miscellanea University, County. This later stood him in good stead when Belfast. He wasCountry a prolific Cracks: writer Old Tales and compiledfrom the where he was to meet the nobility of the County of Armagh in 1945. and published endowing the Museum. theDuring War. During World Warhis long I he servedrecuperation with the he Blackread theAn past obituary and disinterested noted him in worldly as ‘A rewards, gentle, voraciouslyWatch and wason the invalided history ofout his before county. the end of unambitious personality, deep in his probings of curator of the Armagh Natural History and his bachelory hospitality of a glass of wine will In 1931 he was invited to become honorary always be remembered by his friends.’ One recent shrewd and sound judgement in curating and tofacebooker the unveiling, observed Ulster ‘He livedHistory and breathedCircle Chair for supplementingPhilosophical Society the existing Museum. collection Here he showed Christhe City Spurr and County of Armagh.’ Speaking prior

observed: ‘Thomas Paterson, ‘TGF’, When the Museum was taken over by Council of.was Always both the aware creator of the and importance the first curator of history, of a pivotalto be rebadged in restarting as Armagh the long County dormant Museum Ulster he museum Armagh County can forever be proud Journalbecame of full Archaeology. time curator in 1935. In 1938 he was in a really special way, for this Ulster History During Council’s Thomas is now making his own piece of history

Circle isblue delighted plaque tois ourhonour first the to thatredevelopment he was now of a the resident Museum, of achievementsbe unveiled in ofArmagh TGF Paterson,City. The the usually retiring TGF, boasted and we are particularly grateful allocated a cosy cell’. There to Friends of Armagh County heArmagh continued Gaol his and research ‘had beenand towards the plaque. redevelopment’s completion. Museum for their support writing awaiting ‘his’ Museum (Photo: Top: armaghi.com; Bottom: Armagh County Museum The Museum redevelopment Facebook) included the rebuilding of the caretaker’s cottage and TGF 18 Useful Knowledge

This column is comprised of contributed articles The present Hall owes its existence to the Aroundand those written ‘in house’. Victoria's Whilst care has been Institutes taken to ensure dates and facts, the scant history 1637 head teacher Albert Milton Barry who of Institutes makes it an impossible task to verify work of local Amphitheatre State School No. these. If you find a date, spelling or fact incorrect let us know and we will publish amendments in was based in Amphitheatre from 1900-10. our next issue. Our newsletter is indexed to enable In August 1901 it was announced ‘ThereWilliam is histories of various Institutes to be aggregated Whitleygoing to befor a£179. public It was hall also and libraryused as built a cinema here over time. siteshortly’. from The time Hall to time. was built in 1901 by AIRLY-CLYDEBANK HALL (Est. 1905) 1936. The Honour Boards went missing when Memorial gates were later added in October containing the names of the soldiers who served After years of being closed the Hall is again the Hall was being repainted in 1968. Plaques coming to life. Their Facebook page tells an interesting story ‘We’ve had a pretty quiet year threein World of whom War I (59did names,not return) five ofwere whom unveiled paid the on down at the Hall but great fun catching up with Supreme Sacrifice) and World War II (64 names, friends and neighbours… We have started out reasonably well on Facebook (thanks to all our was28 October the 150th 2001. anniversary of the arrival and Likers!), got a strong committee and looking A major event celebratedGeorge at the Charles Hall in Studd 2003 forward to building a great community network, and Victoria Isabella Spurgeon, when 100 like the ‘old days ‘ when the Hall was the Hub of descendantsmarriage in Melbourne attended from of around the world. the Community. Let us know if you can help out, During the winter months there are family (mow the lawn, plant trees or run a community withevent/get us. Pps. together… Wishing gotyou ideasa Happy post 2015! them here. Ps. Share us with your friends… and come share casserole nights held in the Hall. (These are held there and were part of a Regional Community Room’outdoors which in Bakeryis used Park for duringmeetings. the The warmer Hall The Airly-Clydebank crowd are certainly out Progressive Dinner on 15 April which started hasmonths.) recently There had is a thenew well entrance resourced portico, ‘Glenlogie a roof with: Entrees at Airly-Clydebank the Stratford Mechanics’ The recent Community Action Plan strategy Bundalaguah-Myrtlebank Hall, where; Mains Brett at replacement and a kitchen refit. ; and Dessert at the Glover also entertained. our community.’ rings true universally. AMPHITHEATRE (PUBLIC HALL) MECHANICS’ ‘To maintain and promote the Hall as the hub of INSTITUTE (Est. 1901) erected over the stream at the rear of the Hall to As part of this strategy a bridge has been for physical education and other group activities whichenable havethe school included community the use ofto theaccess commercial the Hall

Earlier this year the Hall interior was repaintedkitchen. throughout, so it is again open for

business for the traditional activities of the family life events: birthdays, weddings and wakes;BALLAARAT and an occasionalMECHANICS’ auction. INSTITUTE (Est. (Photo: commons.wikipedia.org/ user: Mattinbgn) 1859) The district of Amphitheatre was a gold mining Ann Cato step down as President and Graham Gooding stepThe recentup to the AGM plate. at the Now BMI that has the seen restoration is Today it is centred on the Pyrenees Highway. The area isand noted a Post for itsOffice agriculture was established and horticulture. in 1859. In 2011 it had a population of 236, with a allalmost its spaces, complete and an some increased much welcome use of the revenue building to surprising average age of 43. by an amazing 37% has seen a flurry of activity in MIV Magazine No. 37 – Winter 2015 19 The report of the Colac Herald seminars increasingly use the well resourced resource the building further. Concerts, displays, of 30 May Hooper Room and Williamson Foyer provide 1884 seems very apt ‘The Birregurra Public forMinerva meetings Space and and small Humffray gatherings. Room, andRecent the toHall, the which energy has and just prosperity been completed of the people and will of that be meetings with Council and Parliamentarians has townopened and tonight district.’ (Friday), is a splendid monument BOORT MEMORIAL HALL (Est. 1880) seen the BMI receive a further $150,000 from Victoria’s Heritage Restoration Fund. The BMI website holds much valuable information, ideas, newsletters at www.ballaratmi.com.au. BMI is also onplay Facebook, host to Twitter some andof theInstagram. performances The BallaaratFestival Mechanics' of Slow Institute Music will from Ballarat's . More information can be found on the Festival's website:BIRREGURRA www.festivalofslowmusic.com MECHANICS’ INSTITUTE (Est. 1865)

The current hall, built in 1930 succeeds the formerEdgar Clarence1880 Mechanics’ Dunning Institute Graham which burned down in 1928. Designed by architect and engineer Today the Hall is well ,used the Memorialand recently Hall cost £7000 to build. Local Business on Show hosted the Annual Footballers’ Ball and a ‘ (Photo: commons.wikipedia.org/ user: Mattinbgn) ’ where local businesses were Standing in the grounds of the Hall is Birregurra’s invitedThe toBoort set upCommittee a stand and is spruikin the their process wares. of restoringA craft group and meets placing regularly the former ‘in the Lake back Marmal room’. names of the seventeen district servicemen who Mechanics’ Hall Honour Rolls in their Hall. gaveWar Memorial,their lives a duringgranite Worldobelisk, War which I and holds those the These were removed from the derelict Lake who served from the district. Plaques have been Marmal Hall by the Shire Council and were given added to the obelisk later to commemorate those to the RSL who had them in storage until they the‘who Boer served War, their World country War I, on World active War duty II or and at were passed to the Memorial Hall last year. home, as combatants or as peacekeepers, during Timor and Afghanistan’. The memorial, erected conflictsWilson in Bros Malaysia, Korea, Vietnam, Iraq, East has stood the test of time. by The Hall is pressed, and unveiled into major on 8 usage March during 1924, the annual Birregurra Festival and Art Show held this year on 9-11 October. The Main Street is closed to traffic and the Hall is the venue for the now acclaimed Art Show. The ‘Gala Opening' takes place on Friday night and viewing and sales continue throughout the weekend. In The interior of the Lake Marmal Hall in July 2009. toaddition various to arts offering related over projects, $6000 activities in prizes, and last to By this time the Honour Rolls had already been year’s proceeds of some $9000 were distributed removed - only the unpainted areas on the wall showed where they once hung in the Hall. ‘fostering young talent at the Birregurra school’. Wesbite: www.birregurra.com/festival 20 BUNDALAGUAH-MYRTLEBANK HALL (Est. Useful Knowledge 1955) World War II Honour Roll was unveiled in 1946 larger present hall that was built in 1908. A

hostand the to thelibrary Darlington was dispersed Arts and in the Crafts 1950s. Group , on Thethe Darlingtonsecond Saturday Institute of haseach beenmonth ongoing from

Carmel O’Connor a teacher who holds an Honours1pm-4pm. Fine The Arts sessions degree. have The been promotional facilitated by

materialThe Hall states also ‘No hosts prior theskill monthly necessary’. Darlington Courses (Photo: Support the Bundalaguah-Myrtlebank run through until November. Hall Facebook) Darlington:Market. 1837 and Beyond Bundalaguah Country Women’s Association in Recently the Hall was the assembly point for a The Hall was built on donated land for the Cemetery to witness the unveiling event. The of public the In 2012 it was closed on account of electrical installationwere then bussedof historic to wrought the historic iron Darlingtongates. The and1955 safety and has issues. been well-usedThe community over the respondedyears. accordingly to save their Hall, and since then the cemetery, which has a redgum marker dating has incorporated and gone into fundraising from the 1849 burial of John Miles, is presently Bundalaguah Hall Committee of Management being upgraded to allow for the creation of furtherDOREEN new HALL burial (Est.1907) plots. mode.Recent They alsoGovernment have their funding,own website arranged www. bundyhall.org.au. Tim Bull through local Member for Gippsland has enabled the Hall to be restumped and Wellingtonreroofed. A new Council 5000 ,gallon which water provides tank was annual also installed. And this was funded by the enlightened placefunding outside for its and forty-eight inside. New Shire-based curtains, halls.improved acoustics,Fencing, and landscaping a sound system and painting with stage has lighting taken supports the Live at the Bundy monthly music In early May 2015 the fate of the Doreen Hall was funds. levelled the site for future road duplication and program which continues to generate significant finally sealed when the bulldozer moved in and they are in countdown for the 60th Anniversary In the meantime with works almost complete orinstallation a similar presenceof traffic onsignals. the adjoining This puts Recreation an end to Reserve.the lobbying by local residents to retain the Hall, isBall a whichWorld will War take I 1914-18 place on Roll22 November of Honour 2015. for In the 1990s the management of the Hall The Hall’s latest acquisition/ installation amount of money to continue to run the Hall for hiringwas passed and other to Council uses’. Councilalong with closed a ‘substantial the Hall in Johnthe Bundalaguah Shroeder, – Montgomery – Myrtlebank 2015.Districts, based on the research and efforts of 2000. which was unveiled on 30 May When Whittlesea Council resolved at its DARLINGTON MECHANICS’ INSTITUTE (Est. Ricky 1894) Kirkham December 2014 meeting the Mayor commemorative said ‘Parts piece ofat the the site structure to honour will the be The original hall was built in the early 1870s, salvaged and stored to be used as part of a also as a library, for the Darlington Temperance We wonder what was salvaged as locals had no Tent and the building and site was transferred history of the reserve and community built hall.’ into 1896. the Darlington The original Mechanics’ Hall was Institute removed in for 1895. the A new Hall was built behind the original Hall knowledge of exactly when the demolition was to take place. The matter of whether a photographic MIV Magazine No. 37 – Winter 2015 21

the Australian Colonies.’ record was made of the building before its of possessing the largest Mechanics’ Institute in demolitionGEELONG by stealthMECHANICS’ is also ponderable. INSTITUTE/ PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE (Est. 1846) theatreBesides which being hosted a major Mark exhibitionTwain space, it andbecame ongoing a: performing cinema venue. arts centre; and lecture on the stage; Rev. AndrewA Mechanics’ Love Institute for Geelong was first wasraised formed in 1842 in 1844 by the and Presbyterian met and had thelectures . The Geelong Literary Institution

in aIn ReadingJanuary 1846 Room it was at Mack’s noted in Hotel, the press under under the (Photo: commons.wikipedia.org/ user: Wongm Presidency of the Rev. Love. (Marcus Wong)) The rumour mill has it that what is left of the and‘Petrifactions: Corangamite, A quantity are now ofon fossil view inremains the Reading from the shores of the small salt lakes between Bolac aformer multi storey Geelong arts Mechanics’ complex. This Institute is part building of the Room of the Geelong Literary Institution…’ at Ryrie Street is to be demolished in favour of The Mechanics’ Institute was formed in December 1846 and it obtained the Ryrie Street Geelong.Victorian The Labour $30 million Government’s arts component pre-election will site by way of Government grant in 1850. It commitment of some $100 million to ‘revitalise’ merged with the Literary Institution in 1855 to buildMERTON the initial MEMORIAL Hall in HALL1856. (Est. 1923) see the present Little Malop/Ryrie Streets site with: ‘a new façade, revitalising Ryrie Street and located west of Bonnie Doon. The area’s main the Central Business District; conversion of the Merton is a rural district in north-east Victoria Church to a 150 seat cabaret and music space; doubling the number dance studios; adding stagesclaim one to meeting fame is a theyear. long-running Merton Amateur Turf Club, established in 1865, which includinga floor of a officenew entrance space for and creative universal industries; access to Interestingly the Shepparton Advertiser of 12 addressing disabled access and safety issues,

Playhouse Balcony; securing the Barwon Health July 1923 tells us ‘The memorial hall at Merton site for later development.' was officially opened by Mr EJ Mackrell MLA.’ It was the Merton Mechanics’ Institute that it years,This with will additionsfinally see in the 1857, end 1860to the and old 1867.1856 building, which has grown like ‘topsy’ over the convertedwas officially to theopened supper on 20room June in 1923. 1952 A and library the was established within the Hall but this was Alexander Fyfe The foundation stone was laid on 4 September 1855 by MLC who uttered the books were dispersed. words ‘May God, without the invocation of whom The Hall name was officially changed to no work should be undertaken, bless this work districtMerton soldiers. Memorial The Hall Hall inholds February the Honour 1945 Rolls to reflect the supreme sacrifice of a number of copyand crown of the it laws with ofsuccess.’ the institution, A bottle was prospectus, inserted in ‘the orifice containing the current coins, a for Merton and Brankeet districts. day’s proceedings and a parchment.’ The is the Electricity Switchon Ball in 1965 when The major event that is most remembered and syllabus of lectures,John a Young programme was opened of the dancing went into the early hours. James Gattie Presently closed the Hall is undergoing a Carrbuilding designed by on 19 March 1856. The Chairman, grant in 2014 from the Regional Growth Fund noted ‘It [the Institute] has at length got major upgrade thanks to a $271,500 Government placea building and a forpalladium’. itself, where I trust that in later and a $40,000 contribution from the Merton timesThe the concert arts andHall sciences was added will findin 1857 a resting and Committee. Recreation and Memorial Hall Reserves Sir Henry Barkly This will see the old kitchen demolished and Theopened addition by the of Governora second storey of Victoria in 1867 caused , with a Fine Art Exhibition, on 18 April. this will be replaced with a new annexe which will also include toilets. It is expected that work the Committee to state ‘Geelong can now boast will be completed by the end of the year. 22 The Hall and Recreation Ground Racecourse Useful Knowledge of which the long-serving John Fraser Secretaryis now run since by a 1988. joint Committee of nine people has been MOOROOPNA MECHANICS’ HALL (Est. 1875)

were let and the successful one was announced hill, by the Taverner Cooperative Society. Tenders immediately used for school purposes as Nyah The original Mechanics’ Institute was built on Statein January School, 1896. No. The3263. Hall was then built and was Streetthe bank site ofwas the granted Goulburn in 1906 River, and alongside the Hall was the A meeting was held in 1919 which decided movedpunt. After to there. another In the flood, 1920s, the apresent smaller McLennan Hall, now MG O’Brien Hall, was purchased and shifted and placed to the east of the Hall. to replace the Hall ‘in cement’. The old Hall was known as the then sold for removal. The new Nyah Mechanics’ anInstitute adjoining was open built air on picture the top theatre, of the operated hill and The original Hall was replaced in 1933 by a opened in 1922. from It opened 1923. with The aHall’s library name and washad cement structure, largely funded by a Back to Tom Hayes Mooroopna celebratory event. In 1974, and after whenby management was passed to another group. being flooded to a depth of 25cm across the floor, changedFrom tothe Nyah 1930s-50s District the Memorial Hall hosted Hall in a 1945very it was significantly renovated. The side (O’Brien) hall was replaced in 1953, displays and concerts. and this was also largely funded by another Back active Gymnastics Club which put on community to Mooroopna. From the outset a library was established The Nyah community celebrated its centenary in the building and it continued to serve the in 1993 and various celebratory activities were community until 1983 when it finally closed, and centredROMSEY on MECHANICS' the Hall throughout INSTITUTE the weekend. (Est. 1868) the books were dispersed. Recently a new Committee of Management has been elected to take the Institute forward. Since then they have had a variety of bookings ranging from: weddings; an Australian Broadband inNetwork addition shopfront; to regular John community Shah's Carpet users. Bazaar; The enlightenedand a Rock Greater n’ Roll Dance City of Seminar. Shepparton These has are also resolved to give the Hall an annual grant. NYAH DISTRICT MEMORIAL HALL (Est. 1896)

Located in the Murray riverland, the township originally known as Tyntynder is now Nyah. This transferredis the tale of from two halls.George The Jeans Mechanics’ Institute The Romsey Antiques Fair in full swing. was built in 1896, at the bottom of the hill, on land (Photo: romseymechanicsinstitute.com) . The Mechanics’ Hall was sold to the RSL in 1922 who used it as and the Romsey Neighbourhood House joined clubrooms, but later sold it to be utilised as a forcesIn March to 2015hold thethe inauguralRomsey Mechanics’ Romsey Antiques Institute wool and skin store. Fair. It was held on Saturday 21st and Sunday The Nyah Public Institute and Reading Room was built on the present hall site, at the top of the MIV Magazine No. 37 – Winter 2015 23 with the stall holders setting up on the Friday. 22ndThere of Marchwere ten in stalls beautiful set up sunny in the conditionshall. Items Precinct. In 2011 café blinds were erected on the rear skillion, a barbecue area was established antique china and porcelain, hall,and aadvises wheelchair of forthcoming accessible events.toilet was installed. for sale included; A largeA Happy community Hour is noticeboard,held on the thirdin front Friday of the of • furniture, • jewellery,books, RuffArtz • antique oil lamps, each month. BYO meat, drinks and a sweet. • vintage and antique sewing machines and , established in 2007, holds four • vintage materials and clothing. musical/drama events a year and stages a • Biennial Arts Show in November. The nearby • Romsey and Reserve hosts an Annual Gymkhana Sports in There was also a display of works, had a in display a variety on STANLEY ATHENAEUM AND PUBLIC ROOM Lancefield Historical Society February. theof mediums, history of by the local area artists. and items The for sale. The (Est. 1860) Romsey & Lancefield RSL Sub Branch also opened their room to display their collection of

The Romsey CWA and the Romsey Golf Club providedmilitary memorabilia morning and for afternoon the visiting teas. public.

Romsey Community Bendigo Bank and the MacedonThis antiques Ranges Shire fair was Council sponsored. by the Over 400 people attended the event over the theweekend. next Antiques The organisers Fair is well were under very pleasedway. with the results of the weekend and the planning for Left: Geoff Craig (Photo: Stanley Athenaeum); Right: Dr Clunes Mathison The 2nd antiques fair will be held on Saturday (Photo: www.wehi.edu.au) 19th and Sunday 20th March 2016. The lecturer for the Second Geoff Craig Memorial RUFFY MECHANICS’ INSTITUTEKathy & LakeyFREE LIBRARY (Est. 1888) Lecture in 2015 is renowned historian and Dr Ross McMullin include Farewell, Dear People illuminatingacclaimed speaker Australia’s gifted lost generation. His books of World War I, which was awarded, a multi-biography the Prime Minister’s Prize for Australian History. Friends of the Stanley Athenaeum Presented by , the of all the 60,000 Australians Photo: www.panoramio.com/ user: Muzza from Clunes Mathison Dr Ross McMullin will speak about McCrae devastating individual loss to the nation than Ruffy, in the State’s north-east, had its hall who died during theDr conflict,Gordon there Clunes was noMackay more Mathison the remarkable site reserved in 1888 and the first building , who was born in Stanley and should was erected in 1893. However it took six years diedbe better 9 days known later. than Already he is. Fatallyan internationally wounded by to have it suitable for registration with the a stray bullet at Gallipoli, the 31 year old doctor Department, but in the interim that did not stop appointed as the initial director of the Walter the community from using it for the St Patrick’s andacclaimed Eliza Hall medical Institute scientist of Medical he hadResearch been. theRace earlier Day balls hall orwhich for church was sold services. for removal. The present hall was built in 1905, to replace proclaimed Ruffyans. ComeThe along Second and Geoff find Craig out what Memorial was so Lecture special SolarSince panelsthen it were has installedbeen well in used 2010. by Some the trees self- about him.

will be held Sunday 13 September 2015 at 2 have been replaced with a more suitable species pm in the Stanley Soldiers Memorial Hall, Main to enhance World War II Solders’ Memorial 24 Street Stanley, with afternoon tea to follow and Useful Knowledge this is a free community event. Memorials Memory and Loss: Stanley forSports campers Reserve, at $5 all per for personthe local per community, night include: but and the First World War clearly for a much wider use. Facilities available now‘ on display at the Stanley Athenaeum, the ’ is the new exhibition toilets; showers; electric barbecue; camp kitchen Stanley who lost their lives in the First World and sinks; microwave; kettle, etc., combined with War,exhibition in total tells 70 themen stories enlisted of thefrom 20 the men Stanley from a sports oval and stable. The Tearoom comes community and many local families lost one of with: electric power; hot water; kitchen with their men fridges and oven. The Kiosk has a commercial Friends of size fridge. Tolmie Sports which Stanley Athenaeum This significant resourcing comes largely The research undertaken by the sincefrom the1888. profits The fromHall hoststhe the Saturday night revealing momentoes hadand a family terrific treasures response dance.has been The held other annually, major generallyuse for the in February,Tolmie’s notfrom seen the communityoutside the in homes developing of these the exhibition families. Reserve is the Craft and Farmers Market held Beechworth historian Richard Patterson and Beechworth at War’ opened the The Hall has a well-appointed and resourced monthly between September and May. writer of ‘ Tolmie residents get a discount on usage. exhibition to a large audience on the 27th June. kitchen and seats 120 for a sit-down dinner. The exhibition is on show until 30th June 2016. use of the Hall for their meetings. This is an Visit the exhibition at the Stanley Athenaeum initiativeHowever thatTolmie all not-forcommunity profit Halls groups should have aspire free and Public Room, Main Street, Stanley and it is 0458open 2nd606 Wednesday922 or 03 5728 & 4th 6702 Saturday each month hard to manage a $10 charge for their several from 10am to 12pm or by appointment,Chris Dormercontact meetingsto. Small annually. groups with a few members find it Download the Tolmie Hall and Reserve’s TOLMIE MECHANICS’ INSTITUTE (Est. 1888) Linda Terry manage the com. inspirational info brochure at: www.tolmietimes. The Tolmie team led by 1920-built Hall, with added amenities and the The Wonderful World of Mechanics'AUSTRALIA Institutesagricultural and rural community settled in NEW SOUTH WALES The Woodville initiative started out as the 1814 as Albion Farm. WOODVILLE SCHOOL OF ARTS (Est. 1870) Woodville Mutual Improvement Society in

1870. It assembled a libraryJohn Pearse and conducted donated debates, readings and lectures. In 1876 it was Albertdecided and to build William a hall King and of Wallalong. The 40ft a site. The Woodville School of Arts was built by

x 20ft building, ‘with a neat porch’, cost £150. It was opened on 20 March 1877, with three local; 1879.clergymen participating. The building was then occupiedThe present by the Hall, Woodville which replaced State Schoolthe original until

(Photo: Woodville School of Arts Facebook) one but on a larger purchased site, was built in 1923 of timberJohn James and weatherboardPearse with a ontea elevated at 6pm, Paterson River, Woodville is a very early andbrick a piers.dance Itfollowed. was officially opened on 9 August Located in the Lower Hunter region on the 1923 by MIV Magazine No. 37 – Winter 2015 25

War I Roll of Honour, with an accompanying framedThe Hall Roll holds of Honour a very which distinctive lists those marble that World paid MargaretThe Hall Gengewas also used by the Junior Farmers leadingfrom its girl formation farmer’ in in1953. 1953. In the Club following Secretary, year Hall grounds are South African Cape Chestnuts Mary Woodside was named as the ‘State’s the Supreme Sacrifice. The notable trees in the representative. theIn Club’s 2010 the Hall Committee was chosenreceived as a Zone grant 2 Hall,planted which in 1936 those by of the 1955 Boy almost Scouts. did, and its high from Xtrata Wandoan Coal Fund for painting groundThe Aprilprovided 2015 refuge floods for did a pony not getcalled up Spirit to the, the roof and exterior of the hall. until its owners could reclaim it.

Proctor Family The very recent AGM in July narrowly averted CarpentersA major spruceand Turnbull up of the Painting Hall took. To placehelp wishthe Hall them Committee well and inspirationbeing wound in theirup, and renewed it has in 2015 undertaken by the resolved to ‘soldier on’ for another year. We Coffee Cubby at Woodville Store finance the project a major fundraiser at the endeavourSOUTH AUSTRALIA to ‘breathe new life’ into the Hall. Supplemented with the sale of donated started goods with the ‘a TOOLIGIE HALL (Est. 1932) fundelicious day netted hot breakfast’ a tidy sum. and a day-long barbecue.

Iona Primary School. It is also notedThe for Hall the is staging well-used of drama by the and community music events. and the neighbouring QUEENSLAND GURULMUNDI SCHOOL OF ARTS (Est. 1935)

The district name is taken from the local Aboriginal dialect and means ‘low range of hills’, which border the area. It is a railway station The township of Tooligie was proclaimed in Taroom,located onconstructed the Wandoan in 1912-13. line about 50km (31 1929. It is a farming community engaged in large miles) from Miles, the regional centre, and scale cropping and wool growing inland from withThere some was cropping, some initial and some sawmilling, medium but scale the The aggregation of smaller holdings has miningarea is now including mostly usedcoal inseam beef cattlegas production.production, meantPort Lincoln a diminished on the Eyre district Peninsula. population which the controversial Gurulmundi Toxic Waste Dump However the district is most probably noted for silohas resultedcomplex inadjacent the school, to the established railway linein 1933, still alongside the Hall being closed. However the established in 1991. GurulmundiPrior to the Railway building Station of the or Hall occasionally community at operates, but the railwayCr David siding Henry which ‘Harry’ housed themeetings Gurulmundi appear State to haveSchool, been which held opened at the in Dearmanline workers no longer exists. 1928 and closed in 1965 TooligieIn February Hall Trust, 1932 plans for a 32ft x 22ft wood The 50ft x 30ft Hall and adjoining 12ft x 50ft and iron hall submitted and these to wereCouncil, approved. on behalf The of Hall the

David Cullege Dearman and it opened in 1932 originalsupper room galvanised were built roof. in 1935 from locally sawn was subsequently built on a site donated by timber and weatherboards and it still retains its since. andThe has beenHall wellhas usedalso by the the communityvenue for everthe The Gurulmundi CWA came into being in 1938 community’s longrunning Annual Strawberry consistentlywhen Kowguran met inbranch the Hall changed and have its namefundraised since Fete which is held towards the end of the year, forit had the beenHall over established the years in with 1927. various The CWAfunctions, have including catering for the annual tennis tournament. Branch President Susan Gale was and moreis presently recently held the at Christmas the end of Tree October. parents. This has been variously organised by the CWA Branch for 2012. Christmas Tree and Party which started in named Queensland Country Woman of the Year The Hall has also been the home of the annual 26 The oldest resident presentUseful at Knowledgethe 2015 re- opening event was Mrs Audrey Deverall who 1934. Since then Santa Claus has arrived by Lloyd in the original various means which have included, on a: horse; tractor; Harley Davidson motorbike; firetruck; married her husband isand the an major iconic annual restored gathering Holden of ute. the In community. 2014 about lightingbuilding and in 1944.sound Theand presenthopefully $1.63 arts related million fiftyThe local Tooligie children CWA received has metgifts in from the Santa. Hall since This activitiesHall brings will back restart the staging in the facilitiescommunity. including It has also seen the reinstatement of Honour Boards to various community initiatives. its Fundraisinginception in 1956over andthe continue years toto contributefacilitate burned in the fires. and carting of tree roots to the rail siding and The red gum beams throughout the new Hall maintenance has included the grubbing building came from the old Launceston Brewery. These linked in with theTim rammed Holmes earth walls donationstrucking themof grain to and Port wool Lincoln in good for times. sale there. and the polished concrete floorsMichael make a strikingCooper District farmers have also been generous with interior. Local residentWyatt Constructions undertook of TASMANIA the design of the building with DUNALLEY COMMUNITY HALL (Est. 1897) whichSorell’s was Mayor built byKerry Vincent had the last Kingston. They say a town needs a pub and a post office to be a real town… well aword community and observed needs ‘a real community hall as well.’ WESTERN AUSTRALIA CHOWERUP HALL, SPORTS GROUND AND CEMETERY (Est. 1925)

(Photo: abc.net.au)

Dunalley is located at the entry to Eaglehawk Neck. The Hall, destroyed in the 4 January 2013 (Photo: www.panoramio.com / user: GasGasL€X) bushfire, has since been rebuilt and it was re- The pastoral district of Chowerup is in south- atopened the instigationto the community of Miss on 18Edith May Ambrosine2015. west part of the State. The need for a Hall was ScrimgerThe press, who noted spearheaded the original a Hall fundraising was built considered at a dance held in Flint’s chaff shed campaign commenced in 1897. Eventually £40 well discussed for William Spencer a diarist ofheld the on day 4 July noted 1924. he arrivedThe matter home must at 7.30am have been the was raised and this enabled the purchaseTasman. of next morning. materials, ‘which Captain [Tasman] Spaulding Things moved fast from there, sawmill owner generously broughtArthur upHyatt for nothing, William in theGreenlaw , Sidney Foden Flint donated forty acres of land GeorgeThe actual Scrimger construction, and John of theAllanby, building sen is, with due for a hall site. It was cleared of trees and these to Messrs some others who have given several weeks’ were milled at Flints into building timber and persons.’work. The result is a roomy hall, lined 8ft high all weatherboards. ‘Busy bees’ then built the initial round, and capable of seating comfortably 200 25ftx30ftJH Smith Hall MLA and with painted an afternoon it with ‘sump’ tea, followed oil. Rev. Joseph Boss Williams Woollnough, Chowerup Hall was opened on 11 March 1925 The Hall was officially opened on 16 May 1898 by by the by a dance. Shortly after that a school opened in followed by a musical and vocal program for the Hall building for various and it activities. remained there until 1950, which Miss Kemp lent the piano. along with its small library. The school continues MIV Magazine No. 37 – Winter 2015 27 Planning of the site, resulted in further Funerals in the Hall Cemetery were day long events from grave digging, morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea. One such event was that of the laterclearing enlargement and levelling of the for: Hall. tennis courts; cricket and football oval; rodeo ground; cemetery; and aged 75, in 1937. Reserve’sRodeo ridersbenefactor complained Sidney Flint,of the who hard had ground died The annual Sports and Rodeo, staged in March, and this was particularly noted when the septic andwas women the ‘big competed event’. Peoplein the athletic came inprogram from the on theregion’s oval. districts Everyone by competed all means in of thetransport. two-legged, Men requiredtank was beingrectangle installed. and Thegelignite solution, was an then old in the events held on the rodeo arena, which was simplychain saw used was to loosen used tothe cut soil. the On borders the following of the egg and spoon and sack races. Others competed fenced to a height of six feet with five rows or Friday night the badminton folk wondered about bush poles. theIn dirt 2003 all overthe saviour the hall of floor, Western which Australia’s had been The liquour booth was located discreetly away smalldislodged halls, from Lottery the grooves West ,of provided the floor boards.a $5000 from the main activities in a bush pole shelter, grant to reroof the Hall. with a large sawn beam for the bar. Elsewhere The Hall’s ninetieth anniversary was refreshments were to be had in a galvanised iron clad bush pole shelter. Underneath were tables and benches set into the ground. A servery was celebrated with a major weekend event on half,located which in onewas endset in with a frame. timber A benchescopper for and hot a stood2-3 May. up Aand hundred recalled people their stories turned of up. the At Hall the sink, made from a four gallon kerosene tin cut in andSaturday its Reserve, barbecue with several youthful locals reminiscences,and returnees Bush poet Ron Evans dropped in and gave his daywater and was the located Hall was out ready the back. for dancing. Children A hearty meal was available at the end of the goodrecital old of days the ‘Wengundy at the Hall. Hall’ which drew more would be bedded down in the back room of the thanA fewa few spent laughs part and of the sparked day meeting memories with of their the hall, or babies were simply put under the hall seats snuggled up in their bassinettes. Music Terry ‘Tuck’ Waldron was byserved way atof pianomidnight accordion, and dancing with percussion concluded families, generations of which were buried in the being a rhythmic tapping of a heavy foot. Supper Hall cemetery. (Local MP departing, their trays loaded with seated happened by the Hall on the previous Friday to at sunrise. Several trucks would then be seen tender personally his apologies for his inability to be present on Saturday, and also left some ‘passengers’. boyhood memories.) Susan Friday night at the hall saw those available MeadThis is one of the most remarkable Hall storiesThis turn up, some by truck which picked people along amazingthat has story come must our way be published! and we thank Saturdaythe way, for or billiards,elsewhere table in regional tennis orcompetitions. badminton. and the Chowerup folk for sharing it. TheTennis, Premiership cricket of or the football Under 13 was Chowerup staged Cats on NEW ZEALAND RUNANGA MINERS’ HALL (Est. 1905) Occasional picture show men dropped in for screenings,XVIII is still astalked did about.the Anglican Bush Brothers, as did other clergy, who performed weddings, Located near Greymouth in the South Island the Runanga Miners’ Hall readily reflects its mine One talented school teacher started the workerThis Hall origins. was This to serve activism the model resulted town in theset Chowerupbaptisms and Drama confirmations. Club township being styled as ‘Red Runanga’. Auditions were held and parts were allocated, with understudies. One production, based on was the Oscar Hall. up to accommodate the workers from the State Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest, which owned coal mine at nearby Dunollie in 1903. In was entered in the regional drama competition miner1905 theactivist Mine Bob Workers’ Semple Union resolved to set with riotous results as a performer tried to aside money to build a hall, a movement led by , George and the Millar first suchand Walterproject inMurray New Zealand. apparentlylevel out partially lost on the filled judges. glasses, drinking them Plans were drawn up by to a set level. Truly an ‘Oscar’ performance, but of Cobden was awarded the building contract in 1907. It was officially opened 28 New Zealand HistoricUseful Places Knowledge Trust as

by the Well done all at thea Category Runanga One Hall, building. Paul Thomas, A reopening Les Holmes, date for SandraNovember Gibbens 2016 is et now al. planned.

Website: runangaminershall.org.nz and followUNITED them KINGDOM on Facebook. ENGLAND CHELMORTON WAR MEMORIAL VILLAGE INSTITUTE (Est. 1922) (Photo: Friends of Runanga Miners Hall Facebook)

1908. Sir Harry Lauder’s nephew Matthew before a crowd of 800 people on 2 December Electricity came to the Hall and town in 1926. sang ‘The Miner’. programsThe Union aspurchased a fundraiser. a ‘talking picture’ machine in 1931 and staged four different weekly movie

WhilstThe Hall the burned mine down has closed,in 1937, the with Hall suspected is still arson, and it was rebuilt on a larger scale. unionism and its origins, with slogans, murals, portraitsvery much and a memorial plaques toadorning pioneer Newthe Zealandinterior walls. Attempts to turn the Hall into a factory were (Photo: www.derbyshirelife.co.uk) was transferred to the Runanga Community thwarted by an anonymous donor and the Hall Located 8km from Buxton in the Peak National Centre in the 1960s and the building was partially Institute.Park of the Built Derbyshire in 1922, Dales, as thea memorial largest building to its renovated. In recent times in has been used as Worldin the villageWar I soldiers,of Chelmorton the distinctive is the War two-storey Memorial moneya venue: for for Hall a maintenance. monthly market; school holiday programs; and an op shop, which generates Historically Chelmorton was located on the Institute has been and is still well used. It is currently controlled by the Runanga spring and ran down what is now the main street Miners’ Hall Trust who are planning a staged andbanks slipped of the Illyaway Willy into Water, a swallet which hole. rose Afrom dam a therestoration roof, is plannow basedcomplete on theand recently was recently found constructed at the top of town now renders the 1938 architect’s plans. The first major phase, restoration,celebrated with with a barbecue. the removal of the stucco creek bed redundant. Work now continues with exterior wall It is the highest town in Derbyshire, and tois stillits surroundedhistoric hillside by quaint setting. remnants Chelmorton’s of the wererevealing however the required original and weatherboards two local sawmills ‘in ancient mediaeval field strips which contribute remarkable condition’.New Some Zealand replacement Sustainable boards constructed from stone, with a slate roof and is Timber Products – LP, Reefton Mill are paintedother claim green. to fame is that it has a phone box are contributing: Ngahere The township is engaged in annual festivities Mill (Gibsons) such as: the dressing of St John the Baptist’s providing the Rimu timber; and the church well are machining the planks New into Chelmorton Chase Zealandwith the required Lottery original Grants profile, Board which granted they hold. the , a summer festival in June; the But the best news is for last, in June the Christmas in Carols September, in December climbing. over one thousand feet to The Low in a five mile project $400,000, followed in July by recognition course; and MIV Magazine No. 37 – Winter 2015 29

Dissenters Hall for the activities of the Social and deliver two courses on Geology and Chemistry, Traditionally the town’s menfolk used the been engaged two or three weeks since to

Literary Institute, more specifically as a Reading each consisting of twelve Lectures. Such of the and Billiard room. In 1922 the upper floor ofRev. the working classes are not members,The can Printing obtain AlbertHall was Holmes used by a local builder for storage, the Machine;admission or to Companion these by a to subscription the Library, and which Register does ground floor was controlled by the vicar, the ofnot Progressive amount to Knowledge: 1½d each lecture.’ ( . The would-be Hall purchasers were told by the vicar ‘that something favourable Vol. 1. London: Charles might transpire if they began to attend the Knight,Rev. Henry 1834) Carmichael, Introductory Lecture to the underchurch theand chairmanshipring the bells!’ of Samuel Swindell. Sydney Mechanics’ School of Arts 23 April 1833 MrsThe Bertha result Housley was an ‘indignation meeting’ byWALES AM, Vice-President. PENRHIWCEIBER WORKMENS HALL AND donated a block of land and INSTITUTE (Est 1892) so the construction of the War Memorial Village Institute commenced. It was to built by voluntary labour largely supplied by the Chelmorton cricket and football clubs who quarried the stone, which was carted by local farmers to the site, where forother a time members to concentrate mixed mortar on the for Hall stonemasons. project and Both clubs put their official activities on hold both clubs contributed financially to its building. productions.The upper The floor downstairs comprised hall acontains stage andthe dressing rooms enabling local theatrical 1931. War Memorial. Electricity was switched on in (Photo: Penrhiwceiber Hall Facebook) The 9th of December 2014 was a red letter hadday forvisited Chelmorton on every and second a good Tuesday bye party for many was organised for the library van and its staff that years. andLocated Institute in the has Rhonddaits origins Cynon in 1892. Taf region of The Church of St John the Baptist’s spire is southThe Wales Institute’s the Penrhiwceiber present Workmen’sHall at Hall33 noting its association with St John. Inside the in 1888 at a cost of £2000 and has a seating topped by a weathervane featuring a locust, capacityPenrhiwceiber of 600. Street The site appears and hallto have was been conveyed built depicting the epochs of the district’s history: to the Institute in 1892 and the trustees were church is an embroidered tapestry with panels registered in 1900. Over the years the Institute has leased and fossils of the Ice and Stone Age; Roman; Norman; owned several parcels of land which included Mediaeval; National Park Boundary Stone; and two enduring links the sheepdog and the calligraphervillage pub. AMargaret distinctive Morgan map of. ‘The Village of premises for a library and reading room. The Chelmorton’ has been drawn by local artist and Hall had a major refit in the late-1960s when a foyer was added to facilitate ongoing film use. Checkout the town’s website: The Institute was refurbished in the early chelmortonvillage.org.ukSCOTLAND 1990s, but the early projection booth was KIRKCALDY SCIENTIFIC ASSOCIATION (Est. retained at the front of the building. The Institute 1832) is much used by the community which includes: Play Scheme; School; Advice and Information Centre; Communities First; Police; Amateur designation,‘Upwards of twothe hundred terms andof thirtywhich individualsthey are Dramatics; Bingo; Art and Computer Classes; have agreed to form a society under the above DiabeticsThe Hall Support contains Group; a distinctive Health mural Forum; which OAP Club; and Snooker. constituted members being a subscription of equipment was upgraded with a £25,000 grant 5s. The society by this time has commenced features aspects of town life. The film staging operations; Dr Murray, of Edinburgh, having 30 in 2011 and the theatre reopened with the Useful KnowledgeJoseph P Penrhiwceiber Film Festival and Hollywood Copley Research Library. actor Michael Sheen attended. theIn third recent floor, timesbut this women now houses have the played an increasing role in the management of the USA PORTSMOUTH ATHENAEUM (Est. 1817) Eleonore Sanderson was elected in 2001. The Athenaeum and the first woman President,Loretta Hassett Slawson mezzanine floor also carries the name of donor’. in recognition of ‘generous contributions in her memory by an anonymous given wide prominence in the community In more recent times the library has been advertising of its unique collection for wider with lectures, seminars, exhibitions and the increased and this new optimism caused the Boardresearch to purchase use. Membership the remainder has substantiallyof the Foye

(Photo: Portsmouth Athenaeum Facebook) gifted to the Athenaeum, in 2013. This was Building, portion of which had previously been arise again. Fundraising continues apace and Located in State of New Hampshire, the includedstated as the being First an Annual opportunity Original never and likelyUnique to PortsmouthAthenaeum was Library established as a subscription Proprietors’ Follies library in 1817. It took over the remnants of the Portsmouth Social Library, which had been largely In the meantime the Athenaeum held in May. Bicentennial The Annual destroyedThe Athenaeum by fire in operates 1813. This from had the succeeded former Book SaleProject is scheduled for September. 1805 four storey home of the established New Hampshire in 1750. canvas wide input covering themes, proprietors Fire and Marine Insurance Company which and community. [for 2017 publication] continues to The Proprietors, Tom Hardiman, The was added to the National Register of Historic Placesthe Institute in 1973. purchased in 1823. The building Athenaeum team of Robin Silva, Carolyn MarvinKeeper [Executive and James Director] Smith and the Portsmouth with their innovation and enthusiasm for Over the years it has built up a significant never cease to amaze Lieutenantlibrary and John collection Collins of Long artefacts. One such relevance to the wider Portsmouth community. collection is of Pacific artefacts donated by their buildings and their collections and their in 1827, the key www.portsmouthatheneaeum.org. item being a ‘u’u [sic], 58.5 inch long carved Check out their website and newsletters at: wooden club from the Marquesas Islands. The Institute’s Museum was traditionally housed on

WhereBOOLARRA MECHANICS’ INSTITUTEThey (Est. Stood 1886) grant in 1891. Institute and Free Library received a library August 1885. Early local meetings appear to The township of Boolarra was gazetted on 17 In March 1903 a meeting to consider the building of a Mechanics’ Hall and Reading Room have been held in: ‘Clarke’s Hall’ from the 1880s was held. It was noted the site ‘had at one time [1888, 1890]; Biles’ HallHowlett [1892]; Neil’sand Firmin Hall [1894]; were been cleared by an old Committee’. Boolarra Hall [1896]; and Scanlon’s Hall [1901, The press reported in September [John] 1904 dancing1902]. In at 1890 Boolarra Messrs Hall’. Bastinthat ‘The, and site the of architect the Mechanics’ has the Instituteplans well has in given a licence, on payment of £1 per annum, ‘for been partly cut down [levelled?] by Mr

A site was set aside for a Mechanics’ Institute hand. Nearly an acre has been reserved for the on 3 March 1886. The Boolarra Mechanics’ building.’ MIV Magazine No. 37 – Winter 2015 31

CONT...

Where They StoodWay and the Christian Street. There it planned to hotel site on the south-east corner of Monash The siting of the Hall came under scrutiny at build a new hall.

people‘the largest turned public out meetingfor the meeting ever held which in Boolarra’ was to on 11 February 1954. It was estimated that 150

discuss the two sites: the Mechanics’ Institute site ‘at the top of the hill’, which was voted as the preferred site by a public meeting in January by a vote of 25-21; and the site purchased by the Memorial Hall Committee in 1946 from Mr Cook precipitatedfor £500, for legal which opinion. funds had been specifically raised for building on that site, and which had The Mechanics’ Hall was built on the north- J Hall the required £11,000. It was suggested that the east corner of [Mechanics] Hall and Church In 1954 a report noted the difficulty in raising Streets, Boolarra by of Morwell. It opened on 1 March 1905 with an advertised Grand Hall be progressively built in sections, with parts Opening Concert followed by a Grand Ball noting generating income to finance further sections. theOver ‘splendid the years floor [ofthe kauri] Hall had 30x60[ft]’. use for: The church Hall theThe time Boolarra that this and was District to commemorate Memorial Hallthe ninewas was reported in August 1907 to be free of debt. finally built and opened in 1962. It was noted at services, dances, skating, bazaars, drama, card nights. district people who paid the Supreme Sacrifice gymnastics, concerts, meetings, film nights and Committeeduring World in War1962 IIand and in Korea. 1969 Thethe Hall Institute was demolishedsite and Hall and was the passed site was to offered the Memorial for sale. Hall throughBoolarra the years. residents It is noted have in the contributed1946 press substantially to the Australian War effort down painted outside and inside the Hall featuring had supplied at least 170 uniformed personnel Over the years various murals have been and‘that many the patriotic more to districtassist in [of defence Boolarra], industries which war related themes. The ‘Boolarra & District worthy of a memorial. Memorial Hall’ sign on cement sheet in acrylic from the region’ during World War II, would be plaquecarries inside the wording the Hall.) ‘They gave their Today for our Tomorrow’. (This wording comes from a A public meeting on 6 February 1946 was No.held 2. in Various the Mechanics’ ideas were Institute advanced, to including consider a astuteToday handling the Hall isand still grants owned have by the managed community in suitable memorial, known as War Memorial theand past managed to periodically by a local Committeeupgrade facilities which byto to consider ideas. meet regulatory standards and community swimming pool, and a sub-committee was set up expectations. However before the meeting closed it was resolved to establish the Boolarra Memorial Fund to finance what idea was proposed and £250’£250 was from subscribed the recent insports fifteen meeting. minutes with the promise from Boolarra Sports Club of ‘at least

HallA fundraiser, Queen of Queens resulting Competition in the proceeds held from of March 1946 was stated as being a Memorial

£1,100.17s.7d being announced at the Coronation Ball on 10 December 1946. About 1946 the Boolarra Memorial Hall Committee purchased the former Fitzgerald’s 32 Useful Knowledge CURTAIN CALL

Two halls have come to our attention where stage curtains still exist. Their stories follow. Hearsay has it came from the Dal Monti Hall in AUBREY HALL AND RECREATION RESERVE Warracknabeal and was certainly in place in the (Est. 1881) Aubrey Hall from the 1960s. (The flamboyant Joseph Vasquez opened the Wimmera Fruit Mart in Scott Street, Warracknabeal in 1915. In 1925-26 he had the Dal Monti Hall built on the accommodatesame site. It may 1400 have people been and named had two for Italianshops inoperatic the front soprano facing Toti Scott Dal Street, Monte. and The a Hallresidence could

the Hall was sold to picture theatre interests. His above. Vasquez became insolvent in 1930 and fruit shop and café until his death in 1948. The Hallbrother still Salvatorestands.) Vasquez continued with the WATCHEM MECHANICS’ HALL (Est. 1892) Stage curtain at Aubrey Hall. (Photo: Janine Elliott)

The district was originally known as Cannum North up until it was renamed Aubrey in 1888. appearsA five to acre have site started for public in 1881, purposes for at the was 1882 set aside in 1879. The Cannum [North] Free Library a goodly amount of instructive and entertaining AGM the Secretary noted ‘We have accumulated books, comprising more than 150 volumes, besides periodicals.’ The first hall appears to have been erected of mudbrick in 1881 and served as a school, library, church and meeting place. By 1886 it hadA a librarynew hall of 425 was books erected and in in1888 1895 it became from In the Rockies painted by Barry Jaggers galvanisedknown as the iron Aubrey and this Free continued Library. in use in later (Photo: wimmera-w-b-w.blogspot.com.au) lifeA as thirda supper Hall room was until erected it was alongside replaced bythe a galvanisednew brick structure structure in in 1939. 1923 and opened with This Institute was established in 1892, and a asite hall of weretwo roods called was in 1898. set aside In 1916 for a the‘Mechanics’ opening Institute’ on 26 September 1892. Tenders for concert and ball on 31 May. ‘Over 100 motor cars its utmost capacity’ with the proceeds going to wereElectricity parked inwas the switched vicinity, on and to the the hall Hall was in districtnight of soldiersthe Watchem overseas. Dandies filled the hall ‘to thepacked 1960s. with Itan has enthusiastic had a long-running audience.’ annual

In October 1922 tenders were called ‘for Christmas Tree celebration since at least the alterations and additions’ to the Hall by RE 1970s. There has also been a monthly Friday wereCarne. donated The hall to was the a filmDonald venue Historical for a time. Society. theirMen’s wedding Night at receptionthe Hall for in the Halllast infew 2000. years, at The Hall had a library and its remnants whichThe theHall’s football stage curtain is watched. is painted The Wallis’in the style had occasional visits to a site adjacent to the Hall. A BookmobileThe Hall has now a distinctive serves the stage community curtain titled with of Barry Jaggers, if in fact it is not by him. It is of a mountainous scene, which could well be Italy. ‘In the Rockies’ painted in 1928 by Barry Jaggers. MIV Magazine No. 37 – Winter 2015 33

- FROM THE SHELVES OF A MECHANICS' LIBRARY

The Mechanics’ Institutes are knownEx-Libris universally for their libraries, which were in most steelConstable engraving & Co./ after London: GF Sargent Hurst, cases the first in the many Chance & Co., 1830. Hardback. 296p, communities in which they were established. Whilst many books by W Archibald. 100x160mm. were taken to the local tip or theConstable’s Various Miscellany Departments of Original of the sold, even the blandest title can and Selected Publications in tell us much about the Institute and the conduct of its library. theLiterature, Heirs of Science D Willison. and Bound the Arts in emeraldVo1. LIV. greenPrinted linen, by J Hutchisonwith maroon for

ItThis was issue's clearly title circulated is ex-libris within San leather patch, gold blocked with Francisco Mechanics’ Institute. ‘Constable’s/ Miscellany/ LIV/ the stipulated required use Wallace.' the fifty year period when Marginalia: On the base of the merge, was incorporated into carriesspine is ahandwritten 60mm circular in white canary ink theof Mercantile,Institute’s aftertitle. theIt 1906was ‘800/ C756/ V.45’. The front cover printed Hammer and Hand logo Constable’s label on top left corner with black Miscellany‘released’ from Seriesstock after, which 1965. The book is in the Archibald and ‘1855’ with additional wording Constable The‘Mechanics’ front Institute/paste down Mechanics- carries was started by Mercantile/ Library San Franciso’. (1776-1827) in Edinburgh1826 [Constable Review commencedin 1802.]. a 65x135mm white label with Hepublishing died in 1827 the and successfulthe Series a printed in black engraving of John Aitken an ‘Athenaeum-like’ building Henry Constable under construction by ‘Arthur F was taken over by series editor Mathews’ (Arthur Frank Mathews (1860-1945)). (1793-1833), and the London The words ‘Mechanics-/ Mercantile/ Library’ withpublisher, more Hurst,than seventy Chance &volumes Co. The in consortium print. The appear in a panel at the base. Over this wording, broke up when Hursts was restructured in 1831, lowerrubberstamped part of the in title black, page is the is an wording oval pin ‘Released pierced by/ Mechanics’ Institute/ San Francisco’. On the Series then appears to have been taken over by San Francisco’. The Contents page, at the top, London-based Whittaker & Co.Murray’s and ceased Family at tattoo with the wording ‘Mechanics’ Institute Libraryvolume eighty in 1835. (This Series was started two years before that of [John] carries a green vertical rubber stamp ‘Apr-5’18’ issued at, and one was shilling the first and of asome number titles of series.)ran to Next to this in pencil horizontal across the page Each volume, hardbound in linen cloth, was is ‘800/ C756’. At the base of the page in a blue John Hutchison steel stamp are the numerals ‘63157’. On the more than one volume as the one below, vols. David 53 Underneathback paste down this inis a95x105mm green rubber light stamp tan ruled‘This Willisonand 54. The Edinburgh printer book is due/ on last date stamped on Pocket’. father-in-law.appears to have taken over the printery of The artist (1747-1821). George FrederickThe latter wasSargent Constable’s label carrying the handwritten notation ‘800/ 64) appears to have lived in Australia in the C756/ V54’. Printed alongside in black is the 1850s. The engraver William Archibald (1811- wording 'Mechanics’/ Mercantile Library/ 57 Post Street/ San Francisco/ This book should John Donald Carrick (1769- be returned on or before the last date stamped/ 1847) produced manyLife works of Sir forWilliam books. Wallace of below. Two cents fine for each day it is kept ElderslieAuthored by (1787- -3’65’overtime.’ Three borrowings are recorded in a 1837), the title is ' blue steel stamp below ‘Nov 17’41/ Jun 29’50/ Jul : In two Volumes - Vol. 2. Edinburgh: 34 Useful Knowledge

Surrey Hills Literary Tooligie: A Short Book ReviewsInstitute: A History – History – Tooligie Hall Ken James. Camberwell: 1932-1982 - Toologie Ken James, 2015. Paperback, perfect Committee. Tooligie: bound. 62 pages, Hall Jubilee Book illustrations, index. 210x300mm. Tooligie Hall Jubilee Following on Book Committee, 1982. illustrations.Paperback, perfect sleuthing on the elusive 1bound. 8 5 x viii, 2 4 68 0 m pages, m . Ken James’ amazing 0959338608.

West Melbourne Literary Institute, he now takes us in search Located in South Australia, and north of Port of the Surrey Hills Literary Institute and its grain.Lincoln, This on isthe the railway story of line the to region’s Lock, Tooligie hall and was the satellite the Surrey Hills Literary and Debating peoplea railway that siding it served for and the still loading serves of as ballast a meeting and Society. Again the Institute’s official record is place, school and church. missing and the story has been pieced together from newspaper extracts, directory and Public 1931, in Ray Shah’s shed, when residents of the Record Office Victoria sources. ‘It all began with a meeting, called on 9 June During the Institute’s brief life from 1892- still1917 exists it occupied at 101-105 the upper Union floor Road, of Mrs Surrey Elizabeth Hills. Tooligie district decided to build a Hall.’ The Ellerker’s private Surrey Hall, a building which facsimile of the Minutes of that meeting were precise and dealt with two resolutions: ‘that Mr survived,Here it establishedsave some listings a substantial in Annual library Reports. of DC [David Cullege] Dearman’s offer of block No. 8 perhaps 3000 books, a record of which has not trustto be acceptedof TD [Thomas for the Dunleavey]purpose of buildingHill, H [Harry] a hall’; occupations, and their interaction with a range Dearmanand ‘that theand allotmentR[Ray] Shah.’ be transferred Both resolutions to the of Thecommunity role of the sporting, various officebearers, church and offraternal diverse were carried.

this is a worthy well-illustrated history of a groupsThe isparticipation teased out through of Protestant biographies clergy and is also the railwayCompiled siding for hall. the Hall’sI am fiftyso glad year that celebration, the Hall occupational listing of some key players. noted in this vigourous but relatively short-lived Committee took the extra print run and have CongregationalInstitute. Particularly Church, notable Surrey isHills. the youthfulA photo centralityretained copiesof the remote so that Tooligie others community further a fieldhall. Rev. C Bernard Crockett MA based at the Wyclif can appreciate the history, significance and showing his Church’s signboard advertising his posted.Available from: Tooligie Hall Committee, Ms ANZAC [sic] sermon themes ‘Out of Egypt’ and Toni Sheridan, Box 1311,Around Lock, SA and5633. $20.00About commentator‘A Deathless Army’ who ledare histypical Church of his in challengingAustralasia Broughton: Celebrating andstyle. travelled He later the world, became providing a leading commentary social the 50th Anniversary of on contemporary humanitarian issues. the Broughton Memorial Hall 1957- 2007. A Photographic This is a very worthy contribution to and Literary Sketch of Mechanics’ Institute studies, for which Ken Family and Community forthcominghas now made revised a very and significant updated edition contribution. of Pam Groups - Joy Wheaton, Baragwanath’sThis will be furtherIf the Walls consolidated Could Speak with the . to be Broughton:Ruth Dickinson Broughton and published later this year Delwyn Colbert. Available from: Ken James, 18 Lofty Avenue, Camberwell, V 3124. $25, posted. Memorial Hall MIV Magazine No. 37 – Winter 2015 35

Bookpages, illustrations, Reviews maps, facsimiles. cont... Duncan Phyfe. 210x300mm.Committee, 2007. Paperback, perfect bound. 160 Union;Generations Abram Sof Hewitt, the Institute’s New York alumni Mayor; have and

Broughton area is noted for its large scale years and its graduates, educated without fee, are Located in Victoria’s Mallee region, the stillbuilt highlyor managed regarded. New The York Institute over more commenced than 150 teaching young women the use of the typewriter excellentcropping andwell-chosen grazing. photos This isand a verymaps. well It tellsproduced the story book, of by those an un-nameddistrict families printer, which with their services without cost. fromThe 1877. Institute Many guestconducts lecturers the city’s also providesecond have used Broughton’s hall, since the first was built in 1904, and the ultimately much-needed oldest library, holds one of the most significant generationreplacement descendants built in 1957. who It arehighlights part of aand caring still Hammercollections and of Hand historical All Arts locks Do in Stand’ the world logo and community with many fourth, fifth or even sixth slogan.still holds its 1785 banner depicting the ‘By We learn throughout its long history, the contribute to district life. livesMemories, in rural Victoria prompted when by thecommunities various photos, made change, which includes recently restarting theirwill flood own backfun and to those recreation. readers who lived similar General Society has survived by adapting to

classes covering the ‘old’ trades enabling students endThe of a story. book On concludes the contrary, with it is a only thoughtful a pause to gain skills for historic building restoration paragraph. ‘This would seem to indicate the 20work. West The 44th Institution Street since has 1899. been located on five sitesPolly since Guerin its beginning, has done the the current Institute one proud being inat before a new beginning. There are many more documenting its rich history through word and wechapters call Broughton. to be written The in charactersthe years ahead, who manyhave the careful selection of fascinating photographs. playedmore ‘symphonies’ centre stage to behave played passed by the on ‘orchestra’ the torch which we, in turn, must pass on those who follow us.’ Available from: Amazon approx US$20.00, plus postage. It is also availableDo Minersas an ebook. Read Dickens?: Origins and Road,Available Broughton, from: V 3418. Broughton $35.00, Memorialposted. Hall Progress of the South Committee, Ms Joy Wheaton, 451 Yanac South Wales Miners’ Library The General Society of - Hywel Francis and Mechanics and Sian Williams. Cardigan, Tradesmen of the City of New York: A History - Polly Guerin. Charleston, pages,Wales: Parthianillustrations, Books, NC: The History Press, 2013. Hardback. 136 215x305mm. pages, illustrations, 9781909844445.bibliography, index. 2015. Paperback, 220 155x230mm. 9781626194762.bibliography, index. repository for the collectionThis of information book creates on the a This Institute had its compelling case for the establishment of a central

onestated hundred. subject area, in this case the South Wales start in 1785, in the fledgling New York, and it Coal Miners’ libraries of which there were over Instituteestablished opened its apprentices’in 1858 to provide library free in 1820.night The Times of Lectures began in 1837 and the Mechanics’ The public trigger came with an article by journalist Trevor Fishlock in school education in the trades, notably building. accident1 January and 1973 plunder’.’ headed The ‘Great article working-class detailed the Its membership has included: Benjamin Franklin; libraries of Wales destroyed by ‘ignorance, Andrew Carnegie; Peter Cooper of the Cooper 36 Useful Knowledge

On a Saturday Night: Bookand remnants of Reviews others, in total some 11,000cont... Community Halls of rescue ‘in tact’ of the Bargoed Miners’ Library Small-Town New Zealand books, by the University of Swansea to create ‘a Frey and Sara South Wales Miners’ Library to preserve what Newman, – Michelewith survives and to be a centre for private bequests’. HistoryThis action Project had 1971-73.been part of the Social Sciences Research Council-funded South Wales Coalfield photographs by John Maillard and John The authors, Labor MP Hywel Francis and O’Malley. studySian Williams,of the modus Librarian operandi of of the a visionary South Wales team 235x235mm.Christchurch: 9781927145371. Canterbury University Press, comprisedMiners’s Library of David have Egan, produced Hywel Francis, a masterful Connie 2012. Paperback. 295 pages, illustrations, plans. throughout with colour photographs and some This entrancing book, lavishly illustrated materialJones, Merfyn and conducted Jones, Alun face Morganto face interviews. and Mona Robinson, who combed the valley coalfields for black and white archive material, could only come from a heavily subsidised project, with All this confirmed the notion as to why these printing being done in China. libraries were contemporaneously described as TheThat project said team it is aselected remarkable some time forty capsule country of conversation‘the brains of theof Coalfield’.two [unnamed] Swansea hallsNew Zealand’sfor detailed north coverage. and south Each island hall is rural given halls. the UniversityThe book’s Professors, title comes whilst from scanning the reported the people and today treatment. There are internal, history, architecture, major events, ‘different’, shelves of the South Wales Miners’ Library ‘Do miners read Dickens?’ Indeed they did and much external, some qwerky and a scattering of more. In reviewing the Library’s ten years of restorationsarchival pics orand facsimiles the various of memorabilia. upgrades of progress in 1983, the distinguished miners' It records the initial builds, rebuilds, leader Will Paynter described his Rhondda-based requirements. However the fascinating part of Cymmer Workmen’s Library as ‘an educational kitchen and ‘anteroom’ or toilet and lighting citadel.’ This was ‘his Eton’. Little wonder the miners during their marches ineach their Hall future. is its people.They welcomed The authors us warmlynote ‘These and proudly carried aloft banners proclaiming locals love the history of their halls and believe ‘Knowledge is Power’. And this book plumbs knowledge’s forms in an economic, cultural and shared their knowledge with great generosity. democratic context. The Library’s collection Their enthusiasm for this book was inspiring.’ ranges from books, pamphlets, book catalogues, indeedThe a picture skills ofis worth the a two thousand award words. winning They printed rules, posters, banners, taped interviews photographers however made this book, for to memorabilia. The use and experience of the Library and its have probed the various individual elements of theirCollection life’s perspective. is detailed in the Chapter ‘Enriching each hall, from broom cupboard, stage curtains, Lives’ with influential men and women providing remnant library, ticket box, and of course the international exchange programs and has a capturedindomitable and hall thus people. preserved something of its The Library runs courses, exhibitions, Again quoting the authors: ‘We hope we have Indeed they have and any discerning reader will strong digital web presence on the Swansea [the hall’s] essence within the pages of the book.’ theUniversity Coach House, website. Hendrefoelan Campus, Swansea pages. A visit to the South Wales Miners’ Library in gain much from perusing this book’s captivating should be the aim of every serious archivist, but Available from: Canterbury University Press, Surgery,firstly read Napier this book. Street, Cardigan, Wales SA43 Box 4800, Christchurch, New Zealand. NZ$45.00. 1ED,Available £15 plus from:postage. Parthian Books, The Old You can buy on online www.nationwidebooks. co.nz. It is also available as an ebook. MIV Magazine No. 37 – Winter 2015 37

The South Wales Our People Sian him. In his farewell Williams speechgrants Dr thanks Bill noted to twentyMiners' years Library’s with this celebrates love, a veterinarian ‘I am a farmer by dynamic library. coordinatedBesides her work the as errorby training of judgment.’ and a Librarian, Sian has However,politician by his an U n i v e r s i t y ’ s judgement when it DepartmentLibrary’s and ofSwansea Adult came to Community Continuing Education Halls was never found wanting. programs under the banner ‘Promoting Your Learning, Preserving Our Past’. Sian was short- In the number of farewells throughout his listed for the CILIP Welsh Librarian of the Year in heelectorate, opened the there 129th was annual one notable Tolmie theme Sports ‘He in minerssite.wordpress.com)2014 ‘a much deserved nomination, for all her was always accessible.’ And clearly still is, for hard work, dedication and passion’. (Photo: Heriot-Watt February this year. Thank you Bill for your U n i v e r s i t y care to the community. (Photo: Twitter/ r e c e n t l y @MarkJesser) On the other side of the announced the world we see the appointment of University of P r o f e s s o r Cincinnati’s President R i c h a r d Santa J Ono turning Williams OBE as its new third year running. He Principal and down his bonus for the Vice- Chancellor. Professor Richard has wide appliedhas asked to thatfourteen the international experience from his previous scholarships$200,000 sum and be charities, including $10,000 to the family of major appointments at the University of Leeds, and most recently at Birmingham. ‘I am delighted to be joining a University that has a proud www.uc.edu)Cincinnati Police Officer Sony Kim who was shot heritage and evident track record of outstanding and killed in June 2015 in the line of duty. (Photo: achievement in science, engineering and business and with such a profound global reach.’ Indeed University, Rochester HW has come a long way since being established InstituteAnother USof Technology Mechanics’ as the Edinburgh School of Arts in 1821. (Photo: Inwww.hw.ac.uk) the listings of Parliamentary farewells in new strategic plan Dr Bill Sykes, the is working through its through Difference’. the last issue we overlooked Sandratitled ‘Greatness‘Sandy’ former National Party Member for Benalla. After Johnson has recently intoan early the careerrole of in veterinarian. football, during Dr Billwhich was he elected played toforty-eight Parliament games in Opposition for Fitzroy in 2002. he progressed Until his year at RIT as Senior retirement last year he served the community Vice-Presidentcompleted her firstfor well and many Halls in the region received Student Affairs. Sandy 38 Useful Knowledge Our People staff of 200 people in the University’s Student oversees an annual budget of $25 million and a essence an engine. It needs fuel, people on board Departments. With nine colleges, 15,000 and a whole team to keep it running. How apt. undergraduates,Life, Wellness, Student 2,900 graduates Learning from and Athleticsall 50 US Are you ready for takeoff?Ballarat - Federation University of Australia of that you can add the 1300 deaf and hard of hearingStates and students 100 countries at its it is Nationalno easy task. Technical On top Chancellor Professor Terry(FedUni) retiringLloyd Vice-was recently elected to the Institute for the Deaf. (Photo: www.rit.edu) position of Vice-

the Ballaarat President – Library at Emeritus Professor TerryMechanics’ is Institute.present

President of the Sovereign Hill Museums highlandsllen.org)Association, where the Gold Museum Collections Centre has recently been built. (Photo: www.

Director Natalie Elicker is continuing on with herThe predecessor Mechanics’ Institute Will Baker’s of New Haven Executive restoration and Institute renewal program. However it came as a surprise relentless to receive building the prestigious New Haven Preservation Trust’s Landmark Plaque for the Extraordinary Devotion to Preservation Natalie, who stepped down from practicing law with attorneys Wiggin and Dana on in 26 New May Haven, 2015. is a graduate of the University of Virginia and was an occasional worker in their Rare Book School. notWith surprising two further that subsequent the Institute grants is tohosting support a were recently named in the Greater City of Flyingongoing Pig works, Roast New Haven is on a roll and it is SheppartonThe Shepparton 2015 Mechanics’Cultural Heritage Institute Awards Trustees in newhavenindependent.org) in September. (Photo: www. Trustees Chair, Lance Woodhouse, was on hand the Category of ‘Conservation of a Place’. The SMI innovative President RobertOur hardworking Kingston and toL-R: receive Greater the AwardShepparton on behalf City Council, of the Institute. Cr Dinny recently addressed Adem, Katandra & District History Group Inc’s Garry Wallden, the Historical Society of Mooroopna’s Bob McClure, Greater Shepparton Institutethe AGM on of the City Council Mayor, Cr Dennis Patterson, Yorta futureBallaarat of Mechanics’Institutes Yorta Nations Aboriginal Corporation’s Leon around the world. Saunders, Shepparton Mechanics Institute’s Lance Woodhouse and Greater Shepparton City Council, Institute to an Cr Jenny Houlihan. aeroplane,Robert likened which is anin Photo: www.sheppadviser.com.au MIV Magazine No. 37 – Winter 2015 39

RECIPE Community Page in Ex-Libris Australian farmers and manufacturers, many of which are Institute volunteers and supporters 11. From which Institute did the book featured deserve your support. Hopefully the purchase originate? of Australian grown or made products will help 12. Who are the two nurses featured on Little reward them. WonderfulRiver Australian World Nurses’ of Mechanics’ Memorial? Institutes 13. What New Zealand Institute is featured in

STEAK PASTE SPOTof inTHE this ‘BAKER’S issue? DOZEN’ REFERENCES IN USEFUL KNOWLEDGE NO. 36 - ANSWERS

0.25You will teaspoon need for Nutmeg a good multi sandwich batch 1 kg Topside steak, thinly sliced 1. Prahran Mechanics’Institute; 2. Melbourne Pinch of Cayenne Pepper Athenaeum Library; 3. Gunns Plains Hall; Salt2.5 tablespoons and Pepper toMargarine taste 4. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute; 5. Dr (now Professor) Stefan Petrow; 6. Kilmore Mechanics’ Institute; 7. Sally Roadknight; 8. Association of 2.5 tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce Mechanics’ Institutes and Schools of Arts NSW; Method 9. John Killen; 10. San Francisco Mechanics’ PartyInstitute; Venue. 11. Narre Warren Mechanics’ Institute; 12. Alexander Sutherland Murray; 13. Waterfall 1. Combine ingredients in a basin with a lid. 4.2. PourCook liquidon medium over minced heat for meat. two hours. 5.3. MinceCover meat,and place and place in the in fridgeshallow for dish. two hours before use. SPOT THE ‘BAKER’S DOZEN’ REFERENCES IN USEFUL KNOWLEDGE NO. 37 ‘Let’s Talk’ 2.1. WhichWhere isHall the nexthosts MIV Wednesday Regional Forum Afternoon Tea at to the be Hallheld? MECHANICS’ INSTITUTES OF VICTORIA ? REGIONAL FORUM 4.3. Which Hall Hall Committee has the MG manages O’Brien a Hall Cemetery as an annexe? ‘LET’S TALK’ 5. Who has recently joined the Ballaarat on its Reserve? Lilydale Athenaeum, 39-41 Castella Street, 6. WhatMechanics’ was the Institute name asof the Vice-President Surrey Hills - Lilydale

Library? Saturday, 12 September 2015 - 9am-4pm 7. In which State is the Gurulmundi School of Institute? Each SpeakersInstitute is– Informationgiven time to Exchange tell their –story. Book Trading Table 8. What WA Hall received a Lottery West grant Arts located? concerns. 9. Which Halls are featured in Curtain Call in Let’s hear of yourAll activities, welcome. aspirations and to fix its roof? This is FREE day. 10. Which Hall was associated with Edith this issue?

Ambrosine Scrimger? Please RSVP:advise [email protected]; any special dietary requirements. Tel: (03) 9873 7202 40 Useful Knowledge

IdeasThe State Library & of Oortunities Victoria has launched ‘Victorian Places’. This on the offchance that some funding may come In the past the idea of having projects ‘in the can’ anda new provides website a history called for each place along with a management strategy. Why not schedule your maps,comprises photos, every newspaper town and extracts suburb and in Victoriacurrent nextyour Hallway meetinghas been early, raised. and This in theis a daylight,vital part for of demographic information. complement to the much used Australian cladding,a thorough windows, walk around doors, and internal walk through signage, of DictionaryThis excellent of Biography innovation will be a valuable your hall. Look at the roof, spouting, downpipes,

and will be a boon to all electricalPrioritise cabling, what needs gas connection,doing, what kitchenneeds withthose Monashworking inUniversity the heritage and sector. the University replacingfacilities, andand crockery.get the elements costed and then of ItQueensland has been a massive project co-ordinatedwww. discuss it with Council and your Parliamentary victorianplaces.com.au. . Check it out at If you can fine representatives as to possible funding sources. tune it or add other vital information like the AYou secure could recordsbe surprised. store in your hall is a must. goodestablishment to see localities of the also community listed, particularly hall please for The current Incorporated Association legislation communicate with the webmaster. It would be requires the passing over of Institute records Place Namesthe benefit of Victoria. of family historians, to supplement cases an Institute’s accrued records might the now thoroughly thumbed Les Blake’s when an officer ceases in a position. In some The Federation of Australian Historical Societies andcomprise store several these records boxes which in your is an Hall. added They burden will some great news that a National Arts, Culture on officers. Get a secure vermin proof cabinet and Heritage e-Bulletin Lottery No. 139 – July 2015 brings then be available for access at meetings or even June meeting of the Parliamentary is definitely on Friends the table. of placing in order at a working bee. They can be The bulletin summarised the proceedings of the theplaced insect in repellent self-sealing from plastic time to bags time to as keep this will out furtherdust and protect moisture them. and PS.can Beforebe labelled. you sealReplenish them History and Heritage. ‘Arts, Culture and Heritage Lottery – This was described by the Minister [Greg Hunt] as the real prize which is being [email protected] up you might like to have them digitised by proposed by the government – and would be MIV without cost. In the first instance email: based on the successful example of the Western With the warmer weather approaching now is outlinedAustralian this Governmentas a high priority, [Lottery with a West]six months and the UK Heritage Lottery [Fund]. The Minister initiative. This funding mechanism will help the time for spring cleaning. This need not be time frame proposed to work out details of this ormajor siliconing works, but window can be verysurrounds, minor like replacing touching up paint on bare or knocked woodwork, puttying hasaddress made community a representation concerns to the about Government limited onfunding this availablein regards for to heritage small initiatives.’low-doc grants MIV cracked panes, putting up some netting to keep theThere possums are oralso birds excellent out, and compounds door seals, which and willbaiting actually to deter cover mice over and rats.small rusted holes in underThe $20,000 success offor the vital low-doc hall maintenance loans in WA and works, the plumbing, rewiring, painting, restumping, etc. outgalvanised thus protecting iron roofing. the Whilstall-important aesthetically internal it UK is immediately evident, timely action by small might not look good, at least it will keep the water works can obviate the need for major works later on if action is taken promptly, particularly as reallyroof structure do apply. and flooring. The old adages of regards to roof leaks, broken windows, external ‘little and often’ and ‘a stitch in time saves nine’ paint work, etc.