The Mechanics' Hall, Footscray was the scene of a festive gathering on Saturday evening last, when about 80 members and friends of the family of Mr. and Mrs. F. A. Kruse, of Paisley street, assembled to celebrate the golden wedding of that genial couple. The breakfast was tastefully set in the small hall, and ample justice was done to the good things provided by Mr. G. Stewart. (Footscray Independent, September 28, 1918, see here)
Golden Wedding - An event of unusual local interest was held in Yinnar Mechanics' Institute on Wednesday evening, June 23rd, the occasion being the celebration of the Golden Wedding of Cr. and Mrs. A. M. Coleman, "Fair View", Yinnar. Upwards of 50 relatives representing four generations attended the function. After games of a various nature had been indulged in supper was partaken
of. (Morwell Advertiser, July 1, 1948, see here)
E is for Explosions. The use of generators Mechanics' Institutes used to power lighting and film projectors etc presented a danger as the acetylene gas used as the fuel was extremely flammable – here are two explosive accounts - one from Werribee in 1908 and the other from Merino in 1910 -
Acetylene Generator Explodes, Merino Mechanics’ Hall unroofed - An explosion occurred in the Merino Mechanics' on Monday night while the secretary (Mr. Clarke) was attending to the acetylene generator. The roof of the house was blown off. Mr Clarke was thrown some distance away, and received injuries to his leg, shoulder and face. He is confined to bed, but is doing well. No lights were used, and it is hard to account for the explosion. (Geelong Advertiser, June 22, 1910, see here)
R is for Rules. All Mechanics' Institutes had their own rules and here are some of the rules the Newport Mechanics' Institute adopted in 1934.
Newport Mechanics’ Institute. Conditions of Membership. At a public meeting last week 61 rules and five by-laws were adopted for the control of the Newport Mechanics’ Institute. The rules were originally drawn up in 1886, and are now revised in view of the erection of the Institute. The following rules are of special interest:—
The Newport Mechanics’ Institute and Free Library has for its objects the diffusion of literary, scientific, and other useful knowledge, and recreation, among its members, to the exclusion of controversy on religious subjects.
These objects are sought to be obtained by means of a library of reference and a circulating library, a reading room, a lecture hall, the establishment of classes, and the delivery of lectures, particularly those which have more immediate reference to the Commonwealth of Australia.
The Institution shall be under the sole control of a committee of management of nine members, who shall be elected every three years. Males of 18 years and upward shall be eligible to become members. Youths over 14 years and under 18 years of age, and ladies shall be eligible as associates.
The annual subscription for members shall be ten shillings, and for Associates five shillings.
Due order shall be preserved, and no person shall be allowed to smoke in any part of the Institution, except in the room set apart for that purpose. And no person shall be allowed to bring a dog into the Institution under a penalty not exceeding five shillings for the first offence, and subject to expulsion from the Institution on a repetition of the same if the committee of management shall think fit. No intoxicating liquor shall be brought into the building under any pretext whatever. (Williamstown Advertiser, July 21, 1934, see here)
At the monthly meeting of the Committee of Management of the Mechanics' Institute, on Wednesday last, it was resolved to clear out of the library the accumulation of rubbish in the shape of trashy novels and worn out volumes which at present cumber and disgrace the shelves, and to set apart such a sum as the funds will admit (probably from £20 to £30) for the purchase of new and standard works. This very necessary step has long been contemplated, and we are glad to see that the Committee have at length taken action in the matter. (Wagga Wagga Advertiser, March 4, 1871, see here)
Y is for Youngsters. The Frankston Standard newspaper sponsored the Grand Champion Baby Contest of the Peninsula at the Somerville Mechanics’ Institute in 1947.
The "Standard" grand champion Baby Contest of the Peninsula was was finalised at the Mechanics' Hall on Friday afternoon, when three months old Lynne Higgins, of Somerville, was judged grand champion (all ages), also champion under six months (boy or girl) of the Mornington Peninsula. There were 40 finalists, representing all parts of the Peninsula. Peninsula age champions are: Lynne Higgins (Somerville), under six months; Dorothy Peterson (Sorrento), under 21 months; Harry Lockett (Mornington),under two years; and Lorraine and Edward Scully (Sorrento), twins. Sole judge was Dr. V. L. Collins, eminent Melbourne child specialist, Colonel A. Sage (former Matron-in-Chief Australian Army National Services), officiated as honorary matron supervisor, and was ably, assisted by Sister McDonald (Truby King sister), and Miss B. Duncan (secretary Frankston Infant Welfare Centre.) (Frankston Standard, April 24, 1947, see full report here)
Lorraine and Edward Scully, champion twins.
C is for Critters. Mechanics' Institutes were the venue for pet shows, dog shows, bird shows and the like. The Coonabarabran Mechanics' Institute hosted the Church of England pet show in July 1947 and Graham Smith won the best trained dog class. As reported -
H is for Heat and Cold – the weather. The Geelong Mechanics’ Institute was an official Bureau of
Meteorology weather station. The Geelong Advertiser reported -
The Geelong Mechanics' Institute has as one of its main functions, the recording of rain and weather conditions generally. In a district so noted for its primary products as the Western District the existence of a station with such a replete means of keeping a systematic record of the weather is an asset in many directions. Men on the land, more dependent than anyone upon the weather, are wont to make a study of its fluctuations in modern times. Information gleaned from the weather bureaux enables them to make comparisons that are often valuable in subsequent years as a guide in planting and carrying out other rural processes. Much interest centred in the record of last year's rainfall which was prepared at the Mechanics' and published in the "Advertiser" and other periodical returns are always eagerly awaited. The bureau is also serviceable as a centre for the dissemination of weather reports from near and far, and the daily weather bulletins and maps are available to be perused from 9 o'clock every morning. (Geelong Advertiser, January 7, 1926, see here)
In January 1917 the Geelong Advertiser reported that At the Mechanics' Institute the highest reading at 2.30 p.m. was 103, which constitutes a record for this summer. In June 1927 the same paper reported that At 9 o'clock yesterday morning the reading on the dry bulb thermometer at the Mechanics' Institute was 34.8 degrees, which is 2.2 degrees above freezing point. The officer in charge (Mr D. McDonald) reports that this is the lowest temperature for that hour in Geelong of which he can find any record. (Geelong Advertiser, January 20, 1917, see here and June 18, 1927, see here)
R is for Raffles. Mechanics' Institutes hosted an array of social functions to raise funds for
community groups and a raffle was frequently a feature of these functions. Raffles were also run to raise funds for building or maintaining Institutes. In Brisbane in 1879 it was reported that -
An allotment of land in Stanley-street, was raffled for at the Mechanics' Institute, South Brisbane, on Thursday week. Between, four and five hundred persons, ticket-holders wore present. As often happens in these cases, the man who least expected to win did win. Mr. Joseph Kelly, principal messenger for the Legislative Council, invested in a solitary half-crown ticket and thought no more about it. (The Brisbane Week, December 27, 1879, see here)
In August last a bazaar was held in aid of the Long Gully Mechanics' Institute. In connection with the bazaar a raffle was conducted for a canteen of cutlery, valued at £50, made by Joseph Rogers, of Sheffield, and supplied by Messrs. White Bros., Pall Mall. Five other prizes were also offered. Since the issue of the tickets 6400 were sold, including more than 1000 on Saturday and yesterday. The drawing took place at the Royal Princess Theatre last night in the presence of the large crowd which had witnessed the Tivoli pictures. The drawing was done by two small girls - Misses Irene Foley and Rose O'Callaghan - and under the supervision of Mayor Wilkie, Mr. J. Jewell, president; Mr. Wm Bidwell secretary, and other members of the committee. (Bendigo Independent, September 1, 1914, see here)
I found two accounts of a horse being offered as a raffle prize at functions held at Mechanics' Institutes. In Geelong in 1912 -
On Friday evening in the Mechanics' Institute a somewhat novel mode of raising funds for a charitable institution, the St. Augustine's Orphanage, will be brought into play - a concert combined with a raffle. The prizes consist of a draught horse, dray and harness, gold watch and chain, books and stationery and other articles. (Geelong Advertiser, July 13, 1912, see here)
In Bacchus Marsh in 1940 -
The final War Service Fund effort for this year will be the big night to be held in the Mechanics' Hall on Wednesday night, 4th December, when the raffle for the filly donated by Mr. L. M. Dugdale, J.P., will be drawn. (Bacchus Marsh Express, November 9, 1940, see here)
I is for Inquests. Inquests were held at Mechanics' Institutes and these sad events were reported in the papers, sometimes in graphic detail.
Violet Town in 1902 - At the Mechanics' Hall on Monday afternoon an inquest was held as to the cause of death of an illegitimate female child, named Kate Corbett, the infant of an unmarried woman, named Johanna Corbett, residing at Tamleugh. (Violet Town Sentinel, January 24 1902, see here)
Loch in 1915 - At the Mechanics' Hall, today an inquest was opened by Dr. R. H. Cole, the City Coroner, concerning the death of Elizabeth Dunbabin, single, 44, whose body was found at Woodleigh, on August 24, and of Peter Allen, a railway navvy, who was found dead in his tent at Woodleigh on August 26. (The Herald, September 8, 1915, see here)
Morwell in 1924 - Keen interest was taken in the inquest held in, Morwell Mechanics' Hall, on Wednesday last, touching the unfortunate death of Catherine Dawson, 68 years of age, who was found brutally murdered in her hut between the Eastern Camp and Brown Coal Mine on the morning of 10th inst, her head having been battered in with an axe. (Morwell Advertiser, November 28 1924, see here)
At most of the Inquests the body was not present but there was this tragic case from 1891-The funeral of Mrs. Haussman, the wife of a Presbyterian minister at Barnedown, had been stopped by a telegram from Superintendent Ryall, just as the mournful cortege was approaching the Goornong Cemetery. The body was then conveyed to the Goornong hall, where an inquest was held by Mr. G. W.F. Patterson, P. M. Mounted-constable Murray watched the case on behalf of the police. After reviewing, a quantity of evidence adduced the jury returned a verdict as follows: - That the deceased, Blanche Haussmann died on the 21st. October at Barnedown from bronchitis, complicated by childbirth, and we are of opinion that if a medical man had been called in sooner her life might have been saved, and the husband, J. G. Haussmann, and Sophia Heatley, a niece, were guilty of negligence in not calling in a doctor sooner, but we do not intend this verdict to be one of manslaughter against either of them." (Tarrangower Times, October 28, 1891, see here)
S is for Soldiers. Mechanics' Institutes were the usual venue for 'Welcome Homes' to returning soldiers. This event took place at the Koo Wee Rup Mechanics’ Hall -
Koo-Wee-Rup Welcomes Soldiers - About the biggest and best function of its kind ever held at Koo wee-rup took place on Friday night last, when the local hall was crammed, jammed and packed to its utmost capacity, over 300 being present. Koo-wee-rup was honoring its returning heroes, Corporal Gilchrist, Privates Cochrane and M'Gree. On arrival the schoolchildren formed a guard of honor, and Mr W. Eason welcomed the soldiers on behalf of the committee. At the local hall, which was most tastefully decorated by the ladies, Councillor O'Brien presented each man with a ring, bearing the colors of their respective battalions. They were enthusiastically received, and made suitable responses. The returned men all fought in France. Corporal Gilchrist was injured in the body with shrapnel, a piece still lying close to his heart. Private Cochrane was wounded in the hand and elbow, and Private M'Gree's leg was injured. The latter was on board the Ballarat when that troopship was torpedoed in the Channel. (Lang Lang Guardian, May 4, 1918, see here)
Deplorable condition of conveniences. The request of the Moe Mechanics' Committee that the council should bear the whole cost of servicing and cleaning the lavatories at the Mechanics' Hall because they were used by the general public, met with a favourable response from councillors at the last meeting. Councillors agreed with the committee's description of conditions. Cr. K. Mitchell said that they were deplorable. The conveniences are far too accessible to police properly. He was inclined to agree with the suggestion of the caretaker and the committee, that they should be closed up during the day and only open when functions took place in the hall. Cr. Guy: It's a sorry state of affairs. I don't blame the hall committee in the least. They are doing a good job and should not be charged rates for the service. Cr. Balfour: The shire has a responsibility in this matter. A comfort station will relieve the situation. The council should provide a free service. A motion writing-off the rates on the notice serve on the committee was later carried. The engineer is also to see what can be done about cleaning the conveniences daily (Narracan Shire Advocate, October 19, 1951, see here).
M is for Moving. This is a great account of moving the Kongwak Hall in 1924 (Not sure if Kongwak was a Mechanic’ Institute but it is too good a story to leave out)
Moving a Public Hall – Remarkable Feat - What was regarded as an impossible achievement has been carried out at Kongwak, in South Gippsland, by the firm carrying on business under the name of A. McGregor, of Doveton street, Ballarat. For many years past local residents have been desirous of transferring the public hall, which was situated on top of a hill 200 feet from the road, to a new and more accessible site about 300 yards further up the road. From the top of the hill down to the rod there was a drop of 60 feet in the 200 feet, and some idea of the difficulties to be overcome will be gleaned when it is stated that it took 42 bullocks to draw the empty jinker up the hill to the hall.
A is for Amusements. Should Mechanics' Institutes be a place of amusement? Here are two views from the 1860s, the first one taking a light-hearted look at the matter.
Early next session an Act will be passed for altering the name of Mechanics' Institutes to some more appropriate title. These places are not intended either for the working classes or for educational purposes. Books and papers should be abolished, and skittles and dog-fighting, ratting, boxing, and other congenial amusements, substituted. We recommend the latter suggestion to the serious consideration of the managers of the various miscalled institutions in and about Melbourne. (Melbourne Punch, December 14, 1865, see here)
Sir - Happening to be with a friend an evening or two ago, the conversation turned upon Mechanics' Institutes and what amusements given in them were suitable for the caterers to supply to the public. We differed, and hence arose a warm argument upon the subject, I maintaining that by proper amusements people were educated; therefore, the caterers ought to study to select those which would really give relaxation to the hard-wrought mind and wearied physical frame, at the same time giving a healthy moral tone by raising the mind above what is low and debasing to what is grand and sublime, and endeavoring to cultivate and permanently fix a taste for such. The grand question is, how is this to be done, and by what class of entertainment? Amusements must be had, especially by young men, for if they do not get them one way they will seek them in another that is most deteriorating to humanity ; and it ought to be the aim of every philanthropic individual to lend a helping hand - to raise that fallen thing to its proper elevation. Every stone helps to build the cairn, therefore if every hand, by its writing - every tongue, by its words - every action, by its example - would lay a stone, how soon would a mighty pyramid be reared, how soon would prostrate humanity's noble form be uplifted from grovelling in the dust. Let those who take an interest in the moral and intellectual culture of youth take the above question into their serious consideration, previous to the opening of the Mechanics' Hall after the additions and improvements now going on have been finished, that they may give the result for the guidance of those who are the managers of that institution, and who are deeply desirous of promoting the welfare of the masses. (Mount Alexander Mail, February 1, 1867, see here)
The Kyneton Guardian writes that Wm.Gordon, late secretary to the local mechanics' institute, has absconded. It is believed that he has embezzled about £14 or £15 belonging to the institute. (The Advocate, December 15, 1877 see here)
Mr Cyril Haviland, well known as secretary of the School of Arts (Mechanics' Institute), Sydney, has confessed to the committee of management, that he had embezzled L1800, the moneys of the Institution. Since then a committee of investigation has discovered that his total defalcations amount to L2300. (Mount Alexander Mail, December 13, 1893, see here)
James Sutherland Armstrong, the secretary of the Boulder Mechanics' Institute, was presented at the City Court this morning on a charge of having on November 17, stolen the sum of £33, which money had come into his possession by virtue of his position. (The Fremantle Evening Mail, November 25, 1905, see here)
And it was not only money stolen, as this report notes, reading material was also stolen.
Wholesale thefts have been taking place at the Goulburn Mechanics' reading room. Judging by the periodicals and magazines stolen, the thefts are not the work of small children. Among the magazines being stolen are Readers' Digest, World Digest, Strand, Illustrated London News, Sketch, Punch, Saturday Evening Post, Picture Post. All these have been taken during the past fortnight. (Goulburn Evening Penny Post, September 14, 1939, see here)
