On January 25, 1916 at the fourth annual meeting of the Elwood and South St Kilda Progress Association, on the motion of the newly elected President, Mr J.M. Balfour, a committee, consisting of Captain Wills, Messrs. J. F. Allen, M. Cohen, Russel, Brown, Allitt, and the president and secretary (ex officio) were appointed to consider the desirability of building a public hall at Elwood. (1).
The editor of the Prahran Chronicle, thought the idea an excellent one -The proposal contains all the more merit because of the fact that the idea is that Elwood people should own and manage their own public hall. Every community, large or small, is entitled to its own meeting place, and it is the duty of the Elwood Association, as one of the principal guardians of the interests of the residents, to bring the proposal to a satisfactory conclusion. The President mentioned that it might be possible to have a building on the lines of a Mechanics' Institute, and thus secure financial assistance from the Government. To such assistance Elwood would be fairly entitled. Then, again, as time goes on branches of the various friendly societies will be established in Elwood. An Elwood branch of the A.N.A., an Elwood Masonic Lodge, and likewise branches of the. I.O.O.F., M.U.I.O.O.F., Druids, and organisations of a kindred character are all possibilities of the near future, they are essential sources of income in the way of rents and in this connection Mr Balfour and his co-workers will no doubt give some consideration when planning out the scheme for the proposed building. It would be advisable to look a little ahead. In itself the principle that Elwood people should own their own public hall is an excellent one. (2)
The Committee recognised there was little prospect of building a hall during the present stress (3), however they sought the support of the St Kilda Council to approach the Government with a request that they reserve an allotment of land at Glenhuntly road, Elwood, for the purpose of erecting a Mechanics' Institute at an early date, adjoining or in proximity to those allotments already ear-marked for the building of the proposed post office (4), fire brigade and police stations (5). The Council was supportive and in July 1916 a deputation from the Council and the Hall Committee met with the Minister for Lands, Mr Hutchinson, and he promised to set aside and on the corner of The Broadway and Glen Huntley Road for a public hall and library (6).
Elwood c. 1925.
Intersection of Glen Huntley Road (runs from top to bottom of the photo) and The Broadway (comes from the left of the photo) and Ormond Road (comes from top right of photo on the diagonal).
The building on the bottom corner of the vacant land is the Elwood Post Office, erected in 1925 (see footnote 4). It faces Glen Huntley Road. The blocks reserved for the Police Station and Public Hall are to the left of the Post Office in The Broadway. The building with the tower/spire is the now demolished Maison De Luxe dance hall.
Image: Detail of Elwood area on Port Phillip Bay, c. 1925. Photographer Charles Daniel Pratt, Airspy.
State Library of Victoria Image http://handle.slv.vic.gov.au/10381/20531
No doubt due to the War, things moved slowly and in July 1924 it was reported that the St Kilda Council has decided that the Lands Department be asked to forthwith permanently reserve such allotments, and in the case of the site for the public hall to appoint trustees (7). It wasn't until September 24, 1924 that the land, Allotment 17, Section 5, City of St Kilda, was officially reserved from sale. The allotment closer to Glen Huntly Road, Allotment 16 was reserved for the Police Station, which was built in 1952. (8).jpg)
Two years later in June 1926, The Age could report that -
A proposal will be submitted by Elwood Progress Association for consideration at a meeting of residents next month for the establishment of a local mechanics' institute, to include a public hall, reading room, library and billiard room. The association hopes that residents will co-operate towards this end. The money to finance the scheme will be raised by means of debentures. It is expected that the institute will become a payable proposition, and that the income received will soon liquidate the initial expenditure. (9).
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Site reserved for Elwood Police Station and Public Hall
Victoria Government Gazette, October 1, 1924, pp. 3110-3111
A proposal will be submitted by Elwood Progress Association for consideration at a meeting of residents next month for the establishment of a local mechanics' institute, to include a public hall, reading room, library and billiard room. The association hopes that residents will co-operate towards this end. The money to finance the scheme will be raised by means of debentures. It is expected that the institute will become a payable proposition, and that the income received will soon liquidate the initial expenditure. (9).
Nine years later, in 1935, there was still no progress on the matter, in fact the site was so overrun with weeds that it was an eyesore (10). That year the Elwood and St. Kilda Progress Association had approached the Carnegie Trust for the funding of a Library. The Carnegie Trust was established by Scottish born American, Andrew Carnegie (1835-1919) who led and benefitted from the expansion of the American steel industry. He sold his company, Carnegie Steel, to J.P. Morgan in 1901 for 480 million dollars and then devoted his life to philanthropic activities including Libraries and managed to give away 350 million dollars in his life time (11).
However, the Carnegie Trust was not prepared to subsidise the proposed Elwood Library, as The Age noted - At a meeting of Elwood and St. Kilda Progress Association, Mr. W. Bleaszby reported that practical assistance from the Carnegie Trust in establishing a public library at Elwood could not be expected. He had ascertained that the trust was not prepared to subsidise a library at which only a care-taker would be in charge. It would, however, make the services of a qualified person available to assist in the conduct of an established library. The chairman (Major Kean) said that when a representative of the trust had last visited Australia he had been reported to have said that this country was the most backward in availing itself of the opportunities offered by the conditions of the trust for the establishment of libraries (12).
There was some local frustration about the pace of the project, as well as at a State Government level as in May 1936 the -
St. Kilda council last night received a reminder from the Secretary for Lands that a block of land in The Broadway, Elwood, reserved in 1924 as a site for a public hall, had not been developed. The Minister of Lands was now considering the revocation of the resolution, with a view to putting the land to some use. Cr. Robinson said he intended to convene a meeting of ratepayers to discuss an issue of debentures to build a hall. The Minister should be asked to stay his hand until that meeting could be held. Cr. Morley said the Dunstan Government seemed to be possessed with earth hunger. It was remarkable that it should suddenly concern itself about a 60 foot block of land at Elwood. A motion that the Minister for Lands on asked to defer action in the meantime was carried. (13)
This missive from the State Government, as well as the fact that the Boys' Scouts Association had asked for permission to erect their own hall on the land, created some action. Thus on June 10 1936 a meeting was called to discuss the erection of the Mechanics' Institute attended by the trustees of the land Councillors Robinson, Burnett Gray and Morley of the St. Kilda Council; Mr Michaelis M.L.A.; and representatives of the St Kilda and Elwood Progress Association and the Boy Scout movement in the district (14). The meeting resolved to request the St Kilda Council engineer to prepare plans for the Hall, to cost £2500. At the meeting Cr. Burnett Gray, in moving that the request be granted, said the land had a frontage of 60 feet to the Broadway and a depth of 200 feet. He estimated its value at about £1800. The provision of a public hall and library would be of great benefit to the district. Portion of the land could be used later for the erection of a baby health centre. Cr Robinson said that councillors had frequently expressed regret that St. Kilda did not have a public library. It was desired by the progress association that the building should be of a good type, in accordance with the high standards of premises in the neighborhood. (15).
The money for the hall needed to be raised and one avenue was Unemployment Relief Funds and in August 1936, both the hall and Infant Welfare Centre were listed as part of the Councils proposed works using these funds, but seemingly nothing came of this (16).
A year later, in May 1937, the St Kilda Council offered to contribute £1,250 to the cost of erecting a public hall on a site reserved for the purpose in Broadway, Elwood, on condition that citizens should provide £1,250 more. (17). This decision was not made without some debate about the need to spend money in Elwood -
Cr. Robinson said it would be to the advantage of St. Kilda if a reading centre was established. The upkeep of the hall would be defrayed by rentals. The Mayor [Cr Levy]: I am strongly in favor of a library in the civic centre. It is not needed at Elwood. Cr. Dawkins said it was preposterous impudence for a deputation to ask the council to foot the bill for a hall at Elwood. It was not until recently that there had been any local effort to do anything with the site. He favored a central library. (18).
The Elwood Library debate even made it to the letters page of The Age on November 8, 1937, when the following two letters were published -
Library Conscience.
Kindly permit me space in your valuable columns to refer to your able leader and the commentary thereon by our respected chief librarian (Mr. E.R Pitt), so far as St. Kilda is concerned as follows:— (a) St. Kilda city council was first instrumental in obtaining grant of a valuable site in Broadway, Elwood, for a public, hall and library, adjoining Elwood P.O. (b) The council then made a special grant of £1250 to assist same, (c) Site for carnivals on the foreshore to assist this cause granted, also patronage for all functions. (d) The mayor, mayoress, councillors, their wives, innumerable other ladies, and well-known citizens helping voluntarily, most generously and energetically with all entertainments, and expert advice on all beach events and masters generally, to bring into being as speedily as possible this very vital element of practical utility, pro bono publico. South St Kilda, now officially Elwood, is admittedly a very large, important, valuable and prosperous area of St. Kilda city, and all are doing their utmost here to have the hall and library an accomplished fact.
— ADVANCE CULTURE (Elwood).
While the library correspondence is proceeding the impression has arisen in some quarters that the St. Kilda city council and the residents of St. Kilda and Elwood are not awake to the value of library accommodation. May I through your columns correct this impression? The citizens of Elwood have acquired a site near Elwood post office, valued at £1700, upon which to erect a public hall, library and cultural centre. St. Kilda city council has made a grant of £1250 towards the building. An active committee has been formed, the first £100 is within sight, and many functions are being organised to augment the funds, to enable a first class cultural hall and library to be established, so that this progressive district shall be among the foremost where intellectual development is paramount, —
W. T. JONES, Org. Secretary, Elwood Hall and Free Library Fund. (19).
Some of the functions organised by the community to raise money for what was now often called the Elwood Culture Hall, included a a gala variety night at the Broadway Theatre in Elwood; carnival dance at the Maison de Luxe dance hall in Elwood in November 1937; a Beach Carnival with a scooter derby held over Easter in 1938 and the Elwood Horse Club's Gymkhana in November 1938. (20).
Even though the Elwood Mechanics' Institute was still in the planning stage, there was a potential supply of books for the Library. In November 1937, it was reported that
the St Kilda council appointed a committee to inquire into and report on the question as to whether a municipal library should be established.....Many years ago St. Kilda possessed a municipal library which was allowed to lapse. The books which formed it, how ever, were retained, and have for a long time been stored at the town hall. It has been suggested that if it is decided to re-establish the library these volumes, or such of them as are worth retaining, could be restored to the shelves. If the committee of the council referred to reports adversely to the proposal it is felt the books could appropriately be made the nucleus of a library at Elwood. (21).
A hall and library was not the only community facility needed in Elwood. In August 1940, an Infant Welfare Centre was established in St Bede's Church Hall in Elwood (22). This proved to be most inadequate and there was community agitation to have a new Infant Welfare Centre in conjunction with a public hall.
Mrs K. A. Wills, of Elwood, wrote to The Argus in April 1944 -
May I direct the attention of all concerned to the dire need of a public hall in Elwood. Though a suitable site is already provided, the women have no place in which to meet. The Baby Health Centre, at which 79 babies are enrolled, is located - most inadequately and uncomfortably - in two small rooms at St Bede's Church, thus depriving the ladies' guild and the Sunday school of badly needed accommodation. The scholars of the central and other schools have to go to the Melbourne Public Library for information to help them in their studies. A united and determined effort to build a community centre would have the wholehearted support of all.
(Mrs) K. A. WILLS (Elwood). (23)
She wrote to The Argus on the same topic two years later in August 1946 -
Sir: Although the needs of babies and their mothers are increasing, the so-called baby health centre at Elwood is still the cold, fireless, ill-equipped, and cramped room it was, and the trials of mothers and nurses must have been very severe during the recent winter months. The municipal elections will be held soon, and one question that should be asked of candidates is: "Will you do all in your power to ensure that a baby health centre is provided at Elwood commensurate with the importance and needs of the district?" No consideration should be given to any candidate who does not give a decisive affirmative answer in reply. And what about that public hall, that is still non-existent? And why not a public hospital at Elwood to relieve congestion in the city hospitals?
(Mrs) K. A. WILLS. Hon Secretary St Kilda-Elwood Branch AWNL. (24)
Mrs K.A. Wills, was I believe Kathleen Adelia Wills, a teacher. The Electoral Rolls show her at various addresses in the area - 40 St Kilda Street, 483 St Kilda Street, Elwood and Hartpury Mansions, 9 Milton Street, Elwood. She died in June 1955, aged 59. The AWNL was the Australian Women's National League, a conservative group whose objective, amongst other things, was to educate women in politics and safeguard the interests of the home, women and children. (25).
Mrs Wills happily wrote to The Argus again in March 1947, with good news -
Sir: The gratitude of every woman and child in Elwood will be extended to the St Kilda Council
when the baby health centre and the public hall, the building of which was approved at the last
council meeting, become visible facts. The council can be assured of the wholehearted co-operation
and support of the whole community.
(Mrs) K. A. WILLS (Hon Sec, Elwood-St Kilda branch AWNL). (26).
In the end, the Infant Welfare Centre, named after Cr Burnett Gray (27) was erected on the land set aside for the Public Hall (28) and it was opened on August 22, 1950, as The Argus reported -
Many mothers with their babies yesterday crowded the new Burnett Gray Infant Welfare Centre, Elwood, for the official opening by Cr. F. W. Binns, Mayor of St. Kilda. The most excited visitor, however, was Sister Margaret Dobbin, who will take charge of the centre today. This attractive centre, which cost £3,300 to build is a triumph for the St. Kilda Council. It replaces the temporary centre at St. Bede's Church of England. Visitors were particularly interested in the sound-absorbing roof treatment, which reduces noise to a minimum. There is also a treatment between the ceiling and roof, which will help to stabilise the temperature of the building. Walls are the softest pastel green and colourful chintz curtains frame the windows. (29).
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Opening of Burnett Gray Infant Welfare Centre, August 22 1950.
Image courtesy Port Phillip City Collection SK0947(2)
Those on the platform - Mayor Frank W. Binns, Mayoress Miss V. Buntine, Mr Burnett Gray, Mrs Burnett Gray, Dr Elizabeth Wilmot (Assistant Director Maternal Infant & PreSchool Welfare), Dr Norma Kelso (Infant Welfare Division), Dr S. Allen (Medical Officer of Health), Sister Dobbin, Mr W. H. Greaves (Town Clerk) (30)
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Opening of Burnett Gray Infant Welfare Centre, August 22 1950.
Image courtesy Port Phillip City Collection SK0947(1)
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Opening of Burnett Gray Infant Welfare Centre, August 22 1950. The empty block to the right is where the Elwood Police Station was built in 1952 (see footnote 8)
Image courtesy Port Phillip City Collection SK0947(10)
This photo below, was also published in The Argus. It would be interesting to know how Mrs K. A. Wills and all the other women from Elwood who had fought for a decent Infant Welfare Centre, felt about the headline - It was all his idea.
Original caption - Mr. Burnett Gray former Mayor of St. Kilda, was present when the Burnett Gray Welfare Centre, named in his honour, was opened at The Broadway, Elwood, yesterday. He is seen weighing the first baby to be admitted to the centre - seven-months-old Deborah Mahoney.
The Argus, August 23, 1950 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article22908461
The new Infant Welfare Centre was a great outcome for the Elwood community but 107 years after it was first proposed to build a Mechanics' Institute; or a Public Hall and Library or the Elwood Culture Hall, whatever name you choose to use, it has still not been built, even though as the Prahran Chronicle opined in 1916 in itself the principle that Elwood people should own their own public hall is an excellent one. They also wrote - It would be advisable to look a little ahead - I wonder if they could have looked ahead and saw the future, how amazed they would have been that the Elwood people never had their own Hall.
Acknowledgment - Thank you to Anne, from the Emerald Hill Library and Research Centre, for supplying the copies of photos from the Port Phillip City Collection.
Trove list - I have created a list of articles on the long hoped for Elwood Mechanics' Institute, access it here.
Footnotes
(1) Malvern Standard, January 29 1916, see here.
(2) Prahran Chronicle, January 29, 1916, see here.
(3) Malvern Standard, June 3, 1916, see here.
(4) Elwood Post Office - I have written about it here https://victoriaspast.blogspot.com/2021/12/identical-post-offices-pakenham-east.html
(5) Prahran Chronicle, June 24, 1916, see here.
(6) The Argus, July 6, 1916, see here.
(7) Prahran Telegraph, July 11 1924, see here.
(8) Elwood Police Station - Public Works Department tender advertised in The Argus, December 15, 1950, see here; In March 1952, the builder George Hurse, advertised for brick-layers for the project -
The Age, March 8, 1952 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/206199403
(9) The Age, June 15, 1926, see here.
(10) The Age, May 25, 1935, see here.
(11) Andrew Carnegie - https://www.americanheritage.com/deal-century; https://www.britannica.com/biography/Andrew-Carnegie
(12) The Age, May 25, 1935, see here.
(13) The Age, May 26, 1936, see here.
(14) The Argus, June 10, 1936, see here.
(15) The Age, June 24, 1936, see here.
(16) The Age, August 4, 1936, see here.
(17) The Argus, May 25, 1937, see here.
(18) The Age, May 25, 1937, see here.
(19) The Age, November 8, 1937, see here.
(20) See various reports in my Trove list, here.
(21) The Age, November 10 1937, see here.
(22) The Age, August 27, 1940, see here.
(23) The Argus, April 5, 1944, see here.
(24) The Argus, August 10, 1946, see here.
(25) Mrs K.A. Wills - Electoral Rolls on Ancestry; death notice The Argus, June 13, 1955, see below. The only thing I don't understand is that she use Mrs as a title, but she seemed to be unmarried; in spite of this discrepancy, I still believe K.A.Wills, is Kathleen. Her parents in the Victorian Births, Deaths and Marriages are listed as John Wills and Catherine Adelia Baker. Kathleen is buried in the St Kilda Cemetery.
Australian Women's National League - more information https://www.womenaustralia.info/biogs/AWE0269b.htm
The Argus, June 13, 1955, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article71887886
(27) Alfred Charles Burnett Gray was born in Geraldton, W.A, on August 21, 1884; he married Queenie Hilary Margaret Smith in 1908 in Victoria. Burnett enlisted in the 22nd Battalion, 19th Reinforcements in October 1915 and returned home at the end of 1919; he was a Sergeant. Burnett was a City of St Kilda Councillor from 1914-1915, when he resigned to joint the AIF., and then from 1920 until 1948. When he was elected Mayor in 1922, he was the first returned soldier to become a Mayor in Victoria. He was a member of the Legislative Assembly for the seat of St Kilda from 1927 until 1932. He died on May 27, 1968 age 83 and he was cremated and is interred at Springvale Botanical Cemetery. Queenie died in 1974, aged 86.(Sources: Indexes to Victorian and Western Australian Births, Deaths and Marriages,; WW1 Enlistment papers at the National Archives of Australia and https://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/about/people-in-parliament/re-member/details/24/1247 )
(28) On LASSI, https://maps.land.vic.gov.au/lassi/ you can see the location of the Burnett Gray Infant Welfare Centre is Allotment 17, Section 5, the same site as set aside for the Public Hall back in 1924.
(29) The Argus, August 23, 1950, see here.
(30) List of names from Port Phillip City Collection website https://artheritagecollection.portphillip.vic.gov.au/
