Clydebank Mechanics' Institute

In November 1893 the Gippsland Mercury reported on an Avon Shire Council meeting and one of the items on the Agenda was the Clydebank Mechanics' Institute. It is published here in full as it gives some information about other local Mechanics' Institutes  -
A deputation consisting of Messrs M'Ilwain, Mitchell, and Miller waited on the council. Mr M'Ilwain said that they wished to see if the council would give them some assistance towards putting up a Mechanics at Clydebank, as they wanted some place for recreative purposes and to hold meetings in. They had thought that they would have been able to build it themselves, but found that they were unable to do so, as times were so bad, and then, thought that they might get a little assistance from the council.

The President: Monetary assistance? Mr M'Ilwain: Yes. Cr Latham: Where do you think of erecting it? Mr M'Ilwain: Near the schoolhouse. The President: Have you no other Mechanics? Mr Mitchell: There are a number of young people there, and they have no place to go to except Sale.

Mr M'Ilwain: I do not come to ask for £10 and take £5, but have come to ask for what I think the council can afford to give - £50. Cr Latham said that he had been president when the Stratford Mechanics had applied for £100 or £200, and they were granted £20, and it was then agreed that any other portion of the Avon Shire erecting a Mechanics' should have a donation of the same amount. The Heart people had received that amount, and it was held in trust until they commenced to build, and was bearing interest, and they were going to build shortly, and there was an expression given then that when the Stratford Mechanics was given £20 any other portion of the shire building an institute was to receive one donation of a similar amount.

The President: I do not think that it is right to get money from the council and put it in the bank, unless they are going to build at once. Cr Latham: I think The Heart people ought make an effort with respect to it. Cr Killeen said that he had made some remarks at a recent meeting at The Heart, and he thought that they would bear fruit.

The Secretary then said that the Dargo Mechanics had received £5, The Heart £20, in December, 1889; Stratford £20, in November, 1887, and a second donation of £10 in December, 1889. Cr. Killeen: When The Heart people got the £20 it was said that the Stratford Mechanics had received £75 altogether. The Secretary: It was only £30. The President: We have placed the limit at £20 and cannot exceed it, and Mr M'Ilwain says that be does not come to ask for £10 and get £5, but if he asks for £50 he cannot expect to get that. I would be happy to support a motion that they get £20, but we cannot, give any larger sum.

Mr M'Ilwain said that the reason that made him ask for £50, was that in consequence of the Clydebank creamery having been erected the council would not now have to spend money on roads that had hitherto been used. He would be thankful for the £20 to-day, and the council might put it on the minutes that they would allow them another £20 next year in consequence of not having to spend money on the roads that he had referred to. The President: The council cannot bind their successors.

Mr M'Ilwain : Can I apply next year? The President: Oh! yes; but I cannot say what answer you will get. Cr Crockett: I wish that this application had come in at an earlier date, as I think that the east riding will be in a curious position as regards paying their share, as they have so little placed on their estimates for contingencies. The east riding estimates are fixed, but personally I am in favour of it. Cr Thomson moved, and Cr Killeen seconded, that £20 be given towards building a Mechanics at Clydebank. The motion was carried unanimously.

The President: I would suggest that the money be not drawn until it is wanted, as I do not think it is right to do so. Cr Killeen: I think they should get the cheque before they go away. Mr Mitchell said that the council had behaved very well to them, as that was the limit they had set on granting in such cases. Several councillors suggested that if The Heart people did not soon erect their Mechanics that the £20 granted to them for that purpose should be given to the Clydebank people. Cr Latham said that Cr Killeen should take what had been said to heart, and The Heart people should make a commencement. They had been in possession of this money since 1889, and had done nothing yet. The President said that he was of the same opinion as Cr Latham.

Mr M'Ilwain: I would be thankful if you gave me the cheque to-day to show the people down there. The President: You will get it all right. Have you a properly constituted committee, secretary and treasurer?  Mr M'Ilwain said that they had not appointed any yet. The President: We cannot hand it over till you have properly constituted officers. Cr Thomson: Show them the resolution in the paper. The deputation then withdrew. (1)

That seemed like a good result for the people of Clydebank and in March 1894 a public meeting was held at Clydebank to discuss the erection of a Mechanics' Institute. (2) The meeting was held at Mr Rouse's Residence, this was my great-grandfather, James Rouse (3).

Public meeting for a Mechanics' Institute at Clydebank

Gippsland Mercury, March 22 1894 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/268337832 

It appears that nothing came of this early attempt to erect a Mechanics' Institute, and in 1904 a new committee was formed and the early minute books list the members (or the regular attendees) as - President J.R Jenkins; Secretary Mr McKay and committee- J.M. McIlwain, Murphy Brothers, Miller Brothers (J. & R. Miller) and Mr Robb. (4) The 1903 Electoral roll gives a few more details about these men - John Roberts Jenkins, Grazier; James McIlwain, farmer; Murphy Brothers - George, James, John, Robert and Williams, all farmers, are listed on the Roll; Miller Brothers - presumably John and Robert - farmers; William John Robb, a farmer. (5) Angus McKay was the head teacher at Clydebank school, he left in May 1908, after four years as he was transferred to Sale North school. (6). James Rouse, who was involved in the 1890s effort to have a Mechanics' Institute,  had left Clydebank in 1903, to take up land at Cora Lynn, on the Koo Wee Rup Swamp. 

From 1905 the community raised money for the Hall with raffles, dances, euchre tournaments and donations. (7). In February 1906 tenders were invited for the erection of the Clydebank Hall by the architect, G.H. Cain. This was for labour only, the committee having already acquired the timber, based on Mr Cain's calculations, from Mr Treloar,  £69/12/6.  The builder of the hall was C. Poole, whose tender price was £20. (8)

Tenders invited for the erection of the Clydebank Hall

Gippsland Times February 15, 1906 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/65326899

 

The Architect, George Henry Cain, born in 1870 and was based in Sale. In 1895 he took over the business of of the late Mr J. H. W. Pettit of Sale, having worked with him for the previous four years. G.H. Cain designed many buildings in Sale, was the Architect for the Anglican Diocese of Sale and thus designed many Gippsland Churches. In 1904 he also designed the additions and alterations to the Cowwarr Mechanics' Institute. In the 1880s his father, George Cain had been the President of the Sale Mechanics' Institute. (9)

The Clydebank Hall was opened by June 1906, but I don't have an exact date. As you might expect the usual range of activities took place - dances, concerts and public meetings. In October 1908 Dr Cherry gave  a lecture on Fodder Plants and Lucerne Growing under the under the auspices Clydebank Mutual Improvement Society and the North Gippsland Agricultural Society.  Other functions included a Maypole Fair to raise money for the Anglican Church building and a concert for the Methodist Church. (10)

Dr Cherry's lecture

Gippsland Times October 12, 1908 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/65263771

During World War One events included a Belgium Relief Fund concert and other patriotic concerts; recruiting meetings and farewells to local soldiers  Robert Miller, Willie Jenkins and Johnnie McFadden and at a later function, Trooper Hagan, and Privates White, Scott, H. Sanders, W. Sanders, Wilson and Pickup. (11) In April 1918 a welcome home was held for Lieutenant T.J. Adlard. (12)

In April 1921 the Gippsland Times reported on this interesting function -

In the Clydebank Hall on Saturday afternoon the ceremony of handing over the machine gun allotted Clydebank as its war trophy eventuated in the presence of a large assemblage, both young and old. The machine gun has been placed under the honour roll in the hall, on which was placed a floral wreath in commemoration of Anzac Day, and in memory of the local soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice. Cr. Chinn, who presided (in the unavoidable absence of the President of the Shire), intimated that the trustees appointed by the shire to take care of the gun were Messrs. Johnson Thomson (father of two soldiers), Arnold Hagan (a returned soldier), and himself. He pointed out that the trophy would serve to remind the people of the part played by the people of the district in the war. (13)

In November 1936 the Gippsland Times noted in a report from of an Avon Shire Council meeting that correspondence had been received From Public Health Department, stating that the plans and specifications for alterations and additions to Clydebank Mechanics' Institute had been approved of. Tenders were called that same month, but as reported in March 1937 -

Clydebank - Public Hall Meeting - There was only a moderate attendance at the public meeting called by advertisement to consider matters effecting the public hall. It had been proposed that the hall be removed from its present location to another site about four miles towards Airly. The meeting after due consideration, decided that it would be as well to let the hall remain where it is. A short while ago tenders were called for enlargement but only one tender was received and that was considered to be too high. (14)

In May 1937 another interesting meeting was held at the Hall - 

Farmers and residents at Clydebank and The Heart showed their oil-mindedness by attending in force the meeting at the Clydebank hall on Wednesday evening last. A representative gathering included Mr J. Breheny, secretary of the Gippsland Oil League, Crs Harrison and Mawley (Avon Shire) and Ronchi (Sale), Mr W. Leslie and Mr J. W. McLachlan. ....Mr. Breheny in his opening remarks said that the rate-payers of The Heart and Clydebank district were anxious to have a scout bore put down in their locality. That oil was lying in this area was proved when its presence was seen in shallow bores sunk on Messrs. Jas. Murphy's and P. Collins properties. (15)

There was more discussion about the importance of oil, how much Australia imported and Federal government inaction in drilling for oil and the report continued -

Mr W. C. Leslie said that all oil-minded people should be very grateful for the work done by the 

Gippsland Oil Propaganda League. Gippsland is the only place in Australia where crude oil has been found and 100,000 gallons have been obtained at Lakes Entrance.....The Chairman (Cr Harrison) said the Government was importing equipment which would bore to a depth of 3,000 feet. At the Lakes Entrance a good deal of money had been lost through faulty equipment. He hoped that private enterprise would commence operations in the Heart-Clydebank district. Mr W. J. Chinn (Clydebank) said the residents there believed oil was to be found in the locality. He urged that the Federal Government be approached for assistance. (16)

During World War Two the reports I could find of functions in the Hall were all of a patriotic nature. In July 1940 the Stratford War Service Fund Committee held a dance and euchre night. In January 1941 a  farewell was held at the hall for Private Norman Fox, where he was presented with a brush and comb set and a wallet; a few months later in the June Pte. Reginald Nicholls and Gunner Campbell Thomson were each presented with a pen and pencil set from the Clydebank residents. In July 1942 the local school children held a concert to raise money for the State Schools' Patriotic Fund and at the same event the young ladies of Clydebank organised a stall which was so well stocked that along with several cash donations the sum of £12 16/ was raised - the money going to the Avon Shire Prisoner of War Fund. In November 1943 a euchre and dance night was held in aid of the State Schools' War Service Fund; in March 1944 euchre and dancing was once again held at the hall, this time in aid of the Prisoners of War Fund and a year later in March 1945 in aid of Red Shield and the Y.M.C.A. patriotic funds. (17)

In June 1947 it was reported that - the Clydebank hall on Wednesday night was the scene of a pleasant function when the certificates printed and framed by the Avon Shire Council were presented to Members of the fighting forces  who enlisted from the Clydebank district. Certificates were presented to Messrs. Robin and Malcolm Cowie, Gordon Chinn, Jock Fulton, Tom Granger, Matt Harris, Gordon Hughes, Allan Murphy, Vincent Murphy, John Login, Eric Murphy, Reg Nicholls, Michael Purcell, Thomas Purcell, Lloyd Ross, Roy Smith, Campbell Thomson, Colin Thomson and David Thomson. (18)

On May 24, 1955 a wind-up meeting was held by the Clydebank Hall Committee and the balance of the funds were transferred to the Clydebank Airly Hall Committee.  The Hall itself was also moved to Airly and is known as the Airly Clydebank Hall. (19).  Airly, just to the west of Clydebank,  was a Soldier Settlement community, purchased by the Closer Settlement Board in 1920 and sub-divided the next year. (20).

The Clydebank Hall, with additions, at Airly (and now known as the Airly Clydebank Hall) in 2019.

Image: https://www.facebook.com/AirlyClydebankHall

Acknowledgement - Thank you to Judith Dwyer, organiser of the Mechanics' Institutes Resource Centre scanning project, for access to the Clydebank Hall Committee minute book scans. The Clydebank entry in These Walls Speak Volumes: a history of Mechanics' Institutes in Victoria by Pam Baragwanath and Ken James (published by the authors in 2015) was a useful starting point for this post. 

Trove list - I have created a list of articles on the Clydebank Mechanics' Institute, access it here  

Footnotes

(1) Gippsland Mercury, November 9, 1893, see here.

(2) Gippsland Mercury, March 22 1894, see here. 

(3) James Joseph Rouse (1862-1939) married Annie Glover of Clydebank in 1892. Mr Rouse could actually be his brother Robert Albert Rouse (1864-1943), who married Scena Catherin Hansen, also of Clydebank in 1897. James moved to Cora Lynn in 1903 and Robert to Oakleigh sometime after 1909 and before 1919. I am claiming it was James and Annie's house where the meeting was held, rather than the house of his then bachelor brother, Robert. 

(4) Clydebank Hall Committee minutes have been digitised by Mechanics' Institutes Resource Centre scanning project.

(5) Electoral Rolls are on Ancestry.com

(6) Gippsland Times, May 11, 1908, see here.

(7) See my articles in my Clydebank Mechanics' Institute Trove list here.

(8) Tender advertisement Gippsland Times February 15, 1906, see here. Timber purchase from Mr Treloar -  Clydebank Hall Committee minutes of November 7, 1905; C. Poole - building tender -  Clydebank Hall Committee minutes of February 22, 1906.

(9) I have created a list of articles on the life and work of George Henry Cain, access it here.

(10)  See my articles in my Clydebank Mechanics' Institute Trove list here.

(11) See my articles in my Clydebank Mechanics' Institute Trove list here.

(12) T.J. Adlard - I believe this is actually Lieutenant John Evan Adlard. Gippsland Mercury, April 16, 1918, see here.

(13) Gippsland Times, April 28, 1921, see here.

(14) Gippsland Times, November 12 1936, see here; Gippsland Times, November 26, 1936, see here; Gippsland Times, March 15, 1937, see here.

(15) Gippsland Times, May 3, 1937, see here.

(16) Ibid

(17) See my articles in my Clydebank Mechanics' Institute Trove list here.

(18) Gippsland Times, June 2, 1947, see here.

(19) Clydebank Hall Committee minutes of May 24, 1955.

(20) See my articles from 1920 and 1921 in my Clydebank Mechanics' Institute Trove list here.

An Acrostic and Eclectic social history of Mechanics' Institutes

This is an Acrostic and eclectic look at some themes from the social history of Mechanics’ Institutes and the first letter of each theme spells a seasonal greeting. I originally wrote this for the Mechanics' Institutes of Victoria newsletter, which came out in December 2023. 

M is for Marriage. The local hall or Mechanics' Institute was the usual venue for wedding receptions in the past and there are hundreds of reports in the newspapers of these happy occasions. Many couples returned to celebrate significant anniversaries - Golden and Diamond Anniversaries.  
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)  

There is something sublime in the contemplation of a diamond jubilee whereby 60 years of life hand in hand together are celebrated by an aged and honored couple amidst about 50 of their descendants. This great privilege has just been enjoyed by Mr J.F. Walther, of Murtoa, and his worthy wife, and the Mechanics' Hall was requisitioned for the occasion last Saturday evening by the numerous relatives. Mr Walther is now 83 years of age, and his wife is three years younger; and the couple were united in holy wedlock on November 21st November, 1854. Whilst the the old couple are not as nimble as of yore, they nevertheless enjoy fairly good health and their faculties are as bright as ever, demonstrating the value of living pure and healthy lives. (Kaniva Lawloit Times, December 1 1914, 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 Gas Explosion - Mr. Thomas Peacock, the caretaker in charge of the Werribee Mechanics' Hall, met with a serious accident while opening a drum containing carbide, prior to charging the acetylene gas generator.He struck a match, and an explosion took place. He was burnt on the face and neck.  (Geelong Advertiser, July 24, 1908, see here)

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)

Werribee Mechanics' Institute, c. 1911, the location of an explosion in 1908.

State Library of Victoria image H96.200/1479

 

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)

R is for Rubbish. The constant battle in Libraries between popular novels and high-brow improving works. This report is from Wagga Wagga in 1871.
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.

Frankston Standard, April 24, 1947 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article73596136

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 - 

Chief amongst the star items for the afternoon was young Graham Smith's blue and white cattle/collie dog "Butch", which won the best trained dog class. Showing remarkable intelligence, "Butch" sat up and begged, laid down and "died," walked through a hoop between two chairs, jumped over six feet high to reach a stick held in its young owner's hand, lay down at command and stayed there whilst Graham walked around the building, fetching and delivering a tennis ball, with skill and sagacity. (North Western Watchman, July 3, 1947, see here)

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)

Geelong Mechanics' Institute, c. 1882, which also housed a weather station.

Photographer: Fred Kruger. State Library of Victoria Image H39614/52

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 Victoria in 1914 a raffle was held, which sold over 6,000 tickets, which seems an extraordinary amount -
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)

Bacchus Marsh Mechanics' Institute, in 1949.

Photographer: Colin Caldwell. State Library of Victoria Image H84.276/6/5a/B

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)  

Welcome home to soldiers, Les, Bill and Billy. at the Koo Wee Rup Mechanics' Institute.

Image: Koo Wee Rup Swamp Historical Society

T is for Toilets.  In the past public toilets were not provided in many towns, and thus the toilets in Mechanics' Institutes  became the de facto public toilets, which put an added burden onto the committee who was responsible for keeping them clean.
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. 

After the structure had been placed on the jinker and secured, the necessity for turning it around in the required direction confronted the contractors. However, they succeeded, and jinker and building were lowered down the hill to the road on two wire rope tackles. The work was accomplished without mishap. The hall was conveyed to the site chosen, and that same night a wedding celebration took place in it. People came from miles around to watch the hazardous work in progress. Practically a local holiday was observed. Everything was suspended, and even the children were allowed out of school to witness the unusual operations. The ladies turned out in their best attire. Many of the parties brought their hampers, and altogether the occasion was made quite a day in the district. The building measured 60 ft by 26 ft, and it was shifted without removing the furniture and fittings. 

In consequence of this feat Messrs' McGregor have received several other contracts, but as there has been 76 " inches of rain registered in that part of the State during the past eight months, and it is still raining, they are not anxious to remain there for any indefinite period. All transit was by means of bullock waggons, and one of the contractors remarked, "' I will never complain about mud in Ballarat as long as I live. " Some of the hills over which the tackle and plant were taken must have made the Ballarat contractors persuade themselves they were on top of the world. Twenty-two bullocks were required to convey the jinker and plant from Korumburra to Kongwak. (Horsham Times, May 27, 1924, see here) 

 Kongwak Hall at the top right, in the original location.

Image: Valley of Peace: a history of Kongwak (Kongwak Public Hall, 2009

 Kongwak Hall in new location in the town. The School building is on the left and the Hall, 

with extensions, is on the right.

Image: Valley of Peace: a history of Kongwak (Kongwak Public Hall, 2009

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)   

S is for Stealing. Sadly not every treasurer of Mechanics' Institutes was honest, some were tempted and embezzled funds.
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)  

 MERRY  CHRISTMAS

Elwood Mechanics' Institute and Infant Welfare Centre

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)

Site reserved for Elwood Police Station and Public Hall

Victoria Government Gazette, October 1, 1924, pp. 3110-3111 

https://gazette.slv.vic.gov.au/images/1924/V/general/169.pdf

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).

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).

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)

Opening of Burnett Gray Infant Welfare Centre, August 22 1950.

Image courtesy Port Phillip City Collection SK0947(1)

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

(26) The Argus, March 11, 1947, see here.

(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/