Croydon Mechanics' Institute

The Box Hill Reporter in November 1905 reported on the beginnings of the Croydon Mechanics' Institute -
The Croydon people of late have been considering the matter of establishing a mechanics' institute in their district, and it is probable that in a very short time the project will be carried to a successful issue, judging by the interest the residents are displaying in the matter. At a recent meeting of the Croydon progressive league, a sub-committee was appointed to deal with a site on which to erect the institute. Various sites were considered, but none decided upon, principally on account of their unsuitable position and high price. At a later stage the larger matter of a recreation reserve presented itself, and the committee thought that if land for a sports ground could be secured, the building could be erected on a portion of it. With this object in view two sites were taken into consideration, when one was very favorably received, seeing that the position was so central and suitable, and the price asked for it (£15 an acre) reasonable. On Saturday last the matter was brought before the Lillydale council by a letter from the league, asking the council to assist the residents in their efforts by purchasing for recreation purposes a block on the corner of Oxford road, opposite the Croydon state school, and pointing out that the proceeds from the sale of frontages on this road might be utilised in this direction. After a little discussion the council decided, on the motion of Cr Taylor, to make the matter an order of the day for next council meeting. (1) Oxford Road is now known as Mount Dandenong Road. (2)

Even though Lilydale the town is spelt with three Ls, Lillydale the Shire was spelt with 4 Ls. Cr Taylor, who features in many articles connected to the Mechanics' Institute was Arthur Bertram Taylor, of Meadowbank Farm, Lilydale. He was elected to the South West Riding in 1896 and resigned from Council in November 1909; he was Shire President on two occasions. Arthur was a teacher and had founded Camberwell Grammar School in 1886, and was their first Principal. (3)

As it turned out there protests against the sale of some of the Oxford Road frontage, where it was proposed to reduce the width from 3 chains to one chain. The Minister of Lands also refused to allow the road to be reduced to less than a chain and a half. (4)

Croydon Mechanics' Institute. 

Photographer: F. W. Wuchatsch. A postcard from my collection.

In September 1907, at a function at the Croydon State School,  Mr Taylor announced that arrangements had just been completed for the purchase by the shire council of six acres of land in Croydon for the use of the residents as a recreation reserve (applause), which was a stepping stone to the establishment of cricket, football and tennis grounds, and a Mechanics' Institute. The council was making the people of Croydon a present of six acres of land, which would be placed at the disposal of a committee of management, to be nominated in the course of a few days. He was satisfied, from the energy which Croydon people generally put into their business, that the Mechanics' Institute would soon be an accomplished fact and that it would accommodate a much larger house even than was present that night. (5)

A month later - At a well attended public meeting held at Croydon last night, the shire president, Cr Hughes presiding, Messrs T. H. Gwillam, A. B. Taylor, J. Broadley, Grey-Smith and A. Hall were appointed trustees of three eighths of an acre of the recreation reserve, set apart by the Shire council as a site for a Mechanics' Institute. (6)

It wasn't until July 1908 that the Lillydale Council announced they intended to borrow £1900 for various projects including the purchase of Land for a Mechanics' Institute and Recreation Purposes at Croydon - £103 and Erection of Buildings at Croydon and Ringwood for Mechanics' Institutes (£500 each) - £1000. (7). With the money eventually secured in the October Cr Taylor, moved at the Lillydale Council meeting-  that a prize of three guineas be offered for a competitive design for the mechanics' institutes. Seconded by Kinsella. (8)  In November 1908, the Shire issued an invitation for designs for the Croydon and Ringwood Mechanics' Institutes. (9)

Inviting designs for the Croydon and Ringwood Mechanics' Institutes

The Argus, November 12, 1908  http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article10172205

Ward and Carleton of 341 Collins Street were the Architects selected to design the building. The firm was established in 1897 when Alfred Carleton commenced a partnership with John Vincent Trumbull Ward. (10).  It appears that the Architects did design a building that could be erected under the £500 budget, however due to Mr Gwillam asking for modifications of the original plans the cost had increased to £700. When the Shire Secretary queried this with them they replied to the Council, as reported in the Lilydale Express in April 1909 - 
From Ward and Carleton, architects for Croydon mechanics' institutes, in reply to the secretary's letter regarding the excessive amount of the tenders received for the building, expressing surprise to learn of a price being received for the hall, on the present drawings, for the moderate sum of £700. The fact was evidently overlooked that they had been instructed from time to time, principally through the council's representative, Mr Gwillam, to make certain additions and alterations. The original design would have come well within the amount specified, £500. (11)

Thomas Henry Gwillam is listed in the Electoral Rolls as a Contractor (builder) of Croydon. He was President of the Croydon Progress Association and the Croydon Arbor Day Association, Secretary of the Rifle Club and later Secretary of the Mechanics' Institute. (12)

In May 1909, the Architects advertised for tenders to erect the building. (13)

Tenders for erection of the Croydon Mechanics' Institute

The Age, May 19, 1909 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/196127866

In June, the Healesville Guardian, reported on the results of the tender process and the article also includes a description of the building -
A special meeting of the Lilydale shire council was held last Friday to deal with tenders for the erection of a mechanics' institute and public hall at Croydon. The president and Crs Taylor, Kinsella, Rouget and Hughes were present. Eleven tenders were received and considered. Cr Taylor moved that the tender of T. Rolfe, at £587, be accepted, subject to the alterations in the specifications proving satisfactory, the work to be completed within three months from the signing of the contract. Seconded by Cr Kinsella and carried. 

The amount of the tender is in excess of the funds, £500, available for the purpose out of the loan raised recently for this and other works, but at the ordinary meeting of the council on the previous Monday Cr Taylor said that there was a sum of £100 lying in the Chief Secretary's office which could be appropriated for the purpose, and that there was a prospect of another vote of £100 being obtained next year, so that there would be a substantial sum remaining for furnishing the building. 

Certain alterations and excisions in Messrs Warde & Carleton's original design have been made in order to reduce the cost of building to something like the amount available from the loan. The design as it now stands shows an imposing building of architectural beauty. On either side of the front vestibule entrance are provided ladies and gentlemen's cloak rooms ; next are a lodge room and library, and then the entrance to the main hall, which is 45 x 32ft. The stage extends practically the width of the hall, and outside are the ladies and gentlemen's anterooms. A verandah also runs along one side of the building; and ventilation and lighting are provided for according to the Board of Health regulations. The new building is to be erected on the Croydon reserve, on the original site of the tennis courts. (14)

Croydon townspeople at the newly built Mechanics' Institute, 1909

Image: McGivern, Muriel A History of Croydon (Victor Publishing, 1967), p. 201.

The building was essentially finished in three months and was officially opened on October 27, 1909 by the Premier, Mr Murray, accompanied by Mr. Evans, M.L.C., and Mr. E. H. Cameron, M.L.A. Cr Taylor was also there in his capacity as Shire President together with a large gathering of other officials and towns folk. (15)  A monster bazaar to raise money for the Mechanics' Institute to be held over four days was organised by the ladies of Croydon, who  were working very enthusiastically, and all kinds of novel idea are being worked out, one of which will be a bachelors' stall, to be presided over by bachelors. The Ladies Committee was headed by  Miss Clapperton, with Mrs Yde as secretary.  Much interest was anticipated in the bazaar as special trains will be run from Croydon to Melbourne each evening, and from Lilydale to Croydon on the 27th and 30th inst. (16)

When Croydon was  a country town, c. 1920s/1930s. 

A panorama of Croydon. Photographer: Rose Stereograph Co,

State Library of Victoria image H32492/4016

Croydon was a scenic and popular tourist spot as this 1906 letter to the editor of the Lilydale Express notes -

March On, Croydon! - Through all the changing scenes of life we will find it hard to beat such a picturesque place as Croydon and its surroundings. Taking into consideration the short distance it is from our noble city of Melbourne, and its reasonable railway fares, can you wonder that within two years and a-half the accommodation for boarders has risen from ten to twenty-eight houses? We have had thousands visiting Croydon this summer, and many more are wending their footsteps this way at an early period. Many places which blow their trumpets loud cannot be compared to the delightful hill and dale of this elevated township; the soft, beautiful clear air is in itself vigorating to the over-worked city man, and will restore health to the most delicate of our womenly women. The pretty rippling streams, the shady nooks for book lovers, the pleasant drives, rich dairy produce, beautiful fruit, and many other attractions, make it hard to supersede. It has been said by travellers who have visited many parts of Australia, England, and the Continent, that the restful, peaceful air which prevails at Croydon is unsurpassed; the rising of the glorious sun in early morn and its setting when the shadows of the evening and the residents of the place think that when the station accommodation is looked into, a new brick building, similar to the Brighton one, would not look out of place and would be a great improvement upon the present boxes. The Mechanics' Institute and sports ground are progressing rapidly, and Croydon henceforth will not be Croydon in word, but Croydon in deed. Folk wishing for health, happiness and vigor, which is a great help to prosperity, should reside in Croydon, and by so doing would be well repaid. Yours, &c. "A Lover of Croydon." (17)

Croydon Mechanics' Institute - open for business, December 1909

The Argus, December 25, 1909 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/10756621

Not surprising then, that soon after opening, the Croydon Mechanics' Institute and surrounding  grounds was advertised for let for picnics, parties and Balls. The building was also used for the usual range of activities - a Strawberry Fete in aid of funds for St John's Church of England; performances of the Croydon Comedy Club; a farewell to Mr Hooton, the popular school teacher on his transfer to Mitcham;  a ball to  raise money for the Relief  of Belgium widows and other patriotic functions during the First World War; a concert to celebrate the anniversary of the Presbyterian Church and a bazaar to raise money for St Joseph's Catholic Church. A function held in the hall in October 1919, after the unveiling of the Croydon War Memorial where returned soldiers were 'welcomed home' and presented with an illuminated certificate. (18)

The Mechanics' Institute was also used to show films and the first reference I can find to this was in 1911 when the picture drama, For the Term of his Natural Life was shown in aid of the Football Club. (19).  From the mid-1920s films were presented every Saturday night and in July 1931, Mr Gray Edmeston (20) took over the operation  and installed a sound system and thus could show 'talkies.'  The first 'talkie' film exhibited was The trial of Mary Dugan, with Norma Shearer. (21)  More of Mr Edmeston and his involvement with the hall, later. 

For the Term of his Natural Life film

The Age, May 12, 1911 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/196198772

The building also housed a Library, the first books for which arrived in February 1910, supplied by the Melbourne Public Library as noted by the Lilydale Express - At a meeting of the trustees of the public library held last week a loan of books was granted on the usual terms to the Croydon mechanics' institute committee. (22) In 1944 as the same paper reported that the Croydon Mechanics' Hygienic Library had received a Council grant of £10. (23)  In 1956, a children's library was established in the hall, with free membership to any child. However, there was limited space in the hall with all the other activities it supported and funds were raised to build a new Library. On May 18, 1961 this new Library was officially opened. (24)

As far as the building itself - a caretakers residence was built in 1914, in 1925 the Council granted £40 to go towards renovating and painting the building. The Hall had a board of management who were also guarantors for money lent to them by the Council and in 1928 they were reported as -
F. E. Brown, chairman of board of management of Croydon Mechanics' Hall, forwarding list of names for new guarantors, as follow:— Messrs. F. Arblaster, J. Stuart, A. J. Smith, H. Doods, G. R. Smith, G. Ford. L. Goswinkel, H. Graham, J. T. O'Rourke, F. Turner, J. Bunting, T. Blight. E. Matthews, W. Reed and Captain Robertson.—Adopted. (25)

In 1924, the Croydon branch of the Returned Sailors and Soldiers Imperial League of Australia (R.S. & S.I.L A.)  was established. Muriel McGivern, in her history of Croydon, wrote that  in 1928 they desired to join forces with Hall committee dividing the work and responsibility and in consequence sharing the management and control of both Hall and grounds, including the use of the Hall for their activities. They also desired to alter the name  to Memorial Hall and Mechanics' Institute. After various discussions, including the fact that the Mechanics' Institute constitution required all committee members to also be guarantors and the fact that some of the Committee felt the R.S. & S.I.L A were trying to control the Committee, the amalgamation attempts proved to be  fruitless. (26)

In 1933 the hall was extended and the new works were opened in the December. The Fern Tree Gully News reported - 
On Thursday evening the president of the Lillydale Shire, Cr R. Blair, officially opened the new 

extensions to the much improved Croydon Mechanics' Institute. The sum of £400 had been spent in improvements and extending the hall, the interior of which had been lined with a special sound carrying preparation, while the hall had been extended 12 feet. A new stage 20ft. deep had been erected. The building will now hold an extra 120 people, and 150 new tip chairs have been purchased. In introducing Cr Blair, Mr R.Jansen, president of the hall committee, thanked the citizens of Croydon for their interest and support. He wished to particularly thank Mr A. Pretty, architect, and Mr  Allan, builder, for the splendid way in which the work of extension had been carried out. (27)

A few years later more extensions were added in the Streamlined Moderne style, also designed by Architect Arthur E. Pretty. (28)  These works had been discussed at Council meetings from June 1936 onwards when the issue of renovating and extending the Croydon Mechanics' Hall with the object of converting it into a modern picture theatre was raised and eventually given the go ahead, with a budget of £2000. (29)

The conversion was at the behest of Mr Edmeston, the afore-mentioned the picture show operator, as the existing hall was too small for his shows and patrons were being turned way on some nights. As part of the negotiations Edmeston would have the right to show pictures on a Saturday night and one weekday night for a term of fifteen years, at a rental of £7/10/- per week for the two evenings each week.  (30) In connection with these works, the original committee who also acted as guarantors was annulled, the council took over any financial liabilities and a new committee of councillors and community members was established. (31) Tenders were advertised for the new work  in December 1936. (32)

Tenders invited for the extension of the Croydon Mechanics' Institute

Lilydale Express, December 18, 1936 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article267488592 

Months later in May 1937 there was a progress report in the Lilydale Express -

The contract was signed at the tender fee by the successful tenderers Messrs Pepper and Chenoweth, of Alphington and Ormond, and a start was made on the same day. The contractor states that the work will be completed in 16 weeks, and that arrangements will be made so that the Coronation Ball in the hall on Wednesday, May 12, will not be interfered with. Temporary cloak rooms will be arranged, and the patrons' comfort at the hall will be assured. 

The plans provide for an imposing brick veneer finished front, with four massive folding glass doors, The hall will be widened 8 feet, and extended 30 feet, with a sloping floor on the new portion. There will be a complete new fibro plaster ceiling throughout, and the inside lining it will be of "Insulite"—a new sound proof material. The new supper room will be 32 feet by 23 feet, and the kitchen will be enlarged to 12 feet by 10 feet. an imposing foyer will contain a curved sweet counter and two modern ticket boxes. The right side entrance will contain the cloak rooms. A new modern bio box will be erected. The new building will present an attractive appearance, and will combine the convenience of picture theatre and a public hall. 

It is estimated that this building will meet the requirements of the district for many years to come, and the hall committee have to be congratulated on the successful outcome of their efforts. The contractor states that it is his intention to use as much local labour as possible on the work, and already three local men have been engaged. (33)

Croydon Hall, 1967.

Image: McGivern, Muriel A History of Croydon (Victor Publishing, 1967), p. 198.

The 'new' hall, which ended up costing £2,300 was officially opened by Cr H. Jeeves on September 9, 1937. The local M.L.A., Colonel Knox and the local M.L.C., Mr Chandler were amongst those present. (34) The month before in August, the name of the building had been changed from the Mechanics' Institute to the Croydon Hall, and this new name was proudly displayed on the new facade, as you can see from the photograph, above.  (35)

On January 14, 1955 Gray Edmeston, along with W.E. Spencer and R. Kirby opened the Croydon Village Drive-in Theatre (36).  However, films were still shown in the Hall as in 1956 it became the venue for the newly established Croydon Film Society. It appears the building was then referred to as the Croydon Theatre or the Croydon Hall Cinema. The Film Society moved to the Mooroolbark Community Centre in 1991, and are now based at the Boronia Cinemas. (37) 

Croydon Film Society at the Croydon Theatre (the Hall)

The Age, January 30, 1965, p. 40 from newspapers.com

The building continued to be used for community activities until 1991. Here is a random selection of events held at the Croydon Hall - An exhibition to celebrate the Shire centenary in November 1964;  an Art & Craft Show in December 1974; Sewerage was connected to the building in 1979; the Croydon Community School used it as a venue for their performance, The Frogs by Aristophanes in November 1981;  the Croydon Horticultural Society held a Spring Show in October 1985; in 1987 it was the venue for the auction of seventeen Main Street retail  properties; The Angels played there in December 1990; there was a Garden Show there in March 1991. (38)

Centenary of local government  in 1964 at Croydon Hall

The Age, November 16, 1964, p. 11 from newspapers.com

Art & Craft Exhibition at Croydon Hall in 1974

The Age, December 14, 1974, p. 19 from newspapers.com

Auction of Main Street properties in the Hall in 1987

The Age August 8, 1987, p. 82 from newspapers.com

From 1992, the building, became a Youth Centre, known as EVs and is used by thousands of young people each year as a meeting place, a source of information and education and as an entertainment venue (39). It is operated by the City of Maroondah. 

115 years after it opened the Croydon Mechanics' Institute is still used for community purposes. Whilst I am grateful the building is preserved, it is shame that the three rectangular window at the front of the building have been replaced by a bland square window and the non-original parapet on the verandah partially obscures the Croydon Hall lettering. All that remains now is to find out why it is called EVs. 

EVs Youth Centre - you can still see the original 1909 building behind the 1937 brick extension.

Image: Suzanne Burville 

https://vhd.heritagecouncil.vic.gov.au/index.php/places/contributions/image/972

Acknowledgement -The entry on the Croydon Mechanics' Institute in the book  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 Trove, related to the Mechanics' Institute and some of the people involved with it. Access it here.

Footnotes

(1) Box Hill Reporter, November 3, 1905, see here.

(2) https://www.maroondah.vic.gov.au/Explore/About-our-City/History-of-Maroondah/History-of-Croydon

(3)  Arthur Taylor - See various articles in my Trove list, here; including his obituary in The Argus, October 22, 1938, see here. Also the Camberwell Grammar website     https://www.cgs.vic.edu.au/our-school/our-history

(4) Lilydale Express, October 19, 1906, see here.

(5) Lilydale Express, September 20, 1907, see here.

(6) Lilydale Express, October 11, 1907, see here.

(7) Lilydale Express, July 10, 1908, see here.

(8) Lilydale Express, October 2, 1908, see here.

(9) The Argus, November 12, 1908, see here.

(10) Death notice of John Ward - The Argus, July 29, 1927,  see here; Obituary of Alfred Carleton - The Age, February 21, 1936, see here.

(11) Lilydale Express, April 30, 1909, see here.

(12) Thomas Henry Gwillam, died 1930 - See various articles in my Trove list, here.

(13) The Age, May 19, 1909, see here.  

(14) Healesville Guardian, June 4 1909, see here.

(15) The Age, October 28, 1909, see here; The Argus, October 28, 1909, see here.

(16) Box Hill Reporter, September 3, 1909, see here;  Punch, October 21, 1909, see here.

(17) Lilydale Express, April 20, 1906, see here.

(18) See various articles in my Trove list, here.

(19) The Age, May 12, 1911, see here

(20) Gray Denison Edmeston, the son of Harold and Elizabeth Edmeston.  Harold was, as noted in the Electoral Rolls, a Musician and sometimes listed as a Professor of Music. In the early 1920s they operated a guesthouse, The Marlborough, Fernshaw Road, Healesville. Gray married Carol Segerberg in 1935 and he died at the age of 87 in August 1996

The Age, August 28, 1996, p. 44. newspapers.com

(21) McGivern, Muriel A History of Croydon (Victor Publishing, 1967), p. 204. Also Cinema Record, Issue 24, June 1999 https://www.cinemarecord.org.au/read/cr24/files/basic-html/page9.html

(22) Lilydale Express, February 4, 1910, see here.

(23) Lilydale Express, December 1, 1944, see here.

(24) McGivern, op. cit., p. 210.

(25) See various articles in my Trove list, here and Lilydale Express, April 27, 1928, see here.

(26) McGivern, op. cit., pp. 201-202.

(27) Fern Tree Gully News, December 15, 1933, see here.

(28) Streamlined Moderne description comes from  https://vhd.heritagecouncil.vic.gov.au/index.php/places/184815/download-report . Arthur Pretty - https://www.builtheritage.com.au/dua_pretty.html

(29) See various articles in my Trove list, here

(30) Lilydale Express, December 4, 1936, see here.

(31) Ibid

(32) Lilydale Express, December 18, 1936, see here.  

(33) Lilydale Express, May 14, 1937, see here.

(34) Sun News-Pictorial, September 11, 1937, see here.

(35) McGivern, op. cit., p. 204.

(36) McGivern, op. cit., p. 162.

(37) Croydon Film Society website https://www.croydonfilms.org.au/about/ Cinema Treasurers website https://cinematreasures.org/theaters/31890 - has links to interior photos.

(38) These were found in The Age on newspapers.com

(39) Music Victoria website https://www.musicvictoria.com.au/directory-item/evs-youth-centre/  The 1992 date comes from the first reference I could find in The Age on newspapers.com

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