Institutions and Societies.
Under this heading will be found grouped brief histories of the various societies &c., at present carried on in the Borough. Others exist, such as the Studley Park Bowling and Tennis Club, the Auburn Heights Recreation Club, the Pentalpha Lodge of Freemason, the Kew Lodge Ancient Order of Druids, the Workingmen's Club, the particulars of their organisations have not been furnished. During the period under review other societies have been carried on for a time with success, but exist now only as memories of the past, such as the Kew Harmonic Society the Boroondara Horticultural Society, the Kew Drum and Fife Band, the Kew Mutual Improvement Society, the Kew Dramatic Club, the Boys' Naval Brigade, the Kew Progress Association, &c.
BOROONDARA CEMETERY.-In 1958 about thirty-one acres, portion of a reserve situated almost in the centre of what afterwards became the Borough of Kew, was proclaimed as a cemetery for Boroondara. The reserve at that time was a dense forest Of gums and wattles, these have now almost disappeared, to be replaced by variously designed memorials of the dead. Much of the besauty of the cemetery is doubtless due to the excellent way in which it was originally planned by Mr. J. F. Higgins, C.E., of the Lands Department. The first trustees were Messrs. Balmain, Box, Chambers, Denbigh, Finger, Johnson, Judd, Lloyd, and O'Grady, and of these Mr. T. Judd still holds office. The first burial took place on 12th March, 1859, when The remains of Mrs. Ellen Quick, of Kew, were interred/ Up to 31st December, 34,552 interments had taken place. The cemetery has of late years filled very rapidly on account of the closing of Melbourne and St. Kilda cemeteries to all except owners of graves, and it is expected that all the vacant land in it will be disposed of in about two years' time. «105» Among the large number of handsome memorials, those erected by Dr. Springthorpe, Mrs. D. Syme, Miss Nellie Stewart, and Mrs. Wyselaskie are perhaps the most noticeable. The first trustees had great difficulty in carrying on their work, no funds being provided by the government, so that they had to borrow sufficient to make a passable entrance. Funds, however, were accumulated in the course of time, and in 1895 the trustees were able to replace the original fence with a brick wall over a mile in length, and iron palisading and entrance gates at a cost of nearly £6,000. Enlarged offices were also built, with a clock tower and striking clock, at a total cost of about £2,500. The trustees have large funds carefully invested, with which the cemetery will be maintained after the whole of the land has been sold. The first caretaker was Mr. B. Carey. In June, 1862, Mr. J . H. Joyce became Secretary and Manager, and was succeeded in October, 1885, by Mr. T. Whitelaw, the present Secretary. The present trustees are Messrs. J. M. Campbell (chairman), T. Brodribb, J. Byrne, F. Jamieson, T. Judd, and S. Summons.
KEW LITERARY INSTITUTE AND FREE LIBRARY.-In the earliest times of Kew there had been a fair leaven of literary people among the inhabitants, and by 1858 the want of a library had made itself felt. At a meeting of residents held in the Independent Chapel on 13th May, 1858, it was decided to form the Kew Literary and Scientific Association for the purpose of holding lectures, entertainments, &c., and eventually of forming a library, the following office-bearers being elected :- President, Rev. R. Connebee; Vice-President, Geo. Lewis; Hon. Treasurer, T. Judd; Hon. Secretary, W. Rees; Committee, Messrs. Geo. Bell, jun., H. Hedderwick, O Pritchard, and J. G. Tanner. In the November following Mr. Rees left the district, and Mr. G. Bell was appointed hon. secretary, Mr. Geo. Wharton taking his place on the committee. At first a number of magazines were subscribed for, which were circulated among the members in rotation. The success of the society led to the formation «106» of a limited company, known as the "Athenaeum Company," for the purpose of erecting a public hall for meetings and accommodation for a library. This hall still exists as the main hall of the Town Hall buildings. It was opened on 8th May, 1860, when there was a large gathering of residents, Sir W. F. Stawell occupying the chair. Among the speakers were Rev. R. Connebee, Rev. James Sullivan, and Mr. G. Wharton. Among the vocalists who took part on the occasion was Mr. W. Farquharson, one of the leading singers of the time. The library was opened on 6th August, 1860; eighteen months later Mr. J. J. French was appointed librarian, a position which he filled for twenty-four years. During the sixties and early seventies lectures and penny readings were held at intervals, and the people of Kew had the opportunity of listening to the best literary and scientific talent of the Colony. Periodical conversaziones were also held, which were the means of promoting sociability among the members. By the death of Rev. R. Connebee in October, 1883, the Institute became the recipient of a bequest of £100. In March, 1884, new buildings having been erected by the Borough Council, the library was removed to the present mayor's room. In 1904 the rooms in the Town Hall building being required for other purposes, the Council purchased the adjoining premises, and altered them for library purposes. The library now contains nearly 8,000 volumes, about one-half of these are fiction of the best character, the balance of the books being standard works in all departments of literature. A number of the leading' periodicals are also available for readers. The library is maintained by the subscriptions of members, entitling them to borrow books, &c., for' home reading, and an annual grant from the Borough Council. All the books, &c., are available for readers in the library, which is open daily both afternoon and evening. The library is under the control of a committee of management partly elected by the subscribers and partly appointed by the Borough Council. From the long list of names of persons who have done good work on behalf of the «107» library, those of Messrs. G. Wharton, G. Bell, J. Lowrey, Francis Barnard, Holland Loxton, R Summers of F. Bradley, F.W. Oxenbould, T. Brodribb, J.M. Campbell, R. Gray, G.E. Ball, and Arthur Wills may be mentioned. The office bearers for the current year are :-President, Mr. J. M. Campbell; Hon. Treasurer and Acting Secretary, Mr. F. G. A. Barnard; Members of Committee, Messrs. T. Brodribb, H. C. A. Harrison, J. Scanlan, and Councillors Atkyns, Carnegie, and Kellett (representing the Borough Council). The librarian, Mr. F. J. Martin, was appointed in April, 1898, having previously been secretary for some years.
Kew Recreation Association. - Towards the end of the seventies the population of Kew had gradually increased, so that the want of a larger hall than the Town Hall for public meetings, dances &c., was making itself felt, while the recreation ground was fully a mile from the centre of population. It was proposed therefore to form a limited company to purchase a block of about eight acres of land at the corner of Denmark and Wellington Streets, and provide accommodation for various sports. A preliminary meeting was held at the Town Hall on 9th December, 1878 when Sir W. F. Stawell and about twenty five the leading residents were present. Mr. J. P. Goulstone was appointed hon. secretary, and it was decided to take steps to form the proposed company, but it was nearly twelve months before it was really set going. The company consisted of seventy shares of £50 each, and as it was hardly likely that the shareholders would receive much return for their outlay, after the first fifty shares were taken up it was somewhat difficult to place the balance. However, all were eventually placed and work was commenced in January, 1880. Among the original shareholders were Sir W. F. Stawell, Messrs. Henry Henty, Herbert J. Henty, Jno. A. Kitchen, W. J. Runting, A. S. King, Jos. Brearley, Jno. Simson, Dr. T. Embling, F. J. Smart, J. H. Thompson, and W. Siddeley. By October some £4,000 had been spent, and the hall, «108» bowling green, tennis courts, and cricket ground were ready for opening. The venture was the first of the kind in any of the suburbs, and was watched with interest by other places. But the capital was too small and the support accorded to the scheme was insufficient to meet the heavy expenses of upkeep. The hall, from its opening on 29th October, 1880 proved the best paying part of the property. It was in great demand, and many very high-class gatherings were held within its walls. The cricket club, with the help of residents outside the Borough, got together a fair team, and played in senior matches. The bowling club gradually developed into a strong club, while the tennis club provided two first-class interstate players in Messrs. H. W. Bartram and R. W. Martin. An amateur dramatic club provided excellent entertainments at intervals, which were well patronised, among the leading performers being Messrs. W. and A. Turner, N. Vance, J. C. Halfey, and W. B. Lamond. In the winter the Kew and Hawthorn Assemblies were attended by the elite of both suburbs. In March, 1881 and 1882, excellent sports meetings were held on the cricket ground, but unfortunately for the local athletes, the agitation for the extension of the railway to Kew resulted in the cricket ground being selected as the most eligible site for the terminus, and in 1885 the land was taken by the government for that purpose, and the company relieved of the responsibility of the upkeep of the cricket ground. The hall and bowling green remain as two of the attractions of the district, the former possessing perhaps the best dancing floor of any hall around Melbourne. The present directors are Messrs. D. R. McGregor (chairman) F. G. A. Barnard, H. C. A. Harrison, W. G. Hiscock, and T. G. Jellis. The caretaker, Mr. John Wentworth, has occupied that position for twenty-nine years to the satisfaction of the company, and is himself one of the oldest residents of Kew.
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Parkhill Nursery, Mont Victor Road, Kew, Melb. |
KEW LADIES BENEVOLENT SOCIETY.-This society was founded in 1891, when there was a considerable amount of distress on account of the «109» collapse of the land boom. The first office-bearers were :- President, Mrs. F. R. M. Wilson; Hon. Secretary, Mrs. S. Kellett; and Hon. Treasurer, Mrs. J. Lorimer. The society has had a useful career and been of great assistance to many families. One of its best workers was Mrs. G. Wharton. The present committee consists of Mrs. H. Collier (President), Mrs. Holdsworth (Vice-President), Mrs. Archer (Hon. Treasurer) Mrs. E. J. Dunn (Hon. Secretary), and Mesdames. Berry, Gillespie, Israel, Jellis, Kerr, Lilley, McCrea, Paton, Spring, Tappin, and Wishart.
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Todd Bros.' Grain Store, High Street.. |
AUSTRALIAN WOMEN'S NATIONAL LEAGUE.-The Kew branch was founded in 1904 at an inaugural meeting held in the Recreation Hall. The mayor, Dr. Argyle, occupied the chair. The principal speakers were the Hon. Frank Madden, M.L.A., Hon. G. Swinburne, M.L.A., and the organising secretary, Miss Grace Watson. The meeting was most enthusiastic, and the following office-bearers were elected :-President, Mrs. Frank Madden; Vice-President, Mrs. J. M. Campbell; Hon. Treasurer, Mrs. J. Buchan; and Hon. Secretary, Miss Kate Harrison. Since that time the branch has held many public meetings, both social and political. At the sixth annual meeting, held in July last, an encouraging report was presented. The principal speakers were Mrs. Berry, of Bendigo, and Miss Grace Watson. The membership of the league now amounts to 225. The office-bearers for the current year are :-President, Mrs. Frank Madden; Vice-Presidents, Mrs. J. M. Campbell and Mrs. Flere ; Hon. Treasurer, Mrs. J. Buchan; Hon. Secretary, Miss Avis Chapman, Adeney Avenue, Kew.
KEW RIFLE CLUB.-This club came into existence in Mag, 1900. The defence authorities sent a letter to the Borough Council asking it to use its influence in forming a rifle club in the district. The then mayor, Cr. J. W. Clements, called a public meeting, with the result that a club was established with a membership roll of 100 strong. The present membership is steady at about 70. Cr. J. W. «110» Clements was appointed the first captain ot the club, and Mr. W. Gall the first secretary. They took their men to Williamstown and Elwood for practice, and many amusing scenes were witnessed from the "kicks" of the old "Martini." Meanwhile Messrs. C. H. Wright, W. Howieson, sen., and W. Gall looked round Kew for a suitable site for a rifle range. Mr. Wright was so satisfied with their success in finding the present site, partly in Hyde Park and partly in the Asylum Reserve, that he made a miniature model of the range and placed it on the Council table, the result being that it was adopted, and the Kew Rifle Club has fired there ever since, and has mounds from 200 to 700 yards. Visiting teams have proclaimed the Kew range, within sight of the Yarra, one of the most picturesque in Victoria. The club as a shooting team had varied successes at first, but now they are looked upon as a strong team, capable of holding their own in any company. The management of the club 'has been in the hands of the following office-bearers for many years:-Captain, Dr. S. S. Argyle; Vice-Captain and Secretary, Mr. S. Abbott; Treasurer, Mr. Edward Potts; Committee, Messrs. A. Key, H. A. Wentworth, C. W. Ward, and R. J. Peowrie. The subscription to the club, 5/- per year for residents 16 years old and over, entitles them to shoot at the main range and at the miniature range in Brougham Street, Kew. The members of the Borough Council have been strong supporters of the club ever since its inception. Cr. J. K. Merritt is at present the club's president, and the other members of the Council are patrons of the club.
KEW BRASS BAND.-The present band was founded four years ago, and is one of Kew's successful organisations. The outdoor performances, given at intervals in the main street and during the summer in the Alexandra Gardens, are much appreciated. The office-bearers are :-Patrons, Hon. G. Swinburne, the Mayor of Kew (Cr. J. F. McCrea), Crs. Merritt, Carnegie, and Todd; Trustees, Cr. W. J. Clark and Mr. R. Hodges; President, Cr. W. J. «111» Clark; Vice-President, Mr. W. H. Bradshaw; Hon. Secretary and Treasurer, Mr. R. Hodges; Assistant, Mr. L. J. Smith; Committee, Messrs. E. Vivash, F. Dickman, J. Rush, H. Ball, F. Kinder, S. Savage, V. Webb, P. Lord, C. Dickman, and T. Taylor; Librarian, Mr. L. J. Smith; Assistant, Mr. J. Davidson; Band Sergeant, Mr. S. Savage; Conductor, Mr. H. Ball.
ANCIENT ORDER OF FORESTERS.-This is the senior friendly society of Kew, having been founded by Bros. J. H. Kay, T. W. S. Rollings, and J. Boulton, on 13th September, 1861. The first meeting was held at the Council Hotel, kept by Host Mills. The Court has had a long and useful career. Its membership is now nearly 200, and its funds amount to £3,500. Six of its members, Bros. Hy. Fisher, Jas. Lorimer, Thos. Breen, S. Hardidge, S. Yeomans, J. Rouse, and J Witchell, date their joining over forty years ago. Among prominent workers may be mentioned the late Bros. J. H. Kay, F. Barton, H. Loxton, F. W. Barnard, and W. Morris, also Bros. R. H. Fisher, Jas. Bishop, and J. Alexander. Bros. Kay and Bishop acted as secretaries for many years. During the past ten years the Court has paid £1,885 in sick pay, and £720 as funeral donations. The trustees are Bros. J. Witchell, T. Whitelaw, and P. Retchford. The principal office-bearers for the current half-year are :-Chief Ranger, Bro. S. May; Sub-Chief Ranger, Bro. E. Taunt; Treasurer, Bro. C. Shacklock; and Secretary, Bro. H. F. Cooper.
MANCHESTER UNNITY ODDFELLOWS.-The Loyal Kew Lodge was founded on 26th January, 1863, with a roll of sixteen members. Bro. Wm. Woollard was elected Noble Grand and Bro. George Taylor Secretary. Mr. Francis Barnard was elected an honorary member and appointed Treasurer. The remaining offices were filled by Bros. J. H. Joyce, D. Gray, D. Dannock, J. Dannock, R. Forster, R. H. Blake, and S. Creek. Of these members all have passed away except Bro. W. Woollard, who has filled the office of Secretary for more than forty years, and Mr. F. Barnard. That the lodge has «112» been successful in accomplishing its mission of helping the sick is shown by the fact that up to the present time, besides having accumulated funds and property to the value of £8,705, it has paid away in sick pay the sum of £5,750, and in funeral benefits £1,090 the amount paid for medical attendance being £5,251. The lodge has a members' roll of 188 names. Among those who have been foremost in promoting the interests of the lodge may be mentioned the late Bros. W. H. Perry, S. Conder, and W. Hunt, and Bros. T. Foley and E. Hillier. The lodge trustees are Bros. Alex. Alexander, Thos. Greenhil1, and T. G. Jellis. The present officers are :-Grand Master, Bro. T. F. James; Noble Grand, Bro. Edw. Foley; Vice Grand, Bro. E. C. Parry; Treasurer, Bro. F. G. A. Barnard; Elect. Secretary, Bro. C. L. Plumridge; and Permanent Secretary, Bro. Wm. Woollard.
RECHABITES.-The Star of
Kew Tent, No. 260.-This branch of the Independent Order of Rechabites was
founded in September, 1882, when the following members were installed as the
first officers by the district officers, viz. :-Chief Ruler, Bro. W. H.
Bardwell; Deputy Ruler, Bro. C.
Viney; Past Chief Ruler, Bro. J. V. Morgan; Treasurer, Bro. R. Eyre; Money
Steward, Bro. A. Brown; Levite, Bro. W. H. Richardson; Guardian,
Bro. J. Wathen; Secretary, Bro. T. J. Eaton. Bros. W. H. Bardwell, T. J. Eaton,
and F. J. Legge
were appointed as trustees. It is interesting to
note that three of the foundation members, Messrs. Bardwell,
Eaton, and Richardson, and still members of the tent. The first meetings
were held in the Mission Hall, but for many ears the meeting place
of the tent has been the Kew Town Hall. The funds of the tent have gradually
accumulated until at the last audit they amounted to £2,097. For many years
past the interest on the funds has been more than sufficient to meet all claims
for sick pay. The
total membership is now 140. The following past secretaries
have been mainly instrumental in placing the tent in its present position:-Bros. T. J. Eaton,
W. H. Bardwell, C. B. Gray, and C. L. Churcher. «113» The
present officers are :-C.R., Bro.
R. M. Jones; D.R., Bro. T. H. B. Williams; P.C.R., Bro. C. H. Green; Treasurer,
Bro. W. J. Thornton; Secretary, Bro. F. C. W. Hurrell.
Junior Branch.-A junior branch was founded in 1883, and while its membership has fluctuated considerably according to the enthusiasm of the management, it has been the means of introducing many members to the senior tent. Its membership is now 41.
Female Branch.-Lily of Kew Tent, No. 20.-This branch was formed in October, 1904, and has accomplished good work. Its membership is 38. Much of its success is due to the untiring energy of its secretary, Mrs. J Jaycock.
SONS AND DAUGHTERS OF TEMPERANCE.-The Kew division of this society was opened at the Federal Hall on 30th October, 1894, with fourteen members. Since 1901 the meetings have been held at the Town Hall, and the division now numbers sixty members. The society provides medical benefits to both male and female abstainers, and specially encourages the membership of youths and maidens. The present officers are :-Trustees, Messrs. A. J. Allen, P. Dixon, and D. Pittock; Presiding Sister, Miss H. Badger; Treasurer, Miss A. Woollard; Secretary, K. D. Stewart, Elgin Street, Hawthorn.
AUSTRALIAN NATIVES' ASSOCIATION.-The Kew branch, No. 153, was established in 1895, the first President being Cr. H. de C. Kellett. The membership now amounts to 150. Included among these are Crs. W. J. Clark, W. G. Hiscock, W. W. Kerr, and J. S. Weir. The branch has always taken a lively interest in local matters, and has helped in promoting the interests of the Borough. In order to mark the Jubilee celebrations, the branch is offering a prize for a competition among the school children of the district for the best essay on the subject: "The best means for the advancement of Kew." Concerts are annually held in aid of some charitable institution, and the boys of the local «114» schools compete in ride matches for prizes provided the branch. The resent office-bearers are :-Trustees, Cr. Sir H. de C. Kellett, Messrs. L. Hambleton and J. Marsh; President, Mr. V. G. Greenhill; Ex-President, Mr. Geo. Moore; Vice-President, Mr. M. E. R. Burgess; Treasurer, Mr. C. W. Ward; Secretary, Mr. W. J. Perry; Assistant Secretary, Mr. S. Abbott; Committee, Messrs. W. R. Church, R. R. Church, R. Turner, W. St. G. Sproule, and E. A. Watson.
HIBERNIAN AUSTRALASIAN CATHOLIC BENEFIT SOCIETY.-The Sacred Heart Branch, No. 309, was founded on 2nd May, 1899, with a small number of members, the first president being Bro. J. T. O'Sullivan; Treasurer, Rev. P. O'Donohue; and Secretary, Bro. George Smith. The membership has gradually increased, there being now over 80 members on the roll, while the balance to the credit of the sick amounts to upwards of £500, the benefits being the same as in other societies. On St. Patrick's Day, 1909, the branch unfurled its new banner, procured at a cost of £100, and with it secured first prize for the best banner in St. Patrick's Day procession in March, 1910. The present office-bearers are :-Past President, Bro. P. Britt; President, Bro. P. Barry; Vice-President, Bro. T. Wrage; Treasurer, Rev. P. O'Donohue; Secretary, Bro. Geo. Smith; Warden, Bro. J. Ewer; Trustees, Bros. P. Coffey, M. Britt, and P. J. Ryan.
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