1872 - School of Arts
On Monday evening, a public meeting was held at Selff’s Hotel, for the purpose of inaugurating a Literary Institute and Reading Room, about 50 people attended. Mr. Townley took the chair in place of T.A. Browne Esq. PM, who was absence, who then turned up late, Mr. L.S. Donaldson, Mr. McLennan, Rev. Mr. Allworth and Rev. J. O’Donovan, Rev. Mr. Swift, Mr. W.D. Gould, Mr. Simmon, Mr. H. Dennis, Mr. T. Goulding, Mr. P.B. Cooke, Mr. D. Driscoll, Mr. Hinwood, Mr. Stacey, Bland, all mentioned.
Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 98, 24 July 1872
Decided to allow women to be admitted as members, at 2/6 per quarter. Those present at the meeting were Messrs. L.S. Donaldson, Stacey, Cairns, D. Driscoll, McDiarmid, Goulding and Cook. The Secretary was instructed to request members to contribute new or second hand books for the purpose of starting a library. Mr. McDonald was requested to commence his canvass for books as early as possible.
Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 98, 24 July 1872
This local institution will be opened on Monday next, on which occasion we hope that there will be a large attendance of subscribers, so as to make a cheerful beginning. The room is in Queen Street West, just beyond Woods and Co’s Sydney House; and though it would have been better if a more centrally situated building could have been procured, yet the one selected is large and airy, and will be found to answer the purpose for which it will be used; and perhaps, by and by, the management may be in a position to erect a handsome building in a prominent position in one of the leading streets. In order to hasten this event every one should become subscribers; and as the small sum of five shillings per quarter qualifies, the roll ought to soon to number some hundreds of names.
Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 102, 7 August 1872
1872 - Gulgong School of Arts
On Monday evening a meeting of the friends and subscribers of the School of Arts was held at Selff’s hotel for the purpose of receiving the report of the provisional committee and of electing the officers and committee for the first six months. Between forty and fifty persons were present.
T.A. Browne, Esq, P.M. in the chair. He regretted that applications had not been made to the government for assistance [unreadable, fold in the paper] Guntawang had received £100; and it would be fair to expect Gulgong would have had a far larger sum. They had a good start, and in a few days the building would be ready, and provided with some books and papers, and with an opportunity afforded to read the magazines of the day, and the general literature of the age all would have a fair chance of improving their mind.
Mr. P.B. Cooke and Mr. Stacey were appointed to make arrangements for a suitable room. They had, however, arranged with Mr. Hunter, for the use of the Assembly Rooms, Queen Street west, at the rate of 12s.6d per week, and Messrs. H. Woods, J. McCubbin and M. Downey had agreed to pay the rent for the first three months under agreement. Mr. McDonald offered to act as general manager and librarian at the rate of 5s per week and 10 per cent, upon all collection made by him.
The following subscriptions have been made:
Messrs. A.R. McDonnell, Scully, Sellman. Donaldson, T.A. Browne, Graham, Allworth, Court, DeCourcy Browne, Booth, Stacey, Blair, R.L. Jones, Cairns, McDiarmid, 10/-, J. Shelly, J. McDonald 5/-, Golden, Tissington, Guigni, d. Driscoll, Dennis, Downey, Stanley, H. Smith, Dacomb, White, Steare, O’Brien, Robinson, Cook, Westphalen, C. Driscoll, Connelly, Shettle, Heard, S.S.Moses, Hurley, Crowley, Redmond, Sanders, Rush, J. Robinson, Bead, Simeon, T. Brown, McCulloch, Mose, P. O’Neil, M. O’Neil, Hill, Turner, Osborn, Walker, Hindwood, Pickering, Pulbrook, Lambert, Stormer, Townley, M. Smith and some forty others had given promise all of which were good. Mr. DeCourcy Browne has promised a present of the ‘Graphie’ and ‘Illustrated London News’ every month and twenty volumes of readable books.
The Rev. Mr. Allworth gave a very neat speech. The following were elected by ballot: President, T.A. Browne; Vice President, L.S. Donaldson, A.K. McDonnel; Treasurer, B. Stacey; Hon. Sec., P.B. Cooke; Committee Messrs. Cairns, D. Driscoll, Blair, Scully, Golding, McDiarmid and Jones; Librarian, J. McDonald; Auditors, Messrs. DeCourcy Browne and Connolly.
I forgot to mention in my last that there is a very flourishing and useful literary institution here called the Gulgong School of Arts. It has been in existence only a few months, and there are already about 150 members enrolled. The building placed at the disposal of the institute by the liberality of three of our most liberal townsmen, Messrs. Woods, Downey, and M'Cubbin, is situated at the lower end of Queen-street [Mayne St], and is very well adapted to the purpose. The table is covered with an excellent assortment of newspapers and magazines, and is kept in good order. The president is T. A. Browne, Esq., the police magistrate, and the vice-president is L. S. Donaldson, Esq., C.P.S.; Mr. P. B. Cooke is secretary, and Mr. John Macdonald manager. It is in contemplation to take early measures to provide a library that will be a credit to the people of the town and district. At this room the principal inhabitants of the town nightly congregate, look over the columns of the latest papers, and discuss the most interesting topics of the day. The means of doing so much good at so little cost should induce every intelligent person in the community to join this society.
1872 - List of Donations To the Gulgong School OF ARTS
- Mr.De Courcy Browne – The Graphic [5 monthly parts]; Illustrated London News [8 monthly parts]; Harper’s Weekly [3 monthly parts]; Dark Blue [1 monthly part]; 1 large Map of Australia, 5 feet 6 inches x 4 feet; Gulgong Guardian.
- Mr. T.A. Browne, Police Magistrate – Cornhill Magazine [7 monthly parts]
- Mr. R. Robinson – Illustrated Sydney News; London Journal [1 Vol.]
- Mr. J.S. Donaldson – Public Opinion
- Miss Caroline Williams – 3 Vols. Of Fiction
- Mr. Henry Wood – 21 Vols. of Fiction
- Mr. Charles Bird – 20 Vols. Dulwer’s Novels
- Mr. A. Eveleigh – 4 Vols. of Fiction.
- Mr. James Sellman – Dickens, ‘Bleak House’
- Per Mr. Donaldson – Books the property of the late Rev. Mr. Butcher – The Rock, Best of Everything, Enquire Within, Walkers Dictionary.
- Mr. Dacombe – Sea Lions [1 Volume]
- Mr. James Eddy – Constitution of School Mines, Ballarat
- Mr. C. B. Cairnes – Cornhill Magazines [1 monthly part]
- Mr. B. Stacy – European Mail
- Mr. James Bamfield – London Weekly Dispatch and Lloyds Weekly News.
- Mr. J. McDonald – Their Consulate and Empire, La-martine’s, History of Gerondins, Michele’s, French Revolution, the Evening News and the Sydney Mail.
- The following newspapers are supplied without charge to the Institute by the Proprietors:- Gulgong Evening Argus, Mercantile Advertiser, Mudgee Western Post, Hill End and Tambaroora Times, Forbes Times, Grenfell Mining Record, Burrangong Argus, Wagga Wagga Express, Gundagai Herald, Deniliquin Pastoral Times and Queanbeyan Age.
Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 121, 12 October 1872
1872 - PICNIC
The picnic at the School of Arts is likely to be a great success.
1873 - EDITORIAL
We notice that the estimate containing the amount to be paid to the various Schools of Art in the Colony was passed in the Assembly on Wednesday last. Amongst the items we find £150 for the Guntawang School of Arts, but no mention of Gulgong. This is to be regretted, as we think that with the energetic management this local institution it should become a popular one on this goldfield. When it was first established in this town it was deemed by many to be a step in the right direction. The building used as a reading room, though somewhat remotely situated, is fairly well attended by visitors. It is cheerful, and well supplied with newspapers and periodicals. We can hardly explain why it is, but somehow these institutions are never decided successes on a goldfield during the first few years. Miners do not take to them kindly - even though the terms of membership are liberal and free from formalities - unless energetic efforts a made by means of popular readings and other entertainments, to keep the attractions of the institute prominently before the public. Lectures on popular subjects, concerts varied with readings from well-known authors, are required to make such institutions popular in the true sense of the word. Some time ago an application was made to the Government through Mr Buchanan for the usual subsidy to our School of Arts, which was promised. Unless it is intended to place the amount - £100 we think - on a supplementary estimate, we fear the promise has been forgotten, and would suggest to the committee of management to remind our goldfields member of the promise made to him. We take a warm interest in institutions such as these, and we hope during the year to see some active steps taken to provide a more centrally situated building for the institute, as well as a large and well selected library, so that information - useful and attractive - may be provided for the benefit of all who desire it.
Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue 151, 25 January, 1873
1873 - [SCHOOL OF ARTS]
Well directed efforts are being made to raise funds for the purpose of erecting an elegant structure for the library and reading-room in Upper Herbert-street, adjoining the Joint Stock Bank, and opposite the Court House. The allotments have already been secured through the liberality of Mr. John Scully, recently a candidate for Parliamentary honours.
1874 - [SPORTS DAY]
The Anniversary Day sports, in aid of the School of Arts building fund, were initiated and carried out by the committee of this institution in a manner deserving great credit, for the purpose of trying to raise sufficient funds to build a new school of arts. John Scully, Esq., with his usual liberality, offered a short time since to give £100 towards this object, provided the sum of £100 were raised by the members, or through their exertions. It was decided, therefore, by the committee to hold sports, and through the kindness I believe of the proprietors of this land, Mr. Homer, his paddock, situated close to the town, was placed at their disposal. The heavy rains, no doubt, which had fallen consecutively for three days, and only ceased on the morning of the sports, deterred many from them who otherwise would have been present.
By 3 o'clook, however, the people were flocking to the gate. Johnson, who had purchased the two publicans booths, kept his countenance cheerful while he administered, the various beverages to his thirsty customers, which, at 4 o'clock, must have been fully 400. The lunch provided by our host was excellent, and very well patronised, under all circumstances. A swinging boat was also provided for the amusement of the young folks. There were three fruit stands and a slight sprinkling of the gambling fraternity, whose avocations, I am happy to say, were soon stopped by the energetic Stewards...
The School of Arts at Gulgong now possess a valuable library of more than a 1000 volumes and it has been suggested that trustees shall be appointed.
Source: GULGONG EVENING ARGUS, August 1, 1874
The first newspaper here was the Guardian, printed in Mudgee, edited by Mr T F DeC Browne. This was followed by an advertising sheet circulated here by Messrs Shettle and Tebbutt. Then following the publication The Evening Argus, firstly a bi-weekly and in 1872 as a daily. The circulation reached as high as 4,500 copies per week, subsequently the proprietor purchased the Guardian from Messrs Browne and McNamara, and this was incorporated with The Evening Argus. Mr George D Lang who was formerly a member of Parliament [and son of the Rev John Lang DD] was editor for several years, and died with much lamented on the 12th January, last. About three years ago the School of Arts was formed and T A Browne Esq., was appointed president. The library consist of about 1000 volumes and the tables are supplied with many excellent magazines and newspapers. Connected with these at one time was a flourishing debating class. One gentleman, T A Browne, Esq., P M, and whose name has been intimately connected with the town and district for more than four years is understood to be the author of several small tales, descriptive of colonial life, published weekly, during the past three years in one of the literary journals in Sydney. L S Donaldson, Esq., J P, has also distinguished himself as the author of an essay upon the subject of opening the lands of the colony for settlement and cultivation.
Source: GULGONG EVENING ARGUS, August 7, 1875
Gulgong School of Arts Herbert Street, Red Hill have excellent volumes for everyone.
1875 - School of Arts
Source: GULGONG EVENING ARGUS, September 12, 1874
1875 - A Dingo Rug
There is, on exhibition, at the School or Arts the skin of a cross-bred dingo remarkable for its size and the beauty of its colour. From the muzzle to the end of the tail it is five feet nine inches long and two feet six inches across the body. The muzzle is a clear white merging into yellow about the ears and towards the neck, which is also white. The sides are yellow, with black and white belly. The tail is bushy, with a black stripe on the tip. The tip of the tail is also clear white. The skin has been finely tanned by Mr Jackson, whose property the skin is. Four of these would make a beautiful buggy or carriage rug, and the one exhibited if properly trimmed and bound would make an elegant parlour mat.
Source: GULGONG EVENING ARGUS, Thursday July 15, 1875
1875 - Parker’s Day & Evening School
For Boys and Girls and Adults is now open in Medley Street, opposite the Court House. Separate Rooms for each class. French Taught.
Source: GULGONG EVENING ARGUS, Thursday July 15, 1875
1875 - Literature
The first newspaper here was the Guardian, printed in Mudgee, edited by Mr T F DeC Browne. This was followed by an advertising sheet circulated here by Messrs Shettle and Tebbutt. Then following the publication The Evening Argus, firstly a bi-weekly and in 1872 as a daily. The circulation reached as high as 4,500 copies per week, subsequently the proprietor purchased the Guardian from Messrs Browne and McNamara, and this was incorporated with The Evening Argus.
Mr George D Lang who was formerly a member of Parliament [and son of the Rev John Lang DD] was editor for several years, and died with much lamented on the 12th January, last. About three years ago the School of Arts was formed and T A Browne Esq., was appointed president. The library consist of about 1000 volumes and the tables are supplied with many excellent magazines and newspapers. Connected with these at one time was a flourishing debating class. One gentleman, T A Browne, Esq., P M, and whose name has been intimately connected with the town and district for more than four years is understood to be the author of several small tales, descriptive of colonial life, published weekly, during the past three years in one of the literary journals in Sydney. L S Donaldson, Esq., J P, has also distinguished himself as the author of an essay upon the subject of opening the lands of the colony for settlement and cultivation.
Source: GULGONG EVENING ARGUS, August 7, 1875
At the meeting held last evening at the rooms J.F. Plunkett in the chair, the Secretary Mr. J. Macdonald read the minutes, Mark Smith - and W.H. Arrowsmith moved the motion first and second. It was incidentally stated that two active members of the committee Messrs. Driscoll and W.J. Morris had left the district. It was suggested that additions were necessary to be made to the library.
Source: GULGONG EVENING ARGUS, Thursday August 12, 1875
1876 - Editorial
The closing of that useful institution—the School of Arts—was we think a hasty, ill-advised proceeding, one which was not justified by the circumstances and for the credit of the town, should have been the subject of a little more reflection ere it was reported to. There appears to be a fatality about the management of our local institutions. Their fleeting and chequered existence is somewhat like a rocket and their end just as sudden. There appears to be a want of stability about those who voluntarily undertake their management and as a result as soon as the novelty wears off those ‘types of civilisation’ become extinct. Other than the Municipality and the Hospital, the School of Arts is one of the more useful or necessary institution of the town. The Government and Public Subscription were with a little perseverance and economic managed in an efficient manner the institution could be re-established on a sound basis. The services of a competent, trustworthy secretary would be an advantage. All that is wanted to make a new start is for three or four energetic townsmen to take the matter in hand and avoid the errors of the past and to take care not to allow a local Jonas to wriggle amongst them.
Source: GULGONG EVENING ARGUS, Saturday May 20 1876
