T H E C I T Y O F P R A H R A N

ANNUAL REPORTS

County of Bourke - Parish of Prahran. Constituted on 24th April, 1855. Proclaimed a Borough, 1st October, 1863 Proclaimed a Town, 13th May, 1870. Proclaimed a City, 30th May, 1879.

Cr. LESLlE JOHN HAY BUDDLE, J.P., Mayor

MUNICIPAL CHAMBERS, PRAHRAN

Coat of Arms

The design is the Royal Arms, with an encircling scroll, containing the words "Borough of Prahran" and the motto "Spectemur Agendo," meaning "Let us be seen by our deeds."

Description of Royal Arms Crown: A circle of gold, issuing therefrom four crosses

patee and four fleurs-de-lis, arranged alternately; from the crosses patee arise two arched and golden diadems ornarnented with pearls, closing at the top under a mound, surmounted by a cross patee, also gold, the whole enriched with precious stones. The cap is of crimson velvet, turned up ermine.

Arms: Quarterly; 1st and 4th Gu., three lions passant guardant in pale, or, for ENGAND; 2nd, Or a lion rampant within a double tressure flory counter-flory, gu., for SCOTLAND, and 3rd, Az., a harp or, stringed arg., for IRELAND, the whole encircled with the Garter.

Crest: Upon the Royal helmet the Crown ppr., thereon a lion stantant guardant, or crowned, also ppr.

Supporters: On the dexter a lion guardant or, crowned as the Crest; and on the sinister an unicorn arg. armed, crined and unguled or, and gorged with a coronet composed of crosses patee and fleurs-de-lis, a chain affixed thereto passing between the forelegs and reflexed over the back, or the last.

Motto: Dieu et mon droit (God and my right). Fleurs-de-lis - Lillies. Gu - Ermine dyed red. Or - Gold. Az. - Blue (Azure). Arg. - Silver (Argent). Dexter - Right side. Sinister - Left side.

CHAIRMEN OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF PRAHRAN s h e Incorporation in 1856

F. J. Sargood J. Cunnington

( J. Cunnington i F. J. S. Stephen

D. R. Long J. Wisewould J. Wisewould

! J. B. Crews C R. McClure

J. B. Crews

\ J. Snowball C J. Stoddart

J. Snowball

E. L. Vial ( G. Young

C G. Young W. H. Lacey

\ W. H. Lacey ( G. Young

\ W. H. Lacey ( Chas. Ogg

\ Chas. Ogg R. M. Smith

G. Lewis 1 ,: 1Ii"'th

C. Hipwell

' C. Hipwell G. Young

J. Harris J. Harris E. J. Dixon W. Bowen

John Craven Albert L. Ely John Hinde

1878-9 S. Willis 1879-80 T. Arkle 1880-1 J. Hole 1881-2 M. H. Davies 1882-3 J. Turner 1883-4 Wm. Templeton 1884-5 G. W. Taylor 1885-6 T. B. Muntz

R. A. Forbes John Beatty H. Osment W. Fuller T. Ellis J. H. Maddock G. L. Skinner W. Davies T. Luxton T. Luxton T. Luxton R. A. Forbes T. Simmons H. M. Gooch H. M. Gooch T. Luxton W. Densham W. Densham S. A. Chambers S. A. Chambers J. J. W. Flintoft

( H. Upton, LL.B. ( F. l". S. Dobson, B.A., LL.B.

1S08-9 F. T. S. Dobson, B.A., LL.B. 1945-46

1909-10 E. Naylor, J.P. 1946-47 1910-11 J. R. G. Nicholson 1947-48

1911-12 H. A. Austin Embling, J.P. 1948-49 1912-13 Thomas G. L. Scott 1949-50 1913-14 Ernest H. Willis, J.P. 1914-15 Henry C. Heyward

TOWN CLERKS: 1899-1907 Albert M. Mortley 1907-1945 John Romanis 1946-1953 Walter Jessop Ward

William M. McIlwrick H. A. Austin Embling. J.P. H. A. Austin Embling, J.P. Ernest H. Willis, J.P. George N. Heyward, J.P. J. J. W. Flintoft, J.P. A. H. Woodfull, LL.M. W. T. Chambers W. B. Lumley J. C. Pickford A. A. Holdsworth, D.S.O., V.D. J. J. W. Flintoft, J.P. Frederick Harvey, JP. A. H. Woodfull, LL.M. Wm. M. McIlwrick J. McD. Ellis, J.P. J. McD. Ellis, J.P. A. W. Cole, J.P. A. W. Cole, J.P. W. M. Flintoft, J.P. R. J. Grant, J.P. A. W. Sterck, J.P. H. R. David, J.P. H. Landen, J.P. M. G. Sloman, J.P., F.I.C.A. A. H. Woodfull, LL.M. Wm. M. McIlwrick Wm. M. McIlwrick J. McD. Ellis, M.L.A., J.P.

( J . McD. Ellis, M.L.A., J.P. ( A . W. Cole, J.P.

A. W. Cole, J.P. M. P. Smith, J.P. E. P. McMaster, J P . G. E. Furnell E. L. Jones T. A. Thomas H. R. Petty, M.L.A., J.P. L. J. H. Buddle, J.P.

Cr. L. J. H. BUDDLE, J.P., Mayor, 1952-53.

Mrs. BUDC

CITY OF PRAHRAN - 1952-1953

MAYOR:

Councillor LESLIE JOHN HAY BUDDLE, J.P.

COUNCILLORS:

Toorak Ward : Prahran Ward:

Spencer Harper, J.P. Frederick Harvey, J.P. Leslie John Hay Buddle, J.P. Thomas Alfred Thomas, J.P. Horace Rostill Petty, B.Com. (Melb, Univ.), A.I.C.A. Charles Sherwin Gawith

South Yarra Ward:

Alfred William Cole, J.P. George Ernest Furnell Theodore Martin Walsh

Windsor Ward:

Ernest Peter McMaster, J.P. Emlyn Leighton Jones, JP. Martin Patrick Smith, J.P.

PRINCIPAL OFFICERS:

Town Clerk and City Treasurer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . City Surveyor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Assistant Town Clerk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Accountant Engineer's Assistant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bookkeeper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . City Valuer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rate Collector Assistant Rate Collectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dog Registration Officer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . City Solicitor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Health Officer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Maternal and Child Welfare Medical Officer .... City Inspector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Health Inspector Building and City Inspector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Market Superintendent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Health Centre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Pre-Ma.ternity Clinic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Prahran Municipal Day Nursery

Emergency Home Help Supervisor . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Librarian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Assistant in Library

Librarian, Children's . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Prosecuting Officer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Clerk of Works Superintendent Parks and Gardens . . . . . . . . . . . . Engineer, Depot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Auditor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hallkeeper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

W. J. Ward, A.I.C.A., F.I.M.A. A. E. McCausland, C.E. H. T. Jones, A.I.M.A. H. G. Matthews, F.F.I.A., A.C.I.S., A.I.M.A. R. Neate H. N. Trice M. M. Stevenson J. K. Gray John Bums and Len Donoghue D. Aylwin P. W. Ettelson, LL.B. Dr. J.P.Major,C.B.E.,M.D. Dr. Margaret Aiken R. A. Rogers Leo C. Carew C. Selleck J. Millar Sisters R. W. Beveridge, B. Hart, M. Matthews Dr. E. M. Ross Sister M. Jenkins, Matron Mrs. B. A. Joske Mrs. L. F. Gibson Miss M. Grant Miss E. Haynes; Assistant, Miss M. Allen Sergeant F. A. Fuge J. H. White C. Cutting L. Renner W. A. McDonald A. H. Brudenell

COMMITTEES :

The Standing Committees consist of all the members of the Council, and meet on alternate Mondays, commencing a t 5.30 p.m.

CHAIRMEN :

Health Committee: Cr. E. L. Jones. Finance Committee: Cr. G. E. Furnell. Public Works Committee: Cr. F. Harvey. Parks and Gardens Committee: Cr. M. P. Smith. Library Committee: Cr. C. S. Gawith. Markets Committee: Cr. Spencer Harper. OWcers and Employees' Committee: Cr. E. P. McMaster.

DELEGATES :

Metropolitan Board of Works: Councillors F. Harvey and G. E. Furnell. Municipal Association of Victoria: Cr. G. E. Furnell.

Prahran Mechanics' Institute: His Worship the Mayor and Councillors M. P. Smith, Spencer Harper, and T. M. Walsh.

Prahran Technical Art School: His Worship the Mayor and Councillors M. P. Smith, Spencer Harper, and T. M. Walsh.

Boys' High School (Forrest Hill) : His Worship the Mayor and Councillors G. E. Furnell, T. A. Thomas, H. R. Petty, and T. M. Walsh.

Toorak Park Management Committee: His Worship the Mayor and Councillors F. Harvey and M. P. Smith.

St. Kilda Cemetery Trust: Councillors F. Harvey and A. W. Cole. Infectious Diseases Hospital: Cr. E. I. F. Halley (Moorabbin). Metropolitan Fire Brigades' Board: Cr. W. A. Fordham (Camberwell). Try Boys' Society: His Worship the Mayor and Councillor G. E. Furnell.

PARLIAMENTARY REPRESENTATIVES

COMMONWEALTH ELECTORATES

Division of Fawkner- Sub-divisions: Prahrm, South Yarra, Toorak, Orrong and Armadale. Representative: W. M. Bourke, M.H.R.

Division of Higgins- Representative: Hon. Harold Edward Holt, M.H.R.

STATE ELECTORATES:

Province of Monash-Divisions: Prahran and South Yarra, Toorak and Armadale. Members: Hon. Sir Francis Grenville Clarke, K.C.B., M.L.C.; Hon. T. W. Brennan, M.L.C.

Electoral District of Prahntn-Sub-divisions: Prahran, Armadale and Orrong. Member: R. Pettiona, M.L.A. Returning Officer: Cr. E. P. McMaster, J.P.

Electoral District of Toorak-Sub-divisions: South Yarra and Toorak. Member: H. R. Petty. M.L.A. Returning Officer: Cr. G. E. Furnell.

Mayor's Report

Town Hall, Prahran, S.l,

1st October, 1953. TO THE MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL,

Gentlemen,

At the termination of my year of office as Mayor of this City, I desire to give a brief summary of the chief matters which have engaged the attention of the Council during the past 12 months, and to place on record the thanks of the Mayoress and myself to all who have assisted us in the various activities annex to the high office as the First Citizen of this important City, an honour which the Council conferred upon me during my first three years as a Councillor.

Mayoral Chain (History of)

It would appear that the earliest record of the office of Mayor originated in the courts of France as the First Officer of State, and later in 1191 began the Office of Mayor in London, later changed to Mayor, Chief Magistrate of a City or Borough.

Those fine examples of the craftsman's art ceremonially worn by civic dignitaries are literally as well as symbolically the "chains of office." They have their origin in the days when the lieges of the King were given the privilege of carrying a "banneret" on their lances to show that they were entitled to lead their followers to battle in the King's service. Later, when no lances were carried, the chain was introduced and formed part of the insignia. The chain later came to be used as a symbol of dedication to service. That is its meaning today.

Chief Magistrate of City

It is customary upon being elevated to the position of Mayor of the City to be "sworn in" as Chief Magistrate of the City. This year the Crown Law Department decided that a formal ceremony should take place at the Law Courts, Melbourne, on September 30th, 1952, at 2.30 p.m., when all such Mayors and Shire Presidents were invited to attend in a body for the purpose of taking such oaths, which were administered in the presence of the State Full Court, consisting of the Lieutenant-Governor, the Hon. Sir Edmund Herring, K.C.M.G., K.B.E., M.C., E.D., Chief Justice, Mr. Justice Sir Charles Lowe, and Mr. Justice Reginald R. Sholl.

The Mayors in their robes of office, accompanied by their respective Town Clerks, as- sembled in the First (Banco) Court, and invitations were extended to the Mayoresses and wives of those taking part to be present on the occasion.

After the "swearing in" the assemblage was addressed by the Chief Justice upon the importance and historical background of the office, which was very impressive and instruc- tive. By the courtesy of His Honour the Chief Justice, I am permitted to recite hereunder his remarks:-

"I would like first on behalf of the Bench to congratulate you one and all upon your election to the important office of Mayor or President as the case may be. There is no need for me to remind you that these are very ancient as well a s very honourable offices and that for centuries they have been closely associated with the office of Justice of the Peace, an office which you have all now assumed by the taking of the oaths here today. And I would now like, if I may, to say a word to you about the office of Justice of the Peace.

MAYORAL BALL, CORONATION YEA Cr. L. J. H. Buddle, Mayor

Mrs. L. J. H. Buddle, Mayoress

"Justices appointed in the ordinary way receive a commission from Her Majesty, which gives them an indication of the nature of their office. Thus their commission re- quires them to keep the peace in the several bailiwicks for which they are appointed, and to keep and cause to be kept all ordinances and statutes made for the good of the peace and for the presentation of the same and for the rule and government of the people in their bailiwicks. I t also commands them diligently to apply themselves to these purposes, doing therein what to justice appertains according to the law of our State of Victoria.

"The office is thus one concerned with the maintenance of the peace, the Queen's peace, and this in turn depends upon the maintenance of law and order. The two are inter-related, for the fact is that there can be no peace a t home or anywhere else with- out order, and no order without law justly and impartially administered. We have the good fortune to live in a community where law and order prevail and where in conse- quence the ordinary citizen can go about his business in peace. I a m afraid we are all inclined to take our great good fortune in this regard very much for granted, and to assume that i t is the natural order of things. Nothing could be further from the truth.

"Actually the peace we enjoy has taken centuries to build, and in the building justices of the peace have played a very real and substantial part.

"Hundreds of years ago the kings of England set out to establish law and order throughout the whole realm. They were troublous times, but the kings were determined to bring peace to all their subjects, so far a s they were able to do. It was quickly realised that the task was beyond the capacity of the paid officials of the Crown and that success could not be achieved without calling upon the voluntary services of a number of highly ressected and responsible citizens.

"And so some 600 years ago the Crown began to commission a number of citizens, who were called Justices of the Peace. And their task was to keep the King's peace by the ma'ntenance of law and order. These men over the years gave faithful service, justly and impartially administering the law, and through the experience they gained in the perform- ance of their duties, playing a large part in the development of local government and of the other democratic institutions, of which we are all so justly proud. You gentlemen are therefore the inheritors of a great and honourable tradition.

"May I now say a word or two about the oaths you have just taken. First you have taken the oath of allegiance. It is right and proper that those charged with the keeping of the Queen's peace should be those who are faithful and bear true allegiance to her. And in this public profession of loyalty you do what every Governor, every Member of the Executive, every member of Parliament, and every member of the Judiciary does on his assumption of office.

In addition you have taken the oath of office, for a s justices of the peace you may now take your seats in the Courts of Petty Sessions, which play a very essential part in the administration of justice in this State. They are courts which touch very closely the lives of the ordinary citizen. May I remind you that each of you has sworn a t all times and in all things to do equal justice to the poor and to the rich, and to discharge the duties of your office according to law to the best of your knowledge and ability, without fear, favour or affection. There is but one justice. It does not differ according a s the person before the court is rich or poor. Moreover, i t is justice according to law, and what the law commands must be administered to all. Each of you has also sworn to act without fear, favour or affection. You will have no difficulty in understanding what fear and favour signify, but you may wonder what is meant by 'affection.' It is a word which ccmes from an earlier age, and the passage of time has altered the popular meaning of the word so that one does not a t first sight see its full significance. It means such things a s hostility and bias and the like. You have therefore sworn not to allow 'affection' in this sense to be a factor in your judgment.

"As justices of the peace the honour and the reputation of our judicial administra- tion is in a large measure in your hands. We look to you to uphold them both, and can assure you of the wholehearted support of the Judges of this Court in the fulfilment of your responsible duties.

"I began by congratulating you one and all on behalf of the Bench upon your elec- tion a s Mayors and Presidents; may I conclude by congratulating you on your assumption of the office of Justice of the Peace and assuring you of our very sincere good wishes in the discharge of both your important offices."

Subsequen t ly w e were given t h e oppor tuni ty of meet ing The i r Honour s i n t h e L i b r a r y fo r a n informal presentat ion.

D E B U T A N T E S , M A Y O R A L BALL

Audrey Quigley Anne Buddle Angelina Faraone Ianice Grabrovaz Mrs. L. J. H. Buddle. Mayoress

Flower Girls: Marie Ordne: and Karen Simmon

"mu f$ie hag our polrng anb henutifd Queen b i l l he crohneb qneen of fhe $btifeh ~ i n g b o m nnb of puetrulin-

p e r life bi l l be behicuteh fu us, her euhjecfs. @elp ker hifh our pogaltr! nnb &nnur. @rag that Gab hi l l bless unb keep I~dr."

A sub-committee of all members of the Council was formed to consider organising cele- brations to commemorate the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth 11, and an amount of £1,000 was voted towards the cost.

I was pleased to convene a meeting of school-masters and other interested members of the community, and it was arranged that 9,000 local school children be guests of the Mayor and Councillors as part of the Coronation celebrations at three Prahran theatres on Tuesday, 16th June, when excellent programmes of Coronation films were shown at two sessions, one at 10.30 a.m. and the other at 1.30 p.m.

I could not express in words my wonderful appreciation of the grand spirit of co-opera- tion between the teachers in our schools. It was the ardent wish of everyone to make this a memorable occasion, and it gave me great satisfaction to know that the children of Prahran were in the hands of grand moulders of character.

Subsequently, at a later date, I had pleasure on behalf of the Council to present a coloured framed portrait of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth I1 to each of the Governmental and private schools of Prahran, which in all cases were appropriately acknowledged.

On the Sunday prior to the Coronation Day, 31st May, 1953, a civic service was held at St. John's Church, Toorak, when the Rev. Canon A. R. Mace officiated. I, as Mayor, was pleased to be accompanied by Councillors and their wives and members of the official staff. The assemblage included members of the Armed Forces and Auxiliaries, Prahran Division of St. John Brigade and other organisations.

By command of Her Majesty the Queen I had the honour of being awarded the Corona- tion Medal to be worn in commemoration of Her Majesty's Coronation on 2nd June, 1953.

Death of Queen Mary The death of Queen Mary, which occurred on Wednesday, 25th March, 1953, at the age

of 85 years, was referred to at the meeting of the Council on Monday, 30th March, and upon the suspension of Standing Orders the following resolution was adopted by members stand- ing in silence:-

"That the Council of the City of Prahran records the death of Queen Mary with sincere regret, and respectfully conveys through the Hon. the Premier of Victoria to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the deepest sympathy of the Mayor and Councillors and Citizens of Prahran in the Royal Family's bereavement." It was further resolved that the Council do now adjourn as a mark of respect, and in

accordance with His Excellency the Governor's direction, flags were flown at half-mast until sunset on Tuesday, 31st March. Subsequently the following acknowledgment was received through His Excellency the Governor, Sir Dallas Brooks:-

Buckingham Palace, 24th April, 1953.

Dear Mr. Mayor, I am commanded by the Queen to express Her Majesty's sincere thanks for

your kind message of sympathy, which H2r Majesty much appreciates. Yours sincerely,

Private Secretary. The Worshipful the Mayor of Prahran.

Mayoral Ball The Mayoress and I were happy to entertain citizens at a Mayoral Ball on Wednesday,

10th June.

Although not as strong in numbers as recent years, the four young debutantes who made their bow to society certainly made up for that in charm and beauty. The four debutantes presented were:-Miss Audrey Quigley, presented by Mr. A. Douel; Miss Angelina Faraone, presented by Mr. Jim Taylor; Miss Anne Buddle, presented by Mr. Don McCurragh; Miss Janice Grabrovaz, presented by Mr. Tony Grabrovaz.

The duties of flower girls were capably performed by little Marie Ordner and Karen Simmons.

The debutantes were attired in white gowns with full tulle skirts and lace bodices em- broidered with lovers' knots. They wore silver shoes, wreaths of flowers in their hair, and carried red, white and blue posies.

A special feature was the artistic and colourful decorations. The main centre of attrac- tion was a replica of St. Edward's Crown on a large velvet cushion against a golden drop curtain with crimson velvet drapes falling from two larger Gothic pillars either side. The floral arrangements on the stage consisted of plectranthus, red and gold coleus, ferns, poin- settias and conifers. The foyer was bedecked with palms, primula, cyclamen and poinsettias.

Among the guests present were the Councillors of the City of Prahran and their wives, and the Mayors and Mayoresses of metropolitan Cities.

Members of Parliament present included Mr. W. M. Bourke, M.P., and Mrs. Bourke; Mr. T. W. Brennan, M.L.C., and Miss Brennan; Mr. R. Pettiona, M.L.A., and Mrs. Pettiona. Other prominent citizens who attended were Sir George and Lady Wales, Lady Disney, Sir Robert and Lady Knox, and Mr. Justice Barry and Mrs. Barry.

The clergy was represented by Rev. and Mrs. Campbell Findlay, and Rev. and Mrs. J. J. Townsend.

STAGE DECORATIONS, MAYORAL BALL

Return Mayoral Ball A Complimentary Return Ball was tendered to us on 8th July, when we were happy to

be the guests of the Citizens. Cr. F. Harvey, Chairman of the Committee, on behalf of the assemblage presented myself with a silver salver and cabinet, and the Mayoress had the honour of being presented with a marquisite pendant watch by Mrs. Harvey on the Citizens' behalf. The Mayoress was also happy to receive at the hands of the debutantes and their partners a patterned silver cocktail tray.

Naturalisation Ceremony On the 4th August I had the pleasure of being present and assisting in the naturalisa-

tion ceremony of 20 New Australian residents. The ceremony was held in the Council Cham- ber, which was suitably arranged for the purposz.

Mr. Cuthill, Stipendiary Magistrate, presided, and I had the honour of sitting on his right. Mr. W. M. Bourke, M.H.R., represented the Federal Government, and Mr. R. Pet- tiona, M.L.A. for Prahran, and Cr. H. R. Petty, M.L.A. for Toorak, represented the Victorian Parliament, whilst a number of Councillors, representatives from the Good Neighbour Council, and friends of the candidates were present.

On behalf of the Council I had the honour of welcoming them to our City, and after they had taken the oath of allegiance to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth 11, Mr. Cuthill in- dividually handed them their naturalisation paper. The ceremony was most impressive and dignified, and on behalf of the Council I had pleasure afterwards in entertaining over 60 guests with light refreshments.

Victorian Council for Mental Hygiene Congress The first Victorian Mental Health Congress was held in the City Hall from 12th-14th

March. Five sessions were held. His Excellency the Governor, General Sir Dallas Brooks, K.C.B., C.M.G., D.S.O., accompanied by Lady Brooks, consented to open the Congress, and upon arrival and being received by the President, Dr. H. F. Maudsley, and Mrs. Maudsley, were introduced to the Mayoress and myself. Subsequently I had the pleasure of enter- taining them in the Mayoral rooms.

Sp3akers at the Congress included the President, Dr. H. F. Maudsley; Sir John New- man-Morris, LLThe Mental Hygiene Movement in Victoria"; Dr. E. Cunningham Dax, "Men- tal Hygiene and its Meaning to the State"; the Honourable the Minister for Health, Mr. D. W. Barry, M.L.A., and a number of other eminent authorities.

Charities During the year just completed the various charities within our City have had various

amounts allocated to their funds. The Alfred Hospital and the Institute for the Blind Auxiliaries have submitted excel-

lent reports for the period, and the President and members are to be congratulated on the splendid results.

Various effxts have been conducted under the auspices of Mr. E. Fleming, and I am happy to report that substantial cheques have been forwarded to the funds concerned.

The combined Fair, held on 22nd and 23rd May, was a complete success and, although weather conditions were definitely against records, the final amount allocated to each of the eight Auxiliaries amounted to £181/3/8.

Included as portion of the Fair, the Popular Man Competition resulted in a victory for Mr. Tom Lempriere, President of the Prahran Returned Soldiers' League. I had much pleasure in crowning Mr. Lempriere before an enthusiastic audience, and thanked him for the efforts of his committee in raising £123/15/-. Our thanks are also due to those unsuc- cesful contestants who worked so hard and contributed to the final total.

Due to the donations of Mr. G. Groves throughout the year I was able to distribute nearly £3000 to our local charities. Kindergartens, Scout and Girl Guide Troops, School Committees, Toorak and Prahran Sub-branches of the R.S.S.A.I.L.A. and Hospitals parti- cipated, and many letters of thanks were received for the generous donations.

M A Y O R C R O W N I N G M r . T. C. LEMPRIERE winner "Popclar Man" Competition.

Total donations to the Mayor of Prahran Charities amounted to 3322,800. During the year a new Auxiliary was founded in the formation of the Prahran Auxiliary

for the Melbourne Home and Hospital for the Aged at Cheltenham. This branch will be known as No. 1, for it is the first Auxiliary to be formed to work for the Home in the 102 years of the Home's existence.

Prahran Cobbers' Club One of the pleasing features of voluntary social work is the activities of the Cobbers'

Club. During the past 12 months the Cobbers' Club (all Town Hall employees) have con- tinued to carry out their self-imposed task of providing a Birthday and Christmas present for every inmate of the Melrose Farm for Boys at Harkaway.

Before the year is over they will provide and help to install a complete all-metal play unit for the new playgrounds at the Farm, which is being built by the Try Boys' Society.

Letters from the boys (5-15 years) make no mistake that the activities of the Club are deeply appreciated.

Mayoral Dinner I was pleased to entertain Mr. G. F. Langley, Principal of the Melbourne High School;

Mr. W. H. Frederick, Master of Wesley Colleg.., and Mr. B. W. Hone, Master of Melbourne Grammar School, at the Council Dinner on Monday, 23rd March.

At a subsequent date members of the legal profession were present at dinner on 13th April, when we had the honour of the presenne of Mr. Justice John V. Barry and Mr. E. R. Reynolds, &.C.

At another dinner on 3rd August, Mr. Jessop, Chairman of the Melbourne and Metro- politan Board of Works, and Mr. Borrie, Chief Town Planner under the Town and Country Planning (Metropolitan Area) Act 1949, were present, and very informative addresses were given upon the Board's water and sewerage system and Upper Yarra Dam. Mr. Borrie confined his remarks to the principal problems of the town planning scheme.

Council Meetings At the Council Meeting on Monday, 20th October, I had the pleasure of receiving and

extending a welcome to a party of scholars from Merton Hall Church of England Girls' School, who, as students, are studying civics.

Mayoral and Committee Rooms The general scheme for the alterations, additions, repairs and furnishings of the Mayor's

and Committee Rooms, together with the foyer, was approved at an estimated cost of 223,800.

Civic Services Accompanied by Councillors, the Mayoress and I were glad to be able to attend a

number of civic services. Anzac Commemoration was held at the Windsor School on Friday, 24th April, when

the school assembled and an impressive ceremony took place. I was pleased to address the children on the occasion.

I also attended later the Toorak and Prahran Sub-branches of the R.S.S.A.I.L.A. in their solemn services.

A commemoration service at St. Matthew's Church was also attended, when I was pleased to take part and read the first lesson.

Empire Youth Service was held on Sunday, 31st May, at St. Alban's Church, Armadale. The annual parade of members of St. John Ambulance Brigade took place at Christ

Church, South Yarra, on Sunday, 26th October, when an address was given by Sir John Newman-Morris, Prior in Australia of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem.

A kind invitation by the Vicar of St. Matthew's (the Rev. James Townsend) was ex- tended to attend a civic commemoration service on Sunday, 2nd August, at 11 a.m., to mark the centenary of the parish. St. Matthew's has always been regarded as the mother church of the municipality, situated as it is in the heart of the City. This church has played an honourable part in the moral development of the City, and it was with confidence that the Rev. Townsend invited us and our friends to join in making this occasion of public worship worthy of our City.

Trafalgar Day The 147th anniversary of the death of Nelson and the victory of Trafalgar, 21st October,

1805, was commemorated at Como Park on Sunday, 19th October, 1952, when the Governor, Sir Dallas Brooks, was present and took the salute of the men of the R.A.N. and women of the W.R.A.N. A comprehensive display, including marching, gun exercises, and armed "warships" manouvred around the oval. The weather was perfect, and over 30,000 people watched the naval men and women honour the day.

R.S.S.A.I.L.A. The Prahran Sub-branch of the R.S.S.A.I.L.A. applied for a small plot of ground for a

Field of Remembrance, where services may be held on Anzac Day and Remembrance Day, and the Council granted the request and the site has been located in Victoria Gardens near the High Street entrance,

The Toorak Sub-branch was formed in 1951. The first President was Mr. E. R. Reynolds, Q.C. As suitable premises were not available, I, as President of the Toorak Bowling Club, was pleased to arrange for members of the Sub-branch to have accommodation at the Club's rooms pending a permanent building being obtained. This has now been acquired in the purchase of a property in Clendon Road, Toorak.

Adoption of R.A.A.O.C., Prahran At the beginning of my Mayoral year it was resolved to form an amenities committee

under the auspices of the Council, consisting of the Mayor and Councillors Petty, Harper and Walsh, to assist in the social and other welfare for the benefit of members of the Unit, and on the 1st December it was decided to adopt the Unit.

Visiting New Zealand Bowling Team On the morning of Tuesday, 28th April, the Mayoress and I had the honour of receiv-

ing and entertaining a party of 33 gentlemen and 10 ladies, representative members of New Zealand bowling clubs, in the Mayoral suite, where courtesies were exchanged and a pleasant two hours spent on general topics. Luncheon was arranged by the Melbourne Bowling Club at their pavilion, and an enjoyable afternoon was spent at bowls.

"POPULAR M A N " C O N T E S T A N T S J. Hooper Peter Tr imm T . C. Lcm?riere (winner) Mayor S. Driver J. Peart

Country Holiday for Prahran Children On Saturday, 3rd Jcnuary, 24 boys arrived bright and early at Prahran Town Hall,

where their parents handed them over to the local representatives of the Victorian Child- ren's Holiday Organisation. These lads, who represented the six State schools and three Catholic primary schools of Prahran, left by bus promptly at 7.30 a.m. for Flinders Street, where they caught trains to country centres, where their "hosts" for the coming fortnight just as eagerly awaited them.

Before leaving the Town Hall, I addressed the boys, telling them they were ambassa- dors representing the City of Prahran and th+ schools, and I was confident they would prove a credit to the City.

Each lad was given 10,'- pocket money from the Prahran funds of the V.C.H.O., and left cheery and singing for what no doubt would be one of the memorable holidays of their lives.

Councillor H. R. Petty, M.L.A. for Toorak, also farewelled the boys, and told them they were the pioneers of a movement which he hoped would provide country holidays for thous- ands of city children in the years to come.

The boys returned to Melbourne on Saturday, 17th January, and on the same day 24 local girls left to enjoy a similar holiday.

Holiday Play Centres

I was delighted to open the Holiday Play Centres on 6th January for children on school holidays. The Orrong Park and Greville Street Gardens were packed with happy children under the guidance of trained play-leaders. Much keen competition was displayed between the two parks, which included cricket, softball and many other items for smaller children.

This was the third year of these activities, and I hope it will not be the last, as not only the children have a splendid time, but their parents also find much satisfaction in knowing their kiddies are in such splendid hands.

Retirement of Prahran Engineer

Mr. A. E. McCausland, C.E., notified the Prahran Council of his resignation as City Engineer and Building Surveyor of the City due to ill-health.

Mr. McCausland, who was previously City Engineer at Footscray, accepted a similar position with the City of Prahran in 1935.

At the outbreak of World War I1 he obtained leave and volunteered for active service abroad, with the rank of Captain at Base Headquarters, Palestine. He served with parti- cular distinction and was mentioned in despatches. Later he was appointed Director of Works and Fortifications to the Australian Army with the rank of Brigadier.

A good deal of credit is due to him as an engineer for the recognised splendid roads (in which he specialised) throughout the municipality.

It is his intention to retire and live at Mornington, where his future interests will be on the land.

At the last meeting of the Council over which I presided, the Council thought fit to record their appreciation of my Mayoralship, when it was resolved to forward a letter under Seal embodying the resolution. This I look upon as tangible evidence of a successfuI Mayoral year.

"Cr. L. J . H. Buddle, J.P. Mayor of Prahran.

Dear Mr. Mayor, At the conclusion of your term of office as Mayor of this City, the Council desires

to place on record its appreciation of the manner in which the Mayoress and yourself have carried out the duties of the high office, and the very great interest you have taken in the charitable efforts connected with the City, which resulted in an amount of g22,800 being raised and distributed to the local auxiliaries and institutions.

You have upheld the dignity and accepted the responsibilities of Chief Magistrate of the City with great satisfaction to the members of this Council and, we trust, to yourself, and it is with gratification the resolution carrying the Council's appreciation was recorded at the Council meeting held upon the 24th August, 1953.

It is the wish of the Councillors that you will continue to be a representative of the City and enjoy many years of further service.

Yours faithfully, Councillors

C. SHERWIN GAWITH T. M. WALSH G. E. FURNELL H. R. PETTY SPENCER HARPER E. G. McMASTER A. W. COLE M. P. SMITH F. HARVEY E. L. JONES THOMAS A. THOMAS

W. JESSOP WARD, Town Clerk.

Conclusion

In conclusion, I desire on behalf of the Mayoress and myself to sincxely thank the Councillors for their help and goodwill during our Mayoral year, and also the Ofiicial Staff for their active and willing co-operation. This has made for us a memorable year.

Yours faithfully,

L. J. H. BUDDLE,

Mayor.

Mr. Justice R. R. Sholl

S W E A R I N G I N C E R E M O N Y His Worship the Mayor, Cr. L. J. H . Buddle, being introduced to Sir Charles Lowe by the Chief Justice, Sir Edmund Hetring, K.B.E.

Town Clerk's Report

TO HIS WORSHIP THE MAYOR AND City of Prahran.

Gentlemen, I have the honour to submit herewith

1953.

Annual Municipal Election

Town Hall, Prahran, 1st October, 1953.

COUNCILLORS,

my report for the year ended 30th September,

The Annual Municipal Election was held on Thursday, 27th August, 1953. The Toorak Ward being the only one contested, the resdt was as follows:-

Votes Gahan, George T. 992 Harper, Spencer 2,639

Cr. Harper being returned with a majority of 1,647 votes.

South Yarra Ward - Cr. A. W. Cole, returned unopposed. Prahran Ward - Cr. F. Harvey, returned unopposed. Windsor Ward - Cr. E. P. McMaster, returned unopposed.

State Assembly Elections The Assembly Elections were held for the whole of the State of Victoria on Saturday,

6th December, 1952. The following is the result of the two Electoral Districts within the

Prahran - Electors, 23,311 . . Candidates:

Cr. C. S. Gawith . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mr. R. F. Pettiona ........

Majority for R. F. Pettiona

Toorak - Electors, 22,902 Candidates: Votes

Mrs. Mabel B. Brooks . . . . . 4,068 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mr.. H. J. Peagram 5,925

Cr. H. R. Petty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7,424

Final Count: Peagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9,992 Petty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10,425

Votes 8,114

13,009

.. 4,895

Pref. Count

1,067 3,001

Majority for H. R. Petty 433 Valuations

A complete revaluation of the rateable property of the City was made for the year. Mr. J. W. Stenson - Valuer for the Toorak Ward. Mr. M. M. Stevenson - Valuer for the South Yarra Ward. Mr. W. A. J. Ackland - Valuer for the Prahran and Windsor Wards.

This was the first comprehensive valuation of the whole City for over seven years and, although a number of objections were received, none were contested in the Appeals Court.

A comparison of valuations and revenue of the City for the past two years is as follows: Rate Amount of Revenue from

Year Valuation in £ Rates all sources 1951-52 . . . . 331,585,925 2/9 £ 216,306 £ 246,947 1952-53 . . £2,199,955 2/5 £ 265,002 33 300,810

NATURALISATION CEREMONY, NEW AUSTRALIANS, COUNCIL CHAMBERS, PRAHRAN, 4/8/1953

Estimates, 1952-53 The Estimates of Expenditure and Receipts were considered at the meeting of the

Council on 19th November, 1952. A debit balance of 329,912 was brought forward from the previous year, and, after agreeing to an expenditure of 32263,157 for all services, a rate of 2/5 in the 32 on a Valuation of ~€2,000,100 was adopted. Other receipts were estimated at 3231,391.

Finance

The receipts for the year ended 30th September, 1953, on account of rates amounted to 32 264,914, General Receipts being: Markets, 32 12,478; Hall Letting, 32 2,571; Government Grants for Health Activities, 32 2,982; Licences, 32 1,426; Fines and Costs, 32889; Building Fees, 32 810; Refuse Destructor, 32 526; Dog Registration Fees, 32 575; Rents from Properties, £ 1,162; Petrol Pumps, 32 365; Motor Omnibus Fees, 32 969; Government Libraries Grant, 324,460; Government Emergency Home Help Grant, £2,830; Weights and Measures, 32 161; Miscellaneous, 323,692. Total, 32300,810.

Expenditure The principal items of expenditure for the year were as follows: -General Maintenance

of Roads, Footways and Drainage, 3239,757; Street Cleansing and Removal of Garbage, 3245,258; Street Lighting and Traffic Signal Lights, 3215,020; Refuse Destructor, 325,498; Parks, Gardens and Tree Culture, £24,492; Halls and Offices, 328,180; Markets, S9,456; Fire Brigades Board, 32 13,502; Interest and Sinking Fund, 32 16,248; Salaries, 32 15,143; Charities, 323,027; Health Administration and Activities, 3224,661; Municipal Libraries, 328,070; Workers' Compensation and Insurance, 322,331; Superannuation, 324,297; Pay Roll Tax, 323,974; Long Service Leave, 322,000; Alterations to Offices and Council Rooms, 328,668; Repairs Municipal Properties, £2,155; Valuation Assessments, 321,995; Emergency Home Help, 323,353; Market Extensions and Alterations, 32 5,928; General Administration, 32 7,195; Miscellaneous, 327,523. Total, 32277,731.

A debit balance was brought forward from 1952 of 3210,633, and the current year under review ended 30th September, 1953, with a crzdit balance of £12,446 being carried to year 1953-54.

The source of revenue should now be stable for some time as the valuations based upon the Net Annual Value will not materially be altered for the next few years, except in supple- mentary valuations.

HOLIDAY PLAY CENTRE, PRAHRAN GARDENS Official Opening

Mayor and Mayoress entertaining Councillors and wives, Mayoral Suite.

OFFICIAL OPENING, PRAHRAN BOWLING GREEN, 6/9/1952

W. J. Ward, Town Clerk Mrs. Ward President, Mr. T . C. Ayers, and Mrs. Ayerj Mrs. Buddle, Mayoress Cr. L. J. H. Buddle, Mayor

PRIVATE STREET CONSTRUCTION . 30th SEPTEMBER. 1953

Location Description Commenced Estimated Progress Cost Cost to Date Completed

.... Cole Court . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Roadway and Drainage July. 1951 £ 0 2 1 5. £ 1 4 8 4. Lansell Court . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Roadway . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . October. 1952 £ 5 4 1 2. £714

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kent Court . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Roadway July. 1952 £3. 088 £ 0 7 2 1. McMaster Court . . . . . . . . . . . . Roadway and Drainage .... February. 1953 f 2 9 1 4. f 7 9 5 1. Balfour Street . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Drain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5120 - Blackfriars' Close . . . . . . . . . . . . Roadway and Drainage .... November. 1953 £3. 238

Balance Sheet as at 30th September. 1953

LIABILITIES Estimated Cost of Construction-

Balfour Street Drain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . f120 0 0 Blackfriars' Close. balance . . . . . . . . . . . . 3. 235 12 11 Boandyne Court. balance . . . . . . . . . . . . 239 17 6 Clendon Court. balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76 15 0 Cole Court. balance ........................ 873 3 0 Kent Court. balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2. 016 8 3 Lansell Court. balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1. 826 17 9 McMaster Court. balance . . . . . . . . . . . . 2. 496 9 7

f10. 885 4 0 Interest ................................................................ 415 14 8 Municipal Fund . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3. 591 19 6

214. 892 18 2

ASSETS Formation Account -- Sundry Debtors .................... £4, 277 7 6 National Bank of Australasia Ltd ......................... 10. 615 10 8

His Worship the Mayor, Cr. L. J. H. Buddle, and children viewing Coronation Films.

STATEMENT OF GENERAL RATE of Two Shillings and Fivepence in the di for the year ended 30th September, 1953

Arrears Total Ward Valuation Amount of Amount Amount Rate Arrears Arrears Arrears Brought Rate Collected Uncollected Abandoned Paid Outstanding Carried Forward Forward

f

Toorak .. .. .. 850,367

South Yarra .. 445,026

Prahran . . .. .. 411,315

Windsor .. .. .. 471,941

Gas Mains .. .. 3,988

Tram Lines .. 1,174

Supplementary 16,144

It is very satisfactory to record that the total amount of current rates collected represents 99.65%.

HOLIDAY PLAY CENTRE, PRAHRAN GARDENS Mayoress, Mrs. L. J. H. Buddle

HOLIDAY PLAY CENTRE, ORRONG PARK Mayor Official Opening Day

BALANCE SHEET AS AT 30th SEPTEMBER. 1953

Revenue S~ction ...

-. ..--p . .......... .- . .- - . p .......... I

CURRENT LIABILITIES Deposits in Hand-

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Contractors £414 17 6 Permit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1. 600 9 0

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Private Works 818 1 0 Sanitary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 528 9 9

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tennis Courts. Rent 108 0 0 £3. 469 17 3

Trust Accounts- Will Sampson Memorial Kindergarten £1. 906 2 8 Miscellaneous . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 10 6

1. 908 13 2 Lcan Nc . 16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6. 843 18 5 Sundry Creditors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12. 654 10 7 Provision for Centenary Year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 800 0 0 Provision for Long Service Leave . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 632 13 5 Suspense Account . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120 1 6 Revenue Account (Surplus) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22. 331 13 10

CURRENT ASSETS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . National Bank of Australasia Lid

State Savings Bank of Victoria- Will Sampson Memorial Kindergartcn Trust Fund

Debtors- . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rates 51. 052 8 8

Emergency Housekeeping Service .. 202 0 0 Health Department-

Subsidy. Brookville Infant Weifare Centre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 800 0 0

Subsidy. Day Nursery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 350 0 0 Subsidy. Infant Welfare . . . . . . . . . . . . 262 10 0 Subsidy. Emergency Housekeeping 1. 469 9 2 Subsidy. Pre-Natal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 0 0

. . . . . . . . . . . . Rent. etc.. Chest Bureau 729 17 9 Loan 17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1. 547 9 8 Loan Suspense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18. 342 17 10 Mayor's Allowance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 300 0 0 Private Streets Account . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3. 591 19 6 Staff Superannuation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1. 548 14 0 Sundry ........................................ 327 18 2

Shops adjoining Market. Prepayment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Materials on Hand . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Paymaster's Advance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Permit Deposit Refunds Account

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Wages Advance

Capital Section

OTHER LIABILITIES Loans Liability a s per Statement of Loans . . . . . . . . . . . . £121. 860 11 6 State Treasury. Spencer Street Bridge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2. 137 11 5 Surplus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265. 058 17 6

OTHER ASSETS Unexpended Loans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £ 19. 719 10 9 Land and Buildings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 338. 588 9 8 Plant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30. 749 0 0

SCHEDULE OF MUNICIPAL PROPERTIES . 30th SEPTEMBER. 1953

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Town Hall Buildings. Land and Furnishings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hallkeeper's Quarters. Macquarie Street

Market Shops. Buildings and Land . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Brookville Gardens and Playgrounds. 3$ acres . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gladstone Park. 1 acre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Princes Gardens and Playground. 3k acres . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Orrong Park. 10 acres. and Cottages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Prahran Gardens. 2 acres . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rockley Gardens. 2 acres . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Toorak Park and Buildings. 9 acres . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Victoria Gardens. 5 acres . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Como Park. 36 acres. and Cottage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lumley Park. l$ acres . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Connell Park. : acre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . James Street Playground. 2 acre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Simmons Street Playground. 6 acre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cottage. 33 Izett Street . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

9 Essex Street .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 19 Essex Street . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 20-22 Walker Street . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27-29 Princes Street .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 18-20 Clarence Street . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

........ Carried forward f 261. 977

...

........ Brought forward f 261.977 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Land. Albert Street. 41 feet

Regent Street. 15 feet .. ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bendigo Street. 30 feet .. .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Williams Road. West Side. 30 feel .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. Williams Road. East Side. 33 feet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Surrey Road. 85 feet .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Refuse Destructor Buildings. Stables. Plant and L. and .... Health Centre. Malvern Road . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Land. Fairbairn Road . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cottage. Murray Street Land. Mary Street ........................................................

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Soldiers' Memorial Hall 16 Widows' Homes. Victory Square . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Children's Library. Greviile Street . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Municipal Day Nursery. Princes Street . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Emergency Housekeeping Service Hostel. and Branch In-

fant Welfare Centre. 54 Orrong Road . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Brcokville Kindergarten . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Brookville Infant Welfare Centre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

SCHEDULE OF PLANT AND EQUIPMENT Motor Vehicles. Roadmaking Equipment and Motor Mowers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . f24. 576 Machine Tools. Garage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2. 111

Equipment of Blacksmith's Shop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 413 Horses. Vehicles and Harness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3. 234

Ladders and Paint Sprayer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 244

Equipment of Carpenter's Shop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171

f 30.749

TRAFALGAR DAY: Naval Manoeuvres, Como Park, 19/10/52

VISIT TO UPPER YARR; DAM DIVERSION TUNNE

Plans of Subdivision

The following plans of subdivision of land were approved by the Council during the

Name of Street and Location .................... Rear Malvern Road, Toorak

........................ Heyington Place, Toorak

........................ Punt Road, South Yarra . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Grandview Grove, Prahran

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Verdant Avenue, Toorak .... Chapel Street, South Yarra (resealed)

Malvern Road . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Heyington Place ................................ Huntingfield Road, Toorak . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

................ Rear 571 Toorak Road, Toorak 687 High Street, Prahran ........................ Cnr. Alexandra Avenue and Grange Road S.E. cnr. Lansell Road and Tahara Road,

Toorak ............................................ N.E. cnr. Orrong Road and Stonehaven

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Court Grandview Grove, Prahran .................... Cnr. High Street and Denbigh Road ........ 151 Williams Road, Prahran ................ Orrong Road, Toorak (E. side) ................ Grange Road, Toorak ............................ Coolullah Avenue ................................ 25 Glassford Street, Armadale ................ Davidson Street, South Yarra ................ Kingsley Court, Toorak ........................ 11 Armadale Street . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 717 Malvern Road, Prahran ....................

S.W. cnr. Ruabon and Canterbury Roads .. Cole Court, Toorak . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cnr. Orrong Road and Trawalla Avenue ....

Kooyong Road .................................... Cnr. Lansell Road and McMaster Court ....

........................ 62-64 St. George's Road

Submitted by Slonim & Velik Garlick & Stewart Mendell, Gillespie & Co. Little & Brosnan Gar~ick & Stewart Little & Brosnan Garlick & Stewart Garlick & Stewart Garlick & Stewart F. Alexander Leslie Cohen & Freadman Little & Brosnan

Garlick & Stewart

L. P. Goode Tolhurst, Druce & Emmerson Little & Brosnan Mendell, Gillespie & Co. Little & Brosnan Little & Brosnan Little & Brosnan Saxil Tuxen Garlick & Stewart Walters & Lea Morris Coates & Hearle Best, Hooper, Rinstone &

Shallard Garlick & Stewart K. N. Stevenson Garlick & Stewart

M. L. Braid Garlick & Stewart Pearce & Webster

Owner

R. Garrick C'wealth Oil Ref. Ltd. F. M. Wright F. S. Dethridge

Shafer & Wainwright A. W. Dexter Mr. O'Connell F. Alexander Mrs. C. Hayes A. W. Plaisted

Raynes Dickson & Co.

F. Alexander E. Fisher C. M. F. Telford C'wealth Oil Ref. Ltd. T. Walsh Dr. Hurt Mrs. Allen H. B. Deering Waimea Pty. Ltd. Mrs. L. A. Preitzcker Mrs. L. G. Duckett

Miss M. J. Sheehan Dr. D. C. Cantor A. J. Walker Longdale Pty. Ltd. and

Miss Turnbull Arcade Hotel Pty. Ltd. A. Dominity E. S. & G. R. Cuthbertson

These will be in due course the subject of a supplementary valuation by the City Valuer.

Loan No. 17 - 8 15,000

At the meeting of the Council on 10th November, 1952, the following resolution was adopted:-

"That the Council of the City of Prahran proceed to borrow the sum of $15,000 upon the credit of the municipality by the issue of debentures under the provisions of the Local Government Acts for the execution of the permanent works and undertakings specified in the schedule hereunder, according to the plans and specifications and esti- mate of the cost thereof and statement of the proposed expenditure of the money to be borrowed now prepared and adopted by the Council.

"That such debentures be issued for the several principal and interest sums accord- ing to the undel?nentioned schedule and dated on the day of sealing.

"That such principal sums shall be payable half-yearly on the 1st day of July, 1953, and on the 1st day of January, 1954, and the 1st day of July and the 1st day of January in each succeeding year, in amounts according to the undermentioned schedule at the Town Hall, Chapel Street, Prahran, until the loan is liquidated."

"Schedule of Payments over 20 years: - The first debenture payment (No. 1) of £576/17/6 fell due on 1st July, 1953, principal amounting to $230 and interest to £ 346,/17/6.

"The last debenture payment (No. 40) of £578/1/4 will be due on 1st January, 1973, principal amounting to £565 and interest to $13/1/4.

"The total payments of this loan will amount to .S23,153/1/4, consisting of principal S 15,000 and interest .S 8,153/1/4.

"That such principal sums bear interest at the rate of Four Pounds Twelve Shillings and Sixpence per centum per annum to be computed on so much thereof as may be un- paid from time to time and payable half-yearly on the 1st day of July and the 1st day of January in each year at the Town Hall, Chapel Street, Prahran.

"That a redemption fund for the half-yearly repayment of debentures as per schedule above referred to be provided in each and every year after the issue of such debentures until the total amount of such loan is liquidated.

"That the purpose for which the loan is to be applied is the rebuilding of portion of the Market and roofing of the stalls on the western area adjoining the butchers' arcade, having regard to and in accordance with the general scheme plan."

This Special Order was subsequently confirmed by the Council upon Monday, the 8th day of December, 1952.

The following By-laws were made and passed during the year, and received the approval of the Governor-in-Council:-

By-law No. 212: Altering By-law No. 196, Schedule 5, wood areas, to include all muni- cipal parks and gardens within the municipal district.

By-law No. 213: Altering By-law No. 196 to include a certain area (Shipley Street) for the purpose of a standing place or parking area for motor cars.

BOY SCOUTS BUILDING APPEAL FUND - PRESENTATION Mr. E. A. Wells Mr. M. A. C. Stidston Maycr Miss S. Brock Mr. P. Howson Mr. L. Lesser Mr. L. Carev

By-law No. 214: Regulating and restraining the erection and construction of hoardings, signs and advertisements upon any street or footpath in the City.

By-law 215: Amending By-law No. 210 for the regulation of traffic by including Barry Street and Lara Street as one-way streets on market days, etc.

By-law No. 216: Altering By-law No. 196 for the purpose of including sections of High Street, Prahran, and Windsor Wards as residential areas.

Acts of Parliament The following Acts of Parliament of municipal interest were passed during the year

1952:-

No. 5633-Weights and Measures (Amendment) Act 1952: Excluding certain provisions of the Principal Act with regard to weighbridges and other matters.

No. 5645-Melbourne and Metropolitan Tramways (Fire Brigades Payments) Act 1952: Amending Sec. 77 of the Melbourne and Metropolitan Tramways Act 1928 to alter contributions to the Fire Brigades Board. Municipalities to contribute one-third of annual estimated expenditure and insurance companies two-thirds.

No. 5650-Building Operations and Building Materials Control Act 1952: (a) Prohibiting the demolition or removal of any structure used for human habi-

tation. (b) Within 60 miles of G.P.O., Melbourne, prohibiting the conversion of any pre-

mises used as a human habitation for any other purpose.

Local Authorities Superannuation Act 1947 Under the provisions of the above Act, staff superannuation has been in operation since

July, 1948. The number of employees participating at 30th September, 1953, was as follows:

Provident Insurance Fund Total

Males . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109 34 143 Females . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 25 30

- 113 58 173

The number of admissions during the year to 30/9/1953 was 29, of whom two were transferred from other municipalities. The number leaving during the same period was 15. The latter were for the reasons as under:-

Gone to other positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Ill-health . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Deceased ........................................................... 1 Married . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

- 15

The total of the premiums and contributions was .S8,594, of which the Council and the employees each pay $24,297. In three instances where employees were absent from work for long periods through illnesses, their proportion of the premium was paid by the Local Authorities Superannuation Board from Contingent Fund. $1 a week assistance to two necessitous cases was paid from this fund also for short periods.

Weights and Measures The Weights and Measures Act provides for the administration by the Council, and the

Council resolved on the 16th February, 1953, that Mr. R. A. Rogers, Senior Health Inspector, and Mr. L. C. Carew, Health Inspector, be appointed as Inspectors to carry out the provi- sions of the Act.

Tenders were invited for a 10 h.p. panel van to be used by the Inspectors in connection . with the administration and for the conveyance of the numerous weights and measures instruments required, and a 10 h.p. Ford Estate Car was purchased for the sum of S745. .

Weights and Measures Administration The Weights and Measures Act 1952 was proclaimed on the 9th October, and came into

force on the 29th October, 1952.

The 1952 Act differed greatly from the previous Act, which came into being in 1928 and which referred only to bread, wood and coal. The present Act covers all goods sold either by weight, measure or volume, including petrol and ice.

Mr. Rogers and Mr. Carew, having obtained the Certificate of Competency after the necessary examination, were appointed by the Council to carry out the relevant duties. In May, 1953, the Council purchased a panel van and the necessary equipment to enable the inspectors to carry out all types of testing at traders' premises.

Since commencing duties in May of this year, all wood merchants' scales and weights in the City have been inspected. Petrol pumps numbering 410 throughout the City were tested, adjusted, and if then found correct, subsequently sealed.

Two hundred and ten traders' premises were visited and scales tested, and packages numbering 589 were checked for correct weight.

No prosecutions were instituted, a warning being considered sufficient, as most traders were not conversant with the new regulations.

It is only since enforcement of the new Act and Regulations has been undertaken that the vast scope and work attached thereto has been appreciated, and, as Prahran has large shopping, business and industrial areas, it is still a matter for conjecture as to whether the inspectors can adequately supervise the Act and Regulations having regard to the health work and other duties they already perform.

Health Week Activities The Council was again asked by the Victorian Health Week Committee to co-operate

in Health Week activities between 23rd and 31st October, 1953.

The following activities were carried out:-

1. A clean-up campaign of three days' duration in selected areas containing 2,700 houses was executed, as a result of which 968 cubic yards of rubbish was removed to the tip. The public co-operated well, and in one area the largest amount yet collected in one day was removed.

2. Posters provided by the Health Week Committee were distributed for displaying to business houses, schools, kindergartens and health welfare centres. These posters related to such subjects as diphtheria immunisation, rat prevention, food protection, tuberculosis, dental care by children, and destruction of flies.

3. The City Inspector gave a broadcast from Station 3XY on Tuesday, 27th October, seeking the public's co-operation in many phases of health activities.

As a result of the clean-up campaign, numbers of enquiries were received from house- holders in areas not covered by this year's activities, requesting that a similar service be provided more often so that the whole city might benefit within a reasonable time.

This indicates the popularity of this service to the ratepayers, and the Council's rat ex- terminator reports that its effect in that direction is evident as a result of subsequent inspec- tions.

If it were possible, I would like to see a clean-up campaign carried out twice a year, as under the present arrangements an area having been cleared might not receive attention for a further seven years.

River Street Embankment (Northern End, No. 2 Section) The Council at its meeting on 20th October agreed to the terms contained in a letter

from Electrolux Pty. Ltd., dated 21/9/52 (a), (b), (c), (d), (e), for the temporary tombing of the embankment.

Tenders were called for the constructiomf a retaining wall, and Messrs. Prentice Bros. & Minson Pty. Ltd.'s quotation of S11,687/10/3 was accepted.

ALFRED HOSPITAL, PRAHRAN AUXILIARY EGG APPEAL

Prahran City Band A subsidy of S250 for the year was granted to the City Band, and a programme of

recitals was carried out during the year as follows:-

30th November, 1952: Lumley Gardens. 14th December, 1952: Gladstone Gardens. 18th January, 1953: Brookville Gardens. 8th February, 1953: Princes Gardens. 22nd February, 1953: Victoria Gardens. 15th March, 1953: Prahran Gardens. 5th April, 1953: Orrong Gardens.

Brookville Kindergarten Miss Y. L. Reitze was appointed as Director of the Brookville Kindergarten, to com-

mence duties at the beginning of the first term in January, 1953.

At the meeting of the Council on the 4th May it was resolved that:- (a) The Brookville Kindergarten Committee take over the management and financial

responsibilities of the kindergarten. (b) That the expenditure must be approved by the Committee and conform to Clause

6 of the constitution.

On the 1st June the Council decided also: (a) That an initial grant of S500 be paid to the credit of the Brookville Kindergarten

Maintenance Account at the Commercial Bank of Australia. This S500 to form a nucleus of a general maintenance account from which all expenses are to be paid.

(b) That the Brookville Free Kindergarten Committee shall direct to be paid to the credit of their Maintenance Account at the Commercial Bank of Australia, Toorak:

(i) All subsidies from the Department of Health and/or Free Kindergarten Union of Victoria.

(ii) All voluntary contributions received from parents. (iii) All such moneys as may be contributed from time to time by committee mem-

bers or other interested persons or bodies. Clause 3:- (a) On the 31st of August, 30th November, 28th February and 31st May of each year

there shall be presented to the Prahran City Council by the Treasurer of Brookville Free Kindergarten a detailed statement setting out the total receipts and expendi- ture.

(b) On the presentation and approval of such financial statements the Prahran City Council shall, if the amount of funds at the credit of the Maintenance Account at the Commercial Bank be less than 32 500, make until 31/5/54 such further grants as may be necessary to restore the bank balance to 32500.

Fawkner Park Playground The Council again supported the Playgrounds Association of Victoria, and granted the

sum of S250 towards the salaries of the play leaders at Fawkner Park playground.

Traffic Warning Signals Consideration was given to the idea of approaching the Police Department, through the

Municipal Association, requesting approval of uniform traffic warning signals and signs.

Public Lighting Owing to the proximity of the Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind and the Masonic

Homes at Punt Road, it was resolved to request the State Electricity Commission to install three mercury type lamps in Punt Road in the section between Commercial Road and High Street immediately, as part of the general lighting scheme, and the Commission advised that this Council desired the installation of the full scheme to be proceeded with as soon as possible.

Traffic Signal Lights The question of traffic signal lights in Dandenong Road at the intersection with Williams

Road, Prahran, and Hotham Street, St. Kilda, proceeded further when it was decided on the 10th August that the St. Kilda Council be informed that this Council has approved of the scheme for the installation of traffic signal lights at this intersection upon the agreement of the Country Roads Board to pay two-thirds of the total cost of the work, and the balance in equal parts by the respective Councils, and that the work be proceeded with immediately.

Traffic, Canterbury Road, Toorak In order to improve visibility at the corners of Ross Street, Brookville Road and Can-

terbury Road, and to eliminate accidents owing to the lights which were installed at Toorak Road to assist pedestrians and school children crossing that busy thoroughfare, now giving a straight drive north and south via Grange Road and Canterbury Road, and which a num- ber of motor vehicles have taken advantage of, it was decided to approach the Education Department to allow the Council to replace one panel of the school fence in Canterbury Road and one panel in Brookville Road with chain wire mesh, and also to replace the ex- isting fence at Ross Street corner similarly.

Municipal Market The poultry-killing sheds were to be removed, but after further consideration it was

decided to adopt the following resolutions:- "That the resolution of the Council adopted at the meeting held on Monday, 19th

February, 1951, under Clause 1 of the Report of the Market Committee, be rescinded insofar as it applies to the removal of the poultry-killing sheds,"

and, contingent upon being carried, to move: "That the Council proceed with the improvements and alterations to the poultry-

killing sheds according to plan and estimate of $1,700 submitted by the City Engineer and approved by the Estimates Committee." On the 4th May it was decided that the Market Plan C.l, shown outlined in red of the

Market area, be included in the scheme for the roofing of the stalls and requiring walls to be constructed to carry a top storey be approved and the work proceeded with.

It was decided to call tenders for the first section, and the tenderers were to submit their own designs.

Punt Road Widening A further step was made towards completing the project when the Council authorised

the Town Clerk and City Engineer, together with the City Solicitor, to proceed with adjust- ments of claims for compensation and amendment to titles in accordance with the letter received from the City Solicitor.

In regard to the widening, east side, between Dobson Street and Alexandra Avenue, no land be resumed of properties known as 522, 524 and 526 until such time that structural alterations are to be made to the premises concerned.

Public Telephone In furtherance of the policy of the Postmaster-General's Department, applications have

been received and approved for telephone cabinets to be erected in convenient locations within the City:-

Punt Road, east side, at corner Fawkner Street, South Yarra.

Late F. A. Jenkins, O.B.E. Mr. F. A. Jenkins, who died on the 27th October, 1952, was Secretary of the Municipal

Association of Victoria since 1926. He was regarded as one of Australia's greatest authorities on Local Government affairs. He served in the A.I.F. Engineers, and was Town Clerk and Engineer of Mordialloc prior to his appointment to the Municipal Association.

Prahran Police Boys' Club A sub-committee consisting of Councillors Jones, Petty, Gawith and Walsh was ap-

pointed to enquire into the possibilities of the formation of a Boys' Club.

Annual Charitable Vote The Annual Charitable Vote for the year 1952-53 was allocated

Alfred Hospital ........................................................ Association for the Advancement of the Blind ................ Austin Hospital ........................................................ Central Mission Relief ................................................

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Children's Hospital .... Deaconesses' Fund: Malvern Road Independent Church .. St . Alban's C . of E.. Armadale ........ .. St . Martin's C . of E.. Hawksburn ........

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Elizabeth Fry Retreat . ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Wm Forster Try Boys' Society

Foundling Hospital. East Melbourne . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hornbrook Free Kindergarten

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Limbless Soldiers' Association of Victoria ............................ Melbourne Babies' Home. South Yarra

Melbourne District Nursing Society ................................ Melbourne Home and Hospital for the Aged .................... Mentally Retarded Children's Association ........................ Menzies Home for Boys ............................................ Ministering Children's League . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. ................................ Mission of St James and St . John . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Newsboys' Society

.................................... Orthopaedic Hospital. Frankston ................ Peel Street Congregational Church Poor Fund

Presbyterian Charities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Prince Henry's Hospital ................................................ Renown Free Kindergarten . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Royal Humane Society of Australia ............................ Royal Life Saving Society ............................................ Royal Melbourne Hospital ............................................ Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind ........................ Sailors and Soldiers' Widows and Widowed Mothers. Trust

................................................................ Fund St . John Ambulance - Prahran Cadets ........................ St . John Ambulance - Prahran Division ........................ St . Matthew's Church of England Relief Fund ................ S t . Vincent's Hospital ................................................ Salvation Army - Prahran Corps Account .................... Salvation Army - South Yarra Corps Account ................ Society for Assisting Persons of Education .................... Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Children ................ Society of St . Vincent de Paul. Prahran Branch ............ Society of St . Vincent de Paul. South Yarra Branch ........ Spastic Children's Society of Victoria ............................ Sutherland Homes for Children .................................... Talbot Colony for Epileptics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Travellers' Aid Society ................................................ Victorian Association of Braille Writers ........................ Victorian Children's Holiday Organisation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital .................................... Victorian School for Deaf Children ................................ Victorian Society for Crippled Children ........................ Women's Hospital ........................................................ Yooralla Hospital for Crippled Children ........................ Victorian Civil Ambulance Service ................................

Life Governorships The following nominations for Life Governorships of the various hospitals and chari-

table institutions were made by the Council during the year:-

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Alfred Hospital Douglas Thomas Russell Thomas Leigh G. Gawith Vandra L. Gawith Daril J. Gawith Mr. H. T. Jones Mr. C. H. Lowenstern

. . . Association for Advancement of the Blind Cr. Spencer Harper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Children's Hospital Cr. T. M. Walsh

............ Melb. Home and Hospital for the Aged Cr. L. J. H. Buddle, Mayor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Royal Melbourne Hospital Cr. Spencer Harper

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Prince Henry's Hospital Cr. E. L. Jones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Blind Institute Cr. T. M. Walsh

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . St. Vincent's Hospital Mrs. I. C. Buddle, Mayoress . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Braille Writers' Association Cr. G. E. Furnell

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Eye and Ear Hospital Cr. H. R. Petty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Women's Hospital Mrs. I. C. Buddle, Mayoress

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Victorian Civil Ambulance Cr. L. J. H. Ruddle, Mayor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Orthopaedic Hospital Cl,. E. P. McMaster

......................................................... Austin Hospital Cr. E. L. Jones

Conclusion I wish to place on record my sincere thanks to every member of the staff for their loyal

support at all times. The success which attends the operations of this Council is to a large measure due to the whole-hearted co-operation of its officers, and it is gratifying to know that the business of the Council is in capable hands.

I also desire to express my appreciation and thanks to the members of the Council for the confidence given during my forty years' service with the Council, the past eight years of which I held this high position of Town Clerk and Treasurer.

I have the honour to be, gentlemen,

Your obedient servant,

W. JESSOP WARD,

Town Clerk and Treasurer.

1946-1953.

City Engineer's Report

TO HIS WORSHIP THE MAYOR AND COUNCILLORS.

Gentlemen,

I beg to submit my report on works carried out under supervision of the City Engineer's Office for the year ending 30th September, 1953.

Street Mileage The lengths of streets of the respective Wards of the City are as follows:-

Length of Streets Miles Chains Links

Prahran . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 13 47 South Yarra . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 79 6

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Toorak 21 58 79 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Windsor 17 35 71

The following amounts have been expended on various works carried out during the

Footpath Reconstruction and Maintenance ................ £7,453 5 7 Road Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8,325 17 3 Sealing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3,608 5 2 Retreading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,097 14 7 Edging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 910 0 7

........ Channelling, Reconstruction and Maintenance 1,463 5 8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Drainage 4,893 2 0

............................ Plumbers' Permits and Services 6,315 5 7 Private Works, including Construction of Crossings 6,127 10 10

Parks and Gardens Following is the list of various parks and gardens and recreation grounds under the -

control of the Council:-

Alexandra Avenue Reserves ........ Brookville Gardens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Como Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dandenong Road Plantations ........

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gladstone Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lumley Park

James Street Playgrounds ............ Orrong Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Princes Gardens and Playgrounds Prahran Gardens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rockley Gardens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Toorak Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Victoria Gardens

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Victory Square Simmonds Street Playground ........ Connell Park Playground . . . . . . . . . . . . Osborne Street Reserve ................

Ward South Yarra . . . . . . . . Toorak ................ Toorak . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Windsor . . . . . . . . . . . . Windsor . . . . . . . . . . . . Windsor . . . . . . . . . . . . Windsor . . . . . . . . . . . . Prahran . . . . . . . . . . . . Prahran . . . . . . . . . . . . Prahran . . . . . . . . . . . . South Yarra . . . . . . . . Prahran . . . . . . . . . . . . Prahran . . . . . . . . . . . . Prahran . . . . . . . . . . . . South Yarra . . . . . . . . Prahran . . . . . . . . . . . . South Yarra . . . . . . . .

Area R. P . 1 0 2 19 0 0 2 0 0 0 2 3 2 24 0 0 2 6 0 0 0 0 1 2 0 25 0 5 1 8 1 0 2 22

Equipped Play- Tennis

grounds Courts - - 1 - 1 - - 1 - - - 1 - - 6 l - 1 -

MECHANICAL VEHICLES

VEHICLE Total Miles Running Running Cost Cost

Loads Time on Miles per Gal . Cost Iwr Cost per per hour 11 er hour Total Carr id Work Run of Mile. cxcl . Mile . inel e x 1 . incl . Cost

(Hours) Petrol Driver 1)river Drivr. r Driver

Ford Truck No . 3 (3 ton) Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . .

Ford Truck No . 5 ( 3 ton) Patching Truck ........

Ford Truck No . 6 (30 cwt.) Carpenter & Painter

Ford Truck No . 7 (30 cwt.) Air Compressor ........

Ford Truck No . 8 (3 ton) Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . .

Ford Truck No . 10 ( 3 ion) Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . .

Ford Truck No . 12 ( 3 ton) Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . .

Ford Truck No . 22 ( 3 ton) Maintenance ............

Ford Truck No . 23 (3 ton) Maintenance ............

Ford Truck No . 24 (30 cwt.) Maintenance ........

Ford Truck No . 50 (3 ton) Parks & Gardens ....

Ford Truck No . 84 ( 3 ton) ................................

.... Ford Truck No . 86 ( 5 ton) Garbage Disposal

.... Ford Truck No . 87 ( 3 ton) Garbage Disposal

.... Dodge Truck No . 88 ( 5 ton) Garbage Disposal

.... Dodge Truck No . 89 ( 5 ton) Garbage Disposal

.... Ford Truck No . 90 (3 ton) Street Cleansing

Ford Truck No . 92 (4/5 ton) Street Cleansing and Markets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Leyland Street Flusher

DESTRUCTOR SUMMARY FOR 12 MONTHS ENDED 30th SEPTEMBER, 1953

Date No. of Trade and Private Clinker Crushed Sold Units of Electricity Water used Loads Refusc Fan Brush Shop in Boiler

1952-

. . . . . . . . . . . . October

November ............

December ............

1953-

January . . . . . . . . . . . .

February ............

................ March

April . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

May . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

June . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

July . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . August

September ........

74,700 gals.

63,300 gals.

76,300 gals.

59,200 gals.

59,700 gals.

55,300 gals.

64,600 gals.

74,600 gals.

70,300 gals.

76,600 gals.

63,200 gals.

56,000 gals. -

176 5 0 0 174,818 91 376 793,800 gals.

STATEMENT OF LOANS AS AT 30th SEPTEMBER, 1953

No. of Loan Purpose of Loan Original Interest Balance

Period Amount Rate Redeemed of (Actual) Liability

11 Streets and Roads .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... 1927-57 f75,000 0 0 4$% 258,673 6 3 216,326 13 9 12 Streets, Roads and Markets .... .... .... .... .... .... 1928-58 40,000 0 0 4$% 27,796 17 3 12,203 2 9 13 Streets, Roads, Drainage and Markets .... .... 1936-67 27,000 0 0 4$% 10,238 15 3 16,761 4 9

14 Drainage Works .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... 1938-58 12,000 0 0 42% 7,998 18 9 4,001 1 3 15 Maternity and Child Welfare Centre, Roads

and Markets .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... 1939-64 25,000 0 0 42% 9,901 11 0 15,098 9 0

16 Roads, Drainage, Pre-School Centre .... .... .... 1951-71 47,000 0 0 38% 4,300 0 0 42,700 0 0 17 Markets ................................................ 1953-73 15,000 0 0 4ii% 230 0 0 14,770 0 0

Spencer Street Bridge .... .... .... .... ....

REFUSE DESTRUCTOR

Statement of Receipts and Expenditure for Year Ending 30th September, 1953

RECEIPTS To Electricity: Units

Sold . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174,818 £364 4 1 ,, Power:

Fan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91 15 2 Hot Mix Plant ................ 4,330 36 1 8 Brushmaker .................... 376 3 2 8

£404 3 7 ,, Burning Rubbish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190 19 3 ,, Clinker: Tons Cwt.

Council Use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135 0 f 30 5 0 Stock, 30/9/53 . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 10 7 1 9 0

187 10 f 2 8 4 O Less Stock, 30/9/52 .... 93 15 14 1 3

14 2 9 Debit Balance ........................................ 4962 14 11

EXPENDITURE By Wages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £5031 2 7

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ,, Water - 793,800 gallons 52 1 3 ,, Oil on Hand, 1/10/1952 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £99 16 0 ,, Oil Purchased . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . -

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Less on Hand, 30/9/53 60 9 0 39 7 0

,, Boiler and Factory Fees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 10 0 ,, Tools, Stores and Sundries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 9 5 ,, Repairs to Plant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 273 0 3 ,, Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 6 G ,, Workers' Compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69 3 6

CORPORATION STABLES

Working Account for Year Ended 30th September, 1953

Dr. to- Expenditure on Horses :

Shoeing . .. . . .. . .. .. . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Medicine and Veterinary Fees .... .... .... .... .... Forage .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... £ 2840 18 10

Cr. by- Sale of Chaff Bags .... .... £237 18 0 Stock a t 30/9/1953 .... .... 388 19 0

626 17 0

E2761 13 7 Cr. by-

Manures to Gardens .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... 393 0 0 £2368 13

Working Expenses .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... 1491 16 7 Wages .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... 37 5 10 Workers' Compensation .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... 78 10 1 Lighting .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... 104 13 G

Repairs to Harness .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... 166 18 7 Repairs to Drays .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... 3 8 7 General Expenses .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... 21 18 9

Cr. by- Cost of Cartage for 7909 days .... .... .... £4273 5 6

Cost per day of horse and dray: 10/9.6

BUILDING OPERATIONS

The figures tabulated below show the amount of building fees, number of buildings, and capital value of all building operations in the City during the year:-

Dwellings Flats, Convs. and '' Allemtions and m

Estimated WARD Flats (new) Alterations Additions Fees Capital W,B, Brick W.B. C?, S.S. M.S. S.S. M . S . U n i t s S.S. M.S. Units Value

FL( z g

Toorak ........ 16 9 - 4 2

SouthYar ra . . 1 - 1 2 25

Prahran - - - - L ........

Windsor ........ 2 - 1 - 2

Totals, 1951-52 1 6 1 15 128 3 1 1 0 - 159 190 16 4 8 40 4 - £774 11 0 f1,202,777

The various fees for building, etc., collected during the year, and the number of Permit Registrations, etc., were as follows:- -

Building Registrations ................................ 779 5809 18 6 Sanitary Services .................................... 113 532 5 0 Sign Licences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221 65 5 0

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Totals, year 1951-52 916 £1,645 6 0

.................... Permit Deposits, 1952-53 990 £5,258 0 0

Rainfall for the Year Ended 30th September, 1953

1952-October ................................ November ................................ December ................................

1953-January ................................ ................................ February

March ................................ April .................................... May . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . June .................................... July .................................... August ................................

................................ September

Points 368 508 311 279 254

60 158 277 210 131 245 468

Days 18 16 10 7 5 5 8

12 16 12 17 13

................ Total, 1952-53 32.69 inches 139 days

................ Total, 1951-52 32.05 inches 145 days

I would like to place on record my thanks to both the indoor and outdoor staff of my department for the manner in which they have carried out their work.

I have the honour to be,

C. H. LOWENSTERN,

City Engineer.

I A N I M A L WEEK

Presentation by Junior Members, Victorian Society Protection of Animals. Dog "Shep" receives the K9 Valour Medal for saving man from drowning in Bay.

Mr. L. J. Rooke Mayor, Cr. L. J. H. Buddle Miss V. Carter (Animal Welfare Society) Colonel G. Sutton Mr. F. A. Hunting

Master Leslie Hudson exhibiting the first medal of its kind.

Prahran Municipal Library 93rd ANNUAL REPORT

TO HIS WORSHIP THE MAYOR AND COUNCILLORS.

Gentlemen,

I hereby submit the 93rd Annual Report of the Municipal Library, and the 39th Report of the Lending Library, together with the 2nd Report of the Armadale Branch Library, for the year ending 30th September, 1953.

Lending Library There is a satisfactory increase in the number of exchanges from the Lending Libraries.

The total number of exchanges is 145,850, which is an increase of 29,000 on the previous year. The following table indicates the comparison of reading tastes from the Main Library, show- ing a marked increase in the number of fiction books exchanged since the stipulation of bor- rowing one non-fiction book was altered.

Classification of Reading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . General

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Philosophy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Religion

Social Science . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Languages

Pure Science . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Useful Arts

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fine Arts and Amusements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Literature

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . History, Travel, Biography Fiction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98,176 116,823

Percentage of non-fiction reading (approx.) 36% 32%

The total enrolment of borrowers has reached 7,745, including 1,358 new borrowers in the last 12 months.

A general selection of 2,700 new books was added to the book stock, with literature, history, biography and fiction books, and home mechanics, in greatest demand.

Reference Library The reference section has a complete collection of general reference books and a section

for text books and examination papers for Leaving and Matriculation standard. The collec- tion of text books for further reading for some faculties of the University is progressing.

All recognised reference books are kept up-to-date, and the Library is obtaining the Official History of World War I1 as the volumes are published.

Armadale Branch Library The progress of the Branch Library is indicated in the number of exchanges during

the year. The book stock has been kept fresh, and the membership is now 800 borrowers, with an increase of over 10,000 exchanges. The limited space available handicaps the work, but there is some hope of an additional room becoming available.

The following figures give an indication of the work of the Branch:-

1951-52 1952-53 Non-fiction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4,700 5,874 Fiction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13,977 23,153

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Total 18,677 29,027

Winter Lectures The lectures were replaced this year by a series of four film evenings. The programmes

arranged presented an interesting series of documentary films, and were well attended. The Public Relations Office of the Postmaster-General's Department and the State Film Centre very generously gave their help in supplying the films, for which the Library is indebted to them.

Library Week, 1952 Library Week was again recognised during October, when a very attractive display of

books, periodicals and posters from the Library was shown in the shop windows of Maples Furniture Warehouse, Chapel Street, Prahran.

The publicity from these window displays is far-reaching, and the Library is indebted to the manager and window dressers of Maples for their generous co-operation. A special Lib- rary Week evening was held in the Library, when slides of libraries in the U.S.A. were shown by Mr. A. E. McMicken, together with films of general interest. The evening was very well attended by visitors from other municipalities as well as Prahran residents.

The Prahran Council made a grant of S 2 0 towards the cost of this State-wide cam- paign.

Displays An invitation was extended to the Prahran Philatelic Society to install a display case in

the Library to publicise the activities of the Society. The display has been of interest to the Library's patrons, and very attractive collections and aspects of stamp collecting have been shown.

The British Council made a loan to the Library of eight paintings by contemporary British artists. These pictures have been displayed on the walls of the Library, and thanks are due to the Council's representatives in Melbourne for their interest and generosity.

Visitors The Library continues to interest overseas and interstate visitors, and students from the

University of Melbourne, Library Training School, and several classes from local schools. Representatives from other municipalities sought advice on installing library service.

A meeting of the Public Library Section of the Library Association of Australia was held at the Prahran Library, when a lecture and films were presented on "Handling the Public." The Library staff served morning tea, and appreciation was expressed of the hospitality of the Council.

Staff Mrs. Fay Horman, a senior assistant, resigned from the staff in June, and Miss Waltraut

Brockner and Miss Pamela Sholl were appointed in July, 1953. Miss Wendy Banfield ob- tained the Preliminary Certificate of the Library Association of Australia after attending evening preparation classes.

The increased work in the Library has placed a bigger responsibility on each member of the staff, and I should like to thank them for their loyalty and co-operation. The staff is indebted to all officers and staff of the Council for their willing help during the year.

Yours faithfully,

EDNA HAYNES,

City Librarian.

Prahran Municipal Children's Librarv J

35th Annual Report

TO HIS WORSHIP THE MAYOR AND COUNCILLORS.

Gentlemen,

I hereby submit the Annual Report of the Children's Library for the year ended 30th September, 1953.

Book Exchanges A record number of books were exchanged from Children's Libraries thid year-41,385

as compared with 40,795 last year. The Branch Library at Armadale exchanged 5675 child- ren's books in its second year of existence. The classification of reading from Greville Street Library is as follows:-

General Knowledge and Annuals .................... 1,893 Philosophy ................................................ 108 Religion and Bible Stories ............................ 205 Fairy Tales and Social Studies ........................ 5,321 Languages ................................................ 132 Natural Science ............................................ 2,407 Useful Arts ................................................ 1,640 FineArts ................................................ 565 Literature ................................................ 940 History, Travel, Biography ............................ 4,695 Fiction .................................................... 17,804

.................................... Total Exchanges 35,710

Open 247 days. Daily average, 149. Non-fiction, 52 per cent.

The number of borrowers enrolled is 4,344, including 570 new members during the last twelve months.

Library Week, 1952 The annual recognition of Library Week was celebrated with a joint display of books

and periodicals in Chapel Street, with a session of films on Child Study shown in the Child- ren's Library for the mothers.

School Classes Classes from Prahran and Hawksburn State Schools attend the Library regularly for

Library periods, and there is great appreciation shown in the use of the Library by the teach- ing staff and the scholars.

Displays A feature of the work of the Library is the arrangement of displays in the front windows

and inside the Library. Subjects of topical interest are used, and with increased space in window displays, a very effective Coronation display was made. Health Week, Scout Week and Education Week each had appropriate rnaterial for display, and the passing public, as well as the children, appreciate the work.

After-school Activities

With the rising cost of living making it necessary for both parents in many homes to be absent from their homes during the day, many children are debarred from their homes for several hours after school, and the Children's Library has ample scope to attract and interest these children.

The Story Hours and Film Afternoons are very well attended, and the Library is in- debted to the officers of the State Film Centre for the generous loan of films for these func- tions.

It is planned to form a Junior Field Naturalists' Club at the Library, and keen interest is shown in it already.

Play Centres

The Library supplied a collection of books for the Play Centres arranged by the Council during the school holidays, as well as entertainment at the Library.

Staff

In January, 1353, Miss M. Allen resigned as an Assistant in the Children's Library for her marriage, after many years' helpful service to the children.

Miss Jean Archer was appointed to the staff in January, and Miss Helen Gwillam in July, 1953. These two staff members have worked with great efficiency for the Library, and I appreciate their keen interest in all aspects of the work.

Yours faithfully,

EDNA E. HAYNES,

City Librarian.

Health Officer's Report TO HIS WORSHIP THE MAYOR AND COUNCILLORS . Gentlemen.

I hereby submit the report of the Health Department of the City for the year ended 31st December. 1952 . Population

The population is estimated at 63.000 . Births

The number of last year . Of these.

Deaths The number of

births registered to Prahran residents was 984. as compared with 942 143 were born in the City and 841 outside Prahran .

deaths of residents totalled 900 . AGE AT DEATH

............................................ Under one day 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Under one month 8

Over one month and under one year ................ 5 ................ Over one year and under two years 1

Between two and five years ............................ 3 Over five and under twenty years . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Twenty to forty years .................................... 41 Forty to sixty years . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175 Sixty to seventy years . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197 Over seventy years ........................................ 459

900

As is usual. the great majority (656 out of the total of 900 deaths) occurred in people aged 60 years and over .

CAUSES OF DEATH ............................ Accident and sudden death 43

.... Diseases of abdominal organs (not malignant) 33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Heart and circulatory system 538

Renal and urinary system ................................ 39 Respiratory system (non-tuberculosis) . . . . . . . . . . . . 123 Cancer (malignant disease) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 Tuberculosis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Other infectious djseases . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Prematurity and congenital . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Senility ........................................................ 20 Other causes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Of the total 900 deaths. 448 were males and 452 were females . Notifiable Diseases

Herewith is a list of the notifiable diseases. with the number of during the year .

................................................ Scarlet Fever Tuberculosis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

.................................................... Dysentery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Poliomyelitis

Rubella ........................................................ Erythema Nodosum ........................................ Exudative Pleurisy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Catarrhal Jaundice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Beningo Meningitis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ornithosis ....................................................

cases of each reported

It will be noted that the total number is a slight increase on last year's figures, this being due almost entirely to a small increase in the incidence of scarlet fever, and to a more marked one in rubella. All appropriate steps were taken in the case of each infection.

The Council will be gratified to note that, once again, no cases of diphtheria were re- ported.

I have attended most of the meetings of the Health Committee and submitted written and/or verbal reports. At one of these, following representations by Mr. Rogers, City Health Inspector, and supported by me, the need for the appointment of help to him was stressed.

Mr. Rogers presented a list of duties which he and Mr. Carew are expected to carry out, and it is obvious that all of these cannot be satisfactorily performed by the present staff.

I understand the question of increase in staff is still under the consideration of the Council.

During the year, after personal inspection, I certified several buildings as suitable for removal to other municipalities in accordance with the Health Act provisions, and, with the City Inspector, inspected others in varying states of disrepair, on which subsequently suit- able action was taken.

About mid-year, Dr. Margaret Aikin was appointed by the Council to supervise and co- ordinate the work of the Infant Welfare, Child Welfare and Ante-Natal Clinics, the Kin- dergartens, and other social service activities of the Council, and the value of her work in these spheres is well recognised.

Vaccination against Smallpox In 1951, Dr. John Dale, former Health Officer to the City of Melbourne, and Dr. Hilda

Bull were appointed Public Vaccinators, and successfully vaccinated several hundred babies and children under the age of seven years at the Health Centre, Day Nursery, Creches and Kindergartens.

I regret to report that Dr. John Dale was killed in a motor car accident during this year, 1952.

Dr. Robert Wilson, of Prahran. eventually signified his willingness to do this work, and his application, supported by the Council, to be appointed a Public Vaccinator for the City of Prahran, was granted and duly gazetted late in the year.

In the last quarter Dr. Wilson successfully vaccinated 121 children, and this work will be resumed and increased in 1953.

Immunisation against Diphtheria In addition to the routine immunisation carried out at the Baby Health Centre for those

under one year, 363 children attending in their first and scme in their second year of school were given the Schick Test. Of these, it was found necessary to give 114 the course of in- jections.

In addition, 156 children who received injections last year were tested, and all were found to be fully protected.

The total number immunised during the year was 639.

Typhoid Fever Four carriers were reported during the year. The necessary investigations and pre-

cautions were observed. Later, two of these were deemed to be free from risk of infection, one has left the City, and the fourth is still under observation.

Infant Welfare Clinic As always, Sister Beveridge has maintained the high standard of efficiency usual to this

Clinic. A sub-centre was opened in Armadale in February, where Sister attends for a half

session weekly. The following are the relevant numbers of attendances, etc., during the year:-

Prahran Armadale Individual babies .................................... 1,352 212 Total attendances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14,381 2,268 Visits to homes .................................... 815 16 New babies reported ................................ 849 131 New babies attending ............................ 754 210

The total number of attendances at these two areas thus was 16,649.

Five hundred and twenty-five of these babies received immunising injections against diphtheria at the Centre, and 108 against pertussis.

Child Welfare Clinic Good work is being done here, but the position is not dissimilar to that reported by

me in previous years. Since her appointment, Dr. Aikin has endeavoured to build up this Clinic, but the difficulties are great, and in her reports to the Council she has not so far succeeded in bringing the Clinic to the full effectiveness desired.

Ante-Natal Clinic With Dr. Ross still in charge, this Clinic has had a very successful and also a heavy year,

the numbers showing a marked increase over those of 1951. In view of this I give the figures, together with the corresponding ones for 1951:-

1952 1951 .... Individual expectant mothers attending 764 499

................................ Total attendances 4,009 2,340

Prahran Chest Bureau Though the report on its work for 1952 will come later officially through the Public

Health Department, I mention it in my report because of the Council's continued great in- terest in its activities.

I am in a position to state that the Bureau has been very busy and that the total number of attendances has risen to 8371.

Its increased activities have caused an official direction to be given recently to the effect that the Bureau would confine its work, at least pro tem, to residents of Prahran and Malvern.

An item of interest is that all patients applying to be placed on the waiting list for admission to the Alfred Hospital are now referred to the Bureau for a chest X-ray examina- tion prior to being so accepted.

Food Analysis During the year 1952, 189 samples of milk, sausage meat, mince meat, etc., were taken

and analysed by the City Analyst. Eight prosecutions were instituted, all succeeded, and fines inflicted, with costs, amounted to S55/15,/-.

One hundred and twenty-four samples of milk were analysed, and all complied with the standard.

Registrations The fcllowing were registered during the year:-

Boarding Houses ........................................ 62 Eating Houses ............................................ 50 Cordial Manufacturers, Ice Blocks, etc. ............ 28 Noxious and Offensive Trades ........................ 20

160

Noxious Trades Noxious and offensive trades include:-

Marine Stores ............................................ 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . SoapMaking 1

Fat Rendering by Butchers ............................ 13 Poultry Killing and Dressing Establishments .... 4

- 20 -

Insanitary Premises Orders of the Council were made on the following:-

Insanitary premises, defective roofs, spoutings and yard drainage 170 Defective construction of closets and urinals ............................ 56 Removal of rubbish ............................................................ 1

227

............................ Premises condemned as unfit for habitation 17

Rat Extermination During the year this Council's rat exterminator made 1528 visits to premises affected

with rats.

In October the Department of Health again organised "Rat Week," and circularised all Councils asking them to co-operate.

The Council for the second time arranged a clean-up drive in selected areas of the City.

The drive proved very satisfactory, and 194 tons of rubbish were removed from the yards of premises, whilst publicity in newspapers resulted in many calls being made on the rat exterminator's services.

The actual figures associated with methods of rat destruction for the year were:-

Poison baits laid ............................................................ 20,482 ................................ Premises in which poison gas was used 119

Premises in which trapping was carried out ........................ 20

Mr. F. Kerpen has carried out his duties most efficiently.

Factory Registrations No.

Type registered Clothing, etc. ............ Confectionery ............ Engineering, etc. ........ Furniture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Footwear Jewellery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Glass Instruments ........ Knitwear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Millinery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

.................... Printing Pastry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Plastics .................... Poultry Killing ............

No. of workrooms

Employees Male Female

39 176 4 -

192 65 41 - 9 - 5 - 10 9 19 8 20 40 6 15 - 2 9 10 6 2

360 327

Once again I desire to express my appreciation of the unstinted help and co-operation given by those officers engaged in the health activities of the Council, especially Mr. R. Rogers, Senior Health Inspector, and Mr. Carew, Health Inspector.

J. P. MAJOR,

Medical Officer of Health.