Federal School of Arts
FROM OLD TIME COUNTRY HALLS BY HELEN TRUSTUM
The Federal School of Arts was opened on January 2, 1899. These were Messrs. W.Risley, W.Rice, H.Chittick and D.Galloway. Mr.Rice later resigned and Mr. Marshall was appointed. On opening night a concert and dance was held. The chair was occupied by Mr.W.Risley, who in a short speech towards the end of the musical programme made r
eference to the building and its opening. After the concert was held, the hall was cleared ready for the dance. The dancing kept going till daylight. Accompaniments upon the piano for the concert were Mr.Clark and Miss Smith. When first built, the hall had a separate library and reading room, the walls were not lined. In 1910 the stage with two dressing rooms were added. During 1911, the present supper room was built. It was also used as a billiard room. The billiard table with cues etc was purchased for 80 pounds. In this field, Mr.A.Codrington is remembered as a keen exponent. From its inception, The School of Arts has offered noteworthy facilities to the public and to members. As well as being a meeting place and a venue for dances, concerts and social functions, the billiard room and library served a need in earlier years. The library of more than 1000 books plus newspapers and magazines was much used. Worthy of mention here is the dedicated voluntary service given by Mr. Alf Chittick, as librarian over many years. A silent picture plant operated weekly, run by Mr. Bert Claydon, with music played by Grace and Phyllis Hawkins. Late about 1920, Penn’s touring plant operated, and then became “talkies”. Subsequently there came “P.K.” talkies and then Keevers. Two Honour Rolls with names of men who served in the two wars and the Vietnam war grace the wall of the hall. In 1953 major renovations to the building were necessary and costs were covered by generous public donations. During 1976 the Government Red Scheme added two small rooms and installed a septic system. While women were not permitted to join as members of the Federal Hall committee as such, more than forty years ago, a group of ladies led by Mrs.Win Stitt performed the invaluable tasks of assisting in the maintenance and cleaning of the hall while organising countless fundraising ventures for equipment and hall improvements. Their first meeting was held on December 15 1952. Those who attended were Mesdames Win Stitt, Ruby Shackel, Flo Buckley, Monnie Stennar, Lil Perry, Ruby Rose and Olive Akers. Now with the School of Arts approaching their centenary in January 1999, they must feel very proud of achieving such a milestone. Activities in the hall include tap dance classes, exercise classes, yoga, table tennis, craft. Tai-chi, band practice, school concerts and community events. The hall committee, under the guidance of President Lorraine Thompson, Secretary Kelly Bode and treasurer Chris Quirk, look forward to many more years with their much loved hall.
