Looking Back - Hazelwood Halls

By Leo Billington

A short walk down memory lane – do you remember?

In March and August 1890, Morwell’s business centre, largely hugging Commercial Road, was almost totally destroyed by fire. Weatherboard shops and offices were destroyed, Morwell’s heart was literally gone. Ironically, there was general agreement that bricks would be a better option in rebuilding what was razed to the ground.

To give some perspective in our local history, about two years earlier, the Hazelwood North Mechanic Institute committee announced an opening date for their illustrious building - Thursday evening, May 24, 1888.

Promotion was far and wide, mainly heralded by The Gippsland Farmers’ Journal and Traralgon, Heyfield and Rosedale News in editorial on Thursday, April 26, 1888. “A grand concert will be given, with a ball to follow.”

Such a big occasion, and particularly, because it was the Queen’s birthday, Queen Victoria was 69 on that same May date.

The Gippsland Farmers’ Journal and Traralgon, Heyfield and Rosedale News followed proceedings, reporting seven days later that:

“The Mechanics' Institute was opened in the evening, when a concert was held in the building. Mr Kelleher, president of the shire, performed the opening ceremony, and congratulated the district on the possession of such a fine building, which he said reflected great credit

on the public spirit of the people of North Hazelwood, and was an evident proof of the wealth and prosperity of the district. A very long program was gone through at the concert, encores being demanded in every case, and granted in most, it was past eleven o'clock before the performance closed by singing the National Anthem.

Where all were so good it would be hard to single any one performer out for special praise, so I will merely echo the verdict of the audience by saying that it was one of the best concerts that ever I listened to. Miss Kinder, of Morwell, presided at the piano, and proved herself a most efficient accompanist.

After the concert there was a ball, which, on account of the dark wet night, was not so well patronised as the concert. However, those who stayed thoroughly enjoyed themselves, as was evidenced by keeping it up till daylight.

I understand that after paying all expenses the committee will have a nice little sum to the credit of their funds.”

Thus, the Hazelwood North Community Hall “began its life.” Occasionally, I am asked about the hall’s history, albeit it being born as a Mechanics’ Institute, in Church Road, adjacent to the original state school building.

As has been written elsewhere, these Institutes apparently originated in Scotland early in the 1880’s. Their establishment was aimed to educate those without formal schooling, mainly working-class men, in technical subjects. The halls also hosted community events, concerts, and lending libraries.

Today, the Hazelwood North Community Hall, located opposite the state school on land donated by Charlie Jones and family, is a popular venue for a wide variety of community functions. Back in the day, the state school was a small building surrounded by a farm cyclone fence; safe child security was not an issue back then.

Charlie’s brother, Harry Jones had a farm adjacent to today’s Hazelwood South recreation reserve. With both Hazelwood community halls destroyed in the 1944 fires, there was a concerted effort to rebuild with government financial assistance. In March 1947, a well-attended meeting agreed to buy about 12 acres, approximate cost £120, from Harry for use as a recreation oval, mainly for football games.

In December 1948, armed with an insurance payout of £300 and some government money (£800), a new hall was eventually built next to the football/recreational oval. Those who lobbied for this hall believed Hazelwood North residents “could be invited to participate.”

Well no. A building was found for Hazelwood North, an old building bought and moved from Traralgon. It had been Rowe’s office; occupied by T H Rowe & Co (General Agents) in Hotham Street. This rather temporary wooden building was destroyed by a lightning strike late in November 1959 (Traralgon Show Day). Locally organised working bees and some carpenters rebuilt a hall.

And to think a solid brick hall was erected at Hazelwood South!

While all this was happening outside Morwell, elsewhere at the Yallourn Camp, converted Nissen huts (a prefabricated steel structure originally for military use, especially as barracks) during the early 1950’s provided temporary accommodation for newly arrived families fleeing war-torn Europe. Living conditions were tight.

While on the topic of temporary housing, on January 27, 1958, fire destroyed 11 CRB huts (Country Roads Board), on location at the corner of Spry and McDonald Streets. Used by employees, these smallish dwellings were simple wooden huts. At least the depot manager’s house escaped destruction and, years later, was shifted to a small acreage beyond Morwell.

Another photograph taken in mid 1950 from a front veranda of a house in Monash Street, Morwell gives a panoramic view of vacant land looking east. Although a faint photograph, trees bordering Waterhole Creek are quite visible. Today that whole area is covered with houses, being Bridle Estate and beyond.