Katanning Mechanics' Institute to be entered on heritage register

30/6/97

The historic Katanning Mechanics' Institute, which has played an important part in the development of the town, is to have its heritage values recognised by the State Government.

Heritage Minister Graham Kierath said the turn of the century building was one of the first to be erected in the Katanning district and had provided a range of services, making it an important landmark.

The building was to be listed on the Heritage Council of Western Australia's interim register of heritage places to recognise its aesthetic and historic values.

"The Mechanics' Institute movement originated in England and developed as a means of providing instruction for tradesmen," Mr Kierath said.

"The majority of these tradesmen, or 'mechanics', had no education. Educating them was seen as free education for their children.

"In most parts of Australia, early library services were provided by churches and Sunday schools and through organisations such as mechanics' institutes and literary organisations.

"Mechanics' Institutes developed in Western Australia in a sporadic way with the Katanning branch being established in 1894 by a pioneer of the area, Frederick Piesse.

"The institute's aim was the 'cultivation of literature, science, and art, the intellectual improvement and the recreation of its members'.

"Mr Piesse originally built an agricultural hall on the Austral Terrace site in 1896 for the sole use and benefit of the agricultural community."

The single-storey brick building was a simple, rectangular hall with a pitched corrugated iron roof.

In 1899 the Agricultural Hall Committee and the Mechanics' Institute amalgamated and the institute was given a 200-pound grant to improve the hall to become known as the Mechanics' Institute and Public Hall.

Mr Kierath said that over the years the hall had undergone many changes and it was almost amalgamated into a complex of buildings including the adjacent town hall.

"The building has provided a wide range of services over the years including a library, reading room and facilities for billiards, chess, cards and table tennis," he said.

"The billiard room still houses three tables, two of which are original.

"Many locals will remember it fondly as a venue for balls and dances, cinema and theatrical and other performances.

"Its changing face shows the growth of the town of Katanning."

Mr Kierath said the institute was in fair condition but had a high degree of authenticity, as it was still used as the shire library.

Media contact: Steve Manchee 481 2133 or 018 097 260