The Miners Institute –

The Miners ‘Mechanics’ Institute
The New Building

Since the plans for the new Kalgoorlie Miners’ Institute were first adopted by the committee, the matter has been somewhat prominently before the public. More recently, too, the intentions regarding the utilisation of the basement have been rather freely discussed, with the result that probably the subscribers and the townspeople know more about that portion of the edifice than about the remainder. It is fairly well known, however, that the present erection is only the first installment of what it is hoped will be a more pretentious piece of architecture.

Not that as it now stands it in any way lacks finish, so far as appearances go. Quite the contrary, indeed, the executed design reflects every credit upon the architect’s professional imagination and skill. Briefly described, the building is a two-story one, the walls being of brick, and the whole covered by a Mansard roof, surrounded by ornamental cement cornice. On the ground floor, immediately opening onto the pavement are three shops, with handsome plate glass fronts and faced with granite piers. Over the footway is the verandah, which is supported by artistic iron columns with pedestals, the appearance of which is substantial as well as pleasing to the eye.

What is ultimately intended to be the main corridor is temporarily to be utilised as a shop or office. The door, which at present opens into this corridor, is also not meant to be permanent, the intention being at a later date to put in a door taking up the entire width of the entrance. The ceiling over the ground floor is 16ft. high and this gives one the impression of loftiness. The dimensions of the ground floor apartments are, Two shops, 36ft. by 11ft. and 36ft by 10ft, and the corridor 36ft by 9ft. The greater part of the first floor is occupied by the main room, measuring 30ft. 3in. by 24ft. 6in.. which will serve the purpose of the subscriber’s library.

Adjoining it are three smaller rooms, intended respectively to be a ladies’ room, magazine room, and members’ room. The library and the ladies’ room are to the front of the building and open through telescopic windows onto the balcony, which is I5ft. wide. This provision of access to the fresh air will certainly be much appreciated in the warm weather. The height of the first-floor ceilings is 14ft. 6in. A portion of the library, which will be screened off, will form an office for the secretary. For the present, the library will be approached from the entrance in the right-of-way, and up a very fine cedar staircase. A staircase descending from the street will give access to the basement, which. as is now generally known, will be fitted up as a restaurant or dining room, although originally part of it had been intended for a billiard saloon. In reality, it comprises two apartments, one measuring 37ft. by 24ft., and the other 37ft. by 20ft. A portion of the latter will be taken up by a lounge and by the necessary staircase space. In the rear will be the kitchen, as well as a pantry and store room, and a small yard.

Ample provision has been made for the basement’s lighting by means of Luxfer prism lights fitted into the pavement overhead. Additional lights will also be obtained from the glazed doors in front. A very thorough system of ventilation has also been installed, and in this respect, it is considered that there will be no cause for complaint. If necessary as time goes on it will be quite possible to extend the basement further underneath the adjoining shop, now occupied by Mr. Shadwick. The ceilings of the basement, which are 10ft high are of ornamental pressed zinc.

As already stated, the idea is to make additions to the building in order to fully complete the design. Provision has been made for extensions in the rear, and the walls have been built strong enough to carry a third storey when that is considered desirable or requisite. Should this be carried into effect it is intended to surmount the building by a fine dome roof, which will furnish the finishing touch to a design of which Kalgoorlie will have cause to be proud.

To Mr. Harvey G. Draper, architect, of Solomon’s Buildings. Hannan Street belongs the credit for having planned the new institute, and the constructive work has been faithfully carried out by the contractors. Messrs. Ellis, Pitman, and Totterdell. Mr. R. Pilgrim has acted in the capacity of the clerk of works. As the basement and the three shops have all been let, the financial position of the institute becomes at once greatly improved by the possession of the new building. The total income from all sources will be approximately £43 per week or £2236 per annum so after defraying current expenses and meeting the interest on the loan, there should still be a substantial sum each year to go to the sinking fund for the repayment of the principal. The cost of the new building as it now stands amounts to about £6ooo.