THE PLAQUE

The current MERSL building traces its existence to the original hall which was built on the corner of Rattray Rd and Wellington St in 1936, as has been described in 'The Full Story'. Ever since the hall was built, there has been a plaque mounted on the wall within the building (apart from periods of significant renovations). That building was constructed using funds raised from the local Montmorency community under the guidance of the Hall committee of which Councillor Albert Price was a member (further details about him are summarized in the 'Significant People' section). He was a benefactor for a number of local causes and played a significant role in the construction of that original Community Hall.

The hall was opened in 1936. Its administration was the responsibility of three Trustees who acted under the conditions outlined in a Trust Deed, which was given approval by the Supreme Court of Victoria.

The first community trustees were Jack Shallard, Albert Price and Charles Brodie. Cr. Price died in 1945 and the remaining trustees, in 1948, handed over the ownership and operation of the hall to the Montmorency RSL Sub Branch which had been using the premises for meetings and other functions for some time.

Part of the text from the original Supreme Court document indicated the Trustees' responsibilities which included the following:

... The Trustees shall ... hold the said trust premises in perpetuity as a hall and premises under the name of "The Albert and Janet Price Hall" ...

The document was revised when the trusteeship was handed over to the Montmorency RSL, and it included the following:

(a) ... full power to erect such buildings ... as may be beneficial for the ... enjoyment thereof by the members of the Sub Branch and if thought fit to pull down ... any buildings ... held by the Trustees (provided that any such building ... shall be adequately replaced or rebuilt ...)

(b) The Trustees shall have full power ...  to sell ... the said trust premises ... and to apply ... the moneys received ... in the purchase ... of other ... land for the benefit of t he members of the Sub Branch

(c) Should the Sub Branch ... decide to wind up then the Trustees shall sell the said trust premises ... the net proceeds of such sale shall be applied ... for such public charitable or educational or other purposes for public benefit in the district of Montmorency ... as the Trustees ... may decide.

The first RSL trustees were George Guymer, Robert Macdowell and Walter Timms. The new trust Deed, still recognized by the Supreme Court, indicated that it was derived from the original Deed.

When the Rattray Rd Hall was sold in 1966, a new premises constructed for the RSL in Petrie Park, the plaque was re-installed in the new clubrooms and continued to be displayed within the building (although it has been in storage on occasions during renovations).