Darling Street Literary Society

The Darling Street Literary Society was a group which met weekly in Redan,.

The group met in the "schoolroom" every Monday. The first meeting was in June 1897, and the last newspaper report on the group is dated 15 September 1897.

History
The group was established in June 1897: "The need of a literary society in the southern part of Ballarat West, for the intellectual benefit of young people and others who may wish to improve their talents, has long been felt. This want has been met by the formation, under favorable auspices, of a new society, termed the Darling street Literary Society, supported by a strong committee. Rates have been adopted, and the meetings will be held weekly on Mondays. The following gentlemen here been elected as officers: — President, Rev. F. C. Vian; vice-presidents, Messrs Tarrant and Joseph Rowsell; secretary and treasurer, Mr J. Joseph; editor of magazine and press correspondent, Mr A. W. Crowe."

On 21 June 1897: "There was a good attendance at the Darling street Literary Society’s weekly meeting on Monday, when much interest was exhibited in the discnssion of question box subjects. The Rev. F. C. Vian presided, and Messrs Rowsell, Vickers, Crowe, and others took part in the proceedings, which were of a highly creditable character for a young society."

On 5 July 1897: "The Darling street Literary Society held their weekly meeting on Monday when there was a large attendance, the Rev. F. C. Vian presiding. Mr B. Q. Richards delivered a very instructive lecturette- on “The Life and Times of Thomas Cromwell,' about whom so little is known. Apparently a very deep interest was aroused in the subject, not only by the lucid details presented, but also by the clear and appropriate language of the lecturer. Mr Rowsell, the president, and others, took part in the debate that followed. “Should Bachelors be Taxed” is the subject for next Monday."

On 26 July 1897: "The weekly meeting of the Darling street Literary Society was held in the schoolroom on Monday evening, the 25th inst., when there was a large attendance. A lecturette on the subject of “ Licensing reform” was given by Mr Scarborough. The various phases of the question were ably dealt with, and the review of the palpable progress of a strong and aggressive temperance sentiment through out the world was most interesting and instructive. Special stress was laid upon the fact that leading journals in Great Britain looked upon the liquor traffic as a national scourge, and the temperance movement as a national benefit. The position taken up by the Victorian Licensed Victuallers’ Association was criticised. A well-merited tribute was paid to the memory of the late Dr Lees, who had been one of the most consistent and earnest of the world’s workers. Support was urged for the Victorian Alliance programme. Several questions were asked and answered after the discussion of the subject by Messrs Bowsell, Berry, Joseph, Vickers, and the Rev. F. C. Vian, who presided. Next Monday Mr A. W. Crowe will give his personal reminiscences of California daring the years 1850, 1, and 2."

On 23 August 1897: "At the weekly meeting of the Darling street Literary Society on Monday evening, Mr James Vallins, who is an able authority in matters elocutionary, delivered an excellent lecture on the subject, illustrated by examples as given at the South street hall this present season. There was a large and appreciative audience, which was most attentive to the interesting remarks made by Mr Yallins on elocutionary accomplishments. A complimentary vote of thanks, proposed and seconded by Messrs Rowsell and Crowe, and supported by the Rev. F. C. Vian and Mr Joseph, was passed to Mr Yallins, who responded. Next Monday a social evening will be spent."

On 5 September 1897: "A very pleasant evening was spent at the meeting of the Darling street Literary Society on Monday, when there was a good attendance; and it being Magazine night, a number of papers, both grave and gay, as follows, were read by the editor, Mr A. W. Crowe:— 'The Power of the Press,” 'Literary and Kindred Societies,' 'Happy Homes,' 'Men and their Little Ways,' 'Endurance,' 'A Young Critic,' and 'Human Suffering.' The views expressed were profitably discussed. The subject for next Monday is 'Evening with Bookbinder,” with views, by the Rev. F. C. Vian."

On 13 September 1897: "At the meeting of the Darling street Literary Society on Monday, the Rev. F. C. Vian gave a most interesting lecture on the art of bookbinding, tracing it down from the earliest dates. By the aid of a great number of sketches and diagrams he explained the subject very fully, and to the evident satisfaction of a large audience, who were occasionally much amused by the spice of humor introduced by the able lecturer. Mr J. Rowsell presided, and a brief discussion terminated the proceedings. Next Monday Mr Rowsell will furnish a paper, entitled “A Trip to Westralia.”"