1903

1903 witnessed a slight drop in attendance and income for the Institute, as a sickness epidemic hit the neighbourhood. In addition, Grafton Street’s Industrial school cancelled its hire of the gymnasium due to the opening of its own, which contributed to the hit. Despite this, its members continued to save their pocket money carefully, resulting in the Institution’s most successful Savings Bank year, with 506 deposits totalling £101. 3s 3d!

The Cadets maintained their efficiency by commissioning three new officers, Captain H. Montgomery, Lieutenant F.J. de Andrade, and Second-Lieutenant W.E. Collins, who introduced a miniature firing range for cadets to practice in the basement of the Institute! As to who or how this was monitored and maintained is a mystery, but you can only imagine how dangerous and noisy it was for the attendees above in the main building. Easter excursions to Chester and Delamere took place, where cadets enjoyed ‘fraternising’ with professional soldiers.

The majority of the Institute’s practical activities and sports continued their success, with Florence Vic winning the league Championship and Florence Waverley coming in as runners up. To the annoyance and dismay of the Institution, Wood Carving took a hit in attendance, ‘‘We are not satisfied with the attendance at this Class, and should like to see more interest taken in the work. It is a most interesting study requiring no little artistic skill’.