<P> Mechanics' Institutes were a recent phenomenon--the first one had been set up in Scotland in 1821--and their aim was the intellectual improvement of their members, through the diffusion of scientific and other useful knowledge, and the cultivation of literature, science and art . While it still had some 21,000 convicts, the free and freed population of Sydney was growing, and assisted immigration was helping to create a new society . The establishment of a Legislative Council to advise the Governor of New South Wales brought responsible government a step closer . Businessmen with a social conscience set up "civilising" institutions such as the Savings Bank of NSW in 1832 . The following year the Sydney Mechanics' School of Arts was founded after a meeting on the 22nd of March between Carmichael with Surveyor - General Major Thomas Mitchell and Dr Charles Nicholson who "...resolved to found an institution similar to those established in England by Dr. Bricbeck, Dr. Ure, and other distinguished promoters of popular education ." </P> <P> The aim was to pursue further education for working men through public lectures and classes, and the establishment of a library . The colonial administration of Governor Richard Bourke soon recognised the efforts of the School of Arts and provided a land grant and a small annual subsidy to support its work . In 1836, aided by various philanthropists, the school was able to lease vacant land at 275 Pitt Street, and the inaugural lecture was given on 4 April 1837 by Carmichael, followed by a chemistry demonstration by Nicholson . </P> <Table> <Tr> <Td> "</Td> <Td> A certain Literary Society or Institution was established in Sydney in the year 1833 under the name and style of the Sydney Mechanics' School of Arts, the objects being the intellectual improvement of its members and the cultivation of literature, science and art . </Td> <Td>" </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Td_colspan="3">--Charter of the SMSA </Td> </Tr> </Table> <Tr> <Td> "</Td> <Td> A certain Literary Society or Institution was established in Sydney in the year 1833 under the name and style of the Sydney Mechanics' School of Arts, the objects being the intellectual improvement of its members and the cultivation of literature, science and art . </Td> <Td>" </Td> </Tr>

Sydney mechanics school of arts 280 pitt st