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the Limelight Department, from scenic views of towns in New Zealand as well as Australia, to historical docu-
mentaries like the Federation film (1901) and "Under Southern Skies" (1902); to the first bushranging drama,
"Bushranging in North Queensland" (1904) and of course the many social conscience films for "in-house· use.

The Limelight Department ceased film production in 1910 and was closed down in 1914 by Commissioner Hay
- perhaps a victim of its' own success! The remnants of this great flourish of activity can still be seen today. Not
so much in the films produced, as most have been lost or destroyed, but rather in the remains of those early film
produCtion facilities in Melbourne.

At the rear of what was the Australasian Terroritial Headquarters building at 69 Bourke Street, is the Heritage
Centre for the Southern area of The Salvation Army, and within that same complex can be found the remains of
a glass roofed studio, the scars caused by caustic liquids eroding the brickwork where one of the photographic
laboratories was once located; and perhaps of even greater significance, the remains of the attic complex.

This was once the caretakers residence but it was soon to play a significant part in the development of the
Australian film industry. It was here that so many of the technical problems were pondered and solved. The attic
was the location for the main processing laboratory, printing section and finishing and colouring sections.
If you stand back from the Bourke Street frontage and look up at the roof structure, large turret type construc-
tions can be seen at either end of the roof line. Within these turrets was located the film storage area and a
darkroom. The structure is predominantly timber and it would have been extremely hot and uncomfortable in
there during summer. A great place to store nitrate film!

Inside the main building, is a wonderful auditorium, which served as the Melboume City Temple and was
reported to be "one of the finest in the Colony". It is highly likely that the results of the Limelight Department's
efforts would have been first screened to colleagues here - a viewing of the "rushes"!

There are the remains of a pulley system high on the wall above the raised podium area, just the right position
to raise an appropriately located screen. This building and the complex generally is, I believe, a National Treasure!
It is loaded with history and is aesthetically extremely pleasant. All interested in the development of Australian
cinema should make at least one "pilgrimage• to it. Soak up the atmosphere and take in a little history which is
unknown to most of us - but with which we all should be aware!

I would even go one step further and suggest that this complex should be preserved for the Nation. Perhaps
The Salvation Army could be financially assisted in some way. Maybe the Bi-Centennial Celebrations funding
could be used for this purpose. And how appropriate, for here in more ways than one, did the Australian spirit
kindle and growl

A visit to the Heritage Centre can be made at almost any time during normal business hours, however a quick
telephone call will ensure that the facility is available and guarantee prompt attention to the visitor. Access is
gained by entering via Westwood Place which is a side street on the Western side of 69 Bourke Street. Phone
Lindsay Cox on (03) 9653 3201.

Inspection of the roof-top attic is not all that easy as building modifications over the years have made access
difficult, however it was possible to arrange a special group inspection for CATHS-V members on Saturday, 4th
April. Mr. George Ellis, the present Curator conducted us through the complex and his knowledge and enthusi-
asm will be missed now that he has retired. At the time of writing this article, a small display of Limelight artifacts
is on exhibition in the Heritage Centre.

References: Cinema Papers, Australia's First Films by Chris Long.
The Story of the Melbourne City Temple Corps by George Ellis.
Melbourne's Salvation Army Heritage- Salvation Army.

With many thanks to Chris Long, Researcher, and George Ellis, Archivist, South em Territory, Salvation Army.

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