On Sunday, March 6, 2022 it was discovered that the elaborate weather vane on the Mission to Seafarers building in Flinders Street had been stolen. A few days earlier a hacksaw had been spotted on the roof and an examination revealed a small cut on the supporting rod of the weather vane. Security measures were stepped up, but the thieves returned and sadly, completed the job.
The Mission to Seafarers building, originally known as the Mission to Seamen, was officially opened by the Governor of Victoria, Sir Arthur Stanley, on September 11, 1917. It was designed by Architect Walter Butler in Spanish Mission style. The Mission provides practical and spiritual support to sailors from all over the world whilst they are in port.
The copper weather vane, which weighed 30 kilograms, was designed by Henry Alfred Saw. It was fully restored in 2020 through donations and a Victorian Heritage Restoration Fund.
This is a tragic loss both historically and artistically, made even worse that it was likely stolen only for its copper value.
Sources:
- Dredge, Rhonda Hooded thieves make off with weathervane in Ship to Shore - https://missiontoseafarers.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/ShipToShore-Issue-1-2022.pdf
- The Argus, September 12, 1917, see here.
- Mission to Seafarers website https://missiontoseafarers.com.au/
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