The i.t.a.(initial teaching alphabet) Association was established in 1974 in Victoria, with Sir George Paton and Lady Paton as Patrons. The i.t.a. first introduced into Australia by T.L.W. Emerson, an Inspector of Schools in the Education Department of Victoria. Arlie B. Hargreaves was involved with the i.t.a. in Australia from the beginning, first as i.t.a. advisor for Pitman House Publishing Co., Carlton; then as founding member and Honorary Secretary/Treasurer of the i.t.a. Association.