Stories From The Perth Children's Hospital (1930 - 1950).

Stories From The Perth Children's Hospital (1930 - 1950).

The Perth Children's Hospital was built in 1909 on the corner of Hay and Thomas Street, Subiaco after many years of fundraising and lobbying by the Western Australian government and community. The original facilities included 40 beds, an operating theatre and outpatient department. Over the years the work at the hospital was made possible by a range of devoted staff including nurses, sisters, doctors, specialists and volunteers. 

The children and young people who were admitted were in various stages of illness or accidents and convalescence. Each child and young person had their own story. Some of those stories can be found in the pages of Trove, the database at the National Library of Australia. The newspapers share inspiring stories about children and young people with terrible illnesses and accidents, some close to dying. Many children and young people spent a considerable amount of time in the hospital, sometimes years. Many made remarkable recoveries with the aid of their self-determination, the staff at the hospital and their families and the community.

Trove shares many stories of children and young people close to death who received life saving surgery and specialised extended care and survived. In 1933, a four year boy was admitted with diphtheria and was close to dying. A surgeon perform a tracheotomy and inserted a silver tube in his throat. The operation saved his life and his ability to speak slowly returned (Western Mail, 20 July 1933).





In 1936, Charles a 12 year old boy was admitted to the hospital after breaking his neck while diving. "Completely paralysed Charles remained in this critical state for a fortnight. Then he was given some manipulative surgical treatment. Within a few days there was definite improvement, he began to use his hands and feet. The treatment was repeated, and today with a plaster cage over his neck and shoulders he is able to walk about...the case illustrates the remarkable feats possible in manipulative surgery..." (Daily News, 28 February 1936).

Charles

In 1937 Violet who was 5 1/2 was in the Children's Hospital because of infantile paralysis and unable to move. After being a patient there for several months she took her first steps on the lawn outside (Daily News, 24 April 1937).

Violet

Many children and young people were in the hospital for extended periods of time, sometimes years receiving specialised care after an illness or accident. They spend time away from their families, friends and school confined to hospital beds. Despite their confinement children and young people continued to achieve success beyond what was expected. 

In 1948 a young person Walter, aged 12 who had grown up and confined to a frame because of a tubular hip since he was 3 years old. He was now able to sit up for the first time in seven years. "Walter told how his excitement had been growing since the time he was put into the plaster, when he knew that his long term of 'imprisonment' was nearing its end. He was operated on, X rayed, then last week was taken off the frame and put into a bed free of apparatus and things. Walter has been one of the star pupils of the hospital school and recently has been doing seventh standard correspondence work. He hopes to sit for his Junior in two years time..." (Daily News, 8 September 1948).




Walter

In 1946, Leslie a patient in the hospital for three years sat his Junior Examination lying on his back (lying on back with his legs in splints) in a hospital ward. Leslie wanted to be an accountant. In January 1947, the Daily News reported that Leslie had passed all his subjects in the Junior Examination and was allowed to go home the following week (Daily News,18 January 1947). There were other unusual entrants in the Junior Examination Certificate in 1946 who were in hospitals or at home. A young person had applied to take the Junior Examination including one in the Aboriginal hospital at Port Hedland and another who was disabled and was sitting their exam at home (Daily News, 13 September 1946). 

Leslie

All children regardless of their cultural backgrounds were admitted and received specialised treatment. In 1946 two Indigenous Australian children, June aged 9 and Donald aged 4 from Forrest River Mission who had pneumonia travelled south by ship to recuperate. The Indigenous Australian children admitted faced many challenges such language as they were only able speak in their own dialect. The article describes how they were able to make friends with the other children in the ward. The Department of Native Affairs praised the hospital for the care provided to all the Indigenous Australian children admitted, and covered the cost and provided outpatient care (Daily News, 14 June 1946).




June and Donald

The Power Of The Column In Early Subiaco (Trove Post).

The Power Of The Column In Early Subiaco (Trove Post).

Recently I was invited to write about my research on Subiaco for Trove, the database at the National Library of Australia. The post was published on their Community Pages. Here is the link for those interested trove.nla.gov.au/blog/2023/07/05/stories-subiaco

Researching and writing this blog post and being published on the Trove Community Pages was a dream come true. I would like to thank all the staff at the National Library of Australia for their feedback, editing and final presentation of the post. It was a wonderful process. 

Stories from Subiaco

For those readers of Trove who don't live in Perth, Subiaco is one of the oldest suburbs that lies just west of the city centre. The land on which the city was created belongs to the Whadjuk Noongar people. For the past couple of years, I have used Trove to research the stories of women and children from Subiaco, my local community, and more widely Perth and Western Australia. Much of that knowledge can be found in daily gossip and children.

Gossip Columns

Early gossip columns provide an account on what was happening in local suburbs like Subiaco and other suburbs around Perth and country Western Australia. The columns Subiaco Snaps (1907) and Subiaco Skits (1922) provide an interesting look into the lives of women, men, and children. They describe the events of the Subiaco Council, social and sporting events, the establishment of new institutions, and fundraising events for churches and schools. They were well attended by the locals including men and women, politicians, and councilors. The column also advertised upcoming attractions. 

They also give us insight into the businesses run in Subiaco such as the butcher, furniture store, drapers, newsagency, jeweller, fish monger, paint shop, dancing school and tearooms. Mrs Thomlinson ran the tearooms in Hay Street. Not only could customers get afternoon tea, they could also buy a range of fresh produce. "Subiaco ladies can now have afternoon tea at Mrs. Tomlinson's in Hay street and can there procure fresh eggs and butter, supplies of which come in twice daily" (Express, 18 August 1906.).

In 1922 Mrs Young ran a motor garage for juveniles in high school. The High School for juveniles has vacated the motor garage and taken up more prepossessing quarters at the corner of Rokeby and Nicholson roads. "Mrs. Young, who has the administration of this Seminary, is the right party for the job, and we wish her success in her new enterprise" (The Mirror, 14 October 1922).

Women had many interests like shopping, were talented musicians and performers and keen gardeners. They competed in numerous sports such as billiards, croquet, bowls, and rifle shooting. Of particular interest was that women over a hundred years ago wanted to play football. "Some of the local girleens are anxious to start a female football team. They do it over East, why not here chortled one fair maiden. We think it a good idea. If hockey can prosper as a girls game, why not footy? There would be a good captain in, say E - I?" (The Mirror, 1 July 1922).

Recipe and Household Hints Columns

Some of the most interesting columns are the recipe and household hints. Mrs. M. Harding (nee Livingstone) of 220 Barker Road, Subiaco sent in recipes and household hints to the Sunday Times Recipe and Household Hints competition between 1910 and 1931. Miss L. Harding and Miss E. Harding from the same address also sent in entries. The entries won over a hundred prizes and honorable mentions, and were published in the newspaper. Mary's recipes and household hints provide a wonderful insight into the type of meals cooked at the time, and many of the practical household hints are still being used today.





Children's Columns

What was important in their lives can be found throughout the children's columns in the various local newspapers in Trove. The essays, creative work and letters were published in newspapers and prizes were given for what were considered to be the best according to age groups. It is difficult to know how much help, if any, children had from their parents or siblings. In some cases, such as the Catholic papers, the children's competition essays needed to be supported by a teacher's validation that were the student's own work and by the local priest before being submitted and published.

The Daily News newspaper in Western Australia established the Sunshine League through their column in the children pages on 18 May 1907 run by Uncle Tom. The object of the Sunshine League is to train children in acts of kindness and love, believing that such acts bring blessings to themselves and others, Our motto is:— There is nothing greater or more beautiful in all the world than kind deeds, and the humblest child can do them. Any child may become, a member by writing to Auntie Nell. There are no fees of any sort, but those who desire to do so may enclose contributions in the form of stamps, for our Sunshine Cot and in the Children's s Hospital.

After Uncle Tom resigned there were numerous exceptional women journalists who worked at the Daily News newspaper editing the column including Jessie Downie, Margaret Main and Boronia Giles. When World War I broke out Jessie Downie served and trained as a nurse with the Red Cross, studied French and worked as a V. A. D. Assistant in various hospitals around France. While living in Guernsey with her sister she raised funds for Belgium refugees. Margaret Main replaced Jessie Downie who spent 18 years writing letters to the Sunshine League members. She was then replaced by Boronia Giles.

Many of the stories of the children who made contributions to the Sunshine League are able to be traced through Trove. For example, Margery Owen’s name first appears in The Daily News newspaper’s children’s page ‘A Page for Boys and Girls of Western Australia’ on 7 January 1928 in the column ‘Welcome New Sunshiners’. From 1928 to 1932 Margery was actively involved in donating money to the Cot Fund for hospital beds in the Children’s Hospital, writing letters and sharing events in her daily life, completing competitions, writing poetry and short stories, and recruiting new members for the Sunshine League.

By 1932 Margery was a teenager and had changed schools, moving from the St. Joseph’s Convent to Victoria Square and her time was taken up studying. However, she managed to write to both Peg Peggotty who was still referred affectionately by the children as Auntie Nell and Auntie Kitty at The Sunday Times newspaper about her interests that included taking photographs, reading and writing stories, and travels throughout the state. Margery continued to make regular donations to the Cot Fund at the Children’s Hospital. After graduating university in Melbourne as a doctor she returned there to work at the Perth Children's Hospital and lived in Subiaco.

Cardell-Oliver, Dame Annie Florence Gillies (1876–1965). Member For Subiaco.

Cardell-Oliver, Dame Annie Florence Gillies (1876–1965).

Several weeks ago the Subiaco City Council put together a list of names for new roads in Subiaco that would be created around a new development near the Subiaco Oval.  

The names of 10 women were put forward and included Subiaco-born Adelaide Ilya Chugg and  Nancy Russell. Both Adelaide and Nancy became teachers. Dame Annie Florence Gillies Cardell-Oliver, was a Member of Parliament for Subiaco in 1936 who went on to become the first woman in Australia to become a government cabinet minister.

There are many biographies written about Dame Cardell-Oliver on various sites on the Internet. This biography was written for the 'Proposed New Road Names For Subi East Development Area...from the Subiaco Council Agenda Briefing Forum (12 April, 2023). (No copyright infringement intended).

"Dame Cardell-Oliver was born in Stawell, Victoria, the fifth child of an Irish-born storekeeper. Florence met and married her second husband Arthur Cardell Oliver, a British Army veteran and doctor by whom she had two sons, in London.

They migrated to Western Australia in 1912 where they settled at York and then at Albany. Florence was President of the Western Australian Nationalist Women's Movement and travelled across Australia during World War I addressing the recruitment meetings. 

On her husband’s death she returned to Western Australia and became vice-president of the State branch of the Nationalist Party. Florence travelled widely as a spokesperson against the spread of communism including the 1935 congress in Istanbul of the International Suffrage Alliance of Women as a delegate from the Australian Federation of Women Voters. 

Cardell-Oliver returned to the Western Australian Legislative Assembly in February 1936 as the Nationalist member for Subiaco. She was appointed honorary minister in 1947, minister for supply and shipping in 1948 and then minister for health in 1949, when she became the first woman in Australia and the oldest person in WA to obtain full cabinet rank. 

In office she sponsored the Free Milk and Nutritional Council, and introduced a free-milk scheme for Western Australian schoolchildren. She brought the State to the forefront of anti-tuberculosis campaigns by legislating for compulsory chest X-ray examinations. She was a member of the Victoria League, the Royal Institute of Great Britain, and the Karrakatta and Perth clubs, was president of the Women Painters' Society of Western Australia and of the Western Australian Women's Hockey Association, and represented her Subiaco parish on the Anglican diocesan synod. 

In 1951 she was appointed D.B.E. Dame Cardell-Oliver died on 12 January 1965 in Subiaco."

The photograph is from the National Portrait Gallery of Australia. No copyright infringement intended. 

Jane Cadman (1940).

Jane Cadman (1940).

Several weeks ago the Subiaco City Council put together a list of names for new roads in Subiaco that would be created around around a new development near the Subiaco Oval.  

The names of 10 women were put forward. These included Alexandra Burns, Rose Fuhrman, Evelyn Parker, Nancy Russell, Mabel Talbot, Ethel Maud Thomas, Dame Florence Cardell-Oliver, Adelaide "Queenie" Chugg, and Jane Cadman. Many of these women have been discussed in previous blog posts. (Proposed New Road Names For Subi East Development Area...from the Subiaco Council Agenda Briefing Forum (12 April, 2023).

Eventually the following three women were selected for consideration. They were Subiaco-born Adelaide Ilya Chugg and Nancy Russell. Both Adelaide and Nancy became teachers. Dame Cardell-Oliver, who was a Member of Parliament for Subiaco in 1936 who went on to become the first woman in Australia to become a government cabinet minister. 

This article on Jan Cadman was found on Trove, the database at the National Library of Australia. However, while the article does state Jane Cadman lived and contributed to the Subiaco community it does not describe in what way.

The article is from Trove, the database of the National Library of Australia. No copyright infringement intended. 

West Australian, 20 January 1940.

The Late Mrs. Jane Cadman. 

When the late Mrs. Jane Cadman passed away on January 8, Subiaco lost one of its oldest and most highly respected residents. Born in Victoria 79 years ago, Mrs. Cadman and her husband came to Western Australia nearly 41 years ago and settled in Subiaco which was then mostly a place of small wooden tenements and calico tents. 

Commencing business immediately on arrival, Mrs. Cadman maintained her personal interest in business right up to the time of her death. Of a quiet, unassuming nature, she endeared herself to a very large circle of friends, who will greatly mourn her death. She took a keen interest in all movements for the progress of the municipality and for the betterment of the community. She is survived by her husband, two sons and one daughter. 

The funeral took place at the Karrakatta Cemetery on January 10, the Rev. L. A. Marina officiating at the graveside. The chief mourners were her husband Mr. William Cadman, Messrs. Charles and James Cadman (sons), Mrs. and Mr. N. Brown (daughter and son-in-law) and Mr. J. Langridge (brother). The pall-bearers were Messrs. W. Richardson. A. McNaughton, L. Boss, A. Schofield, A. Fraser, R. Osbourne, J. Bathgate and G. Neame. Among others present were Mesdames Cardell-Oliver, M.L.A., M. Moore, W. Mundy, M. Neame and M. Jarvis; Messrs E. Abbott, J. Byrne, S. Chugg, J. M. Fraser, F. A. Gerloff, A. Glasson, E. Glew, C. Hilton, H. Hodge, A. Isaac, J. E. Lander, R. J. Lee, H. Menagh, K. Mellowship, W. Moore, C. B. Naunton, E. E. Nicholl, F. J. McCormack, B.L. Rogerson, L. H. Samuels, S. Townsend and F. F. Treweek. 

Beautiful floral tributes and many telegrams and expressions of sympathy were sent by a wide circle of friends. The funeral arrangements were carried out by Messrs. Prosser. Scott and Co. Ltd. of Subiaco.

Nancy Bernice Russell (1908 - 2003)

Nancy Bernice Russell (1908 - 2003).

Several weeks ago the Subiaco City Council put together a list of names for new roads in Subiaco that would be created around a new development near the Subiaco Oval.  

The names of 10 women were put forward and included Subiaco-born Adelaide Ilya Chugg and Nancy Russell. Both Adelaide and Nancy became teachers. Dame Cardell-Oliver, who was a Member of Parliament for Subiaco in 1936 who went on to become the first woman in Australia to become a government cabinet minister. 

Nancy Russell was awarded an M.B. E., studied at Perth College, graduated in Arts from the University of U.W.A and gained a Diploma in Education. She taught at schools around Australia and overseas and served in the British Y.W.C.A. in Europe, the Middle East and Africa.  

Nancy regularly visited her family in Western Australia where she gave talks about her experiences serving in the Y.W.C.A. which were reported in various newspapers. After the war Nancy returned to Australia where she returned to teaching. She was responsible for setting up services such as Meals on Wheels for the Aged and Sick that involved providing hot meals at lunch time and a program for pensioners and young people to interact.

The City of Subiaco Agenda - Council Agenda Briefing Form (11 April, 2023) supplied this biography of Nancy Russell although it does not provide here connection to Subiaco...

"Nancy Russell, 1908 – 2003. Although Nancy Russell's mother, Mary Russell, taught her daughter's primary education at home, she later attended Perth College (Anglican School for Girls In Perth) for her secondary education, and went on to study at the University of Western Australia. She had a long and distinguished career as a High School teacher in Queensland, South Australia(Walford House) and Colombo, Sri Lanka (6 years).

After war service in the Middle east and Mediterranean and service in south east Asia, assisting with the repatriation of prisoners of war, Nancy Russell returned to Perth. She was Headmistress of Kobeelya Girls’ School in Katanning for several years then established the Meals on Wheels service in Perth. She returned to teaching at Armadale, Cyril Jackson and Mt. Lawley High Schools and retired in 1963. She was an active member of the Karrakatta Club. 

She was awarded the MBE in 1946. Born Geraldton, December 1908, died June 2003. Obituary published in 'Excellence and Enlightenment: Nancy Bernice Russell', The West Australian, 12 July 2003..."

Nancy loved music and was actively involved in performing in the Perth social scene. 

The articles are from Trove, the data base of National Library of Australia. No copyright infringement intended. 

The photograph is from the Subiaco Museum. No copyright infringement intended. 

Manjimup and Warren Times, 25 July 1945.

EX-BUNBURY WOMAN'S EXPERIENCES

With the Y.W.C.A. In the Middle East

To have left Bunbury in 1931 after graduating in Arts in the University of W.A., gained a Diploma of Education, embraced a teaching career which took her to Queensland and ultimately to Ceylon where she taught in a girls' college, studied at the Sorboune in Paris and served with the British Y.W.C.A. in Egypt, Persia, Irak, North Africa, Sicily, Greece and Italy, is the enviable and interesting experience of Miss Nancy Russell, who, with her mother, Mrs. A. B. Russell, is on a short visit to Bunbury as the guest of Mrs. G. E. Reading. Miss Russell, who is on 28 days' leave in Australia before returning to Italy, looked very trim in the International uniform of the Y.W.C.A. 

When interviewed shortly after her arrival in Bunbury on Saturday last, she spoke interestingly and enthusiastically of the services being rendered to the members of Women's Services by the chain of women's clubs established throughout the Middle East by the British Y.W.C.A. and which are extremely popular, with all ranks, including officers, a fact of which Miss Russell said they were very proud. 

Every effort was made to make the clubs, which were residential, attractive and comfortable to service women on leave. Army rations was the basis of catering, and although it was difficult to augment rations from the civilian market, where foodstuffs were in very short supply, by improvisation and ingenious methods, excellent meals were served in a most attractive manner. Catering was in the hands of specialists and it was simply amazing how such commonplace and unpalatable rations as bully beef and meat and vegetable were camouflaged to become attractive and tasty dishes, the cooks making a speciality of sauces and soups. Eggs were a great luxury, which she had seen only once in 12 months, said Miss Russell. Such substances as margarine, tinned milk and egg powder made up for the real things but added to the difficulty of catering.

Owing to the scarcity of food in Italy it was not permissible to shop on the open market in a number of important centres like Rome and Naples, where all food supplies were reserved for civilians. As the Germans had retreated north they drove the cattle with them and with the flooding of the Pontine Marshes by the Germans, which had been drained by Mussolini and brought into vegetable production prior to the war, vegetables were now in short supply. A shipment of seed potatoes which had been sent recently from Great Britain would, however, greatly relieve the shortage in the South of Italy this year. Asparagus was to he bought in Naples and fruit, which was really wonderful, provided a welcome addition to the ration. 

The aim had been to establish their Service Clubs in cities famous or attractive historically and in this they had been very successful. Naples, Rome, Florence (which Miss Russell entered shortly after it fell to the Allies) and Ancona, which had been very badly bombed and shelled, all had clubs, and in addition there was one club established with the Eighth Army which moved forward as the hospitals and Army moved, a service which was very greatly appreciated. Miss Russell found the Italian people most friendly in all her associations with them. Italy showed signs of having been a progressive country, two of the outstanding achievements having been the electrification of the railways which had been extensively damaged, and the drainage and cultivation of the Pontine and other Marshes. In Greece at the time of the rising Miss Russell said that she and other workers were confined to their quarters for two days while very heavy firing went on between E.L.A.S. and Government forces. Miss Russell left Italy in April, spent a month in India, where she went to Poona and helped in the club there before flying to Australia. At the conclusion of her leave Miss Russell will return to Italy where she will resume her duties as Director of Y.W.C.A. War Services, Mediterranean Force, which embraces North Africa, Italy and Greece.

West Australian. 8 August 1945.

Y.W.C.A. WAR SERVICE. 

Talk at New Luncheon Series. 

Nearly 200 women of varying ages attended the first of the business women's luncheons at Boans on Monday, arranged by the Anglican Church Office. The guest speaker was the direc tor of YWCA War Services with the Central Mediterranean Forces (Miss Nancy Russell), who only recently returped to WA after an absence of many years overseas. Miss Russell chose as her subject "YWCA War Service a Merger of Careers." and illustrated her address with parallels between civilian and service work. 

She pointed out that many of the present YWCA workers overseas had managed to combine their civilian training with that of the war services and in many instances their hobbies and private interest stood them in good stead. One of these women had done a course in dietetics and then had married an English farmer. When he enlisted she carried on with the management of the farm and be came deeply Interested in country life. At last she managed to get a discharged serviceman and his wife to take charge of the property, and then obtained a position with the Ministry of Food. 

Her job consisted of opening soup kitchens in the bombed areas of Britain. When her chance came she joined the British YWCA War Services and was assigned to a large club in Italy in charge of the catering. Here her knowledge of dietetics and gauging of quantities was invaluable, and she found time to indulge in her life long love - a love of music. 

Miss Russell was introduced by the chairman (Mrs Le Panu) and following her address the State superintendent of the AWLA (Mr S. Carlton) expressed a vote of thanks which was carried with acclamation. The organisers of the luncheons propose to hold, one on the first Monday in every month. Anyone interested should get in touch with. Miss Gwen Hansen (B4293 or B9873). 

Daily News, 28 May 1955.

Meals On Wheels For Sick And Aged

TWENTY old and sick people unable to cook for themselves are assured of a hot meal a day, thanks to a meals-on-wheels-scheme.

The scheme, conducted by the League of Home Help for Sick and Aged, has been in operation for six weeks. Hot meals are prepared at Wanslea Home and de livered by voluntary drivers to the various homes. Organising secretary Nancy Russell said today that at first a shortage of drivers threatened to cur tail the league's activities, but then more volunteers came forward in response to an appeal for help. A few more kitchen helpers still were needed to help cook the meals and go out with the drivers to de liver them. Another activity of the league was the help given in the home to old or sick people unable to do house work. It was hoped to extend the services greatly in the future. If public support could be gained the league would try to get a block of land for a meals-on-wheels kit chen, and possibly club-rooms.

Daily News, 16 July 1955.

Problems of the pensioners

THERE have been a number of readers very interested in "adopting" an old pensioner. The main reason for this is the general awareness of the inadequacy of the age pension to provide for shelter, food, warmth and clothing. "There's great inequality in this pension, because many old mothers and grand-mothers, even great-grandmothers (and the men, too) are living more or less happily with families or friends. Some have their own homes, some are in rented accommodation they have had for a long time and for which they are charged at a low rate. When an old person has relatives, they bring bed socks, bed jackets, 1lb. of tea, putter, a pot of soup and that sort of thing. But there are many who are lonely be cause they have no relatives, and many who are lonely even though they have relatives. 

RECENTLY a charming young girl wrote to me saying she would like to "adopt" an old person for visiting, and perhaps shopping, and small services. I referred her to Miss Nancy Russell, secretary, League of Home Help For Sick And Aged, who told me there was a real opening for such comforts to the aged.

Since then, I have received several such offers and have referred them to the league. I think there are many women who would be prepared to visit an old person, and listen to those old stories which may have wearied an immediate circle. There is a charm about the company of an old person meeting a new friend, and I don't think there would be any hardship in doing this, in making a pot of tea, in doing a little shopping or a little cleaning up. 

WHILE on the subject of the age pension, the British Sailors' Society is in need of the services of an active and suitable male pensioner. He should be a widower because there are no wages attached to the services. He gets his accommodation in return for the little demanded of him, and he must be a man capable of meeting and greeting people. It is essential that anyone interested should be a non-drinker. Application should be made to Mr. Melrose, secretary, British Sailors' Society, Sailors' Rest, Fremantle, L1265.

Daily News, 24 September 1955

Bright Spot In A Weary Day

BOARDING house rooms are pretty much the same. Some are kept clean and tidy, others are not. This one was clean and tidy. Pillows supported Mrs. M. in a half-upright position on her narrow bed. Her face was a pale mask. But her eyes held vigour and warmth. A thin smile moved across her wrinkled face as she said: "If it wasn't for these good ladies — well things would be very difficult," Mrs. M. is in her middle sixties. She is not bed-ridden, but rheumatic limbs make it hard for her to move around. 

NO FAMILY Her husband died five 3 years ago. There is no family. She lives alone, without friends, in a small rooming house. A little in the bank and a pension provide her sole means of support. Mrs. M. is typical of the women and men who receive help from the League of Home Help for the Sick and Aged. Bright spot in the lonely day of Mrs. M. is when women of the league arrive to bring a hot lunch for her. Mrs. M. is one of about 30 people who receive daily hot lunches prepared and delivered by the league. Miss Nancy Russell, the league's organising secretary, said today: "There are many aged and sick people in the community who are un able to get themselves one decent meal a day. We are trying to fill this need by the de livery of hot lunches each weekday to those who want them." 

The league calls it "Meals on Wheels." on wheels MOW was started last April and since then more than 2000 meals have been delivered. The meals (meat and three vegetables, and sweets) are prepared by the league's own cook in kitchens of the Wanslea children's hostel, Cottesloe, Special diets are also prepared. The food is then placed in special containers and members of the league deliver it piping hot by car. These members are voluntary and provide their own cars and petrol. A charge of 3/ a meal is made. Miss Russell said the league would like to increase its meal service, but more volunteer drivers were required. The league hoped soon to start a similar service in South Perth districts. However, a kitchen where meals could be prepared had not yet been arranged.

Daily News, 11 January 1955.

Courage 

THE person behind Port Adelaide's streamlined "meals on wheels" organisation is a woman who has been crippled since she was seven, cannot dress herself and can hardly move. This was told to me by organising secretary Nancy Russell, MBE of the recently - formed League of Home Help. 

Miss Russell — who was headmistress for seven years of Kobeelya girls' school, Katanning — visited Melbourne and Adelaide recently. The "meals on wheels" scheme, which will start in Perth soon, is the process of delivering meals in tiffin carriers or vacuum flasks to aged and infirm people who are physically incapable of preparing hot meals. 

The Adelaide cripple is Miss Doris Taylor. "Though Miss Taylor is so frail, she has great vitality," Miss Russell said. "She began organising this scheme last February. Business houses, workers' and social organisations and the Port Adelaide Council co-operated to build and equip a centre where the meals could be cooked. "Voluntary cooks and drivers were found and the first meals were delivered in August. "Now 25 meals a day are being delivered and the numbers are increasing." 

There is a similar scheme in Melbourne, but this concentrates more on providing up to 70 meals a" day to people able to go to the centre. Miss Russell was most impressed with Victoria's Emergency Housekeeper Scheme, which is State-organised, highly developed and has branches through out the State. "I was told that this scheme cost the State Government £4000 in 1946 and £24,000 this year," she said.

Woman's History Month...2023. Post 31. Thomas Street State School Soup Centre...A Story In Photographs (1941).

Woman's History Month...2023. Post 31.  Thomas Street State School Soup Centre...A Story In Photographs (1941). 

This month is Women's History Month. I have decided to repost the stories of many of the wonderful women from Subiaco I have come across.

This final post is my favourite. I love this collection of photographs of ordinary women of Subiaco and surrounding suburbs doing amazing things and coming together to feed their children during war time.

Thomas Street State School Soup Centre...A Story In Photographs (1941). 

This post is a continuation of the post 'Agnes Robertson And The Free Milk Council (Part 2).' published 9 October 2020 about the work of Agnes Roberston, a teacher at the Thomas Street State School in Subiaco and the soup centre the school established to feed children during the 1930's and 1940's. The post is copied below. 

Recently while researching photographs for a story I found a wonderful collection of 20 photographs of the Thomas Street State School soup centre taken 1941. The photographs are from the West Australian.  

The photographs are from the State Library of Western Australia. No copyright infringement intended. 

Agnes Robertson And The Free Milk Council (Part 2). October 9, 2020.

This post is a continuation of the previous post ‘Agnes Robertson A School Teacher, Community Worker And Politician (Part 1)’ and the story of her involvement in the Free Milk Council getting free milk for children whose parents earned less than the basic wage at Thomas Street State School where she worked but also for all children throughout the state.

As child growing up and going to school in Perth in the late sixties and early seventies I remember getting free milk at school for morning tea that was available to all school children regardless of how much their parent’s earned. Reading the story of the soup kitchen at Thomas Street State School in the Daily News newspaper in 1941 broke my heart but full of admiration for the children spending their lunch time helping. Today the relationship between children not being hungry and successful learning are well documented.

While Agnes Robertson was a teacher at the Thomas Street School she started a Free Milk Campaign to give children free milk at the school. By 1941 the children were also receiving soup for lunch.

In 1938 the head teacher Mr. A.R. Morrison at Subiaco State School said that the physical benefits of milk to education were well known. He conducted an experiment on the benefit of the mental development of giving children free milk at morning tea. From the West Australian in July, 1938 “...Mr. A. R. Morrison, head teacher of the Subiaco State school, said that for 10 years the physical value of milk to education had been known, but last year he had carried out a test for the year at his school with two groups of children chosen for exact similarity in age, size and measurement, to observe the physical benefits, if any, and also to try to estimate any gain in mental development. Although it was difficult to measure the psychological results, the attitude of the child towards his work was so marked that a material benefit was indicated in his standard of attainment, particularly in cold weather. In every case it was found that the child whose diet was supplemented with milk gained more throughout the year than the child who was not getting milk. In winter the benefit of the milk was most marked on the children's attitude and mental brightness for even poorly clad children, after absorbing the warmth which the morning bottle of milk supplied, improved in their application to work, and their progress was outstanding...”

Trove the database for the National Library of Australia contains many articles on the campaign and letters by Agnes Robertson in Western Australian newspapers.

West Australian, 15 July 1938.

FREE MILK. Plea for under-nourished children.

The Claremont Municipal Council will consider in the next few days assisting the Free Milk Council in providing milk for indigent children in the municipality, in accordance with a request made on Monday night by a deputation from the latter body.

Introducing the deputation, Mrs. Cardell Oliver, M.L.A., said that a number of children in the district were undernourished because their parents could not afford to get milk for them and 45 were being supplied by the Free Milk Council, which paid £1 a year to dairymen for each child supplied. On learning that 58 children at South Perth had to be supplied by the milk council, the local road board had taken over the responsibility. Apart from those activities with which the milk council was affiliated, it gave milk to indigent children in 27 schools and throughout the State 1,200 people were being helped. If the council could help her organisation, the contribution would not result in any interruption of the present benefactions, but would enable it to help children not now receiving milk. The milk council investigated each case, and when it found that the domestic conditions justified it, free milk was supplied as far as funds permitted. Mr. A. R. Morrison, head teacher of the Subiaco State school, said that for 10 years the physical value of milk to education had been known, but last year he had carried out a test for the year at his school with two groups of children chosen for exact similarity in age, size and measurement, to observe the physical benefits, if any, and also to try to estimate any gain in mental development. Although it was difficult to measure the psychological results, the attitude of the child towards his work was so marked that a material benefit was indicated in his standard of attainment, particularly in cold weather. In every case it was found that the child whose diet was supplemented with milk gained more throughout the year than the child who was not getting milk. In winter the benefit of the milk was most marked on the children's attitude and mental brightness for even poorly clad children, after absorbing the warmth which the morning bottle of milk supplied, improved in their application to work, and their progress was outstanding. Throughout the State, 28 per cent of the children seen by the Health Department's medical officer were under-nourished. The expenses of the milk council were nil. This was a national problem, but until the Government took it in hand it was necessary to appeal to local authorities and private citizens to find the money.

Mrs. Robertson, of the staff of the Thomas-street State school, said that under-nourishment was found after, rather than during a depression. Children were now revealing that they lacked stamina. As a result of the lead of the Auckland Municipal Council supplying milk to under-nourished children, now all children in every school at Auckland received milk, supplied by the Government. This was to help not only the child, but also the dairy farmer.

Answering questions by the Mayor and councillors, members of the deputation said that the Free Milk Council obtained the milk at a concession price. For these special cases, the normal charge of 6d. a week for an Soz. bottle on school days was reduced to 5d. No opportunity was missed to impress on the Government its responsibilities in the matter. About 5,000 children in the metropolitan area should be receiving the free milk because of under-nourishment. It had been found that families on sustenance had no milk in the home. This was considered shocking in a country where, milk was plentiful. It was the hungry child who gave trouble leading to the Children's Court. Cr. A .W. Crooks: There is any amount of milk available.

Daily News, 30 May 1941.

CHILDREN HAVE A SOUP KITCHEN

(By Gadabout Girl)

The midday bell rang at the Thomas-street State School just as I arrived there. Immediately a stream of children, clutching mugs, poured from the rooms out into the school ground. The only child left was one small girl, worriedly searching through her desk ‘Whats the matter Judith? asked teacher Mrs. A. R. Robertson . “Please, I've lost my penny for my soup.' Teacher supplied a penny on loan; and Judith grabbed her mug and set off hot-foot after her. class-mates.

I followed more leisurely, and was greeted by a glad cry from a group of small girls: “It’s got chicken in it today!”

320 Cups A Day

It's just over a week since the Free Milk Council, of which Mrs. Robertson is the secretary, started a soup kitchen in a pavilion in the grounds of the Thomas-street school. Already they serve about 320 cups of soup a day, and the number increases daily. It's good soup. I had a bowl while waiting for the busy organiser, Mrs. E. F. Martin, to get over the first rush.

“We serve different soup every day of the week,” Mrs. Martin said, unwrapping a pile of ham bones for today's pea-soup. “Five Perth butchers give us enough bones, the shops give us hambones, we get vegetables from, the markets. Perth trades-people are wonderful.” There's no crowding ground, the windows of the soup-kitchen. The children line up. Any who stray are pushed back by prefects who take duties seriously.

One helper takes the money - a penny for a big bowl of soup, and a substantial slice of wholemeal bread.

“Don’t give me five pennies change please,.” Said one youngster, proffering sixpence. Another hands out the bread. Two pour out the soup. Two give it out. Two wash up the returned bowls, which the children rinse first under the tap before handing back.

Necessitous cases, get free soup. They hand in a little wooden slip instead of a penny.

Mrs. Martin is assisted by Mrs. W. Ferstat and Mrs. W. J. McGuire, of the Free Milk Council, and parents of the children. But more helpers among the parents are needed, because it's a big job.

Mrs. Martin comes down on the 8 o'clock train from Darlington each day, catches the 5.30 p.m. train home.

After the soup has been dished out at lunchtime, the stock for the next day's soup is put on to boil. In the morning the stock is made up into the soup for that day.

The kitchen urgently needs two more coppers. If these could be provided, the organisers could make enough soup to deliver to five other schools in the district. Could any kind persons supply the coppers?

Dawn, 18 June 1941.

“...FOR CHILDREN

The W.A. Free Milk Council has extended its activities by the organisation of a soup kitchen at the Thomas-street State School. Voluntary helpers with the assistance of parents, pupils and teachers, are cooperating to serve hot, nourishing soup daily, at Id. per cup with slice of bread, to about 300 children. Some £692 was spent last year by the council on milk for undernourished children in the metropolitan area. When child endowment comes into operation the council will adjust its lists in accordance with its principle that only those children whose parents receive less than the basic wage, inclusive of child endowment will receive free milk, but whereas in the past finances would permit provision for those in infant classes only, it is now hoped to extend the scheme to all school children...”

Woman's History Month...2023. Post 30. Daglish Granny (Noongar Elder)

Woman's History Month...2023. Post 30. Daglish Granny (Noongar Elder)

This month is Women's History Month. I have decided to repost the stories of many of the wonderful women from Subiaco I have come across.

Daglish Granny (Noongar Elder)

I went looking for information on a Noongar Elder Daglish Granny after seeing her name in a document called 'City of Subiaco Thematic History and Framework', prepared for the City of Subiaco by Kristy Bizzaca in 2014.

From the document...

"...The history has been divided eight sections with each chapter/section marking an important stage in the progress of Subiaco. In addition to providing a summary of local events and activities during these years, key factors, stories, themes and characteristics have been determined for each context.

The first section identifies Aboriginal Histories of the area such as the water ways, gathering places of pre-history throughout dispossession, assimilation, institutionalisation and, most recently, reconciliation of the Post European History Period..."

Under the heading of 'Aboriginal Histories Prep and Post European History Period and People' included three People Nyungar, Yellagonga and Granny Daglish.

"...At Jolimont Swamp (Mabel Talbot Park), freshwater spring located to the south-west lake was the permanent camp of Mrs Clara Layland, known to the Nyungars as 'Daglish Granny', a Nyungar Elder and custodian of the knowledge. Up until the mid twentieth century, other Aboriginal people also stayed in this area because of the close proximity to water and food supply, and perhaps to listen to the stories of Daglish Granny...'

Woman's History Month...2023. Post 29. Kathleen Yeates. A Highly Decorated Nurse (1951).

Woman's History Month...2023. Post 29. Kathleen Yeates. A Highly Decorated Nurse (1951).

This month is Women's History Month. I have decided to repost the stories of many of the wonderful women from Subiaco I have come across.

Kathleen Yeates, A Highly Decorated Nurse (1951).

The blog post is a continuation of the previous post about Charles Samuel Sparks Yeates who was an astronomer at the Perth Observatory and his daughter Mary Kathleen (Kath) Yeates who went on to be a highly decorated nurse.  Miss Kathleen Yeates was the first Australian trained sister to be made an honorary member of the Australian College of Nursing in 1951. 

Charles married Catherine Janet Hinckley in 1889. They had two children Mary Kathleen (Kath) Yeates (1900), and Horatio Thomas Yeates (1898). The family lived at 441 Rokeby Road, Subiaco.  

Throughout the years Kathleen was a nurse at King Edward Memorial Hospital, in charge of the infant health center at Shenton Park, honorary secretary of the Australian Trained Nurses Association, involved in the foundation of the Florence Nightingale Club and was a qualified lecturer for postgraduate studies in nursing. She was also involved in creating a union for nurses.  

The 1931 the Mirror newspaper wrote the following article about Charles and his daughter Kathleen who trained to be a nurse...

"Charles Yeates, who has been on the staff of the Perth Observatory since 1897, is one of the best know of our citizens. He reads the stars and their courses and is regarded as one of Australia's foremost astronomers. He first saw the light in England in 1881, and after experience in S.A. and Vic. came West and joined our Observatory. Charles Yeates has given much of his private time to those interested in the mysteries of the heavens and many a party can thank him for conducting them.

Charles Yeates has given much of his private time to those interested in the mysteries of the heavens and many a party can thank for conducting them. The Observatory to him has been something more than a bread-winning establishment and over a long association he has given his knowledge freely with the hope of making the Western Australian Observatory a model in the Commonwealth. Mr. Yeates is proud man these days in his daughter Kathleen, a native of the West, recently topped the State in her maternity course at the King Edward Hospital, Subiaco.

She is fully qualified, having taken out A.T.N.A. certificate at Perth Hospital where she underwent her training. She is at present finishing a child welfare course prior to commencing active practice of her profession. The possessor of a charming personality this young lady is a real chip of the old block and a credit to her Dad to whom she is more a pal than a daughter. Incidentally when Kathleen qualified as a trained nurse she gained fifth place in the State and as she followed up this performance with a first in maternity nursing can be seen that is going to be a star in her particular sphere." (Mirror, 14 Saturday, 1931). 

In 1951 Kathleen Yeates was the first Australian trained sister to be made an honorary member of the Australian College of Nursing. The West Australian wrote the following article about her achievements. 

"Honour For W.A. Nurse ...A West Australian nurse, Miss Kathleen Yeates, of Gooseberry Hill, is the first Australian trained sister to be made an honorary member of the Australian College of Nursing. This honour was conferred on her on Tuesday in recognition of her honorary work for nurses over a number of years. 

Miss Yeates, who is now retired. began her training at the Perth Hospital in 1927, and after a period at the King Edward Memorial Hospital was in charge of the infant health centre at Shenton Park for some years. During that time she was appointed honorary secretary of the Australian Trained Nurses' Association, and saw that body established in a permanent office in the city. 

With the foundation of the Florence Nightingale Club, of which she was also honorary secretary a permanent centre was established for nursing activity. In association with the club, the A.T.N.A. began a series of postgraduate lectures each year. "These were most valuable to nurses," Miss Yeates said, "and were greatly appreciated." 

More progress was made in 1936 when the Florence Nightingale Memorial Committee was formed to provide scholarships for nurses. With this work Miss Yeates is still actively interested. The Society for the Care of Aged and Incapacitated Nurses, which was followed by the founding of Eleanor Harvey House, and the "Journal of W.A. Nurses," of which she was the first editor, were among her other interests. 

Miss Yeates says that she feels greatly honoured to have been made an honorary member of the Australian College of Nursing, adding that she was present when the first discussions about its foundation on a national basis took place in Melbourne. Mrs. S. Wheatley, of Bridgetown, who is on a short visit to Perth, is staying at the Adelphi Hotel. Red Cross Society: The Quanmby club branch of the Red Cross Society will conduct a bridge party. at the club rooms. London Court, at 2 p.m. today." (West Australian, 25 January 1951.)

Mary Kathleen Yeates, Mirror, 14 February 1931.





BA3491/65: Left-right standing: Unknown, C.S.S. Yeates; sitting: Mary Kathleen 'Kath' Yeates, Catherine Janet 'Kate' Yeates, Horatio Thomas Yeates, ca.1906.

Woman's History Month...2023. Post 28...Subiaco Stories...Noel White (Oxford Scholarship) (1954).

Woman's History Month...2023. Post 28...Subiaco Stories...Noel White (Oxford Scholarship) (1954).

This month is Women's History Month. I have decided to repost the stories of many of the wonderful women from Subiaco I have come across.

Subiaco Stories...Noel White (Oxford Scholarship) (1954).

The article is from Trove, the database of the National Library of Australia. No copyright infringement intended. 

West Australian, 22 December 1954.

A Young Physicist Wins Studentship For Oxford 

A young physicist who was told that she was the first woman to gain first-class honours in physics at the University of Western Australia, was among the five students granted a Hackett studentship by the Senate on Monday.

She is Miss Noel White, the daughter of Mrs. I. C. White, of Subiaco, and for the last two years she has been doing research work with Professor C. J. B. Clews in X-ray crystallography. 

Miss White will leave towards the end of next year to study for two years at Oxford University. Before she leaves she hopes to complete a doctor's degree. Her branch of science was introduced to the university by Professor Clews only two years ago, she said, and be hoped to develop it here. Last year she received a grant from the Medical Research Council to undertake her research into the molecular structure of organic chemicals. 

The purpose behind the research, she said, was to understand more of the function and composition of substances which, for example, appear naturally in the human body. Many of the chemicals were used in medicine and once the structure was known much of the practical use was left to the chemists..

Miss Noel White.

Recently in America, said Miss White, considerable experiment had been made into the composition of penicillin, and now that its structure was known its uses could be extended. Haemoglobin, the component of blood which caused clotting, had also been given study recently, so far without success. 

The woman doctor at Oxford, said Miss White, under whom she would work, was studying, among other elements, vitamin B. Miss Miss White, who has been at the university for six years, received a Government exhibition from Perth Modern School to attend the university. 

She received a degree of bachelor of science and in her honours year made a study of ultra-violet spectrosophy. For the past two years she has been a physics demonstrator. The only woman among the four students who received Hackett scholarships worth £200 was Miss Jocelyn Howieson, of Northam, the daughter of Mr. Jack Howieson, headmaster of the Northam High School. She is an honours graduate in English literature and the grant will enable her to study for her master's degree. 

Miss Howieson is also a student at the Teachers' Training College. War Brides Seven women who first met each other on board ship nine years ago when they came to this State as war brides met for luncheon yesterday for their annual Christmas reunion. They were Mesdames W. Cryer and L. Solomon. formerly of Edinburgh, E. Mills and S. Dalton. of Glasgow, N. Arthur. of London, L. Mellor. of Doncaster. and F. Roberts, of Dundee. They were all married in Britain to West Australian members of the Royal Australian Air Force and now live in various parts of the metropolitan area.

Woman's History Month...2023. Post 27...Agnes Robertson - A School Teacher, Community Worker And Politician (Part 1).

Woman's History Month...2023. Post 27...Agnes Robertson - A School Teacher, Community Worker And Politician (Part 1).

This month is Women's History Month. I have decided to repost the stories of many of the wonderful women from Subiaco I have come across.

Agnes Robertson - A School Teacher, Community Worker And Politician (Part 1).

Agnes Robertson was an inspiring woman, teacher and community worker who served as a Senator for Western Australia from 1950 to 1962 representing the Liberal Party (1950 - 1955) and the Country Party (1955 - 1962).

Agnes Robertson (née Keay) was born in Stepney, South Australia on 31 July, 1882. Her father, a stone mason who migrated to Australia from Scotland and together with his wife Mary had eight children including seven boys. Agnes and her family moved to Western Australia when she was 14 years old in 1895.

Agnes trained and qualified as a teacher through the monitoring system. In 1903, she married Robert Robertson, a journalist and editor at the Western Mail newspaper. Together they had three children (John, Jessie and Christie) and adopted a forth child, her God-child after she became orphaned (Beryl). They lived in a house built by her father called ‘Braken’ in West Perth.

When Agnes’ husband died of tuberculosis in 1912 she returned to teaching to support her family. She obtained a job with the Education Department and taught at the Thomas Street State School until 1943. In 1949 Agnes was elected to the Western Australian State parliament and remained there until her retirement in 1962 (Wikipedia, 2020).

There are a number of biographies on Agnes Robertson on Wikipedia, the Australian Dictionary of Biography and the Biographical Dictionary of the Australian Senate Online that describe her life as a family woman, her career as a teacher, her involvement in community work and entry into politics.

From the Biographical Dictionary of the Senate....

“...With a commanding presence, always well dressed and a good speaker with a certain wit, Agnes Robertson was the consummate committee woman. She lent her name to innumerable social activities, particularly those benefiting women and children. She was an active worker for the Women’s Council of the Liberal and Country League, the Little Citizens’ League, Pan-Pacific and South-East Asia Women’s Association, Silver Chain Homes for the Aged, Silver Chain District and Bush Nursing Association and the Women Writers’ Club. She was on the councils of the Presbyterian Ladies College and the Presbyterian Home for the Aged, co-founder of the Presbyterian Women’s Missionary Union and a member of the Lay Preachers’ Association. She supported the State Progressive Education League, State Nutrition Committee and, as secretary of the Free Milk Council, she instigated the free milk in schools scheme in Western Australia. Her interests extended to the influential Women’s Service Guild and she was a patron of the Fremantle Ladies Highland Pipe Band, the Lady Mitchell Memorial Children’s Library, the Aldersyde Historical Association, Australian Maltese Association and several sporting clubs. After her retirement from teaching, she was part-time secretary of the Presbyterian Children’s Homes. In the early 1960s, the Australian Federation of Business and Professional Women’s Clubs established, in her honour, the Agnes R. Robertson Education Fund....

From the Agnes Robertson biography on Peoplepill.com...

“...She was elected at the 1949 federal election, the second Liberal woman to be elected to the Senate. In 1955, Robertson was dropped from the Liberal Senate ticket for that year's election, with opponents citing her age; she was 73 at that election, and would be 79 at the conclusion of that term. She resigned from the Liberal Party, joined their coalition partner the Country Party, and headed their two-member Senate ticket at the election. She was re-elected after a "vigorous" campaign, making speeches across rural South Australia and on radio, and ultimately defeating the third Liberal candidate on preferences. She retired at the conclusion of that term in 1962...” (peoplepill.com).

Copied below is a report from speech after being elected to the Senate in 1950. No copyrighted intended

The photograph of Agnes R. Robertson is from the State Library of Western Australia taken in 1955. No copyright infringement intended.

References
Australian Women’s Archives Project ‘Robertson, Agnes Robertson’ (1882 -1968). The Australian Women’s Project. http://www.womenaustralia.info/biogs/AWE4155b.htm

Birman, Wendy (1996). "A Woman of Some Importance: Senator Agnes Robertson 1882–1968". Early Days: Journal of the Royal Western Australian Historical Society. 11 (2): 155–165.

Birman, W. 2002, Robertson, Agnes Robertson (1882 - 1963) Australian Dictionary of 

Biography at http://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/robertson-agnes-robertson-11540
Birman, Wendy, ‘Agnes Robertson (1882 - 1968)’. Biographical Dictionary of the Australian 

Senate Online. https://biography.senate.gov.au/robertson-agnes-robertson/

State Library of Western Australia Agnes R. Robertson Image

Wikipedia, 2020, ‘Agnes Robertson. Senator for Western Australia.

Townsville Daily Bulletin, 15 March 1950.

SENATOR AGNES ROBERTSON WOMAN OF MANY ACTIVITIES CANBERRA, March 14—

Last week we listened to the maIden speech of Senator Agnes R. Robertson of Western Australia. She is a remarkable woman. Now in her 68th year she has touched life at many points and this has enabled her, as she says, to learn about the needs of all classes in the community. Like Senator Dorothy Tangney, of the Labour Party, she is a certificated teacher of the Western Australian Education Department, but she was born In Adelaide. She married Robert Robertson, editor of the 'Western Mail’, but at the age of 28 she was left a widow and became the breadwinner for her family, one son and two daughters. As she also adopted an orphan girl her claim that she 'knows something of the problems of earning an income and spending it’ will hardly be disputed. Despite all this, it is doubtful whether then is any woman in Australia whose activities in life have been so manifold. Here is a list of them:— Executive member of the Liberal and Country League (Western Division) and president of the Women’s State Council of the League; past-president of the Women Writers' Club and contributor to the 'West Australian'; executive member of the State Progressive Education League; council member of Presbyterian Ladles College and one of the founders of the Presbyterian Women's Missionary Unions member of Lay Preachers' Association; member of State Nutrition Committee; hon. secretary of Silver Chain Homes for Old People, of the Free Milk and Nutritional Council (which dispenses milk daily to children whose parents receive less than the basic wage) and the Little Citizens League: assisted in establishing the first Children's Library in W.A., and has conducted many educational tours of country children to the city; delegate to various interstate conferences and well known as a broadcaster over the A.B.C. and commercial stations; has also been a judge of women's industries for many years at metropolitan and country shows.
Senator Robertson mentioned some of these things, but not all by any means, in her speech. She is grey-haired now, but her mind is as active as ever and it is stored with rich knowledge. One realised at once that the Senate was going to be richer for her coming. She has, too, the gift of humour, end the grave and reverend senators smiled when, in discussing the need for national development, she said that there was a disposition in the eastern States to forget that there was such a place as Western Australia— that “everything seemed to stop when one got to Adelaide and beyond was nothing but sin, sweat and sorrow and sore eyes.' Yet Western Australia comprised one-third of the whole area of Australia, though It only had one-fourteenth of the total population. The most important thing about it, however, was that the North-west of the State was 'No. 1 danger point of Australia.' Let us get on, then, with our national development and give attention to the North— in Western Australia, the Northern Territory and Queensland.

“MIGHTY BIG THORNS”

Senator Robertson said at the outset that she hoped to occupy her seat in the Senate with dignity and honour and 'impartiality towards all'— and she immediately showed her impartiality by congratulating Senator Collings (who at the age of 84 is retiring from the Senate at the end of June) on a very fine speech he hed made on the present state of world affairs and the need for peace and understanding among the nations.
If the views of women could prevail, she said, there would be peace. Women were now taking their place in all avenues, though their basic influence was In the home. She paid a tribute to those who had pioneered the way for women in the Senate and she thanked Senators Tangney - and Rankin for the kindly words with which they had welcomed her. To Senator Ivy Wedgwood, from Victoria, she offered her congratulations. She went on to refer to the Asian situation and said that a tremendous task confronted Australia if it was to assume leadership in the South-west Pacific. Mr. Spender, however, as Minister for External Affairs, had very ably played a leading part at the Colombo Conference In planning assistance for the countries of South-east Asia.
Addressing herself to the domestic affairs of the nation, Senator Robertson advocated the raising of a special loan of £100,000,000 for education purposes. She considered it necessary that the Commonwealth should assist the States in this way, for the need was so great as to be beyond the means at the disposal of the States. There was also a great dearth of libraries throughout the Commonwealth.”
“We have some very fine roses in Australia,” she said, “but there are also some mighty big thorns. At a time when there was a great shortage of houses and a need for more production all round we were handicapped by the shortage of working hours in industry. The introduction of the 40-hour week was premature; it was no doubt a desirable thing, but unless it could be made universal it must rebound on us with disastrous effect there was no 40-hour week for the housewife.
In addition to the slowing down of production by the shorter working week, progress was being retarded by the disruptive influences of the Communists who were preventing decent unionists from ''getting on with the job.” It was no wonder that the cost of building a house was beyond the reach of the ordinary man. There was no better way to combat the disruptive influences that were at work than by helping to build decent homes for the people at a reasonable price.
“This Is my home, end this is my ground-and my name's MacGregor!' That was the type of men who would make short work of the dlsruptionists, said Mrs. Robertson. And talking of prices, she made some comments on the “shocking price of fruit in Canberra.” A single peach had cost her 7d. How could people afford to buy fruit for their children at such prices? It was clear that there was something wrong with the marketing arrangements in the national capital as well as in other cities.
“Yet we talk about 'orderly marketing’. Forget the fruit and look at the “orderly marketing of eggs! Very rarely am I able to buy a fresh egg— they are always a month old.”
The Senate found her speech, with its bright and crisp delivery, very exhilarating.
Mrs. Wedgwood also made her maiden speech on the same evening, and there is little doubt that the four women are going to be a force in the Senate.

Woman's History Month...2023. Post 26...Florence Rose White (1875-1933).

Woman's History Month...2023. Post 26...Florence Rose White (1875-1933). 

This month is Women's History Month. I have decided to repost the stories of many of the wonderful women from Subiaco I have come across.

Florence Rose White (1875-1933).

Unfortunately it is not until after the death of many women in Subiaco do we learn about their kind acts and good works in the local community while being married to prominent men and raising families. One of these women was Florence Rose White. Florence was married to Thomas Harold Shirley White known as Shirley White.

Florence was born in 1875. Florence married Shirley White in 1896 in Coolgardie. Together they had four children Harold, Shirley, Bill, and Rose. She was also step mother to Leslie, Eileen and Alice. The Whites lived at 118 Subiaco Road, Subiaco. Shirley White was an active plumbing and building contractor in Western Australia. 

Shirley White was a member of the Subiaco Municipal Council from 1905 to 1908 and Mayor from 1908 to 1910. The house where the Whites lived is heritage listed on the inherit database. The inherit database wrote about Shirley White..."Shirley White worked in the Western Australian Goldfields (mid-1890s) and then South Africa (c.1902-1903), before settling in Subiaco by c.1904. He established a partnership with William Sherlaw and, from c.1904, the firm of Sherlaw and White became established as contractors in Western Australia. The firm specialised in sewerage and reticulation projects, but also undertook a range of construction projects..." Shirley White spent a lot of his life making contributions to the local communities in which he worked and lived including Coolgardie and Subiaco. 

Shirley White died on 9 October 1928. After her husband's death Florence moved to Mount Hawthorn. Florence was fare welled at a party in Subiaco at the King's Hall. The Mayor of Perth, Mr J. T. Franklin talked about the contribution made by Florence and her husband Shirley to the Subiaco community. She was presented with a gold watch and rhinestone evening bag.  

The Daily News newspaper described her farewell party... "MRS. SHIRLEY WHITE Farewell Subiaco Party. About three hundred people assembled in King's Hall, Subiaco, last night to bid farewell to Mrs. Shirley White, who has been a resident of Subiaco for many years, and during portion of that time, when the late Mr. Shirley White was Mayor of Subiaco, she filled the position of Mayoress. 

The Mayor of Perth (Mr. J. T. Franklin) eulogised the public life of the late Mr. White, whom he had known on the Coolgardie goldfields in the early days. There is one consolation in the loss of Mrs. White, said Mr. Franklin, and that is that we can never undo the great work which she has performed in the past, work among the sick and suffering. Subiaco's loss is the city's gain, as I understand that, she is only moving: a short distance to Mt. Hawthorn. Mayor Roydhouse of Subiaco expressed the opinion that Mrs. White would be a great loss to Subiaco, and wished her a long life and happiness. 

Monsignor Verling said that Mrs. White has the esteem and honor of every citizen of this suburb of Subiaco. Cr. W. Richardson, M.L.A., also added a few words of appreciation of the many services Mrs. White had rendered to Subiaco. Mrs. Roydhouse (Mayoress of Subiaco) presented Mrs. White with a gold wristlet watch suitably inscribed, and Mrs. Wardrop presented Miss White with a rhinestone evening handbag. In the course of a short response Mrs. White said she knew every hole and corner of Subiaco, and had many, many regrets at leaving a district she loved so well and which held so many of her friends..." (Daily News, 39 May 1929).

Florence died on the 16 June 1933. She was 58 years old. She was buried at Karrakatta Cemetery.

  

The Daily New newspaper wrote the following obituary about her on 26 June 1933. 

"OBITUARY Late Mrs. F. R. White The funeral of the late Mrs. Florence Rose White, widow of the late Shirley White, of 118 Subiaco-road, Subiaco, took place in the Church of England Cemetery, Karrakatta, on Saturday, June 17, in the presence of a large and representative gathering. For 30 years or so the deceased was prominently associated with the activities of charitable institutions in the city and at Subiaco in which municipality she lived for upwards of 30 years.

 

Mrs. White was a leader in all movements of a community helping character, and she organised many functions, having for its object the benefit of institutions and bodies formed for the alleviation of distress. She was a popular Mayoress of Subiaco, and enjoyed a very wide circle of friends. The chief mourners were: Shirley and William (sons) Rose (daughter), Mrs. C. L. Lenegan and Mrs. T. Leach (step-daughters), and Mr. Les White (step-son)... and many others, including representatives of the Silver Chain Nursing League and Children's Protection Society. Many wreaths and floral tributes were received. The Rev. F. Oliver, rector of Subiaco, conducted the service at the graveside. The funeral arrangements were carried out by Messrs. Donald J. Chipper and Son." (Daily News, 26 June 1933).

Call News, 30 March 1928.

Western Mail, 6 June 1929.

Daily News, 22 December 1928.