Thoughts and strories from the children of Subiaco to Auntie Nell (Margaret Main)
I have been wondering what the children of Subiaco (and the other children in Perth and around the State of Western Australia) thought about and wrote to The Daily News journalist Margaret Main, during her 18 years as Auntie Nell. Her role as Auntie Nell began in February, 1914 until she retired in September, 1931 when Boronia Giles took over.
While it is difficult to know how much the letters of the children were edited and spoke for themselves they still kept writing, sharing events in their daily lives on what was happening at school. These letters provide an interesting look at what was happening at the Subiaco State School in 1929. Many wrote trying to win a prize by sending in solutions to puzzles. More importantly they continued to raise money for the local hospital by sending in stamps.
The children's letters can be found on the National Library of Australia's database Trove. I have copied some from Subiaco here....
Peggy Bolster 229 Park-Street Subiaco 28 December 1929 The Daily News.
"I am sending in the solution to the Jumbled Christmas Presents Competition for Saturday, December 21, hoping it is correct, as I would very much like to win a prize for Christmas. I have been very busy at school lately, as we have a parent's night every year before the holidays. We have to get all the work we have done during the year - drawings, paintings, compositions, show writing and sewing - together and fix them on the wall. I only put up my sewing up, as my drawings ect were not very good, as I have not been there very long. My sewing consisted on seven doyleys (most of which I made when I was sick), a dolls pinafore, petticoat, and skirt, and little lavender bag. I think our room looked the best decorated in the school. It was decorated with ferns and different kinds of flowers. I am now closing with best love. My age is 13 on February 20."
Mona Conan 23 Hensman-Road Subiaco 28 December, 1929 The Daily News.
"It is a very long time since I have written to you, I haven't forgotten you and your Sunshiners. We have just completed our yearly examination a week or two ago, but we haven't found out our results yet: I hope I have passed. I was 13 on October 28, and I am at the fifth standard at the Subiaco State School. Hoping you and your Sunshiners will have a merry Christmas and a happy New Year. I will close hoping to write a longer letter next time."
Florence Williams 92 Nicholson-Road Subiaco 28 December, 1929. The Daily News.
"Examinations are over and I think I have passed. I hope to go into 5a next year. We break up on Wednesday and then we have six delightful weeks of holidays. My sister Dorothy wrote to you and sent in the solution for the rhyme in code. She forgot to write her name and I suppose you thought it were I. Dorothy and I went for a swim this afternoon and enjoyed ourselves very much. Well Auntie my news bag is empty now, so I will close with best wishes to you and your Sunshiners. "
Betty Johnson 97 Knightley-Road Subiaco 28 December, 1929. The Daily News.
"I hope you will forgive me for not writing sooner as I have been in the mist of examinations like a number your other Sunshiners. We have finished them now and I received 82 marks out of 100, being beaten by one mark for top and coming a draw with Mary M'Namara who is also one of your Sunshiners. I have taken two of my sisters Marie and Ruth to see Father Christmas twice and they have enjoyed themselves immensely. We went to see the 'Wedding of the Painted Doll' and liked it very much. A lot of the children taking part in it were from our school. Our concert and party were held last Friday and a,one other things we had lemon drinks, cakes, scones, ice cream and lollies. The concert also proved a success. I was in a song, dance and a play, and we did them very well. We have now broken up for seven weeks' holiday to which I am looking forward. What terrible weather we've been having lately Auntie! I am entering the jumbled Christmas presents and hope to win a prize, as I have not won one for the competition yet. I will also enclose two stamps for the Cot Fund. As that is all my news I will conclude Auntie, hoping you will forgive me for not writing and wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, with bundles of love you and your Sunshiners."
