Dr Margery Owens...Children Helping Children. The Story Of A Subiaco Sunshiner (1923).

Dr Margery Owens...Children Helping Children. The Story Of A Subiaco Sunshiner. 

Margery Owens lived at 228 Hensman Road, Subiaco, with her family during the 1920’s and 1930’s. She was a member of the Sunshine League at the Daily News newspaper in Western Australia. Margery’s letters were first published in the Daily News on a page called ‘A Page For The Boys And Girls Of Western Australia’ when she joined the Sunshine League in 1928.

Margery was educated at the Sisters of Mercy Convent in Subiaco and Victoria Square in Perth. The family then moved to Albany where she graduated from Albany High School where her uncle was Headmaster. In 1942 Margery graduated from the University of Melbourne with first class honours as a doctor and won the Ryan Prize for Medicine. Dr. Margery Owens was appointed resident doctor at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Melbourne (Mount Barker and Denmark Record 1942). She returned to Western Australia where she worked at the Children’s Hospital. 

Margery regularly wrote letters to Auntie Nell, sharing the events in her daily life with her and other readers of the children’s pages, completed competitions to win prizes, donated to the Cot Fund for the Children’s Hospital that raised money for beds and submitted poetry and short stories that were published. Margery also recruited new members to the Sunshine League. She was actively involved in the Sunshine League for over four years. Margery also occasionally wrote to Aunt Kitty and was published on her ‘Boys and Girls’ pages at the Sunday Times. 

Below are some of the short stories and poems Margery wrote that were published in the Daily News newspaper. They are from Trove the database of National Library of Australia. I have also included some articles about Margery becoming a doctor and returning to work at the Children’s Hospital. No copyright infringement intended. 

Daily News, 5 January 1929

THE FAIRY BALL

(By Margery Owens).

Mildred had been sharpening some pencils and now there were shavings all over the lawn, edged with blue, green, yellow, and red. That night there was going to be a ball at the Fairy Queen's Palace, and all the fairies were invited. A prize was to be given to the best dressed fairy and Katinka had set her heart on gaining that coveted prize, but now her dress had been spoiled by the rain and she was unable to go. She crept to her favorite nook beneath the rose-bush and wept silently for a little while; then her eye caught a little tinge of blue, in the grass and thinking it might bs some of her fairy friends watching her, she hastily dried her tears. She advanced towards the object and found it was a shaving edged with blue. She was full of joy at her discovery for she thought she might be able to find another piece and then she would be able to make herself a dress out of it. Finding it she flew home in great haste and told her little friend, Twinklestar of her great idea. “Will you lend me some of your rose-leaf cotton to sew it with?” she asked Twinklestar and it was given to her without delay. “You had better make haste or you will be late.” Twinklestar warned her, but Katinka was too busy, making her dress to take any notice of Twinklestar. At last she was ready and, she set off with her little friend. The prize was to be given at one o'clock, after the dancing was finished. She entered the great hall of the Palace and stood still for a minute amazed by its great beauty. Lanterns hung everywhere and the dancers made a pretty sight as they mingled with all their beautiful dresses. At last the time for prize-giving came and the Fairy Queen stood up to call the name of the fairy whose luck It was to receive the prize. The Queen's voice sounded clear as a bell above the noisy chatter that was going on round the room. Katinka stood stock still with amazement when she was named as the lucky fairy. She stepped up to the Queen amidst the clapping and received the prize, a dainty little dew-drop necklace. Then the party ended and Katinka, with her little friend, set off for home, Katinka with the dew-drop necklace clasped tightly in her hand.

Daily News. 1 March 1930. 

THE STRING 'FAIRY'

(Original)

Norma stretched herself lazily. She was going back to school in a few days time, and she wanted to make the most of the rest of her holidays, but there was simply nothing to do.

“I wish I could see a fairy, and then perhaps she might take me to Fairyland with her,” she thought dreamily.

Suddenly she caught, her breath. What was that lithe, fairylike form swinging on the old vine near the door? She could only catch glimpses of it through the blind, but it seemed just like, a fairy. She sat and watched it for a while and hoped her brother would I not come and frighten the little thing away. Sometimes it seemed to be hitting the vine, at others it appeared to be dancing gaily in the breeze. Norina got up quietly and advanced towards the door. She wanted to be especially silent In case the fairy was scared away. Then she paused. Her “fairy” had been an old piece of string, which had some how got caught in the vine. Margery Owens (11 years). 

Daily News 3 October 1931

THE FAIRIES

(By Margery Owens.)

When the Fairy of the Breeze goes fluting by:

When the Fairy of the Buda is nigh:

When the Voice of the Bees does ever hum, 

Then the Fairy of Spring is surely come. 

When the Fairy of the Flowers is bright and gay; 

When the Fairy of the Sun gives warmth all day; 

When the Voice of the River Is no longer dumb.

Then the Fairy of Summer is surely come:

When the Fairy of the Wind goes fluttering by:

When the Fairy of the Leaves is heard to sigh;

When the Voice of the Sea is ever glum, 

Then the Fairy of Autumn is surely come. 

When the Fairy of the Gale Is moaning round; 

When the Fairy of Fires make's a crackling sound;

When the Voice of the Rain is cold and numb, 

Then the Fairy of Winter is surely come.

Mount Barker and Denmark Record. 9 July 1942.

Here and There.

Local and Other Topics.

Qualifies as a Doctor.

By "Observer".

The many Albany friends of Miss Margery Owens will be pleased to learn that she has recently qualified as a doctor at the final examinations conducted by the Melbourne University. Miss Owens obtained first-class honours in Medicine and Surgery, and subsequently won the Ryan Prize for medicine at the same University. Dr. Owens has been appointed resident doctor at St. Vincent's Hospital in Melbourne, her present intentions being to continue practising at that institution for 12 months and then to return to Western Australia. Dr. Owens received her early education at the Sisters of Mercy Convents at Subiaco and Victoria Square (Perth) and finished her studies at the Albany High School. Dr. Owens is a niece of the late Mr. F. Mi. Reedy, formerly headmaster of the High School. Another uncle, Mr. H. J. Reedy, resides at Northern Gully. 

Geraldton Guardian and Express 6 November 1943. 

Miss. G. M. Owens, of Subiaco, is at present holidaying in the district as the guest of her brother and sister-in-law (Mr. and Mrs. H. J. Reedy) at 'Myarra Springs.' Northern Gully. Mrs. Owens is accompanied by her daughter (Dr. Margery Owens), who is attached to the medical staff of the Children's Hospital in Perth.

Mrs Mary Coglan...Green Grocer, Subiaco (1923).

Mrs Mary Coglan...Green Grocer, Subiaco (1923). 

Throughout the early years of Subiaco women ran various types of businesses including shops. Mrs Mary Coglan and her daughter ran a green grocer shop on Hay Street, Subiaco. 

During the 1920’s many businesses were broken into along Hay Street. When three teenagers decided to rob the Coglan’s shop, the daughter Miss Coglan gave chase into Kings Park. After the suspects eluded her they were later identified and arrested. 

This is the story of the robbery from Trove, the database at the National Library of Australia. No copyright infringement intended. 

West Australian, 28 June 1923. 

JUVENILE CRIME.

Till Thieves at Subiaco.

Fresh examples of boys having taken the wrong path at an impressionable age, demonstrating the need of strict parental control, were furnished in the Perth

Children's Court yesterday afternoon when three lads, one only 13 years old and two others of 15 years, pleaded guilty to a charge of having given a false name and address to the police, while two of them admitted a charge of having on June 14 at Subiaco, attempted, to steal from the greengrocery shop of Mrs. Mary Colgan, of Hay-street, Subiaco. 

The 13-year-old boy was still going to school, where he had shown marked ability, having reached the eighth standard (professional), but the others had been previously convicted, one of them twice for stealing. Sergeant Harris, of Subiaco told the Bench (Mr J.M. Lapsley and : Mrs.E. Mellows, J's.P.) that the boys were found noting suspiciously at a grocer's shop, where thieving had previously occurred, and when he asked for their names and addresses they made false, statements. Later they were seen at Mrs. Colgan's shop and the proprietress, who had secreted herself, caught one in the act of opening this till, while another kept watch.

They got away, but Miss Colgan followed them to King's Park, where they, eluded her. After they were arrested and identified they admitted the offence. 

During the past few months several, other tills had been robbed, and two places had been broken into in a fortnight, the method in the till cases having been the same as in the case before the Court.

Inspector Bulley, probation officer said that the boys lived, at Fremantle and had been searching for work. The 13-year-old boy, who had a stepfather, had not been attending school for a fortnight, the method in the till cases invalid, and the third had a conviction for breaking and entering. 

The Bench decided that, as two of the boys had not taken advantage of the chance they had previously been given, they would be sent into the care of the State until 18 years of age. The youngest boy would be placed on probation for 12 months.

The mother of one of the elder boys became hysterical on hearing the verdict and the young culprit affectionately and kissed her until, he was taken away by an officer of the Court.

Subiaco Potter’s Misdeeds (1930) ‘Wayward Women From Subiaco’, Part Two.

Subiaco Potter’s Misdeeds (1930) ‘Wayward Women From Subiaco’. Part Two. 

This is an interesting story about how a woman from Subiaco became the victim of a bigamist in the 1920’s.

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

Truth 13 July 1930. 

A SUBIACO POTTER'S MISDEEDS

He Deserted His Wife and Married Another Woman 

NOW DIVORCED AND WAITING TRIAL MRS. ETHEL MAY POTTER, A GENERAL BY CALLING, RESIDING AT Henry Street Subiaco, first proceeded against her husband, Arthur Potter, for divorce on the grounds of desertion. But then she discovered that Potter had committed the fatal mistake of marrying a second time, or rather, of going through the form of marriage a second time. It was her inquiries in connection with her divorce which caused him to be detected in this crime, and on May 6, at Manjimup, he pleaded guilty and was remanded for sentence to the Bunbury sessions, He lies awaiting that sentence now.

So at least one homewrecker will get something of his deserts. It is saddening, however, to reflect that this position is brought about, not by any efficiency of the law, but by reason of the fact that Potter was sufficiently ill advised as to go through the form of marriage with the second woman. That detail omitted and he would have been as free of the law as the birds of the air. 

Mr. Roderiquez appeared before Mr. Justice Dwyer for Mrs. Potter. The marriage took place on Novembers, 1918, at Subiaco Potter was a cook, but cooked but seldom. Three children were born of the marriage, during the years that they lived in various parts ot Perth. Conditions were miserable right from the commencement owins to Potter's disinclination for work. He used to work in fits and starts, but they were so brief that Mrs. Potter's parents had to keep her and the children until February 1924, when her father died. 

In August 1924, Potter was arrested and was given three months gaol. Mr. Roderiquez What was that for? - For thieving. While Potter was in prison Mrs.Potter went to her mother at Baandee, and when he came out he wrote to her there. He wanted her to return to live with him and she did so in November that year. 

Three weeks she stayed with him, or rather, he stayed with her. And then he asked her for money to go to Perth. He said that he was going after a job. Off he went. She next saw him by appointment. That was two years later. He saw her brother and told him to tell her he wanted to see her. 

She met him on the corner of William and Murray Street about November 5 1926 and they arranged that if he would make a home for her she would return to live with him. He was to come to her the following night at her home. But he did not keep the appointment and the next time she saw him was in May last. He was then in a very miserable situation. 

He was playing the star part in a bigamy drama at Manjimup Courthouse, and was adjudged guilty of the crime and was remanded for sentence to the next sessions at Bunbury. It was in June 1928, that she had first heard of his bigamous project. She had been making enquiries through the C.I.B. as to his whereabouts and the inquiries made by that C.I.B. discovered the fact that he was living under the name of Poter, and had gone through the form of marriage with an unlucky woman by the name of Olive Mary Lintott at Manjimup. 

Mrs Potter sat in the court and listened to a statement read admitting to the crime and to his identity and she heard Poter admit that the statement was his. In the court too he admitted that he had deserted his first wife. He again admitted these things Mr. Pullerton, a law clerk served the papers on him in the Perth Lock-up. His Honor being satisfied, granted Mrs. Potter her decree.

Sarah Mattson, ‘A Wayward Woman’ Subiaco (1911).Part One.

Sarah Mattson ‘A Wayward Woman’ In Subiaco (1911).

Research into women and children living in Subiaco in the early 1900’s through newspaper articles and other sources show that there were many inspiring women and children living extraordinarily, ordinary lives often in hard conditions.

However, many women and children found it extremely difficult to cope in the early years. One of those women was Sarah Mattson living in Raphael street Subiaco with four young children.

Sarah allegedly had a long history of drunk and disorderly conduct that was reported through the various newspapers of the day. She was regularly charged by the local police and required to undergo various punishments that ranged from medical treatment to eventual prison. In 1912 evidence was given that Sarah was ‘an exemplary wife and mother’ away from the drink.’ The Postal Directories show an Ernest Mattson living in Raphael Street however, there are no records after 1918. Births, Deaths and Marriage Records for Western Australia show that Ernest Mattson was her father and he died in 1918. Sarah then moved away.

In August, 1911 Sarah was arrested and charged with using obscene language in the front of the public. Neighbours gave evidence she often used bad language towards them and was often drunk. The defendant made a statement that when she quarrelled with her husband, the neighbours interfered (Daily News, 17 August, 1911). Sarah was allowed out early but reappeared before a judge on the 25 August.

'You are not fit to be at large, and yet you have four little children under you. P.C. Crossland deposed that the woman had been using very bad language, and had been carrying on dIsgracefully. Mr. Roe: What was the trouble? Witness: She was quarrelling with her neighbors. At this stage Corporal Harris conversed. Mr. Roe who at length said to the accused:— 'You are remanded for medical examination. I would like the corporal to carefully tell the doctor all that he knows. There's a screw loose somewhere.’ (Daily News, 17 August, 1911).

The West Australia reported on 25 August, 1911... “Sarah Mattson, a married woman, whose home is in Raphael-street, Subiaco, was charged on remand with having created a disturbance in that thoroughfare on the 25th August. She was remanded for medical examination.”

In September, 1911 Sarah again appeared before a judge on a charge of creating a disturbance and evidence was produced she had been drinking. Sarah was sent to the Public Hospital for medical treatment and was released on her promise that she would stop drinking (West Australian, 13 September, 1911).

In December, 1911 Sarah was again accused “giving a lot of trouble in Subiaco” and neglecting her four children including twins aged six years. It was reported that it was impossible for the husband to take care of them because he worked. The judge wanted to find someone to take care of the children before sentencing her. He then charged her with drunkenness and sentenced her to eight days (Daily News 19 December, 1911).

In January, 1912 Sarah was again accused of being drunk and disorderly. The Truth newspaper under the title ‘Wayward Woman Mrs. Mattson’s Maniacal Manners. “A Nuisance to the Neighbours.” Sentenced to Two Months’ Imprisonment’ wrote detailed article about the incident.

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

Truth, 27 January 1912.

MRS. MATTSON'S MANIACAL MANNERS.

“A Nuisance to the Neighbors."

Sentenced to Two Months' imprisonment

A troublesome little woman, named Sarah Mattson, residing in Subiaco, was given a spell at Fremantle on Tuesday by Mr. Roe. The woman, most unfortunately, has started to drink, and in her drunken tantrums she turns her more immediate neighborhood into an inferno. Women are afraid to show their heads outside their doors, and even the male population complain that their nerves are becoming shattered. Away from the drink, the woman is credited with being an exemplary wife and mother, but when the demon of alcohol grips her she becomes demoniac herself.

The neighbors complain they have lived in fear of her for some time past, and as practically all own their own houses it is a difficult matter to shift to another more peaceful neigbhorhood. The woman has been before the court on several occasions, and was given chances on account of a young family of four children. On one occasion she was given 14 days for using abusive and insulting language. Some people Interested themselves on behalf of the children, and secured her early release. About Christmas time the woman was arrested for drunkenness, and P.M. Roe gave her another chance because enquiries showed that Mattson had brought a bottle of wine, that deadliest of all deadly fluids, into the house. Mr. Roe held that Mattson was placing temptation in his wife's way, and was, therefore, much to blame. One curious feature of the trouble is that during all the woman's bother Mattson has not put in an appearance at court or apparently concerned himself as to what happened to her.

The last straw, or bundle of straws, was the behavior of Mrs. Mattson for a few days prior to her arrest. She blamed some of her neighbors for having got her into trouble, and she used language which was calculated to blister the gravel footpaths. Once again the police were called in, and they found the woman storming around the neighbourhood in an almost naked state, or, as one of the policemen put it, “she was three-quarters undressed." Mattson and his wife were having a violent argument in which all round accusations of infidelity were made, accompanied by much lurid language from the woman.

It was a surprising story the witnesses had to tell, and all the more surprising because Mrs. Mattson is a tiny little woman, almost like a child, and with a wistful-looking face. But people, police and everybody else concerned have exhausted their patience, and Mr. Roe decided to send the woman to Fremantle for two months, in the meantime the children will be in the care of a woman who is duly acknowledged by the State Children's Department.

No doubt the people about Raphael-Street have had a lot to put up with, and were justly entitled to some relief. But the pity of it is that there is nowhere else to send the little woman but to gaol. It is acknowledged that when away from drink she is quiet and well-behaved, and attends to her home and her home duties. Incarceration in a prison uplifts no one, and there is always the danger that it will degrade them. For cases such as is here set out, there should certainly be some other method of dealing with the unfortunate concerned.

Once in 1914 again Sarah Mattson appeared before a judge and was sentenced to six months imprisonment for drunk and disorderly conduct. She was accused of beating up her husband.

The West Australian 14 February reported...”A Hopeless Case." Sarah Jane Mattson (30), described by his Worship as a hopeless case, was ordered six months imprisonment, without hard labour, on a charge of being an habitual drunkard. "Hard labour," said Mr. Roe, "is the very thing you want, but I am not allowed to give it to you." Corporal Harris said that accused's husband had done all he could for his wife. Her young son was one of the best lads to be found in Subiaco, but accused sometimes "belted the life out of him."

Wandana Flats, Thomas Street, Subiaco...Part Two.

Wandana Flats, Thomas Street, Subiaco...Part Two.

In the early years of ‘Wandana Flats’ records show that many of the tenants were migrants who took Australian citizenship. The records of the tenants and their address at ‘Wandana Flats’ can be found on Trove, the database of the National Library of Australia. The documents were called the Certificate of Registration of Australian Citizens and Certificates of Naturalisation.

The traditional recipe copied below was shared by a tenant at ‘Wandana Flats’ in The Australian Woman’s Weekly in 1960. The tenant would have lived in an apartment in the high rise A block similar to the one in the photographs below taken in 1956. 

The photographs are from a collection at the State Library of Western Australia. No copyright infringement intend.

"... The Australian Woman’s Weekly 13 July 1960.

HONEY MEAL CAKE

Four ounces butter or substitute,

1 cup brown sugar,

1 cup candied honey,

1 tablespoon orange marmalade,

4oz chopped raisins

4oz chopped sultanas,

1 oz chopped glace cherries,

1 oz chopped almonds or walnuts,

1 teaspoon vanilla,

1 1/2 cups wholemeal self-raising flour,

teaspoon each salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg,

2 eggs,

1/2 cup milk.

Cream butter or substitute with brown sugar and honey. Add marmalade, chopped fruits and nuts, and vanilla, mix well. Mix flour with salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Fold into creamed mixture alternately with milk and beaten eggs. Spoon into a greased 7in. cake-tin, and bake in a moderate oven 1 to 1| hours. Cool a little, then remove from tin. Decorate when cold with orange icing and chopped toasted almonds and walnuts.

Consolation prize of £1 to Mrs. P. Spiers, Flat 504, "Wandana," Subiaco, W.A..."

Wandana Flats, Thomas Street, Subiaco...Part One.

Wandana Flats, Thomas Street, Subiaco...Part One.

The ‘Wandana Flats’ at 93 Thomas Street in Subiaco consists of one ten story and two three story buildings built by the State Housing Commission in 1956. The building was designed by Harold Krantz and Robert Sheldon to meet the high needs of post war housing. The gardens were landscaped by John Oldman and included a playground in the inner court and the extensive use of native plants. The complex is on the State heritage listed buildings. 

References

Wandana Meaning

“…Wandana - The name was corrupted from the Aboriginal wandunya - ‘iguana water’…”

Reference

https://published.collections.slsa.sa.gov.au/placenamesofsouthaustralia/W.pdf

State Heritage Office.

“…One ten story and two three story blocks, of 242 apartments….”

“…Designed by Krantz and Sheldon and built for 455,000 pounds by State Housing Commission in 1956, this was the first multi-storey housing block built in WA. It was officially opened on 15.3.1956 by the Minister for Housing, Herb Graham. The apartment block was built due to a high demand for housing in Perth after WWII. For more detail refer to HCWA's Assessment Documentation of Places for Entry in the Register of Heritage Places.

The work of Harold Krantz and Robert Sheldon became synonymous with the design and construction of many flats and apartments in Perth from the mid 1940s, producing mass housing that required a minimum of maintenance at affordable prices. Krantz and Sheldon demonstrated an architectural style that followed the principles of Modernism; simplistic, functional and economic with clever use of space and materials. In a period of about 30 years Krantz and Sheldon designed the majority of the flats built in Perth. (Ref: Interview with George Sheldon, Feb 2001)…”

The earliest development in the Triangle was, naturally, closest to the Hay Street commercial centre. Churchill Avenue and Barker Road, and the side streets such as Axon Street, Townshend Road, Olive Street and Coghlan Road, were mostly developed by 1905. Development then spread into the central area between Bagot and Heytesbury Roads by 1915, followed by the southern portion, along Thomas Road.

One of the first land releases was Berry Brow Estate which extended from Rokeby to Townshend Roads, between Hay St and Barker Road. It was marketed as the 'Toorak of Perth.' Others were Bowral Park (1896), the north east corner of the Triangle around Barker and Coghlan Roads, and Parkerville Estate, the stretch of Townshend Road between Barker and Bagot Roads. The area has always been predominately residential, and indeed, the Triangle gained a reputation in the early days as being a prestigious area - workers settled along the railway line, and the more affluent moved up the hill to what was perceived as the better part of Subiaco.

One of the earliest public buildings in the area was the Home of the Peace, on Hamersley Road and Thomas Street, which opened in 1902. Other public buildings include St Andrew's and St Catherine's churches.

Thomas Street was gazetted by 1883, and named after Mr J H Thomas, Director of PWD.

(Sources: Wise's Post Office Directory 1905-1925; Real Estate Maps, Battye Library Collection; Spillman, Ken, Identity Prized: A History of Subiaco, City of Subiaco, UWA Press, 1985, p. 74; Chate, A, H., History of Subiaco, c1952; Moore, D., Subiaco - Attitudes and Ecological Succession, no date, c 1980.)

Reference

Government of Western Australia. State Heritage Council

http://inherit.stateheritage.wa.gov.au/Public/Inventory/Details/55fab9ff-2eee-41d5-bd71-db8472318b37

Reference

City of Subiaco - Local Government Inventory Place Record.

Reference

https://www.subiaco.wa.gov.au/getmedia/5e34b3aa-4101-49fe-b5f3-e511c0dbfe70/Heritage-Place-Record-93-Thomas-Street-(Wandana-Flats)-Subiaco.aspx

Reference

A Thermatic History of Government Housing in Western Australia…Prepared for the Department of Housing.

The Wandana housing complex within the context of the history of State Government housing within Western Australia.

“…The Commission’s first significant venture into multiple flat dwellings was at ‘Wandana’, Subiaco, beginning in 1954. Despite some public controversy about the move, SHC asserted that ‘no city in the world has been able to develop without the supplementary use of multiple flat dwellings and it was particularly important to meet the needs of couples and smaller families. The three-storey block was to be ready by 1955 and the ten storey block, containing 242 flats, was occupied in 1956.

The site was seen as a perfect location for flats, being walking distance from the city and overlooking Kings Park, in a fully serviced area.

Wandana was designed for the SHC by Krantz & Sheldon. Defending the SHC’s choice to build flats, Harold Krantz wrote in 1953 that ‘properly controlled flats projects … will never deteriorate into slums’ as ‘slums develop from properties which cannot be adequately maintained because of low returns’.

Krantz & Sheldon remained the predominant designers of flats in Perth through to the 1970s, with some estimates suggesting the firm designed as much as 90% of Perth’s flats up to this time. In response to limits on building materials, and to keep maintenance to a minimum, their designs pursued functionalism and included features such as minimal decoration, unpainted timbers, face brickwork, cream painted finishes…"

"...Wandana was landscaped by John Oldham, including a children’s playground in the inner courtyard, and extensive use of native plants.558 Use of native vegetation was characteristic of Oldham’s landscape designs. He was one of the founders of landscape architecture as a profession in Australia. Wandana was one of his first commissions as a landscape architect. From 1959, Oldham was the State’s first Government Landscape Architect, employed by the PWD. His government work included landscaping schools, hospitals, dams and the Narrows freeway interchange.559 He was involved in the garden design of several SHC apartment complexes.

With the success of Wandana at Subiaco, smaller two- and three-storey blocks of flats were erected at White Gum Valley, North Fremantle, Como and South Perth. In country areas, the Lotteries Commission assisted with establishing some SHC flats. 560 At North Fremantle, four three-storey apartment blocks were erected at Rocky Bay in 1956-58 (Myuna Flats)….”

Other References

Spillman, K, 1986. Tails of a Singular City. Subiaco since the 1970’s. City of Subiaco.

State Library of Western Australia, 1986. Wandana Flats (6 photographs). 

Photographs Jennifer Elizabeth

Thomas Street, Subiaco (1900 - 1914)

Thomas Street, Subiaco (1900-1914)

The City of Subiaco Street Names (2016) state that Thomas Street, Subiaco was named after Mr James Henry Thomas who was Director of Public Works in Western Australia from 1876 - 1884.

Thomas was born in London England on 2 March, 1826 and educated at University College School and University College. In 1879 he became a member of the Institution of Civil Engineers and was articled to Evans and Sons. Thomas emigrated in 1879 to New South Wales and then to Western Australia in 1875 where he held the positions of Director of Public Works, Government Engineer and Commissioner of Railways. He was appointed as a member of the Executive Council and the Legislative Council. He died in Perth after collapsing in the Legislative Council on 14 July, 1884. (Wikipedia, 2020)

The Post Office Directories in the State Library of Western Australia contain some very interesting information about the residents of particular streets in Subiaco in the early years. Not only do they tell researchers the name of the person living in the resident and often their occupation, but also the gender of the person by identifying the martial status of women and their sometimes their occupation.

In the early years there were a number of women living in their own residence both single and married on Thomas Street across the three suburbs where it was located in West Perth, Subiaco and Leederville. Often their occupations were often listed that included being a bootmaker, dressmaker, teacher, music teacher, secretary and matron. When the Children’s Hospital opened the residents were listed doctors, pharmacists, matron and secretary. When the Thomas Street State School opened the head teacher and head mistress of the Infants School were listed.

The number of women who lived in the developing suburbs on the outskirts of the city centre fluctuated. Some women stayed only a short time on Thomas Street and moved on. The Post Office Directories identify people by surname and their location can be followed if they remained in the state.

In 1900 there were 10 residents listed who lived on Thomas Street and could be identified as male. In the following year 1901 the first female resident living in their own house clearly identified by martial status Mrs. Charlotte Kelly lived on Thomas Street in Leederville. By 1905 there were 48 residents listed who lived on Thomas Street spanning three suburbs. 9 residents could be clearly identified as females either married or unmarried, a total of 18.75 % of the population. By 1907 even though the total number of residents had increased to 59 the number of clearly identifiable female residents living in their own house had dropped to 4. By 1910 the total number of residents had only increased slightly to 69 and the number of female residents living in their own house began to return and there were 8. By 1914 and the beginning of World War 1 there were a total of 85 residents and 13 were women both married and unmarried living in their own house. The research from the Postal Directories in WA that there were a number of women married and unmarried living in their own house in Subiaco in the early years in most streets.

I have only listed women on Thomas Street for West Perth and Leederville, but were included in the total residents for Subiaco.



Post Office Directories State Library of Western Australia

1900 (10 residents total 100% male)

1901 (11 residents total 1 woman 9.09 %)

Thomas Street, Leederville

Kelly, Mrs. Charlotte M.

Thomas Street, Subiaco

Barrett, Jos

1902 (16 residents total 2 women 12.5 %)

(Subiaco see Perth Streets Directory)

Thomas Street, Leederville

Payne, Mrs. A. V.

Thomas Street, West Perth

O’Sullivan, Mrs. Rebecca (dressmaker)

1903 (21 residents total, 3 women 14.28 %)

(Subiaco see Perth Streets Directory)

Thomas Street, Leederville

Payne, Mrs. Amelia V.

Thomas Street, West Perth

O’Sullivan, Mrs. Rebecca (dressmaker)

Mosey, Miss. H.

1904 (26 residents total, 4 women 15.36 %)

Thomas Street, Leederville

Payne, Mrs. Amelia V

Thomas Street, Subiaco

Douglass, Alfd. G.

Howlett, Walter J.

Edwards, A. H.

Higgs, C. H.

Stronach, W. F. L.

Davies, Mrs. Emily

Thomas Street, West Perth

O’Sullivan, Mrs. Rebecca (dressmaker)

Benson, Miss. Marie

Jones, Mrs. Wm

Thomas Street 1905 (Royal Western Australian Historical Society Collections. No copyright infringement intended. 


1905 (48 residents total, 9 females 18.75 %)

Thomas Street, Leederville

Payne, Mrs. Amelia V.

Bradley, Mrs. L.

Mansell, Mrs.

Thomas Street, Subiaco

State School

Bennetts, Nicholas

Douglass, Alfd. G.

Wells, Ernest

Hann, Frank

Boor, J. A.

Lucas, Gavin

Birch, Lewis H.

Moberly, Ernest R. G.

Edwards, A. H.

Higgs, C.H.

Stronach, W. F. L.

Abel Wm. J.

Pirie Robt. W.

Webb, Arthur C.

Davis Mrs. Anne

Hodge, H.

Cumming, Fredk

Muhs, Henry

Tenten, Peter

Thomas Street, West Perth

O,Sullivan, Mrs. Rebecca (dressmaker)

Shepherd, Mrs. A.

Simcock, Mrs.

Mulhall, Mrs. Sarah

Stewart, Mrs. Dani

McWilliams, Mrs. Agnes

1906 (57 total, 7 women 12.28 %)

Thomas Street, West Perth

O’Sullivan, Mrs. Rebecca (dressmaker)

Mulhall, Mrs. Sarah

McWilliams, Mrs. Agnes

Thomas Street, Leederville

Payne, Mrs. Amelia V.

Bradley, Mrs. L.

Mansell, Mrs.

Thomas Street, Subiaco

State School (John Tucker Headmaster)

Smedley, John

Dubberlin, Horatio

Skinner, Frank E.

Samuel, George

Evans, Stanley

Boor, J. A.

Friedrich, Rudolph

Lucas, Gavin

Birch, Lewis H.

Trenaman, Victor R.

Edwards, A. H.

Higgs, C. H.

Stronach, Wm F. L.

Abel, Wm. J

Pirie, Robt. W.

Webb, Arthur C.

Davis, Mrs. Anne

Hodge, H.

Gilbert, Alfd.

Cumming, Fredk.

Muha, Henry

Tenten, Peter

1907 (59 residents total 4 women 6.77 %)

Thomas Street, West Perth

Mulhall, Mrs. Sarah

Hooper, Mrs. Jessie

Thomas Street, Leederville

Thomas Street, Subiaco

State School, (John Tucker, Headmaster)

Shinnick, Wm. E.

Millls, Saml. H.

James -

Negus, Edwin W.

Evans, Stanley E.

Boor, J. A.

Friedrich, Rudolph A.

Lucas, Gavin

Birch, Lewis H.

Trenaman, Victor R.

Edwards, Albt. Henry

Higgs, Chas. H.

Stronach, Wm. F. L.

Abel, Wm. J.

Birch, Mrs. M. A.

Downes, Robt. H. B.

Cox, Jno. C. Builder

Pirie, Robt. W.

Webb, Arthur C.

Feinaigle, Wm.

Davis, Mrs. Anne

Hodge Alfd.

Taylor, Rev. Chas. D. P. (Pres)

Cumming, Fredk.

Muhs, Henry Jno.

Tenten, Peter

1908 (65 residents total, 8 women 12.30 %)

Thomas Street, West Perth

135 Black, Mrs. Mary (Jas. McCathy, mgr) bootmaker

134 Connolly, Mrs. Jno

116 Mulhall, Mrs. Sarah

88 Blanca, Mrs. J. Storekeeper

46 Colledge, Mrs. Francis

Thomas Street, Leederville

Thomas Street, Subiaco

State School Infants (Miss. A. E. Walton, teacher)

State School (John Tucker, Headmaster)

21 Shinnick, Wm. E.

25 Fawkner, Chas. J.

27 Rommeis, Mrs. E.

29 Cooke, Alfd. M. Teacher

31 Boor, Jno. A.

33 Fredrick, Rudolph A.

35 Jordan, Chas.A. Builder

47 Lucas, Gavin

49 Webster -

51 Trenaman, Victor R.

53 Edwards, Albt. H.

55 Higgs, Chas. H.

59 Holdham, Hughes

61 Stronach, Wm. J.

69 Abel, Wm. J.

71 Birch, Mrs M. A.

73 Davis

75 Downes, Robt. H.B.

77 Cox Jno Builder

Piri, Robt. W.

87 Webb Arthur C.

89 Bickford Geo. H.

143 Ziegler, Bruno

153 Scarborough, Stanley

159 Cumming, Fredk

161 Muhs, Henry J.

163 Tenton Peter (T. & Co)

1909 (64 residents total, 6 women 9.37 %)

Thomas Street, West Perth

116 Mulhal, Mrs. Sarah

Thomas Street, Subiaco

State School,(Infants) Miss. A. E. Walton

State School John Tucker Headmaster

Children’s Hospital Edith M. Withers sec

21 Marriot, W. G.

25 Black, Geo. G.

27 Hawthorn, Hugh

29 Cooke, Alfd. M. teacher

31 Boor, Jno. A.

33 Neil, Jno

35 Biggin Thos. builder

47 Lucas, Gavin (acc, A. M. Soc)

49 Webster, Alfd. A.

51 Trenaman, Victor R.

53 Edwards, Mrs. A. H.

55 Higgs Chas. H.

59 Holdman, Hughes

61 Stronach, Wm. F. L.

69 Abel, Wm. J.

71 Birch, Mrs. M. A.

73 Stephens, Wm. (reg: Medical Bd. of W.A.)

75 Degenhardt, Herbt.

77 Cox, Mrs

Pirie Robt. W.

87 McArdell, Jno. O

89 Bickford, Geo. H.

Jacoby, Fredk. W.

143 Webb, Thos. J

153 Le Mesurier Cecil J. R.

157 Mallah, Albt. E.

159 Cumming, Fredk.

161 Muhs, Henry J.

163 Tenten, Peter (T & Co)

1910 (69 residents total, 8 women 11.59 %)

Thomas Street, West Perth

116 Mughal, Mrs. Sarah

10 Evans, Mrs. Rachel

Thomas Street, Subiaco

State School,(Infants) Miss. A. E. Walton

State School John Tucker Headmaster

Children’s Hospital (J. Norman, Scott Good, res.med. off., Miss A. Anderson, matron; Arth. F. Rainsford, sec.

21 Marriot, W. G.

25 Black, Geo. G.

27 Inglis, Mrs. J.

29 Cooke, Alfd. M. teacher

31 Brearly, Robt. H.

33 Neil, Jno

35 Biggin Thos builder

47 Lucas, Gavin (acc, A. M. Soc)

49 Webster, Alfd. A.

51 Trenaman, Victor R.

53 Edwards, Mrs. A. H.

55 Higgs Chas. H.

59 Holdman, Hugh

61 Stronach, Wm. F. L.

71 Birch, Mrs. M. A.

73 Stephens, Wm. (reg: Medical Bd. of W.A.)

75 Degenhardt, Herbt.

77 Cox, Mrs Gertrude

Pirie Robt. W.

87 Webb, Arthur

89 Bickford, Geo. H.

Jacoby, Fredk. W

153 Scarborough, Stanley

157 Le Mesurier Cecil J. R.

157 Mallah, Albt. E.

159 Cumming, Fredk.

161 Brown, Wm Hepple

163 Tenten, Peter (T & Co)

169 Canham, Arth. G.

1911 (65 residents total 12 women 18.46 %)

Thomas Street, Subiaco

State School,(Infants) Miss. A. E. Walton

State School John Tucker Headmaster

Children’s Hospital (res.med. off. vacant, Miss A. Anderson, matron; Arth. F. Rainsford, dispenser : Chas. G. Killick, sec.)

21 Marriot, W. G.

25 Black, Geo. G., J.P (chf. Clerk Public Works)

27 Catherer, Miss. M. Music teacher

33 Neil, Jno

35 Biggin Thos builder

47 Lucas, Gavin (acc, A. M. P.Soc)

49 Webster, Alfd. A.

51 Trenaman, Victor R.

53 Edwards, Mrs. A. H.

55 Higgs Chas. H.

59 Holdman, Hugh

61 Stronach, Wm. F. L.

69 Abel, Wm. J.

71 Hine, Jas

73 Stephens, Wm. (reg: Medical Bd. of W.A.)

75 Degenhardt, Herbt.

77 Cox, Mrs Gertrude

Pirie Robt. W.

87 Webb, Arthur

89 Bickford, Geo. H.

Jacoby, Fredk. W

143 Spontino, Mrs. B.

153 Scarborough, Stanley

157 Mallah, Albt. E.

163 Tenten, Peter (T & Co)

167 Muhs, Hy. J.

169 Canham, Arth. G.

Thomas Street, West Perth

134 Nelson, Mrs. C.

116 Mughal, Mrs. Sarah

42 Neilson, Miss M.

10 Evans, Mrs. Rachel

1912 (71 residents total 10 women 14.08 %)

Thomas Street, Subiaco

State School,(Infants) Miss. A. E. Walton

State School John Tucker Headmaster

Children’s Hospital ( M. W. Cave res.med. off. N. H. Featonby jun. res. med. off. Miss A. Anderson, matron; W. A. Road dispenser : Chas. G. Killick, sec.)

21 Marriot, W. G.

25 Wilson, Oswald

27 Catherer, Miss. M. Music teacher

33 Whitby, J.

35 Biggin Thos builder

47 Lucas, Gavin (acc, A. M. P.Soc)

49 Webster, Alfd. A.

51 Trenaman, Victor R.

53 Edwards, Mrs. A. H.

55 Higgs Chas. H.

59 Holdman, Hugh

61 Stronach, Wm. F. L.

69 Abel, Wm. J.

71 Hine, Jas

73 Stephens, Wm. (reg: Medical Bd. of W.A.)

75 Kennedy, Jno

77 Cox, Mrs Gertrude

Pirie Robt. W.

87 Saunders, Jno. R.

89 Bickford, Geo. H.

Jacoby, Fredk. W

143 Vacant

153 Scarborough, Stanley

157 Mallah, Albt. E. Dentist

163 Tenten, Peter (T & Co)

167 Muhs, Hy. J.

169 Canham, Arth. G. (Mgr. Barnett Bros)

Thomas Street, West Perth

134 Nelson, Mrs. C.

124 Jackson, Mrs. L.

116 Mughal, Mrs. Sarah

42 Neilson, Miss M.

10 Evans, Mrs. Rachel

1913 (78 total residents 12 women 15.38 %)

Thomas Street, Subiaco

State School (Infants) Miss. A. E. Walton

State School John Tucker Headmaster

Children’s Hospital ( A. N. Yuille & W. C Sawers res.med. off. N. H. Featonby jun. res. med. off. Miss H. Honman matron; W. R. Read dispenser : Chas. G. Killick, sec.)

21 Marriot, W. G.

25 Cooke, Frank V.

27 Catherer, Jno

27 Catherer, Miss. M. Music teacher

29 Edgar David

33 Whitty, Wm.

35 Biggin Thos builder

47 Lucas, Gavin (acc, A. M. P.Soc)

49 Webster, Alfd. A.

51 Paterson, Mrs. C. A.

53 Edwards, Mrs. A. H.

55 Higgs Chas. H.

59 Holdman, Hugh

61 Stronach, Wm. F. L.

69 Abel, Wm. J.

71 Kirwin, Mrs. G.

73 Stephens, Wm. (reg: Medical Bd. of W.A.)

75 Kennedy, Jno

77 Cox, Mrs Gertrude

Pirie Robt. W.

87 Webb, Arth. C.

89 Bickford, Geo. H.

93 Broughton, Arth. C.

97 Trenaman, Victor

103 Jacoby, Fredk. W

143 Williams, David. M.

153 Scarborough, Stanley

157 Mallah, Albt. E. Dentist

161 Brown, Wm. Hepple

163 Tenten, Peter (T & Co)

165 Muhs, Hy. J.

167 Le Mesurier, Cecil J. R.

169 Canham, Arth. G. (Mgr. Barnett Bros)

Thomas Street, West Perth

134 Nelson, Mrs. C.

116 Mughal, Mrs. Sarah

46 Churchyard, Mrs. M.

42 Neilson, Miss M.

10 Evans, Mrs. Rachel

1914 (85 total residents 13 women 15.29 %)

Thomas Street, Subiaco

State School,(Infants) Miss. M. Smith

State School John Tucker Headmaster

Children’s Hospital (J. S. Pearson, A. S. Johnson, F. C. Thomson, H. B. James res. med. off. Miss H. Honman matron; S. A. Masters dispenser : Chas. G. Killick, sec.)

21 Ende, Reinhold

25 Cooke, Frank V.

27 Catherer, Jno

27 Catherer, Miss. M. Music teacher

29 Edgar David

31 Muir, Thos J. G.

33 Fisher, Mrs. F. M.

35 Biggin Thos builder

47 Lucas, Gavin (res sec. A. M. P.Soc)

49 Moss, Herbt. W.

51 Paterson, Mrs. C. A.

53 Edwards, Mrs. A. H.

55 Higgs Chas. H.

59 Oldham, Hugh

61 Whitfield, Hubt, E.

69 Abel, Wm. J.

71 Hine, Jas

73 Stephens, Wm. (reg: Medical Bd. of W.A.)

75 Kennedy, Jno

77 Cox, Mrs Gertrude

Pirie Robt. W.

87 Clifton, Regnld. H.

89 Bickford, Geo. H.

93 Broughton, Arth. C.

95 Webster, Alfd.

97 Trenaman, Victor

103 Jacoby, Fredk. W

143 Arrow, Chas.

153 Scarborough, Stanley

157 Mallah, Albt. E. Dentist

159 Hattam, Hy. C.

161 Brown, Wm. Hepple

163 Mallabone, Fredk. (M. & Co)

163 Tenten, Peter (Mallabone & Co)

165 Muhs, Hy. J.

167 Le Mesurier, Cecil J. R.

169 Gromann, Mrs. R.

Thomas Street, West Perth

116 Mughal, Mrs. Sarah

86 Davy, Mrs. E.

46 Churchyard, Mrs. M.

44 Brenner, Mrs. E. E

42 Neilson, Miss M.





105 Thomas Street, West Perth (Royal Western Australian Historical Society Collections)

Children's Hospital 1917 (Royal Western Australian Historical Society Collections. No copyright infringement intended)

Thomas Street State School (Royal Western Australian Historical Society Collections. No copyright infringement intended)

Agnes Robertson And The Free Milk Council Campaign (Part Two)

Agnes Robertson And The Free Milk Council (Part 2).

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...”

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

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.