A Baby Competition And The Subiaco Infant Health Centre (1929).

A Baby Competition And The Subiaco Infant Health Centre (1929).

Trove, the database on the National Library of Australia provides newspaper articles about the history and work being done of the Subiaco Infant Health Centre in the late 1920's and early 1930's. Dr Roberta Jull, the first woman in Western Australia to establish a medical practice in Perth and interested in improving infant and mother welfare was asked to be a judge for the baby competition to raise funds for the Centre in 1927. Dr. Roberta Jull wrote a letter to the committee about her thoughts on judging babies in competitions. She stated these competitions were of no "educative value to the community" and infants should only be judged under specific circumstances and politely declined their request. Dr. Jull did visit the Centre in September 1927.

In the early years infant health care at the Subiaco Infant Health Centre involved the mothers and infants visiting the centre for a check up with the sister in charge who provided assistance and advice and referred those in need to a doctor. The sister also visited the homes of mothers and infants. This assistance and advice was in addition to the work being done by doctors who supported the centres. In 1926 the Social Service Workers were interested in establishing a list of families interested in supporting mothers with infants who needed to go into hospital for medical treatment but had no suitable people to care for their infants. (The West Australian 4 November, 1926). Although the work being done at infant health centres was recognised as essential to the care of mothers and infants in the community they still depended on donations and fund raising.

One of the ways funding was raised was by holding competitions in which infants competed against each other for prize money. Dr. Roberta Jull was asked to be a judge in this competition. She wrote this reply which was published in The West Australian. "...Kindly convey to the members of your committee my appreciation of the honour they have done me in asking me to be one of the judges in the proposed baby competition. May I take the liberty of asking the committee to reconsider the holding of the competition so far as the babies are concerned, and of suggesting that only a decorated perambulator, and a baby - decorated or not as may be decided - be made the subject of competition ? Were that done I should be delighted to be one of the judges, but I must regretfully decline to judge babies. As usually conducted, baby show are of no educative value to the community, and are a source of much heart-burning and dissension. The only way in which they can be justified is when they are held under strict conditions as to qualifications desired, such as regular attendance of at least six months at a centre, attention to advice give ect. ect. Not only the baby's appearance should be taken into account, but efficient mothering show in breast-feeding, choice of clothing, absence of dummy and so on.

If your committee so wished, it might be possible for me to help to organise such a show about October or November. Then those who attend the centre would have plenty of time to know the necessary qualifications, and after the prize or prizes have been awarded one of the judges could give a short address on the points which led to the choice made, and thus help the mothers to improve their own children." (The West Australian, 29 March 1927).

In June 1927 The West Australian reported that Dr Roberta Jull visited the Subiaco Infant Health Centre."...During the month Dr. Roberta Jull visited the clinic and discussed with the executive officers the various phases of work which is growing at such a rate as to necessitate the consideration of a scheme of extension in the near future. Parents of young children naturally desire to obtain the best knowledge and information available so that they be assured that their children will develop into strong healthy men and women, free from illnesses and constitutional weakness, and as a result the centre is a very busy place, and is performing a valuable service to the community..." (The West Australian, 14 June 1927).

Despite Dr Roberta Jull's valid criticism of infant competitions they continued for some years as a way of fund raising money for valid causes like infant health centres with approval from Infant Health Association of Western Australia. The newspapers on Trove throughout this time have many photographs of infants and children in these competitions including those from Subiaco who won particular sections. Some of the recommendations made by Dr Jull were adopted by the organisations running competitions such as age limits the physical development and fitness attained by the competitors, the right feeding, and the proper care of babies by the infant health centres (The West Australian, 21 April 1933).

In 1934 'The Photographic Baby Contest' was held by Infant Health Association of Western Australia and The West Australian'. In Section A Shirley Joan Wright came second in Section B. (Western Mail, 17 May 1934).

The photographs and newspaper articles are from Trove, the database of the National Library of Australia. No copyright infringement intended.

Subiaco Infant Health Centre History (1920s and 1930s).

Subiaco Infant Centre History (1920s and 1930s).

The Trove database at the National Library of Australia provides reports about the wonderful work being done by Nurse Sister Mary Hayes at the Subiaco Infant Health Centre to the City of Subiaco Council from when it was established in 1925 to the time she retired in 1949. 

Throughout the 1920's and 1930's there were regular reports in local newspapers about the Subiaco Infant Health Association and work of the centres to the City of Subiaco Council. The articles describe how many mothers and their babies were attending the centres run by Nurse Sister Mary Hayes and some of the issues they had with funding. There were many active women and men from the community interested in infant health centres in Subiaco and participating in fundraising.   

In an article from the West Australian on 4 November 1926 at a meeting of the Subiaco branch of the Infant Health Association there was a report about the kind and generous families from Subiaco who wanted to help look after the children of women who needed to go to King Edward Memorial Hospital for medical treatment...

"...Mrs. Valance reported that she attended a meeting of Social Service Workers, and she suggested that the centre should consider the advisability of extending, its activities in the direction of securing kindIy disposed people who would look after the infants of mothers who had to go to hospital for medical treatment. There were she said a considerable number of mothers who became ill and had to go to hospital, and it was found extremely difficult to obtain suitable accommodation for their infants..."

The articles from the West Australian on 13 May, 1929 and the Geraldton Guardian and Express newspaper on 16 May 1929 report on the opening of the new infant health centre in Subiaco. The articles provide an interesting overview of the history and the importance of work being done in infant health centres to combat infant mortality and provide assistance to mothers and fathers to raise healthy children within the local context and Australia. During the late 1920's the newspapers report a staggering 15 000 children under the age of 5 years had died in the Commonwealth.  

An article from October 1930 described the impact the times were having on mothers and their ability to naturally feed their babies. The Centre was trying to raise money to provide food to mothers breast feeding their babies.

The photographs are from the West Subiaco Infant Health Centre in 1931 and 1932. The Centre was considered to be one of the best in the state. The first set of photographs were published on 20 August 1931 in the Western Mail. The second set of photographs were published in the Western Mail on 3 May, 1932.

The articles and photographs are from Trove, the database of the National Library of Australia. No copyright infringement intended.

West Australian, 13 May 1929

INFANT HEALTH SUBIACO CENTRE OPENED. 

Australia's Loss of Children.

'The health of mother and child should be the first consideration of the State.' These words were given in block capitals, on a tablet affixed to the front wall of a 'fine brick structure which has been erected by the Subiaco branch of the Infant Health Association in Onslow-road, Subiaco.

This, the newest, and one of the most attractive of the 16 health centres, controlled by this association, was formally declared open by the Minister for Health (Mr. S. W. Munsie) yesterday afternoon, in the presence of a large gathering. The foundation tablet, recording the fact that the structure was built, in celebration of the State Centenary, was unveiled by Mr. L. Boas, whose remarks were supported by the Mayor of Subiaco (Mr. J. C.Roydhouse). Mr. Munsie congratulated the local branch of the association on its work.
Last year, he said, 60 per cent of the 8,000 babies born in Western Australia, were given attention with their mothers, at the various infant health centres. A great deal of money was spent on populating  Australia with migrants from overseas; a great deal should also be spent on safeguarding the welfare  of Australian babies, who were the best migrants. Last year over 400 babies under one year, of age died in Western Australia, and over 7,000 in the Commonwealth. During the last three years an average of 15,000 children under five years of age had died yearly in the Commonwealth.
These figures, it was safe to say, would be reduced by half if infant health centres were established in all the main districts throughout Australia. It was the duty of mothers and expectant mothers to attend the existing centres wherever possible. The Commonwealth Government had not yet honoured its promise to assist the State Government in the subsidising of the centres, but the matter would be discussed at the coming Premiers' Conference, to which the Premier (Mr. Collier) would go fully armed with all the information on the subject that the Health Department was able to supply.
A vote of thanks, to the Minister was proposed by Mr. W. Richardson. M.L. A. and supported by Mrs A. B Dobson, and Mr. J. Leonard. The hon secretary of the Subiaco branch of the association fair A. C. Higgs, read a long list of those who had contributed to the erection of the building in cash and in kind. This revealed that considerable generosity had been shown by the Subiaco Municipal Council and by numerous firms and individuals, and testified to the truth of Mr. Higgs's observation— 'Human nature, when calls are made upon it, proves to be a gold mine.'

Geraldton Guardian and Express, 16 May 1929.

INFANT HEALTH CENTRES EXTENSION OF VALUABLE WORK COMBATING IGNORANCE AND CARLESSNESS

In opening the new Subiaco infant health centre the Minister for Health (Mr. S. W. Munsie) stressed the vital need of mothers taking advantage of the facilities offering to give their off-spring the proper attention and treatment.

The protection of child life assumed a new significance when Western Australia followed the example of other States in introducing the infant health centres. They have rendered magnificent service to the community, and Mr. Munsie's figures that 60 per cent of the 8000 babies born in Western Australia last year were given attention with their mothers, at the various clinics, indicate clearly the extent to which their service is appreciated.
Last year over 400 babies under one year of age died in Western Australia, the Commonwealth figure being 7000. The need of the centres has not diminished, and although the problem with which they are confronted may have lost some of its force, there will always be wide scope for their operations.
Six Years Work.
It is interesting to review the growth of the public clinic movement. The Infant Health Association was brought into being by the Children's Protection Society in 1922, largely on the suggestion of Mrs. E. Cowan, who was impressed with its value as an effective check to infant mortality. Government aid was denied the sponsors of the movement at first, but afterwards a Government subsidy augmented that of the municipal authorities which had been granted from the outset.
Mrs H. A. Gover, remained the honorary secretary for four years, when an official ap-pointment was made by the Government. The movement had small beginnings, but it grew steadily as only six years have elapsed since the first clinic was established in the buildings of the Children's Protection Society in Stirling Street.
Sister Cole, who has been in charge of the Perth centre in Bridge Street, has been identified with the work since its inception. Now there are clinics in several of the suburbs as well as in the city, and Fremantle, while a number of country centres are possessed of the facilities. Visitors from country districts, including the North-West, who are not within reach of the centres, make full use of the service when visiting Perth, where they receive valuable advice and informative literature. The record of the Perth centre, which is patronised by people from almost all parts of the State, was 5229 consultations last year, the attendance of babies at the centre number-ing 3822, while there were 1320 visits to households. Relatively, in the scale of their importance, the other centres show similarly gratifying results. Helpful co-operation.
Financially the movement cannot claim all that it would like, but any difficulties under this heading have not lessened their activity or stifled their ambition or their efforts to arrest infant mortality. Ignorance and carelessness, which can almost be looked upon as inevitable, are among the causes of the loss of infant life while others are unavoidable.
But the scope for export teaching, as is given by the experienced nurses associated with the clinics, is unlimited. It is as important that the mother shall seek their co-operation before the child is born as afterwards. The knowledge she will receive fortifies her, and, once the child is born, the question of feeding and the many other problems associated with the delicate task of rearing strong, healthy children face the mother. The fact that the clinics lend invaluable advice and assistance is widely recognised and more and more mothers will come to depend on them.

West Australian, 10 October 1930.

INFANT HEALTH.

Work at Subiaco.

At a meeting of the Subiaco Infant Health Centre, which embraces the West Subiaco and Nedlands centres, on Wednesday nisht. the sister-in-charee (Sister M. Hayes) submitted a report of the work carried out for the three months ended September 30. During that period, the report stated, an additional 141 babies had attended the centres. The total number of babies attending the centre was 471. Consultations carried out numbered 1,821. A feature of the report was the fact that there were 339 babies under the weanine age attending the centre, of whom 301 were entirely breast-fed, and 26 partly so. Under the care and guidance of the sister were 10 expectant mothers. Lactation had been restored in 15 cases.

It was also reported that as a result of worry caused by unemployment, and the lack of enough money to provide nourishment, a number of mothers in the district were in danger of losing their natural supply of milk. The secretary (Mr. A. Hijrus) said yesterday that the committee of the centre had made arrangements in all such cases to make available the necessary food.

The West Subiaco centre had launched their annual appeal for funds, which would culminate on Saturday; October 25, with a sale of gifts in Grundmann's markets, Onslow-road. As the valuable work carried out by the centre could not be done unless sufficient money was available, the public were asked to give as generously as possible.

The Subiaco Infant Health Centre. 20 August 1931. Western Mail. 

Subiaco Infant Health Centre. 3 May, 1932. Western Mail. 

Nurse Sister Mary Hayes...Long Service As A Nurse In Subiaco (1949)

Nurse Sister Mary Hayes...Long Service As Nurse In Subiaco.

This post is about Nurse Sister Mary Hayes, a nurse at the Subiaco Infant Health Centre from 1926. She retired in 1949. 

After her training at Fremantle Hospital Nurse Sister Mary Hayes went to WW1 for four years before doing baby welfare training in Sydney and serving at the King Edward Memorial Hospital. 

Nurse Sister Mary Hayes was a strong advocate for breastfeeding and encouraged men to be more involved in raising their children. "...The modern mother had learnt that natural feeding was the best method. "In the early days of the centres, many mothers fed their babies on condensed milk, biscuits, and in one case a three week-old baby was given jam," she said. "Mothers have improved a great deal since then and husbands have become more cooperative and helpful with babies also." 

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

 

West Australian, 21 July 1949

Long Service As Nurse 

Sister Mary Hayes, who has been in charge of the Subiaco Infant Health Centre since 1926, is to retire after nearly 40 years' experience as a nurse. She said yesterday that she was sorry to give it up. Although she had not intended to take up nursing as a career, she said that she was glad that she had made the choice. "It is a job that makes you feel worth while, knowing that you have helped save lives" she said.

Sister Hayes said that when she first began infant health work, she spent most of her time visiting mothers and educating them to bring their babies to the centre and teaching them the proper methods of feeding. The modern mother had learnt that natural feeding was the best method. "In the early days of the centres, many mothers fed their babies on condensed milk, biscuits, and in one case a three week-old baby was given jam," she said. "Mothers have improved a great deal since then and husbands have become more cooperative and helpful with babies also."
Sister Hayes trained at the Fremantle Hospital and then joined the staff of the Children's Hospital. In 1914 she served in the war for 4 years and then took up a position at a base hospital. In 1925 she went to Sydney to do baby welfare training. She served at the King Edward Maternity Hospital before her appointment to the Subiaco centre.

PRESENTATION. Mrs. L. G. Bartlett, of Bayswater, who has had five children under the care of Sister Hayes, said yesterday that she was organising a presentation from appreciative mothers to Sister Hayes. She asked that all donations be sent to her care of Mr. A. C. Higgs, of the Subiaco Municipal Council.

 

‘Old Brownie’ And A Young Girl Called Annette...

'Old Brownie’ And A Young Girl Called Annette...

This is a wonderful story about a special relationship between a stray dog and a young girl Annette at the Subiaco State School in 1947. 

The dog ‘Old Brownie’ had been a regular visitor to the school for over nine years and seems to have made his home there roaming freely among the classrooms and watching the children play. 

But according to the Headmistress of the Subiaco Infants’ School Miss Elizabeth Glendinning, the dog had formed a special relationship with one of the children, seven year old Annette Bourke.

The article and photograph are from Trove, the database at the National Library of Australia. No copyright infringement intended. 

Daily News, 19 July 1947.

Shy, seven-year-old Annette Bourke has a strange influence over a temperamental old dog which has visited her school for the past nine years. Teachers at the Subiaco Infants School and many parents are amazed at the power that little, Annette has over the old dog which has no other home but the school. She is envied by her school friends who have unsuccessfully tried to break down the reserve which the dog shows when with others. Each day Annette becomes the central figure as dozens crowd around to see her feed 'Old Brownie,' as she calls him. Other children have brought scraps to feed the dog but he treats them with a coldness in direct contrast with the devotion he shows to his young mistress. Unable to gain his confidence, others, even adults, are forced to give their tit-bits to Annette to give to the dog. 

Gleefully he barks a welcome to her each morning and faithfully takes up a position near her classroom for the rest of the day. School headmistress Miss Glendinning has known the dog since it first came to the school as an outcast nine years ago. Said she: 'No one seemed to want the dog but the children grew to love him and he quietly followed them and watched them play. 

But I cannot understand his attitude towards Annette. Never before has anyone been able to exercise such control over him. 'And she is so attached to the dog that I think she would go without her own lunch rather than see Brownie go hungry. 

Nine years ago 'Old Brownie' was rather a nuisance; he chewed the desks and the teacher's charts and jumped on the children. Now he is quiet and demure. He sometimes wanders into my office and stretches himself out for a while. 

But he refuses to have anything to do with men. Only the other day he snapped at the inspector. According to the caretaker, the dog has an instinct which tells him when it is holiday time. Until the children return he is not seen in that part of Subiaco but the day school opens he is back and the first he greets is curly-haired Annette.

“The Man With The Sweets”...Subiaco Resident Honoured (1937).

“The Man With The Sweets”...Subiaco Resident Honoured (1937). 

This is a wonderful story about a Subiaco resident Mr Henry Edmeades, of Hamersley Road, Subiaco turning 100 years old in 1937 and celebrating with his family, the community and the children from the Subiaco State School. 

Children from the Subiaco State School attended the celebrations at his home and sang two of Mr Edmeades’ favourite hymns and a range of secular songs. A group of children from the Subiaco Infants School attended and performed songs, dances and recitations. The children also gave Mr Edmeades a bookmark, a card they made and baskets of flowers. Mr Edmeades was delighted with the presentation and thanked the children and their teachers. 

In April the following year The West Australian reported that Mr Edmeades had sadly passed away. The children of Subiaco held a special place in his heart. “...The children of Subiaco had a special affection for Mr. Edmeades. He was known to them as "the man with the sweets," a title which he earned by his habit of carrying a bag of sweets with him on his frequent visits to the Subiaco Municipal Gardens and giving the sweets to the children playing there...” His wife had recently died aged 99 years.

The newspaper articles and photograph are from Trove, the database of the National Library of Australia. No copyright infringement intended.

West Australian, 23 November 1937.

A HUNDRED YEARS OLD. 

Subiaco Resident Honoured. 

Surrounded by his family and friends, honoured with a visit from the Lieut. Governor (Sir James Mitchell) and Lady Mitchell, and serenaded by the children of his district, Mr. Henry Edmeades, of Hamersley-road, Subiaco, celebrated the 100th anniversary of his birth. His health was better than it had been for some time. 

The home was decorated with many flags and a great quantity of flowers supplied by the Subiaco Municipal Council. The dining-room was a study in pink, all the flowers and decorations being in tone, with the exception of a bunch of magnolia presented by Lady Mitchell. A two-tier birthday cake was surnmounted with a device representing a ladder leading to the "golden key to the century." Horseshoes bearing the word "centenary" adorned the table, on which was spread a beautiful crocheted, cloth worked by Mr. Edmeades's late wife, who died recently at the age of 99. 

The Mayor of Subiaco (Mr. W. Richardson), accompanied by councillors and the Town Clerk, were among the first visitors, and a delegation from the old age pensioners called and presented to Mr. Edmeades an address signed by about 70 of their number. Visitors, telegrams and letters were arriving throughout the day, bringing congratulations to the centenarian. 

In the afternoon, a party of children, representing the 1,000 attending the Sublaco State and infants' schools, Bagot road, arrived at the home, and sang two of Mr. Edmeades's favourite hymns, "Rock of Ages" and "Nearer, My God, to, Thee," and a number of secular songs. A party from the infants' school gave action songs, dances and recitations. The children presented baskets of flowers, a book-mark and a framed birthday card made by themselves. Mr. Edmeades smiled in obvious delight at the enter-tainment, and thanked the children and their teachers, Mr. R. A. Morrison and Misses Dowding and Stanbury. Thanks were also expressed by his family, those present including his daughters and sons, Mrs. Hudson Eastwood (who recently came from Melbourne to arrange the celebrations), Miss Edmeades, and Messrs Alex. and Edward Edmeades, and a number of the third generation. Born in Kent, England, Mr. Ed-meades migrated to Australia at the age of 17 years, and settled in Western Australia 40 years ago. He owned and conducted the Avon brewery at Northam for ten years, and during that period was a councillor. Since then he has lived in retirement at Subiaco, though he was very active and until a few months ago regularly visited Perth. He was popular with the children of Subiaco, for he often visited the municipal gardens and gave sweets to the children.

Children at the Subiaco State school singing to Mr. H. Edmeades yesterday when he celebrated his 100th birthday.

West Australian, 8 April 1938. 

A CENTENARIAN'S DEATH. 

The late Mr Henry Edmeades. 

Aged 100 years and a few months, Mr. Henry Edmeades, of Hamersley-road, Subiaco, died last night after a short illness. A native of Kent, he migrated to Australia at the age of 17 years and then settled in this State 40 years ago. The children of Subiaco had a special affection for Mr. Edmeades. He was known to them. as "the man with the sweets," a title which he earned by his habit of carrying a bag of sweets with him on his frequent visits to the Subiaco Municipal Gardens and giving the sweets to the children playing there. His generosity was recognised by the children on the occasion of his hundredth birthday, last November, when a large party from the Subiaco State school visited his home and sang two of his favourite hymns and a number of secular songs to him. He was also visited by the Lieut. Governor (Sir James Mitchell) and Lady Mitchell and by the Mayor (Mr. W. Richardson) and councillors of Subiaco. Mr. Edmeades owned the Avon brewery at Northam for ten years and during that period he served as a councillor on the Northam Municipal Council. He had lived in Subiaco for the last 30 years and, until a few months ago, he made regular visits to the city. Mr.Edmeades's wife died recently at the age of 99.

Subiaco Infant’s School...Miss Elizabeth Glendinning (Head Teacher).

Subiaco Infant’s School...Miss Elizabeth Glendinning (Head Teacher).

The Subiaco State School was first established in 1897. By the turn of the century the school had grown and there were several hundred children attending. The school was divided in a “Senior School”, an “Infant’s School” and an “Intermediate School”. By 1912 there were over 400 children at the school. The Thomas Street State School was opened in 1904 to accommodate the over crowding.

Articles sourced through the pages of various newspapers of the time provide an insight into some of the activities of the young children participated in. These included concerts, preparing school work for display for parent’s nights, sport’s carnivals, celebrations of special days like and examinations. 

But what was the philosophy of teaching young children. From 1900 to 1956 the Subiaco Infants School had a number of Headmistresses. From 1937 to 1948 Miss Elizabeth Glendinning was Headmistress and taught there for 28 years. She resigned in 1948. 

On the 18 June 1948 there was a photograph in The West Australian of Miss E Glendinning receiving a present from her students after retiring from teaching. The photograph is copied below. 

Throughout her time at the Miss Elizabeth Glendinning shared the philosophy of early childhood education at school events which were recorded through newspapers. Of particular interest were articles from 1937 and 1938 which explained how the philosophy of early childhood teaching was organised around organised play, the importance of working together as a group, and music. The “Infant’s School” had become a model for best practice and used to help train student teachers. Nearly 90 years on play, group work and music are still considered best practice for early childhood education.

The articles and photograph are from Trove, the database of the National Library of Australia. No copyright infringement intended. 

West Australian, 28 October 1937.

INFANTS' SCHOOL DISPLAY. Wide Variety of Work.

An Interested audience of educationists and others interested in educational methods was given an opportunity yesterday afternoon of seeing at work some of the 350 or more children in the eight classes at Subiaco Infants' School.

On two occasions last week gatherings of parents witnessed a similar exhibition. Among the special guests yesterday were the Acting Minister for Education (Mr. Milllngton), the Mayor of Subiaco (Mr. W. Richardson) and Mrs. Richardson, the vice-principal of the Teachers' Training College. (Mr. T. Milligan) and Mrs. Milligan, a former Chief Inspector, Mr. J. A. Miles, and Mrs. Miles, the Town Clerk of Subiaco (Mr. McCormack) and several councillors. Apologies were received from the Minister for Education (Mr. Wise), Mrs. Cardell-Oliver, ML.A., the Acting Director of Education (Mr. C. A. Hadley), Professor R. Cameron and District Inspector E. A. Coleman. 

In a brief address of welcome the head teacher (Miss E. Glendinning) referred appreciatively to the support given to the school not only by the parents, but also by citizens. The work which the children were going to present, she continued, had not been specially prepared, but was the same as done day by day in the classrooms. 

Teaching at the school was carried out to a large extent by organised play, the duller features of education being given to the children in the most palatable form possible. Miss Glendinning expressed her appreciation of Mr. Millington's assistance in obtaining for the school an adjacent block of land Mr. Millington, in replying, expressed regret that more forethought had not been shown earlier in setting aside land for schools and playgrounds in and around Perth. It was gratifying, he said, for parents and others interested in education to be given opportunities of seeing their children at work. 

Educational methods had altered considerably in recent years and now, instead of having to persuade children to attend school, it was difficult to keep them at home. In the schoolroom, too, children were learning early the value of pulling together as a unit, and this should prove invaluable in their after life as citizens of Australia and the Empire. 

A Comprehensive Display. 

An interesting feature of the work presented by the children yesterday was that it was not carried out under the direction of the teachers, whose main functions in the display were to officiate at the piano. Instructions for marching, descriptions of the work being done, explanations of songs and of the origin of dances and the conducting of the percussion bands and singing were all left in the hands of the children, who carried out their tasks with a precision, confldence and clarity of voice surprising to their adult audience. Nursery rhymes with actions by small boys and girls, who had been at school for only eight months, were much admired, and a display of physical exercises by a group of little boys under the direction of a seven-year-old boy, who issued instructions and blew his whistle with the air of a martinet, was another outstanding item. The work of the percussion bands, under miniature conductors, who displayed a surprising sense of rhyth, the singing and the group recitations, were all of a high standard and the children managed without any difficulty to keep their audience entertained for almost two hours. That subtle education in matters pertaining to health is being given the children was demonstrated by two plays, one of which portrayed the invasion of disease germs into a small body undersupplied with such vitamin-containing foods as milk, vegetables (particularly spinach), fruits, etc., and a second play, set in a dentist's surgery, where a competent young dentist (aged roughly seven years) and his nurse attended first to a child who had a tooth extracted with graphic realism and, secondly, to a little girl who had eaten the correct foods and, therefore, had no faulty teeth. Throughout their work the children revealed a dramatic sense surprising for their years. 

A vote of thanks to the staff of the school for the interest taken in the children and the excellent results obtained was moved by Mr. T. Milligan and carried with enthusiasm. The Subiaco Infants' School was a training centre for pupil teachers, he said, but this did not in any way detract from the success of the pupils. Young teachers, with their youthful enthusiasm, rarely failed to bring a new freshness into any schools to which they were attached. Following the display, the visitors inspected the handicraft, sewing, writing and other work of the children in the classrooms. 

West Australian, 16 July 1938.

HAPPY DAYS IN SCHOOL How "Atmosphere" Helps. 

Modern methods of teaching young children were demonstrated yesterday morning at the Sublaco Infants' State school before the senior Inspector of schools (Mr. E. A. Coleman) by the head teacher (Miss E. Glendinning) and her staff. Accompanying Mr. Coleman were some friends, who later told him of their high admiration of the work done in the school, and the remarkable influence which the teachers exerted over the pupils by establishing warm mutual friendship with them. The visitors were told that the age range of the children was from six to nine years, and as they went from one classroom to another they were informed that the children had had six. 12 or 18 months tuition, as the case might be. It was ascertained that many of the pupils of only six months standing had voluntarily read 60 books in their library, and had shown great aptitude for seeking knowledge. With the aid of wisely selected pictures of a type impressing the child mind in the desired direction, the classrooms created a bright atmosphere, and a different theme or project was denoted in the decorative feature of each room. These projects were changed from time to time, the visitors were told, and as the pupils were advanced from one room to another they widened their knowledge and perception. One classroom denoted Japan, and was adorned with pictures of Japanese scenes and objects, as well as articles of the same nature made by the children. In this room the visitors were greeted by a group of the children dressed in gaily-coloured kimonos, and offered a ceremonious "Good morning!" Children, in turn, recited a few remarks on some national custom, or sang a translation of Japanese songs, while one boy aged eight showed two dictionaries which he was compiling on his own initiative, one for pocket purposes and the other illustrated. An accurate sense of musical pitch was demonstrated by the oldest children, a number of whom recently gave a broadcast session from 6W?. They sang a variety of little songs culled from the folk-lore of various nations, and the visitors were astounded to notice the high standard of their work. Some of the tunes, involving chromatic runs and, in other cases, bridging awkward intervals of tone, would have been difficult enough for adults to sing accurately; but those children rendered them faultlessly. There was a freshness of sincerity about their singing. The representation of a broadcast which introduced this final vocal work was preceded by an example of a percussion band in which the rhythm of the tune played on the piano by the teacher was caught by groups of "instruments" (many of them improvised) on the direction of a little girl who conducted. Proving that rhythm was instinctive among the children, it was noticed that several were reacting to the beat by tapping with their fingers or swinging their wrists during periods when their particular groups were not "playing." The general impression formed by the visitors was that the children were' radiantly happy in their school life and were given every opportunity to develop their respective personalities; also that there was complete and friendly understanding between teacher and pupil.

Mr and Mrs R J Robins - Early Pioneers From Subiaco

Mr and Mrs R J Robins - Early Pioneers From Subiaco. 

A wonderful story about early Subiaco pioneers Mr and Mrs Robins who celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary in 1944. Together the couple share stories about their life together including living in Subiaco in the early years and their family and children. 

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

Sunday Times, 8 October 1944.

NEDLANDS COUPLE CELEBRATE

DIAMOND WEDDING

This week-end is a momentous one in the ufe of Mr. and Mrs. R. J. Robins of 76 Thomas-street, Nedlands. Today it the 60th anniversary of their wedding and, incidentally, the day of their nativity. Mr. Robins turns 81 and his wile 79. The occasion was celebrated yesterday by members of the family and friends.

Married at Prahran. Victoria, in 1884 the couple arrived in the State 11 years later, and were among the pioneers of Subiaco which then boasted a solitary shop.

Rokeby-road amounted to nothing more than a cart track, the rumble of trams was unknown, there was no electricity, and an improvised water supply necessitated the carrying of the all important fluid in kerosene tins from a well.

Wilderness Of Sand

Hay-street, then known as Broome-road, was, at the time of their arrival, more or less a wilderness of sand, but later, owing to an epidemic of smallpox, was surfaced (!) from Colin-street to the present-day subway leading through to Jolimont where a temporary cemetery was established. Karrakatta did not exist.

Mrs. Robins recounts with a measure of pride that she attended the first sale conducted at Boans, which in those days was an unpretentious little place standing on swampy land.

Her husband, who, according to his partner of 60 years standing nowadays, "has nothing to do." was a journeyman bricklayer, and started as such when he reached here. Later turning to building and contracting, he has a fund of anecdotes regarding the trade, but now confines his energies to the care of a wide, spange of lawns and a beautiful garden, in which cinerarias are his main weakness as well as the multitude of snails which constantly keep him on the alert.

Big Family

Originally there was a family of seven. At present it comprises of the couple’s three sons, two daughters, 13 grandchildren, and a great grand son.

One of the boys is a lieutenant instructor in a guerilla school, while another (Bert) was a foundation member of the Y.M.C.A and a champion long-distance runner. For three years he was unbeaten in the 10-mlle events, and was at one occasion an unpremeditated and innocent suspect of a robbery which had occurred in Mount's Bay-road. Simul-taneous with the time the police were making inquiries he chanced to be indulging in a customary practice run, was sighted by an alert custodian of the law and promptly pursued. Being so fleet of foot. It was not until the closed gates ot the Milligan-street crossing were reached that he was overtaken. Totally oblivious of what had happened, he was at a loss to understand why he should be interrupted in his outing, and had to rely on his wife to establish his identity.

In company with two of his boys Mr. Robins is and always has been, a total abstainer as far as alcohol is concerned, but is himself a rabid and consistent smoker. In the course of "assisting" his better-half in the beautiful surroundings o{ their home he seldom is seen without his pipe.

Alice Jane Marshall - The Story Of A Pioneer Woman In Subiaco.

Alice Jane Marshall - The Story Of A Pioneer Woman In Subiaco.

This was a difficult post to research and write. Many of the newspaper articles accessed on Trove, the database at the National Library of Australia about many women during the early years identify them by their marital status as a Miss or Mrs and if married by their husband’s initials and married name. There is often no mention of their Christian names. 

Many women shared some wonderful experiences through the newspapers of the early years such as Mrs W. F. Marshall, a pioneer who lived in Roberts Road, Subiaco. She was married to the Anglican minister the Reverend W. F. Marshall, successfully raised a family, nursed her husband when he became ill and actively contributed to the social life of the community. 

In 1850 William Frederick Marshall (originally born in England in Yorkshire in 1845 and migrated to South Australia when he was 19) was ordained in Adelaide. Over 20 years he travelled and worked in churches at Penola, Mallala, Stanebury and Dublin. In articles about the Reverend W. F. Marshal mention briefly he married a “Miss Packard” who played the organ at one his parishes in South Australia, Penola. She was born in England, came out to Australia with her family when a small child in 1850. She was educated in South Australia. “...While at Penola he met Miss Pickard who was the organist at St. Luke’s Church in Adelaide and he was deacon-in-charge there...They moved to Western Australia in 1900...together they had two sons and three daughters... (The West Australian, 16 December 1930).

But what was Mrs W. F. Marshall’s Christian name as none of the articles researched mentioned this. The Post Office Directories for Western Australia and the address show that Mrs W. F. Marshall continued to live in their family home in Roberts Road, Subiaco after the death of her husband. The Births, Deaths and Marriages of Western Australia records provide no further help as the couple were not born or married in Western Australia. After an extensive search a small family notice in the Adelaide Observer on the 21 November 1874 provides the only clue. “MARSHALL - PACKARD - On the 17 th November, at S. Mary’s, Penola, by the Rev. F. Hocter, M.A. Incumbent of Christchurch, Mount Gambier, the Rev. William Federick Marshall, third son of the late Rev. P. C. Marshall, M. A. to Alice Jane, fourth daughter of the late Rev. D. Packard, M.A. Incumbent of S. Andrew’s, Walkerville, near Adelaide. “

In 1937 Mrs Marshall celebrated her 88 the birthday with her family and friends. The West Australian newspaper wrote an article “Woman’s Realm Mrs. W. F. Marshall, 88th Birthday Celebrated... “...Her advancing years seem to have had little or no effect on Mrs Marshall’s vitality, for she does a great deal of fine embroidery, is an excellent cook, and still enjoys showing her prowess at that art: and moreover takes an interest in various missions and other activities...” (West Australian,  11 May, 1937)

Another article “NONAGENARIAN PIONEER. Mrs. W. F. Marshall Celebrates 90th Birthday.” was written as she celebrated her 90 th birthday and shared stories from her pioneering and family life. “... “It was certainly a hard life and a trying one," said Mrs. Marshall yesterday, "but I didn't let it worry me. The old days were different and wonderfully interesting and I much prefer them to modern times. The modern age had to come, I suppose, but I'm sorry it came in my day." (The West Australian 10 May, 1939) The article is copied below. 

The Metropolitan Cemeteries Board records show that Alice May Marshall died soon after this interview on 6 October, 1939 aged 90. She was buried at Karrakatta Cemetery. The Rev. William Frederick Marshall had died nine years earlier on the 15 December, 1930 aged 85. He was also buried at Karrakatta Cemetery. 

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

West Australian, 10 May 1939. 

NONAGENARIAN PIONEER. 

Mrs. W. F. Marshall Celebrates 90th Birthday. 

Ninety years-nearly the span of a century! This is what Mrs. W. F. Marshall, of Roberts-road, Subiaco, will have behind her today when she celebrates her 90th birthday and enters for the first time into the select few of Perth's nonagenarians. 

Mrs. Marshall came out to Australia from England with her parents as a small child in the sailing ship, the Asia, and settled in Adelaide. About 50 years ago, she left the comparative civilisation of that city and came to the wild, open spaces of Western Australia's bushland with her husband, the late Canon William Frederick Marshall. For many years in the Arthur River district, she experienced the loneliness, hardship and privations of the pioneer and brought up her five children under conditions which now seem insuperable. 

As rector of the Arthur River district, Canon Marshall had long trips to make to the surrounding centres, and Mrs. Marshall has vivid memories of dangerous roads, with the horses sometimes up to their knees in swamps, of bushfires on either side of the road, and of accidents which occurred when necessary help was not forthcoming. Housekeeping difficulties were perhaps the worst of all, the trouble being the lack of fresh foods and the predominance of tinned stuffs, especially tinned butter, in the diet. Practice in baking bread made her an excellent baker, especially with the use of the big brick ovens. 

“It was certainly a hard life and a trying one," said Mrs. Marshall yesterday, "but I didn't let it worry me. The old days were different and wonderfully interesting and I much prefer them to modern times. The modern age had to come, I suppose, but I'm sorry it came in my day." Time has dealt gently with Mrs. Marshall, and despite the hardship of her married life, her serenity is untouched. Meeting and talking to this active woman, with her well-preserved skin and softly greying hair, her sense of humour and alert perceptive qualities, one gets no clue as to the maturity of her years. Today she will be the guest of honour at a family party at her home.

Elizabeth Mary Connor, Pioneer Of Subiaco (1932)

Elizabeth Mary Connor, Pioneer Of Subiaco (1932).

A wonderful story and photographs about one of the early pioneer women in Subiaco, Elizabeth Mary Connor published in The West Australian on 24 September 1932. 

The photograph of Mary Elizabeth Connor and her husband John Rowland Jones at their home in Roberts Road, Subiaco is from the Facebook page of the City of Subiaco. No copyright infringement intended. 

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

West Australian,  24 September 1932.

PIONEER OF SUBIACO.

MRS. JONES'S MEMORIES. 

First House in the Suburb.

On April 28, 1853. the barque Palestine dropped anchor in Gage Roads, Fremantle. The vessel had taken six months to make the voyage from England to Fremantle.

Among the passengers who went ashore was Elizabeth Mary Connor, then barely three years of age, a native of Cornwall, who had made the trip with her parents. The child grew up in the colony and later married Mr. J. Rowland Jones, short-hand reporter and journalist, and went to live in the first house built in Subiaco, now 365 Roberts-road, Subiaco, about 20 chains east of the railway station. She lives there still. 

In the sitting-room of this house yesterday, Mrs. Jones recalled her long life in Western Australia. Often the corners of her mouth would wrinkle in a smile, and her keen eyes would twinkle, as she wove a humorous thread into the fabric of her story. 

There was enough and to spare of work, sorrow and fun in the life of the early settlers. Elizabeth Mary Connor first lived with her parents in a little cottage in front of the Perth railway station. The Globe Hotel now probably stands on the site of the old cottage. From that house they shifted to a cottage at the bottom of Mill-street, near Lefroy's garden, on which Winterbottom's Garage 'now stands. Later the Connor family went to live in Mount's Bay-road. 

Mrs. Jones's father went to Victoria in a gold rush. He sent her mother sums of money, and expressed his intention of making a home for his family, but he was never heard of again. Mrs. Jones's mother married a second time. Elizabeth Mary's stepfather was in charge of one of the "Puffing Billies" on the river. 

“Pufflng Billy." 

This "Puffing Billy" was used to take stores up and down the river. When the Fremantle bridge was being built, timber was taken from the upper reaches of the Swan River at Guildford to the port. Comparatively small lengths of timber were stacked on the deck of the small craft and one or two piles, according to size, were chained on each side of the vessel. 

The old bridge, later superseded by the present Causeway, was frequently under water in the winter months. Mrs. Jones and her sisters often went down to see the new Causeway being built. A barge was provided for taking horses and carts across the river during the winter. After being educated at the Convent of Mercy, in what is now Victoria-square, Mrs. Jones undertook dressmaking. She made dresses for the ladies of many of the old families. The Misses Leake were among her clients. When the third daughter of the Leake's became Lady Parker, the wedding dress was the work of Miss Elizabeth Mary Connor. The wife of Bishop Parry, who before her marriage was a Miss Leake. was another of Miss Connor's clients, among whom were the Burts and the Roes, and many other families. 

When she was 23 years of age Miss Connor was married in St. Mary's Cathedral to Mr. J. Rowland Jones. Father O'Reilly, who later became Roman Catholic Archbishop of Adelaide, celebrated the marriage, and Mr. John Whitely, who was subsequently Commissioner of Taxation in Western Australia, was the best man. In the early days of the colony. Mr. Jones was employed as a shorthand writer to the Legislative Council. With the establishment of Responsible Government he became shorthand writer to the Legislative Assembly. For a time Mr. Jones was editor of the "Western Australian Times," which was later merged with the "Perth Gazette" and became '"he West Australian." There was little money in the colony in the early days and the workmen had to take orders upon storekeepers as wages. The storekeeper supplied the man's needs and gave him cash to pay his butcher and other tradesmen. 

About 1886 Mr. and Mrs. Jones decided to build a residence about three miles west of Perth at a spot on the opposite side of the railway line to the Benedictine monastery. Before the house could be constructed, water was essential. Steps were taken to sink a well. The "experts" said water would be found at 18 feet. Bricks were scarce and orders had to be placed with the brickmakers at Guildford a long time ahead. Bricks sufficient to line a well to a depth of 24 feet were obtained. At 24 feet there was no sign of water. Another order for bricks was given, again on the advice of the "experts." But again water was not located. It was only when the well had been sunk to a depth of about 60 feet that water was obtained, and the construction of the house could be begun. The well took nine months to sink. 

Camel Teams from Fremantle. 

A railway platform had been constructed almost immediately in front of the house, which now stands in Roberts-road, Subiaco. The platform was about 20 chains east of the present railway station. There were three or four trains a day between Perth and Fremantle when Mr. and Mrs. Jones went to Subiaco to live. After leaving Perth, the only other buildings near the railway line were a few houses in Colin street, and a house and woodyard near the Leederville station. Camel teams journeying from Fremantle to the goldfields frequently passed the lone house at Subiaco. 

Before Broom-road (Hay-street) was extended to Subiaco it was not unusual for Mr. and Mrs. Jones in their cart to take the wrong track and become temporarily lost in the bush. When Mr. Jones was working on the "Western Australian Times" and on Hansard, a light was left burning behind a window of the Jones's homestead to guide him home. At night the train stopped at the little platform when a match was struck or a lighted lamp was held aloft. Mr. Jones died in 1895.' 

Mrs. Jones has many treasures. They include old documents, a copy of the jubilee issue of the "Western Australian Times," edited by her husband, and other papers, an old prayer book which belonged to her father, and which is over 200 years old. She sets great store by two needlework pictures which were brought to the colony by her mother. The pictures, exquisitely worked, are claimed to be over 300 years old. On the voyage to Australia the captain of the barque offered Mrs. Connor £5 each for the pictures. "If they are worth £5 to you," she replied, "they are worth £5 to me." 

On Wednesday Mrs. Jones journeyed to Fremantle to welcome a son home from Singapore. She has nine children, 19 grand-children and one great-grandchild. On May 31 last she celebrated her 83rd birth-day. Time does not hang heavily on her hands. "A little sewing and reading,"' was how the "mother" of Subiaco described her interests.