Subiaco Centenary Celebrations And The Acknowledgement Of Women... (1929).

Subiaco Centenary Celebrations And The Acknowledgement Of Women... (1929).

In April, 1929 Subiaco had special celebrations to commemorate the centenary of Western Australia . 

In the past many histories have focused on the achievements of prominent men. They have excluded the contributions made by Indigenous peoples, women, migrants and children.

The article titled 'Subiaco Celebrations' published in the West Australian in 1929, fully acknowledges the contribution made by women and the hardships they endured while living in Subiaco during the early years. The article states "Mr. W. Richardson, M.L.A., who said that any success "that had come to the municipality, was due to the women. In the early days they had endured many hardships." 

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

The article and photograph of school children participating in the centenary is from Trove, the database of the National Library of Australia. No copyright infringement intended.  

West Australian, 17 April 1929.

SUBIACO CELEBRATIONS.

Pioneers' Re-union.

To commemorate the centenary of Western Australia the residents of Subiaco are holding special reunions and celebrations throughout the present week.

The celebrations commenced officially last night when 300 pioneers of the district attended a re-union in the King's Hall. Subiaco. The Mayor (Mr. J. C. Roydhouse), in welcoming the pioneers, referred to the 'Back to Subiaco Week' as part of the Centenary celebrations. 

He outlined the progress of the municipality, stating that originally it consisted solely of hessian houses. Today, there are many fine buildings, while the population had grown to 17,000. 

He was supported by Mr. W. Richardson, M.L.A., who said that any success 'that had come to the municipality, was due to the women. In the early days they had endured many hardships. 

Many of the pioneers responded, including ex-Councillor J. Delamare, and the first stationmaster of Subiaco, Mr. E. G. Paddison. The latter stated that the revenue in May, 1906 from passengers' fares from Subiaco was £3/15/, and from goods traffic £31. In 1905 when he left the station the revenue was £12,000. 

The programme for the remainder or the celebrations is as follows: - Today, cricket reunion: tomorrow, Bowling Club reunion: Friday, Choral Society concert; Saturday, gala and procession; Monday, footballers' reunion; Tuesday, Centennial Ball: The profits from the gala arid the ball will be donated to the Children's Hospital. Sunday has been dedicated to citizenship. Special services will be observed in all churches. 

In the afternoon there will be a united citizens' gathering in West's Theatre.

West Australian, 30 September 1929.

CHILDREN'S DISPLAY.

Thousands in Drills and Dances.

In perfect weather, 7,000 State school children took part in a display at Perth Oval on Saturday afternoon, in the pre-sence of a large crowd. At 2.30 p.m., when the display was timed to begin, hundreds of people were still clamouring at the gates for admittance, and the ground and the grandstand were crowded. The arrangements were in the hands of Acting-Chief Inspector of Schools (Mr. J. A. Klein), the

SPECTACULAR DEMONSTRATION BY SCHOOL CHILDREN TO MARK THE CENTENARY.

About 7,000 children from metropolitan schools gave a massed display at Perth Oval on Saturday. The maypole dance was one of the most spectacular events.

Director of Physical Culture (Mr. R. Blair) and Miss. Emily Ware. The chief marshals were:— Boys, Messrs. R. Llewellyn (Subiaco), E. Smith (North Perth), and C. Lutz (Mount Hawthorn); girls, Messrs. G. W. Bailey (East Victoria Park), A. Lasscock (West Leederville), and J. Lunt (Rosalie). 

A large number of other helpers, members of the staff of the Education Department, gave up their Saturday afternoon in order to contribute to the success of one of the most charming and impressive features of the centenary celebrations. Appropriately, the display began with a march of white-clad little children to position beneath a number of maypoles, the particoloured streamers of which hung down invitingly. They were not to be used yet, however, and the children merely joined hands and danced around the poles to a lively tune from the band. 

The dance chosen was the old-fashioned Sir Roger de Coverley, and it was danced with charming abandon. Next came a spectacle which must have constricted many throats and dimmed many eyes, so inspiring, it was and so pregnant with glimpsed implications. The new generation of West Australians marched on to the ground in their thousands, heads up and eyes shining, carrying themselves with conscious pride. The boys turned to the left as they entered the arena; the girls to the right. Opposite the grandstand the coloums of fours met and crossed, the white-shoe feet and striking coloured head dresses of the girls making a kaleidoscopic pattern behind the ranks of proudly marching boys. 

The boys were uniformly dressed in white shirts, navy blue pants, socks, and, white sand-shoes. The girls were in white silk jumpers and black skirts, but one third had brilliant yellow head-dresses and ties, another third brilliant blue, and another red. Applause which sounded like a rainstorm greeted the marching thousands. The grand march over, the turn of the little children came, and maypole dancing delighted the spectators for 20 minutes. Flying feet, and flying curls danced merrily among the coloured streamers. 

Next, a squad of sturdy boys marched on to the ground and formed on their markers with the precision of a Guards battalion. Each boy carried a red flag and a white one. A series of exercises, to which the coloured flags gave brightness, followed. In the next item, the senior girls went through a programme of physical drill, rhythmic exercises, folk dances, and marching. Their dancing of a sailors' hornpipe brought a storm of applause. Physical exercises by a large squad of senior boys closed the afternoon s display.

The Sunday Times School Photographs... (1934).

The Sunday Times School Photographs... (1934).

In the early years in Western Australia newspapers photographed and published class photographs of school children from various schools. 

Throughout 1934, The Sunday Times newspaper published a photograph of the children in sixth form from various schools around the State before they went on to further education. The Sunday Times newspaper would single out two children from each class for a prize to encourage children and parents to buy the paper and have a look.

Copied below are photographs of the children in sixth form from Subiaco State School, Thomas Street State School and Rosalie State School. 

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

William Cadman...Subiaco Business Owner And Photographer (1917).

William Cadman...Subiaco Business Owner And Photographer (1917).

William Cadman was a business owner and photographer during the early years of Subiaco. 

The Western Australian Post Directories show that William Cadman operated a stationary and confectionary store at 187 Rokeby Road Subiaco in 1917. Cadman's store was part of Doyle Court... "Doyle Court originally comprised butcher, chemist, draper & residence, Cadman's stationer & confectioner and grocers c1905. It was named after Henry Doyle, first Mayor of Subiaco in 1897..." (http://inherit.stateheritage.wa.gov.au). 

In 1917, William Cadman photographed and a booklet titled 'Views of Subiaco'. The booklet contained photographs of Perth and the surrounding areas including Subiaco and Nedlands. Photographs included from Subiaco were of the Subiaco Municipal Gardens, Home of Peace, West Subiaco railway station, the original post and telegraph office, Rokeby Road, the Children's Hospital and the entrance to King's Park. He also produced postcards of Subiaco.  

The photographs copied below are from the booklet titled Views of Subiaco by William Cadman. They are from the website of the Royal Historical Society of Western Australia. No copyright infringement intended. 

Views of Subiaco album.

Published by W. Cadman, Subiaco c1917,

Municipal Gardens, Subiaco,






Views of Subiaco album.

Published by W. Cadman, Subiaco c1917

Rokeby Road, No. 1 Subiaco WA.

Views of Subiaco album.

Published by W. Cadman, Subiaco c1917.

Hay and Thomas Streets, Subiaco WA.

Chittenden, S. H. Photographer, Subiaco...

Chittenden, S. H. Photographer Subiaco...

S. H. Chittenden was a photographer who lived in Subiaco.

The Royal Historical Society of Western Australia's webpage contains photographs that Chittenden took of trams in Perth, Subiaco and surrounding suburbs. He took photographs of ordinary people catching trams from the early 1900's to the 1950's. 

During the 1930's Chittenden took a photograph of a group of mothers loading up prams and children onto the trams. The prams hung off the front of the trams. In the 1950's Chittenden took photographs of the last tram from Subiaco, the no 22 trip before the bus route took over during the 1950's.

The photographs are from the Royal Historical Society of Western Australia webpage. No copyright infringement intended. 

  



Tram no. 22 on last trip before bus take-over in the 1950's.






Interior of tram in the 1950's.






Tram - featuring 1930's fashion & pram with handle designed to be hung on back of the tram.

The Subiaco 'Rattler' (1948).

The Subiaco 'Rattler' (1948).

In 1948, Mr F. Robins, a tram driver retired. He drove trams to Subiaco for 12 years and was the longest period served by any driver on any one route. The tram was known as the 'Subiaco Rattler'.

The tram route to Subiaco was instrumental in it's development by providing public transport (other than the train) to the area and attracting residents and businesses. Passengers on the tram were charged a penny for the ride from Hay Street to Rokeby Road. The penny fare remained in place for 20 years (Daily News, 25 September 1950).

 Today there is a free motorised tram that provides a hop on and off service that travels around Subiaco, Shenton Park and King's Park. The service is run by volunteers with financing supplied by local businesses.  "Ruby is a replica of the original 1899 Trams, she was commissioned to be built around 25 years ago to operate a tour service from Subiaco along Hay St to Perth" (subiaco.com.au).

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

 

Daily News, 27 September 1948.

Veteran tram driver F. Robins (64), well known to Subiaco residents as driver of their 'rattler,' has retired after 40 years' service with the WA Government railways and tram ways. 

Other tramway men claimed today that Mr. Robins' 12 years' service on the Subiaco 'rattler' was the longest period served by any driver on any one run. Today at the carbarn the tramways night staff, of which Mr. Robins was foreman, presented him with a box of cigars and a money filled wallet. 

Mr. Robins joined, the Railway Department in 1906. In 1918 he was transferred to the Tramway Department, and from then until last Thursday was on night shift. 

For many years he was a boxing instructor at Guildford Grammar School, and Wesley and Christian Brothers' colleges. He was also gymnasium instructor at the Railway Institutes at Perth and Midland Junction.

Daily News, 25 September 1950.

The dead helped it spring to life

SUBIACO was only a child — though a lusty one — in 1906 when the top picture was taken, for the district had been proclaimed a municipality only nine years before, and as far as most Perth people were concerned was well out in the bush.

Though Subiaco, like most other districts, had its early growing pains, it had also many public-spirited citizens who toiled to advance the area and get for it some of the amenities enjoyed by the more populous city. Its residents had formed their progress association in October, 1895, and energetic people were elected to push the claims of the district. The association held its first meetings in the open air, then moved to a Government school then in course of erection at the corner of Bagot-rd. and Rokeby-rd. 

The chairman had to sit on, a cement barrel and members had to stand between the joists of the unlaid floor. Still, most of the early residents went along. In August, 1896, Subiaco had 260 houses and 59 tents. Its population totalled 1300. 

SUBIACO got its Italian name from the Spanish Benedictine priests who came out in the early days to establish a mission for natives. They established a monastery, called it Subiaco after a small Italian town. When the railway line from Perth to Fremantle was built, the local siding was called Subiaco because of the link with the monastery. Later the siding was shifted westward. 

And though nearby land was still being sold by the Government as Perth suburban lots, the name Subiaco was soon given to the surrounding territory. Actually, what helped Subiaco to spring to life in 1895 was provision of a last resting place for the dead. The Government estimates for that year made provision for a new road to Subiaco to serve the new cemetery. This became the main road to Subiaco and later part of a main road to Claremont and Fremantle. Then the active progress association, secured the establishment of a road board and local board of health, which held its first meeting 911 May 27, 1896. 

Through lack of an official meeting place, board members met at the residence of chairman Henry Doyle. On March 26, 1897 the district was proclaimed a municipality with three wards and three representatives for each ward. The first election for the council took place on May 29, 1897. Henry Doyle was elected first mayor. As its first move the council pounced on the then Acting Premier Mr. (later Sir) Edward Wittenoom and secured an advance of about £2000 from the Treasury. 

Then, in 1898, the first official post office was opened at the corner of Bagot-rd. and Rokeby rd it served there until 1934 and in April, 1899, they laid the foundation stone of the municipal chambers and library.

AWAKE to the advantages of a tram service to the district, the council approached those in charge of Perth's tramways and in 1900 tramlines were laid along Hay-st. and Rokeby-rd. to King's Park gates. But Subiaco went one better than its rival municipalities. Largely because of the initiative of Cr. C. G. Fisher, supported by Crs. W. J. . Kensitt and J. Wannell, a penny section was gained between the junction of Hay-st. and Rokeby-rd. and King's Park gates. That was the first penny fare in the Perth tramway system; for more, than 20 years it remained the only one. 

Until 1903 Subiaco residents had to rely on kerosene lamps and candles for lighting. In that year the municipality established an electricity supply plant for the streets and private users. The Subiaco plant was established on land leased from the Railway Department and near the boundary of the adjoining municipality of Leederville. It was hoped at the time that Leederville would support the project by taking a supply. For various reasons that did not happen, but it was just as well; in three years the plant was insufficient to supply Subiaco itself and had to be duplicated in 1905. By 1920 there was need for an even greater supply, and an arrangement was made with Perth City Council to buy from it in bulk. Today Subiaco municipality is the third largest in the State.

Sunshine League Sewing Scheme (1908).

Sunshine League Sewing Scheme (1908).

"There is nothing greater or more beautiful in all the world than kind deeds and the humblest child can do them." Sunshine League Motto. 

In 1908, Uncle Tom and Auntie Nell edited the children's pages of the Daily News newspaper in Western Australia. Children wrote to Uncle Tom, competed for prizes to competitions, shared the events in their daily lives and shared their creative work whether it be writing jokes, poetry, short stories or essays.  

The Sunshine League was established to help various charity organisations including the Children's Hospital and Orphan's Christmas Fund and the children became members, donating money and organising and participating in events to raise funds. 

The Sunshine League motto was to ... "band children together to help to bring sunshine into the lives of the suffering and sad. It aims at training children in acts of kindness and love believing that such acts bring blessing to themselves and others. The work of the league generally takes the form of rendering assistance to such institutions as the Children's Hospital, Lady Lawley's Cottage by the Sea, and of providing cheer and entertainment for aged men and women and orphan children.

During the existence of the league it has raised many hundreds of pounds for public charities and its members have done much in the way of visiting such institutions as the Old Men's Home, the Old Women's Home, the Home of Peace and others. There are no entrance fees and each child may become a member by writing to Auntie Nell. All that is expected of the children is they will earnestly try to promote the objects of the league. Our motto is "There is nothing greater or more beautiful in all the world than kind deeds and the humblest child can do them." 

In return Uncle Tom and Auntie Nell replied to and published the children's letters, their contributions and donations in the newspaper and community groups and individuals received much needed resources. They also helped coordinate and publicise the events organised by the children and supportive adults.

One of the schemes Uncle Tom established was the Sunshine League Sewing Scheme. The children were asked to make pillow cases and sheets for the Children's Hospital either by hand or using a sewing machine. The material was supplied by drapery houses. 

Uncle Tom explained how the scheme would work via an article in the children's pages... 

"THE SEWING SCHEME. HOW IT IS TO BE CARRIED OUT.

In regard to the sewing scheme, I have made arrangements with the drapery houses to supply the material for the sheets and pillow-slips required for our two wards at the Children's Hospital at a cheaper rate than usual. On presentation, of an order, my nieces will be able to procure the materials. 

It would not be fair to ask these houses to be continually showing and explaining the samples, and I have decided therefore to have the samples at 'The Daily News' offices, Perth and Fremantle, where they may be examined between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. daily. 

When examining the samples you will obtain the orders for the material. The finished articles need not be made in a hurry, far there is plenty of time. In addition to tne sheets and pillowslips, we shall require some special towels, and some dusters, and I will give this work to some of those who have volunteered. 

One of my nieces suggested having a red rosette worked into the material. The idea is a good one, but the consensus of opinion among those capable of judging is that the names of nieces worked in small plain round lettering below the hems, with good red ingrained cotton (the drapers will tell you the proper kind), would be most suitable. I want you all, therefore, to work your names into the pillowslips and sheets just below the hems in the following style. The above letters will be far easier than ordinary signatures were worked into your work, and more serviceable than if sewing machine for the cots " (Daily News, 18 April, 1908).  

The article copied below is a poem by Susie Corti from Glyde Street, East Fremantle. Susie was an active member of the Sunshine League for many years who donated money and spent her time organising and participating in events to raise money for the Children's Hospital and other charity organisations. In July 1908, Susie with another member Alice Hawkins held a concert and raised some money for the Children's Hospital. Susie participate regularly in concerts and plays as part of the Sunshine League. In March 1909, Susie became very ill and was admitted to Fremantle Hospital. Uncle Tom shared news that she had recovered via the children's pages and there were many relieved children. 

The photograph is from the following year on Arbor Day in 1909 where Lieut Governor and Miss Etta Hollis planted the first tree at Children's Hospital. The Sunshine League children are in the foreground (The Mirror 4 June 1909) The photo is by F. E. Murphy.

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

Daily News, 29 August 1908.

CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL SEWING SCHEME.

(By Susie Corti, 45 Glyde-street, Fremantle).

There are many little sufferers, 

In this sunny land of ours, 

Little cripples, some of them, 

Who have never pleasant hours,  

But they are not quite forgotten, 

There are some to stretch a hand;

Uncle Tom, he is the leader 

Of this Sunshine-making band. 

There's a Sewing Scheme now started, 

For the girls with might and main,

Busy little nieces they are, 

Helping those who are in pain. 

A happy man, is Uncle Tom, 

To have all these busy nieces, 

And I hope as the time goes on, 

That their number still increases. 

For the object is a good one, 

Worthy of our help and aid, 

Would that others were, more eager, 

Is the prayer we've often prayed. 

Dear Susie. - Your verses are very creditable. There's a good poetic swing about the lines, and the sentiment is all right. — Uncle Tom.

Thomas Street State School...Girls Help The Children's Hospital (1937).

Thomas Street State School...Girls Help The Children's Hospital (1937).

Trove, the database of National Library of Australia is full of newspaper articles about the contribution of children writing to newspapers, sharing creative work and raising money and producing goods (guided by adults) within the school and wider community for great causes. 

In 1908, Uncle Tom who edited the children's pages in the Daily News newspaper, established a group for children called the Sunshiner's League where they helped raised funds and produced goods for a variety of charity organisations. One of those charity organisations was the Children's Hospital in Subiaco. They formed a sewing group to make pillow cases and sheets. The story of that scheme is on the next post.

In 1937, the Thomas street State school were actively involved in a sewing group that made goods for the Children's Hospital. One of the teachers Miss M. Beattie at the school volunteered to supervise the task. The girls were of various ages and sewing ability. Not only did those girls who participated learn valuable skills such as sewing and performing a community service for others but they were also involved in self-managing their group. 

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

West Australian, 6 August 1937.

GIRLS HELP HOSPITAL. 

Children's Sewing Auxiliary. 

About 30 girls attending the Thomas street State school in classes between III and VI devote a night every week to sewing for the benefit of the inmates of the Children's Hospital. They comprise the junior auxiliary at the hospital, and contribute to the work of the women's auxiliary. 

They work under the guidance of Miss M. Beattie, one of the teachers at the school, and all volunteered for the task, in which they show care, skill and keenness. Members have been known to forgo an evening at the pictures with their friends in order not to miss the weekly meeting of the auxiliary at the hospital. 

Towelling, portions of garments and linen articles are cut out for them by the women's auxiliary, and the girls complete these items for the cupboards according to their ability. The younger division or those less advanced with the needle, are given made garments, on which they stitch the necessary tapes or letters to brand them as the property of the hospital and as allocated to a particular ward. 

Those qualified to use machines and do more advanced sewing, however, assemble the cut-out portions of garments and complete them. In addition to those who attend at the hospital for this work, there are some younger members of the junior auxiliary who do not attend, but do their portion of the work during the sewing hour at school. 

At the annual Children's Hospital fete the girls help in various ways. The junior auxiliary was begun four years ago by Mrs. D. Mack, a member of the women's auxiliary, who moved to Fremantle. 

Miss Beattie has had charge of the girls for most of the period, and has organised the auxiliary on its present basis. This year Miss Beattie has introduced the idea of club or society principles, under which the girls have appointed a president, vice-president, secretary and assistant-secretary. 

After the auxiliary has begun its work at the weekly assembly, the president takes temporary charge while the secretary reads a record of the work done at the previous meeting. Any communication, such as a message of appreciation, is conveyed to the meeting. After these few minutes of respite, the sewing is resumed with a will. 

The girls take such keen pleasure in their self-appointed task for less fortunate children that Miss Beattie hopes to encourage them to maintain their service to the institution after they leave school. The president of the women's auxiliary (Mrs. Shortland Jones) yesterday commended the work of the junior organisation which, she said, was highly valued by her members. The spirit of healthy girls regularly giving some of their time for the benefit of sick children strongly appealed to her.





West Australian, 14 August 1937.

HELPING  THE HOSPITAL.

Girls from the Thomas-street State school performing volunteer work for the Children's Hospital. These girls devote a night each week to sewing and comprise a junior auxiliary at the hospital, contributing to the work of the women's auxiliary. They work under the guidance of Miss M. Beattie, one of the teachers at the school.

Help For Mothers... A Subiaco Scheme (1943).

Help For Mothers... A Subiaco Scheme (1943).

Throughout the early years of Subiaco the community identified there was need to provide short and long term support to mothers going into hospital who were sick to help take care of their existing children that would be left venerable without adequate support and for those women having children who needed support in caring for new infants. 

In 1897, Lady Hackett, supported by a number of women's organisations wrote to local municipalities to establish a school for mothers. "They appealed for help from the Government and Municipalities for the work of teaching mothers and others how to rear healthy children. The scheme had for its aims and objects the promotion of education and welfare of any mother willing to accept advice, assistance and instruction in all matters concerning the physical, mental and moral development of herself and children, and the improvement of infant life and the reduction of infant morality by instructing mothers on the right rearing of infants...They asked of each municipality a small subsidy and the use of a hall for a few hours each week, so that a nurse could attend in each centre to instruct mothers, weigh the babies ect..." (West Australian, 25 May, 1917).

By 1929 the Infant Health Centre was established by members of the local community and supported by the Subiaco Municipality Council for new mothers "with the very important business of establishing a healthy constitution for our infant population is accepted and appreciated by those most interested - the parents." During the year another centre was established and assisted by the Council in West Subiaco' (West Australian, 17 July, 1929).  

In 1939, the Matron at King Edward Memorial hospital wanted to obtain transport for patients leaving the hospital for home and that travelling in trains and trams was not in their best interests. The Subiaco branch of the League of Women Helpers were interested in promoting a scheme whereby people with cars would be willing one day a month to help transport patients who are discharged in the morning. They were to send their name to a Miss L. Scott, 77 Redfern Street, Subiaco (Mirror, 14 January, 1939).

By 1943 when Australia was at the Second World war and women with families were left to care for their children alone while their husbands were overseas, the support to help mothers who went into hospital to have babies or were sick was increased. There was a need for a professionally run system for the care for children and providing domestic help to families during these times. 

A number of suggestions were put forward by the local elected member of parliament Mrs Cardell-Oliver and various women's groups. Mrs Cardell-Oliver made suggestions for a scheme in Subiaco where by women could volunteer to help look after children while their mother was in hospital. She requested funding from the Subiaco council to help families supporting the child or children. 

In 1943 Mrs Cardell-Oliver also requested help for mothers with prams and children travelling on trams to medical appointments in Subiaco. The photograph is of a tram in Perth in 1950 in Perth...with the pram hanging off the pram hooks on the front. The mother then had to carry her children on and off the tram and unload the pram.    

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

Daily News, 26 February 1943.

DEMAND HELP

Women asked as a right for domestic help to look after their children when they had another baby, declared Mary Ferber citing many pathetic cases which had come to her notice of children left with inadequate care.

She was addressing members of the Women's Service Guild at a special conference to discuss possible methods of providing housekeeping help for mothers in distress. 

A properly organised  scheme for city women was necessary, on the lines of the Emergency Housekeeper scheme for the country, which had been proved successful over many years, she said. 

The Work of Emergency Housekeeper Scheme affiliated with the C.W.A., was outlined by C.W. A. president  Mrs. Archie Burt. Four housekeepers in constant employment were receiving far more calls for assistance than they could handle. Service was entirely free, but donations to expenses from those who could afford it, were welcome. 

They took over entire care of the household until tired mother had recovered by resting. It was, she said, our duty to keep women on the land contented and happy, if the land was not to be deserted for the city, which would be far less healthy for children. 'It is not a matter of expense, but of getting women suitable for the job,' Mrs. Burt said.

ORGANISED EFFORT 

Mrs. F. Cardell-Oliver, M.L.A., said that already there was a movement at Subiaco to form a roster, of women willing to look after children while mother was in hospital. A committee would keep an eye on the suitability of volunteers. 

Parliamentarians were in favour of some sort of help being given to distressed women in each district. Mrs. F. Pratt, for the. National Council of Women, said a body of organised, capable women, such as the W.A.N.S., should handle, this work. 'Goodness of heart is not enough,' for without an organisation to back it, and all voluntary, such effort frequently fails,' she said. 

Women's Service Guild president Mrs. D. Johnston said that the W.A.N.S. was a purely wartime organisation which 'would disband' at the end of the war. A permanent scheme was wanted. A properly equipped play centre in each district, as was advocated by the War Workers' Infants Aid Committee, would do away with much of the difficulty of having children looked after during the day, said Mrs. Eileen Perry. 

GREAT STRAIN

Mrs. Alec King (Kindergarten Union) said that any scheme should be through established organisations, such as district Infant Health centres and the Kindergarten Union. Mrs R. McCavanagh, a mother of 10 children, said that after birth of one child she had had six months in hospital with brain fever because of the pre-natal strain without domestic help. 

Nursery schools were the solution. 

'Leederville Free kindergarten has helped me greatly,' she said. The Salvation Army, delegate said that proper creches would be a great help in relieving the situation. 

BIG PROBLEMS 

Mary Ferber, summing up the discussion, said that even a dozen women in permanent employment under the Housekeeper scheme would be better than local groups; which would be affected by epidemics and petty quarrels. For a mother of several children to care for even one more child would be a distinct hardship. Three women would be needed for emergency cases. The domestic problem would probably be more acute after the war. The Government should form some permanent scheme. Women, after the war, would not be so willing to work for 'sweet charity.' A committee of seven delegates, to investigate the possibility of the establishment of a paid housekeeper scheme, was formed.

West Australian, 22 April 1943.

HELP FOR MOTHERS. 

A Subiaco Scheme. 

In view of the recent appeal by the Deputy-Director-General of Manpower (Mr H. T. Stitfold) to women to offer their services to the WANS as housekeepers to families where the mother had had to enter hospital, a scheme which has been organised in Subiaco is of interest. 

The chairman and organiser of the scheme is Mrs F. Cardell-Oliver, MLA, and through the courtesy of the Mayor and council of Subiaco a meeting of representative organisations was called about two months ago to discuss the position. Writing to these organisations previously, Mrs Cardell-Oliver said: 'We would be grateful if you could send a roster of those in your organisation or other friends who would be willing to take into their homes, for a few weeks only, a child or children of women who are forced through sickness or childbirth to go into hospital and who have no adult help to leave at home. Often the father is in camp or overseas, and the children in these circumstances are left without any carer perhaps some kindly neighbour passes in a little food when and if she is in a position to do so. You can Imagine the mental strain upon the mother knowing that these circumstances exist and the feelings of the father who is in his country's service. We know that most women are doing war work and are seldom at home. However there are some who have young families and older people who cannot do outside work. It is to these we send this appeal. We already have promises of 9 homes, but to lighten the work and so that no one will be called upon twice we need a roster of at least too homes. We have suggested that parents pay according to their ability from 12/6 per week per child.

"Mrs Cardell-Oliver said "that the response was somewhat disappointing. The secretary there upon canvassed a few streets and was able to add 21 further homes to the list, making 30 in all. When the district was properly organised there was no doubt that sufficient offers would be forthcoming. This scheme may be popularised in large centres under the guidance of local responsible bodies working in conjunction with the Housekeeper Scheme." Mrs Cardell-Oliver continued, "and will provide homes for children when housekeepers are not available. All women in the Subiaco area who wish to help and those who want help are asked to communicate with the Secretary, Mrs Clinton, 104 Subiaco road, Subiaco. Any scheme such as this may prove a blessing to the children and a comfort to those who are anxious to do a war job but are unable to do so outside their homes."

Sunday Times, 7 November 1943.

MOTHERS WITH SICK KIDDIES SUFFER HARDSHIP

"Something must be done  to help mothers with young babies who have to go long distances by tram to the Children's Hospital early in the morning." said MLA Mrs Cardell-Oliver. 

Except for one day in the week, Mrs. Oliver pointed out, all the appointments with the hospital doctors are before 9.am, which means that mothers from the outlying suburbs have to leave home as early as 8 o'clock to get with their sick kiddie to Thomas-street.

Owing to the tramway by-law, however, pram can't be carried on trams before 9.30. This means that mothers have to carry heavy children often long distance«, and in the case of a sick child the pram is sometimes vitally necessary, Mrs. Oliver suggests that a special tag should be issued to be placed on prams to make the tram drivers aware that it ia a case of a mother taking her sick child to the hospital. In these cases a departure from the by-law could well be made.

"The Sunday Times" commends the member for Subiaco for this practical suggestion, and we are sure tramway mem themselves would be glad to co-operate. After all, this concerns the children of fellow workers. Perhaps Mr. Tramways Taylor will give it his kind attention.





From Wikipedia... A photograph of tram in Perth in 1950...The pram hanging off the pram hooks...

"A rear three-quarter view of Perth tram 38 on the Horseshoe Bridge over the Perth railway station, Perth, Western Australia. No 38 is at the southern edge of the bridge; it will shortly cross over Wellington Street and then head further south, down William Street. Note the pram hanging off the pram hooks at no 38's rear."

Helen Pretty...A Life of Service (1939).

Helen Pretty...A Life of Service (1939).

Helen Pretty lived in Subiaco in the later part of her life and devoted much of her time to helping others in the area including raising funds for the Children's Hospital. She shared her memories with the the West Australian newspaper in 1939 just after her 91st birthday. The article is copied below. 

Helen Pretty's husband, Edward Pretty was born in Belfast, Ireland in 1850. He married Helen who was born in Australia and settled in Queensland in 1884. Together the couple had five sons and a daughter. By 1895 they had moved to Western Australia when Edward obtained a position as manager of the New Zealand Insurance Company. After Edward retired the couple settled in Mundaring.

"...around c1926, Helen Pretty left the house (at 6825 Great Eastern Hwy, Mundaring) and settled in Subiaco following the death of her daughter. Edward and Helen Pretty were active in the Mundaring community. Edward was a Justice of the Peace in the district and he was a member of the committee which former the Mundaring Horticultural Society in December 1909 which was a break-away group from the Darling Range Horticultural society (formed in 1906). Helen Pretty continued her charity work in Mundaring following her central role in fund raising for Perth’s Hospital for Children in the late 1890s. She contributed to the local school and Anglican Church, most notably through the donation of an organ for the Anglican Church of the Epiphany..." (inherit state heritage database). 

In 1938 Helen Pretty celebrated her 90th birthday. The West Australian published the following article and published a photograph... "A Ninetieth Birthday. There will be a happy luncheon party at 166 Townshend-road, Subiaco, today, when relatives and friends of Mrs. Helen Pretty will gather to wish her many happy returns of the day on the occasion of her 90th birthday.

Mrs. Pretty, who is the widow of the late Mr. Edward Pretty is a well-known Perth identity and a familiar figure with her snowy head surmounted by a graceful mantilla, which she has for many years preferred to hats. She has also a reputation for being a great conversationalist, fund of stories and her remarkably retentive memory making her an asset to any gathering at which she happens to be present. 

Notwithstanding her great age, there are few incidents in her eventful life which she cannot recall, one of her earliest memories being the finishing touches to her father's home in Camden, New South Wales, when workmen had to be brought from Sydney to complete the construction at the rate of £I a day a man, those who had commenced the job having downed tools to participate in the gold rush. That was when Mrs. Pretty was five years of age, three years after her arrival in Australia. 

Her father, Dr. Walker, had come out as surgeon and chaplain on an immigrant ship five years before, his journey taking eight months. His wife and children (Mrs. Pretty was the youngest of seven) came 18 months later on a ship that accomplished the journey in six months. Mrs. Pretty returned to England at the age of 22 and there married her cousin, Mr. Edward Pretty, with whom she returned to Australia. About 43 years ago they settled in Western Australia. 

Those who have been invited to her luncheon party today will partake of a repast prepared under her own supervision as she spent all yesterday morning in her kitchen helping with the cooking. She will also cut a cake, ornamented with 90 candles, presented to her by two former servants" (The West Australian 10 June 1938).

In 1938, The Daily News published a story article titled 'Jewels from a 90-year-old' where Helen provided some cooking advice..."Mrs. Helen Jane Pretty, of Townshend-road, Subiaco, 90 years old, has a marvellous memory, in which many pieces of housewifely knowledge are neatly stored. And she still supervises the cooking for special occasions. Points of housewifery tried and retried during a life-time of 90 years have a rare value. Most women who live to that age have either ceased interest in the domestic side of life, or their memory has failed them. 

Here are some gems from from her treasure house: — "Put some pieces of finely cut chilli in the before-dinner sherry. It makes an excellent appetiser, and is better for you than a cocktail." "Always use bacon bones for stock for tomato soup. And make it with cream. It's more nourishing and appetising." "To make tripe go further and taste better, put the tripe through a mincer with a large onion. Make the mixture into balls, dip them in batter made from one egg and three-quarters of a cup of flour, and fry them in boiling fat. Try it, and give the family a treat." "Put all salads possible, especially beetroot, in jelly. It saves accidents to table cloths." "Press the streaky part of bacon and use it instead of ham. More economical and just as tasty." "Rub fresh meat with vinegar. It will keep for a week." (The Daily News, 14 June 1938). 

Helen died in April, 1945, aged 97. Edward died in November, 1913 aged 65. They were both buried together in the Anglican section of the Karrakatta Cemetery. 

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

West Australian, 9 June 1939.

LIFE OF SERVICE. 

Mrs. Helen Pretty's 91st Birthday Tomorrow. 

ENJOYING good health and surprising vigour for her age, Mrs. Helen Pretty, who resides at 166 Townshend-road, Subiaco, will be 91 tomorrow. Interviewed recently she opened up a remarkable vista of memories back along the years. 

She spoke of the Children's Hospital which she worked hard to establish in the nineties, and she recalled the happy days of service to the people of the Mundaring district, where the late Archbishop Riley called her "the mother of Mundaring." Service to others has been the prevailing motive of her life, frugality in her girlhood and life in rural districts having taught her how pressing can be the calls of grim necessity. 

Mrs. Pretty was born in London, and arrived in Australia when two years old. Her father, Dr. Walker, had been surgeon and chaplain on an immigrant ship which had taken eight months to bring a large party of women to Australia to be married to earlier arrivals. Her trip to this country occupied six months, but her earliest recollection is of the erection of her father's home at Camden, in the Macarthur country of sheep fame in New South Wales. At that time there was an acute shortage of labour, owing to a gold rush, and her father had to pay men £1 a day to finish building the home when the carpenters had left in quest of gold.

Adventurous Voyage. 

Barter prevailed in those days, money being scarce in her district, and often the clients of her father—the local doctor—paid their debts to him in produce or meat. The family had the plainest of food, and was content with it—an experience which taught her useful phil-osophy in later years. Every member of the family was trained to relieve the needs of others, and she was noted for the manner in which she helped mothers, washing and tending their babies, and scrubbing their floors. In her early twenties, Mrs. Pretty escorted her three young nieces to England. The voyage proved adventurous, for the ship was practically wrecked by a hurricane off Cape Horn, and limped about the high seas in a sinking condition, with almost the whole complement, including many passengers, in mutiny. 

Her relief at landing her charges safely in England was so intense that she was overcome, and temporarily lost her memory. Eventually, the children's grandparents found her and took the four young travellers to their home. Restored to health, she went to stay with other relatives in Bedford, and there met and married the late Mr. Edward Pretty. He secured a position with the New Zealand Insurance Company in Queensland, Children's Hospital Founded. In 1895 Mr. Pretty was transferred to the Perth branch of the company, and the couple lived in a house on the site of the present office of the company in St. George's-terrace. 

While there, Mrs. Pretty was struck with the deplorable conditions among the sick poor of Perth, particularly the children. Many families were camped under unhealthy conditions alongside the Causeway, and disease was rife. With considerable persistence, raising money by penny collections and fairs, with the aid of the late Mr. Charles Moore she secured the present site for the Children's Hospital. Another institution had sought to possess the land, but she formed one of a party who one Sunday morning went to the spot and started to erect a fence round it. 

The hospital was started as a result of a fete which she organised and which raised £166. Her services for the hospital were recognised by the presentation of an illuminated address which she still treasures, signed by the late Mr. Charles Moore (founder of the movement), Rabbi D. I. Freedman (chairman), Messrs. H. Hocking and J. S. Battye (trustees) and Mr. W. Watson (honorary secretary). Mr. and Mrs. Pretty then went to England for a couple of years, and on their return erected a home at Mundaring, where for 20 years she carried on her philanthropic work. 

She took a leading part in the establishment of the Anglican Church there, and among her many voluntary services in the district she was organist in the church, carrying on her work long after the death of her husband about 25 years ago. For the past 11 years she has lived at her present home. 

All of Mrs. Pretty's five sons have served in the Empire's wars. Capt. Edward Percival Pretty and Lieut. Gerald Pretty served in the South African War, and, in the Great War, Capt. F. C. Pretty, M.C., was in the Royal Navy, Lieut. Norman Pretty in the 32nd Battalion, A.I.F., and Mr. Hardy Pretty in the Australian Field Artillery.

West Australian, 14 June 1938.

Harold Redcliffe And 'A Reminiscence...Early Subiaco' (1926).

Harold Redcliffe And 'A Reminiscence...Early Subiaco' (1926).

A wonderful reflection on the early years of Subiaco by Harold Redcliffe. Harold Redcliffe was an agent in St, George's Terrace, Perth. 

Harold and his wife travelled extensively. He wrote fiction and non fiction articles and books. His travel articles and lectures were published in local newspapers. He also presented travelogues on the radio. 

Harold Redcliffe wrote a book called "The Yellow Cygnet" about his early years on the goldfields in Coolgardie which was published in 1930.  The are a number of reviews on Trove, the database of the National Library of Australia from various newspapers. The following review was published in the Herald newspaper in Melbourne... 

"THE YELLOW CYGNET, by Harold Redcliffe. (London : C. Palmer), Quite the best part of this Australian novel is that devoted to life on the Coolgardie goldfields. In the early days Mr. Redcliffe spent two eventful years of his youth In the search for gold, and his descriptions of the hardship and excitements of the life, and of the motley throng that poured there in thousands, are well and vividly done. It Is a pity that he did not base his novel on this aspect alone. The earlier chapters are particularly unconvincing.

Geoffrey Warron, the son of a defrocked clergyman, brought up In poverty. His search for wealth lends him to become the ringleader in a gang who are defrauding their employers. An attempt on the firm's safe lends to the murder of one of the partners, and Geoffrey and his friend, Roland Graham, go West. Their adventures on the goldfields have already been mentioned, but from then on the tail becomes improbable and unconvincing. Roland enters politics and becomes Premier of West Australia, but not before he Is accused In the House of the murder of his former employer. At the moment Warren comes forward and makes a confession that clears Roland of all blame, thus securing his friend's happiness for the future and making atonement for the past (Herald, 16 October 1930)". Reports on the sales of the book state it sold well in London. 

In 1935 Harold Redcliffe became ill and was admitted to St John of God's Hospital in Subiaco "Gone into St. John's Hospital, Subiaco, to undergo a major operation, Harold Redcliffe, the very well known agent of the Terrace. In addition to being a refreshingly original raconteur; and lecturer, particularly on the subjects of the Holy Land, Ancient Greece, Egypt, Italy and Spain, H.R. is the author of a fine story of Australian life which did not get the publicity it deserved, its remoteness from the self appointed critics of the Eastern States precluding it from the personal contact so necessary for newspaper limelight. All who know Harold Redcliffe personally, and also those who have enjoyed his literary and platform genius, will wish him a safe and speedy convalescence..." (Sunday Times, 13 January 1935).

Harold Redcliffe died in 1935, aged 69 and was buried at the Anglican Karrakatta Cemetery.

The photograph is from the Daily News, 26 July 1930.

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

West Australian, 12 March 1926.

EARLY SUBIACO

A Reminiscence,

(By Harold Redcliffe.)

"What place is this?" she inquired with a decided sniff of contempt as the train glided by the immature suburb of Subiaco. The lady who asked the question sat beside another on the opposite seat to that occupied by myself, in an alleged first-class, but in reality a very shabbily upholstered compartment. Her companion, gazing through the dirt-grimed window, drew her lips into a well bred sneer as she responded: "I don't know; I think it's an Afghan camp!" 

It was in the year 1896, and, with the exception of one substantially built dwelling nearly opposite where now stands the Subiaco Hotel, all that could be seen in the way of habitation were a few tents, and here and there a hessian lean-to. Little wonder the lady sniffed, and little wonder that her companion should reply so disdainfully. 

Mr. Austin Bastow since then Mayor and Councillor in Subiaco many times accompanied by his father, both of them architects, and the writer, were camped in a building containing only one room, a large one, the material of which my two friends had brought over with them from Melbourne. The block on which we erected it was in Heytesbury road, then merely part of the primeval forest. 

Indeed, Subiaco the name of which was derived from an old monastery of Spanish Fathers in the district, which they in turn had culled from a road, then merely part of the primeval save where the already mentioned crude dwellings showed their isolated and inconspicuous outline. 

In Rokeby road now the banking centre of the suburb, giant eucalypts spread their profuse follage, crowned in season by a rich clustering creamy bloom. In the hours of sunshine, wild bees sipped pollen from the blooms, depositing it in a hollow broken limb far up a huge-trunked tree, what time songsters small as humming birds flew from bough to bough in twittering gladness. Purple-bloomed hovea climbed in tangled mess over age-weathered logs, and the eccentric kangaroo paws grew brilliant in colours of green and red. 

Not even a bush track crawled through the adjacent woods, and the members of our limited household at first found it difficult, in leaving the modest siding which did duty in those days as a railway station, to locate directly the camp we had built in that woodland retreat. 

A Bush Concert. 

My friends, both being musical, had brought to the State with them, in addition to the sectional house, an organ and a cello. On Saturday nights we held impromptu concerts, the few and widely separated pioneers being invited by signal to attend, such signal being conveyed to them per medium of a waving dead-bush flare. Each visitor carried with him or her a chair, or failing the ownership of so pretentious a piece of furniture, brought along as a substitute an empty kerosene case or any other odd thing suitable for the occasion. To locate our camp for the convenience of our guests, we invariably lit a bon fire, its blaze directing their steps through the intricacies of the forest in effective circumlocution. 

Slowly Subiaco grew. Replacing the hessian lean-to and the tent, jarrah houses made their appearance intermittently, added to by the construction of brick villas. A road board came into existence, but was short lived, as the ambition of the residents soon widened, and the road board courageously developed into a municipal council. 

Hectic Enthusiasm. 

We who lived in Subiaco took our public affairs very seriously in those days, and the word "apathy" one hears so often charged against the public of today in connection with all legislative matters, was then, politically, or civically speaking, an unknown term. Indeed, our local legislation, far from being viewed indifferently by us, was conducted with an enthusiasm almost hectic in its intensity. That was the time, when no ban prohibited liquor from being dispensed free of cost on polling days to the thirsty electors in respective electoral committee rooms. 

I remember well on one occasion a committee, of which I was chairman, possessed a well-stocked cupboard. Similarly stocked was the committee room of the rival candidate. A free and independent elector a supporter of our side had been helping himself at intervals during the afternoon in our room with undue liberty. Finally, a member of the committee flatly refused to let him have another drink. He rebelled. "I will get a drink at the other room," he hiccoughed," and vote for Jorkins." To the rival committee quarters he went. A committeeman there summed up his condition and decided he could "hold another pot." The voter was taken to the polling booth, but, sad to relate, as he reached, its doorway, he collapsed, and, when last seen by his quite disconcerted guide, he was being borne off by a policeman to the local lock-up. 

A Memorable Election. 

An election never to be forgotten by the elder residents was the fight for the mayoralty between Mr. Charles Hart at that time accountant with Messrs. Haynes, Robinson, and Cox, the well known firm of solicitors and Mr. Murdock, a prosperous and much respected saddler, then of William-street. From our respective platforms I was assisting the former— we, the respective committees, flung at each other invective and denunciation as deadly as a game of baseball. One of the speakers on Mr. Murdock's side happened to be a money-lender, and, on one occasion castigating us for our alleged bitter attacks, quoted from the advice of Polonius to his son: 

Beware of entrance to a quarrel, but, being in, 

Bear that the opposed may beware of thee. 

The late Mr. Fred Whittle, one of our stalwarts a clever lawyer, and a keen student of Shakespeare - in a replying speech on the same evening, and from the same platform, caustically bewailed the fact that our critic had not continued the reading, as, had he done so, he would have fallen across the exhortation: 

Neither a borrower nor a lender be. 

From our opponent's platform came the charge that our candidate "was surrounded by a committee who would stoop to any trick, however despicable, and who would think no action too low in its endeavour to keep its opponent out of the mayoral chair." This flattering imputation brought from us a published set of dogeared verses which, however pungent, were at least innocent of all rules of prosody, and which may still be found in the archives of the council. The publication went forth to the world over the signature of "Bill Sykes: X his mark." 

As a reprisal, the enemy, after taunting us with "publishing a vile lampoon and signing it with the most notorious name in fiction, widely issued a quasi-Shakespearian production entitled "The Tragedy of Roselea." The villain chosen for purposes of the play was a resident of that part of Subiaco still called Roselea. This resident was wrongly supposed to be the author of our "vile lampoon." Should I confess it? The guilty poet was myself. 

Subiaco has prospered since those old days, and with prosperity has come dignity. Excellent reserves dot the suburb, a capacious post office is in course of erection, public buildings and churches are many, and sanitation will soon be equal to that of Central Perth. The streets are practically all metalled and quite up-to-date, and the tram service is rapid and effective.

But the lean-to, the hessian camp, the bush concert, held a charm, which one who has experienced them would not willingly forget. Our politics may have been hectic, our methods rough-shod, but at least they possessed the quality of interest; and interest, however crude, scores heavily against the luke warmness imputed, perhaps deservedly, to the public in similar affairs of today.

Subiaco's History...A Progressive Suburb (1932).

Subiaco's History...A Progressive Suburb (1932).

Nearly ninety years ago in 1932, an article titled 'A Progressive Suburb. Subiaco's History' was published in the West Australian newspaper. 

The article describes the settlement of Subiaco by the the Benedictine community in 1851. Before that the area was known to the local Aboriginal population as Wandaraguttagurrup. 

In 1896 Subiaco had a population of 1300 with 260 houses and 59 tents. As a result of a public meeting, Subiaco was declared a municipality on 26 March 1897. On 29 May, 1897 a council was elected and the first Mayor was Mr. Henry Doyle. 

In the following years a post office was built on the corner of Rokeby Road and Bagot Road. By 1898 the foundation stones for the municipal council chambers and library institution were laid. By 1900 the municipal gardens were laid out and later in the year officially opened by Sir John Forrest. A volunteer fire brigade formed. 

By 1903 the council established an electricity supply plant because up until then candles and kerosene lamps were used by residents as the mains of the Perth Gas Company had not been extended. By 1932 the population had grown to over 18, 000 with a capital value of 2.7 million pounds.

The photograph is from the Royal Historical Society of Western Australia. The photograph is a postcard of Rokeby Rd Subiaco circa early 1900s, showing tram, horse and cart, Bennett & Burnside Cash Grocers building and pedestrians. No copyright infringement intended. 

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

West Australian, 23 September 1932.

A PROGRESSIVE SUBURB.

Subiaco's History.

On January 5, 1851, the Benedictine community, according to an early diarist, moved from Guildford to a spot on the dreary sand plain three miles west of Perth. The members of the community called the place New Subiaco, after the beautiful and historic Italian town of Subiaco, which was the cradle of their order. Later the word "New" was dropped and the settlement became known as Subiaco. Although the Benedictine community and its monastery represented the first settlement in the neighbourhood; the first house was not erected in Subiaco proper until about 1886. The district now has a population of over 18,000, and despite the fact that values were reduced by about 20 per cent, this year, the capital value of the district is about £2,700,000. 

An old plan records the native name of the district as Wandaraguttagurrup. 

At first the name "Subiaco" was applied to the land which is now on the north side of the railway line. The existing Subiaco municipality is really an extension of the City of Perth, as most of the land in Subiaco was sold by the Government as Perth suburban lots. When the Perth to Fremantle railway was opened, a platform erected for the convenience of the monastery was called Subiaco. The land on both sides of the line took the name which ultimately was appropriated for the southern portion. 

In 1894 the council of the City of Perth decided to allot about 180 acres of the Perth commonage, situated at the western end of Broome road (now Hay street), as a new cemetery for the metropolitan area. The Government agreed to make a road to the cemetery and it was really for this purpose that the macadamising of the roadway in Broome road was started. The Railway Department removed the Subiaco railway station about 20 chains westward to its present site near the end of Rokeby road, which brought the station adjacent to the roadway in Broome road or Hay street. Great progress attended the building of Broome road. 

In 1895 Subiaco had a population of about 100 persons. In August, 1896. there were 260 houses and 59 tents in the district and a total population of 1,300. During a smallpox epidemic in 1894, about 63 bodies were buried in the cemetery area to the north-west of the railway line at Subiaco. It was decided, however, to create a cemetery at Karrakatta, and the reservation of the area, on the Perth commonage as a cemetery was revoked. The graves which had been made there were fenced in, but in 1906 the bodies were exhumed and transferred to the Karrakatta Cemetery. 

Beginning of Local Government. 

At an open air meeting held in 1895 to discuss methods of local control, the first progress association for the district was formed. Later, as a result of representations made to the Government, a local board of health and road board were established. The first meeting of the board of health was held on May 27, 1896, and the first road board election took place on May 23, 1896, but this election was upset on the petition of one of the unsuccessful candidates. The members of the first board subsequently elected were Messrs. Charles Hart (chairman). W. J. Kensitt, Baird, J. Murdoch, F. Edgecombe, R. Bate and J. Wallace. Remarkable progress was made by the district and as the outcome of a public meeting a municipality was proclaimed on March 26, 1897. 

The first election for the council took place on May 29, 1897, and Mr. Henry Doyle was elected the first Mayor. An advance of £2.000 was made from the Treasury by the Acting-Premier, Sir Edward (then Mr.) Wittenoom. 

About this time the first official post office was opened, and a start was made with the erection of the building at the corner of Rokeby and Bagot roads, which served as a post office until 1926. In April, 1899, the foundation stone of the existing municipal chambers and library institute in Rokeby road was laid. 

During 1899 negotiations were conducted with the Perth Tramways Syndicate for the extension of the tramway system to Subiaco, and in 1900 the line was extended along Hay street and Rokeby road to the King's Park gates. 

Early in the same year the laying out of the Subiaco municipal gardens was commenced and on November 3 the gardens were officially opened by Sir John (afterwards Lord) Forrest. 

The Subiaco Volunteer Five Brigade was established in 1900, and until the West Australian Fire Brigades Board was established the brigade was one of the leading brigades in the State. 

The council established an electricity supply plant in 1903. Up till this time candles and kerosene lamps had to be used by residents, as the mains of the Perth Gas Company had not then been extended to the district. It was decided in 1921 to obtain supplies of electricity in bulk from the Government Electricity Department. "There has been no period of boom in Subiaco," said the Town Clerk of Subiaco (Mr. C. Luth) yesterday. "The record of the district has been one of continuous and steady progress." Mr. Luth, who succeeded the late Mr. A. Rankin as Town Clerk in 1911, has been on the staff of the council since 1903.