Sunshine League Member Rona Murray...(1909).
Rona Murray is the third post about a child asked to represent the Sunshine League at a tree and shrub planting at the Children's Hospital in Subiaco in 1909.
In 1909 children from the Sunshine League and around the State participated in a mass tree and shrub planting event at the newly opened Children's Hospital. The event was attended by the Lieutenant Governor Sir Edward Stone and Lady Stone. This story is published on the previous posts.
Etta Hollis, Rona Murray and Vera Cantor were three members of the Sunshine League selected to assist Lieutenant Governor Sir Edward Stone and Lady Stone to plant the trees and shrubs. Etta Hollis presented the couple with a spade, with an inscribed plate and decorated by the League's colour, bright red. Rona Murray who was six was also introduced. Vera Cantor presented Lady Stone with a bouquet. The children assisted with the planting of the first two trees. Rona and her sister Jean appear on Sunshine League programs. Her brothers also appear on donation lists.
Rona Kathleen McKenzie Murray was born in 1903 to Alexander McKenzie and Christie Katherine Murray of Leederville. They were Presbyterian. Together the couple had eight children William, Muriel, Robert, James, Jean, Alick, Keith and Rona. They came to Western Australia in 1894 from Sydney, New South Wales.
In 1934, Alexander and Christie Murray (Rona's parents) celebrated their fiftieth wedding anniversary. The Daily News newspaper wrote this article about the event and history family in Western Australia.
"...MARRIED FOR 50 YEARS Mr. and Mrs. Murray's Record.
HALE and hearty and celebrating their golden wedding today, Mr. and Mrs. Alexander McKenzie Murray, of Franklin-street, Leederville, received many congratulations from their wide circle of friends.
Mr. Murray is the fourth member of his family to complete 50 years of married life, his mother and father and two brothers having also achieved the distinction. Mr. Murray was born in Rosshire, Scotland, 85 years ago, and at the age of 20 went to India, where he engaged in indigo planting for a few years. Seven years later he was in Sydney and joined the tea firm of Ingles and Co.
Shortly afterwards he founded the Swan Hill 'Guardian' in Victoria. He ran this for three years, and then turned his attention to Mildura, where in 1891 he became editor and part-proprietor of the 'Irrigationist.' Journalism did not hold him long, for in 1894 he came to Western Australia and became associated with the late Mr. W. B. ('Daddles') Christie in the inauguration of the Korijekup fruit settlement scheme at Harvey for Drs. Har-vey and Hayward.
BACK TO TEA Later he forsook farming and entered the grocery trade, becoming a commercial traveller. With the passing of the years he returned to his old love - tea - and today he is actively engaged with Gollin and Co. Despite his 85 years he is able to do a full day's work and revel in it. Six weeks ago his life was despaired of, but he is again back at work, with only a suspicion of weakness.
Mr. and Mrs. Murray met in Sydney, Mrs. Murray being a daughter of Mr. Christie. They were married when she was still a young girl, and have had a family of eight, six of whom are living. Both are remarkably young looking and both are very active. Mrs. Murray pays a graceful tribute to her husband when she says: 'I would not change him for all the tea in China; he has been a wonderful husband, and if my sons threat their wives half as well as he has treated me they will be very fortunate.'
The Murray family must have nearly a record for longevity. Mr. and Mrs. Murray are the fourth in the family to celebrate their golden wedding, and an aunt died in London two years ago at the age of 103. Dr. James Murray, of Inverness, Scotland, was the last to enjoy his 50th wedding anniversary function, which was celebrated early in this year..."(Daily News, 6 September 1934).
There do not appear to be any letters from Rona as she was only four years old in 1907. Her mother wrote to Uncle Tom on her behalf in November 1907. Then Rona's sister Jeannie and brothers Alick and Keith also wrote to Uncle Tom asking to become members of the Sunshine League and donated some money to Sunshine Cot Fund. I had trouble in finding Rona's original letter to Uncle Tom as he had called her Mona in print. This was highlighted in a letter from Rona's brother Keith...
"...'Kilroy' St. Leonard's Avenue, West Leederville. Dear Uncle Tom, - I can't get any peace till I write and send you 3d. from Mona Murray. She is four years old and her birthday is on May 8. For your Sunshine Cot. Dear Mona, I presume your mother wrote this note. Will you write to me next time, or if you cannot write tell mother, what to say and ask her to guide your hand? I thank you for your money, and send you a big kiss. You are now on my roll as one of my many nieces, and when your birthday comes round I will send you a card. - Uncle Tom...(Daily News, 2 November 1907).
"...'Kilcoy' St Leonard's Avenue, West Leedervlle. Dear Uncle Tom, - I would like to be one of your nephews. I am sending you 3d. for the Sunshine Cot. My name is Alick Mackenzie Murray. I will be 11 on the 24th of this month. I will write again soon. ALICK M. MURRAY, aged 11. Dear Alick, - I accept you with pleasure. I am pleased you are so deeply interested in the Sunshine Cot. Will you also take an Interest In the Sunshine making and visit one of the institutions named by me in the Sunshine League column? The sick, aged, and orphans are always on the lookout for my nieces and nephews on Saturdays or Sundays.- Uncle Tom...
'Kllcoy' St, Leonard's Avenue, West Leedervllle. Dear Uncle Tom, - I am sending you 3d, for your Sunshine Cot. My name is Keith Christie Mackenzie Murray. My birthday was on Saturday, November 9. I was 8. My little sister sent you a letter, but you have her name wrong. It is Rona, and not Mona. I will write again soon, - Your loving nephew, KEITH MURRAY, aged 8, P.S.- I am sending you 3d. from my little sister Rona, also a kiss from her. Dear Keith, - Will you apologise to Rona for my blunder. She is a dear little, girl, and I like her very much. I have put your name in my birthday book, and hope to hear from you again soon, - Uncle Tom...
'Kilcoy' St. Leonard's Avenue, West Leedervllle. Dear Uncle Tom, - I would like to become one of your many nieces, but have little time for writing. It is so near Christmas, and we are having a concert I go to at St. John of God's College. My name Is Jeannle Murray, and my birthday will be on January 10. I am sending 3d. for the Sunshine Cot. My two little brothers and sister are also sending a little this week. Good-bye, dear uncle. Your loving niece, JEANIE MURRAY. Dear Jeannle, - I feel honored at being asked to accept so many nieces and nephews from one family. I hope you will all go Sunshine making together, and that you will be as good as I think you all desire to be to the sick, the aged, and the orphans. How old are you, Jeannle? Uncle Tom... (Daily News, 23 November 1907).
Rona Murray and her sister Jean's name appears on several concert programmes for the various institutions and charities supported by the Sunshine League. While there do not appear to be any letters from Rona, there are letters from other Sunshine League members who reported on her performances and Uncle Tom spoke fondly of her in his regular columns in the Children's Pages. Rona and her brothers Keith and Alick and sister Jeannie made regular donations. Her sister Jeannie also performed in concerts and pantomimes, for example, at the Catholic Girl's Orphanage in Subiaco in August doing a polish dance.
From Uncle Tom's column about Rona Murray's performance in Puss-in-Boots..."...Rona Murray of Leederville, deserves an extra special mention, and she was a great favourite with the audience..." (Daily News, 9 October 1908).
...We were extremely fortunate in getting a clever little girl, Miss Rona Murray, to take the part of 'Puss-in-Boots.' The little mite soon became popular with the audience, and she deserved the applause which was given when I introduced her, unmasked, to the audience... (Daily News, 7 November 1908).
During the interval of "The Fairies Christmas Frolic" at the Theatre Royal "Uncle Tom" stepped forward and gave the orphan children a hearty welcome and also gave his nieces and nephews the following message...During his speech the Chairman took little Rona Murray by his side and commented on the good work done by the little child..." (Daily News, 21 December 1908).
A letter from a Sunshine League member about Rona Murray in Puss-In-Boots..."PRIZE LETTER (The Prize is a Book for Girls) North Fremantle. Dear Uncle Tom, - We were so glad to see you were rewarded with such a great success on Saturday at the 'Fairies Christmas Frolic'. From our seat in the dress circle we all had such a nice view, and could hear every word spoken. 'Puss-ln-Boots' was a splendid little play, and the cat (Miss Rona Murray) ran about, and caused a lot of fun. Rona was very good indeed. The singing was very nice also, and everyone enjoyed themselves. The children at the orphanage must have wished for December 23, when they received their presents, and got a little Sunshine through your efforts. With kindest regards and best wishes for a Happy New Year. - From your loving niece, MARJORIE O'NEILL, Dear Marjorie, - I hope you had a Merry Christmas. I compliment you and Madge on the way you sang 'Fly Away Birdie to Heaven' at St. Joseph's Orphanage, Subiaco, on New Year's night. Everybody spent a pleasant evening. How are you spending your holidays? Have a good time before you go back to school again. Kindest regards to all. - Uncle Tom...." (Daily News 16 January 1909).
In 1909 Rona Murray appeared in several pantomimes and concerts along with her sister Jeannie including "The Little Dewdrop" performed at St. Albans Hall, Highgate Hill, a concert for the Old Men's Depot in Claremont, the "Carnival of Flowers" at His Majesty's, the Arbor Day tree planting event at the Children's Hospital, "Puss-in-Boots" and "King John" plays at Well's Hall, Cottesloe. Her sister Jeannie assisted in planting a tree at the Children's Hospital.
ARBOR DAY, MAY 29, 1909. The trees and shrubs planted.
"...The programme outlined last Saturday, was successfully carried out. On Saturday morning I wrote to His Excellency the Lieutenant- Governor (Sir Ed. Stone) as follows: — 'Your Excellency, — I am sending you a copy of today's programme for your guidance. You will notice that the committee will meet you at 3 o'clock at the Hay-street entrance. I will introduce to you Miss Etta Hollis, one of my Fremantle nieces, who has always been foremost in helping the Sunshine League in its efforts for charities. Miss Hollis will present you with a spade, with an inscribed plate and decorated by the League's color - bright red. I will introduce to Lady Stone Miss Rona Murray (aged 6), who has performed at all our big charity concerts. The children will assist Your Excellency and Lady Stone with the planting of the first two trees. Miss Vera Cantor will present Lady Stone with a bouquet. She is a foremost Sunshine League worker, and is the daughter of Mr. A. J. Cantor, J.P., and Mrs. Cantor, who have been among the mainstays of the Children's Hospital movement. After the ceremony, Your Excellency and Lady Stone will be entertained at afternoon tea in the ante-room of the surgical ward. - I have the honor to remain, your obedient servant, Uncle Tom.'..." (Daily News, 5 June 1909).
There does seem to be any record on the Trove database of the involvement of the Murray family in the Sunshine League after 1909.
Rona Murray married Leslie (Leon) Black from the Ningaloo Station in 1928. The local newspapers reported their wedding.
"...A quiet wedding was celebrated on Sunday evening, the 8th at the Roman Catholic Church, Carnarvon, when Miss Rona Murray, of Leederville, and Mr. Leon Black, of Ningaloo Station, were united in matrimony, the Rev. Father John Setaro officiating. Mr. and Mrs. Black went south by the Centaur, which sailed early on Monday morning. They expect to return to their station home about the end of February..." (Northern Times, 14 January 1928).
There is little information about Rona and Leslie Black in the following years. The social pages of the newspapers report them to be regular visitors to Carnarvon. The newspapers report Rona and Leslie had a son "BIRTHS. BLACK (nee Rona Murray). — On March 20, at Nurse Ash's Private Hospital, to Mr. and Mrs. L. L. G. Black, Ningaloo Station, Carnarvon - a son. Both well...." (West Australian, 21 March 1929). His name is Athol. They also had a daughter Dorothy Isabel.
In 1932 the West Australian reported that Rona and Leslie Black daughter Dorothy Isabel died "...BLACK. — On July 26, at the Children's Hospital, Subiaco, Dorothy Isabel, the darling baby of Leslie and Rona Black, fond sister of Athol, of Ningaloo Station, Carnarvon, and 28 Franklin-street, Leederville; aged 18½ months. A patient little sufferer at rest. BLACK. — On July 26, at Children's Hospital, Perth, Dorothy Isabel, the darling little grand-daughter of Mr. and Mrs. A. M. Murray, 28 Franklin-street, Leederville; aged 18½ months..." (West Australian, 27 July 1932).
In 1937 the Northern Times reported that Leslie Black had sold Ningaloo Station... "STATION CHANGES HANDS. Negotiations hare been concluded for the sale of Ningaloo station by Messrs. D. and L. Black to Messrs. F. Lefroy and M. McBolt, who, it is understood, are over the property immediately..." (Northern Times, 26 June 1937).
Rona and Leslie Black moved to Perth after they left Ningaloo Station. Government records show Leslie Black worked as a clerk for the Department of Defence. Leslie Black died on the 21 February, 1974 aged 78. He was buried at Karrakatta Cemetery. Rona Kathleen Black died on the 29 November, 1988 aged 85. She was buried at Karrakatta Cemetery.
The articles and photograph is from Trove, the database of National Library of Australia. No copyright infringement intended.
Sunshine League children in the foreground. Arbor Day 1909.
