Before COVID-19 - Germs Which Could Destroy Perth's Population...(1935).

Before COVID-19 - Germs Which Could Destroy Perth's Population...(1935).

Researching and writing about the history of disease in the early years of the colony, the prevention methods, the attitudes of people and health professionals towards vaccination and the survivor stories has been interesting. 

In 1935, over 80 years ago, the Sunday Times published an article 'Germs Which Could Destroy Perth's Population' about diseases that could ravage Perth if not kept in check and easily wipe out over 207 000 people living in metropolitan area. The Pneumonic 'Flu was the worst fear along with cholera, cerebral spinal meningitis, bubonic plague, typhus, smallpox, scarlet fever, tuberculosis, diphtheria, whooping cough, polio, measles and tetanus.

A lot credit to constraining outbreaks of diseases went to Perth's geographical position and the work of the Health Department "...To its situation in the temperate zone, Perth owes much of its freedom from the outbreak of ghastly epidemics. The advance in medical science, and the efficiency of the Health Department are other factors in neutralising the potential deadly powers of these germs..." (Sunday Times, 25 August, 1935). Those reasons for the lack of spread of disease today continue.  

As a child growing up in Perth I remember being vaccinated against several diseases including diphtheria, tetanus, measles, mumps, polio and rubella. 

The second article is from the Daily News in 1947 which shows the reaction of Perth children being vaccinated against diphtheria in a city of Perth run clinic. Most of the stress for children involving vaccination, argued the doctor was the children being separated from their mother rather than the impact of the needle. Later the policy changed to include mothers being with their children while being vaccinated. 

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

 

Sunday Times, 25 August 1935. 

Germs Which Could Destroy Perth's Population

TINY ORGANISMS, BUT VIRULENT IN THEIR POWER

Pneumonic 'Flu is Our Worst Fear

SOME WORLD EPIDEMICS RECALLED

In Perth, at this minute, there are little organisms fake dots and dashes in appearance, which, if not kept in check, could wipe out nine-tenths of the 207,000 persons living in the metropolitan area!

Yet they are so small that only a microscope will reveal the largest of them.

The size and nature of the others cannot even be guessed. They are too tiny for the lenses to detect.

What epidemics could reasonably be expected to ravage Perth?

Of them all - plague, cholera, fevers - the pneumonic 'flu always threatens to be the worst

If you look through a high-powered microscope at fluids, food and, in fact anything exposed, to the air, you'll see that the objects being studied them with life.

Myriads of tiny blob and blotches can be distinguished through the magnifying lenses. And these odd-shaped organisms pulsate with life in their own fashion, as do the higher species of the animal kingdom, not even excluding man. They are called bacteria, or more commonly, germs.

Fortunately, in some instances, unfortunately in many others, these germs are either useful or harmful to man. Your microscope might reveal a type which to a large extent is responsible for butter having a flavor. Or perhaps it will show the

LITTLE ORGANISM

which obtains nitrogen from the atmosphere and supply it to certain growing plants. But, if it should show a little fellow which looks for all the world like two beans facing one another, fling, the stuff you're examining under the lenses as far as you can!

For those bean-like organisms are the germs which spread cerebra spinal meningitis.

This dread disease could quite possibly break out in Perth. It has done so in the past. The last epidemic here occurred in 1914, about the time of the beginning of the war, and a

INFLUENZA GERMS.

(These are magnified 1000 times.)

new chapter in our local medical history was written then. As a result of that visitation, many of the victims perished.

Another virulent germ with its, whose numbers may suddenly multiply so as to constitute a 

MENACE TO THE LIFE 

and health of the community, is the root and cause of pneumonic 'flu. In 1919 in Western Australia when this epidemic raged, many sufferers were stricken down. And such is the frightful potency of this germ that the 'flu will spread not only in cities, and not only in countries, but right throughout the world.

Seen under a microscope, too, the pneumonia germ looks its part. It has none of the innocent characteristics of the bean-like cerebral spinal meningitis germ, but is shaped like a spearhead I

Gaze as long as you will through the microscope at the conglomeration of dots and tails which work good and ill for man you will never discover the little fellow that is liable to slay little babies in their cradles. The demon of infantile paralysis parents and doctors shudder at the mere contemplation of this fiend breaking loose in Perth has never been with certainty recognised under the most powerful lenses.

For the scientist who eventually tracks down this germ await honor and renown perhaps the equal of Pasteur, Lister and other great research workers.

In the meantime medicine can only

BUBONIC PLAGUE GERMS.

call up all its resources to keep the demon on subjection.

Now leave your microscope for a minute and think of lice and the terrifying spectre that sometimes accompanies them, even in Perth ! The terror that is known as Typhus!

Typhus is spread from person to person by the medium of the bod}" louse, which bites an infected person and carried the virus to Its next human habitation and Typhus begins its grim campaign on mankind. Most fortunately Perth has managed to avoid a

SERIOUS OUTBREAK

of this agent of destruction. But it is not so many years ago that isolated cases of Brill's Disease were reported and Brill's Disease is a type of typhus although here the rat flea and not the louse is responsible for spreading the disease from rats to humans.

From smallpox now Perth should have little to fear, though a very small outbreak a few years ago did cause great alarm and consternation. Small-pox was a destroyer for centuries Queen Anne contracted it, with fatal consequences but the germ has never been discovered. Edward Jenner's success with vaccination during the 18th century has counteracted its virulence.

If vaccination became more general here, the danger of smallpox would practically disappear.

The dark races, however, are still subject to it, and in China, India and Central Asia, smallpox continues to take heavy toll of the native populace.

To its situation in the temperate zone, Perth owes much of its freedom from the outbreak of ghastly epidemics. The advance in medical science, and the efficiency of the Health Department are other factors in neutralising the potential deadly powers of these germs. But there remain other germs, sometimes to be seen under a microscope here, which commit, or have committed

UNSPEAKABLE RAVAGES 

In other countries under the microscope, for instance, perhaps you might see a funny little "wog" just like a comma in shape. That will be the scourge of mankind, one of the worst plagues that have swept away White and Black alike.

For that twisted germ is CHOLERA. Cholera can wipe out a city, it can do more. Less than 100 years ago it threatened to destroy the very population of Europe.

The scourge made its first appearance in Bundelkhand (India) in 1817 when 500 persons died in five days. Within the next six years it ravaged India and Asia and slew incalculable thousands. Travelling via Central Asia, it smote Russia and with

FRIGHTFUL VIRULENCE

swept through Western Europe and America. Men literally died like flies.

Since then there have been other outbreaks of the dread disease in Europe. In 1848 cholera again ravaged England, and the known deaths exceeded 50,000. France and Spain reeled under several visitations before a particularly severe epidemic decimated the population of famine-stricken districts of Russia in 1892. In that riot of death 220,000 victims perished.

Cholera showed no mercy, and was no respecter of persons. In its wake stalked two other grim figures - Violence and Fear.

The scourge struck swiftly, relentlessly. And awful episodes bore witness to the startling rapidity of the infection. Contemporary writers have rendered horrible and ghastly accountsof mob scenes when the population of Paris took a panic at this visible evidence of the power of Death. "All pity was choken with custom of fell deeds." Eugene Sue, in "The Wandering Jew." describes

Two men carrying a stretcher covered with a blood-stained sheet; one of them suddenly felt himself attacked with the complaint; he stopped short, his powerless arms let go the stretcher; he turned pale, staggered, fell upon the patient, becoming as livid as him; the other man, struck with terror, fled precipitately, leaving his companion and the dying man in the midst of the crowd. Some drew back In horror; others burst into a savage laugh. The stretcher was over-turned, the old man and his companion were trodden underfoot, and their groan were drowned ... in yells of fury.

Truly an awful experience indeed!  That our country has never known cholera's ravages is an act of Divine mercy for which we should be sincerely thankful!

Cholera made more gaps in the Allies' forces in the Crimea than, the Cossacks' swords and shells. In the South African war typhoid killed more than the bullets of the Boers. lt it

CHOLERA GERMS.

were not for the vigilance of our health authorities, Perth might easily suffer the ravages of a typhoid epidemic. For

BAD SANITATION 

lies at the root of this scourge. Fingers, flies, food and filth! They are the four "f's" that lead armies and cities into the typhoid trap.

One other terrible scourge could overtake us. That is the bubonic plague. Mere mention of its name has caused people to tremble from one age to another.

The Black Death which reduced England's population from eight millions to four millions in the 14th century has been laid by some authorities at the door of the bubonic germ.

Three hundred years afterwards the germ returned and the plague slew Englishmen in their thousands. It was the Great Fire of London in 1866, which consumed the filth and squalor and crowded dwellings in which the germ bred and multiplied, that eventually checked its spread.

If you take your microscope, perhaps you'll see the bubonic germ. Like a tiny rectangle, or rod, it is, and rat fleas transmit it to man.

Dysentery, scarlet fever, measles any one of these may breakout in virulent form in Perth, though the precautions taken by the health authorities make epidemics highly improbable. 

Of late there has been a

MEASLES EPIDEMIC,

though we look upon measles as a natural complaint which comes to practically every growing child. Generation after generation suffering from measles has rendered mankind less liable to be vulnerable to it. But it is the white man's disease, and an outbreak, say, of scarlet fever among a dark race will leave a trail of death. To measles, in part, is due the disappearance of the Red Indian In North America.

And how can these tiny organisms, smaller by far than a speck of dust, mark down humans and slay them in droves?

Once an organism gains entrance to the body, it produces disease by means of poisons called toxins which it discharges. So small, these germs are and yet so virulent. 

The discovery that germs produce disease marks an epoch in medicine in the last one hundred years. Let long beforehand the knowledge that germs and disease stalked hand in hand had been suspected. As far back as 1680 the Dutch scientist Lowenhoek invented microscopic lenses. And by means of their immense powers of magnification he saw in saliva and other fluids little dots which represented living organisms.

Too small for the naked eye to see, they were, he considered, the root of diseases, but his observations were neglected and forgotten.

In the middle of the 19th century came the celebrated French chemist, Louis Pasteur, whose name will be always venerated as first among the pioneers to investigate this branch of science.

The late Lord Lister carried on where Pasteur left off. A surgeon working in Glasgow and then in Edinburgh, he proceeded to apply in practice the idea of the

GERM ORIGIN

of disease. He endeavoured to protect wounds from contamination with air, and to destroy germs in poisoned wounds by the use of chemicals. In this fashion he introduced the modern antiseptic surgical methods.

During the 19th century the researches of an obscure German doctor in a remote village aroused the attention of the medical world. So remarkable were his results in the study of germs that he was presently summoned to Berlin to continue with, and expand the scope of, his analyses. The outcome exceeded the

WILDEST EXPECTATIONS.

In March, 1882, Koch announced the discovery of the organism which causes tuberculosis. A year after this he isolated the cholera germ and thereafter in rapid succession the germs of typhoid fever, diphtheria and tetanus.

Thanks to his researches, and to others which followed in their train, cholera, tetanus, typhoid, diphtheria and the like are no longer the enemies of civilisation and the destroyers of whole nations.

Daily News, 19 July 1947.

Pictureport.

A Needle Saves Many Lives.

An old by building in  Beaufort Street is the home of one of Perth's most important sickness prevention organisations - the Perth City Council's diphtheria immunisation clinic.

Twice a week, medical officers from the City of Perth Dr. A. P, Davis attends the clinic to give immunisation injections to for between 90 and 100 children.

He injects several hundred a year. In a course of four injections which ensure complete protection against disease which in the past has claimed hundreds of victims, many of whom died

Children from eight months are treated. Before the children are given the anti-diphtheria serum they are given a preliminary injection. According to the reaction in 24 hours Dr. Davis can tell whether they will prove sensitive to the anti diphtheria serum, if this is the case the children are still to be immunised, but with a smaller dose.

Says Dr Davis; 'You get some howls when you have the ones who have been here before so they know what happens. But temporary separation from their mothers is the thing that makes them cry, seldom the slight prick of the needle."

Before COVID-19 - Some Personal Stories About Children Who Suffered Diphtheria...(1937).

Before COVID-19 - Some Personal Stories About Children Who Suffered Diphtheria...(1937).

This post is a continuation of the previous post "Before COVID-19...Diphtheria In Subiaco (1937)." about diphtheria in Subiaco between 1936 and 1937. 

One of the really interesting things is reading the personal stories of the people and children who lived and died of various diseases in the early years of the colony along with all the facts about the disease.

The first article is from a child Violet Nalor from Fremantle who contracted diphtheria who wrote to Aunt Bessy in the Children's Corner at the W.A Record in 1913. 

The second story is about a diphtheria patient giving birth to a baby boy at the Infectious Diseases Hospital in West Subiaco in 1937.

The third story is from 1933 and about a little girl who had contracted diphtheria and survived. "...Mr. Stan M'Innes' daughter, on reaching Perth with her mother was diagnosed as having had diphtheria and only a strong heart and constitution saved her life. The after effects was the enigma a local medico failed to solve..." (Southern Cross Times 8 July, 1933).

The fourth story is about an orphan Johnny who over came diphtheria in 1948. 

Over the years many Western Australian children and adults died and families suffered from diphtheria. Many of those tragic stories are shared on Trove, the database at the National Library of Australia. 

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

The W.A. Record, Sat 28 Jun 1913 

Aunt Bessy's Corner

3 John-street, Fremantle. I am eleven years old, and attend the Convent School in Parry-street. I am in the Fourth Standard. We are working hard at school just now, as Sister has promised a prize to the child who has the most marks at the end of the month for lessons and home-work. Would you be so kind as to say a little prayer for me that I may be successful. I shall write to you again next month and 1st you know how I got on. 

On Easter Sunday my little brother was taken to the hospital with diphtheria. On Easter Monday I also was taken there with the same thing. We both are well now, and hope never to have it again. It is such a horrible thing. There is one of my school friends in the same ward as myself. The nurses were all very kind, and so was the doctor. I was glad to go back to school again after being home such a length of time. 

There has been a lot of sickness in Fremantle, especially whooping cough. My three sisters and myself went to a Fancy Dress Ball. I went as a Spanish Dancer. It was in aid of the East Fremantle Stall for the forthcoming bazaar. I think it proved to be a great success, and I am sure those ladies who worked so bird in preparing for it are perfectly satisfied with the results. VIOLET NAYLOR.

Glad to hear that you are well again, Violet, and hope you will be successful in winning a prize. AUNT BESSY.

Mirror, 6 March 1937.

BABY BOY BORN

In Infectious Diseases Hospital Remarkable Case at West Subiaco

This week the wards of the Infectious Diseases Hospital at West Subiaco suddenly echoed to the cries of a baby. A diphtheria patient had given birth to a baby boy. The mother is now well on the way to recovery, and as the little chap showed a negative swab at birth, he should leave the hospital in a few days, quite oblivious of, and none the worse for, the unusual surroundings in which he came into the world.

Fears for the baby were held when, a week before her expected confinement, the mother discovered to her horror that she had contracted diphtheria. Her little three-year-old daughter had been ailing for several days, and both were immediately rushed to the Infectious Diseases Hospital. There every precaution was taken to give the baby every possible chance. A special room was hastily prepared and the mother segregated from the rest of the patients. Her plight was a particularly unenviable one. Diphtheria is a disease which takes terrible toll of 

A PATIENT'S VITALITY 

very often permanently weakening the heart. That was one possibility that had to be carefully guarded against if either the mother or baby was to live through the experience. Another possibility was that the kiddie would be infected at birth, or that, naturally having little resistance, would speedily contract the disease; while the danger of the mother being weakened beyond resistance was also recognised. For just over a week there was unusual activity in the hospital, and on Tuesday the little room at the end of the ward became the centre of great interest when doctors and nurses were hastily summoned.  

There was great excitement when a lusty, full-throated cry suddenly disturbed the serenity of the ward, and it was announced that swab taken from the baby proved to be negative. Double efforts were then made to ensure that no undue exposure should result in infection. Those efforts have been successful. 

The mother and daughter both showed 

NEGATIVE SWABS 

during the week and are due for discharge shortly. The baby is a fine, healthy boy good tempered and quiet, and doesn't give the nurses the slightest bother. He will probably be discharged next week, one of the few babies ever to be born in an Infectious Diseases Hospital and live through the experience.

Southern Cross Times, 15 July 1933.

MEDICAL MATTER 

DOCTORS' OPINIONS DIFFER A "DIPTHERIA" CASE 

A recent illness of the daughter of Mr. Stan M'Innes in which is was stated the diagnosis was at fault, led to the little girl being taken by her parents without loss of time, when they saw her condition becoming serious, to the coast for further advice and treatment. 

When Dr. W. H. Nelson of 58 Hay Street Subiaco saw the child he at once said to Mr. and Mrs. M'Innes that it was a diphtheria case and that the critical stage had been passed through, mainly because of her good constitution and strong heart. After a week's treatment at the home of her grandmother, 36 Violet Grove, W. Subiaco Mrs. M'Innes brought your daughter home to Southern Cross. 

There has been a lot of talk indulged in over this case, and much of it quite uncalled for. Several people in this town have formed very pronounced opinions after hearing only one side of the question and the upon indulged in the use of language the reverse of what is accepted in polite circles. 

In doing so such persons only display the vagaries of those who possess ill balanced minds. It is therefore to be regretted that out of a very simple case such a mountain of gossip and ill-natured talk has arisen. 

Indeed it would appear, when suital cases are remembered that in this community is a section who seize on an opportunity to create scandal utter malicious aspersions on those who figure in the discussion. 

In this matter, the following paragraph was published in this paper on July 8: — "Mr. Stan M'Innes' daughter, on reaching Perth with her mother was diagnosed as having had diphtheria and only a strong heart and constitution saved her life. The after effects was the engima a local medico failed to solve." 

To the above, the following reply has been received. 

(To THE EDITOR.) Sir,—In the issue of your journal for July 8, I protest very strongly against the paragraph in the personal column dealing with Iris M'Innes. At no time was she attended by me for diphtheria. If the child had had diphtheria, it would have spread far and wide as she was never isolated. 

As far as I am concerned there was no "enigma" whatever about her recent trouble. I hope that this will not occur again. If it does, I shall be obliged to put the matter in the hands of the medical defence association, and it will deal with the situation.—Yours etc., W. H. MacGRANAHAN,

10/7/33 When Mr. M'Innes was asked whether he had any comment to make on Dr. MacGranahan's statement, he said that the little girl was making no improvement under the treatment here and was apparently becoming worse, so he decided to have further advice in Perth. He called on Dr. W. H. Nelson who had attended his mother and when the doctor saw the child he at once said that she had had diphtheria. 

A careful examination of Iris confirmed the first opinion. He added, too, that when Iris was being attended by Dr. MacGranahan, no swab was taken. After the child's return to Southern Cross on Sunday, July 2, it was quite true be and his wife took the children to a football match in a closed sedan car where they were fully protected from the atmosphere.

He had been advised a week ago by the doctor here that he would write to Dr. Nelson and ask for his opinion on the child. So far he (Mr. M'Innes) had not heard whether a reply was received in answer to the inquiry. He resented the busy bodies who had discussed his child's illness and treatment. 

However, that was a matter he would take steps to deal with in his own way. With regard to the health of Iris, he said that she was still affected by the effects of the diphtheria, as she had practically no power in her knee joints and could not stand without assistance. Surely that would convince the most sceptical minded persons. 

What is forgotten in this discussion is that Iris M'Innes was at Boulder for a number of weeks where she evidently contracted the diphtheria and was recovering when she came home.

Daily News, 12 January 1948.

ON THE ROAD to recovery after cheating death many times in three months, 19 months-old orphan Johnny. Johnny takes a look at a Daily News cameraman from the arms of Infectious Diseases Branch nurse Thelma Frazier.

On the verge of death for more than three months, 19-months-old Johnny is now on the road to recovery. After 12 weeks of injections, steam tents and constant attention, he can at last sit up and take an interest in things.

 Fair-haired, and brown eyed, Johnny is an orphan. Suffering from laryngear diphtheria, he was admitted to the Infectious Diseases Hospital West Subiaco, in October. For about ten weeks his heart was feeble and stimulants had to be given every half hour.

Before COVID-19...Diphtheria In Subiaco (1937).

Before COVID-19...Diphtheria In Subiaco (1937).

Before COVID-19 there were regular outbreaks of diseases such as diphtheria, scarlet fever and tuberculosis in the early years of the colony. 

The reports on the health of Subiaco and other municipal councils were published in the local newspapers. This included the name of the disease such as diphtheria, scarlet fever, Brill's disease and tuberculosis, who they affected and how they were spread. 

In 1937, the West Australian newspaper reported on the total number and type of infectious diseases and deaths in the Subiaco Municipality... "A total of 154 cases of infectious disease, including six deaths, was reported for the year to October 31 last in the annual report of the chief health inspector of Subiaco municipality (Mr. A. C. Higgs). The incidence of the various diseases (with the corresponding figures for the previous year in parentheses) was as follows:-Diphtheria, 67 (36); tuberculosis, 28 (18), scarlet fever, 43 (16); Brill's disease, 5 (2); puerperal fever, 3 (5); ophthalmia, 1 (0); infantile paralysis, 1. (1); typhoid fever, 1 (0). The doubling of last year's total was attributed by the report to the large incidence of diphtheria and scarlet fever in May, June and July last. The cases were not confined to any particular locality or school, but were spread through the district..." (West Australian, 30 November, 1937).

A vaccine had been developed for diphtheria and the parents of children were encouraged to get their children vaccinated against the disease. At first the parents were resistant but after some publicity they were more inclined to get their children vaccinated. Health professionals argued that unless a large percentage of children were vaccinated there would be little effect against the spread of the disease.

An article in the West Australian titled "Diphtheria Menace. Immunisation Advocated" provides an overview of the history of the disease in the State in the previous years and in particular amongst children. The article describes health professionals advocating for state-wide, State Government funded vaccination programs for people and in particular children against the disease.  

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

West Australian, 30 November 1937.

INFECTIOUS DISEASE. Incidence at Subiaco. A total of 154 cases of infectious disease, including six deaths, was reported for the year to October 31 last in the annual report of the chief health inspector of Subiaco municipality (Mr. A. C. Higgs). The incidence of the various diseases (with the corresponding figures for the previous year in parentheses) was as follows:-Diphtheria, 67 (36); tuberculosis, 28 (18), scarlet fever, 43 (16); Brill's disease, 5 (2); puerperal fever, 3 (5); ophthalmia, 1 (0); infantile paralysis, 1. (1); typhoid fever, 1 (0). The doubling of last year's total was attributed by the report to the large incidence of diphtheria and scarlet fever in May, June and July last. The cases were not confined to any particular locality or school, but were spread through the district. 

The report continued: "This department was intensively active doing those things calculated to locate the origin of infection and check its spread. We took hundreds of swabs from contacts' throats and noses, in addition to swabbing the whole of the children from one large school. We enforced strict isolation, and thoroughly fumigated premises, furniture and personal effects, and in addition we advocated immunisation. 

During this year a circular pointing out the advantages of immunisation against diphtheria was delivered to every house in the municipality, and as a result 300 children received treatment at the clinic at the Children's Hospita. This makes a total of 600 children of this municipality who have received immunisation treatment during the last two years."

West Australian, 15 May 1937.

DIPHTHERIA. 

Subiaco Immunisation Campaign. 

Having obtained reports on the subject from the medical officer of health (Dr. H. E. H. Ferguson) and the chief health officer (Mr. A. C. Higgs) the Subiaco Municipal Council has resolved to proceed more actively with the immunisation of children against diphtheria. A circular with an attachment to indicate the parent's consent is being prepared for immediate distribution in the municipality. 

In the four weeks to May 4, nine cases of diphtheria, three of scarlet fever, two of Brill's disease and one of tuberculosis were reported in the municipality. The inspector found that three of the diphtheria cases were patients from an institution and one was a trainee from the same place. The Brill's disease cases were due to infection at a place of business outside the municipality. 

His department had restricted the movements of all of the contacts, disinfected the premises and personal belongings of patients, and given advice on coping with infection. A joint report to the council by the medical officer and the inspector on the immunisation question shows that the disease is spread by a person suffering from the disease, or carrying it, coming in close contact with other people. 

The greatest incidence is among schoolchildren who are in close association daily with their fellows. By a harmless inoculation, the children who are susceptible can be definitely protected by creating a condition of immunity or power to resist the attacks of the causative germ. As a result of publicity, about 350 children in the municipality have received the treatment at the Children's Hospital clinic, and 100 treated by private medical practitioners. However, in view of the large child population in the municipality, the total immunised is not considered enough to have any marked effect on the community. 

Children of susceptible age come from other centres to reside in Subiaco, and there is in addition the natural increase. Consequently, states the report, in order to be effective, immunisation clinics should be constantly operating. When the council previously distributed literature on the subject, a proportion of parents were disinclined to have their children treated, but as a result of further publicity a number of those parents may now favour immunisation. 

The chairman of the health committee (Cr. R. H. Nash) informed the last meeting of the council that the Children's Hospital was for the children throughout the State, and not specifically for Subiaco children, and therefore the question of creating a municipal immunisation clinic should be considered. Unless a high percentage of the child population was immunised, there would constantly be the menace of an outbreak of the disease in the municipality.

West Australian, 9 July 1936.

DIPHTHERIA MENACE. IMMUNISATION ADVOCATED. 

State-wide Scheme Wanted. 

Emphasising the need for a State-wide immunisation campaign against diphtheria yesterday, two Perth doctors said: -"We practice birth control in Western Australia but we do not look after the children we have got. Diphtheria is one disease that we can prevent. 

State-wide immunisation would mean that deaths from diphtheria would be absolutely eliminated and cases would be practically abolished. Each year there are a large number of cases of diphtheria, and because this occurs every year we take no notice of it. Diphtheria is a menace to our people and should be wiped out. We have the means of doing it. Why not take advantage of it? 

Diphtheria had been prevalent in some country areas and in sections of the metropolitan area during recent weeks, the doctors declared. Last year there were 1,308 cases in the State, the highest incidence for at least five years and probably for a very long period. In 1930 there were 1.045 cases, falling to 452 in the following year. A steady rise in each of the succeeding years culminated in an increase of nearly 350 cases in 1935 compared with the 1934 notifications. Deaths totalled 35 last year, 36 in 1934, 20 in both 1932 and 1931, and 43 in 1930. 

"There is a scheme to spend varying amounts up to £60,000 on a new infectious diseases hospital at West Subiaco," said one doctor. "Between 65 and 70 per cent of the admissions to the infectious diseases hospital comprise diphtheria cases, and if a proportion of the money for the new hospital were spent on immunisation money and labour would be saved. In American cities which had a high diphtheria mortality rate immunisation has eliminated the disease. It will cost between £10,000 and £15,000 to immunise the whole State, but surely this would be worth while. The State-wide campaign should be sponsored by the State Government. Immunisation centres should be established, and if necessary a mobile unit used to enable populations remote from clinics to be immunised against diphtheria." 

While immunity of the community against diphtheria was only partial the incidence of the disease would not drop, the other doctor interposed. "Immunity has, to proceed beyond 50 per cent of the, susceptible population before an adequate drop in the incidence occurs," he said. "The susceptible population comprises mainly children from two to seven years, but although adults have developed immunity from diphtheria, the probability of adults contracting the complaint is not remote. The most desirable period for the immunisation of children is at the pre-school age, from two to five years. A large proportion of the indifference to diphtheria immunisation is due to the fact that we possess a potent remedy for diphtheria-antitoxin. In spite of this treatment there is a steady mortality, but statistics do not express the long trail of after effects which diphtheria leaves in its wake-weakened hearts, paralysis, and the like. Immunisation of only a section of the community means that those people may become carriers of the most virulent diphtheria germs. Complete immunisation offers us complete immunity from diphtheria." 

A clinic for immunisation against diphtheria, it was explained, had been established at the Children's Hospital by the board of management, which was fully seized with the importance and urgency of the work. Proper advantage had not been taken of the facilities provided. During the past three months the number of patients had barely averaged three per clinic. Owing to the poor attendances a certain amount of immunisation material had had to be discarded and much time and labour had been wasted. These disadvantages were small compared with the danger inherent in a partly immunised community with its increased number of virulent carriers and the certain risk of raising the general incidence of diphtheria. 

Both doctors declared that the importance of preventive medicine could not be stressed too much. Treatment and the heavy costs it entailed would be obviated by establishing a State-wide immunisation campaign. A film was made available which should shed light on diphtheria and showed how immunisation was done. Possibly picture theatres could be induced to screen this film in an attempt to educate the people on the need for immunisation. The way was open for complete immunisation against diphtheria and no time should be lost. The State Government should consider what could be done in the interests of the people.

From the State Library of Western Australia. No copyright infringement intended.

Diphtheria immunisation continues at the clinic in Beaufort Street Perth 12 April 1950.

Before COVID-19... SmallPox and Ellen Amelia Montague (1893) Part Two.

Before COVID-19... SmallPox and Ellen Amelia Montague (1893) Part Two.

This is the second post on the outbreak of SmallPox in 1893. The first being the previous post 'Before COVID-19... SmallPox (1893). Part One'. This post is about the death of the first victim, Mrs Montague putting a human face on disease. 

From the first post ... "Before the outbreak of COVID-19 and the challenges of vaccination of that disease in 2021, the newspapers in the early years of the colony in Western Australia reported on the outbreaks of diseases such as smallpox, typhoid fever, tuberculosis, diphtheria and whooping cough. By the 1930's vaccines had been developed but there were significant challenges in getting the population immunised against them.

In March 1893. there was an outbreak of smallpox in Perth. A tent encampment was established in Subiaco on the outskirts of the city and played an important part for those suspected of and who were diagnosed with the disease. Then later in 1893 the site became the Victoria Hospital for Infectious Diseases and then in 1938 until 1956, the Metropolitan Infectious Diseases Hospital."

In 1893, the newspapers reported on the individuals who contracted and died from disease. The first person to die in this small pox epidemic was Mrs Montague. Mrs Montague was only 25 years and only been married a year. She was pregnant, gave birth to a still born baby and had also contracted typhoid. She never fully recovered. Her story is copied below. 

The newspapers of the day did not report her name only referred to her as Mrs Montague. The Karrakatta Cemetery site records her Christian name as Ellen Amelia and she was actually 25 years old, not 28 years old as the newspapers reported. She was Roman Catholic.  

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

West Australian, 19 April 1893.

THE SMALL-POX EPIDEMIC.

DEATH OF MRS. MONTAGUE.

The first death which can in any way be attributed to the small-pox epidemic occurred yesterday morning, when Mrs. Montague succumbed to the illness which had overtaken her. In the words of Dr. O'Connor, the unfortunate woman had a relapse on Monday night, from which she never rallied. 

The history of the case needs only to be repeated to indicate how far death was directly due to small-pox, and in what measure other causes contributed to her pre-mature end. She first became ill on Wednesday, the 5th, now exactly a fortnight ago. She was delivered of a child (still-born), and she became worse.

Dr. Haynes was called in, and diagnosed the case as confluent small-pox, and; gave very little hope of her recovery. She continued ill, various bulletins being issued as to her state, and on Sunday had slightly improved. Had it not been for the sudden relapse, which has ended in death, it had been intended to remove Mrs. Montague to the Subiaco quarantine station yesterday morning. 

The weakness caused child-birth augmented the danger from the disease, and when to this has to be added that a third complication existed, it will be teen that there is no cause for additional alarm as to the safety of the remaining patients. 

A few months ago the deceased had a severe attack of typhoid, lasting for five or six weeks, which shattered her constitution, which was never very strong. She was not able to withstand the attacks of disease, her heart being always very weak. 

She was about 28 years of age, and had only been married about a year. 

Her burial took place at midnight in the proposed new cemetery at Subiaco. She was placed in a coffin tarred inside and out, and containing a quantity of quicklime. The funeral arrangements were in the charge of Mr. D. Chipper, who was accompanied to the burying ground by a policeman. A priest applied for permission to be present at the interment, but the Health Officer, whilst not actually forbidding it, strongly, advised that the attendance at the grave be limited as the circumstances would allow, and that it would be especially dangerous to the public health if one, whose duties necessitated close communication with many of the residents, should be in such close proximity to a source of infection. 

Extreme Unction had been administered to the deceased ten days ago, and, although interred without the usual religious rites at the grave, the customary prayers will be offered on her behalf.

Before Covid-19...Smallpox (1893) Part One.

Before COVID-19... Smallpox (1893) Part One. 

Before the outbreak of COVID-19 and the challenges of vaccination of that disease in 2021, the newspapers in the early years of the colony in Western Australia reported on the outbreaks of diseases such as smallpox, typhoid fever, tuberculosis, diphtheria and whooping cough. By the 1930's vaccines had been developed but there were significant challenges in getting the population immunised against them.

In March 1893 there was an outbreak of smallpox in Perth. A tent encampment was established in Subiaco on the outskirts of the city and played an important part for those suspected of and who were diagnosed with the disease. Then later in 1893 the site became the Victoria Hospital for Infectious Diseases and then in 1938 until 1956, the Metropolitan Infectious Diseases Hospital. The story of the Infectious Disease Hospital was published in the Mirror newspaper in 1935 and copied below. 

By late April 1893 the first patient had died. After the first outbreaks of smallpox the city opened centres for free vaccinations for both children and adults. The Western Mail on 22 April reported "On Tuesday morning, the Town Hall was opened to the general public for the purpose of free vaccination. Dr. Waylen, the Superintendent of Vaccination, with Dr. Elgee, was in attendance, and a huge number of persons presented themselves for vaccination. All the unvaccinated children, were vaccinated, and in addition to these, a goodly number of persons of different ages were vaccinated. The number dealt with exceeded three hundred..." (Western Mail, 22 April, 1893). The doctors were reported to vaccinate up to 700 people per day (Mirror,  2 February 1935).

A year after the outbreak in 1894 there was another reported case of smallpox. However, newspaper reports state the public should not panic as providing proper sanitary conditions and a well vaccinated population should prevent the disease from spreading. The article also tried to ease the concerns of anti-vaccinators to the ill effects of taking the vaccination (Inquirer and Commercial News, 16 March 1894).

The first article from the Mirror in 1935 provides a brief overview of the smallpox epidemic in 1893 and the development of the Victoria Hospital for Infectious Diseases. 

The second article from Inquirer and Commercial News in 1894 is about the effective use of providing proper sanitary conditions and a well vaccinated population in the prevention of the spreading of disease from the previous year's outbreak.

The third article from the West Australian newspaper in 1893 provides advice on how to prevent smallpox from spreading.

These articles are from Trove, the database of national library of Australia. No copyright infringement intended.    

Mirror, 2 February 1935

INFECTIOUS DISEASES HOSPITAL WAS BUILT IN 14 DAYS!

Makeshift Structure To Cope With Perth's Worst Smallpox Outbreak Interesting Peep Into the Past

How many people know how the much discussed Infectious Diseases Hospital came into being and why it was dumped out at Subiaco? Here's the story: —

The beginning of the West Subiaco Infectious Diseases Hospital was during the severe small pox epidemic in the early days of April, 1893. Perth Hospital or as it was then called the 'Colonial Hospital' was the scene of the outbreak. 

It assumed alarming proportions and the authorities took active steps to prevent a spread of the disease. There was a quarantine station at Woodman's Point (still in existence), but transport there was bad (there were no motor amlyilances in those days). The Fremantle people objected to the patients being taken there, so, as a stand-by, a camp was formed at Mt. Eliza. The Local Board of Health consisted of the Mayor (Mr. Alec Forrest), Councillors N. Traylen, McKernan. J. Chipper, T. F. Quinlan, H. Williams, James and T. G. A. Molloy (the latter being the only one surviving). Dr. Scott, a clever practitioner, was health officer; Mr. Victor was Town Clerk Mr. Castilla (City Surveyor) and Mr. Smith, health inspector. The Central Board of Health consisted of Messrs. W. H. James and B. C. Wood with Dr. Waylen as president. When the epidemic came Mr. S. H. Parker and the secretary (Colonel Forbes) were ill. 

One of the patients, a Miss Bogue, was living in a wooden house and Councillor Quinlan advocated setting fire to it. It was situated at the corner of Pier and Wellington streets. Another sufferer was a Mrs: Montague living in Buller Yard near Pier-street. The first patient was a Cingalese named Bryan who had arrived by the Saladin from Singapore, and was employed by a Miss Keogh, and being taken, ill he was sent to the Colonial Hospital (now the Perth Hospital) by Dr. Kenny (father of our Doctor Joe Kenny). Dr. Elgee was the doctor in charge of the Perth hospital, and the whole place was quarantined. 

The first death was that of a Mrs. Montague, and the interment TOOK PLACE AT MIDNIGHT in the new cemetery — now Karrakatta. The coffin was tarred inside and out and filled with quicklime. The late Mr. Don Chipper carried out the arrangements and a policeman was there to see that burial, but a clergyman was not allowed to be at the graveside. 

On April 22 there were 22 cases at the Subiaco encampment. Captain Crook, a native of England, and one of Perth's most popular society young men, succumbed to the disease. The late Dr. Haynes (uncle of Arthur Haynes) and Dr. Hitch vaccinated 700 people in one day. 

Meanwhile Mr. Costello had started on plans and specifications for an infectious diseases hospital and a site was selected as it was then stated 'two miles from Subiaco.' It was to accommodate 14 to 16, patients and was to have double walls of galvanised iron, with jarrah frame and flooring, bathrooms, kitchen, matron's room, scullery and storeroom. A contract was let to the fate Mr. David Grey for £560 and the whole was completed and ready for occupation In 14 days. The furniture and fittings cost about £150. 

The hospital was named the 'Victoria Hospital.' It was even then too small as at one time there were 35 patients at Subiaco. Later additions were of course made. Without a doubt the Infectious Diseases Hospital served a good purpose then. But the dirty, uncomfortable iron buildings have long outlived their usefulness.

Inquirer and Commercial News, 16 March 1894.

THE ALLEGED SMALL-POX CASE.

Should the case of the half-caste girl, now at the Subiaco Hospital, be one of small-pox, as some of our doctors believe it is, there is no need for a feeling of alarm. The events of last year are most unlikely to repeat themselves as experience has taught the authorities the right thing to do in such cases, and the measures of disinfection and precaution taken will doubtless be prompt and speedy. 

Small-pox is, as most people know, an endemic disease in London and other cities, and they have hospitals for the especial accommodation of patients suffering from this malignant complaint. But no alarm or panic is created by the appearance of isolated cases of small-pox, because experience has shown that in a well-governed community from a sanitary point of view, and especially a well-vaccinated community, such as this should now be, there is little reason for any alarm. 

It might certainly be suggested to the new arrivals who are coming in such numbers that they should make no delay in being vaccinated, in case they have not been submitted to that operation within recent times. 

Of the efficacy of vaccination as a preventive there can be now no doubt in Perth, after the experience of last year; and the ill effects which the anti-vaccinationist so dreads, and of which he has so much in explanation of his opposition to Jenner's treatment, have certainly not made themselves apparent, nor are they likely to. 

Of course, it is possible that human lymph may be occasionally unhealthy, but doctors are, as a rule, are scrupulously careful in obtaining vaccine from the healthiest subjects. But, we repeat, there is no reason for alarm and scare, and it would be doing the colony obvious injury to indulge in it. 

But the Health authorities should be alert and prompt in their measures of precaution, and the possibility of any spread of the complaint should be reduced to a minimum, as it can easily be. In regard to the cost of carrying out the details and looking after patients at the Subiaco Hospital, the task should not devolve upon the Health authorities of Perth, or, in other words, the City Council. 

They have no more to do with it than they have with the sanitary precautions which are taken at the ports of the colony, or with the control of the Colonial Hospital, and they should promptly and formally repudiate all financial responsibility. 

West Australian, 27 April 1893.

PERTH LOCAL BOARD OF HEALTH.

THE PREVENTION OF SMALL-POX.

1. Small-pox is most loathsome and fatal, and the most contagious of diseases.

2. Before the introduction of vaccination, Small-pox killed 40,000 persons yearly in England.

3. Thorough vaccination in infancy is an almost complete protection against Small-pox.

4. Of unvaccinated people one out of every three attacked by Small-pox dies.

5. Of perfectly vaccinated persons only one dies out of every two hundred attacked by Small-pox.

6. Perfect vaccination is shown by the possession of four well-marked vaccine scars.

7. Vaccination is harmless and practically painless.

8. To ensure protection throughout life you should be revaccinated after the age of fifteen.

9. Every soldier and sailor is re-vaccinated; the result is that Small-pox is almost unknown in the army and navy, even amid surrounding epidemics.

10. You can be vaccinated free of charge at the Town Hall.

11. Should Small-pox break out at your house or among your neighbours, see at once to the vaccination of the household, and to the re-vaccination of all persons over 12 years of age, and at the same time inform the Medical Officer of Health, Dr. O'Connor, or the Inspector, Mr. C. H. Smith, at the City Council office.

12. Any Patient suffering from Small-pox should be removed to Hospital ; or, if kept at home, must have a separate room and nurse.

HOW TO PREVENT SMALL-POX FROM SPREADING.

Every person who has not been successfully re-vaccinated should be vaccinated again.

1. All needless Woollen and other Draperies should be removed from the room in which the Patient lies, and be immediately disinfected if the rash has appeared.

2. All Red and body linen should be plunged into water containing a disinfectant, IMMEDIATELY it is taken from the patient, and BEFORE it is removed from the room.

3. All glass was, cups, dec, used by the patient, should be carefully cleaned in boiling water, before being used by other persons.

4 Pocket handkerchiefs ought not to be used, but small pieces of rag, which should be burnt directly.

5. Nurses and others, whose hands come in contact with the patient, should wash them in water containing Universal Disinfecting Powder, or other disinfectants, using a pound of the powder to a gallon of water, and afterwards in plain soap and water. The nurse or other person in charge of the sick should not mix with the rest of the family, and should wear a dress made of some washing material.

6. The Sick Room should be kept well ventilated. The lower sash may be raised two or three inches, and a piece of wood be placed underneath it, so as to close the whole of the opening, and thus allow of ventilation above the meeting bar of the lower sash.

7. The Bed, Mattress, and Woollen articles, which have been used by; the Patient, or exposed to the infection, should be disinfected at the Disinfecting Apparatus belonging to the Sanitary Authority, or in some other effectual manner (as with burning sulphur) as soon as the patient is convalescent. Their removal to the disinfecting chamber, when such exists, is strongly advised.

To disinfect a room with the bedding and clothes, from a quarter, to half a pound of sulphur should be burnt others, the door, window, and chimney being closely shut. The sulphur should be put an earthern or tin plate, and placed over a vessel of water, in order to avoid the danger, of fire. It may be ignited by placing on it a live coal, and the room must then be closed, and left for five or six hours.

8. After the Patient, has recovered, and before mixing with the Family, he should take a bath, or be washed all over more than once with warm water and Carbolic Acid Soap, and should not leave the sick room until he has been informed by his Medical Attendant that there is no longer any risk of infection.

Nurses and children, Perth Public Hospital, Infectious Diseases Branch, Subiaco, 1919






Perth Public Hospital, Infectious Diseases Branch, Subiaco (formerly the Victoria Hospital), 1908.

Percival Eynon...Subiaco Resident And Sunday Times' Essay Competition Winner (1932 and 1933).

Percival Eynon...Subiaco Resident And Sunday Times' Essay Competition Winner (1932 and 1933).

One of the exciting things about researching and writing a blog on history is the journey that it can lead me on to find out more about the residents and houses in Subiaco. 

Recently I was following up a lead provided in an article from the State Library of Western Australia on their Facebook page about the winners of the Sunday Times Crossword Competition in the early years. One of winners was a student from Thomas Street State School who had won a $1000, a lot of money for a young student and their family at that time. 

While I didn't find any information on this student and their family I did find out about another Subiaco resident Percival Eynon who lived at 133 Bagot Road in 1932 and won Sunday Times essay competitions. The first competition Percival won was on the public advantages of the Sunday Times crossword puzzles. He won 3 pounds. That essay is copied below. The essay raises the importance of these competitions during the Depression.

The second Sunday Times essay competition Percival Eynon won was in 1933 on "How Western Australia Would Prosper Out of Federation". The essay was published on 26 February, 1933. He won 3 pounds for that effort too.  

So who was Percival Eynon and where did the family live. Percival was a senior clerk in the Railways Department. The residence the Eynon family lived in Bagot Road, Subiaco is known as Eynon House and is one of cultural significance and listed on the Western Australian State heritage webpage. The page contains information about it's significance, history, physical description and integrity and authencity.

The page wrote the following about the Eynon family within the history of the house... 

"...133 Bagot Road then became the long-term family home of Percival and Ida Eynon, who settled here with their adult children, Llewellyn (Lynn) and Gwenyth. Percival was a senior clerk in the Railways Department and Ida was the sister of Edmund Henry Hall, MLC (1928-1947) and MLA (1947-1950). 

This provided them with a certain social status, but they still needed to supplement their income by taking in boarders during the 1930s. For example: SUPERIOR Accommodation, suit business people at 133 Bagot-rd, Subiaco.

When Percival was nearing retirement, Gwenyth Eynon travelled to England to complete her “art of speech studies”. Ida went to visit Gwenyth in 1937 and Percival joined them in 1938. While this was described as a holiday, Percival and Ida did not return to Perth until 1947 (possibly being held up by war time travel restrictions). 

During their absence the house was let out to Miss Rhoda Sturcke, who also placed numerous advertisements for board and lodging. For example: SINGLE Room. comfortable, with board, reasonable tariff. 133 Bagot-rd. Subiaco.

By the late 1940s Percival and Ida had moved back into the house and, following Percival’s death in December 1957, Ida remained here until at least 1963..."

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

Sunday Times, 1 May 1932.

LUCKY CIRCLES AT THE ANZAC DAY PARADE

If die persons whose portraits appear in the Lucky Circles present their copies of this paper at The Sunday Times" office on or after Tuesday next they will each receive TEN SHILLINGS. Each week "The Sunday Times" distributes £1 in this manner. Last week's winners were Mr. P. Carroll, of Gosnells, and Miss Joyce Kennedy, of 108 Tower-street, West Leederville.

Our Essay Competition

ON THE PUBLIC ADVANTAGES OF THE SUNDAY TIMES CROSSWORD PUZZLES

THE PRIZE WINNERS

The Sunday Times is extremely grateful to the 175 competitors who sent in essays on "The Public Advantages of The Sunday Times' Crossword Puzzle Competitions."

Many of the essays were of a high standard, and the task of finally reducing them to the prize-winning three was a difficult one.

A large majority of the essayists displayed a keen appreciation of the many public benefits accuring from the crossword competitions as now conducted, and there was a striking unanimity among the writers in their view that the competitions had the effect of dissipating the feeling of depression in countless numbers of homes, even where prizes had not been won, and that the creation of employment and trade had been of considerable dimensions.

The adjudication resulted as follows:

FIRST PRIZE, £3.

P. R. EYNON, 133 Bagot-road, Subiaco.

SECOND PRIZE, £2.

THOMAS GEORGE RETALIC, Glenellen Farm, Babakin.

THIRD PRIZE, £1.

E. E SHILLINGTON, 34 St Leonard-avenue, West Leederville.

THE WINNING ESSAY

It is a maximum of military strategy that attack is the best mode of defence, and the same is true of polemics. Therefore, to prove the beneficence of "The Sunday Times" Crossword Competitions, we do well to neglect the purely defensive task of answering objections until we have advanced positive arguments in their vindication. Defensive tactics will then be largely unnecessary, for if we stress the advantages of the system the objections will answer themselves.

Taking, first, the economic view, we observe that the disease now afflicting the body politic is not so much financial anaemia as defective circulation; not the absence of money, but its stagnation. Until money resumes its normal flow, depression will continue, and while no one is foolish enough to claim that crossword puzzles will restore prosperity, it remains true that anything which, by honest means, promotes the circulation of money, helps to mitigate the present troubles. The slightest breeze is welcome to a ship in the doldrums.

It is obvious that these competitions provide a certain amount of direct employment for otherwise idle hands. Their indirect efforts by way of increased demand for the paper conducting them, with consequent additional printing, labor, etc are probably of greater extent. Various distributing agencies share to these effects, and the general results are seen in more wages earned, received, and again circulated. The great majority of the competitors must, of course, content themselves without a monetary prize, but the pleasure of participation is some recompense for their trifling outlay, while for the prize-winners the event often means salvation from ruin or from dire distress. In nearly all cases nowadays it means relief from more or less serious embarrassment.

Apart from these considerations, the educative value of the puzzles must not be underrated. Few of us are so well informed that a course of them could not extend our vocabulary and widen our general knowledge. Many youngsters leave school with a smattering of two or three languages, but a very imperfect knowledge of their own. It is not suggested that competitions of this kind can fulfil the functions of literature, and so repair this defect; yet they may, and do, cater to some extent for many whom literature does not attract.

But it is when viewed as a medium of entertainment that the crossword puzzle assumes its most characteristic I aspect. True, there is a plenitude of other diversions available, but some of these are expensive, some objectionable, and some purely sectional in their appeal. Nearly all of them take the participants away from their homes, with the result that the lack of home life is becoming almost a national reproach.

From each of these objections the crossword puzzle is notably and entirely free, being inexpensive, harmless, open to everybody, and a distinct addition to the amenities of the family circle.

On the whole it is not extravagant to claim that these competitions increase the sum total of human happiness. By their agency many a harassed soul is gladdened, many a load of , debt or worry is lifted, many crosswords are saved, and many greater puzzles (of a financial nature) are solved. Nor are these things accomplished at the cost of ruin or unhappiness to anyone. The objection is sometimes raised that the prize winner receives something for nothing or at any rate for very little as though that were essentially an evil. But the same might be urged against many of nature's richest blessings, for whenever we breathe pure, fresh air, or enjoy the glorious sunshine, we receive "something for nothing."

The photograph of 'Eynon House' is from the City of Subiaco Heritage Place Record. No copyright infringement intended. 

Mr. George Bell of 'Bicton', Churchill Avenue, Subiaco (1908).

Mr. George Bell of 'Bicton', Churchill Avenue, Subiaco (1908).

This post is a continuation of the previous post 'A Personal History Of Western Australia...Lydia Charlotte Bell Of Subiaco (1906).' Lydia Charlotte Bell was married to George Bell.

Trove, the database of the National Library of Australia contains several obituaries Mr George Bell. A lot has been done on the early pioneers of Western Australia. 

One example is a family history site I found called the John and Julie Tucker family history website which provides a great amount of detail on Mr George Bell and Lydia Charlotte Duffield, with links to official documents and obituaries on Trove, the database of the National Library of Australia. 

George Bell was born in 1819 and died on 29 November, 1908 aged 90 years. He arrived in Western Australia on 10 January, 1841 aboard the ship 'Napoleon' from London, England. George lived in the colony of Western Australia for 70 years. There were several obituaries published on George Bell and his life. 

Lydia married George Bell on 24 January, 1846 . The Postal Directories of Western Australia show George Bell lived at 71 Churchill Street, Subiaco in 1906. Together Lydia and George had 12 children. 

Lydia Charlotte Duffield was born on 4 June, 1829 in Plymouth, Devon, England. She died on 23 July, 1915 in Subiaco, Western Australia at the age of 86 years. She arrived in Fremantle on 28 December, 1831 aboard the ship 'Egyptian' with their mother, servant and brothers and sisters, John Hole (Jr), Charles Hole and Samuel Bidgood. Her father had arrived earlier on 12 March, 1830 aboard the ship 'Warrior'.

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

Western Mail, 5 December 1908.

OBITUARY.

MR. GEORGE BELL.

By the death of Mr. George Bell, of Bicton, Churchill-avenue, Subiaco, on Sunday last, the rapidly narrowing circle of old colonists has lost one of its oldest members. Some 70 years ago Mr. Bell, then a young man of 20, arrived in Western Australia from England, of which he was a native. 

For something like a quarter of a century he was engaged in various contract works in Perth, Fremantle, and elsewhere, after which he entered the Public Works Department, and until his retirement on a pension, rather more than 20 years ago, he supervised the erection of a large number of public works and buildings. Among the buildings with the erection of which he was associated was the Perth Town Hall and the old Military Barracks at the west end of St. George's-terrace. 

After retiring from the public service, Mr. Bell was connected with the designing and erection of several of the most ornamental villas in the city during the latter part of last century. For some years past he lived a quiet, retired life on his pension, augmented by the rents from his properties. He lived to the ripe old ago of 90 years, thoroughly respected and esteemed by a large circle of friends. 

His death took place on Sunday last. His widow and most of his large family of sons and daughters survive him. The funeral took place on Monday afternoon, when the body of the deceased, enclosed in a massive jarrah coffin, was interred in the Methodist portion of the East Perth Cemetery. 

The Rev. A. J. Barclay officiated at the funeral, which was largely attended. The chief mourners were Messrs. H. T. and G. W. Bell (sons), Messrs Aubrey, Bert, Edgar, Clarence, and Arthur Bell (grandsons), Messrs. Lawrence Lapsley and Ronald Lapsley (grandsons), Mr. George Donegan (grandson), Mr. Jas. McF. Lapsley (son-in-law), Messrs. Edwin and William Duffield (nephews), and Mr. Raglan Jarvis (nephew). The pall-bearers were Mr. G. Randell, M.L.C., Major T. Sherwood, Messrs. Henry Arnold, F. Spencer, Geo. F. Glyde, and Samuel Hope. A large number of wreaths and floral tributes were sent by friends. The funeral arrangements were carried out by Mr. Donald J. Chipper, of Perth and Fremantle.

Western Mail, 3 February 1906.

Lydia Charlotte Bell Of 'Bicton' Churchill Avenue, Subiaco (Pioneer) (1906).

Lydia Charlotte Bell Of 'Bicton' Churchill Avenue, (Pioneer) (1906).

Sometimes when researching on Trove, the database of the National Library of Australia I find interesting and relevant articles about people and places in Subiaco by chance. This time I found an article from over one hundred and thirteen years ago about a personal recollection of the history of the early years of Perth from a long time resident of Subiaco, Mrs George Bell.

Articles like this lead me on an interesting journey though official databases and family history websites. The article 'A Diamond Wedding. A Page Of History' was first published in the Western Mail newspaper in 1906. The article is accompanied by some wonderful photographs of Mrs George Bell and her husband Mr George Bell and their descendants. They are copied below.

The newspaper article tells me a lot about Mrs George Bell and how she came to be in Western Australia in the early years. It is wonderful to read a woman's account in a newspaper of the early history of Western Australia. But I wanted to know more about her than she was married to a man called Mr George Bell. For example, what was her Christian name and where did the family live in Subiaco.

A lot has been done on the early pioneers of Western Australia. One example is a family history site I found called the John and Julie Tucker family history website which provides a great amount of detail on Mr George Bell, with links to official documents and obituraries on Trove, the database of the National Library of Australia. There is a link to his wife and her family. The website did not provide links to the article below.

Lydia Charlotte Duffield was born on 4 June, 1829 in Plymouth, Devon, England. She died on 23 July, 1915 in Subiaco, Western Australia at the age of 86 years. She arrived in Fremantle on 28 December, 1831 aboard the ship 'Eyptian' with their mother, servant and brothers and sisters, John Hole (Jr), Charles Hole and Samuel Bidgood. Her father had arrived earlier on 12 March, 1830 aboard the ship 'Warrior'.

Lydia married George Bell on 24 January, 1846 . The Postal Directories of Western Australia show George Bell lived at 71 Churchill Street, Subiaco in 1906. Together Lydia and George had 12 children.

George Bell was born in 1819 and died on 29 November, 1908 aged 90 years. He arrived in Western Australia on 10 January, 1841 aboard the ship 'Napoleon from London, England. George lived in the colony of Western Australia for 70 years. There were several obituaries published on George Bell and his life is the subject of another post.

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




Western Mail, 3 February 1906.

A DIAMOND WEDDING

A PAGE OF HISTORY.

INTERVIEW WITH A SEPTUAGE NARIAN.

WESTERN AUSTRALIA IN 1829.

(See Portraits.)

To but few is sufficiently long life vouchsafed to celebrate the sixtieth anniversary of their wedding, and among the few are Mr. and Mrs. George Bell, who reside at "Bicton," Subiaco. On January 24, 1846, the old couple were married in St. John's Church, Fremantle by the late Rev. C. King, the record of the ceremony being contained in volume 1, page 3, of the matrimonial records of Western Australia.

Mr. Bell, who is now in his 87th year, was the third son of the late Mr, Henry Trubshaw Bell, of Greenwich, England, and he arrived at Fremantle in 1840 in the old sailing ship Napoleon which was in charge of Captain Rutledge - his brother-in-law - his sister being also on board.

Mrs. Bell was the eldest daughter of the late Mr. John Hole Duffield, of Fremantle, formerly of Plymouth, England. The latter came to Western Australia in the sailing ship Warrior in 1829, and a year or so later was followed by his wife and children, among the latter being Mrs. Bell, who was two years of age.

Their voyage was accomplished in the sailing vessel Egyptian. Mr. Duffield was disappoint ed with the Swan settlement, the life being so rough and the natives so troublesome that he resolved to proceed to Sydney, taking with him his wife and children in the Egyptian.

Mrs. Bell has a distinct recollection of hearing her parents conversing about the voyage and its attendant incidents, as well as the episode which determined their return to Fremantle.

"When my father and mother landed at Sydney," said Mrs. Bell to a "Western Mail" reporter, "the so-called hotels were rough bush huts, and to one of these they proceeded. My mother could not sleep during the night, because of an almost continuous noise of hammering, and when daylight broke she peered out of the window to ascertain the cause.

Several cross-trees met her gaze, and later on when her husband looked at them he was horrified to see the bodies of eight Greek pirates hanging from the beams. So discouraging was the general appearance of the settlement and so sinister did the bodies look hanging from the gibbets that my father made up his mind that, bad as the Swan Settlement was, Sydney was worse; so he decided to return here in the same ship which conveyed us to the East.

When we arrived from England my father had no home for us, but he had commenced to make one, and on our return from Sydney he completed it. He excavated a hole in the ground, to the bottom of which two steps led, the walls and roof being composed of blankets. This was at the end of what is now Leake Street, and it formed the living place for my mother, her servant, whom she brought from England, and the four children. My father's bedroom comprised two barrels, placed in front of the entrance to the dwelling. He used to crawl into one and then pull the other over his legs.

On one side of the interior of the first barrel hung a gun, and on the other a French horn or bugle as a safeguard against predatory natives. On no occasion, however, was he called upon to use the gun against the blacks, a blast or two from the bugle being sufficient to frighten the boldest of them. Whenever he went fishing he took the bugle with him, and if the blacks occupied the fishing ground it was only necessary to blow it to send them scurrying away as fast as they could go. The natives then were a source of considerable amusement to us.

On one occasion a number of them came close to our home and saw a cousin of ours who was pock-marked. His appearance caused considerable discussion among the blacks, one of whom happened to bear traces of smáll-pox. He in particular was much taken with our cousin, and my mother, handed him a small mirror. When he saw the reflection, of his face he became frighten ed, threw the mirror away, and ran off screaming at the top of his voice.

We had to endure hardships at times. On one occasion we were without flour for three months. When a consignment arrived it was immediately placed in bond, only a certain quantity being ob tainable by the settlers, and I remember that my father had to pay 2s. 6d a pound for what he required. We were never short of fish or game, how ever, as the lakes and streams teemed with them. We were frequently short of bread.

Once a vessel arrived with, a cargo of cattle and sheep, and in exchange for vegetables we obtained a quantity of wheat from the captain. This we ate boiled, like rice, as we had no means of grinding it. There were no tables or chairs, and we used to sit round the pot. Soap was also a scarce commodity, and I can recollect my mother tying half a guinea in a pocket-handkerchief, and sending me to the store to buy some. In exchange for the money I only got half a pound, and you may be sure that that was the only soap we bought at that price.

There were happy times, happier than the present. Then all were on the same footing, gentle and simple alike, nor was there any distinction in regard to dress. I can look back with plea sure to many parties in the open air, at which we danced in the sand, and were quite happy. When I paid my first visit to Perth there was a very small wooden building on what is now the site of Sir John Forrest's residence in Hay-street, and it belonged to Mr, Chipper. I also remember a brick building near the Causeway, which was the property of Mr.Thurkle. The journey was made in a gig, manned by two or three men, and the charge was 3s. per passenger each way. Mr. Dyer, then an old man, was the owner of the gig.

Before the prisoners were brought to Western Australia, times were rather precarious, there being but little employment, and money was scarce, and everyone who could man age to do so, went away. Personally, I think that the establishment of a Penal settlement did good, rather than harm. It may be interesting to know that my father was the first discoverer of gold in Western Australia, but as an outbreak on the part of the prisoners was feared, the Controller declined to permit him to announce his find.

This was in 1849, and he used to go áway from Fremantle and return with sufficient of the precious metal to enable him to keep his family in comfort for six or eight weeks. When that period of time had elapsed, he would again go out and obtain more gold. On his journeys in search of gold he was accompanied by à servant named Charles Jacobs, but neither my father nor he would divulge the secret of the locality in which the gold was procured, and it died with them. All we knew was that the find was situated a day's journey from Fremantle.

My father was an enterprising man, and made a considerable amount of money by collecting curios, such as minerals, shells, skins, aboriginal weapons, etc., and selling them to the museums at home. The proceeds from the sale of these he invested in land. The last collection that he disposed of was to Captain Jardine, of the ship Shepherd, who paid him 600 guineas, but the vessel was wrecked, and the curios were lost.

Well do I remember the arrival of the first brougham in Western Australia. It was imported by the late Mr. George Leake's grandfather, and, with his daughter, I eagerly watched its landing. When the horse was placed in the shafts, it jibbed for some time, and I was the only one who could muster sufficient courage to take a seat in the vehicle. Sometime afterwards Mr. Leake and his wife got in the brougham, in order to proceed to Perth, but the horse could not, or would not, pull through the sand, so they abandoned the carriage at what is now Cantonment-road, which was then a mass of sand, and rode to Perth, the carriage being dragged back to Fremantle by horses hired for the purpose.

Before this carriage arrived, we never gave a thought to driving, but always walked. The next drive I had was in a small cart drawn by Timor ponies, and subsequently I rode in a bullock-cart. The first steamer that plied between Fremantle and Perth was the Lady Stirling the return fare being 3s., but it so frequently stuck on the sand banks that most of the settlers preferred to travel by boat.

The first church erected in Fremantle was a Church of England, and this was followed by a Roman Catholic Church."

Both Mr. and Mrs. Bell enjoy good health, though, to a certain extent, they have been overtaken by the infirmities of old age. Mr. Bell uses glasses when reading, and his memory is slightly impaired but, beyond deaf ness and a slight impairment of his age, Mrs. Bell retains all her faculties, and her memory is remarkably good.

Their surviving children are:—Mr. H. T. Bell, Perth; Mrs. George Donegan, Geraldton; Mr. G. W. Bell, Perth; Mrs. J. M. Lapsley, Perth; Mrs. E. A. Archdeacon, Newcastle; and Mr. James L. Bell, Mount Magnet. The grandchildren number 47, and their great-grandchildren 14. It will be of interest to recall that one of their grandchildren, Mr. Fred. Bell, while a lieutenant of a Western Australian contingent during the South African campaign, was awarded the Victoria Cross.

The children of the aged couple, as well as a large number of the younger generations, assembled at their residence, where an enjoyable time was spent.