"My Day At The Royal Show" (1919).

"My Day At The Royal Show" (1919).

This blog post is a continuation of the previous two blog posts about the children's corner "Childland" in the Western Australian newspaper W.A. Family Sphere published from 1919 -1920.

This week in Western Australia is the third term school holidays. It is also the week of the Perth Royal Agricultural Show. Like many generations of children and families before them they will be going to the Royal Agricultural Show. Over a one hundred years ago children shared their experiences in the newspaper W. A. Family Sphere in a competition. Their entries are copied below.   

From the previous blog post..."The W. A. Family Sphere newspaper was published on Fridays from June 1919 to December 1920. The newspaper had a children's corner titled the 'Childland Times'. Children wrote letters about what interest them, entered competitions and won prizes and shared their creative work such as stories and drawings which were published. 

The section contained material deemed suitable for children including short stories and riddles and jokes. The section was edited by an adult known as Tiggie Touchwood and the children were known as 'childlanders'. This children's section was different from other children's sections in that the children won money for competitions and had their work published as against other newspapers who rewarded children with books and games or just having the work published and receiving a reply from the adult editor. The newspaper while publishing the names of the children who wrote in, did not publish their address or age and only if they won a competition."

The articles are from Trove the national database of the National Library of Australia. The photograph is from the State Library of Western Australia. No copyright infringement intended. 

W.A. Family Sphere, 31 October 1919.

"My Day at the Show" Competition

The Prize-Winners.

A large number of my young friends accepted my invitation to enter (without knocking) for the essay competition entitled

"My Day, at the Show." It was in two divisions — for children 12 and under, and for children between 12 and 14 years of age. Here are the results : — 12 and Under. The amount allotted to each division was 7s. 6d., and at first I thought it would be best to give 5s. for first prize and 2s. 6d. for second. I find, however, that I cannot separate the essays sent in by Harry Rogers and Dorothy Cress-well, while little A. Starr's essay is also very good, so I've given it a dead heat for the first pair, with 3s, each, and a close second to A. Starr, who wins Is. 6d.

From Harry Rogers - aged 12, "The Wattles," King-street, Claremont:— The Royal Show has just passed, and I suppose everybody went to it. We saw throngs of people going into the grounds one after the other. Of these days special trains are run, carrying eager spectators.

On Thursday it is Children's Day, and fill the children gather for a good time. On the Thursday I went and had as good a time as anyone else. The first thing I went to see was the machinery, and as I am going to be a farmer I was very interested; then I went to see the various exhibits, such as dogs, cattle, sheep and poultry. 

The best thing I saw was a fat little pony, reserved champion, well brushed, combed and looked after. I saw the bees in their hive, and I thought what wonderful little creatures they are, and how smart they must be to gather in the honey for people to eat. 

I thought there was a fine show of vegetables tables, butter and bacon; there was some of , the best colored butter I ever saw, and some fine rhubarb. In the Children's Hall I saw some walking sticks and some riding whips, which the boy's at Baker's Hill made. 

Then I went to see the sideshows, some of which were hoopla, kicko, duckla, merry-go-round and swinging boats. There we heard the cry of "Hoopla, penny a shot!". 

Then came the grand parade, which was a very magnificent sight. One of the cows kept running rings around the man who was leading it, and he had a job to hold it in. Then, after watching the jumping, I walked home tired and weary. 

From Dorothy Cresswell (age 10 years and 4 weeks), Griver-street, Cottesloe: — 

Dear Tiggie Touchwood,— As I went to the Show I will try and give you an idea how I enjoyed myself. Firstly, it was so unexpected, as my mother was in bed with the 'flu. We thought that there was no Show for us, but my auntie arrived from West Guildford, and said she would take my brother and me, and I was so pleased. So off we went, and when we arrived all we could see were people, some ladies with beautiful dresses and hats. 

I went and saw the machinery, but I did not understand it; and the animals were very nice, but I liked the ring events best of all. The horses were lovely. Tiggie, didn't you think the flowers were lovely? I went through and saw the children's work, and some of the writing was beautiful for children. Of course, I went on the roundabouts a few times, and had a few ice creams, nuts and lollies. 

I went home early, as I missed my mother taking us into different places, as I lost my auntie and I was very tired of it, and did not want to go again on children's day. I think your letter on the Show was splendid. 

You saw a lot more than I did, and really, Tiggie, I did not enjoy my self a lot. With love and best wishes. 

From A. Starr (aged 10 years), of 97 Railway Parade, Mt. Lawley: — On October 1 two of my chums and myself decided that if we could we would go to the Show. We decided to catch the 9.36 a.m. train from Mt. Lawley. One of my chums was detained, so couldn't get away for another hour. 

On arriving at the Show grounds we first went, to see the sheep shearing and machinery. After strolling round, a bit we ran into a tent, and on reading the notice we found it to be the "double" fowl's tent. We paid our money and went in. There, in the middle of a table with a wire cage on it for the bird. 

After looking at it, we proceeded to the poultry and dogs' sheds. One of the dogs had five pups. After look ing at some more exhibits we had lunch. For about another hour we looked round the various sheds and halls. Then, to miss the crowd, we made a move towards the gates, arriving home, about 4.30 p.m. 

Second Division— 12 to 14 1/2. 

While the essay sent me by my young friend Dudley Myers is very, bright and long, that belonging to Eric Richards is clever and well written, and again I am unable to separate then, so must mark another dead heat of it, awarding 3s. each to Dudley and Eric, while Thelma Rogers (a sister to Harry) wins the second prize of 1s. 6d. 

From Dudley Myers (aged 13 years and 10 months), of 49 Aberdeen-street, East Perth : — . 

It is Wednesday (there is magic in the word), the great day for gods and little fishes. The auror of morn is still hovering over the Oriental horizon when I awake and perform my toilet, conjecturing and anticipating what pictures the magic and mysterious mirror of Time and Fate will disclose. 

Arriving at the station, I take my seat in a comfortably crowded carriage, just as the train moves out. At every station the tiny tots ask "Is this Claremont?" But at last Claremont is reached, and the poor harassed mother is beset by the following questions and requests: " 'Ere, give us my ticket," "Where is my money?" and so on. A loud wail from here and there tells a silent (?) tale of suffocation. 

Following the crowd I reach the show ground, and perceiving that the ring events have not yet commenced, make a tour of the side shows. The first attraction that meets my eye is that of the "Mysterious Gourka from Banglore." "Here you are, gents; come and see the Mysterious Gourka from Banglore, the wonder of the 19th century," cries the manager. (I venture to correct his mistake as regards the nineteenth century, but he is too busy leading more lambs to the slaughter.) "Passing through we view the "Mysterious Gourka" (?) who, when he perspires, mixes a suspicious chocolate-brown with the perspiration. 

A little further on is His Majesty's highest subject, who casually informs us, as if saying good day, that the size of his boot is 13, and that he can pass a florin through his ring. About ten yards east of this establishment is the spruiker of Salome, vainly trying to induce two cockies to enter and view that marvellous lady, but who knowingly wink to each other and help themselves "to a free look" via the photos on the outside. 

Then again there is the freak fowl : "Roll up in your thousands, see this marvellous fowl, 2ft, high (my uncle possesses a Game Malay rooster 2ft, l0 in. high), left side female, right side male." Passing in, we see a fowl with a color less comb, and by appearance half-dead , (just as Tiggie described it). I called it a well-planned (?) fraud, and reckoned it had two dummy feet attached to the wings by; a piece of string. As for it being fifty-fifty has it ever been proved? 

Seeing the crowd turning their eyes ringward, I do the same, and perceive that the ring events are about to commence. First of all, there is a gentle men's hack, the horses participating earning great credit for their owners. After this there is few more events, consisting of a buggy parade, etc., the majority of which deserve honorable mention. 

Having been attacked by a low, sinking feeling in my (oh! you know where !) I proceed to refresh my self with some nutritious aliment at the nearest tea-room. My hunger being satiated, I come out just in time to see " Die trotting commence. My word ! it is a ding-dong struggle for the coveted honor of first place. First one, then the other forge ahead, but it cannot go on forever, and Yundah Boy wins the great event in record time (2.224). 

Following this is the Ladies' Hack, in which an unfortunate accident occurs, marring all real interest in the event. But I am glad to say that the unfortunate lady had the presence of mind to hold the hores's head down, thus preventing him from hurting himself further. A few more events not worth penning take place, and the day is ended. So ends my essay.

 

From Eric Richards (aged 14), of 15 Carr-street, West Perth: — 

My Day at the Royal Show. 

Of course, everyone who is able always visits the Show, and I was no exception. Nine o'clock on Wednesday saw me on West Perth station, with a return ticket to Claremont. My reason for being abroad so early was that I was entering some flowers in the Show, and I had to have them staged, ready for judging, early. Fortunately, the train was not too crowded, thus enabling me to find a seat. 

On arrival at Claremont I hastened to the Show grounds, to which, like the river, flowed a constant stream of merry people. At various places along the road Salvation Army men and women were asking for contributions, and it was good to see that their efforts were rewarded and that people could, amid their happiness and pleasure, find room for a little self-denial. 

I was soon through the turnstiles and " into the ground. I did not, however, immediately inspect all the sights to be seen, but staged my flowers to my satisfaction and commenced to walk round and "see the sights." 

Attracted by the loud noise, the machinery soon claimed my attention, and it was very interest ing to watch the various engines at work watched by grimy engineers in blue overalls, and imagine to myself what they were built for. The show by Cuming, Smith and Co. on their stand was well worth looking at. All their productions were stacked around in bag?, while here and there pot plants in flower made pretty splashes of color. 

I passed the tent wherein was showing the marvellous fowl, but did not enter, passing on to the poultry and dogs. The loud barking of the dogs was heard every where, blended with the crowing of roosters, and it was not exactly musical. 

As it was about 12.30 I had lunch and resumed my tour. On going into the hall in which were the vegetables I was surprised to see such exhibits. I next visited the Children's Industries Hall, in which were shown many fine drawings, maps and handwriting. The cookery almost made me inclined to eat it. The main hall was also very attractive, and was very crowded.

My footsteps next turned towards the side shows, around which were a great many people. I had a look at the Mysterious Gourkha, who, as the showman solemnly ; declared, was direct from Bangalore I also had some shots on the hoop-la, but was unsuccessful. Going into the grandstand I watched the ring events, and was amused greatly at the Grand Parade, where some of the animals were very frisky. 

Before doing this I had gone to the flower hall, and was gratified to see I had won a second prize. After watching the ring events for some time, I made for home, tired but happy, and after enduring the crowd in the train arrived home safely. 

From Thelma Rogers (aged 13 years and 5 months), of "The Wattles" King-street, Claremont :—

The Show. The Royal Agricultural Show— the greatest industrial events of the year — was held from the 7th to 11th of October on the Society's grounds at Claremont. It is indeed a great events and crowds throne to witness it. On those days special trains were running, carrying eager spectators. 

On Thursday— Children's Day— I went to the Show, and was one of the children who spent a very enjoyable day. My favorite exhibit was the school children's. I liked the maps and cookery, and thought the sewing was very good, but the things I thought were most clever were some walking sticks made by the boys of Baker's Hill. 

The poultry and dogs were the next things I went to see, for I am very fond of dogs. I liked best ; the big, faithful looking Collies and the little Pomeranians. The next things I visited were the sheep and pigs. I liked to the small pigs running over the lazy old mother, who is trying to have "forty winks." I think if all the farmers' pigs are the size of those in the Show it is a wonder he could keep them. Among the sheep I saw one that seemed to stand out more prominent than the rest. It had gained Reserved Champion, Champion, and first prize. It was indeed a magnificent animal, for it hardly had room to move in its, mail apartment. 

As I make my way to the side-shows I see that it is the most crowded part of the grounds, and I hear the many voices advertising their various shows. "Hoop-la t Aunt Sally! Kicko ! Skittles ! One for a penny ! "Seven for sixpence." All these cries, are heard as I come into the thick of the throng. The amusement, I think, attracted most attention was the merry-go-round; everyone seemed to go for a; circular ride. Then, after a day's the rough enjoyment, I trudged home. 





Crowd around main arena at Claremont Showgrounds 1919. From the State Library of Western Australia.

The Clever Competition (1919). Part Two.

The Clever Competition (1919). Part Two.

This blog post is a continuation of the previous blog post "The Clever Competition (1919) Part One about the essays of children published in the children's corner called 'Childland' in the W.A. Family Sphere newspaper. The newspaper was published from 1919 to 1920.

The essay competition titled "The "Clever" Competition" asked the question "Are boys cleverer than girls, or are girls cleverer than boys?" The winning essays were published on the previous post. These essays did not win but were awarded consolation prizes and published. 

Although the newspaper was published a year after the World War One finished they provide a wonderful insight into changes in the roles of women such as this one from Arthur Mell... 

"...The boys may become such as engineers, statesmen, and lawyers, while the girls do not fill such places, but while the war has been on the girls in England have taken the soldiers' positions, and have proved themselves clever; it shows that girls can do it. Girls are now trained to be doctors and lawyers. In some cases the money for training cannot be afforded so in many naming are unable to be what they wish. 

The boys are also clever and good, but in both cases for girls and boys alike, unless they can afford to wait for years to be what they want must do something else because of the returning soldiers..."(Arthur Mell...age and addresss unknown). 

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

W.A. Family Sphere, 5 September 1919.

The "Clever" Competition.

Special Prizes.

"Here are some of the interesting entries:— 

From Dudley Myers, 49 Aberdeen-street, Perth: — 

"Are boys cleverer than girls, or are girls cleverer than boys? What answer do I give to the above question? Why, boys ! For I think that God has gifted them with more intellect than girls, because on the average the boys (when they reach maturity) have to be the breadwinners. 

Let us take, for instance, the case of James Watt. Even in his tender years he saw the necessity of making ships independent of the tides. His aunt would bully him gently for sitting wasting his time watching the steam puff out of the kettle lid. "You lazy boy, James Watt," she would say, "have you nothing better to do than sit for hours looking at that kettle?" But James Watt was fighting the moon (the moon influences tides), and winning, for ten years later he brought steam power into the modern world. 

Regarding the self same question, some people say: 'There's much to be said on both sides (quoted by Sir Roger de Coverly at the Assizes), but I do not, for I think that boys are the cleverest. 

If you are not convinced take another instance — that of Edison, the world-famous inventor (gramophones, etc.). In his youth he gained his liveliliood by selling papers. He must have had a gigantic brain then, for look what it has developed into now, probably the largest inventive power in the world." P.S. — My reference to Sir Roger de Coverly is from the Autobiography, by Addison, in the London "Sphere." 

From Barbare Ritchie, 114 Broome-street, Cottesloe : 

"Which are the more clever, boys or girls?". In my opinion it is a difficult task to decide which are the more clever, girls or boys, for on both sides there has been great mental power and intelligence shown. 

Boys, comparatively speaking, are born to rule the world's affairs, and girls to rule the household. However, there have been exceptions, and clever girls have grown up to be renowned women, as well as boys to be great men. So, Tiggie, my opinion is that, in their own way, girls are just as clever as boys." 

From Hazel Campbell, age 10 years 3 months, of "Canberra," 71 Grant-street Cottesloe :

"Are boys cleverer and better than girls, or are girls cleverer and better than boys? Tom and Mavis were twins, and they lived with their mother and father, in a house in Mount Lawley, which over looked the Swan River. The children often played on its banks. Their mother and father loved them both dearly, for they were the only children they had. 

One day the twins came running home from school, as they were both very anxious and excited to tell their mother what their teacher had asked them. Mavis reached her mother first, and kissed her and then exclaimed: "Oh! mother, teacher asked us which did we think were the cleverer, girls or boys?" Before mother had time to answer Tom said, 'Boys are, of course.' Their mother said she would see, so she took them into the garden at the side of the house, and gave them each a small piece of ground, and said she would experiment and see which were the cleverer, boys or girls. She told them to go into the summer house and get an equal number of seeds to plant in each of their little plots of ground, and in a month's time she would see which plot of ground had the strongest and best plants. 

Then she said that Mavis could have the cat which they called 'Smut,' and that Tom could have 'Rover,' the dog. She said she would then see which one was the kindest to dumb animals. She said as their grand ma was getting very old she would like someone to wind her wool and read to her. Then, for the last thing, she said that she would see who kept their bed room the tidiest. Their mother and father were always watching them, but they did not know it. 

When the month was up their mother and father went and had a look at the plots of ground. They found that Mavis' plot had not been dug up enough, and that it had not had sufficient water, though Tom's was not perfect, and that Mavis did not always feed 'Smut,' because she liked 'Rover' the best, and Tom had not wound up grandma's wool or read to her for he liked playing with 'Rover' And friend, Albert. But they found that Mavis bedroom was the tidiest, for "Tom, "when he took any thing out of his wardrobe, he threw them back anyhow, instead of putting them where he found them. 

Their mother and father were greatly puzzled, for they could not choose which were the clever, so they decided in their opinion that boys are as clever as girls, and girls are as clever as boys." 

From Arthur Mell:  

"I think that it is wiser not to say that the girls are better and cleverer than the boys, or the bovs are better and cleverer than the girls, because wherever you go you nearly always find both clever and good boys and girls. The child may not be both clever and good. For boys there are many more offices than for the girls. 

The boys may become such as engineers, statesmen, and lawyers, while the girls do not fill such places, but while the war has been on the girls in England have taken the soldiers' positions, and have proved themselves clever; it shows that girls can do it. Girls are now trained to be doctors and lawyers. In some cases the money for training cannot be afforded so in many naming. are unable to be what they wish. 

The boys are also clever and good, but in both cases for girls and boys alike, unless they can afford to wait for years to be what they want must do something else because of the returning soldiers."

From Phoebe Groom, age 9 years 11 months, of Railway-street, Osborne: 

"Down by a shady stream lived two children, who were twins, aged ten, called Betty and Billy. They ran past their Grandmamma to wash their hands at the stream, that ran close by, for they were going to have dinner of sandwiches, fancy cakes, and pies. 

They were running merrily along, and when they reached their grandma they were surprised to see the look of concern in their grandma's face. 'Explain to us, granny, dear,' exclaimed they both at once, 'has a telegram come that was depressing?' 'No, dears, I have had a message to say that your teacher was exceedingly sorry that you did not come to-day, for there came a letter from the editor of 'Childland Times' to say that he is giving a prize for the best essay on : Are boys cleverer than girls, or are girls cleverer than boys? 

I want you to try for the prize, and you can try some experiments, and we will start homewards now and start immediately. First of all, you had better see who can keep poultry the best.' They both had four fowls and four ducks for a for night, but Betty neglected hers, while Billy looked after them and cared for them. 

The next one was who could look after the animals and care for them. Betty had 'Rover' the Collie dog, and Billy had 'Nugget,' the cat; but Billie liked 'Rover' best and didn't mind 'Nugget,' and so Betty won that time. The next was who could clean father's boots the best for a week, but Betty was not at all clever at this, and every second morning there wasn't a very nice shine on father's boots, so that Billy won that time. 

The next was who could look after mother, who had recently got better, for she had been very ill. Now, Betty was very fond of her mother, not to say that Billy wasn't fond of his mother ; but Betty knew better how to be a nurse than Billy, so Betty won in that one. So that grandma said one was as good as the other, and I think so too." 

From Gwen Higgs, age 11 years 9 months, of Brassey-street, Osborne:  

"My opinion is that girls and boys are similar. A woman sat on the verandah of a house watching the birds flit to and fro in the tall gum trees that grew around her home. She was thinking how delightful the bush was in spring. Her thoughts were aroused after a few moments, for there was the patter of feet on the garden path, and her twins, Madge and Rats came on the verandah. They were ten years of age, but were not at all alike.  

Madge was tall and dark, while Rats (of course, that was only his nickname) was, on the other hand, plump and fair. Madge ran along the verandah to where her mother was sitting. 'Oh ! mumsey,' she ex claimed, 'teacher asked us to-day if girls were cleverer and better than boys, or boys cleverer and better than girls? Of course I took the girls' part, and Rats the boys' part.' Her mother was thoughtful for a while, then she said 'We will have some experiments.' 

First she said we will see who keeps their ponies in order; secondly, who keeps their books in order and the tidiest and who does the neatest homework ; thirdly, if Madge- keeps her canaries' cage clean, and Rats keeps his rabbit hutch clean ; lastly, who keeps their room the tidiest. These experiments shall all last for a month, and at the end of that month your father and I shall choose. 

For the first Rats scored on keeping his pony the tidiest, for Madge's favorite pet was a large Collie dog named 'Rover.' Then the next time Madge scored for the books and homework. Rats, after he had read his books, left them on the table, and as for his homework, Why ! there were blots and smudges in plenty. 

The next time Rats scored again, for Madge often forgot to clean her birds' cage. And the last time Madge scored for Rats just 'slung' his clothes into his wardrobe and never cared whether his drawer was tidy or not." 

From Rose Hoare, age 10 years 2 months:  

"One sunny day in summer a lady sat on the verandah of a large house, situated on a hill overlooking the sea. The garden was gay with roses, jonquils, snowdrops, fresias, and other beautiful flowers. She was thinking deeply, but suddenly her meditations were interrupted by the shouts and laughter of the merry twins, whose names were Philip and Phyllis. Phyllis ran up the steps, and exclaimed: 'Oh! mother, what do you think? 

Teacher asked us this morning: Are girls cleverer and better than boys, or boys cleverer and better than girls?' 'Suppose we have some experiments,' said Mrs. O'Connor, 'and try to find out about it.' Their mother was pleased with the delighted exclamations of the twins. 'Then we will start directly,' said their mother. 'First we will see who is the best gardener. 

Secondly, we will see who can save the most money for the Orphans' Home. Thirdly, we will see who can be the kindest to animals or birds. Down in the shed, Philip, are some rabbits, Snowy and Darky, and you , Phyllis, can look after Polly, the parrot ; and, last of all, we will see who can afford to give up their own pleasures to help grandma.' 

After a month had passed the children were called in from the garden by nurse, who informed them that, they were urgently wanted by Mrs. O'Connor. They were told to bring a lettuce from their garden. Phillip's was the biggest, and Mrs. O'Connor discovered that Philip's garden was more tidy, the plants upright, and in straight rows. Phyllis' was not. So Philip scored in that, one. They were equal in saving money, both had 8s. 6d. Philip was more frequently observed feeding his rabbits, so he won again. In the last one Phyllis scored. 

Women have proved themselves equal to men in making ammunition, being tram conductors, women police, motor drivers, and aeroplane aviators. It is women that have helped to win this war. They have raised subscriptions for trench comforts, knitted socks, scarfs, and mittens, to give warmth to our soldiers.Some of our men have been soldiers, sailors and aeroplane aviators, and have performed many glorious deeds. 

From this little story you will perceive that girls and boys are equally good and clever, in my opinion, only both are cut out for different spheres of life."

From Jack Castledine, of William-street. : 

"I am writing an essay on : Are boys cleverer and better than girls, or are girls cleverer and better than boys ? It is not very long, but I hope it will do. My opinion is that girls are as clever as boys, and boys as clever as girls. 

In school subjects girls are better than boys in reading, writing, spelling, and poetry. They are both as good as one another in drawing and games; girls are better in tidy books. In some subjects boys are the cleverer such as his tory, mental arithmetic, geography, and gardening.

Working at home girls are better at helping mother wash up, iron, minding baby, and sweeping the floor, while the boys are better at chopping the wood, making the fire, going messages, keeping the yard clean and mowing the lawn. Boys are best at playing some games, such as football, marbles, and making kites; girls are best at basket ball, tennis, hockey, croquet, hop scotch, and skipping." 

The Clever Competition...(1919). Part One.

The Clever Competition...(1919). Part One. 

Throughout the early years of the Western Australian colony there were many newspapers published. While some like the West Australian, Sunday Times, Daily News and Western Mail were published for many decades, others like the Weekly Guardian and W.A. Family Sphere only lasted a couple of years. Nearly all of the newspapers contained children's pages directed at children. 

The W. A. Family Sphere newspaper was published on Fridays from June 1919 to December 1920. The newspaper had a children's corner titled the 'Childland Times'. Children wrote letters about what interested them, entered competitions and won prizes and shared their creative work such as stories and drawings which were published. 

The section contained material deemed suitable for children including short stories and riddles and jokes. The section was edited by an adult known as Tiggie Touchwood and the children were known as 'childlanders'. This children's section was different from other children's sections in that the children won money for competitions and had their work published as against other newspapers who rewarded children with books and games or just having the work published and receiving a reply from the adult editor. The newspaper while publishing the names of the children who wrote in, did not publish their address or age and only if they won a competition.  

One of the first competitions run by the 'Childland Times' page was titled the 'Clever Competition'. The question asked 'Are Girls Cleverer and Better Than Boys or are Boys Clever and Better Than Girls?' The competition was divided into two sections, those boys and girls aged between 12 and 14 years and the other under 12 years. The winning essays received prize money and consolation prizes of a free copy of the newspaper for three months. The winning essays were published in the newspaper. Many children wrote on a regular basis. 

The essays provide a wonderful insight into the daily lives of boys and girls in 1919 and what there expectations were in life. The winning essays of the older children between the ages of 12 and 14 perpetuated stereotypes of women connected to the home, women getting married and raising a family. The expectations of how children spent their time outside of school was clearly defined. The reality was that not all women would get married and have families. In fact many got an education and worked in occupations such as teachers, journalists, nurses and ran businesses. They also bought and owned their own house.   

The year 1919 was only a year after the Great War had ended. An interesting point was raised by a child in the winning essay for the under 12 years about the impact of the war and the change in women's roles. 

The essay division from ages 12 to 14 years was won by Cecil Trafford of 137 Heytesbury Road, Subiaco.   

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

W.A. Family Sphere, 29 August 1919.

The "Clever" Competition.

The prize winners are: — 1 First Division— Between 12 and 14 Years. 

1st Prize: 

TRAFFORD CECIL, 137 Heytesbury-road, Subiaco, 6/-

From Trafford Cecil, 137 Heytesbury-road, Subiaco: — 

Dear Tiggie Touchwood, the 'Childland Times' is great. I have been in bed with the 'flu, and I read it through ever so many times, until I decided I would have a shot for the prize for the essay 'Are girls cleverer or better than boys, or vice versa?' So here goes: 

It is not a hard task to judge which are the best between boys or girls; undoubtedly the palm goes to the girls; in fact, no house should be without one. Some boys only think sisters are good to saw on buttons and give their brothers their pocket money, but they really have more value than that, I think she minds the baby, sews, cooks and helps mother when she is not at school. 

All this is of great use to mother, and also to the brothers, for while she helps the boys can go and climb trees, play marbles and tear their clothes for sister to mend. And then, again, how nice and clean girls are always. They never have to wipe the dirt off on the towel, like boys do, and their finger-nails are never in mourning. regards girls being cleverer than boys, you have only to look at their home work books. Oh ! dear, they have no blots or smudges, and never upset the ink, but boys— enough said. 

As boys glow older I notice they change their opinions of girls, and it is quite common to see a boy very nice and kind to a girl, generally some other fellow's sister. I have often wondered why, but I suppose I'll know when I'm bigger, but these are the opinions of a mere boy. 

2nd Prize: 

DOROTHY TEBBUTT, 111 Ocean-road, Cottesloe Beach, 3/- 

From Dorothy Tebbutt, 111 Ocean-road Cottesloe Beach: 

The question was, "are girls cleverer and better than boys, or boys cleverer and better than girls" Well, I think that boys are cleverer than girls. The boys must be considered cleverer, for they take more lessons at school than girls, and when they grow up they still keep on working so they must be clever to remember their school work. My father knows more school work than mother. 

A good many girls think they can leave school and stay home for a while then they can get married and their husbands will keep them. Boys seem to be able to remember the work they have had in lower classes, which I certainly don't. When a boy has a man teacher he knows he must obey, and when it is a lady-he obeys to be polite; and a girl does not mind so much, for they generally have a lady to teach them. 

Girls were born to work in the homes, and boys tor office and shop work, for which they need brains. Another good point about a boy is that once he thinks of his profession he sticks to it, and works hard for that one thing; but a girl is always changing her mind.

If my letter happens to be printed I hope girls wont be offended at my opinion of them, but of course it does not refer to every one, it is only generally speaking. 

3 rd Prize :

VIOLET MONGAN, State School, Cottesloe, 1/6. 

From Violet Mougan, State School, Cottesloe: — 

Boys, the name to some girls is as the word 'thief' to a strictly honest person. I am not one of these girls. My ideas run on different lines. Taking the boys all round, we find that they are not as bad as they are painted. A boy is lacking many points which a girl has; for instance, a tender feeling towards creatures suffering. This point is in possession of girls, and is frequently in use. 

Now, a boy has a very strong point, and that is his loyalty to his chum. Of course, girls do not altogether lack this point, but their nature is not as that of a boy. There is another point in favor of a girl, and that is the way her heart is touched so-easily, whereas it takes a very, very sad scene to touch a boy's heart. 

There is also another point in favor of a boy. When he is strong he generally stands up and openly admits that he did it, whereas a girl of a weaker nature is afraid of punishment ; but there are not many of these sort of girls. 

'Are girls cleverer than boys?' you ask. Well, my opinion of the matter is that boys are cleverer in some things (not many) and girls cleverer in others. Judging from the work in class, girls are cleverer than boys. Boys really have more brains than girls, but they do uot use them, as any teacher will tell you. Girls put forth a much stronger effort than a boy.

 These, Tiggie, are my opinions of girls and boys. I think you will agree with my reasoning if you see children in the same light as I do. 

Second Division— 

Under 12 Years. 

First Prize: 

HUBERT DAVIES, 74 Grant-street, Cottesloe, 6/-

Herbert Davies, 11 years 4 months, of 74 Grant-street, Cottesloe: — 

My conception is that boys and girls are similar. The war has taught the world a lesson. It has taught it that iris and women can do work as ably as men. You will generally find that if a boy is good in one subject a girl is good in another. Some girls are very clever at needlework and dressmaking, but some boys are mechanical enthusiasts. The majority of children care for other work. 

In England young women used to work on tramcars, they acted as conductors and drivers. They also worked to make munitions, and so took the place of men who were needed to light for freedom. Many women have shown their equality with men both in physical and mental qualities, as instanced in the exploits of Florence nightingale, Joan of Arc, and Grace Darling, aa examples of physical courage. That is my opinion of boys and girls. 

2nd Prize : 

DOROTHY CRESSWELL, Griver-street, Cottesloe, 3/-. 

From Dorothy Cresswell, age 10 years and 2 months, of Griver-street, Cottesloe: — 

My opinion is, as a little girls myself, that girls are better than boys because when we are home mother always looks to us for about the place in use, and the boys can go out and play. If we go out to join the fun we are always the first to be called in. 

In regards to lessons, girls seem to take more interest in their work, such as writing, reading, and poetry. But in many subjects boys can compete with girls. I am sure you will agree will me that girls are the best scholars. When you look at the 'Family Sphere' of August the 6th in 'Churchland Times' there were eighteen prize winners, aim out of that number 13 were girls. 

Boys, I think, are very mischievous, and some are very tricky. This little verse gives a very good idea of a boy : — A queer little boy who went to school, Was up to all sorts of tricks, Discovered that 9 when upside down, Would pass for the figure 6. So when asked his age by a good old dame, The comical youngster said : "I am 6 when I stand on my fee like this, And 9 when I stand on my head." 

3 rd Prize: 

ARNOLD FOLEY, 116 Railway-street, Cottesloe 1/6. 

From Arnold Foley, age 11 years 7 months, of 116 Railway-street, Cottesloe: — 

My opinion is that they are equal. My father was ammunition worker, and was promoted to a position over a number of girls in an aircraft factory. He brought some particles of metal sweated together by these girls. There was one piece of metal that had been tested in the vice to see if the joining was strong enough, and it was so strong that the metal tore instead of the joint parting, so that proves girls are as good as boys at men's work. 

The boys are better at gardening and caring for domestic animals. Girls are better at minding the house for mother and helping her in odd jobs, such as winding wool for knitting and keeping her patch- box tidy, etc. At school the girls are better than boys in spelling, reading, writing and poetry, while boys are better in arithmetic, mental, history and geography. Both sexes are good at drawing. If you considered about all the work done by both sexes in the world, they would turn out both the same.

The Day The Queen Came To Subiaco...(1954).

The Day The Queen Came To Subiaco...(1954).

In 1954 Queen Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh visited Australia. The couple visited Western Australia including Perth and country towns for 5 days.

The role of school children featured in the visit around Australia. There was a planned children's review at the Claremont Show ground for 20 000 school children. However, it was cancelled due to the danger of contamination from poliomyelitis.

As a result special provisions were made for school children, hospitals, institutions and families in nearby areas could give greetings to the Queen and Duke. There were two routes on two different days that would enable them to see the Queen. The first was on Tuesday, March 30 from Government House to the Perth airport (along Canning Highway and Great Eastern Highway).

The second from Thursday, April 1 from Hollywood Hospital to Government House. The route taken included Subiaco, (along Thomas Street, down Rokeby Road past Subiaco State School and King Edward Memorial Hospital along Railway Road, Roberts Road back along Thomas Street, King's Park into the city). A map is copied below.  

The school children from the Subiaco State School, and the patients and nurses King Edward Memorial Hospital and Princess Margaret Children's Hospital lined the street to see the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh drive past. The procession slowed down when they went passed by so could see the Queen and Duke. 

The articles and photographs are from Trove, the database of the National Library of Australia.   




A happy patient at Princess Margaret Hospital sits on a bed and waves a flag as the Queen and the Duke drive past. 

Some patients and nurses of King Edward Memorial Hospital line the route of the morning progress outside the hospital. One wears a decorated hat. 

The Weekly Guardian...Children's Corner (1934) (Part 2).

The Weekly Guardian...Children's Corner (1934) (Part 2).

This blog post is a continuation of the previous blog post titled 'The Weekly Guardian...Children's Corner (1934) (Part 1).'

The Weekly Guardian was a local newspaper that was published from 1933 to 1934 and circulated through Subiaco, Wembley, Hollywood, Nedlands and Claremont.

On June 29, 1934 the newspaper began a Children's Corner. Children were encouraged to enter various competitions for the best essays, share stories and paintings. The best essays were published. Books were awarded to the best entries for a boy and girl under the age of 15 years and games for second prize. The entries had to be in their own words and and the mother and father had to sign the coupon. The column was run by Uncle Arthur and the children were known as nieces and nephews. The competitions were judged by the Rev. Oliver, Rector of St. Andrew's Church, Subiaco. 

The entries published provide a wonderful insight in the lives of children including hobbies, the games they played, their favourite toy, what they wanted to be when they grew up, their favourite books, and what they did on the weekend and during their summer holidays. The children also wrote about issues that impacted on them and their families such as the mosquito plague.  

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

Weekly Guardian 29 June 1934.

MY HOBBY. 

Miss Yolande Johns, aged 9, 

of 111 Rokeby Road, Subiaco. 

My hobby is collecting series of labels of products made in Australia. In my collection I have several labels of products made in Tasmania, such as Cadbury's Chocolates and Bourne-Vita, which is a very nourishing food beverage. I have also a soap and Charmosan cream label which are considered quite good and pure. There is a jam and fruit label, and as some of the finest fruits are grown in Tasmania, we get excellent jam and tinned fruits. Wonderful progress has been made during the last few years, thus enabling people to buy things much cheaper than when they had to depend on imported goods. 

Master John Moody, aged 9, 

of 135 Rokeby Road, Subiaco. 

Reading is my hobby, of which I am very fond. I have a nice collection of book's, including two Tiger Tim's Annuals, Peter Pan and Wendy, Schoolboy's Annual, Nelson's Jolly Book for Boys and others, too numerous to mention. I also enjoy reading comics and children's pages in the papers. 

Weekly Guardian, 6 July 1934.

MY FAVOURITE GAME.

Betty Bowden, aged 9 

of 149 Derby Road, Subiaco. 

My favourite game is shopkeeping. Because my sister and I like to see the little people coming into buy. I only imagine these little people, because there are only two of us. I have a cubby house on the end of the verandah. There is a box in the doorway for the counter. The interior is where I keep the stores. 

The verandah is where the people come to buy. In one part of the shop I sell meat, chickens, milk, eggs, butter, cream, which comes from our own imaginary farm. In the gro-cery part of the shop I sell tea, flour, jams, sugar, pies, cake, etc. For the money we have shells. I have an account book in which I enter people's goods. Adding up the accounts and giving out the change helps me with my sums at school.

John Ramsay, aged 12, 

of 138 Onslow Road, Shenton Park. 

Perhaps the most popular game a boy can play is cricket, but some like football better. The game of cricket is played by two teams, each comprised of eleven men, and their aim is to make a score, which is done by trying to knock the ball past the fieldsmen. If he is able to do this he runs to the other end of the pitch, and as many times as he runs the length of it, it counts as a run. He might even run two or three times which are added to his total. The opposite team have to stump, catch, run or bowl the batsmen out. 

The game is played in summer be cause if it were played in the winter the rain would cover the field with water, which would stop the ball, while in the summer there is scarcely any rain. Sometimes it does rain and play has to be held up until the field is suitable for them to continue. At present the fifteen players who were picked to go to England, are playing the Test matches and county games, in which I am very interested, and eagerly await the latest scores in the morning paper in which I hope, that some day my name will appear. I am so interested in cricket and always play when I get a chance. 

Weekly Guardian, 7 September 1934.

Eunice Nelthorpe, aged 7 3/4, 

of 15 Cross Street, Subiaco. 

Subiaco Infants' School,

LAST WEEKEND. 

Last Saturday I went to a nice party. There were about sixteen boys and girls, and we had a lovely time. If you remember, last Saturday was rather wet, but in between the showers we played cricket, and had a peanut race. I dropped mine and by the time I had got another one I was last home. 

Then we had lovely cakes, jellies and lollies, and each child was given a balloon. After we had eaten all the nice things we had a treasure hunt. I couldn't find mine anywhere, so Bobbie's daddy (that is the boy's name who had the party) told me to look in the garage on top of the step ladder, and I found wrapped in brown paper a pussycat rubber. The hunt finished about half-past five, and of course we all had to go home feeling very tired but happy.

I love parties and wish there was one every Saturday. On Sunday morning I went to Sun day School, and in the afternoon I wrote my essay, but although I like the week-ends, I am always glad when Monday comes so that I can go to school again. 

Jack Duncan, aged 8, 

of 94 Rupert Street, Subiaco.  

Subiaco Infants' School, 

HOW I SPENT LAST WEEK-END. 

As last Saturday was very wet I couldn't go out very far. So after getting the messages for my mother I had a glance over my lessons and back verandah. The dog kept running away with my ball, so I had to give it up as a bad pob. 

I then went to meet my Dad. After lunch time I helped him to carry in the wood for the fires and in between the showers we pulled out some weeds from the garden. As the evening was very wet I just had to listen to the wireless for a time; then I had a read of a book until bed time. 

On Sunday morning I rose early and after breakfast went to Sunday School and Church. After I had dinner I went around King's Park with my father and mother. It started to rain again so we had to hurry home and content ourselves in doors for the rest of the evening. I had a glace over my lessons and went early to bed so as to be fresh for school in the morning.

Weekly Guardian, 17 August 1934.

Don Stringfellow, aged 8 3/4, 

of 161 Hammersley Road, Subiaco.

Subiaco Infants' School, 

MY FAVOURITE SCHOOL LESSON. 

My favourite lesson is nature study because you may find things out about living things, flowers, animals, insects, and so on. Besides, if there is a reserve near your school your teacher sometimes takes you there on a nature study lesson. Then you can run about and get cocoons, different shaped leaves, and also curious bits of bark. Your teacher mostly keeps caterpillars, and sometimes snails and cocoons. You can find out things about fishes, birds, and beasts, and also about the tropical seas, creeks and valleys. There is no end to the interests of Nature.

Gordon Hugo, aged 8 3/4, 

of Barker Road, Subiaco.

Subiaco Infants' School, 

MY FAVOURITE SCHOOL LESSON. 

My favourite lesson is Geography because you can learn different things about the world and names of other lands like Canada, Europe, England, Africa, Austria, Asia, Australia and New Zealand, which is only an island. There are other countries named Victoria, Tasmania. 

But in Canada there are mountains and hills, also plains and rivers. In the rivers are salmon and sardines. There used to be cowboys and Indians and they always had fights. The plains that are there are called prairies. Now there are farms there. 

Also we learn about Japan and China. They grow in Japan rice, and they also keep silkworms, and they get the silk then they send it to the silk factory, and it is made into silk clothes. That's all I have to put in this week. 

I might have more next week, so good-bye. 

Beryl Jeffs, aged 8 1/4, 

of 58 Lawler Street, Subiaco.

Subiaco Infants' School.

MY FAVOURITE SCHOOL LESSON. 

My favourite lesson is sewing, because it is so interesting and helpful to girls when they grow up. For you can make your own, dainty clothes and earn a living, too. If you tear your clothes, you are able to mend them. You can help in many ways by making babies' clothes and making warm clothes for the poor. 

You can have more pretty dresses when you can make them yourself, and you can help others that do not know how to sew. At Christmas you can make many useful presents such as fancy aprons, doyleys, pillow shams, cushions and many other things made with needle and thread. 

I like sewing my dollies' clothes and dressing them. I can make pretty dresses and bonnets for them with patches. So that is why I like sewing lessons best of all. 

 

Hope Hawtin, aged 8 3/4, 

of 22 Brown Street, Subiaco. 

Subiaco Infants School,  

MY FAVOURITE SCHOOL LESSON. 

I like reading best of all subjects as it teaches me many things. It tells me of all countries and their customs. It gives me poetry, of which I am very fond, and on a rainy day when I cannot go out to play I can have a book to read, which is my delight. Of all them that I have read, I prefer Peter Pan and Wendy, because it is so interesting. 

Reading a lot educates you in lots of ways, and it's very nice to be able to read well because you are then able to read and under stand what's going on in the world, and later on in life you will then be able to talk on any subject that might come up with confidence, no matter in what company you may happen to be. 

In conclusion I hope that I will always be fond of reading and so help to improve my education and knowledge on many matters by reading. 

Western Mail, 9 March 1933.

The Weekly Guardian...Children's Corner (1934) (Part 1).

The Weekly Guardian...Children's Corner (1934) (Part 1).

"If everyone would learn to smile instead of to frown Subiaco would be a much nicer place to live in." Jack Duncan, aged 9 (Subiaco Infant's School).       

The Weekly Guardian was a local newspaper that was published from 1933 to 1934 and circulated through Subiaco, Wembley, Hollywood, Nedlands and Claremont.

On June 29, 1934 the newspaper began a Children's Corner. Children were encouraged to enter various competitions for the best essays, share stories and paintings. The best essays were published. Books were awarded to the best entries for a boy and girl under the age of 15 years. The entries had to be in their own words and the mother and father had to sign the coupon. 

The entries published provide a wonderful insight into the lives of children including hobbies, the games they played, favourite school lesson, favourite toy what they wanted to be when they grew up and what they did on their summer holidays. 

The following essays are about smiling.  All the children who won prizes are from the Subiaco Infant's School at the Subiaco State School. 

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

Weekly Guardian, 10 August 1934.

PRIZE WINNERS. 

The Girls' First Prize was won by FAITH SAWKINS, aged 8 1/2, 

of 291 Rokeby Road. 

(Subiaco Infants' School.) 

Faith has been sending essays along right from the beginning of the Corner, and has won a nice book at last. Very well written, Faith. 

SMILING. 

Happiness brings smiles. We are always glad to meet people with smiling faces, they gladden the hearts of young and old. Smiling is like a tonic, it does us good. Disagreeable children are never liked. 

Smiling brings love and kindness in return. Doctors and nurses with smiling faces are most popular. All sick people are glad to see them enter the wards. I love to see pretty babies with sunny smiles, it shows they are healthy and happy; sickly babies seldom smile, and their mothers are so worried.

What a wonderful world it would he if every body smiled. I really think a smile is one of the necessary needs in life. A smile a day drives care away. 

The Girls' Second Prize was won by HAZEL BEAVER, aged 81/2, 

of 228 Heytesbury Road. 

(Subiaco Infants' School.) 

Hazel has written a very nice essay, as you can see, and if she continues to try, should win a first prize soon. 

SMILING. 

If you smile you always feel happy and of course God likes us to smile and he contented. He made us lots of wonderful things to make us smile and feel happy, so I think we should smile and make the best of things. There are a great many things to smile at. 

But some people are ungrateful and say, "I won't smile." I don't like people that won't smile, do you? If you cannot get all your own way, don't be downhearted, but smile. Many years ago a man wrote a poem, "Smile and the world smiles with you. Weep and you weep alone." Don't you think this is very true? A cheery word and a happy smile to a little school mate who is feeling sad will often bring her back to smiles. So always try to smile and make others happy. Now this is very pleasing. 

On the essay which EUNICE NELTHORPE, aged 7 3/4, 

of 15 Cross Street (Subiaco Infants' School), 

sent in, the Rev. Oliver has written the following note : "I would like to give a third prize to this child — it is a splendid paper." Congratulations, Eunice. For so young a child your essay was a splendid effort. Call at the "Guardian" office, and we will give you a note to the Rev. Oliver, who will then present your prize. 

SMILING, 

Daddy is always saying, "If your face wants to smile, let it ; if it doesn't, make it." If all the boys and girls were to smile all the time there would be no sulky looking faces and no fighting at school. 

If everybody learnt to smile while they were young and look at everything on the sunny side, it would get such a habit with every body that when they grew up they would still look at everything with a smile, and there would he no fighting or wars between the different countries in the world. 

All the people would try and agree with one another, and if there were some things that they could not quite agree to, they would smile, and their arguments would be forgotten. So if we all try and smile and keep smiling all the time we should all be happy and every body would be glad to help everybody else, and the world would be a jolly old place to live in. 

The Boys' First Prize was won by Jack Duncan, aged 9, 

of Rupert Street, Subiaco. 

(Subiaco Infants' School.) 

Congratulations, John. You certainly appear to know the value of a smile. 

SMILING. 

We should always smile. Because it makes us look much happier than having a sour looking face and other people like us better. When we are sick and feel unhappy, if we try to keep a smiling face it makes us soon get well again. All boys and girls who go about the house and school with smiles on their faces are usually loved better than sulky children who never seem, to be pleased with anything they do or get. 

We like all the ladies and gentlemen best who go about smiling, for they don't seem to be so bad tempered as others. If everyone would learn to smile instead of to frown Subiaco would he a much nicer place to live in. 

The Game for the second best Essay goes to 

JOE PICKELLS, aged 81/2, of 

Subiaco Infants' School. 

Well done, Joe! Fancy winning a prize two weeks in succession. Keep this up, Joe, keep trying and you will probably win more yet. I'm sure Miss Prisk, your teacher, is very proud of you. 

SMILING. 

When you smile you feel gay, pleasant and happy. When you frown you feel miserable. However I was walking down the street. The sun was bright, but a little boy was not, he was miserable and sad. I tried to cheer him up and I did, for when I smiled, he smiled, and went away merry, for I think he must have copied me. 

All people like smilers. For instance, a man long ago wrote a saying, "Laugh and the world laughs with you. Weep and you weep alone." When I come home from school, feeling cross and bad tempered, I see my little sister smiling and makes me smile too. You make everybody happy by smiling. Smiling, is contagious, so we must all keep on smiling.

The Monk And Maid...(1926).

The Monk And Maid...(1926).

This is a wonderful love story between Father Andrew (John Enright) who was a minister at the Presbyterian Church, Subiaco and Miss Gertrude Lee. 

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

Daily News, 8 December 1926.

A Romance Recalled 

THAT EXCITED AUSTRALIA 

Rev. J. Enright Passes

True romance, so seldom found in life, but which in this instance was fanned strongly by the winds of love until a monk and a maid were brought together, the former forsaking forever his celibate's life, is recalled by the announcement yesterday of the death in New Zealand on December 4 of the Rev. John Enright, one time minister of the Presbyterian Church, Subiaco. 

The story of Father Andrew (John Enright) and Miss Gertrude Lee is an engrossing one. Twenty-four years ago while engaged in his pastoral duty to his parishioners at St Raphael's Church, Park side, Adelaide, 'a staid maiden lady of mature years,' as he described her, brought her niece of 16 years along for the purpose of her being still further instructed in the teachings of the church. From that time on she became a regular attendant at church functions, walking four miles to and from the service. 

After two years he became aware of that which her lips would not at this time have lisped a syllable, he has said, but of which her eyes unconsciously told the tale; that tale which is as old as the Garden of Eden. He saw that the young girl loved Father Andrew. Regarding himself as a celibate, and that for life, he realised that a woman's love must never have a resting place in his heart, but as time went on Cupid's marksmanship became more accurate in storming the ramparts. 

Two years later Miss Lee migrated to Western Australia, the two parting as firm friends, John Enright thinking that she would soon forget her folly of loving a loveless man — a monk. She had not departed long before he was awakened to the consciousness that something had come out of his life with his little convert's departure.

Correspondence was conducted monthly. At this time John Enright was stationed at the Goulbourn Monastery N.S.W. Time went by and Miss Lee decided to return from Western Australia to visit her friend. In Melbourne her courage failed her, and she passed through Goulbourn to Sydney without calling on him, and then home by steamer. 

She wrote some months later that she had actually been within three miles of him, and John Enright was dumbfounded. In a later letter was a question which John Enright considered to be the turning point, and one which settled the destiny of himself and Miss Lee. She wrote: 'May I come along and see you as I pass through to Sydney? I will not intrude too long on your precious time, for I know how busy you always are. But may I come?' 

Long did the celibate struggle with his inmost thoughts, for he knew that he was being called upon to make the decision of his life. As he says, 'My eyes fell upon a passage which I had been reading, 'Deus est Lux, Dues est Amor' — 'God is Light, God is Love.'' I thought a little more; then I dipped my pen in the inkwell, and smartly drawing it out I quickly wrote her to 'Come on.' 

With the posting of the letter he realised that the die had been cast and that he had passed the Rubicon. Upon arrival at Goulbourn Miss Lee put up at an hotel with some friends, and there the two met next day, those around seeing merely a zealous priest affably greeting one of the younger members of his former flock. Some days later at a parting in the Monastery-avenue Miss Lee quietly cried and said, 'Father Andrew, I am sorry, forgive me, I cannot help it; I am sorry I ever met you.' More quickly than the lightning's flash,' John Enright wrote, 'down went all the intervening barriers of the Church and the world; scattered to the four winds of heaven all thoughts of the past and future; I only felt the, hurricane of love that was sweeping over me as she lay resting on my heart, a fear-stricken, helpless happy maiden, more winsome, more precious than ever. 

Our souls had freely met at last. Henceforth they both quietly and secretly engaged on a campaign of preparedness to secade, but it was not done with out tremendous heart struggling, for it meant putting down all that had meant life to the younger man previously. Clandestinely Miss Lee was met upon her return from Sydney, bringing with her some necessary apparel for the young mar who was to forsake his monkish habit and mantle. 

During a visit to lunch at the Monastery every link in the chain of escape was examined anew and contingencies provided for. On Monday, September 9, 1907. Miss Lee took her departure from Goulbourn her lover seeing her off. The mission had been detailed for a series of services at Murrumburrah, and during the next night prepared for his departure, forgetting nothing for either his supposed mission or his actual secession. The key of his cell was placed where it would be found according to directions left in letters to several of the brethren, and leaving at dead of night, the young man proceeded to the Goulbourn station.

Booking a seat to Melbourne, at which latter city the wedding was celebrated and the couple set out for Perth on an obscure cargo boat trading in Australian waters. In Western Australia Rev. John Enright was connected with the Presbyterian Church both at Geraldton and Subiaco, and left  some years ago for New Zealand. 

Although he broke one of the most solemn vows of the Church to which he was initially attached, throughout his life and writings he always spoke with most kindly recollection of his association with the brothers of the Passionist Order, whom in his book, 'Breaking the Letters,' published in 1921 he praised most highly for their high-mindedness and whole-hearted devotion to their Church and their God.

The Late Rev. John Enright, formerly of Subiaco.

Subiaco Skits...(1922).

Subiaco Skits...(1922).

So what were ordinary women and children's lives like in the suburbs of Perth and country towns around Western Australia over a hundred years ago ? 

Details of those lives can be found in the social pages of the local newspapers like The Mirror. From 1922 to 1924 The Mirror wrote and published a section that contained a collection of snippets of gossip and local happenings from the suburbs in and around Perth for example, 'Belmont Babble', 'Maylands Moans', 'Queen's Park Quacks", 'Leederville Lingo' and 'Subiaco Skits'. They also included country towns in Western Australia. 

The snippets of gossip and local happenings from Subiaco, 'Subiaco Skits' by 'The Bad Boy of the Village' provide a wonderful insight into the public and private world of women and children in 1922. Women were single, got married, had families, went on vacations and grew old. Women had many interests like shopping, were talented musicians and performers, keen gardeners and interested in groups like the Women's Service Guild. Women also ran businesses like millinery and a high school for juveniles at a motor garage. The role of women in the home were also clearly defined. They were expected to cook their husband's meals and discipline their children. 

Of particular interest was that women over a hundred years ago wanted to play football.    "Some of the local girleen are anxious to start a female football team. "They do it over East, why not here." chortled one fair maiden. We think it a good idea. If hockey can prosper as a girls' game, why not footy ? There would be a good captain in, say E - I?" (The Mirror, 1 July 1922).

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

Mrs. Percy Pickering has a welcome visitor from Collie in the person of Mrs. Hicks. Mrs P. is preparing a wardrobe in readiness for an expected trip with her husband over East in June (The Mirror, 29 April 1922).

Citizens of Subiaco were please to hear lately of the nuptial know of Miss Gladys Martin, of Heytesbury-road, to Mr. Cecil Banks, now bank manager at Mingenew, but recently of Melbourne. A pleasant honeymoon was spent down Sou'-West (The Mirror, 29 April 1922). 

A promising pupil of Madame Berry shows great aptitude for the pianoforte. Little Dorothy Wenban is her name. With only four years' tuition, she can tickle the ivories as if she had studied double the time. Dorothy has only passed into the adolescent age, but in few years great things will be expected of her (The Mirror, 29 April 1922).

Conductor Jacoby is away holidaying-a well deserved rest. Mrs. Bagshaw has taken his place at the piano (The Mirror, 6 May 1922).

"Perils of thunder Mountain" shown at West's is a wonderful treat for the kiddies. It is just as well the pictures are silent and not of the "talkies" species, for it so we would not be able to hear them for the thunderous waves of emotion expressed by the enthusiastic juvenile audience (The Mirror, 6 May 1922).

The fair girl was very wild being left out of the theatre party, but says she will get even (The Mirror, 13 May 1922). 

The local elite were in the crush at Ahern's last Monday, and hubby was home cooking his own dinner (The Mirror, 20 May 1922).

Mrs. Hamilton and family, of Thomas-street, have moved their quarters to Cottesloe (the Mirror, 27 May 1922).

Mrs. Farmer, the Doctor's wife, is a keen horticulturalist and can often be seen clapping her hands rapturously over some new flower or plant she has introduced into garden (The Mirror, 27 May 1922).

We had an orchestral treat during the week at the King's Hall. Mrs. Foote's Leederville Town Orchestra gave the renditions. What about resurrecting our own orchestra. Now then musicians (The Mirror, 27 May 1922). 

Who has seen Miss Rita Brehant at the piano? She's some star at the Virtuoso tricks (The Mirror, 3 June 1922).

Who was your girl on Tuesday night, Mac? The fairhaired one, we  mean. All the boys were jealous (The Mirror, 3 June 1922).

Doris Melville announce have her classes held in King's Hall (The Mirror, 3 June 1922).

The fair girl previously mentioned in these columns has the most winning smile one could wish for. But she doesn't vamp (The Mirror, 3 June 1922).

Roast beef for six. Now Ladies here's your chance. A butcher in Nicholson-road is giving six chances a week to win a sirloin of roast (The Mirror, 3 June 1922).

Mrs. Allen, of Heytesbury-road, has returned from Gooseberry Hill after spending a delightful vacation (The Mirror, 17 June 1922).

Miss Nellie Godfrey was tendered last week a wonderful 21st birthday party. Great "high jinks" were in progress during the festival and all participants were made happy (The Mirror, 17 June 1922).  

Last Wednesday afternoon at the King's Hall a bright programme afforded a pleasurable afternoon to those interested in the Women's Service Guild (The Mirror, 17 June 1922).

Some of the local girleen are anxious to start a female football team. "They do it over East, why not here." chortled one fair maiden. We think it a good idea. If hockey can prosper as a girls' game, why not footy ? There would be a good captain in, say E - I? (The Mirror, 1 July 1922).

The Women's Service Guild held an enjoyable evening on Thursday last, and more members were enrolled (The Mirror, 29 July 1922).

Miss Nellie Godfrey and her mother are spending six weeks in Cottesloe at the home of Mrs. S. Thomas, who is at present in York (The Mirror, 29 July 1922).

Over the back yard fences the scandal mongers were well in their element during the week discussing the recent married woman tragedy (The Mirror, 29 July 1922).

Mrs. Holland (nee Des Farrow) recently tied in the nuptial knot, is living out Vic. Park way. Docky finds it very unpleasant being left alone when her hubby departs for business. But absence makes the heart grow fonder, Doc (The Mirror, 29 July 1922).

The smiling girleen who toils at a leading drapers in the city and twangs on the mandolin as a diversion, can often be seen boarding the tram in Hay-street, and a sweet smile plays always on her lips. But mind bhoys, she declares herse-- a hater of men (The Mirror, 5 August 1922). 

The Cottesloe girls and Boomergangs boomed big during the week. Come again (The Mirror, 7 October, 1922).

Queenie Petrie has sold up shop and has become nuptial knotted. Congratulations for our little milliner (The Mirror, 7 October 1922). 




Mrs. Bagshaw, of pianistic fame, has had to vacate her residential quarters at the corner of Nicholson and Rokeby-roads owing to the selling of the house. Mrs. Bagshaw has been an occupant of this residence for over 18 years. No wonder the tears of regret at leaving (The Mirror, 7 October 1922).

The High School for juveniles has vacated the motor garage and taken up more prepossessing quarters at the corner of Rokeby and Nicholson roads. Mrs. Young, who has the administration of this Seminary, is the right party for the job, and we wish her success in her new enterprise (The Mirror, 14 October 1922).





Lexie Burns is having a great run as songstress at Fremantle, Miss Burns is the happy possessor of a rich, deep contralto, and has created quite a stir in musical circles since her return from Melba's Conservatorium, Melbourne, where she obtained her training (The Mirror, 14 October 1922).

Will Sheehan has been presented with a bonny baby girl. Congrats to those concerned (The Mirror, 11 November 1922).

Mrs. Jacoby, of Thomas-street, is a keen horticulturist, and loves to nurture her lovely blooms (The Mirror, 11 November 1922).

Mrs. Holland (nee Miss Hope) says that the married state will always do her. Take note, those intending to enter the arena (The Mirror, 11 November 1922).

The dear old lady residing in Churchill Avenue has go bystander puzzled in the wayy she appears so young in her old age. "Don't worry. is her slogan" (The Mirror, 11 November 1922).

The children's ball held in the drill hall recently drew a packed house. The kiddies enjoyed themselves immensely, especially when the bags of cakes and raspberry vinegar came on the programme. The impressive figure of Barber Fogarty was in attendance and officiated as M.C. Our Parents and Teachers Association were rewarded for their efforts in witnessing such as happy gathering (The Mirror, 11 November 1922).

A fashionable lady near the Park was terrified during the period when the lunatic escaped from the Asylum. She though he was rummaging around the back one day, but it turned out to be only the bottle-o (The Mirror, 18 November 1922).

The conglomeration of youths around the street corner is always an eyesore, but we see that some of our flapperleens are starting the congregating stunt. Their mothers should take 'em home and spank 'em hard (The Mirror, 18 November 1922).

The girls whom Phil called children on Monday night ought to be ashamed of themselves. Next time a thing like this happens we will mention names (The Mirror, 2 December 1922).

The 25 th wedding anniversary of Mr. and Mrs. Weston took place on Monday last at the King's Hall, and happy gathering enjoyed themselves tree bon. Noticed among the guests was Col. Battye. A feature of the evening was the musical programme which was delightfully rendered (The Mirror, 16 December 1922).

Our late Mayor poked his beak into a women's meeting one night last and he quickly withdrew as if it had been a beehive. Mr. R -- knows when to quit (The Mirror, 16 December 1922).

"Widows are wonderful," but, ah ! she comes for Nedlands, and we are encroaching other people's news. But Sooby sees her a lot! Now down. Ha ! but no, we'll wait for something spicy (The Mirror, 16 December 1922).

Little girl at W--'s, you're far too young to be giving the gladsome (The Mirror, 30 December 1922).

The Misses C---- have many male admirers. Now just who are they ? (The Mirror, 30 December 1922).

The young lady 'cellist at the Shenton's Pictures is too interested in her music to be giving attention to the musings of the bhoys ! (The Mirror, 30 December 1922).

The amiable lady at the Coliseum has a smile for everyone: even the wicked flappers that haunt that part (The Mirror, 30 December 1922).

Miss Lexit Burns' talents are quite in demand nowadays. Shows that her Conservatorium schooling was not in vain (The Mirror, 30 December 1922).

What lovely duet singers Betty and Bonnie would make, with an appropriate song in "We've got a long way to go." (The Mirror, 30 December 1922).