Subiaco State School...Patriotism (1918).

Subiaco State School...(1918).

From 1914 to 1918 Australia was in the First World War. For those people who were left at home they experienced many hardships. This included losing loved ones, including brothers and fathers, friends and community members. Many soldiers who returned, disabled in the Great War were being cared for family members.

Individuals and families experienced financial hardships and food shortages. The role of Australian women were also changing as they volunteered for service in roles: as cooks, nurses, drivers, interpreters, munitions workers, and farm workers. 

What was it like to be a parent or carer with children in state school schools during the Great War ? This letter provides a wonderful insight into the life of an ordinary working class mother with children in a state school and the patriotism that families were expected to participate in after four years of war.   

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

Westralian Worker, 28 June 1918.

State School "Patriotism."

Some Serious Allegations.

Dear Worker,—

I have three children at school. One started at James-st. school this week, and was told that each child was expected in their spare time to make 20 garments for soldiers. In connection with the surprise days and "tuck" days, the mothers provide all the packets and foods and then, buy back again.

In the Subiaco school they held a surprise packet day recently. The 6th and 7th classes provided all the prizes and it was so successful they decided a few days afterwards to hold one right throughout the school, but the 6th and 7th classes were not exempt. The first time they made the call I gave everything I could. The second time I told my girl I couldn't give any more, and she cried and was dreadfully upset, saying the teacher wanted to get the most in the school, so I helped again for the child's sake and bought back again. 

On the Friday the parents were invited to an auction at the school and the children came home at lunch time, asking for cakes, tea, sugar, etc., so that the teachers could give the parents afternoon tea. Now that was the third call made on the mothers in eight days for Red Cross appeal, besides the children making beads and other things at home at the same time. Why couldn't the teachers give the mothers a cup of tea without appealing through the children again? These teachers get bigger salaries than most of the fathers of the children, and yet every appeal is put on the little ones.

With reference to eggs. Last year the children were asked for eggs for the Soldiers' Institute and they collected 18,000 dozen. The secretary of the institute told me that they didn't know what to do with the eggs, and were using them up in every conceivable manner, as they couldn't get enough water glass to put them all down. Now, my children, like many others, had to go without eggs for some time to make up for that appeal, and they wouldn't go to school with out taking as many as possible. I believe the children collected £20,000 in two years, and they are asked to do the same in one year now.

It is time that all collections were stopped through the children, and the Government taxed all earnings for charitable purposes, then each would be giving according to their means. I wish I could write you all I feel in this matter, but I cannot. My husband earns 75/ per week, and I can tell you I have to work very hard in deed to pay my way honestly to keep up lodge and insurance fees and keep my children comfortably clad and fed for school, and pay off my instalments on the house.

I have collected and helped with all the charities in this district, but I know how the working-class women feel in this matter, and I hope the Minister for Education will see how dreadfully taxed the mothers of same of these children are.

Yours,

MOTHER

Subiaco.

Westralian Worker, 5 July 1918.

State School "Patriotism."

Last week we published an account of the methods employed at the Subiaco State School in connection with patriotic work. On Monday the article in question was read to the scholars by the headmaster. We understand that the statements contained in our article are admitted to be correct. 

None the less consider able annoyance bas been expressed at the publicity given the matter. Why should not the public be told what the school system is? More particularly when the methods resorted to as "patriotic" amount to form of moral coercion absolutely destructive of the school purpose to say nothing of the taxation it imposes on parents who are already sufficiently burdened with the struggle for bread. 

Numbers of children at Subiaco can not be supplied with the goods the school asks for. That mothers should be placed in the position of having to refuse their children the gifts more fortunate families are able to offer without difficulty, is a particularly vicious circumstance for any school "patriotism" to be responsible for. 

The education system is a free system because the public conscience does not allow class distinctions and social differences to obtrude the blasting blight on the education of the young. And for school teachers to establish an arrangement of their own whereby certain children come to school with evidence of the comparative affluence of their homes while others come either with empty hands, or bring gifts which can be ill afforded, is to assail the fundamental condition of school equality. We ask the teachers to reconsider the whole question.

Western Mail, 28 November 1913.

AN INTERVAL IN THE DAY'S LESSONS CHILDREN LEAVING THE SUBIACO

STATE SCHOOL. BAGOT-ROAD. AT NOON. 

Subiaco Infant's School. 1910. By William Cadman. 

Sonia Sears...Subiaco Photographs (1996).

Sonia Sears...Subiaco Photographs (1996).

This blog post is a continuation on the previous blog posts about the Subiaco Museum collection of photographs and artefacts.  

Recently the Subiaco Museum started digitalising their extensive collection of artefacts. This collection of over 600 items can be found online at Subiaco Museum Collection WA (collectionswa.net.au).

Among the collection of artefacts is a substantial collection of photographs with wonderful descriptions from the photographer Sonia Sears. During the 1990's Sonia Sears took a number of photographs around Subiaco of the built environment. The photographs were commissioned by the City of Subiaco. 

Some of the photographs from the collection are copied below. No copyright infringement intended.

Subiaco Snaps...(1906 - 1907).

Subiaco Snaps...(1906 - 1907).

In 1906 the Western Australian 'Express' newspaper ran a column titled 'Subiaco Snaps' which provided an account on what was happening in the local suburb of Subiaco. The column ran for just over a year. 

The column provided an interesting look into the lives of women, men and children into the early years of Subiaco. The column describes the events of the Subiaco Council, social and sporting events, the establishment of new institutions and fundraising events for churches and schools.  They were well attended by the locals including men and women, politicians and councillors. The column also advertised coming attractions.

The column provided an interesting look at the types of business run in Subiaco such as the butcher, furniture store, drapers, newsagency, jellewry shop, fish monger and tearooms including. Mrs Thomlinson ran the tearooms in Hay street. Not only could customers get afternoon tea but a range of fresh produce. 

Women played an active part in the early years of Subiaco. They competed in a number of sports such as billiards, croquet, bowls and rifle shooting. Women ran businesses like a tearoom, newsagency, paint shop and dancing school. They raised money for the local churches and charities.

 In 1907 the column describers how the children of Subiaco were in for a rough time... "Children in Subiaco are evidently in for a rough time during 1907. They must not have trumpets or tin whistles in the streets, or run on the grass in the municipal gardens. Probably some of the local police would welcome a seven o'clock curfew."

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

Express, 26 May 1906.

SUBIACO SNAPS.

On Monday some 80 ladies and gentlemen assembled at the Club house, Townshend-road, and took part in a successful euchre tournament. Mrs. J. V. Miles and Mr. M. Flinn secured first prizes, and the coveted booby awards fell to Mrs. Roydhouse .and Mr. R. Rockcliffe. Thirty ladies tried for the best billiard shot, the winner turning up in Mrs. Southee. At 9.30 refreshments were served and the room cleared for dancing, which was continued until the electric illuminate was lowered at 12.30 a.m.

The Juvenile Sale of Gifts and Cake Fair held at Mrs. J. J. Anderson's "Tavistock," Barker-road, Subiaco, in aid of St. Andrew's new Anglican Church, on Saturday, May 12th, produced £15. The ladies assisting at the various stalls were as follows :— Fancy stall, Misses Eugenie Smith and Phippard; sweet stall. Misses Teede, W. Grylls, and Lilly Crozier; refreshment stall, Misses Birdie Anderson, Madge Osborn, Florence Phippard, and Gwen Dobbie; produce stall, Misses Elsie Gardiner and Vera Silvester; bran pie, Miss Doris Axon. Mr. and Mrs. Bastow sent a cheque £1 1s

The inmates of the Government Industrial School gave a real good entertainment in the school room on Thursday. The Mayor and a number of councillors were present. Mr. J. N. Shipton presided. After the concert the lads gave a gymnastic display and the visitors were shown round the institution, the workshops proving of special interest. Refreshments were served, and dancing helped to fill in a couple of hours.

Express, 2 June 1906.

SUBIACO SNAPS

For garden seeds try the paint shop, where Mrs. Williams has a full stock. 

Express, 30 June 1906.

SUBIACO SNAPS.

Last night the opening shoot in connection with the Subiaco Small Bore Rifel Club, came off at the Subiaco Club lawn, where targets had been provided. The Mayoress, Mrs. Bastow, and Mrs. Daglish opened the range. Afterwards a social was held in the club reception hall.

Express, 4 August 1906.

Subiaco Snaps.

Subiaco ladies can now have afternoon tea at Mrs. Tomlinson's, Hay street and can there procure fresh eggs and butter, supplies of which come in twice daily. 

Thirty-six births were registered locally during last month. 

Express, 18 August 1906.

Subiaco Snaps

Elsewhere there appears, an announcement by Miss Toll, who has classes for instruction in fancy dancing, club, dumbbell and pole exercises at Kind's Hall every Saturday afternoon. Miss Toll hails from Victoria, where she was a pupil of Miss Jeanie Brennan, of Her Majesty's Theatre. For a couple of years, she had charge of the marches, at the Citizens' Concerts, Fitzroy, and her efforts in fancy dancing, toe, fan, and skirt dancing won for her special praise, so much so that when Mr. Bland Holt was dispatching his last company to America he offered her an important engagement covering several years. Miss Toll, however, preferred to remain in Australia with her relations. Settling in the West, she has successfully inaugurated these classes, and, we trust she may be amply rewarded for doing so.

Last week the local W.C.T.U. conducted its annual juvenile competition at King's Hall. The competition was an open one for children from 9 to 16 years. Nine entered, (and the elocutionary efforts were commended by the judges. Finally Miss Pearl Stone was awarded the silver medal of the branch, and will represent Subiaco in the general contest in Perth. 

Express, 15 September 1906.

Last night the children connected with St. Andrew's Church were in high glee on the occasion of their concert in King's Hall. Naturally, the attendance was large. Chillar, hence the success. A number of children's concerts are always popular choruses were rendered by the juveniles, assisted by several senior friends.

Express, 13 October 1906.

Tomorrow morning the Bishop of Perth will conduct the service of consecration at the new Anglican Church. Barker Road. His Excellency the Governor and suite will attend the morning service. At 3 p.m. Canon Groser will hold a children's service, and at 7.30 the Dean of Perth will conduct evensong. On Tuesday a congregation al social will be held at King's Hall. Full particulars appear in our advertising columns.

Express, 3 November, 1906.

Quite a bright company assembled at the Oriental Tea Gardens on Thurs day night, when Mrs. H. Daglish formally opened the new suburban pleasure resort. The Mayor and Mayoress were amongst those present. Mr. Daglish, M.L.A., was present and congratulated the proprietress, Miss Wragge on the enterprise which had been displayed by her, in the undertaking. He trusted her efforts would be amply and profitably rewarded. The grounds were admirably illuminated by multi-colored lights, in which many delicate tints were introduced: Refreshments were liberally supplied, and on the lawn under the friendly foliage of large trees the ladies took part in a euchre tournament and the legislators went off to their Parliamentary duties. The gardens will be open daily during the warm weather and anything in the shape of cold drinks, ices, salads, etc. 

Express, 1 December, 1906.

Mrs. Sydney Stubbs, Mayoress of Perth, opened a Swiss fair in the Congregational Church, on Wednesday. In the evening a musical programme was given. On Thursday, a cooking demonstration was given by four young ladies, showing the advantages of the blue flame kerosene cookers. The Rev. W. H. Lewis (Pastor) introduced Mrs. Stubbs, who was presented with a lovely bouquet of carnations tied with maize ribbon, by Miss D. Lewis. The stall holders looked very effective in their pretty Swiss costumes, and the lair is in every way a success. 

Express, 7 January 1907

Children in Subiaco are evidently in for a rough time during 1907. They must not have trumpets or tin whistles in the streets, or run on the grass in the municipal gardens. Probably some of the local police would welcome a seven o'clock curfew.

Western Mail, 19 August 1905.

MUNICIPAL GARDENS, SUBIACO. Photo by A. J. Moulton, Hay-street.

More Stories From Subiaco... (1954).

More Stories From Subiaco... (1954).

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

Sunday Times, 5 July 1931.

SUBIACO.

The following item In a Perth paper last week caused a commotion:

"SUBIACO HOLY CAVE.

CLIFF SPLITTING IS DANGER.

"The Sacro Speco (Holy Cave) of St. Benedict at Subiaco, near Rome, is in great danger owing to a tendency of the cliff to split and crumble away. Bits of rock sometimes fall close to pilgrims while they are at prayer in the chapels.

The teacher in a Subiaco (WA) school took advantage of the above item of Italian news to re-tell the story of how the now swanky suburb of Perth came to be named after the monastery in Italy.

Soon after she had finished the story she dismissed the class for the day the children going home.

Soon afterwards a small boy rushed into his parents' house in Bagot-road and told his mother excitedly that there was shortly to be an earthquake at Subiaco.

Mother immediately got from him further particulars as to the monastery cave, and told a neighbor that there was a cave full of monkeys at West Subiaco.

The next recipient of the inflated rumor passed it on as being something to do with a man near Monger's lake being hit with a monkey wrench, the story about cliffs splitting and crumbling distorted into the Subiaco sewerage tunnel having fallen in and im-prisoned a number of navvies.

A little later on it became a sand slide at Wembley, while towards evening a tram conductor out there asked a City Beach "sharry" driver was there anything in the rumor that the tearooms out there had been washed away.

More Subiaco Stories...Weaver And Fundraiser (1947).

More Subiaco Stories...Weaver And Fundraiser (1947).

From Trove, the database of the National Library of Australia. No copyright infringement intended. 

Western Mail, 24 July 1947.

by MARIAN DALE

A CRAFT which began as a hobby has enabled a Perth woman to raise many hundreds of pounds for the Red Cross and also to provide nearly 30 food parcels for Britain each month. 

Mrs. A. D. Robinson who lives now in Subiaco, learnt the art of weaving from her daughter who was taught in Sydney before coming to Perth. When war was declared they decided to make articles for the Red Cross shop and their venture was a most successful one.

In one year Mrs. Robinson and her daughter (Mrs. G. Maitland Webb, of Kojonup) made about £500 for Red Cross funds. 

When ever possible the special weaving cotton was eked out with scraps, but even by Mrs. Robinson buys her cotton by the hundred weight. Cream and fawn cotton is available in limited quantity, but colours are still hard to get. 

Mrs. Robinson gets over the difficulty by cutting coloured strips from worn-out garments. Her son's shirts have been used up as woven stripes in bath mats, side by side with pieces of stockings and milanese, and it is remarkable that such a fine result can be achieved from odd pieces.

For better quality articles Mrs. Robinson dyes her own cotton what-ever colours she requires. Among the many lovely woven articles to be see at her home are handbags and shopping bags, sets ot dinner mats with table napkins to match, tray cloths, baby's bibs, bath mats and hand towels.

Mrs. Webb has made a special study of linen and wool weaving. The many baby blankets which she made for the Red Cross who were always in keen demand, as were her light travelling rugs made specially for plane travellers. Mrs. Webb can also produce beautiful suit lengths of Harris tweed when the material is available. 

Now that the Red Cross shop is no longer open, Mrs. Robinson weaves to provide food parcels for Britain. Many of them go to invalids and old people she does hot know personally but whose names have been given to her by various friends and acquaintances. She says her parcels are always grate-fully acknowledged, and she received many newsy letters from the recipients.

MRS. ROBINSON is only one of several Perth women who now get great pleasure from weaving. It is interesting to note that the principles of this ancient craft have changed very little during the centuries. 

The use of a simple loom for weaving plain, as distinct from ornamental textiles, has been practically universal. For example natives still in a state of savagery frequently use a crude loom or frame to make a textile with shreds of grass. Other more advanced races added a hanging comb or reed to press the weft and warp together. Gradually came the idea of adding coloured warp threads in a given order, then weaving into them coloured weft threads so that stripes and patterns could be produced.

The crude loom was gradually added to, until it became possible to produce any kind of complicated pattern. So far as is known the Chinese were the inventors of looms for weaving figured silks, which in course of time other nations, who were acquainted only with wool and flax textiles, saw with wonder By 300 B.C. Chinese dexterity in fine-figured weaving was advanced far beyond the times, and was in fact, equal to anything produced today. Dragons, phoenixes, mystical bird forms flowers and fruits appeared in their fabrics in glorious colours.

Still numbered as one of the most, fascinating of the ancient arts, Weaving as a hobby is an educational craft as well as a useful one, allowing much scope for ingenuity in creating beautiful colour schemes