Instilling A Tree Conscience...Subiaco Arbor Day (1937)

Instilling A Tree Conscience... Subiaco Arbor Day 1937.

One of the things I love about walking the streets of Subiaco are the diverse types of established trees planted along the verges and in public spaces such as parks and gardens.

The Western Australian community including children and the Education Department have a long tradition with celebrating Arbor Day and fostering a love of and caring for trees and preventing the destruction of the environment.

On Arbor Day in Subiaco in 1937 children from the Subiaco State School and members of the community planted a significant number of trees along the Bagot Road-Reserve. In an article in The Daily News, 3 August reported about the good work being done by the Subiaco State School to ‘instil a love of trees among children.’ The article ‘The Love Of Trees’ and others are copied below and are from Trove, the database of the National Library of Australia. No copyright infringement intended.


West Australian, 10 July 1937,

IN THE SCHOOLS SPECIAL BROADCAST.

The Virtues of a Tree.

In schools all over the State the children assembled at 11 o'clock to listen to and take part in, a special broadcast from the national stations lasting half an hour. The programme was arranged and directed by the Superintendent of Music in State Schools (Mr. O. G. Camp bell Egan), with whom at Broadcasting House were a choir of boys and girls from the Victoria Park school, conducted by Mr. A. J. Culligan; also the Acting Director of Education (Mr. C. Hadley), the Conservator of Forests (Mr. S. L, Kessell) and the president of the Tree Planters' Association (Mr. J. Martin), each of whom gave a short address.

The children's active participation took the form of repeating the lines of appropriate verses and pieces of prose as they came over the air from Mr. Campbell Egan, descriptive of trees, their beauty and usefulness; and also, in some cases, of joining in a cheerful song called "Under the Greenwood Tree," sweetly and animatedly sung by the choir in the studio. Mr. Hadley told the children that the purpose of Arbor Day was, first, to make them all tree lovers. He spoke to them of the ancient Greeks' belief in tree spirits, and the English poets' delight in trees. They were taking part also in a worldwide movement which aimed at correcting the mistakes made by our forefathers in the destruction of trees. Almost too late we found that unless new trees were planted to replace those that had been destroyed there would be in a short time too little timber for the use of man. Besides, the land was not now so productive, owing to the want of shelter given by trees. Mr. Hadley also spoke of trees as beautifiers in both country and city.

Taking "Forests" as his theme, Mr. Hessell said it had been asserted that next to the earth itself, the forest was the most useful servant of man. Unfortunately many Australians still thought of it as a collection of trees occupying land which might be employed more use fully growing crops. How many of his listeners had ever thought of a forest as the most wonderful crop of all?

Mr. Kessell went on to describe forest life, the many uses for West Australian timber in the community's life, the benefits conferred by trees, the danger to forests from fire. "When the school children of today grow up and become the citizens of tomorrow," he said, "I hope that they will search the surrounding comuntryside for trees and shrubs to beautify their streets and gardens, in stead of favouring importations from other countries, which, in many in stances, have not half the beauty or merits of much of our native flora."

Speaking from the gardener's point of view, Mr. Martin began with the well known lines of Joyce Kilmer: "I think that I shall never see a poem lovely as a tree." All true gardeners, he told the children, regarded trees as being as lovely as poems. The gardener used trees and other plants as the artist used paints, to create a living picture. As a final word Mr. Campbell Egan quoted the following lines by Lowell, the American poet: Who does his duty be a question Too complex to be solved by me. But he-I venture the suggestion Does part of his that plants a tree.

Records were played, also, of Miss Essie Ackland singing "God's Garden" and Mr. John Brownlee singing "Trees."...

Subiaco - After the assembled children at the Thomas-street State school had followed the broadcast, a tree for each of the 11 classes was planted by two boys and two girls from the classes, in a row connecting the main school building with the carpentering shed, about half a chain from the path. West Australian varieties were planted. Trees donated by the Subiaco Municipal Council were planted in the Bagot-road Reserve by a boy from each class in the Subiaco State school, Bagot-road, the trees being dedicated to the respective classes for continuous care

in the years to come. In the school play ground, trees and shrubs were planted by the Mayor and Mayoress (Mr. and Mrs. W. Richardson), all councillors, Mrs. Cardell-Oliver, ML.A., and members of the school staff; while two rose bushes were planted by the ex-Mayor and ex Mayoress (Mr. and Mrs. H. L. Downe) beside the gates which they presented last year. The football premiership cup was presented by the Mayor to the cap tain of the team, and Mrs. Oliver pre sented a shield for athletic achievements. There was a large attendance of parents...”


West Australian, 3 August 1937.

LOVE OF TREES. PROMOTION OF ARBOR DAY.

Association's Work Reviewed.

Recent activities of the Tree Planters' Association, particularly relating to Arbor Day, were reviewed yesterday by the president (Mr. J. Martin, F.R.H.S.). The association, said Mr. Martin, was responsible for the gazettal of Arbor Day, and, with the assistance of the Education Department, was able to ensure that nearly every State school in Western Australia celebrated the occasion, response having been inspired as far afield as Broome, Kalgoorlie and Albany. These results were most gratifying to the association. No definite information was available, but it was estimated that nearly 10,000 trees had been planted in connection with Arbor Day this year by the State schools, local authorities and other institutions. The estimate was derived from information given by nurserymen of their sales for the purpose and by road boards of transfers from their nurseries. Arbor Day had been provided for under the Forestry Act some years ago, but had never been gazetted until this year, when that action was taken as a result of the association's initiative. In the year during which the association had existed, Mr. Martin Proceeded, it had printed and circulated a booklet dealing with types of trees suitable for various purposes, such as parks, reserves, streets, avenues and boulevardes, and their adaptability to the varying climatic conditions in the different parts of the State.

The city of Perth, said Mr. Martin, had held Arbor Day functions in various wards, where councillors and their wives, other prominent men, and members of the association and their wives planted trees. An inscribed miniature shovel had been presented by the council to each of the women as a memento of the occasion. The City of Fremantle planted 400 trees. In Sublaco a large number of trees, shrubs, and roses had been planted at the Bagot-road State school by leading residents in the presence of between 600 and 700 children, in the hope of impressing on the children a love of trees. Some of the trees had been provided by the Subiaco Municipal Council, together with a number of trees and palms to be planted every year in the Bagot-road reserve adjacent to the school, and to be tended from year to year by the various classes.

Saving Shade and Timber.

Mr. Martin explained that the objects of the association were to promote love of trees among members of the public in order to prevent further unnecessary destruction of vegetation and to encourage replanting to make good the wastage caused by development of building areas and clearing for agriculture and roads. In view of the threatened world shortage in timber, this was considered necessary. It was desired to encourage farmers and others in the country to realise the need to preserve as much timber as possible, both along the roadsides and around the farms to prevent soil erosion by wind, and to provide shade for themselves and their livestock. In America, millions of acres of fertile land had become ruined by erosion, and millions of trees now had to be planted to check this wastage. Another objective was to spread the planting of trees for beautification and health purposes. His opinion was that trees should be planted wherever possible in the cities where there was room for their heads to spread in order to keep the air pure, particularly in congested areas where large numbers of internal combustion engines were continually fouling the air with their exhaust gases. Efforts by some country road boards to stop the alienation of surveyed but unmade roads were commended by Mr. Martin, who claimed that this policy had been brought about largely by the activities of the association. Farmers adjoining these roads, he said. had been in the habit of encroaching on the unmade roads and clearing the timber there. Several road boards were now aware of this practice and had taken steps to stop it. His association welcomed the policy adopted recently by the Mingenew Road Board of ensuring that, when new roads were being Provided, the strip to be cleared for traffic would be along one side of the gazetted road, and not, as was customary, in the centre. Under the new policy, along one side of the roadway would be a strip of cleared land six feet wide for the future erection of poles and wires, but on the other side at least half a chain in width would be left untouched and the natural vegetation allowed to flourish for all time.

The association, added Mr. Martin, wished publicly to thank the local authorities which had been active in celebrating Arbor Day, and the Press, particularly "The West Australian," for having familiarised the public with the association's work.


Daily News, 3 August 1937.

Tuesday, August 3, 1937.

Love Of Trees

There has been a gratifying response to the efforts of the Tree' Planters' Association to promote tree-planting and the love of trees among the West Australian people. It was, to a large extent, to be expected; for most people love trees just as they love gardens. It has, however, been a passive affection; that is to say, it has too seldom been translated into the active work of planting trees and studying the different types. Many who have a full appreciation of the technicalities of gardens, and find no difficulty in naming scores of different kinds of flowers, are hard put to it to name the common varieties of eucalypts which adorn our parks and streets.

The association has printed and circulated a booklet dealing with types of trees suitable for various purposes, such as parks, reserves, streets, avenues and boulevardes, and their adaptability to the varying climatic conditions in various parts of the State. This is a good move, but the association, could go further. We would like to see tablets bearing names and few detials attached to trees in the streets and parks. The Supreme Court gardens present a case in point. They contain many handsome and unusual trees which are either unnamed or bear tawdry and incomplete inscriptions. At the South Perth Zoo, too, more could be done with regard to classifying and naming the trees. Many people are unable to identify even the common ones. There are other reserves which call for similar action.

Arbor Day was celebrated at nearly every State school in Western Australia. At the Bagot-road State school, Subiaco, especially good work has been done towards inculcating the love and knowledge of trees among children. It is to be hoped that before Arbor Day next year there will be further developments along these lines, especially at the public schools, which on the whole have lagged behind in this work.

Shop Betting And Young People - A Woman’s Perspective (1938)

Shop Betting And Young People - A Woman’s Perspective (1938).

Some interesting comments about the impact of betting and gambling on young people in 1938 from Mrs. F. Cardell-Oliver, elected Nationalist member for Subiaco in the Western Australian Legislative Assembly, Mrs. J. A. Joyner, the founder of the Little Citizens League and Subiaco born lawyer and political activist Margaret Battye.


West Australian, 24 September 1938.

SHOP BETTING. THE WOMAN'S VIEWPOINT. "A Blot on the Community."

Prominent Perth women, representatives of welfare organisatlons, yesterday condemned shop betting in scathing terms, among which were "a blot on the community," "Intolerable cancer” and "unmoral, unchristian uneconomic and anti-social."
“I would like unreservedly to support the remarks of Mrs. F. Cardell-Oliver, ML.A., published in yesterday's issue of The West Australian,” said Miss Margaret Battye, one of Perth's women lawyers and a prominent social worker. “The demoralising effect of shop betting on youth Is appalling, especally when it is considered that it is not for the love of the sport but for the possible gain they might derive. Week after week, entire Saturday afternoons are devoted to making bets in a fetid and unmoral atmosphere, to standing about in groups on footpaths and in gutters, surrounded by many of the lowest types of humanity. This degrading association conduces towards an unbalanced frame of mind, together with a warped civic outlook in which all things are possible, evidenced, as Mrs. Cardell-Oliver indicated, by the Increasing number of convictions in the Children's Court. I would like to stress the fact that to eradicate shop betting, no new legislation is necessary, it merely requiring an adequate enforcement of the laws already in existence."
“The suggestion that this pernicious evil should be legalised is nothing short of monstrous," continued Miss Battye, "and our Administration may well feel shamed, firstly, of its cowardice in dealing with the menace and not enforcing the present laws, and, secondly, because of the lack that it has even entertained the of dealing with this evil by the spineless method of legIslation."
“The sooner the blot on the community of starting-price betting shops is wiped out, the better for the morals and ideals of the rising generation," said the president of the National Council of Women of Western Australia (Mrs. C. P. Rutherford), "I am absolutely opposed to the iniquity of starting-price betting. The evil should be eradicated, lock, stock and barrel before it gains a stranglehold on youth-the future leaders of the State. Putting aside its consequent evils, it has a bad influence on both young and old as it Is permitting the breaking of the law even encouraging its violation for the revenue that is being reaped,"

Uneconomic and Anti-Social

“As an organisation," said the secretary of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union, "we are opposed to the evil of the starting-price betting shop as it has a demoralising effect. The betting shop legalises in our public thoroughfares that which is unmoral, unchristian, uneconomic and anti-social. That which is morally wrong must for ever remain wrong even though it be legalised by an Act of Parliament. Gambling is against Christian ethics and- therefore must be contrary to good citienship."
The opinion that the youth of today was not entirely to blame for the "Intolerable cancer of the betting shop," was expressed by the (founder of the Little Citizens League Mrs. A. E. Joyner). Mrs. Joyner said: "You cannot blame the youths entirely as they are only following the pernicious example set them by their elders who frequent betting shops, making light of the breaking and continual flouting of the law. It is one of the most disgraceful features of the community and I am appalled, shocked and amazed at the example being set to youth."
“If it is against the law," continued Mrs. Joyner, "why are the shops allowed to remain open? And in common with many citizens indeed the majority I would like to know the reason, officially, although there Is no need to search very far. Apart from its unmoral aspect, there seems to be no sport in going to a shop, placing money on a horse and waiting on the pavement to hear the results over the wireless. It is not a sport but a means to an end-the end being the gaining of a little easy money, while the stimulation received in the atmosphere of the betting shop induces acts which normally would be repulsive. Legislation Is not the remedy, the only avenue of success lying in the total eradication of the betting shops from the streets of Western Australia."

Ethel Rose Paterson Joyner, Founder Of The Little Citizens' League.

Ethel Rose Paterson Joyner, Founder Of The Little Citizens’ League.

Ethel Rose Paterson Joyner (Mrs A. E. Joyner) was a prominent West Australian woman who dedicated her life to working in the community, in particular with women and children. Ethel Rose Joyner was involved in an extensive list of community organisations and established the Little Citizen’s League in 1924 and children’s libraries in Perth in 1939.

There are many articles published in Western Australian newspapers about the community work she did with the assistance of children and their families and community members throughout Perth and Western Australia. The Little Citizens League had a close relationship with Thomas Street and Subiaco.

In 1925 the Call newspaper reported on a talk Mrs Joyner gave to the Women’s Guild about the aims of the Little Citizens League. “...The alms of the League are to form Youth Schools of Citizenship, to educate "little citizens to build "their citizenship on the solid foundation of thought for others, recognising that citizenship is life : to give the following universal message by means of thoughts, words, actions: "Go forth Into the busy world and love it, interest yourself in its life. Mingle kindly with its joys and sorrows. Try what you can do, for men rather than what you can make them "do for you, and, you will know, what it is to have men yours, better than if you were their King or Master."...”

The Little Citizens League were involved in a number of activities around Thomas Street, Subiaco. In April 1927 the Little Citizen’s League were involved with King’s Park and helping children and their families to establish a relationship with the natural environment. In August 1930, Mrs Joyner and the children of the Thomas Street branch presented the Lord Mayor of Perth with rubbish bins to help keep the city clean. In 1932 the children from the Little Citizens League were instrumental in keeping an unfenced garden at the corner of Thomas Street and Hay Street clean. In August 1935 the children of Thomas Street State School were working with Mrs Joyner and the Little Citizens League to foster civic pride in children at the school. Those newspaper articles and some photographs are copied below from Trove, the database of the National Library of Australia.

The Little Citizen’s League and Mrs Joyner worked to established the first children’s libraries in Perth in 1939. Trove, the database of the National Library of Australia contains many articles about this work.

Mrs Joyner died in 1952. The obituary in The West Australian provides an extensive overview of her community work and significant contribution to Western Australia. The article identifies her close association with Thomas Street.

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


Call, 3 July 1925.

Little Citizens' League.

Its Aims and Purposes

Expounded by Mrs. A. E. Joyner.

On Friday afternoon last, at the Women's Service Guild rooms Mrs. A. E. Joyner gave an address to a big assemblage of members of the Guild on the aims" and purposes of the Little Citizen's League. Mrs. Joyner began by telling her audience that the League was founded in memory of her own little daughter, who radiated joy and happiness during her short stay on earth; and made her realise more fully than before that what is better than "God is Love" is that "Love is God" — these two facts are taken as the motto of the League.

THE LEAGUE'S AIMS

The alms of the League are to form Youth Schools of Citizenship, to educate "little citizens to build "their citizenship on the solid foundation of thought for others, recognising that citizenship is life : to give the follow-insr universal message by means of thoughts, words, actions: "Go forth Into the busy world and love it, interest yourself in its life. Mingle kindly with its joys and sorrows. Try what you can do, for men rather than what you can make them "do for you, and, you will know, what it is to have men yours, better than if you were their King or Master." There are seven branches of the League from which mad radiate sub-branches to do good. The various branches are to welcome, the stranger within the gates and extend the hand of friendship to him or her; to linkup with the radio relationship of love and goodwill with other children; to do all possible to make the City beautiful "by not scattering rubbish by protection of plant and animal life — in short to be clean inside and outside, to use heart, hands and head so as to give joy to others through personal work; to send out a thought of love, joy and fellowship to all the little citizens of the world each day; and finally to use earnestly the mott: "Service Not Self."

THE CONSTITUTION

Mrs. Joyner outlined the Constitution of the League, and stated that at the request of. the members - the little citizens themselves - a payment of sixpence is to be made to entitle members to cards which constitute membership of the League. Mrs. Joyner, who is a fluent speaker, outlined the story of many little citizens of the past, and of those who came forth to redeem them from the Slough of Despond in which they lived.

Mrs. Joyner mentioned Dickens as one through his immortal works on the evils attending child-life; Robert Raikes who in 1780 founded the first Sunday School; John Howard, Elizabeth Fry and prison work (incidentally Mrs Joyner "mentioned that a descendant of Elizabeth Fry is living in Perth): the building of Reformatories, in order to keep children apart from prison life: and the Ragged Schools, Industrial Schools, etc., with which she associated the names of Georfie Mueller and Mary Carpenter. We have gone far since those Early Victorian days, in caring for the children, and Mrs. Joyner is doing a great work by means, of the little Citizens League with Its high ideals and clearly cutaims and objects.


Western Mail, 14 April 1927.

LITTLE CITIZENS' LEAGUE.

A Fine Organisation.

Despite rather unpropitious weather one Saturday aftenoon recently, a party of Little Citizens spent a few happy hours in King's Park amidst ideal surroundings.
This Little Citizens' League which was formed in 1924 has the highest aims and ideals. Its policy is international, and, by the radio-relationships existing among its members, love, joy, beauty and fellowship of service is broadcast to various parts of the world.
On that Saturday afternoon there were representatives of the league from the severaí city and suburban groups and also from Drakesbrook, where a very live centre bas sprung into being.
The large kiosk was the spot chosen for the alfresco function, at which Mr. W. Clubb addressed the children. The work of the pioneers and those who had done such useful service in the past, and the work and service ahead of the girls and boys of to-day, was Mr. Clubb's theme, and in sympathetic, encouraging, words he urged them on to make life generally move beautiful and better by their individuals and combined efforts.
This League of Little Citizens should prove a power important and influential in the child life of the community, for it inculcates the love of all things beautiful and servicè to others, in the widest sense of the words.
Clean and tidy streets is one of their interests, which is to be commended. At the request of the league, the Council supplied wire baskets at the intersection of Thomas and Hay streets, for rubbish and the members of the league at Thomas-street School now see to it that round about there is neat and tidy.

A Great Feature.

Each member has a special comrade at the Fairbridge Farm School, a group settlement or somewhere in the country with whom they correspond on each other's birthday and at Christmas, and as often as they like to write.
This is a great means of linking up the children, the new comers, and the Australian born children, and has been the means of much joy and pleasure to very many of the children.
They work all the year round. Last year they visited the Silver Chain Cottage Homes, and presented to them a fully equipped writing table, purchased by their own endeavours, and which must in future prove a great boon to the inhabitants of the Homes and to those in authority there.
Another effort was helping to entertain, children at the Zoo. attending the summer school held by the Parents and Citi-zens' Association, and also helping to entertain groups of girls and boys from the Fairbridge Farm.

In the Park.

After listening to Mr. Clubb in the park, the children played all kinds of games, the older people joining in with them as joyously as the children.
Tea, too, was part of the party, and it was very happy sight watching the children enjoy whole afternoon.
They were a jolly, healthy, happy lot and it was clearly seen in the faces and actions of some of the party the influence the league and its idea's were having upon them. Character building is one of thc results of the ideas inculcated among the members. Courtesy and thoughtfulness are others, and watching the members on Saturday, gave an outsider the impression that excellent work was being carded on with already pleasing results evidenced, all unconsciously, by some of the children.
Mrs. A. E. Joyner and Mrs. Robertson appear to be the main springs of the league, and they, with a few enthusiastic helpers, arranged the party in the park, and saw to it that it was enjoyed by all.
Mrs Joyner also supplied a report, of the past year's activities a most gratifying report to all concerned. Letters too of appreciation from members were seen, which made one realise how wide the influence of this league can be and how it is possible for it to extend very far afield. Already, in Victoria and New South Wales people are interested and beginning to work on the same lines as here.


Daily News, 10 May 1932.

LITTLE CITIZENS

League's Efforts to Keep City Clean

The president, Mrs. A. E. Joyner, and secretary, Mrs. A. R. Robertson, of the 'Little Citizens' League' today expressed their appreciation of the sentiments expressed in the article 'Why Do We Fence in Our Beauty Spots,' which appeared in the issue of 'The Daily News' of last Wednesday. It was very desirable, they' said, that the picturesque places of Perth, instead of being hidden from the public gaze by unsightly fences, should be open to view.
At the corner of Thomas-street and Hay-street, in Subiaco, there was a garden which, through the efforts of the Little Citizens' League, had been left unfenced. Contrary to the voiced opinions of some the area had in no way been damaged. In fact, the children policed it with enthusiasm.
Other reforms which the league advocated were the increase in the number of rubbish bins throughout the city and the installation of boxes on trams for used tickets. The present habit of throwing the chits on the ground was untidy and not tolerated in such places as London, Paris and New York.


Daily News, 10 August 1935.

School children learn to be good citizens.

CIVIC PRIDE FOSTERED AT THOMAS STREET SCHOOL

‘Please keep our city clean' is the inscription on a waste paper bin presented by the Little Citizens' League of the Thomas-street school to the Children's Hospital on Thursday, and it is a slogan which the Little Citizens of the school live up to. There are now 14 such bins around the city.
Newcomers to Thomas-street State School, the central branch of the Little Citizens' League, soon got out of the habit of throwing paper about the playground, when the league was started, said Mrs. A. Robertson (secretary of the league and a teacher at the school ).
The Little Citizens' League was founded in 1924 by Mrs. A. E. Joyner, with the object of linking together all the children of the nation. The idea was to teach them to help others, keep their cities clean, and their parks beautiful. It has members in Sydney, New York, Tasmania, Victoria, South Australia, England and even Tristan da Cunha, a small island west oi South Africa, which it takes two years to reach by letter.

Members' Promises

The oldest member of the league is Mr. J. K. Blogg, of Melbourne, who is 86 years of age, and who does the exquisite wood carving which is photographed for the cover of the annual calendar of the league. Any child may become a life member on the payment of sixpence, and there are a number of simple promises which they are required to make.
These include a promise to write to some boy or girl at least twice a year, on birthdays and at Christmas: to be kind to animals and birds: to protect trees and plants: not to throw rubbish about in the streets or playground, and to take as the motto, 'Service, Not Self.'
One of the first acts of the Little Citizens' League in Perth was to present a number of rubbish bins to the city. These were placed on posts about the streets, and helped to keep the city clean.
The Fairbridge Farm School has been a particular charge of the league. Members entertain children from the farm during school holidays, and present books to the library. They help with country fairs, and travelled down to the Farm School to assist with the centenary celebrations. They also went down to be present at the first wedding in the Fairbridge Farm School.
Each branch of the league takes over some work. Miss H. Beattie, at the Thomas-street School, has charge of the girls working under the Children's Hospital women's auxiliary. These children have saved the hospital pounds by collecting medicine bottles and jars for use in the hospital, and they supply flowers to the wards, and visit the children. The calendar of the league, which is printed each year, has a thought of fellowship and good feeling for every month of the year.
MRS. A. E. JOYNER, who is wellknown in public life in Perth, founded the Little Citizens' League as a memorial to her small daughter, Barbara.


Dawn, 20 December 1939.

A Children's Library for Perth

A DREAM COME TRUE.

Dreams do come true, and one was realised in Perth last month when the Little Citizens' League, of which the founder is our well-known member, Mrs. A. E. Joyner, J.P., opened the first children's library in W.A. Mrs. Joyner's great love of children and the fine work she has done in their interest through many avenues, is well known, and the establishment of what might become a real culture centre for children has been for her an ambition for many years. Now a shabby old cottage, which was in danger of being condemned, and made available by the Perth City Council, has been traisformed into what cannot fail to be a place of delight for any children fortunate enough to enjoy it. Hundreds of children's books have been gathered together by Mrs. Joyner and her helpers, and these are housed with the needs of their young readers in mind. The cottage comprises some four rooms with spacious verandahs, and has been charmingly arranged and decorated. Out-houses will provide facilities for craft work, and there is ample space for a further dream—a children's theatre.
Members of the Little Citizens' League have bound books and magazine and assisted with various other jobs. They are being trained as "guides," and in due course will help to introduce other children to the library.
The library was officially opened by the Lord Mayor of Perth (Councillor Harper), on November 4. The local paper recently devoted a charming article to Mrs. A. E. Joyner as "the Woman of the Month," and we do indeed join in expressing appreciation of all that Mrs. Joyner has done in many fields of social service in W.A., and in the congratulations, and every good wish for the success of the Children's Library.


West Australian, 5 March, 1952

WELL-KNOWN SOCIAL WORKER DIES

Mrs. Ethel Rose Paterson Joyner, a noted social worker and an outstanding personality, died at her home in West Perth on Sunday.
Mrs. Joyner was a member of the well known Paterson family of Pinjarra. Her maternal grandparents were Mr. and Mrs. Robert Nicholls Paterson, of Creaton, Pinjarra, where she was born.
Her girlhood was spent in Adelaide, and she was known as one of the beauties of that city.
After her marriage to the late Mr. A. E. Joyner, she began to take a keen interest in social and welfare activities. These included work for the young as well as for the aged. Mrs. Joyner founded the Little Citizens' League in 1924 in memory of her daughter, Barbara, who died while still young.
Many pupils of the Thomas-street State School, over many years, have interested themselves in this organisation.

For Youth

As part of the league's work, Mrs. Joyner, in association with Senator Agnes Robertson and Miss H. Beattie, founded a children's library in Fitzgerald-street, North Perth.
This was opened in 1939, and has been continued ever since with only one short break.
Always keenly interested in activities for young people, Mrs. Joyner was a foundation member of the Children's Pro-tection Society, the Girl Guides' Association, and the Fairbridge Farm School Committee.
The Australian Federation of Women Voters, the Town Planning Association, Victoria League, University Women's College Fund Committee, National Council of Women and the Women's League of Health were other bodies in which she took an active interest.
A former State president of the Women's Service Guild, Mrs. Joyner was a delegate to the Rome conference of the International Women's Suffrage Alliance in the 1920's. Silver Chain
The president of the Silver Chain District and Bush Nursing Association (Mr. Henry Greig) said yesterday that the Silver Chain mourned the pass-ing of its senior vice-president and one of its founders.
With Mrs. Muriel Chase, Senator Agnes Robertson and the late Mr. Alfred Carson, Mrs. Joyner worked mightily in the development of the Silver Chain District Nursing Scheme from its initial stages with the one nurse to its present position with 14 nurses covering the whole of the metropolitan area, Mr. Greig said.
In later years she devoted herself almost exclusively to the development of the cottage homes in Highgate Hill.
She had a flair for making the best use of space and materials available and of creating the happy family atmosphere so characteristic of the homes.
“Truly, the epitaph of Sir Christopher Wren in St. Paul's Cathedral 'Si Monumentum requiris, circumspice' ('If you seek his monument look around you') might apply equally to her," Mr. Greig said.


Reference

Gregg, A. 1993, ‘The hope of the future: The Kindergarten Union and the campaign for children’s libraries in Western Australia. Issues In Educational Research 3(1), 1993, 17 - 33.

Thomas Street State School And Aboriginal Education (1940).

Thomas Street State School And Aboriginal Education (1940).

In 1940, the Western Mail newspaper published a series of photographs of students from the Thomas Street State School engaging in education that involved them learning about Australian Aborigines and the history of this state.

The school was situated on land that was opposite King’s Park where the Aboriginal people had and still have a special connection to the land and a history of interaction and conflict.

The photographs published show the students engaging with the content in a variety of ways other than reading books. They read books for pleasure and information and supplemented their learning by reenacting aspects of Aboriginal cultural for example, hunting kangaroos and family meal times, building models of fish traps and camps and drawing significant local events like the Aboriginal attacks on Shenton’s Mill.

In the past two years an article and photographs were published in local newspapers about the students engaging in relevant and practical education writing and producing a local newspaper called the ‘Thomas Street Tattler’. This story was published on the previous post called ‘Greetings From Subiaco : The School Children’s Club’.

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

Western Mail, 3 October, 1940.









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A School Boy's Heroism.

A School Boy's Heroism (1909).

In 1909 George Brennan, a former student from the Thomas Street State School was awarded a Life Saving Medal for jumping into a lake in Shenton Park and saving two boys from drowning.

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


Kalgoorlie Western Argus, 8 June 1909

SCHOOL BOY'S HEROISM Perth, June 4, 1909.

During Arbor day celebrations at the Thomas-street State school today advantage was taken of the occasion to present an ex-scholar, George Brennan with a medal for life saving. It appears that on December 5 last two little boys, Reginald and Percival McKanny aged 8 and 6 years respectively, were playing in Shenton Park, and they fell into the water. Both were in difficulties, and the lad Brennan jumped in to their assistance.

The younger lad had gone down for the second time when he was reached and dragged ashore. Brennan again jumped in and brought the other brother into safety. Both lads were unconscious when they were landed, but efforts to resuscitate them proved successful. In order to show their appreciation of Brennan's courageous behaviour, the parents of the rescued boys determined to present the lad with medal, and in the presence of his sometime school mates yesterday, the Inspector-General of Schools (Mr. Cecil Andrews) presented Brennan with the medal, complementing him for his plucky action. Three cheers were given by the children as an additional tribute to the lad.

Children And The Royal Show (1910 - 1913).

Greetings From Subiaco: Children And The Royal Show (1910 - 1913).

It is currently school holidays this week and usually the highlight for many children is the Royal Agricultural Show where the country meets the city. However, due to the CO-VID 19 pandemic sweeping the world the State Government cancelled the event.

The Royal Agricultural Show was a regular event attended by and discussed between Auntie Nell and children in the children's pages in The Daily News newspaper over the years. Despite all the attractions of a modern world for children with technology, the Royal Agricultural Show still holds some of the same fascination and excitement as it did for children over a 100 years ago. There is a wonderful description of Children's Day at the Show in 1912 copied below from Trove, the database of The National Library of Australia.

The  letters and essays copied below are from some of the children who lived in Subiaco and Perth who wrote about the Show and were published in The Daily News newspaper.  Some were awarded prizes for their effort. Auntie Nell encouraged the children to share what they saw, was interesting to them and be original in what they wrote. The years these letters were written are from the time Jessie Downie was Auntie Nell from 1910 to 1914.

One letter was from a regular children's page contributor Daphne Pyett from Subiaco in 1911. In 1912 a young girl Rose from Maylands articulately wrote about Children's Day and the fascination with the side show and games for children. In 1913 a young boy from Subiaco, Jack shared his experiences at the Royal Show of going on the rides and having a sausage sizzle and icecream. These features described by children over a hundred years ago are still enjoyed by children today. 

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

The Daily News. 21 October, 1911.

My Letter Bag

57 York-street, Subiaco

Dear Auntie Nell, — As I have not written to you for some time, I will take the opportunity of doing so now. I am going to tell you about 'My Visit to the Royal Agricultural Show.' Last week I went to the Show, and I did enjoyed myself immensely. We arrived at the gate about 12 o'clock. The first things that greeted my eyes- from a long distance were the numerous windmills and flags. After passing through the gate I was interested in seeing the many different brands of stone. We were also very surprised to see so many merrygorounds, which, I think, no show is complete without. But knowing what a number of places we had yet to visit, we turned into a large hall. In this hall were the finest things I have ever seen. Large roses and pansies, and many nice fresh vegetables, including large swedes. We then decided to visit the sheep and stroke their woolly coats. Some were shorn, and looked very miserable, while others with their coats on were waiting for their fate. Little do they know how their wool is made into blankets and woollen clothes to keep us warm. Then we disposed of some money at Albany Bell's. The mantel pieces and chairs in Whittaker Bros. were something to be proud of; also the nice neat little settlers' cottages, which may be obtained for a small sum of money. Hearing the sound of nice music, we ran to see Beale's pianos, which are very nice. The inspection of machinery was the next item, and there were very many different machines; for making wheat, maize, etc. The water was very wonderful, on one large tank it was written, '45OOO' gallons per hour'. But the noise of the machinery is enough to give one a headache. I then hurried to see the Children's Hall, where many beautiful drawings were. A little friend of mine went in for two kinds of writing, large and small, and received first prize for her small hand and second prize for her large hand. I think that was very good indeed. Next year I hope to compete in the cooking or laundry. Then we settled down to see the ring events. The horses were very fine, but I thought the stock parade was best. Good-night, Dear Auntie. I must close now, as I am very tired. With lots of love and kisses, — From your loving niece, DAPHNE PYETT.

Dear Daphne,— I very much enjoyed reading your visit to the Agricultural Show, but I cannot yet say if you are a prize winner. Your little friend did very well indeed to gain a first and second prize for writing. Hoping to see you on Saturday, and with love, dear, from yours lovingly,— Auntie Nell. 

The Daily News. 19 October, 1912.

ESSAYS ON THE ROYAL SHOW

103 Thomas-street, Subiaco

Dear Auntie Nell, - I am writing a letter about the things I saw at the Show :- I first went into the flower house, and saw a lot of beautiful flowers: then I went into the ground stand and saw the horses jumping the hurdle. Then I had two icecreams and went on the joy wheel, and liked it the best off all. After a while I got a sausage on bread. When I had finished my dinner I went on the merry-go-round. When I went home I had sixpence for a walking-stick and gave it to my auntie. My sister wrote a letter to you, and I wish I could win a prize. - I remain yours truely, JACK JACOBY.

Dear Jack, - What a fine time you had at the Royal Show. It must have been very funny seeing all the people on the joy-wheel. Eifrida wrote to me last week, but she did not get a prize. You must look to the prize list to see if you are a prize-winner. You do not say how old you are in your letter. Hoping to hear from you soon again, - Yours lovingly, Auntie Nell. 

The Daily News. 12 October, 1912.

26 Carr-street, West Perth.

Dear Auntie Nell,— I am going to write you a little letter of what I did at the Show also what I saw there. The train was very packed when we went down to Claremont; we were like sardines in a tin. The windmill were going round very quickly pumping water and showing people what they were used for, and what they wanted on a farm. They use them for many things in the country. They use them for cutting chaff, sawing wood and a great many more things. We also saw the hurdle race. It was a lovely day down there. I went on the merrygo-round and had a good time. I bought a Nestle's chocolate and a flag. Mother bought a necklace for sister. There were quite a lot of things to buy. I saw my auntie and uncle from Cranbrook at the Show. Now, I think I will close. I remain with love and xxxxxx From your loving nephew, ERIC, aged 71/2 P.S. I hope to see my name in this week's paper - E.

Eric, - Your letter on the Show was splendid for a small boy seven years of age, and original— that is what I like to see in essays. How delighted your sister must have been with her neck lace. Did you go on the Joy wheel ? You must look in the prize section to see if you are a prize winner. Much love from Auntie Nell.

The Daily News. 12 October, 1912.

10th Avonue, Maylands.

My Dear Aunt Nell,— I now take the pleasure of writing, to you again. I saw in your postscript that you were offerIng prizes for the best essays on 'Children's Day at the Show' so I thought I would compete and see if I cannot gain a prize. The third day of the Royal Show, known as Children's Day, is certainly one of the most pleasant of the week, for there is an absence of the bustle which marks the judging day and the crush and general inconveniences which the thousands of people who attended the opening, had to put up with. Thursday mornlng saw the Show Ground early patronised and the weather showing an early touch of summer, withal there was a moderate breeze, and did Its little towards the general gaiety of the day by setting the windmills whirring In brave array and fluttering the hundreds of flags in a perfect ecasty. Children's day it was indeed, for with the earliest of trains the children arrived in batches and battalions. The delights to be enjoyed were to varied, and to numerous that the young folk were for a time at a loss where to start on the tour of Inspection. The sweets stalls and ice cream carts, amid different forms of games of skill and chance were eagerly thronged. About twelve o'clock all the available places wero occupied for lunch. The more Interesting of the exhibits being viewed, the children gave themselves up to the pleasures of many sideshows. The leve conducted by Mrs. General Mite was attended by hundreds of children. The most attractive of all was the children's hall in which the work of the pupils of various schools were exhibited. Well, dear, Auntie, hoping this will meet with your approval. I will, with fond love conclude. I remain your, loving niece xxxxxxx ROSE M'OUIGAN.

Dear Rose,— I congratulate you on your essay. Is exceedingly good. However, I can not at the time of writIng say who the prize winners are. Love and kisses from Auntie Nell. 

The Daily News. 18 October, 1913.

MY LETTER BAG

11 Sublaco-road, Subiaco

Dear Auntie Nell,— I am going in for this week's essay competition on the Show. I have not written to you for a week because I have not had the paper. I got second prize in the show for painting. Did you go to the Show, dear auntie? If you did, I hope you had a jolly time and enjoyed yourself. I went and I enjoyed myself. I think I will close now, auntie, as I want to write a good assay. Good-bye until next week.- I remain, your affectionate niece, HAZEL HAYES

Essay. 'Are you going to the Show?' Is the question that escapes many lips. "I rather think I am" answers the person who is asked. Show day is the day of days among the little folk, who regard going there as a treat of their lives. But, oh! when do get there we wish we were far away, for the hurry and bustle of the people is very unpleasant. The little ones wish to see everything at once, and then poor mother is at her wits end to know what to do. But we will leave the mother and wander away, to see the sights there are to see. First of all, I prefer going to see the children's hall where the exhibitors are gaslng proudly on their work which has gained a prize. After we have seen all that there is there we will proceed to the exhibition hall and have a peep at everything on view. On seeing all we will go and witness all the events in the ring. First of all I think is the parade of animals, the jumping and hurdling and last of all is the sheep dog trials, which clearly show the intelligence of the dumb animals. Having seen everything there is to see, we go home, after spending a very enjoyable day at Claremont.

Dear Hazel, I am so pleased to hear of your success at the Show. How proud you must feel at winning a prize for your painting. No, I did not go to the Show, dear but, reading the lovely letters of my Sunshiners was almost as good as a visit. I enjoyed your essay dear; It is very intelligently written. I am glad the day was such a happy day to you. Hoping you will write to me something about the wildflowers  for next week - Yours lovingly, Auntie Nell.

Royal Show, 17 October, 1913.




Royal Show, 18 October, 1912.





Royal Show, 21 October, 1911.

'Bonnie Baby Competition (1924)'

Bonnie Babies Competition... Subiaco Baby Wins (1924).

In 1924 'The Sunday Times' participated in the 'Search For Bonnie Babies Competition'. A baby Ronald Edward Grey from Subiaco won the Western Australian section of the competition.

The parents Mary and Albert Grey lived with Ronald at 55 Lawler Street, Subiaco. Mary Grey was born in Toodyay and the father Albert was born in Cue. The father Albert was a returned soldier in the Light Horse and worked for the Post and Telegraph Department. "...The Greys are a small but happy family and so they should be with a glorious little chap who has earned the title of the Bonniest Baby in Western Australia to bless their hearth and home..."

Regardless of who won all babies are beautiful. It was certainly an interesting way to judge babies.

Sunday Times Sunday, 6 July 1924.

SEARCH FOR BONNIE BABIES CONCLUSION of the COMPETITION

Subiaco Baby wins the Championship

Nearly 800 Competitors - As Fine a lot of Bairns as could be found in any Portion of the British Empire.

Originating with thc world wide quest, for thc Bonniest Baby in the British Empire. "The Sunday Times' " search for the finest little bairn to be found in Western Australia came to a conclusion during the past week, the entries closing on Monday and the judging taking place on Wednesday. From the first announcement the greatest and most widespread interest was taken in the competition, and entries rolled in from all portions of the State.

Though there was only very short, notice of the period during which entries would be received of babies with a chance of being selected to competition at the Empire Exhibition a matter of something like three weeks we received no fewer than 443 photographs, and in the battle in this connection between the various States we beat both Tasmania and South Australia combined.

And without doubt they were a bonnie lot of babies. Out of them 15 is from each class - were selected to compete for the Australian championship, and though the judges in Melbourne did not put any Western Australians in the prize money they picked, two from this State, Grey and Blackburn to join 16 others from the other States as the accredited representatives of Australia at the Empire Exhibition. And seeing what we have of the babies in this State, "The Sunday Times" awaits the result of that competition which no doubt will be cabled before the end of the present month with the greatest composure and confidence.

In view of the vastness of this State, and to give everyone a chance, "The Sunday Times" decided to keep the State competition open to June 30, and the wisdom of that course was proved when we received 342 additional entries between April I7 the date of closing of the Empire Competition and Monday last. The grand total of entries for the State Championship was therefore 785, and so beautiful were they on the whole that one had only to surround himself with a number of the bright and sparkling little faces to imagine himself in realms ethereal. Truly, we did not envy the task of the judges in making a selection from such a galaxy of juvenile beauty, grace and budding strength.

The judges were selected from representatives of the medical and artistic professions, assisted by well-known women welfare workers. Out of those originally selected, one or two, from various causes, could not attend on Wednesday night, when the arduous task fell on thc shoulders of the following :- Drs. E. A. Officer, John Dale and R H Crisp, Miss Margaret Saunders and Mrs. Morton. They carefully went over the multitudinous exhibits, and we do not think there will be many, except possibly a few disappointed mothers, who will disagree with their finding. The results are published below, and a point worthy of note is that only two of the 342 entries received subsequent to April 17 succeeded in getting into the prize money, the other seven prize winners being among the 15 originally selected as being the best in the State, with chance of competing at the Empire Exhibition. The judging was conducted with the photographs face upwards

and the score sheets covered. No reference was made to the latter until the selections had been made, when the score sheets were examined, and it was found that the whole of the nine.

RONALD EDWARD GREY.

Champion Baby of W.A. and first prize in Class B.

IRIS AUDRY BLACKBURN.

First prize in Class C.

ARTHUR HARRY NASH.

Second prise in Class B.

ERIC CASSAM.

Prize winners were breast-fed! This should be taken to heart by mothers and prospective mothers, and if it has the effect of making them feed their babies more as Nature intended the competition will have nail at least one good effect. The champion baby of Western Australia, Ronald Edward Grey, is a glorious little kiddie, according to the judges impossible to fault. When his photo was taken on April 11 he was 11½ months old, stood 31in. and weigh-ed 26lb. He first unaided, sat up at eight months, stood up at 10 months, and walked at 12 months. He will take the championship prize of £25 — which debars him from taking the £5 additional prize as winner in his class — and this sum will form a nice little start for a banking account to help him along life's journey later on.

Little Ronald Grey, who was born in this State, is of purely Western Australian parentage. Both his mother and father are comparatively young, and Ronald is an only child. The father, Albert Edward ("Bert") Grey, who was born at Cue, is 27 years of age and a returned soldier. During the war he enlisted, at the age of 18, in the Light Horse and saw service in Egypt, where he contracted malaria, from which he suffers occasionally now. At present he is a telegraphist in the Post and Telegraph Department. Ronald's mother, Mary Grey, first saw the light of day at Toodyay, and she is a couple of years younger than her husband. The Greys are a small but happy family and so they should be with a glorious little chap who has earned the title of the Bonniest Baby in Western Australia to bless their hearth and home.

When the competition was first suggested "The Sunday Times" decided to give £50 in prize money, cut up among the bonniest babies in this State. The result of the judging and the distribution of the prize money is therefore as follows:

CHAMPION BABY OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA.

RONALD EDWARD GREY, 55 Lawler-street, Subiaco, 14 months ... £25

CLASS A.

First-ERIC CASSAM, 28 Devenish street, Victoria Parkt 9 months ... £5

Second-ALAN CHARLES EVANS, Merredin, 7 7 months... £3

Third-ALLAN JOHN MILES, 63 Tuam-st., Victoria Park, 8 months ... £2

CLASS B.

First-RONALD EDWARD GREY, 55 Lawler-st., Subiaco, ... 14 months.

Second-ARTHUR HARRY NASH, 31 Harold st., Mt. Lawley,... 20 months £3

Third-RAYMOND HAROLD HARRIDGE, 47 Mary-st., Highgate,...17 mths. «£2

CLASS C.

First-IRIS AUDRY BLACKBURN, 36 Venn-street, North Perth, 3 years

7 weeks ... £5

Second-JOYCE MERRALL MORGAN, 431 William-st., Perth,... 31/2years £3

Third-THOMAS ISAAC NYE, Katanning,... 4 years 2 months. £2..."

The Western Australian winner of the 'Sunday Times Baby Bonnie Competition' Ronald Edward Grey from Subiaco in 1924. The photograph is from 'The Sunday Times'. No copyright infringement intended.

The School Children's Club (1937)

The School Children's Club...'The Thomas Street Chatter' (1937).

 

While many children from the Thomas Street State School and Subiaco State School were writing to a range of children's pages in state newspapers, some children at the Thomas Street State School produced their own. They wrote articles and managed the newspaper themselves (then being edited by their teacher Mr. A. Jackson) in 1937 and 1938.

In 1938 the following year after the article 'School Children's Club : The Production of a Magazine' was published in the West Australian newspaper, The Daily News' newspaper printed a photographic series of the children from the Thomas Street State School at work on their newspaper. Some of the photographs are copied below. No copyright infringement intended.

The articles can be found at Trove, the database of the National Library of Australia.

West Australian, 23 September 1937.

SCHOOLCHILDREN'S CLUB. Production of a Magazine. 

 

Produced by the Literary and Debating Club in Class VIa at the Thomas-street State school, a magazine is issued regularly for the pupils of that schooL The first issue, published last year, ran to 120 copies, and sold out. The second issue totalled 163 copies, and work is proceeding on the third issue, which is nearly ready for the printing machine on an ordinary office duplicator.

Administrative heads of the enterprise are chosen by the children from their own ranks, and the material is handled on the model of a newspaper. Various sections of the paper have their own sub-editors, namely, literary (Joy Walton), sporting (Mabel Compton and Dennis Varian), personal (Shirley Kingsley), and hints and tips (Beryl Werndly).

Contributions are received by these children, who sub-edit the efforts and pass them to the joint editors (Joan Lowe and Douglas Friend). After supervising the sub-editors' work, these editors collaborate in the presentation of their "matter" and the sequence of pages, and pass the work to their teacher, Mr. A. Jackson, who induced the children to launch the enterprise last year. Mr. Jackson re-types the pages, and during that process controls the production. 

The children take the pages to elder sistes working in offices in the city, and thus get the stencils done. On the return of the stencils, publication proceeds and the copies are sold at 2d. each. After meeting any expense incurred the children pass the net proceeds to the Parents and Teachers' Association, which uses its funds for library books and other requirements of the children.

Posters to promote sales, and the number of papers to be issued, are the responsibility of the secretary (Jacqueline Sedgwick), while the treasurer (Peter Nash) collects the subscriptions, which must tally with the circulation.

A new cover design is used each time. being produced by one of the children with a lino cut embodying the name of the publication ("Thomas-street Chatter"). Features are an editorial with the reproduced signatures of the joint editors: crossword puzzle; personal items; short stories; poetry; comments on the form of players in basket-ball and cricket; and a tiny tots' page.

Though intended mainly to encourage the children's literary talents and to give them another object for pride in achievement, the magazine is really an adjunct of the Literary and Debating Club. This activity is designed to train the pupils in civics. Elected by ballot, the president of the club for the current quarter is Beryl Werndly and the secretary is Marjorie Paddison.

A committee composed of an equal number of girls and boys conducts the club, the meetings being on formal lines. Officers are changed every term in order to give each boy and girl a chance to participate in the experience of management. The club arranges lecturettes, mock elections (in which the preferential system and party representation are taught), mock trials, and visits to points of interest such as factories (trips to confectionery factories being rather popular), the Museum and Art Gallery and the Observatory. Plays are rehearsed and produced, and the club is now contemplating the presentation of a mock wedding.

 

The Daily News, 14 May, 1938. (No copyright infringement intended)

 

 

 




 

 

Subiaco Children In Photographs 1927 And 1928.

Subiaco Children In Photographs 1927 and 1928.

Subiaco State School Sport's Day 1927, 2 December, 1927.

Subiaco State School Sports' Day. The Sunday Times, 3 December, 1928.

Subiaco State School 1907.

Subiaco State School 1907...Some Reports. 

So what was the Subiaco State School like for a child and teachers in 1907 and in particular the year that Mrs Alice Howe, a headmistress at the school made allegations against the Head of the Education Department (from the previous Mrs Alice Howe. The Life Of A Teacher At A State School In The 1900's.)

In August, 1907, two months before Mrs A. Howe was found in a room at the school with poison in her body and taken to hospital, a reporter from a local newspaper 'The Guardian' was given a tour of the school by the Head teacher Mr. Miles. The report is copied below. While the report highlighted the practical skills being given to students such as gardening (which was done in their own time), the report does not discuss the Infant School and what they were learning, nor does the report discuss the issue of rewards and punishment for children. There are expectations that some of the students were going onto University by studying for examinations. 

In November, 1907 after the poisoning of the female teacher articles were printed in other local newspapers, The Mirror and The Daily News on the exhibition of school work by the children at the end of the year in November. Some of the girls and boys were asked questions about their work on display.

The Daily News newspaper also highlighted some of the differences in the education being provided to boys and girls. For example the girls were taught domestic work such as laundry at James Street an expectation in preparing women for a role within the family home.

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

Guardian : Suburban and Municipal Recorder (Claremont, WA : 1903 - 1908), Saturday 10 August 1907, page 2

A visit to the Subiaco State School.

Yesterday morning a representative of "The Guardian" called in at the Subiaco State School to make an enquiry concerning the number of scholars going up for the preliminary Adelaide University examination.

"Oh, yes," said the head teacher, Mr. Miles, "we have 14 boys and 14 girls going in for it. Of course, I cannot say how they are going to get on, but I think Subiaco children are likely to prove as smart as anywhere else. To pass such an examination will mean to any child the first step on the road to a University education." 

That was all right, and then our representative asked how the garden was getting on. The right chord was struck, for Mr. Miles takes great interest in the doings of the children in the open air. Passing out of the back door we turned to a gate leading from the school yard to the "garden." At the present time there is not much to be seen here except the beds, which have been laid out and have had seeds sown in them. In one bed appeared the first green head of an Early Rose potato, but in most cases one has to exercise faith in the master's statement that the seed has been sown and the crop is yet to come. The beds are necessarily small, considering the, fact that so many young gardeners have to be satisfied. Mr. Miles pointed out a few beds with a kindly smile, saying, "Those are going to be failures, but I am counting on that fact for the sake of the lesson to be learned by the children who have done the work in them." Then he turned another way and remarked, "Here, you see, are the beds of those who have passed through the experience the othirs have yet to learn, and a good crop of vegetables will be got from here later on."

The Department has been very gool to us," said Mr. Miles, in answer to a question. "Those men sinking that dam and doing other work have been provided by the Department because they recognise the value of the education we are giving to the children in the open air work being done here. Those drains which run from the bore house yonder are to supply the dam, besides which we have the water laid on" "Yes," he said again, " we use this fine piece of school land for various other purposes. Here we give some of the first and most useful lessons in geography. Those small drains running into the larger one are the best explanations we can give as to how the tributaries feed the main streams. The stream, you see, makes its way to the ocean yonder, which unfortunately at the present time covers a portion of our boys' football ground. Where we stand on the high ground the river takes its rise and you can see for yourself thet tableland through which it flows." 

"Very good," we replied, " but, speaking again of the garden, are all the children interested in that sort of thing? "Oh, no," said master, "but we never force them to it if their tastes lie elsewhere. Some boys would rather play football than anything, and a few would prefer a pencil or paint brush to anything else. But we deal with these all in their own way. We are guides as well as taskmasters in fact the tendency of modem education is to develop the child mind upon its own natural tastes and faculties." 

Were our artistic instincts appealed to ? Well, never mind. But what we saw would appeal to any father or mother in Subiaco or elsewhere. The ordinary routine of school work the children received their drawing aud painting lessons, and the work has been collected and displayed in one room. Objects animate and inanimate are included, but bird and animal pictures predominate. It intended to hold an exhibition of school work and methods of teaching in November next, and the routine work which is being done at the present time will be on view.

There  can be no doubt about the practical value of the education the children are receiving , and if parents who are apt to complain about the cost of the latest book which their child asks for would make a call at the school they would be convinced that anything they are spending in that direction is very far removed from any chance of waste.

The Pupils' Garden Subiaco State School 12 July 1908. The Mirror

Mirror (Perth, WA : 1907 - 1910), Friday 22 November 1907, page 28

Subiaco State School.

At the invitation of the head master and staff of the Subiaco State School assembled at the Subiaco State School a large number of parents and friends on Wednesday afternoon to see an exhibition of school work and methods and a display of physical drill. The main hall of the school had been arranged for the reception of visitors, being made gay with bunting, and the various exhibits of the pupils. At the entrance were grouped several exhibits of fruit and flowers, being the  of the nature studies in the school gardens. Here are little plots of ground carefully tended by the beys and girls, the former having the usual products, namely the vegetables, and the latter the ornamental, the floral sections, all well looked after, and the specimens on view showing the care bestowed by all. The drill work in connection with the nature study is very interesting. A child will plant, for instance, a pea, and as its gradual development goes on, an object lesson is given by the teacher, with illustrations of that development. 

Maps, modelled in paper, show how geography is taught, and the various pictures of birds and free hand drawing from the first class children so that done by the monitors, show the progression of the work and its influence on the children. 

Literature is also taught in this way. Various illustrations of the principal stories in Dickens' books give the key note to the child, who will transcribe the stories in their own language afterwards. Writing is also taught, not for its own sake, but as a means to the end, enabling the pupil to express thought in words. All the diiferent birds in Australasia are shown drawn in crayons, beautiful work, and a help to natural history. Sewing, darning, etc., are shown on a table from the drill work to the completion of the articles treated. Cutting out of garments, laundry work, and specimens of cookery form other sections, all splendid illustrations of the work being carried on by Mr. Miles, the headmaster and his staff of assistants. 

Displayed in the hall is the Governor's shield, won for the year 1907-1908 by the Subiaco School pupils against all other State Schools in the Metropolitan area. It may be said that the gardens are attended by the pupils after school hours or during recess, and not during school hours. 

The Inspector-General (Mr. Andrews) and the headmaster (Mr. Miles) gave addresses and a very interesting few hours were spent by the visitors. 

Daily News (Perth, WA : 1882 - 1950), Wednesday 20 November 1907, page 8

SCHOOL EXHIBITION

AT SUBIACO

An interesting display was given at the Subiaco State School, Bagot-road, by an exhibition of school work by the scholars. Mr. J. A. Mills, B.A head teacher of the school, this morning accompanied a representative of 'The Daily News' round the large school hall and corridors, the walls of which were covered with specimens of the work done by the scholars. Mr. Mills particularly emphasised the fact that the whole of the work on view had not been specially prepared for the exhibition, but that it represented specimens of everyday work in the different subjects. 

A feature of the display was that of the drawing. Special mention may be made of the work of the monitors of the school in different Illustrative drawIngs, including Phillip's farm (from Tennyson's 'Brook'), 'Hiawatha,' 'Marley's Ghost,' 'Scrooge,' 'The Pied Piper of Hamlin,' and 'Dombey and Son.' At Mr. Miles' request, three diminutive scholars gave a pleasing recital of the circumstances surrounding these pictures. Samples of clever freehand drawing were also much in evidence. Questioned as to whether any of these latter were executed under the ambl-texterous method of which so much was spoken of in connection with school work four or five years ago. Mr. Mills replied that this method had been discontinued in the Subiaco and suburban schools, and he understood in most of the country ones. "The most recent research" he said, "in the location oft the cerebral function has proved conclusively that ambi-dexterity was unscientific. He knew of cases in which the use of this method had resulted in loss of speech to the pupil, and the dullest scholar, strangely enough, had in most cases proved the, most expert in ambl-dexterous drawing." 

On Mondays a number of the girl scholars attend housewifery classes at James-street, and on a table in one corner of the hall lay all kinds of wearing apparel. These garments are brought from the girls' own homes, and under the supervision of a departmental instructress the girls receive tuition In the different sections of laundry work. The school gardens were next visited, and if further evidence were necessary, in addition to the display within doors, to illustrate the transformation that has taken place in school work and methods since a few years ago such evidence was afforded in the gardens. Although it Is barely 12 month's since the first soil was turned, there are now considerably over 30 beds laid out, and a large and varied collection of flowers are In bloom.

 
The girls have the care of the flower portion, and the boys attend to ta vegetable culture. Some fine specimens of kidney potatoes and broad beans were on view at the school entrance to the main hall, where also the girls have arranged posies freshly picked from the school flower beds. To each bunch a dainty verse, selected by the girls, is attached, the idea of this being that the child may become endeared to the flowers. "The idea we have" added Mr. Miles, "is that if we make the life of the child here at the school pleasant, teach It to beautify the school, get It to cultivate a love for the flowers, then the child will soon commence to beautify its own home as the result. 
Questioned as to the assistance given by the Education Department in matters horticultural, he stated that beyond giving an annual prize 'for' the best school garden and paying the water rates, the department did nothing further to assist in the movement. The incidental expenses so far incurred had been met by him. 

At 2 o'clock this afternoon the Inspector-General of Schools declared the exhibition open in the presence of a large gathering of parents and residents of Subiaco. The exhibits were viewed with great satisfaction by all present and the complimentary references heard on all sides was sufficient testimony in itself to show that the Innovation was greatly appreciated.

Subiaco State School photographs 12 July 1908 The Mirror