Short history of the Hospitals in Koo Wee Rup

The Koo Wee Rup Regional Health Service celebrated it centenary on May 23, 2023 and even though we have looked at some aspects of the history of the Hospitals in Koo Wee Rup and the people involved in various other posts, this post includes other aspects of this history. It is not  a comprehensive history. 

The Bush Nursing Centre opened in July 1918 and a nurses' cottage was built in 1921 (1) and it was on May 23,1923 that the Bush Nursing Hospital, named the Fallen Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital, officially opened in Station Street. You can read the Koo Wee Rup Sun report of the opening, here. 

The Koo Wee Rup Sun report of the opening noted that much of the credit for the Hospital goes to the long serving Secretary, George Burhop, who joined the committee in 1918. As they reported - 

Now that the hospital is an accomplished fact, we cannot conclude without saying that one outstanding personality in bringing the scheme to a successful consummation has been the untiring zeal and devotion of Mr G.R. Burhop. He has been absolutely absorbed in the work. The most difficult task did not daunt him, and he has given time, money and labor and he must feel highly elated that the object for which he has been striving is now a practical reality. He has worked in a splendid spirit and has been suffused with “the white heat of a passionate enthusiasm” for the centre. (2)

Advertisement for the opening of the Hospital 

Koo Wee Rup Sun May 10, 1923, p.1 

George Randall Burhop was born in England in 1873 and died in Brisbane on May 30, 1949; he married Dorothea Pausacker in 1898 (she died 1962, aged 87) and they had four children - Dora, Amey, George and Thomas. George was a Cranbourne Shire Councillor 1921-1941 and Shire President 1927-1928.(3). 

The Koo Wee Rup Sun of June 1, 1949 had the following obituary - 

We regret to report the sudden death of Mr George Randall Burhop, J.P., of Lea road, Kooweerup, which occurred in Brisbane on Monday. Accompanied by his daughter, Amey, he left by 'plane for Brisbane last Saturday morning with the intention of spending the winter months in a warmer climate. Although not in the best of health, the news of his death came as a great shock to his family and many friends. We learn that on entering a cafe for refreshments on Monday afternoon he suddenly collapsed and immediately passed away. Following an inquiry into the cause of his death on Tuesday, Miss Burhop returned home by 'plane last night. We understand the body is to be cremated and the ashes sent to Kooweerup for private burial in an adjacent cemetery. The deceased was born in Bromley, Popular Middlesex, England on October 16, 1873, and he came to Australia with his parents, the late Mr Henry John and Mrs Amy Hannah Burhop, when 13 years of age. Living some years in Queensland and New South Wales, he came to Victoria, and in 1914 took over his father's farm on McDonald's Drain road and later purchased a much larger allotment on Lea road. He was mainly responsible for dividing the old Yallock Riding into the Lang Lang and Kooweerup Ridings, and for 17 years had most ably represented the latter riding of the Cranbourne Shire Council. He was the founder of the Kooweerup Memorial Hospital, and on December 19, 1947, was tendered a dinner and presentation by many Kooweerup and district residents in appreciation of his 28 years' services as honorary secretary of that institution. Mr McVilly, Chief Inspector of Charities, on that occasion had the honor of making the presentation of a valuable gold watch to the deceased in appreciation of his services at the hospital and 33 years' public service. Deceased was the husband of Mrs Dorothea Burhop, and father of two daughters (Dora and Amey) and two sons (George and Thomas), and to them we join with their many friends in extending our deepest sympathy in their sad bereavement.

The Fallen Soldiers' Memorial Hospital was opened by Cr E. Sinclair Hill, who also unveiled a tablet in memory of the local fallen soldiers - Jacob Bambury (listed as Banbury on the plaque), David Bethune, Sydney Blake, John Bryan, Thomas Bryan (both listed as Bryant on the plaque), Michael Callanan, Lawrence Coates, Percy Davis, John Davy, George Garbellini, Henry Hamilton, John Hannaker, Richard Martin, George Osborne, John O’Shea, James Randle, Bernard Slocombe, Arthur Williams and Charles Woods. I have written about these men, here. 

Dr Lyell Andrews commences practice at Koo Wee Rup

Koo Wee Rup Sun May 10, 1923, p.1 

One of the results of the Hospital opening was that in May 1923, the first Resident Doctor, Dr Lyell Andrews, arrived in the town. In February 1925, Dr Alan Hewitt and his wife, Vera, who was a trained nurse, took over Dr Andrew's practice. Dr Alan retired from practice in 1963; his son Dr John worked in Koo Wee Rup from 1951 until 1955 and another son, Dr Ian, commenced practice in the town in 1955 and retired in 1995, ending 70 years of service from the Hewitt family to the town. (4).  I wonder how many babies they delivered in that time? 

The Argus reported that on October 26, 1929, the hospital accommodation was increased by the addition of an enclosed verandah of the type common to the majority of bush nursing hospitals in Victoria....This verandah was opened on Saturday by Lady Barrett, in the presence of a large gathering of residents of Koo-wee-rup and surrounding districts. Of liberal dimensions the verandah has ample room for 10 bed, which means the accommodation of the hospital has been doubled. Lady Barrett was accompanied to Koo-wee-rup by the honorary secretary of the central council of the Bush Nursing Association (Sir James Barrett) and the assistant secretary (Dr Edith Barrett) The visitors were received by a guard of honour formed by Boy Scouts, and a welcome was signalled to them in semaphore. A bazaar was held to defray part of the cost of the verandah.

Dr Edith Barrett congratulated the committee on its enterprise in extending the hospital and paid tribute to the nursing staff, of which, she said, Koo-wee-rup had every reason to be proud. (Applause). To the zeal and resource of the bush nurses practically the whole of the success of the movement was due. Nowhere in the Commonwealth were nurses so well trained as those who entered the Bush Nursing Association. Sir James Barrett recalled the beginning of the Bush Nursing Association. To Koo-wee-rup he said, belonged the distinction of having the first hospital founded by the central council. Eight years ago the Koo-wee-rup hospital was the only institution of its kind in Victoria. To-day there were 17 bush nursing hospitals; three more were to be opened shortly, and four were in course of construction.

The report continued .....Lady Barrett then declared the verandah open, cutting a ribbon across the door. Councillor Burhop, in thanking Lady Barrett, said that he was supported by an able and energetic committee, and he felt that the management of the hospital was in very good hands. (Applause). Much of the success of the hospital was also due to the untiring work of the nursing staff, especially Sister Tuffin. The verandah had been constituted at a cost of £180. Of that amount £150 had been subscribed, and he hoped that the remainder of the debt would soon be liquidated (Applause).......Councillor Burhop announced that Sir James Barrett had informed him that the central council would meet one-third of the outstanding debt. The announcement was received with applause. (5). 

Drama struck the hospital in December 1934 when the patients had to be evacuated through the roof as the Hospital was flooded to a depth of 7ft within a few minutes. I have written about this drama, here. 

Advertisement for the Hospital

Koo Wee Rup Sun, September 2 1937, p.3

In October 1935, a new operating theatre was opened.  The Age reported - 

Before a large crowd at the Koo-wee-rup Memorial Hospital yesterday, the president of the Victorian Bush Nursing Association (Lady Mitchell) officially opened the new operating theatre at the hospital. Lady Mitchell was accompanied by the honorary secretary of the central council of the Victorian Bush Nursing Association (Sir James Barrett) and Lady Barrett and the visitors were welcomed by the president of the hospital (Mr L. J. O'Riordan) (6). 

The Hospital relied on subscriptions and local donations but the Pakenham Racing Club was also a major donor and every year, in the 1930s to the 1950s, held a Hospital Race Meeting to raise funds for both the Koo Wee Rup and the Pakenham Bush Nursing Hospitals. (7).

The Pakenham Racing Club's Hospital meeting

The Argus, April 29, 1946 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/22251935

In January 1946 (or possibly late 1945), the Westernport Memorial Hospital Provisional Committee was formed for the purpose of establishing a modern public hospital in the Koo Wee Rup locality and it appeals for the support and loyal co-operation of every person residing in the area. The immediate objective was to raise £5000. (8).

The formation of the Westernport Memorial Hospital Provisional Committee 

Koo Wee Rup Sun, January 30, 1946, p. 4.

A major problem facing Hospitals after the War in the late 1940s and early 1950s was a shortage of nurses; in fact it was so dire that it was reported that some hospitals, including Koo Wee Rup, would have to close. One innovative solution to the nursing shortage was this, as The Herald reported - Staff shortages in Victorian hospitals could be eased if male nurses were accepted generally, several trained male nurses had come from England recently and there had been several Australian ex-servicemen with provisional registrations, but, with the exception of one training school, metropolitan and country hospitals did not appear to be interested in employing them…..There were between 30 and 40 trained male nurses in England willing to migrate. Some were highly qualified. One had a special certificate as a male tutor, and would give the opportunity to establish male nurse training in Victoria. (9). 

The Westernport Memorial Hospital Committee continued their fundraising and in 1953 Bates, Smart and McCutcheon were appointed as architects and the Trusteel Corporation was the successful tenderer for the new hospital, in Rossiter Road. The local community had raised £20,000 towards the cost of the building the hospital and the nurses’ home, which cost £200,500 and was constructed in seven months (10). 

The new Hospital

Koo Wee Rup Sun July 27, 1955, p. 1

December 4, 1954  - Hospital under construction.

Photographer: Margaret Robinson

November 27, 1954 - Construction of Hospital and two-storey Nurses' Home. 

Photographer: Margaret Robinson

The Koo Wee Rup Sun reported on July 20, 1955 that Matron Laird had been appointed and that the Hospital would be ready for occupation the next month, and would be officially opened on August 22. A Meeting to form a Ladies Auxiliary was held on July 28. The visiting hours for the hospital were set at 10.30am - 11am, 2.30pm - 3.30pm and 7.15pm - 8.15pm and no children under 14, except babes in arms, would be admitted as visitors. August 22 came and went and there was no official opening, however on August 24, 1955 the hospital was opened for business with the patients in the old building transferred by ambulance to the new building. The Hospital Secretary, Mr Pollock, could advertise that the hospital was open to receive patients for all kinds of nursing. (11). 

The new Hospital is open for business

Koo Wee Rup Sun August 24, 1955, p. 4

It wasn’t until December 4, 1955 that the official opening of the Hospital and Nurses’ Home took place. The Koo Wee Rup Sun would report that despite inclement weather conditions there was a large attendance on Sunday afternoon to witness the official opening of the new 23-bed Westernport Memorial Hospital, costing £200,000, excluding furnishings. The ceremony was performed by Dr. H. J. Lindell, chairman of the Hospitals and Charities Commission. (12).  You can read the full report of the opening of the Westernport Memorial Hospital, here. 

December 4, 1955 - Opening Ceremony Westernport Memorial Hospital

Photographer: Margaret Robinson

December 4, 1955 - Opening Ceremony Westernport Memorial Hospital. 

The Fallen Soldier's plaque was installed in this wall. 

Photographer: Margaret Robinson

The focus of the Hospital changed from the 1990s - the Killara Hostel opened in 1997, the operating theatre closed in 2004. However what didn’t change was the need to raise funds and Hospital Balls were a regular feature and a major fundraiser was the Koo Wee Rup Potato Festival held from 1973 until 2000 (read about the Potato Festival, here).  However, the jewel of the Crown is the Ladies Auxiliary, formed in July 1955 and still going strong and still raising money for the Health Service. Coming up for their 70th anniversary, a Platinum Jubilee, in two years time it is an anniversary well worth celebrating for their consistent dedication to their cause and to the town of Koo Wee Rup and surrounds. The Ladies are truly worth their weight in platinum, gold and diamonds.

The start of the Ladies' Auxiliary

Koo Wee Rup Sun, August 3, 1955, p. 4

Footnotes

(1) Read about the Bush Nursing Centre and the Nurses' Cottage here   https://kooweerupswamphistory.blogspot.com/2014/08/medical-matters-at-koo-wee-rup.html

(2) Koo Wee Rup Sun, May 24, 1923, p 4. 

(3) The details of his Council service is from The Good Country: Cranbourne Shire by Niel Gunson (Shire of Cranbourne, 1968)

(4) Mickle, David J. Mickle Memories of Koo Wee Rup (The Author, 1983) and More Mickle Memories of Koo Wee Rup (The Author, 1987); notes compiled by Jack Mills at the Koo Wee Rup Swamp Historical Society

(5) The Argus, October 28, 1929, see here. Dr Edith Barrett, was the sister of Sir James Barrett - read her Australian Dictionary of Biography entry here and Sir James' here.

(6) The Argus, October 28, 1935, see here. Lady Mitchell - read her Australian Dictionary of Biography entry here. President of the Hospital was Mr L. J. O'Riordan - Les O'Riordan - read about him here and here - Les is the sister of Margaret Hamilton.

(7) Various articles in the newspapers.

(8) Koo Wee Rup Sun, January 30, 1946, p. 4.

(9) The Herald, January 15, 1948, see here; The Argus, May 15, 1948, see here; 

(10) Koo Wee Rup Sun July 27, 1955, p. 1

(11) Koo Wee Rup Sun, July 20, 1955, p. 1;  Koo Wee Rup Sun, August 24, 1955, p. 1

(12) Koo Wee Rup Sun, December 7, 1955, p. 1.

Koo Wee Rup Fallen Soldiers' Memorial Hospital evacuated in the December 1934 flood

The worst flood in the history of Koo Wee Rup occurred on December 1, 1934 and the Fallen Soldiers' Memorial Hospital had to be evacuated. I was hoping that the local paper, the Koo Wee Rup Sun, which was published weekly, would have had an account of this,  however they did not produce an issue until December 20, 1934. As they reported -
It is rather late for us to have anything to say in regard to the ruinous flood which occurred on the 1st inst., and which day no doubt in the future will be known as “Watery Saturday." We, like all others in the township, came in for more than our share of Adam's ale. The plant was inundated in over 4ft of water; type was carried by the strong current out of open doors, and hardly a dry sheet of paper was available after the bottled-up waters had receded sufficiently on the 3rd inst. to regain admittance. Being prisoners on the roof of the Premises for over 16 hours, one did not care about writing “Sun Spots” (1). 

However, there was this report in The Argus about the evacuation of the Hospital
Koo-wee-rup Hospital was flooded to a depth of 7ft within a few minutes, and the patients, some of whom were seriously ill, were trapped before they could be moved. Mr Clarence Renner, who had undergone an operation for appendicitis a few hours beforehand, was in bed, and unable to help himself. His father, who was on the railway platform, waded and swam through the swirling water to the hospital, and climbed on to the roof, where with the assistance of Mr Gannon, he cut a hole in the galvanised iron and pulled his boy to safety up through the hole. Aided by others who came to the rescue, the 10 remaining patients in the wards were taken out in the same manner.
Heroism and Fortitude
Mrs Mary Ann Bolleman, aged 59 years, another patient, held a baby in her arms above the water for 15 hours with the water surging above her neck before they were rescued. Mrs A. Adams and her baby which was born only the night before were being pulled out when the child was dropped into the water. She grasped the child's clothing frantically and saved it from drifting away. Both were raised through the opening to safety. (2). 

Fallen Soldiers' Memorial Hospital in a flood; must be the 1924 as in 1929, an enclosed verandah was erected around the original building. 

Image: Koo Wee Rup Swamp Historical Society 

The report mentions four people by name and I thought we would look at who they were.

Clarence Fenner
Clarence's surname was listed as Renner in The Argus report, but listed as Clarence Fenner in a Morwell Advertiser report (3) about the evacuation. As I cannot find any reference anywhere to a Clarence Renner, I believe this is actually Clarence Charles Fenner, born February 6, 1919 to Charles Stanley Victor and Esther (nee Burden) Fenner in Frankston, so he would have been about 15 during the flood (4). 

Charles was listed in the Electoral Roll as a contractor and the family were living in Frankston, when Clarence was born. They then spent a few years in Morwell in the early to mid 1920s, where perhaps Charles was employed on State Electricity Commission projects such as the construction of the Yallourn Power Station. The family then moved around various Melbourne suburbs, until the early 1940s when they lived at 30 Sutton Grove in Richmond. Clarence, or Clarrie, as he was called, had three older brothers - Harold, who worked for the Brighton Gasworks Company and tragically died in 1927 when he fell 30 feet whilst constructing a new gasometer; and Stanley and Frank (5). 

Clarrie, whose occupation was a driver, married Evelyn Smith in 1937 and enlisted in the Army in June 1940 and was discharged in October 1945. From the 1960s, the Electoral Rolls show the family was living at 1 Biran Court, in Reservoir. Clarence died March 6, 1999 and is buried at Fawkner Cemetery with his son Brian (1947-2013). His wife Evelyn who died in 1980 is buried in the adjoining grave with their son Stanley (1939-1963) (6). 

Why was Clarrie having an operation at the Koo Wee Rup Hospital in 1934 when, according to the Electoral Rolls, his parents were living in the suburbs of Melbourne? The doctor in Koo Wee Rup was Dr Alan Hewitt and in Lang Lang, Dr Sydney Appleford, so the family may have had a connection to either doctor or there was possibly a family member in the town, who could have visited him, but I don't the reason. I wonder how many times during his life, Clarrie told people the exciting story of being evacuated through the roof at the Koo Wee Rup Hospital? It was very fortunate that Charles Renner and Mr Gannon had the nous and the ability to cut a whole in the roof to enable the rescue of the patients. 

Mr Gannon
Helped Mr Fenner rescue his son through the roof. I can’t find a Gannon listed on the Electoral Rolls in the area during this time, so he remains a mystery.

Mrs Mary Ann Bolleman

Mrs Bolleman, known as Madge, held a baby for 15 hours. We do not know who the baby was.
Mary Ann was born in Glengarry in 1874, the only child Agabus and Sarah (nee McAuley) Barden (7). Agabus, died on August 12, 1903 as a result of an accident whilst riding his horse. Sarah died the next year on July 1, 1904 and she was buried with her husband at the Traralgon Cemetery. 

The death notice of Agabus Barden

Gippsland Farmer's Journal, August 18, 1903 

https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/264475283/29600346

The obituary of Sarah Barden

Gippsland Farmer's Journal July 5, 1904 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article264512746

On July 10, 1904, just over a week after her mother died, Mary Ann married fellow Gippslander,  George Henry James Bolleman.  The ceremony was conducted by the Methodist Minister in Morwell. They had the following children -

· Melchoir Francois Albert, known as Francis or Frank, born in 1908 in South Melbourne. He died in Dandenong in 1986, aged 74.
· Marie Agnes. Born in 1910, in Foster; married Maxwell Timmins in 1929 and she died in Drouin in 1954, aged 44.
· Florence Mary. Born in 1912 in Leongatha; married Albert Herbert in 1929 and she died in Melbourne in 1946, aged 35.
George Bolleman died in 1918, aged 37 in Pound Creek (near Inverloch), leaving Mary Ann to raise her three young children alone. (8). 

 

Obituary for George Bolleman, Mary Ann’s husband

Powlett Express November 8, 1918 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article130666138

Death notice for George Bolleman, Mary Ann’s husband

Great Southern Star December 6, 1918 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article89256304

According to the Electoral Rolls, Mary Ann continued to live in Pound Creek after her husband's death and later at Leongatha. In 1934, she was living in Station Street, Koo Wee Rup. Her two daughters and their husbands were also living in Koo Wee Rup in 1934; son-in-law Maxwell Timmins was a labourer and son-in-law, Albert Herbert a railway employee. Mary Anne was still in Koo Wee Rup in 1937. In the 1942 to 1949 Electoral Rolls she, her son Francis, her daughter Marie, and son-in-law Maxwell, were living in Tooradin (9). 

Mary Anne died at Berrybank, near Lismore (Victoria) on December 29, 1951. It would be interesting to know why she was living there at that time. Her son Francis, was listed as the informant, and his address was Dandenong. Mary Ann was buried in the Lismore Cemetery (10). As with Clarence, I wonder how many times Mary Ann told the story of her rescue from the flood and how she bravely and kindly saved the life of the little baby by keeping them out of the water for fifteen hours. She may well have been too modest to tell anyone. 

Mrs A. Adams and her baby
This took some detective work to work out who this was. I found Albert and Annie (nee Davies) Adams listed in the 1934 Electoral Roll at Dalmore. His occupation was a farmer, so I thought it was a good chance that this was the right family. I put their name into Trove to see what I could find and  discovered this death notice of their son, John Thomas, who sadly died in 1951, aged 25.

Death notice of John Adams

Dandenong Journal, September 19, 1951http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article222354800

The death notice lists John's siblings as - Brenda who married Vivian Powell in 1943; Charlie; Oliver, who enlisted in the Army in 1943 and his birth date is February 15, 1924 (11). The last child listed is Toby, who was at Tooradin North State School in 1946, as the report, below tells us.

Toby Adams at Tooradin North State School

Dandenong Journal, July 3, 1946  http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article214794288

The book Tooradin: 125 years of coastal history has a section on local families including the Adams family. Albert Adams served in World War One, and took up a Soldier Settlement farm on Manks Road in 1921. The book lists his children as Brenda, Charlie, Oliver, John and James (Toby). There is also a list of the students of the Tooradin North School and James Percy Adams started in 1939. Given that children started school at around the age of five, that means he was born around 1934, so I felt he would be a likely candidate for the little flood baby (12). 

 I looked on some family trees on Ancestry.com and one lists James Percy Adams, son of Albert and Annie, born at Koo Wee Rup, November 20, 1934. Which means he was ten days old on the day of the flood, which doesn't fit in with The Argus story, of him being born the day before, but it was confusing times, so it is not surprising the dates are a bit inconsistent. The family tree lists his death date of April 28, 2021.

 
Given all this, I believe that the Mrs A. Adams referred to in the article is Mrs Annie Adams of Manks Road, Dalmore and her little baby who was dropped in the water was James, also known as Toby. You can hardly image the horror and panic Mrs Adams must have felt in those few seconds before she regained a hold on her baby. 

Albert Adams passed away December 7, 1956, aged 65 years old and Annie on September 29, 1984 aged 90. They are buried at Cranbourne Cemetery (13). Again, I wonder how often Annie Adams and her son Toby, told the story of their dramatic and in the case of young Toby, his very lucky rescue from the December 1934 flood.

 
Footnotes
(1) The Koo Wee Rup Sun, December 20 1934, p. 4
(2) The Argus, December 3, 1934, see here.

(3) Morwell Advertiser, December 6, 1934, see here.

(4) Indexes to the Victorian Births, Deaths and Marriages; Date of Birth from World War Two Nominal Rolls, see here.

(5) Electoral Rolls on Ancestry.com; Indexes to the Victorian Births, Deaths and Marriages and Tasmanian Archives. Clarrie's brothers -  Harold (1902-1927) was the product  of Esther's first marriage to Robert James Stevenson, but he used the Fenner surname. Then Stanley (1913-1969) and Frank (1915-1982) and Clarrie were the sons of Charles Fenner. The eldest three were born in Tasmania.  Charles Fenner died April 1953, aged 65 and Esther died March 1963, aged 84 - they are buried at Springvale Cemetery. 

Harold Fenner's tragic accident

Morwell Advertiser, May 13, 1927 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article65924805

(6) Indexes to the Victorian Births, Deaths and Marriages, World War Two Nominal Rolls, see here; Fawkner Cemetery is part of the Greater metropolitan Cemeteries Trust and their records are on-line https://www.gmct.com.au/deceased

(7) Information from Mary Anne's marriage certificate.

(8) Indexes to the Victorian Births, Deaths and Marriages and Mary Anne's marriage certificate.

(9) Electoral Rolls on Ancestry.com

(10) Death Certificate of Mary Ann Bollerman.

(11) Indexes to the Victorian Births, Deaths and Marriages, World War Two Nominal Rolls, see here.

(12) Tooradin: 125 years of coastal history - Blind Bight, Cannon's Creek, Sherwood, Tooradin North, Warneet 1875-2000 State school No. 1503 compiled by John Wells and the 'Tooradin Celebrates Together 125 Years of Education Committee' published in 2001.

(13) Cranbourne Cemetery information - http://www.ozgenonline.com/~vic_cem/cranbourne/cranbourneaf_data.htm 

Kitty Harris Townson and Margaret O'Riordan Hamilton of Koo Wee Rup

When the Fallen Soldiers' Memorial Hospital at  Koo Wee Rup opened on Wednesday, May 23, 1923 there was an extensive report in the Koo Wee Rup Sun (read it here). This line caught my interest -  Mrs M. Hamilton then declared open a ward to the memory of the late Mrs Townson.  This post looks at the lives of these two women. 

Kitty Townson

Kate Dyson Townson, known as Kitty, was born on July 11, 1881, the eldest of the six children of  William Harris (1846-1914) and his wife Mary Augusta Derrick (1860-1940). (1).  Kitty's great-grandfather, Thomas Derrick, was one of the original settlers at Kew, and her grandfather, Samuel Derrick, owned a farm on Bulleen Road (now High Street) in Kew, before he moved to Lancefield around 1880. Samuel's sister, Ellen Quick, who died at the age of 36 in March 1859, was the first person to be buried in the Boroondara Cemetery; she left behind four young children. Samuel's wife, Mary, also died young, at only 37. In March 1871, Mary was found in a waterhole on the farm at Kew and could not be revived. The Inquest returned a verdict of accidental death. Mary had been on the point of giving birth to a child and the baby also did not survive. Mary left behind eight children aged between 18 years and 2 years old (2). 

Kitty was born at Lancefield and her birth was followed by her siblings, William Howarth (1883-1926), Ruby Mary (1885-?), Samuel Derrick (1887-1888), John Samuel (1893-1961) and Tom Derrick (1897-1973). Her father, William, was a Music Teacher.  Around September 1900, William and Mary left Lancefield for Kerang, where he had accepted the offer of an extensive practice at Kerang and Pyramid Hill.  Kitty stayed in Lancefield to continue her duties of music teaching. (3).

Around 1910, Kitty moved to Cranbourne where she was listed in the Electoral Roll as a Music Teacher. She had this same address until 1916, however it appears she may have moved to Koo Wee Rup earlier than this, according to some of the reports, below, of her activities in the local area. 

Miss Harris supplies excellent music

South Bourke and Mornington Journal, October 13, 1910 

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article66202549

Kitty Harris' successful students

Lang Lang Guardian December 22, 1915  

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article119513216

More successful students

South Bourke and Mornington Journal January 25, 1917 

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article66191402 

An excellent programme organised by Kitty

South Bourke and Mornington Journal March 14, 1918  

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article66193684

Why did  Kitty move from Lancefield to Cranbourne? It may have been because her brother, John, was  living in Yannathan around this time, although his address in the Electoral Rolls was actually Kerang, and his occupation was a Law clerk; however this report from the Koo Wee Rup Sun, of November 1918, claims him as a Yannathan soldier.

John Harris' brush with death

Koo Wee Rup Sun, November 6, 1918 

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article127198529

Whatever the reason for her move, Kitty was a popular personality in the area and on December 29, 1917 she married Henry John Townson at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Newport. One of the witnesses was Mary O'Riordan, more of whom below (4). Local historian David Mickle, describes Harry (as he was known) as a popular young storekeeper who worked at O'Riordan's store at Koo Wee Rup (5). The marriage certificate lists her age as 31 and his as 27; his age was correct but she was actually 36. Harry had been born in 1890 in Kilmore as Henry John Banks, to Sarah Banks and father 'unknown'. (6). 

Kitty organises a concert for the Bush Nursing Association

Koo Wee Rup Sun May 7, 1919, p. 1

Sadly, the marriage was cut short by the premature death of Kitty, who died of Spanish Influenza on June 12, 1919, when she was only 37,the same age as her grandmother, Mary Derrick and just one year older than her great-aunt, Ellen Quick (7).  We turn to David Mickle again who wrote - She had been a popular musician and played at most concerts and dances. Her death meant  a great loss to the town and everyone felt very sad about Harry's bereavement. (8).

Her Obituary from the Koo Wee Rup Sun (9)  is transcribed here. 

The news of the death of Mrs (“Kitty”) Townson, briefly referred to in our last issue, has been received everywhere with great sorrow. There was not a more popular and deeply loved lady throughout the whole shire, and her death leaves a wide gap which will be hard to fill. The deceased lady, by her charming personality and unaffected good nature, kind and charitable disposition, endeared herself to all who knew her. When her services for sweet Charity were required they were always given with a smile. Her name will always  be revered while there are loving hearts to beat and memory exists.

Truly the removal of this sweet woman from our midst amply demonstrates the axiom that -
Kind hearts are more than coronets
And simple faith than Norman blood.

The late Mrs Townson attended her last public function at the Five Mile on Friday night, June 6, and presented her last programme. This function is destined to be a memorable one, as it was the precursor of much pain and sorrow, and the removal from our midst of several residents  whose deaths are deeply deplored. On Saturday Mrs Townson took ill, and she lingered up to Thursday afternoon, when she passed peacefully away at the age of 37years. The deepest sympathy is felt for her sorrowing husband, who was ill in bed, but is now fortunately recovering. To Mrs Harris also the utmost sympathy is extended in the loss of a loving daughter.

The funeral took place on Friday, the remains being interred in the Pakenham Cemetery. A large concourse followed the remains to their last resting place. It is certain that the cortege would have been much larger had the event been more widely known. The Rev. E.J. Evans read the Anglican burial service at the graveside. There were a large number of floral offerings. Amongst the mourners were Messrs Tom Harris and W.H. Harris, brothers of the deceased. The scene at the graveside was very affecting.  The funeral arrangements were in the hands of Mr O. Smith, of Pakenham.

It was interesting that Kitty had an Anglican Burial Service but was married in a Catholic Church; I presume Harry was a Catholic. The details of Harry's life after the death of his wife have proved somewhat elusive. At some time he left Koo Wee Rup and in 1923 he married Elizabeth Auld Kipling. In the 1927 Electoral Roll he is listed at 26 The Esplanade, St Kilda. In 1931, the couple were at 116 Harold Street in Middle Park and he also operated a grocery store in Victoria Street, Malvern. There were no children from either marriage and I believe he died in 1931 (10). 

Margaret Hamilton

Margaret Mary O'Riordan was born December 3, 1884, in Bordertown, South Australia to John and Elizabeth (nee O'Callaghan) O'Riordan. The family then moved to Victoria where Mary, known as Mollie, was born in 1887 and then Joseph Leonard (1890-1892). The last three children were born at Koo Wee Rup, where their father had opened the first store, in Station Street. John Leslie O'Riordan was born on August 26, 1892, the first white child born in Koo Wee Rup,  and he was followed by Eileen (1895 -1899), and Joseph in 1899 (11). 

 Jim and Joe Moore, Joe Morrison (Blacksmith), Margaret Hamilton, Les O'Riordan.  Mid 1920s. In the entrance to O'Riordan's Store, the picket fence is of the attached residence. Station Street, Koo Wee Rup, Royal Hotel in background. 

Koo Wee Rup Swamp Historical Society photo.

O'Riordan's Store and residence; Margaret Hamilton's Post Office, Station Street, August 1924 flood.
Koo Wee Rup Swamp Historical Society photo.

Margaret's husband, Henry Campbell Hamilton (SN 4719) enlisted on January 14, 1916 at the age of 39 and his occupation was 'Manager, General Store' and his next of kin was his 'friend', Miss O'Riordan of Koo Wee Rup (12). Miss O'Riordan soon became his wife as they were married on January 29, 1916 at the Catholic Church in Koo Wee Rup. Henry was listed in the 1914 and 1916 Electoral Rolls as a 'horse trainer' and I assume that he managed O'Riordan's store (where Harry Townson also worked); so did he get that job when he became sweet on Miss O'Riordan or did he get into the family business after they started going out? Perhaps being the manager of a general store provided a more consistent income than being a horse trainer.

Wedding notice of Margaret and Henry

The Argus February 26, 1916 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article2092162

The Lang Lang Guardian (13) had this lovely report of their wedding. Mollie O'Riordan was her bridesmaid, she also did the honours for Kitty Harris the next year; and Kitty played the Wedding March at the service.

A very quiet wedding ceremony was performed at St John's R. C. Church, Kooweerup, on the 29th ult., The Church was nicely decorated by the lady friends of the bride and although the day was wet and stormy, a large number of friends attended the service. The contracting parties were Miss Maggie O'Riordan and Mr Henry Hamilton, the Rev. Father Cusack was the officiating priest. The bride was given away by her brother, Mr J. L. O'Riordan, and Miss Mary O'Riordan, sister of the bride, acted as bridesmaid. Mr F. Ellis being best man. The bride was daintily gowned in white embroidered organdi muslin over white silk, and wore a pink crepe de chine hat with white lancer plume. The bridesmaid was gowned in white embroidered voile. As the bridal party left the church amidst showers of confetti, Miss K. Harris played the beautiful wedding march. A reception and breakfast was given at the Coffee Palace, where the toast of the 'Bride and Bridegroom' was ably proposed by Father Cusack, and responded to by the bridegroom. The bridesmaid's toast, proposed by Mr Barlow was responded to by Mr F. Ellis. The presents were both numerous and costly. The happy couple left by the evening train for their honeymoon, amidst showers of confetti and rice, and as the train was about to start their many friends sang 'For they are jolly good fellows.'

Their daughter, Mary, was born in 1917, and she was to be their only child as Henry sadly, Died of Wounds, on October 8, 1917, sustained whilst fighting in France. As Henry had embarked in July 1916 for service overseas, he would never have met his little girl.

The many death notices for Henry Hamilton. Alice and Denis McNamara had the Royal Hotel at Koo Wee Rup, interesting that they are related to Henry, I'll work out the connection one day.

The Argus, October 27, 1917 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article1659082

Mrs Hamilton died on July 20, 1938 at the age of 53. Her Obituary from the Koo Wee Rup Sun (14) is transcribed here. 

Obituary - Mrs M. Hamilton 

It is with deep regret that we have to record the death of Mrs Margaret Hamilton, which sad event occurred at 5.30 a.m Wednesday at the home of her sister, Mrs A. Grantley, Kooweerup. Deceased was the daughter of the late Mr and Mrs O’Riordan, pioneers of this district, and was born at Bordertown, S.A. Her husband, Mr Henry Campbell Hamilton, was killed in action in 1917. For the past 30 years  the deceased had capably performed the duties of post-mistress at Kooweerup, and through this office as well as the great interest she had at all times taken in movements  in the interest of the district and in charitable causes she had gained the friendship and love of all with whom she had come in contact, and the news of her demise has naturally created quite  a gloom over a very wide area. Deceased, who had been ailing for the past two years, had so bravely borne her suffering that to many her demise was anything but expected. She leaves a daughter (Mary), two brothers (John and Joseph), and one sister (Mrs A. Grantley) to mourn her great loss. The internment will take place in the Dandenong Cemetery to-day (Thursday), the cortege leaving St. John’s Church, Kooweerup, after Requiem Mass has concluded at 10 a.m. 

Mrs Hamilton also had an obituary in The Advocate (15) -
Mrs. Margaret Hamilton, of Kooweerup, passed to her eternal reward on Wednesday, July 20. She was the widow of the late Mr. H. C. Hamilton (killed in France) and loving mother of Mary, dearly beloved sister of Mollie (Mrs. Grantley), John Leslie and Joseph O'Riordan. Requiem Mass was celebrated at St. John's, Kooweerup, by Rev. J. McNamara, and was attended by a large congregation. The funeral was the largest ever seen in the district. The service at the graveside was read by Rev. Fr. McNamara, assisted by Rev. Fr. Cremin, P.P.; Rev. Fr. Joyce, P.P.; Rev. Frs. H. Ellis, W. Rovira, O'Sullivan. R.I.P

You can imagine what a sad, but proud, occasion the opening of the Fallen Soldiers' Memorial Hospital must have been for Margaret Hamilton, having to open a ward in honour of her late friend, Kitty Townson, and also having to see the Memorial plaque unveiled for the fallen soldiers, including her late husband, Henry (16). 

Footnotes
(1) Birth certificate
(2) Kew Rate Books on Ancestry.com; Samuel Derrick's obituary Weekly Times April 2, 1910, see here; I have written about Ellen Quick and the Boroondara Cemetery, here; Mary Derrick - her maiden name is listed variously as Lehmann, Leman and Layman. Report of her death South Bourke Standard, March 10, 1871, see here and report of her Inquest The Herald, March 10, 1871, see here.

(3) Indexes to the Victorian Births, Death and Marriages; Kerang Times, September 14, 1900, see here.

(4) Marriage certificate

(5) Mickle, David J Mickle Memories of Koo-Wee-Rup (The Author, 1983), p. 63 
(6) Marriage certificate, Index to the Victorian Births, Deaths and Marriages.

(7) Death certificate

(8) Mickle, op. cit., p 63

(9) Koo Wee Rup Sun, June 18, 1919, page 1.

(10) Elizabeth Auld Townson died in 1937 and there was no mention of Harry in her death notice (The Age, August 31, 1937, see here). Also,  the 1937 Electoral Roll showed she was living (without Harry) at 317 Auburn Road, Hawthorn, which was her brother's address according to the death notice. The Commonwealth of Australia Gazette of July 2, 1931, see here, had the following notice -

Does this meant he was insolvent or that he had died? Either way, it's the last reference to Harry I can find. 

(11) Genealogy SA https://www.genealogysa.org.au; Indexes to the Victorian Births, Death and Marriages; Mickle, op.,cit pp 19 and 36. John O'Riordan died September 17, 1901 and Elizabeth died March 9, 1910. 

The Argus September 18, 1901 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article9608585

The Argus March 10, 1910  http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article10840451

Mary, known as Mollie, and Kitty's bridesmaid, married Alan Grantley in 1924. She died in 1980, aged 93. John Leslie (known as Les) O'Riordan married Margaret Colvin in 1918, and they lived at Mallow, in Rossiter Road, now the headquarters and Museum of the Koo Wee Rup Swamp Historical Society. The house was built by her father, John Colvin.  Les died in October 1978 and Margaret in October 1955. I have written about Les, here. Joseph O'Riordan, born in 1899, died in 1957, I don't know if he ever married. 

(12) Attestation papers, National Archives of Australia, see here.

(13) Lang Lang Guardian, February 9, 1916, see here.

(14) Koo Wee Rup Sun,  July 21, 1938, page 1, 

(15) The Advocate, September 1, 1938, see here.

(16) Read about the Memorial plaque, here. 

Official opening of the Fallen Soldiers' Memorial Hospital at Koo Wee Rup, May 23 1923

This account of the official opening of the Fallen Soldiers' Memorial Hospital at  Koo Wee Rup on Wednesday, May 23, 1923 is transcribed from the Koo Wee Rup Sun of May 24, 1923, p 4. Punctuation is original, but this has been re-paragraphed for clarity. 

Fallen Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital - Officially opened Yesterday.

It has been a penchant with vice-regal representatives from the Old Country to leave behind some monument of their labor whilst in our midst. One of the best movements so far conceived is that instituted by Lady Dudley, who started what is known as the Bush Nursing Association.  Lady Dudley was a woman with a big range of sympathy for the person out-back, and her travels in the various States taught her that in times of emergency and sickness the people in the outback settlements had to endure much risk and danger through lack of medical advice and assistance.

Realising the danger to which they were exposed, she called a few friends together and propounded the humanitarian idea that an organisation should be started that would make the prospects of their less fortunate brothers and sisters in district parts brighter and happier. Her idea took a concrete form, as what is now known as the Bush Nursing Association is now in existence, and is eminently carrying out the function she desired.

This organisation sends out nurses who are thoroughly equipped for their task, and thousands to-day are grateful for the work which has been accomplished.  Beginning in a small way, the organisation has been spreading steadily, until to-day there are 41 centres in Victoria, besides numerous centres in other States of the Commonwealth. Each year the movement is gaining ground, and the results of the various centres are so successful that inquiries are made for information with respect to how the centres are conducted. This is another instance illustrative of what a small seed sown by a woman with high and noble ideals can produce, and the association will ever remain a lasting memorial to the splendid work of Lady Dudley during the term she was with us as the wife of the Governor-General of Australia.

The life of a bush nurse is no sinecure. She has no hours she can call her own. She is “at it, and always at it.” She is ever ready at the least behest, night and day, on her mission of mercy. She is devoid of all the pleasures and comforts which surrounds her sisters in the more populous centres, but she recognises that she has a duty to perform to those in trials and tribulations, and she carries out her unselfish task with a cheery and optimistic spirit, and by her presence radiates happiness and comfort to all with whom she comes in contact. She realises that “the noblest service is the public good”; that life consisteth more than in eating and drinking, but that each person has a responsibility to fulfil to their fellow man and woman. Yet despite all the hardships she had to endure there must be compensation. The highest joy in life is “the joy of doing good.” To ease pain, to lighten the daily burden and to assuage grief must bring untold happiness and pleasure, and it is in this direction that the devoted workers reap some measure of reward.

It is these compensations which have urged on all humanitarian and Christian workers. The mission of the great Christian Leader was not only to preach the Gospel, but to heal the sick, etc., exemplifying that doing of such a work is fulfilling the highest law and carrying out His precepts. One cannot help recalling the noble life of Florence Nightingale, who so stirred by the terrible sufferings of the soldiers in the Crimean campaign, that she gave up her life of ease and brought benediction to thousands of soldiers. It is recorded that as she went about with her lamp in her hands the soldiers kissed her shadow as she passed. So in the peaceful development of our back block settlements the bush nurses go about with their lamps in hands demonstrating that they are worthy disciples of the above-named woman.

The Bush Nursing Association is a co-operative movement, which allows for the strong to help the weak. All persons who become members contribute a fixed sum each year, which is devoted to the payment of the nurse and the upkeep of the centre. Under this system it means that those who are well and fortunate help to alleviate the unfortunate and sickly member. This is carrying out in a practical manner the brotherhood of man, and it is regretted that in all centres there are men and women who are not seized with the importance of the principle involved. In every locality whether a person is possessed of means or not, he should remember that his contribution is helping to further and strengthen the movement, and in this manner convey help to those most in need.

In the Kooweerup Centre we have advanced a stage further than the majority.  Almost at the inception of the local movement it was recognised that better and effective work could be rendered by the erection of a hospital, where patients could be brought to receive the best attention possible. Such a method lightens the work of the nurse. Patients in outlying parts always presents a difficulty in reaching, and by concentrating the work in a healing institution much travelling, time and expense is saved. The idea was taken up with enthusiasm, and an appeal was made to the public, and it is gratifying to record that a good response resulted. The committee recognised that they owed a duty to the “deathless heroes” who fell in the late war and to memorialise their sacrifice it was decided to name the new edifice “The Fallen Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital.” The committee endeavoured to secure the names of all district soldiers who fell, and their names are inscribed on a marble tablet at the hospital, and of them the words of an ancient epitaph can well be applied: “They sleep a holy sleep; say not that the valiant ever die.”

On such an important occasion as the opening of the hospital, which was fittingly performed yesterday by the President of the Shire (Cr Simpson Hill), a brief account of the past history of the local movement should be recorded.

It was the outbreak of the influenza epidemic which had the effect of attracting attention to the value of bush nursing work, and at a public meeting held on January 23, 1918, the local centre was established with the following office-bearers:- President, Mr. W. Eason; treasurer Mr C. Adeney; hon. secretary, Mr G.R. Burhop. On April 10, 1918 the following signed as guarantors:- Messrs F. Ellis, J.J.J. Hudson, H.D. Mills, D M’Namara, T. Jenkins, senr., and G.R. Burhop. Shortly afterwards the first nurse in the person of Miss Homeward [Homewood], took up duties and served the centre for six months, and later gave assistance for several months, owing to the large number of influenza cases. Nurse M’Kay, who rendered excellent services during the epidemic, served the centre for six months. The present nurse (Miss Walsh) took charge of the work on April 21, 1920, and has labored devotedly and assiduously ever since, and has earned the unswerving esteem of all  members by her kindly advice and sympathetic treatment. Nurse Cuff also gave appreciated service for a number of months.

Owing to the fact that the nurse did not have the comfort and facilities required, the matter of erecting a cottage was first mooted by the Secretary (Mr G.R. Burhop (1)) at a meeting held on April 8, 1919. The matter was taken up immediately, and the late Mrs Townson (2) displayed a large measure of interest in the proposal and organsied a series of entertainments and in this way gave a practical start to the scheme. The value of her work was recognised, as she was elected to the committee.  Mrs Townson’s life of service shortly afterwards terminated, for on June 14, 1919, she “passed beyond these voices to where there is peace.”

The dreaded influenza epidemic accentuated the disabilities the district was placed in through having no hospital, as a number of patients had to travel long distances through cold and adverse weather, and when they reached their destination they had not sufficient strength to combat the complaints they were afflicted, with the result that death ensued. This appealed strongly to a number of persons, and it was resolved on July 8, 1919 that a hospital be built as a memorial to the fallen soldiers of the district, and the woman’s ward to be known as the “Kitty Townson Memorial Ward.” 

The present site was purchased on March 16, 1920, and a fortnight later Messrs J. Mickle and G. Burhop were elected trustees. A queen carnival was the means of getting in a considerable amount of money, and it was decided to name the beds after the districts which provided the queens. On August 8, 1921, the secretary secured plans from the Health department, and these were placed in the hands of Messrs Beaver and Parnell, architects, Melbourne, with instructions to base their drawings on similar lines. Shortly afterwards tenders were invited and Mr J. Colvin, senr., succeeded in getting the contract.

Now that the hospital is an accomplished fact, we cannot conclude without saying that one outstanding personality in bringing the scheme to a successful consummation has been the untiring zeal and devotion of Mr G.R. Burhop. He has been absolutely absorbed in the work. The most difficult task did not daunt him, and he has given time, money and labor and he must feel highly elated that the object for which he has been striving is now a practical reality. He has worked in a splendid spirit and has been suffused with “the white heat of a passionate enthusiasm” for the centre. Mr and Mrs W.K. Paterson have taken an active interest in the work. Mr Paterson has occupied the position of treasurer for several years, while Mrs Paterson has given most valuable advice and initiated many successful schemes to promote the welfare of the centre. The committee has also given good support to all movements instituted to assist the funds.

It now remains with all persons to do their bit in maintaining the institution. They owe a duty to the work. The definition of the word duty is due to.  What is due to a cause is what you owe, and what you owe you should pay. So in regard to the Fallen Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital we hope the district will recognise their obligations; assist all schemes to promote its welfare, and make it worthy in every way of this rich and flourishing district. Only the past few weeks Dr Lyell Andrews has taken up practice here, and this fact will make the work of the local centre more effective.

Fallen Soldiers' Memorial Hospital, Koo Wee Rup, 1923. 

Image : Koo Wee Rup Swamp Historical Society

OFFICIAL OPENING

Despite the unpropitious weather which prevailed yesterday afternoon, there was a large attendance to witness the ceremony of declaring the Fallen Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital open. Members of the Victorian Council of the Association were present, including Miss Cameron (superintendent) and Sir James Barrett (general secretary).

The ground was decorated and flags of the various nations floated gaily in the breeze. There were three stalls - refreshment, jumble, and linen – and juveniles, dressed in nurses costumes, solicited donations. The Kooweerup and District Brass Band rendered selections during the afternoon.

Mr W.K. Paterson presided and called upon Cr S. Hill (3) president of the Cranbourne Shire, to perform the opening ceremony.

Councillor Hill said:-
“We are assembled to-day for the purpose of opening this building, to be known henceforth as the Kooweerup Fallen Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital, and to unveil a tablet to their memory. I do know why I have been especially singled out for this high honor – for it is a high honor – as I am sure there are others who could quit themselves much better than I can hope to accomplish. Whether it be from the fact that I am your shire president and having been the deciding factor that your shire offices shall be in this town, where shortly I hope to see the foundation-stone laid (4); whether it be from my long residence on the swamp and the battles I helped to fight for your rights and wishes; whether from the fact that during the early years I was frequently called upon to do work akin to what will be done on this building (5), or because I am one of the founders of the Fathers’ Association that you have so selected me I know not. But the fact remains I am here to do it, and I must heartily thank you for the honor and gladly accede to your wishes.

You have a district for which productivity, climate, variety of products and wealth is second to none in Victoria. I well remember when there was but one store and a boarding house where your town now stands. Its growth in a few years has been something miraculous. No town in the shire or two towns can compare to it, and it will be many long years before a halt is called – if ever.  It is the junction of a railway that is tapping still further untold wealth. You have the seaboard almost at your door, and it is not too far distant to see a time when the canal will be dredged and vessels of a class come here for your produce to supply the Naval Base and the mammoth steamers that will as assuredly come to Western Port Bay, as night follows day.

 You sent tour brave sons to take part in the Great War for freedom. Your sacred dead lie in foreign lands. This you can never forget. Later your shire will honor their obligations to them, but to-day you of your own volition are honoring them in a way that you deem befitting their actions, and that reflects the highest honor upon you; their sacred memory you seek perpetually to revere and the call of the suffering humanity to relieve. The idea of inaugurating this movement and monument first took place when the call of humanity was heard in the late deplorable influenza epidemic. Our loved ones lay suffering; hospitals were scarce; nurses scarcer; still loved ones passed away that might perchance have been saved could they have had the attention necessary.

 These things had their reflex in the late war. You remembered those you could not see, yet who you wished so gladly to help, and from these things sprang the birth of the idea. First a bush nurse, then a centre, and then a hospital. A band of workers was needed to carry this spending program out. You, like your sons, sprang into the breach. Your committee and indefatigable secretary would not accept defeat. Wise councils prevailed; they came to the shire council and pleaded your cause. The council donated £100, and the scheme was launched. And to-day you see the results of the labor of love – for it has been to them a labor of love – and what a most remarkable achievement they have made.

 In my hands is a copy of the annual report (June 30, 1922) of the Bush Nursing Association, and what do I find. I have turned over all its pages and find that there were at that date 42 centres in Victoria, but that the Kooweerup centre is the only one, where in four figures are found relating to its assets, etc. Truly a noble work and worthy of those who brought it about. I am sure that Sir James Barrett, the association’s hon. secretary, and Nurse Cameron, its superintendent, must feel delighted with such results. To them I leave details with which they are more familiar, and with these achievements I am going to ask you to unloose your purse strings and tell of its work to others, so that the institution will be made quickly quite free of debt and able to accommodate more patients if necessary.

Now, just to show you what the heroic band of bush nurses are doing, let me read an extract from the “Herald” of January 30, 1923. After reading the report the speaker continued: “Is not that splendid; it carries one’s mind back to the early days of the swamp, when men worked and slaved up to their middles in water to reclaim and pave the way for what it is to-day.  There were no nurses, doctors, dentists or hospitals here then, but there was at least one person who was sort of a bush nurse; doctor and dentist all in one, who did the best that could be done gratuitously, and who I think is not forgotten today. Of course, nursing and doctors have the humorous side as well as the serious, and often the hearty laugh helps more than the doctor’s physic.

 Diggers, if I say to you who is the first you will honor, I know and you know it will be the nurse, doctor, stretcher-bearer. All honor then to that grand body of heroines, followers of “Our lady with the lamp,” Florence Nightingale. May their shadows never grow less. Now let me get down to more mundane things. This hospital will cost between £1800 and £2000. It will be maintained by members’ subscriptions, donations and nursing charges. At present the number of beds is four, but provision is made for more when funds permit. Membership consists of a subscription of 30/ per annum, which includes attention for the year by the nurse to all family under 18 years of age. So far no life membership has been decided upon, but I put it up to the board of management that it is a worthy honor, in addition to the membership, and I think there are those who would be only too willing to become life members, to hand down to posterity the fact that you are and will honor your dead heroes.

 I feel I must be wearying you, so I will close with a true story of the swamp in the early days. There was no fruit grown upon it, so at the other end the boys used to visit the orchards at Garfield. On one occasion the owner of the orchard loaded his gun with saltpetre, and  the recipient was well pickled in a certain part of his anatomy that required after treatment. He still lived to tell the tale. A boy another time was up the tree when the gun appeared. In his haste to get down he slipped and dislocated his shoulder. When the mother brought him to the bush doctor she said, “Hadn’t you better tie him to the gate before you pull it in?” Being told no, but to let him lie on the ground, she said, “Well, I’ll sit on his chest for you; you don’t know him like I do.” He has won several bike races since then, some in this town, so he is all right. Another, a dental case, who kept saying, “Hold my head, hold my head.” The dentist felt like ramming the forceps down his throat. Anyhow he is still alive and his head is on his shoulders.  Another dental case. A perfect set of teeth, but monsters. Anyhow the patient insisted one ached and it would have to come out. He stood the ordeal bravely. It took five attempts to do the job. The poor dentist perspired like a person in a Turkish bath, but the job was done at last. That man is dead to-day. I do not know what killed him, perhaps Adams ale or the shock he got. Perhaps he is stoking the fires down below ready for the dentist.

 Recently there was another addition. Today it is this building; shortly it will be your shire offices, all of which testify to the grit and determination, like the pioneers of the district, to make this town a memorable one, but in no way can you more befittingly memorise it than by building and equipping a hospital such as  you have done  to-day and add to its wisdom, strength and beauty by dedicating it to your fallen heroes, and I have the greatest pleasure in now declaring it open.

 We come now to a different part of the programme, and I will ask you to uncover the head. In the generous nature of your hearts you have honored alike all the fallen in the Great War. This tablet that I am called upon to unveil contains the names of those heroes of that great deathless army that enlisted from these parts; the boys that never returned. Least we forget, to their sacred undying and imperishable memory I dedicate this tablet and now unveil it, and may their glorious, purified souls rest for ever with the Eternal God. Amen. I will ask you all to observe a strict silence for two  minutes.

 Sir James Barrett, on behalf  of the Bush Nursing Association, congratulated the local centre on being the first to open a hospital. He said that Lady Dudley and Lady Carmichael first started the movement, and instanced the hardships that settlers had to face owing to no medical service. To complete the medical unit here the telephone should be connected, and a motor ambulance and an extra nurse obtained.

Mr G. Burhop, hon, secretary, eulogised all the persons who had rendered the centre great assistance, and mentioned that the late Mrs Kitty Townson and himself first mooted the scheme here.

Mrs M. Hamilton (6) then declared open a ward to the memory of the late Mrs Townson.

Mrs D. McNamara donated a fully furnished cot, endowed by her son, Jack, to the memory of Mrs Townson. Mrs Appleford of Lang Lang, also donated a kosy cot (7).

The cost of the hospital cottage and furnishings will run into about £2000.

The names engraved on the memorial tablet are: - J. Banbury, D.G. Bethune, S. Blake, J. Bryant, T. Bryant, M. Callanan, L. Coates, P. Davis, J. Davy, C. Garbellini, H. Hamilton, J. Hannaker, R. Martin, C. Osborne, J. O’Shea, J. Randle, J. Slocombe, A. Williams, C. Woods. (8)

The memorial plaque, unveiled on May 23, 1923, the day the Fallen Soldiers' Memorial 

Hospital was opened. I have written about these men, here.

Image: Heather Arnold

Footnotes

(1) George Randall Burhop - Born in England on October 16, 1873 and died in Brisbane on May 30, 1949; he married Dorothea Pausacker in 1898 (she died 1962, aged 87) and they had four children - Dora, Amey, George and Thomas. George was a Cranbourne Shire Councillor 1921 - 1941 and Shire President 1927-1928. George arrived in Australia with his parents when he was 13 years old and after living in New South Wales and Queensland took over his parent's farm on McDonald's Drain Road in 1914 and later purchased a large allotment in Lea Road. Mr Burhop was the Secretary of Hospital for 29 years until his retirement in December 1947. Obituary - Koo Wee Rup Sun, June 1, 1949, p. 1.

(2) I have written about Kitty, here https://kooweerupswamphistory.blogspot.com/2023/03/kitty-harris-townson-and-margaret.html 

(3) Cr Edward Simpson Hill, Shire of Cranbourne Councillor 1918 - 1924, Shire President 1922-1923, represented Tooradin Ward. He died on July 16, 1930, aged 69. Read a short obituary in the Dandenong Journal, July 31, 1930, here; he also enlisted at the age of 56 in World War One - I have written about him and other Dalmore soldiers (he was the Dalmore Post Master) here. 

Edward Simpson Hill - the husband of Charlotte and the father of Abner, Queenie. Roland, Crissie, Dudley, Rosie, Arthur and Ivy. 

The Argus July 17, 1930   http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article4099960

(4) The Cranbourne Shire Offices never did move to Koo Wee Rup; they remained in the Municipal Buildings, built on the corner of the South Gippsland Highway and Sladen Street in 1875, until the new Shire Offices were opened in Cranbourne in 1978

(5) In 1916, Edward Simpson Hill was called upon to amputate a man's leg (under  telephone instructions from a Doctor); read about it in the Weekly Times of April 1, 1916, here. 
(6) Margaret Hamilton - I have written about Margaret here   https://kooweerupswamphistory.blogspot.com/2023/03/kitty-harris-townson-and-margaret.html

(7) Kosy Cot - I thought at first it was  a typo, but it seems to be correct. 

(8) I have written about the men here  https://kooweerupswamphistory.blogspot.com/2021/12/koo-wee-rup-memorial-hospital-plaque.html