Maryknoll - an early history and the buildings designed by Smith, Tracey, Lyon and Brock

Maryknoll, originally known as St Mary's, was established in 1949 by Father Wilfred Pooley (1912-1969) (1) as a Catholic community based on the principals of faith, family life and co-operative enterprise. This was part of a broader movement in the Catholic community, encouraged by the Melbourne Archbishop, Dr Daniel Mannix, for Catholics to move away from the distractions of the city to a rural environment and become closer to God. A National Catholic Rural Movement was established in 1939 to support Catholic farmers and Father Pooley was very keen to establish a 'City of God' in a rural area. In March 1949, 529 acres (2) of land in North Tynong off Snell Road, was sold by Reg Sykes to Father Pooley for this purpose. Father Pooley paid the deposit of 100 pounds on March 25th, 1949 and the rest of the purchase price of 4,400 pounds was lent by the Handley family of Dandenong. (3)

Father Wilfred Pooley. 

The Maryknoll settlers were encouraged to keep a few goats on

 their blocks to supply milk. (4)

Weekly Times November 5, 1952 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/224873939

The Dandenong Journal reported in August 1949 that the Berwick Council had received a letter from Fr. Pooley, who had previously been the priest at St Mary's in Dandenong , but was now of St. John’s Presbytery, West Footscray - 

stating that St. Mary’s Co-operative Society Ltd. (Reg.) has been formed with the object of establishing a co-operative settlement. “The object of the Society, he wrote, is to bring about a form of decentralisation that has not been attempted hitherto. Approved city family share holders of the Society will be provided with well constructed homes, and their own homestead blocks of from 3 to 4 acres to enable them to provide the greater part of their food requirements. A number of secondary industries suggested by the Secondary Industries Board of the Commonwealth Government, will be established to provide permanent employment. These industries will be owned and operated by the members of the Society on a co-operative basis (5). 

Father Pooley, and a goat, at the bell tower at Maryknoll

Image:  In the Wake of the Pack Tracks:  a history of the Shire of Berwick 

(Berwick Pakenham Historical Society, 1982)

As Father Pooley stated in his letter, Catholic families would relocate to the community, own a few acres of land to build a house and work in the co-operative industries which were established including a housing co-operative, a joinery, hardware store, an aerated water factory and a dairy farm (6).  In April 1951  The Advocate reported that Two Dutchmen - Peter Keysers and Gerald Hermans - industriously maintain the farm and garden and are giving every satisfaction (7).  One of the interesting projects for community was the building of the Catholic Memorial Chapel at Puckapunyal. This report is from The Age in June 1953 - 

The names of Australian soldiers who passed through Puckapunyal and Seymour camps and who were killed in the two world and Korean wars will be inscribed in a roll of honor to be placed in the Roman Catholic memorial chapel at Puckapunyal.Most of the woodwork for the building is being obtained from St. Mary's rural settlement at Tynong North (8).

The first settlers lived in 'temps', very basic dwellings without running water, electricity, gas or other 'mod cons'.  Families then moved onto their block, where a modest three bedroom house was built. The size of the land eventually decided on - two to three acres - would enable the families to grow fruit and vegetables, run chickens and keep a cow and thus be able to supply most of their own food.  (9)

Ted Knox and son, Martin, in 1959 outside their Maryknoll home.

Image courtesy of Jen Rouse.

By March 1950, The Herald reported that seven families were living at Maryknoll and another forty were waiting to move but were prevented from doing so as there was still a post-War shortage of material for housing (10).  The 1950 Shire of Berwick Rate books (see below)  list these first seven families. The entry is under St Mary's Co-operative and the settlers are -  Benjamin Desmond O'Connell, Trevor and Iris Hunter, Henry and Rita Ward, Patrick and Nancy Clancy, Thomas McSweeney, Peter and Dorothy Corcoran, Vincent and Peggy Tyler. An Argus report noted the previous occupations of the men - among the pioneers at St. Mary's are factory hands, a transport driver, a delicatessen proprietor, and a mattress maker. Only one man, Peter Corcoran, is a builder by trade. (11). It was planned that eventually 150 families would settle at Maryknoll. (12).

1950 Shire of Berwick Rate books with a list of the seven original families at Maryknoll.

One interesting fact reported in The Herald article was this - St. Mary's is becoming known for the beautiful church vestments that the womenfolk are making their spare time. The vestments, made in St. Mary's kitchens, are adding to the color of the Mass in Catholic churches throughout Australia. (13) 

 Original caption: Miss May Woollard (left) and her sister, Mrs T. Hunter, fitting Father

Pooley with one of the Mass vestments they make in their spare time.

The Herald, March 30, 1950 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article244326628

In June 1950, The Argus reported that the community had already built  a temporary schoolroom, a cottage for the priest, and a large sanctuary, sacristy, and classroom, which will be extended into the permanent school...and were at work on one of the permanent five and six roomed homes into which they will move in a few months. (14) Some of these early buildings were designed by the Architectural firm of Smith, Tracey, Lyon and Brock, which I have written about below. 

Father Pooley (centre) talks over the plans for the settlement with some of the men 

who are doing the construction.

The Argus, June 9 1950 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/22834306

One of the first buildings in Maryknoll was a small shelter shed, erected in 1949 and used for a Church and a School. On January 29, 1950, Father Pooley celebrated the first Parish Mass in the building. The school commenced on February 13, 1950 with five pupils taught by Sister Chanel, who came from Pakenham everyday. From 1954 until 1978, the building, located next to the current Church, was used as a Baby Health Centre. The site of this original building is marked by a plaque on a granite rock and an interpretive sign (see footnote 15 for images). 

The memorial plaque on the site of the building which served as the 

first Church and School.

Click on image to enlarge.  Image: Heather Arnold, April 2023

September 3, 1950 was red-letter day for the St Mary's settlement, when the cornerstones of community life, the Holy Family Church and the Holy Family School, were both blessed and opened by Archbishop Dr Daniel Mannix at an event attended by more than 3,000 people. This is part of the Archbishop's speech on the day, supporting Father Pooley's vision of a 'City of God' in the bush  - 

Australia needs a great many movements like that initiated by Father Pooley. We are tired of listening to people talk about the drift from the country to the cities and the necessity of decentralization. People and Governments talk much but little is done. Father Pooley, however, doesn't talk very much but he is certainly very active, and I am confident he will succeed in this great project. In all that has been done so far he has been successful, and I hope he will succeed in a greater measure in the future. When I came here today I was amazed to see this immense gathering. It shows that many people are greatly interested in the movement and are ready to give it financial help and to work and to pray for its success. I am confident that success will come.  I have unbounded confidence in Father Pooley. I hope to come here on other occasions and see all the hopes of Father Pooley justified. I thank all who have come here today. It is a great encouragement to Father Pooley, with whom, of course, I feel more or less identified in this undertaking. Without Father Pooley there would be no rural settlement here, and naturally he and I are interested in its success. The settlement has been placed under the protection of the Mother of God, and I hope that she will guide a project that will mean much for the welfare and prosperity of Australia. (16).

Holy Family Church, Maryknoll, 1980s. 

Photographer: Shire of Pakenham

The settlement was nearly destroyed by a bush fire in April 1951, as The Advocate reported -
More than 300 of the 600 [sic] acre settlement were destroyed by the fire, which got as close as 30 yards to the church, opened last year. Nearly all night the small working party at the settlement worked diligently to protect the homes which are in course of erection in different parts of the area. (17).  Perhaps Saint Mary herself did indeed protect her namesake settlement.

In 1955, the name of the settlement was changed from St Mary's to Maryknoll, to avoid confusion with other towns named St Mary's. The Pakenham Gazette of August 19, 1955,  published the following Berwick Shire report about the forthcoming opening of the Post Office, and the fact that they have put quotation marks around the word Maryknoll, suggests that the term was new and novel then.

Forthcoming opening of the 'Maryknoll' Post Office

Pakenham Gazette August 19, 1955, p. 2

The Maryknoll Post Office was officially opened on October 3, 1955, by the Berwick Shire President, Cr C.F. Greaves, and it was officially blessed by the Archbishop, Dr Daniel Mannix. Three hundred people attended the event. The Pakenham Gazette reported that the Archbishop pointed out that as far as he knew this was the first time in history a post office had ever been blessed. The report also noted that Mr Strange, Director of Post and Telegraphs, congratulated Father Pooley and said it was the first time he had attended the opening of  a non-official post office and he wished them great success and assured them of further co-operation from the Department. The Post Office building also housed the general store (18).  

As reflects a town established by people of the Christian faith, there were a number of statues around the town, including Jesus on the Cross. 

Photographer: Shire of Pakenham, taken in the 1980s.

Saint Mary and baby Jesus still look over the Maryknoll township today.

Image: Heather Arnold, April 2023

The Architectural firm of Smith, Tracey, Lyon and Brock

I came across the following images of early buildings at Maryknoll designed by the architectural firm Smith, Tracey, Lyon and Brock. You can read about the firm on the website, Built Heritage in the Dictionary of Unsung Architects section, here. This is the introduction to the article - Smith & Tracey was formed in 1949 by recent graduates Des Smith (1918-2003) and Dan Tracey (1916-1992). Shortly afterwards, they were joined by Eric "Ric" Lyon (1918-2006) and Les Brock (1920-2006), and the firm re-branded as Smith, Tracey, Lyon & Brock. It operated as such until Lyon and Brock both left around 1960, whereupon it reverted to its original name. (19). The article on the website also has a list of the firm's works.

Smith, Tracey, Lyon and Brock worked on many projects for the Catholic Church including Christian Brothers College in Warnambool in 1950; St Joseph's School in Springvale in 1952; St Joseph's Benalla in 1953 and  St Vincent de Paul's Homeless Men's shelter on Flemington Road (Ozanam House) in 1954 (20).Their other projects are listed on the Built Heritage website, referred to above.

They also designed the Holy Family Church at Maryknoll.

Original Caption - This is Holy Family Church-School, opened by Archbishop Mannix of 

St. Marys Rural Settlement, Tynong North, on September 3. The building was erected from a design by Smith and Tracey, architects, Sydney-road, Brunswick, who also prepared the large-scale map of the settlement which appeared last week. The erection of the first seven permanent homes is now being undertaken and these will be occupied by settlers, at present housed in temporary quarters in the vicinity.

 The Advocate, September 14 1950 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article172514072

This is the large-scale map of the settlement prepared by Smith, Tracey, Lyon and Brock, referred to in the caption, above. 

The Advocate, September 7, 1950, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article172513827

Proposed Presentation Convent, St Mary's North Tynong Convent at Maryknoll designed by Smith, Tracey, Lyon and Brock. It was never built.

 The Advocate, March 20, 1952. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article172523794

Smith, Tracey, Lyon and Brock also designed houses for the Maryknoll settlement.  One of these designs was reported upon in The Argus in November, 1954.

House designed by Smith, Tracey, Lyon and Brock for Maryknoll

The Argus, November 1, 1954 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article23459042

This is the transcription of the article about the Maryknoll house -

Home for County - by Harry Perrott,  Argus Property Writer

Until comparatively recent years, it was not unusual to see a house, originally planned for a suburban allotment, built on a farm or in a rural setting. Many country people evidently thought they could not have the convenience of "town" living without using a "town" house plan. This, of course, is not so, and the small house illustrated here has all the conveniences of modern planning, but is essentially rural in character.

The plan is a simple rectangle in shape and has a low pitched roof, covered with corrugated asbestos cement sheets. External walls are of 10in. Baltic weatherboards. Provision has been made for another bedroom and a verandah to be added. The door into the third bedroom will be in the space now used for a cupboard between the bathroom and bedroom. The two bedrooms are 11ft. x 10ft. and 13½ft. x 10ft. and both are fitted with built-in wardrobes.

The kitchen, 13½ x 10ft., is divided by a fitment so that one section can be used for meals or other purposes. For economy, the kitchen and living room fireplaces have been combined in a common chimney stack. The sun room, 10½ x 10ft., is another interesting and useful feature of this part of the house. The living room, 15 x 12ft., has deep windows and double doors opening on to a 6ft. wide verandah. There is a service hatch from this room into the kitchen.

The house is one of a series of low cost houses designed by Smith, Tracey, Lyon and Brock, architects, for a rural community at St. Mary's, via Nar Nar Goon, in Gippsland. (21). 

Plan of the house, described and shown above, designed by Smith, Tracey, Lyon and Brock for Maryknoll.

The Argus, November 1, 1954 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article23459042

Trove list - I have created a short list of newspaper articles from Trove on the establishment of Maryknoll, access it here. I also have a list of articles which mention the firm of Smith, Tracey, Lyon and Brock, you can access it here.

Footnotes

(1) Wilfred Alexander Pooley was born in 1912 in Geraldton, Western Australia to William Horace Pooley and his wife, Amanda Josephine Anderson, who had married in Geraldton in 1905. William was born in Fitzroy in 1882 to Alfred and Ruth (nee Sparrow) Pooley. Amanda was also born in Victoria, in 1886 to Joseph and Mary (nee Kenny) Anderson. Why they both ended up in Geraldton, I cannot tell you. William and Amanda had four other children -

Doris - born in Geraldton in 1906, married Maurice Henry Wighton in 1928 and died in Malvern in 1982. 

William Alfred - born in Geraldton 1909 - died aged 15 months in 1910.

Melva - born in Geraldton in 1918, married Cornelis McMahon in 1941 and died in 2005.

Reginald Victor - born in Fitzroy in 1922, married Doris May McIvor in 1945 and died in 1996.

William had a number of occupations over the years - whilst living in Geraldton, the Electoral Rolls list his occupations as a Railway employee and then a Fisherman.  Around 1920, the family moved to Victoria and in 1921 and 1924 the Electoral Rolls show the family lived at 343 Smith Street in Fitzroy and William was a Confectioner. In 1927, they were listed at 501 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy and William had changed occupation again - he was now a carrier. In the late 1920s they moved to 201 Plenty Road in Preston and William was still listed as a carrier. They were in Preston until around 1936 (last address there was 21 Jessie Street) and the next we know of William is that in 1943 he is living in Meeniyan in South Gippsland and working as a plumber. By 1949 he is back in Melbourne, living with his daughter Doris at 7 Park Road, Glen Iris, and still a plumber.

Perhaps Amanda wanted a more settled life because she did not move to Meeniyan with her husband; from the 1937 Electoral Rolls she is listed at 10 Holyrood Street in Hampton. Reginald lived with her until he enlisted in the Army in December 1938, he said he was 18 years and 8 months old. In reality, he was two years younger as he lied about his age. In April 1942, Reg was discharged from the Army and joined the Navy, where he served until  December 1945. Amanda died on Christmas Eve, 1949, aged 64; and William on December 20, 1952, aged 71. They are buried together at the Brighton Cemetery.

Death notice of Amanda Pooley

The Argus, December 26, 1949 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article22800810

Obituary of William Pooley

The Advocate, January 8, 1953 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article175357509

Father Pooley was ordained in 1941 and served at St Mary's Parish, Dandenong, from August 1942 until December 1948. He then served at St John's West Footscray until the establishment of Maryknoll. He was at Maryknoll until 1968, when the Maryknoll Parish combined with the Iona Parish and Father Pooley went to Iona and Father Herman Hengel took over the Maryknoll Presbytery. Father Pooley died on April 13, 1969, aged only 57 years old, and is buried at Maryknoll Lawn Cemetery. 

(Sources: Maryknoll: history of a Catholic Rural Settlement by Gael White (The Author, 1982 and republished in and updated and expanded edition by Artistic Wombat in 2002); A Parish carved from the Bush - The Centenary history of the Dandenong Parish, St Mary's, 1883-1893 compiled by Greg Dickson (St Mary's Centenary Committee, 1983); birth and death notices and Indexes to Victorian and Western Australian Births, Deaths and Marriages; Electoral Rolls on Ancestry.com and WW2 Nominal Rolls, see here.)

Father Pooley's modest plaque on his grave at the Maryknoll Lawn Cemetery.

Image: Heather Arnold, April 2023

(2) The land had  been listed in some sources as 540 acres but the Shire of Berwick Rate books list the acreage as 529, part Crown Allotment 135, Parish of Nar Nar Goon. 

Shire of Berwick Rate book entry from 1949, in the name of St Mary's Co-operative Society Ltd, c/o 76 Eleanor Street, West Footscray. 

Click on image to enlarge.

The Rate Books from 1950 have this list under St Mary's Co-operative - the original settlers, but still part of 529 acres, Crown Allotment 135.

(3) White, Gael Maryknoll: history of a Catholic Rural Settlement (The Author, 1982 and republished in and updated and expanded edition by Artistic Wombat in 2002)

(4) The Advocate, April 27, 1950, see here - Goats supply a higher nutriment content in their milk - are less difficult to feed and they live mainly on surplus food and scraps usually found about any area. A special breed of goats - the Saanen - will be reared, three being already at the settlement. These supply milk and butter for some of the children.

(5) Dandenong Journal, August 17, 1949, see here.

(6) White, op, cit

(7) The Advocate, April 5, 1951, see here.

(8) The Age, June 20, 1953, see here.

(9) White, op, cit.; and various articles on the settlement in my Trove list, see here. 

(10) The Herald, March 30, 1950, see here.

(11) The Argus, June 9, 1950, see here.

(12) Various articles on the settlement in my Trove list, see here. .

(13) The Herald, March 30, 1950, see here. 

(14) The Argus, June 9 1950, see here. 

(15) Interpretive sign, installed next to the existing Church by the Maryknoll Historical Society.

The Maryknoll Historical Society Interpretive sign.

Click on image to enlarge.

Image: Heather Arnold, April 2023

The plaque on the granite rock, marking the site of the first Church/School.

Image: Heather Arnold, April 2023

(16) The Advocate, September 7, 1950, see here.

(17) The Advocate, April 5, 1951, see here.

(18) White, op, cit.; '300 at blessing of Maryknoll Post Office', Pakenham Gazette, October 7, 1955, p. 6

(19) Built Heritage P/L https://www.builtheritage.com.au/dua_smithtracey.html

(20) Ibid

(21) The Argus, November 1, 1954, see here.

This is an updated and expanded version of two posts, which I wrote and researched, which appear on my work blog, Casey Cardinia Links to Our Past.

Closure of the Bayles Railway Station

Kooweerup-Bayles line to be closed? This was the heading of an article in the Koo Wee Rup Sun of September 10, 1958, p. 3. The Kooweerup-Bayles line was the surviving remnant of the Koo Wee Rup to Strzelecki line, which I have written about here.  The last train from Bayles was on Wednesday, February 4, 1959

Kooweerup-Bayles line to be closed? 

The Kooweerup-Bayles railway line is to be closed down unless very good reasons are forthcoming from local users.

This information was forwarded to Mr. L.J. Cochrane, M.L.A., by the Minister of Transport, A. G. Warner last week.

The Railway Commissioners have been concerned at the steadily diminishing traffic on the line in recent years and requested a report from  the Joint Transport Research Committee.

The following report was received from Mr G. Condon, Co-Cordinator of Transport.

As directed , the joint Transport Research Committee has enquired into operations over this line and submits the following report and recommendation:

The subject single track line is some 4¾ miles in length, with no intermediate station. There is no passenger service and the goods service is one train per week. 

It appears to be evident that for all practical purposes the sole reason for maintaining the goods service in recent years has been to cater for what used to be a fairly substantial outward movement of sand from Bayles.  Inward traffic consisting of superphosphate, bran, chaff and briquettes has over the past four years averaged at between 1,500 and 1,600 tons only.

Progressive decreases in tonnage and revenue is evidenced in the Comprehensive Table hereunder:

Traffic volume has thus steadily decreased over the past five years but in April last when the Plowright Albion Kooweerup Wash Sand and Gravel Company Pty Ltd, [see here] ceased operations at Bayles, outward traffic was reduced to practically nothing and it could remain that way indefinitely. By way of explanation, it is advised that because of the non-flooding of the Bunyip River sand supplies at Bayles became exhausted in April this year, and the Company perforce commenced its sand operations further up the river; the Company now trucks its sand to the Garfield station on the main Gippsland line. 

Financial results of operations for  the four months  ending 30th July 1958 were:

On this basis for  a period of 12 months, operations over the line would produce line mileage proportion Revenue of £180 against Total Working Expenses of £1000 leaving an annual loss of £820.

The loss is not particularly heavy, but it will be constant because there is no real prospect of either substantially improving traffic volume or reducing operating costs. Withdrawal of the service on the other hand involves no great hardship for the consignees at Bayles because of the proximity of the Kooweerup rail head, and the more than adequate road transport facilities available for freight movements between Kooweerup and Bayles. 

As for the sand traffic, if at some future time the Company decides to resume operations  at its Bayles site, where incidentally it is maintaining its plant, the Company would not be seriously  disadvantaged by closure of the line, having regard to the alternative rail heads  available either at Garfield, 8 miles distant, where a loading ramp had been constructed or at Kooweerup, some 5 miles distant.

RECOMMENDATION:

In the circumstances obtaining, the Committee recommends that the Kooweerup-Bayles branch line be closed.

..................................................................................................................

On November 5, 1958 the Koo Wee Rup Sun published this short article about the Australian Railways Exploration Association's planned trip to Bayles by steam train - 

Koo Wee Rup Sun, November 5, 1958, p. 1.

The trip proved very successful, as this report tell us. It is transcribed below. 

Koo Wee Rup Sun, December 3, 1958, p. 1

Over 100 people on train trip to Bayles

Members of the Australian Railways Exploration Association together with interested friends and local people, went on a train trip from Kooweerup to Bayles, last Saturday afternoon. The outing was arranged by the Association whose aim is to travel on various lines, merely from the point of historical interest, prior to their being possibly closed. 

Over one hundred members and friends journeyed from Melbourne to Kooweerup where a most enjoyable afternoon tea was provided on the station by the Kooweerup State School Mother's Club. The visitors were high in their praise of the excellence of the afternoon tea.

At Kooweerup the train was joined by several local people who also made one of the last passenger trips to Bayles. Garden seats were placed in the guards van to accommodate the extra crowd. Many mothers and fathers took their children for the ride - as a train trip is always a thrill for the kids!

At one stage the train was slowed down to let a cow get off the line. Trees growing close to the line brushed the sides of the train in many places - an indication of the lack of use of this line. Only one goods train now runs to Bayles taking coal to the milk factory.

At the Bayles station all passengers alighted and took photos and generally looked around. Perhaps never before in its history has such a large crowd gathered on the tiny Bayles platform.

Amongst the passengers was Mr C.D. Gavan Duffy of Camperdown, one of Victoria's premier amateur railway men ; Mr C. Einsiedel of Monomeith ; Mr. Fechner of Bayles ; Mr Duffin and members of the staff of the Westernport Memorial Hospital.

All who travelled gained the distinction of being the last passengers to travel on the Bayles-Kooweerup line - perhaps!

............................................................................................................

The Koo Wee Rup Sun in January 1959  had the following notice announcing the closure of the line.

Koo Wee Rup Sun, January 21, 1959, p. 1

As you can, the Koo Wee Rup Sun, had need of a proof-reader.

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 Westernport Memorial Hospital at Koo Wee Rup on December 4, 1955

This account of the official opening of the Westernport Memorial Hospital at  Koo Wee Rup on Sunday, December 4, 1955 is transcribed from the Koo Wee Rup Sun of  December 7, 1955, p. 1. The Westernport Memorial Hospital replaced the Fallen Soldiers' Memorial Hospital which had opened May 23, 1923. You can read the report of the opening of this hospital, here, and the post also includes information on George Burhop and Margaret Hamilton, both instrumental in establishing the first hospital.

Westernport Memorial Hospital - Officially Opened by Dr J.H. Lindell

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, and erected in Kooweerup. The ceremony was performed by Dr. H. J. Lindell, chairman of the Hospitals and Charities Commission. Fortunately rain held off during the afternoon. Music rendered by the Pakenham Brass Band was greatly appreciated. Cr. W. R. Greaves president of the hospital committee, officiated as chairman.

Proceedings opened with the band playing the National Anthem.

Cr. Greaves on behalf on the committee, expressed his pleasure on witnessing the attendance of so large a gathering and extended a cordial welcome to all. He then called on Cr. L. J. Cochrane, M.L.A., (1) to unveil the memorials removed from the late Kooweerup Memorial Hospital and placed on a memorial wall erected at the entrance to the new hospital at a cost of close on £1000.

Cr. Cochrane said his duty was pleasant in one respect and in another a sad one. He then summarised the district’s past history in connection with nursing and medical activities from the foundation of the employment of a bush nurse under the jurisdiction of the Bush Nursing Association in 1919. Shortly after a cottage was built for the accommodation of the nurse and then a small Bush Nursing Hospital known as the Kooweerup Fallen Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital adjoining the cottage. All this had been accomplished under the direction of the late G. R. Burhop as manager-secretary and who had carried on up to the time the Westernport Memorial Hospital Committee took it over.

The Hospital under construction, February 5, 1955.

Photographer: Margaret Robertson

 
A fallen soldiers’ memorial listing the names of the district men who had fallen in the First World War had been erected, also a memorial as a tribute to the late Mrs Margaret Hamilton, who had done outstanding work in every local organization and much good for the community and the benefit of the hospital. These memorials had been removed to the new hospital and in unveiling them it brought back to mind the achievements of district fallen men, and may we as successors prove worthy of their sacrifice.

A minute’s silence was then observed in memory of the fallen, followed by the Last Post being sounded by a Pakenham bandsman.

All assembled then adjourned to the front entrance of the hospital, where the opening ceremony was conducted. Among those present were Dr Lindell and Mr A. J. McLellan, of the Hospitals and Charities Commission, and their wives; Major Lindsay, M.H.R.; Cr. L.J. Cochran, M.L.A.; Cr. G.G. Knowles, Cranbourne Shire president; Cr. C. Greaves, Berwick Shire; and representatives from the Berwick, Pakenham, Wonthaggi, Warragul and Frankston Hospitals.

Cr Greaves read a number of apologies for unavoidable non-attendance, and said many more would have been present if weather conditions had been more favorable. He then gave a resume of activities in connection with the establishment of the Westernport Memorial Hospital from its inception in 1945, when after a survey of the district the Hospitals and Charities Commission recommended a district public hospital in Kooweerup. Ex-Cr. J. Thwaites, of Yannathan, was president of the first committee appointed, which in 1947 raised £7000 towards the project. After much unavoidable delay, in 1953 Messrs Bates, Smart and McCutcheon were appointed as architects to proceed with building plans, and the Trusteel Corporation was the successful tenderer. The district’s quote towards the cost of the hospital was £20,000, plus part cost of furnishing. The public had supported the committee’s appeals most generously, also local bodies and district shire councils. The committee was still receiving money and still more was needed. Cr. Greaves paid tribute to the medical and nursing staffs over past years. At present, he said, they had an excellent staff, headed by Matron Laird. He paid tribute to the district politicians and thanked the Hospitals and Charities commissioners, whose guidance and help, he said, had been unselfishly given. He then called on Dr Lindell to officially open the hospital.

Dr Lindell said he was deeply touched at the memorial ceremony and paid tribute to Cr. Cochrane for the way in which he had performed it. The memorial wall was, he said, quite fitting as a memorial serving the community. He was pleased to see such a number of hospital representatives present who has seen fit to take part in this new era of the establishment of more hospitals. It was not the Kooweerup or Westernport Memorial Hospital he was set to open, but one of a team in a whole team of hospitals and therefore it could not function on its own. A base hospital was to be established at Dandenong and the local hospital would be a member of that base hospital.

Success could only be achieved by hard work, a lot of money and full public support. All hospitals had many problems, especially in acquiring full nursing staffs. In this respect Kooweerup was most fortunate mainly due to having such an excellent matron. The public should stick behind the committee, doctors and nurses because it is their hospital – the committee is their democratic representatives. He hoped they would have better conditions than in the past and they had his sincere good wishes. He paid tribute to the architects responsible for the building and said the commission had found them to be co-operative, able and always willing to help.

He said they should now look forward to the day when they could enlarge the hospital. There are always at least 200 hospital beds occupied by children as the result of accident and illnesses which could be prevented, also many diseases which are preventable. Hospitals are now not only treating the sick, but acquiring knowledge how they can stop these things happening. They are in a new era and he hoped it would be a golden one. He considered it to be an honor in being asked to declare the Westernport Memorial Hospital open and hoped that it would long serve the community. Dr Lindell then unlocked the entrance door.

 The cover of the 1981 Annual Report - it's the only photo I can find of the Hospital, apart from construction ones.

Image: Koo Wee Rup Swamp Historical Society collection

Owing to the wet condition of the ground surrounding the nurses’ home owing to recent rains, the official opening of this building was performed by Mrs Lindell on the same dais as the opening of the hospital. Mrs Lindell thanked the committee for their invitation to be present and in having the privilege to open such a lovely nurses’ home and said she had much pleasure in declaring it open.

On behalf of the committee and architects, Dr A. B. Hewitt presented to Mrs Lindell a very nice silver water jug. He said the commission was endeavouring to improve medical facilities in the State and that the committee greatly appreciated the attendance of the commissioners. Mrs Lindell suitably expressed her thanks for the gift.

Cr. Knowles thanked the committee for their invitation to be present on such an important occasion. The hospital, he said, bore a most appropriate name, as it bordered a district around Westernport Bay and one that was rapidly developing. He congratulated the district on possessing such a fine hospital and hoped that it would continue to prosper and serve their requirements.

The chairman then invited all present to inspect the hospital and nurses’ home, after which many partook of afternoon tea in a marquee erected on the ground and dispensed by the ladies’ auxiliary at a small charge.

....................................................................................

My two sisters, my brother and myself were all born at the Westernport Memorial Hospital - in 1957, 1959, 1960 and 1964.  Here we all are at the Hospital in 1966 - Dad was having a hernia operation and we were visiting - I don't think we were allowed into the Ward to see him, as we were kids, but Grandma came with us and looked after us and took the photo. 

Rouse kids visiting our Dad at Westernport Memorial Hospital, 1966

Image: Veda Thewlis

Footnote

(1) Leslie James Cochrane  (1894-1972) - I have written about him here - https://kooweerupswamphistory.blogspot.com/2014/05/leslie-and-ivy-cochrane.html

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