This photograph depicts the Sister-in-charge with a group of Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS,) Trained nurses, 'Nurses", with their bicycles, which were the first mode of transport purchased by MDNS in 1903. The bicycles enabled their Nurses to visit more patients over a wider area. They are identified as: L-R back row: Trained Nurses Taylor, Steele, Francis, Young. L-R front row: Isobel Curnow, Annie Roberts, Isabel Hawkes (Sister in Charge), Becker. Their uniforms were a grey cotton dress with white collar, cuffs and belt and their was a red Maltese cross on their pith helmets. They gave nursing care to the poor in the inner Melbourne and close surrounding areas (districts). On the 17th of February 1885, just 50 years after Melbourne was founded, a preliminary meeting of ladies and gentlemen who were anxious to form a society to provide "skilled nursing" for the sick poor in their own homes was held in Mrs William McCulloch’s home at Spring Street, Melbourne. At this meeting it was decided “that the association would be called the Melbourne District Nursing Society”, the first Society of its kind in Australia, and “that the special object of the Society shall be to secure skilled nursing for the sick poor in their own homes”. On the 16th of March a Committee was formed to “arrange for engaging one "duly qualified nurse”. On the 1st of May 1885 a Nurse, Mrs. Ferguson, was employed at £100 per annum, and a second Nurse, Mrs. Joanne Cannon, commenced six months later. In that era the term ‘Nurse’ was used even though they were ‘qualified’ i.e. ‘trained’ nurses. They worked in the now CBD, ie from Spencer Street to Spring Street and from Victoria Parade to Flinders Street. From its inception the Society was at the forefront of health care. They provided high quality Trained nursing care; educated their patients in the curing and prevention of disease; teaching the importance of cleanliness, fresh air and good nutrition, both by verbal instruction and demonstration, even supplying soup and milk when needed, as well as providing wood and coal in the winter. At that time they walked the streets and lane ways amid the slums of inner Melbourne carrying their nursing bag containing lotion, ointments, powders, liniment, bandages, dressings, a case of spirits, and the Nurse's own clean apron, soap and small towel. They supplied equipment on loan, such as earthenware hot water bottles, splints, urinals, bed pans, bed cradles, feeding mugs, and air-cushions as well as providing blankets and clean bed linen, and nightdresses as necessary. Trained midwives began home births in late 1893 taking midwifery bundles and providing clothes for the babe and mother as needed. As the work increased a third Trained nurse was employed but this was arduous work, particularly in the heat of summer and many Nurses only remained with the Society for several months. Permission to use bicycles was given to the Nurses in 1898 and the Society decided to purchase their own in 1903. A business man offered ‘new free wheel’ bicycles at £13 each which included maintenance for one year. Bells and wooden frames were added, at a cost of £5 per frame, so the Nurses could carry extra equipment. Nurses’ bags were strapped to the handlebars. Soup was made for those in need 2-3 times a week and if patients could not arrange to have it collected the soup was delivered by the Nurses on their bicycles. The use of bicycles caused a change in uniform, with white pith helmets, and veils covering them and tied under their chin, now being used. They provided high quality nursing care to a range of people, often in destitute situations, some lying on rags on the floor as they had no bed, others with just a bed and maybe a thin blanket, a chair and nothing else. Their ages ranged from babes, children, adults to the elderly. The Nurses gave medications as ordered by a Doctor, dressed wounds e.g. to the injured, and surgical cases, and to those with leg ulcers; attended to patients with ‘surgical ailments’ such as ‘hip disease’; gave care to those with acute illnesses such as bronchitis, pleurisy, pneumonia, measles, and scarlet fever, as well as those with chronic illnesses such as consumption (tuberculosis), heart disease, arthritis, cancer, debility, neuritis and paralysis. In 1913 a Nurse had her Board and residence, uniforms, bicycles and laundry expensive provided and was paid £50 a year for her first six months. At the end of a year her salary is increased by £5, and later she earns £60 a year. Over the years the nurses complained that their veils became wet in the rain and asked for a change of uniform but this did not occur until 1921. Bicycles continued to be used in inner areas until 1945. Sepia photograph of eight Melbourne District Nursing Society Trained nurses posing with their bicycles in a park; some are partly hidden. Nurse's uniforms consist of long grey dresses with white belts, cuffs and collars and white pith helmets with a Maltese cross in the centre. Oblong leather nursing bags of varying sizes are strapped to five of the bicycles. In the centre is Sister-in-charge – Mrs Hawkes (in white); to her left are 4 Nurses and to her right 3. L-R – Front row – Trained Nurses Curnow, Roberts, (Hawkes) and Becker. Back row – Nurses Taylor, Steele, Francis and Young. Trees and a palm are in the background. The bicycles have two large wire spoked wheels at either end of the black V shape bicycle frame; a rubber tyre runs around the outside of each wheel. The metal handlebars are a horizontal configuration and are attached with a central column into a black vertical column at the front of the V shape bicycle frame which has ‘fork shaped’ thin metal pierces running down either side of the wheel attaching the frame to the central hub of the wheel. The rear wheel is attached the same way to a central column at the rear of the frame which runs up to V shape solid seat. At the bottom of the V of the frame a pedal is attached with a rotating arm on either side of the bicycle and on the right side the rotating arm is attached to a sprocket which has a chain running around it back to a smaller sprocket on the hub of the back wheel. The chain has a thin metal guard over it. There are narrow thin metal mud guards running a short distance above the top of each wheel. melbourne district nursing society (1885-1957), bicycles, nurses, uniforms, mdns, mdns transport, rdns, royal district nursing service, trained nurse annie roberts, sister-in-charge isabel hawkes, trained nurse taylor, trained nurse steele, trained nurse francis, trained nurse young, trained nurse becker, trained nurse isobel curnow

Matron Freeman and the MDNS Trained Nurses are wearing long grey coats and white pith helmets, which display a red Maltese cross.The Pith helmets are held on with a white veil. The two Bicycles with nursing bags attached to handlebars show the transport used by MDNS at that time.. Nurses - Back - L-R - O'Sullivan, Deans, Warren, Amess, Pat Lee and Jane with bicycle Front - L-R - Blanche Wilson, Matron Janie Freeman, Peake and Brown. In February 1885, 50 years after Melbourne was founded, it was recognized that nursing care was needed for the sick poor in inner Melbourne. The Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) was founded with one Trained nurse (Nurse), and a second employed six months later. This was the first such service in Australia. They worked in the now CBD, ie from Spencer Street to Spring Street and from Victoria Parade to Flinders Street. From its inception the Society was at the forefront of health care. They provided high quality nursing care; educated their patients in the curing and prevention of disease; teaching the importance of cleanliness and good nutrition, both by verbal instruction and demonstration, even supplying soup and milk when needed. At that time they walked the streets and lane ways amid the slums of inner Melbourne carrying their nursing bag containing lotion ointments, powders, liniment, bandages, dressings, a case of spirits, and the Nurse's own clean apron. They loaned equipment, such as earthenware hot water bottles, splints, urinals, bed pans, bed cradles, feeding mugs, and air-cushions as well as providing clean bed linen and nightdresses as necessary. Trained Midwives began home births in August 1893 taking midwifery bundles and providing clothes for the babe as needed. This was arduous work, particularly in the heat of summer. Permission to use bicycles was given to the Nurses in 1898 and the Society decided to purchase their own in 1903. A business man offered ‘new free wheel’ bicycles at £13 each which included maintenance for one year. Bells and wooden frames were added, at a cost of £5 per frame, so the Nurses could carry extra equipment. Nurses’ bags were strapped to the handlebars. Soup was made for those in need 2-3 times a week and if patients could not arrange to have it collected the soup was delivered by the Nurses on their bicycles. The use of bicycles caused a change in uniform, with white pith helmets, and veils covering them and tied under their chin, now being used. In 1913 a Nurse had her Board and residence, uniforms, bicycles and laundry expensive provided and was paid £50 a year for her first six months. At the end of a year her salary is increased by £5, and later she earned £60 a year. Over the years the Nurses complained their veils became wet in the rain and asked for a change of uniform but this did not occur until 1921. Bicycles continued to be used in inner areas until 1945. From its inception the Society was at the forefront of health care and liaised with Doctors. They provided high quality nursing care to a range of people, often in destitute situations, some lying on rags on the floor as they had no bed, others with just a bed and maybe a thin blanket, a chair and nothing else. Their ages ranged from babes, children, adults to the elderly. The Nurses gave medications as ordered, dressed wounds e.g. to the injured, and surgical cases, and to those with leg ulcers; attended to patients with ‘surgical ailments’ such as ‘hip disease’; gave care to those with acute illnesses such as bronchitis, pleurisy, pneumonia, measles, and scarlet fever, as well as those with chronic illnesses such as consumption (tuberculosis), heart disease, arthritis, cancer, debility, neuritis and paralysis. They educated their patients, and their Carers, in the curing and prevention of disease; teaching the importance of hygiene, cleanliness, ventilation and good nutrition. They taught them, by verbal instruction and demonstration, how to make poultices, to make and apply bandages, apply medical appliances such as splints.Sepia photograph on brown card mount with 'Kirk Studio' on bottom right of the card. The photograph shows Matron Freeman and nine Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) Trained nurses, (Nurses), with bicycles. The back row of six Nurses are standing and the Nurses either end are holding bicycles which have leather oblong nursing bags attached to the handlebars with two straps. The front row are seated. All are wearing the MDNS uniform of long dark coats and white helmets, with white scarves covering them and tied under their chins. A Maltese cross can be seen in the centre of the helmets. Both bicycles have two large wire spoked wheels at either end of the black V shape bicycle frame; a rubber tyre runs around the outside of each wheel. The metal handlebars are a horizontal configuration and are attached with a central column into a black vertical column at the front of the V shape bicycle frame which has 'fork shaped' thin metal pierces running down either side of the wheel attaching the frame to the central hub of the wheel. The rear wheel is attached the same way to a central column at the rear of the frame which runs up to V shape solid seat. At the bottom of the V of the frame a pedal is attached with a rotating arm on either side of the bicycle and on the right side the rotating arm is attached to a sprocket which has a chain running around it back to a smaller sprocket on the hub of the back wheel. The chain has a thin metal guard over it. There are narrow thin metal mud guards running a short distance above the top of each wheel.Photographer's embossed stampmdns, melbourne district nursing society, mdns uniforms, mdns transport, mdns matron, rdns, royal district nursing service, nurse blanche wilson, nurse pat lee, nurse deans, nurse o'sullivan, nurse warren, nurse amess, nurse peak, nurse brown, matron janie freeman

The owner of this hat, Chris Hayden was from Beechworth and Graduated from Duntroon in 1988 Hat Service Dress Royal Military College Duntroon student; Navy blue with red piping around the top edge; red woolen material round the side of the hat; decorative black vinyl chin strap around the front and above the peak made of black patent leather fastened on the each side by by small brass button that bears the college's emblem; positioned in the middle of the hat half on the red band and half on the crown of the hat is affixed the Royal Military College Duntroon hat badge; the underside of the peak the leather peak is dyed green and the inside rim is in brown vinyl join at the back by cotton ribbonOn a black diamond manufacturer's label/ All Wool/ Made in Hong Kong/ Christies/ 248 Pit St, / Sydney / Tel: (02) 264 6751 / on square piece of white tap. is the hat size 6 3/4 / on the in plastic water proof liner is written in black marking pen, HAYDEN

Wandin Thomas Sebire JP (1867-1960) learnt boot-making as a young man. In a small workshop on his property in Sebire Avenue, Wandin he made boots for family, friends & neighbours. He also repaired boots & made other small leather articles. Bootmaking is a complex process requiring a variety of tools. The leather is cut to shape, glazed & burnished (polished) with heated irons. The pieces are stretched onto, & nailed to, a wooden last to form the boot. Once attached to the insole, the boot is finished on a metal last. Uppers are stitched with waxed thread through holes made with an awl. Heels comprise pieces nailed together & neatened with a heel shave. Metal plates, short nails or hob nails driven into the sole & heel, often in a pattern, improved durability.Brown leather handmade nail bag, with strap.tool bags

Uniform equipment worn by officers Khaki officers peaked cap with brown strap. One button on right side. Button on left is missing. Two small holes in front where hat badge has been removed, The fabric is slightly darker behid where the rising sun badge had previously been located. Inside the cap has a brown leather sweat band with the letters R R stamped into the right side. the top of the cap is padded RR Wardrop's of Melbourne, Collingwood & Geelong for all mens wear 5/6 rvr, uniform, hat

Possibly used as plough winkers for horses on farms in the 19th and 20th century.A pair of vintage leather horse winkers with steel rings, a bit and bars and side leather buckles to attach it to the cheek straps of the bridle to help focus the horse's vision to the front. The pole and neck straps are adjustable and can be lengthened and tightened without altering the blinds. The front strap goes around the horse's muzzle. They were possibly Plough Winkers. horse accessories, horse tack, horses, agriculture

One brass and leather riding spur with a brass rounded or blunt end which has three sharp points attached. It has a rusted buckle on the side of the strap to adjust it to fit the rider's boot. It is designed to be worn in pairs on the heels of riding boots for the purpose of directing the horse to move forward or laterally while riding. They usually are worn in pairs.horses, horse riding equipment, spurs, horse accessories

Case used to carry a gun, manufactured by Holden and FrostLeather rifle protection case manufactured by Holden and FrostLeather lockable gun case with lockable brass stud and shoulder strapleather, case, gun case

Fob watch holster as made and sold by Holden and FrostHalf round fob watch holster with strap on back to allow to be belt mountedholster, leather, fob watch holster

Used for carrying papers or alternatively clothing Ca 1900Manufactured by Holden and FrostRectangular shaped leather case, hinged in center, lockable, lock in center of case, under leather handle. Two steel brackets on top to allow locking straps to stay in place.S.B.B.leather, lockable, gladstone, bag

For use on smaller horses and ponies for pulling carts and Jinkers As manufactured and sold by Holden and FrostLeather case, straw filled oval to fit over horses neck two buckles and straps to allow the fitting of the collarcollar, equine, agricultural, social

Used for the protection of feet and footwear while playing poloManufactured and sold by Holden and Frost Ca 1900Brass covered in leather with loop on top for strapboot, polo

Used by horse polo players for the protection of their knee capsAs manufactured and sold by Holden and FrostPair of knee protectors, leather shaped to cover and wrap around knee with two straps and buckles for fastening in position with extra packing in area of knee capprotector, polo, players

Used by horse or cart operators to control horses behaviour and speed Ca 1900Manufactured and sold by Holden and Frost Ca 1900Tapered shaft covered in braided leather with70mm long leather strands attached. Other end has a40cm knob and remains of a broken wrist strapequine, crop, leather

Boer war issue bag to carry ammunition and other weapon equipment over shoulder Press stud on back cover. Strap for holding front closedProduced by Holden and FrostLeather shoulder bag with canvas shoulder strap. Pouches on the front for holding ammunition, small back flap container on rearmilitary, bag, shoulder carried

Used by soldiers to carry personal items, such as a watch.As manufactured and sold by Holden and Frost Leather pouch for mounting on belt, reverse facing cover with holding strap under cover. 6 Rivets on rear for mounting to a belt or bandolierHolden and Frost 1916military, pouch

For use by soldiers for carrying personal objectsManufactured and sold by Holden and Frost Light brown coloured leather pouch with rear fastening cover, strap inside for holding contents firmly Brass loop and rivets on back.Holden and Frost 1916military, belt pouch

General purpose adjustable leather strappingas manufactured and sold by Holden and FrostMilitary green leather multi purpose leather strapping, brass adjuster Holden and Frostmilitary, leather, strap

Leather school bag created circa 1918manufactured by Holden and Frost circa 1918Solid leather school bag flap over with two buckled straps fastening shoulder straps on reverseleather bag, school, civillian

Postman's delivery bag manufactured by Holden and Frost Ca1900Bag used to carry mail in the 1900's and manufactured by Holden and FrostOblong solid leather bag with steel frame, single compartment and shoulder strapleather, bag, postal

Leather bag used to carry mail in the 1900's and manufactured by Holden and FrostManufactured and sold by Holden and Frost Ca1900Rectangular single compartment bag with lock fitting. Straps missingleather, bag, postal

Bag used to hold shooters equipment and manufactured by Holden and FrostMade and sold by Holden and FrostLeather bag fitted to hold components to maintain shooting equipment has broken shoulder strapleather, bag, shooters bag

"Gladstone" style leather satchel manufactured by Holden and FrostManufactured by Holden and Frost Ca1910Leather bag steel cap and lock lined straps and buckles both endsleather, bag, gladstone bag

Leggings used by horse riders for leg protection made to fit over bootManufactured by Holden in 1939Brown leather legging with stitching on top, bottom and sides. straps on top and bottom with buckles to closeleggings, leather, military

Army issue water bottle as made by GMHMade by GMH 1940Black metal water bottle with cork stopper in neck. Tan leather carry rack including shoulder strapmilitary, water bottle, leather holster

Hand made black leather shoes with leather bow at instep. Short strap with button hole. Black bakelite button on metal ring rivetted to shoe. Size 11 stamped on sole. Leather sole and heel nailed to shoe. Fine machine stitching on top edges of shoe and down to sole from instep.Size 11 stamped on sole

Nobby Smith's bag used when out riding his horse fixing fences. Made by Arthur Smales. Nobby Smith worked for almost 30 years at the SCM as a Stable Manager. "Come here! Gee off" Joe & Lyn Chambers December 1991Leather bag / satchel with flap and buckle, long shoulder strap. Side panel stiched with white stitching.

On loan from Eunice Russell née Gray. Used by Ebenezer Gray. Brown leather souvenir ammunition pouch. Turkish. Three compartments, with metal ring to attach to belt. Narrow belt strap. Has brass studs. Stitching on compartments.ammunition pouches, military equipment

The first bicycles arrived in Australia in the 1860s. They gradually gained in popularity and by the 1890s they offered a cheap and relatively comfortable mode of transport. Far being just a means of leisure, long distance cycle travelling became a fact of life in rural areas for people such as sheep shearers and other agricultural labourers with migratory work. The bicycle and swag travelled much of Australia on dusty dirt tracks, long before the automobile was introduced. Today the bicycle continues to be an important item for general, cheap transport, sport and leisure. Tool kits such as those shown in the item, were and important piece of equipment for bicycle enthusiasts, particularly on a longer ride where assistance may not be close by if the rider experienced a punctured tyre. John Bull Rubber Co. Ltd. was a British tyre manufacturer based in Leicester. It was established in 1906 and was originally named Leicester Rubber Company. In 1915, a new factory was built in Evington Valley Road as indicated on the repair outfit tin in this kit. It was renamed John Bull Rubber in 1934 after its popular product of the same name. In 1958, the company was acquired by Dunlop Rubber. A leather bag containing tools and 2 tins containing rubber patches to repair bicycle tyres. The bag has 2 straps and metal buckles to attach it to the back of the bicycle seat.On tin 1: "The John Bull / Repair Outfit/ John Bull Rubber Co. Ltd./ Evington Valley Mills, Leicester" On tin 2: "ZENITH Repair Outfit / For Cycle and Rubber Repairs/ Self Vulcanizing" On tin 3: Around the DUNLOP logo "Six Self Lighting/ Patch Heat Units / For Cycle Tube/ Vulcaniser"bicycle history, bicycle repairs, john bull rubber, cycling leisure