Newspaper Clippings, Letters, Cards Etc.literature, ballarat rsl, ballarat

A once grand French Chateau almost obliterated by artillery fire. Despite extensive frontline service this is one of the few instances where Les Chandler took a photograph of the destruction of war. In the several hundred letters he wrote to his family at home in Australia, he stuck to his vow of almost never mentioning the horrors of war.france, chateau, destroyed, ww1, world war 1

A newsletter produced on a regular basis by Melbourne Legacy for Junior Legatees, containing news, stories and messages including articles by current and retired members of the committee and executive as well as contributions from Legatee’s themselves. Articles include ‘Home Exercises for Girls’ Letters to the Editor and advice from the Legatee Doctor about sunburn and other health issues. It includes details of education classes, events, functions, holidays and news from the residences.Records the work done by Melbourne Legacy to care for children of servicemen who were either dead or no longer able to care for families. Also records social conditions of the times. Newspaper style newsletter of the Junior Legatee of between four and six pages. 00009.1, Vol 1, No 1, September 1, 1937 00009.2, Vol 1, No 2, September 15, 1937 00009.3, Vol 1, No 3, September 29, 1937 00009.4, Vol 1, No 4, October 13, 1937 00009.5, Vol 1, No 5, October 27, 1937 00009.6, Vol 1, No 6, November 24, 1937 00009.7, Vol 1, No 7, December 22, 1937. Became Legacy Newsletter in August 1942newsletter, activities

This postcard was sent by "O.G." to J. Gawler on 7 February 1915 from an Army camp in Egypt. The postcard appears to have been hung up by a thumb tack as there is a small hole at the top centre of the card. This item is representative of the letters and postcards that were sent home to war by servicemen during the First World War and was a way to maintain a connection to their loved ones during difficult and uncertain times. Postcards were a very common form of communication in the first World War. This postcard also records places for those who didn't have cameras. This type of souvenir would have been familiar to the first Legatees as they had served in World War 1 and many had passed through Egypt.The front image of the postcard is a photograph of a camp of white canvas tents lined up in rows in front of a pyramid. Several soldiers can be seen walking throughout the campsite. On the reverse is a message written in black ink. There is also a small hole in the top centre of the postcard.Message on reverse of postcard is dated 7.2.15 and says: "This is a view of part of Mena camp where the 1st Australian Division has been camped. We have had fine weather and very cold nights. Weigh nearly 11 stone now. O.G." Addressed to: "Mr J M Gawler, Collins St, Melbourne"world war one, war correspondence, souvenir

Two carbon copies of letters composed to send to 'Country Club' inviting them to nominate children to board at Holmbush, and to 'Albury Club' confirming the arrangements for John Ferguson from Albury to be the first resident. They make it clear that Legacy expects the children to be financially challenged, and that Legacy will help in these instances.Names the first resident of the new Legacy home and adds to the documentation recording the beginnings of Holmbush.Two carbon copy quarto sheets , 00283.1 'To Country Club 00283.2 'To Albury Club'residences, holmbush

Undated list of personally owned furnishings at Holmbush found in a file next to letters dated 1943. The piano, musical cabinet, card tables, fire fender and fire irons, wireless, and kerosene refrigerator give an indication of how homes were furnished at the time. Mr Bert Frank was appointed to the role of manager of the Legacy Club Hostel in March 1943 (see 00355.1) and details of his application for the role is also in the archive at 00351. As were the times the wife of the successful applicant was automatically assumed to be working as well but without the acknowledgement of a hired position. As it was a live-in position perhaps this list recorded their personal contents to avoid disputes later on. Legatee Carleton is mentioned as who supplied the fender and fire irons.Demonstrates the frugality with which the first Melbourne Legacy hostel was furnished. Faded white copy paper, black carbon imprint, two holes punched for filing.holmbush, residences, staff, holmbush administration

Yields information about the views of various letter writers, views of the Courier, union views, rehabilitation costs Geelong, public meetings, finances and protest action.Set of three Foolscap sheet of plain paper, with rounded corners, with newspaper cuttings, concerning the mooted closure of the Ballarat Tram system 14 Feb and 19 Feb 1962. All from The Courier, unless noted otherwise. 7942.1 1 - "Protest Meeting" - report on a meeting of the ATMOEA, pressing for the retention of the trams and a full enquiry. Has a list of attendees. 2 - Set of four letters - "Bendigo letter On Trams", No. Tram!, "Tram Cost Quiz" and "Trams and buses" - the last relating to buses in Geelong. 7942.2 1 - "Public Transport Must replace trams - 16-2-1962 - report on meeting of the Trades and Labour Council the previous night, quotes TLC Secretary A. C. Williams 2 - "Tram Loss" - letter from W J Parsons, 3 - "Trams: No Decision by Council" - report from Council to the TLC, issues with Geelong, Mayor Sebastopol Cr Wilson 4 - "Stay at Home if Trams Go" - report from Ballarat Senior Citizens club, Mr Widmer representing the club and Armstrong St Traders 7940.3 1 - "Tram Protest" - report on the Australian Railway Union meeting result 2 - "The Profit Factor:" - Editorial of 15/2/1962, the SEC losses / profit, quotes Mr Stoneham Opposition Leader 3 - "Keep your Trams" letter from Miss Wight of Norlane re the poor Geelong services - full buses. 4 - two meeting notices 5 - report on the ALP meeting of 14-2-1962closure, letter to the editor, editorial, sec, staff, buses, concession fares, unions, alp

Photocopies of documents from the Public Records Office files, Ballarat of letters concerning the construction of the horse tramway vehicles in Ballarat. Provided by Colin Homes. .1 - dated 1/2/1889 to G. Perry Town Clerk Ballarat, from Constable Hanigan, reporting on a conversation with Mr. Moore, confirmed by Constable Hickey about the capacity of the tramcars and the need for licenses for them and the drivers and conductors. Moore replied that the roads belonged to him? and that he could tell Perry to go to hell. .2 - Letter or note, advising Mr. Perry, from Hanigan as cab inspector, that 15 of the cars would accommodate 40 people, 18 inside, 20 outside + 2 conductors and that two would accommodate 46 adults, 20 inside, 24 on top and 2 conductors. Has notes from Perry and Hanigan on the side. Images of document added 27-08-12.trams, tramways, horse trams, city of ballaarat

Yields information about the manufacture of "home made" signs to go into tramcars, though not fitted as such to the cars in the BTM fleet. May have been a proposal or a sample fitted elsewhere.Small steel plate sign with a primer paint coat on back, white paint on front and words "Headlight Changeover" painted in black capital letters on front and four small screw holes in corner and given a clear coat varnish finish. May have been a sample or something that was proposed to be fitted to trams as generally not fitted to Ballarat tramcars. On rear has scratched into paint "Headlight Changeover"trams, tramways, signs, headlights, tramcars

The inaugruration of the newly erected Benevolant Asylum took place on 15th March 1860. The asylum is situated on the west side of Commissioner's Gully, Barnard Street, Bendigo. The building itself is the design of Mr Robert A. Love, Architect, the Contractor is Mr Crawford and the Clerk of Works, Mr Wrigley. - from the Bendigo Advertiser 16th March 1860. In the Advertiser Dec 20 1872: the Memorial Stone was added and the design for the front elecvation was carried out as origionally planned with 12 columns of brick and cement each 36 feet high, the bases of which are granite. Typed History of the hospital, and letters regarding classification status and two A4 sized photos of the front of the building.history, national trust bendigo collection, bendigo, benevolant home bendigo, benevolant asylum bendigo, home and hospital for the aged bendigo, ann caudle centre bendigo

Pte Evan Edward Jones (No 276) and his younger brother Pte Edward Jones (No 1731) were both members of the 29 Infantry Battalion during World War 1. They enlisted in 1915 in Kyneton where they grew up. Edward enlisted after approval was given by his mother as he was not quite 21. He did not survive the war as he was killed by a sniper in France in 1916. It was Private Edward Jones’ love of adventure that cost him his life. In the trenches in France on 16 August 1916, beside his brother, Private Evan Edward, he raised his head and was caught by a German sniper. The brothers were side by side, and it was suggested to their sergeant that he should take a short rest; they had been 36 hours without sleep. The sergeant said “Oh no, I won’t leave you fellows.” Private Jones said “If I got a chance of a shut eye I’d take it.” He raised his head over the parapet and a German sniper caught him in the forehead, and shut his eyes forever. With difficulty his brother was restrained from rushing over the top for revenge. Evan survived the war, serving in France and Belgium. Some of his letters, together with other memorabilia, have been donated to the RSL by family members. One letter to his wife describes how a bullet hit a cartridge in his pouch but missed his body. Cartridges, the bullet and the piece of shrapnel are also included with the donated items. Part of one of Evan’s letters to his wife is re-printed here. “This bullet is the nearest thing as ever … since I have been in France. I wondered what struck me when it hit me, or rather hit the cartridge that was in my pouch. If it had been an inch or two higher it would have come through my body…the wish bone is from the fowl we had for supper last night, one of the boys bowled the fowl over with a stone so we got to work and cleaned and cooked it and it was just the thing. I got the wishbone so I thought it would be a good souvenir to send home…don’t forget to wish something nice with the wishbone.” Both boys had a strong sense of adventure and it was only natural that they fought and died for King and country. Original letters, photographs and documents have been copied for preservation. *Items donated by John and Phyllis Adams will form part of the World War One commemorative display at the Sub-Branch for Anzac Day 2015. The Jones boys grew up in the Kyneton area and enlisted in the AIF in Kyneton in 1915World War I cartridge damaged by another bullet. K15 VII on base of cartridge casingww1, pte evan jones, pte edward jones,, letters from the front

Private Charles Field Richardson, 6 Bn., AIF, was the brother of the historian Dorothy Richardson. He enrolled in the AIF on 17 August 1914. Before he enrolled he worked as a mechanic in Harry Cooper’s ‘Kew Flyer’ bicycle shop in Cotham Road. His address is recorded on the Embarkation Rolls as 80 Gladstone Street. He embarked for Europe on the HMAT Hororata on 17 August. The Hororata had been fitted out for 2,000 troops and 124 horses. Charles Richardson was to die of wounds in Egypt on 3 May 1915 at the age of 21 and is buried in Alexandria. Formal and official documents such as these, recording sacrifice in the First World War were socially and spiritually significant to the deceased soldier's close relatives. The home made frame emphasises that the Rogers family valued these documents and wanted them presented visually as a group. The documents have added significance locally as Charles Field Richardson was the brother of the historian Dorothy Rogers. The Collection includes postcards that he sent from Alexandria to his sister and photographs of Pte Richardson in uniform and at the pyramids. He was wounded at Gallipoli and died in hospital in Alexandria.The frame holds three documents, two of which, the signed letters from Buckingham palace are identical. The central scroll records Charles Field Richardson’s death and his contribution to King and Country.pte charles field richardson, 6th battalion aif, first world war, rogers collection, documents

xxii, 324 p., [10] p. of plates : ill. (some col.), ports., photos. ; 25 cm.non-fictiongovernors' spouses -- victoria -- history -- 19th century., victoria -- politics and government -- 1834-1900.

Anzac Day school children's medal, issued in 1918. The medal was distributed to every school child that year to commemorate Anzac Day. The Anzac forces first landed at Gallipoli on 25 April 1915. The medal sold to Victorian school children and the public to commemorate ANZAC Day, 25 April 1918. 250,000 medals were struck. Bronze medals were sold for 1 shilling and oxidised silver medals for 5 shillings. One-third of the proceeds was to be directed to the funding of a permanent institution for returned soldiers. [The Argus, 11 April 1918, p 8]This work forms part of the collection assembled by the historian Dorothy Rogers, that was donated to the Kew Historical Society by her son John Rogers in 2015. The manuscripts, photographs, maps, and documents were sourced by her from both family and local collections or produced as references for her print publications. Many were directly used by Rogers in writing ‘Lovely Old Homes of Kew’ (1961) and 'A History of Kew' (1973), or the numerous articles on local history that she produced for suburban newspapers. Most of the photographs in the collection include detailed annotations in her hand. The Rogers Collection provides a comprehensive insight into the working habits of a historian in the 1960s and 1970s. Together it forms the largest privately-donated collection within the archives of the Kew Historical Society.Bronze ANZAC Day medal distributed to all school children by the Department of Education in 1918 .Obverse has the bust of a uniformed soldier. The reverse image of the bust of an Australian soldier was adapted from a drawing by H. Harvey, an at assistant in the Victorian Education Department.Obverse: Bust of uniformed soldier wearing hat left; around, HONOR TO THE A.I.F. In small letters below bust, S&S 15C HH Reverse: Incuse on scroll which rests on olive branch, GALLIPOLI / FRANCE / PALESTINE; above EVD ; below, ANZAC DAY 1918anzac day medal (1918), commemorative medals, world war 1 - commemorations, australian commemorative medals

Pte Charles F. Richardson 6 Bn AIF was wounded at Gallipoli, and sent to Alexandria where he died in a hospital of his wounds. The certificates were held by the Rogers family. Pte Richardson's sister was the historian Dorothy Rogers.This work forms part of the collection assembled by the historian Dorothy Rogers, that was donated to the Kew Historical Society by her son John Rogers in 2015. The manuscripts, photographs, maps, and documents were sourced by her from both family and local collections or produced as references for her print publications. Many were directly used by Rogers in writing ‘Lovely Old Homes of Kew’ (1961) and 'A History of Kew' (1973), or the numerous articles on local history that she produced for suburban newspapers. Most of the photographs in the collection include detailed annotations in her hand. The Rogers Collection provides a comprehensive insight into the working habits of a historian in the 1960s and 1970s. Together it forms the largest privately-donated collection within the archives of the Kew Historical Society.Three mounted letters, two identical paying tribute to the sacrifice of Pte Charles F. Richardson 6 Bn AIF in World War I. Each certificate is set within a thin plywood open frame. [Charles Richardson was the brother of the historian Dorothy Rogers]Nilcharles f richardson, dorothy rogers, first world war (1914-18)

Booknon-fictionLetters to Home/ The War Years of Sgt. Ray Whitelaw 1st A.I.F

A rare photograph showing 3 beautiful buildings owned by 3 prominent people in Port Fairy The central building (Cooinda) no longer exists as it was the wish of the last owner that it be demolished after she passed away.Rare photograph of all three prominent houses the central building having been demolished.Black and white photograph of 3 buildings on hill South west of Port FairyCOOINDA capital letters on front of photograph mount PORT FAIRYbuilding, home, house, cooinda

This Certificate was presented to Trained nurse, known as 'Nurse' in those days, Nettie Osborne on completion of six months employment with Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS). This is the only example of a MDNS Nurses certificate in the RDNS collection. In 1913 the MDNS Nurses had their board and residence, uniforms, bicycles and laundry expenses provided. Newly employed Nurses were paid £50 a year for her first six months. At the end of a year her salary was increased by £5, and later she earned £60 a year. .Following the founding of the Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) in February 1885 to care for the sick poor in Melbourne, subsequent meetings were held to form a Committee and to draw up a Code of Rules of the Society. It was decided that only nurses who had attended a Hospital Nurses Training School and were fully qualified would be employed by the Society. After interviewing several candidates, it was on the first of May 1885 when the first Trained nurse, known as 'Nurse' in those days, Mrs. Ferguson, was employed by MDNS with a salary of £100 per annum. She was employed for three months initially, but this was soon extended, "on the understanding she will make arrangements to live in the more immediate vicinity of her district". A Doctor agreed to assist the Nurse with advice at any time. In rotation, a member of the Superintendence Sub-Committee supervised the Nurse’s visits and could assist to alleviate some poor social conditions they found. A second Nurse, Mrs. Joanna Cannon was employed by MDNS six months later, with a trial period of six months which was extended. They were the stalwarts of the Society in the early years, Nurse Cannon remaining with the Society for four years and Nurse Ferguson for five years, though both had a short break due to illness through the heaviness of the work. Nurses salaries were reduced to account for the cost of uniforms, and then when establishments were rented by the Society and the Nurses could now live in the Nurses Home. The Nurses 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 liaised with Doctors and 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. 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. They provided 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. As the work increased a third 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. A Trained Midwife was employed in August 1893. The work was arduous, 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; straw hats were worn in summer. 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. Public transport was also used over the years, in conjunction with a Motor Auxiliary from 1929 to 1971. MDNS began with its own small fleet of vehicles in the early 1950s which gradually expanded into a full fleet.The coloured Certificate is made of white paper attached to a buff card forming a boarder. It is in gold print on the white background which has a thin gold border. In large bold script are the words "Melbourne District Nursing Society" In between the words "District" and "Nursing" is a red Maltese cross which extends above and below the writing. Underneath this, in smaller capital letters, are the words "For Nursing Sick Poor In Their Own Homes"/. Below this in bold script are the words "This is to Certify that"/. Under this, written in black handwriting, is "Nurse Nettie Osborne"/; below this in script is "has acted in the capacity of District Nurse", then in black handwriting the words "Six Months"/. The next two lines read "having fulfilled her Duties to the satisfaction of her Committee, /"and appreciation of her Patients". The Certificate is signed in black by Mary Leeper, Vice President; Kate Hood; Hon. Treasurer; C.M. Tatham Hon. Secretary, and has Date; 8th July 1913 in black handwriting. On paper attached with tape to the back of the Certificate, is a copy of a photograph of two unidentified people. [Possibly Nettie and her husband]. Some small marks, and in one area a small area of cracking is seen on the white background of the certificate.certificates, mdns, melbourne district nursing society, rdns, royal district nursing service, nurse nettie osborne

The RDNS Sister is about to leave to visit patients in their homes in the community to administer nursing care as advised by a Doctor. The RDNS insignia on the door of the car is a round badge with a royal blue circle around the edge with the words "Royal District Nursing Service" in white, and the centre section is in three parts ,with the upper and lower sections white, and a royal blue centre strip with the large white capital letters "RDNS".Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) has had various modes of transport over the last 130 plus years. At first, from 1885 as Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS), their Trained nurses (Nurses) walked the streets and lane ways amid the slums of central Melbourne. As the Society expanded public transport was used, and bicycles were bought by the Society in 1903 and used in inner areas until 1945. During the Spanish flu epidemic, in 1919, MDNS appealed for assistance to procure Motor vehicles so the Nurses could visit an influx of cases. Through trusts, grants and donations four 'Ford T Model' cars were procured which enabled the Nurses to triple their visits. Through constant use the cars were in such a poor state two were sold in 1922 and the others later. In 1922-23 three Peugeot cars were purchased and a woman Chauffeur, 'Miss Sword', was employed who lived in the Home and was also in charge of the garage. MDNS was expanding and a Motor Auxiliary was formed in 1929 to take the Trained nurses (Sisters) to patients, and some Sisters used their own cars; even a motorcycle was used by one Sister in 1933. All these forms of transport were intermingled and in the early 1950s, and now as Melbourne District Nursing Service, seven Ford Prefect cars were bought followed by twelve Ford Anglia cars 1955. Having received Royal patronage; the now Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) had its own fleet of Holden vehicles by the mid 1960s and the Motor Auxiliary ceased operating in 1971 as by then all staff employed were required to have a driving licence. Seat-belts had been introduced to Victoria in 1959 and District fitted them to their cars from 1962, even though they did not become compulsory until 1970. The Holden vehicles were replaced with grey Holden Torana vehicles. After several years the fleet was changed to white Toyota Corolla vehicles. The Melways Directory of maps was introduced in 1966, which was a boon to the Sisters, though it was a few years before it went beyond Seville, so a large paper map was used by the Sisters visiting patients in the areas passed Seville. By 2009 there were 598 cars in the fleet and the Sisters travelled 9 million 200,000 kilometres – this is equivalent to 12 trips to the moon and back. Black and White Photograph of a Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) Sister about to enter one of the new light grey 2 door Holden Torana RDNS cars. The Sister, who is smiling, is wearing her uniform grey peaked hat over her long dark hair which is drawn back. She is wearing her long grey coat with the RDNS insignia on the upper sleeve and is holding the partly opened driver side door of the car with her left hand. She is holding the handle on the top of her rectangular black nursing case with her right hand. To the right, the grill and black number plate, with the white writing displaying "KXF 024", can be seen. The round RDNS insignia is on the upper centre of the car door. The car is the same width all over, has a flat bonnet which joins a sloping windscreen adjoining a flat roof which runs along and joins a short back window running down to a boot. A black tyred wheel can be seen under wheel arches at the front and near the rear of the vehicle. In the background to the left is a mid size bare tree; behind this portions of several parked cars and behind them a multi storey building with the Written words "Rioby House". To its right and directly behind the car is a mid size bare tree and behind that the end view of a brick building with a hip roof. Barry Sutton Photographer. Quote KL 52rdns transport, rdns uniform, royal district nursing service, rdns

The Sister-in-Charge, Florence Lee-Archer, and a Trained nurse (Nurse) are about to leave the Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) Nurses Home at No. 5 Royal Terrace, Nicholson Street, Fitzroy to visit patients. The MDNS moved into these larger premises at No. 5 Royal Terrace, Nicholson Street, Fitzroy in May 1904. This establishment was their Headquarters as well as the Nurses Home. Sister-in-Charge Florence Lee-Archer and five Trained nurses, known as 'Nurse' in those days, were employed by MDNS at that time to visit and give nursing care to the poor in their own homes. In 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 in February 1885 with one Trained nurse, called 'Nurse' in those days, and a second employed six months later, working 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 and liaised with Doctors. They provided high quality nursing care; educated their patients in the curing and prevention of disease and teaching the importance of cleanliness, fresh air 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, 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 August 1893 taking midwifery bundles and providing clothes for the babe as needed. The Nurses provided 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. The Nurses were becoming exhausted, particularly in the heat of summer. Permission to use bicycles was given to them 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. Their use caused a change in uniform, with white pith helmets, and veils covering them and tied under their chins, now being used and straw hats in summer. In 1904 the Society relocated to rented premises at 5 Royal Terrace, Nicholson Street in Fitzroy. In 1913 a nurse had her ‘board and residence, uniforms, bicycles and laundry expenses’ provided and was paid £50 a year for her first six months. At the end of a year her salary was 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.Digital Image showing, on the right, Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) Sister-in-Charge Florence Lee-Archer wearing a long white uniform and white cap with long white tail (veil) seen hanging from its rear. On her left, is a MDNS Trained nurse (Nurse) wearing a long grey uniform with white collar and cuffs, and wearing a pale colour straw hat with Maltese cross in the centre of the white hatband. The hat is held on by a veil over the hat and tied under her chin. They are standing by their bicycles, the front wheels and handlebars seen; the Nurse has a nursing bag attached to the handlebars of her bicycle. Behind them and to their right, a black sign with the words 'Melbourne District Nursing Society - For Nursing the Sick Poor in their Own Homes' written in white capital letters can be seen attached to the metal spiked fence. Behind this are some shrubs and part of a building in the rear.Melbourne District Nursing Society - For Nursing The Sick Poor In Their Own Homes.melbourne district nursing society, mdns, mdns headquarters, mdns matron, rdns, royal district nursing service, sister florence lee-archer

A letter dated 8th May 1973 details how the letter from Florence Nightingale was forwarded to Mrs E.G. (Janet) Wilson in 1955 by Gwendolen, Florence Nightingale's niece. The explanatory letter was forwarded by Elsa Halenstein and given to Royal District Nursing Service and remains in its Archives. From 1948 Mrs. Wilson served on the Committee of Management of Melbourne District Nursing Society (later Service), serving as President from October 1964-1967. In 1949 Mrs. Hallenstein served on the MDNS Committee of Management, becoming President of the now Royal District Nursing Service from 1967-1974. Florence Nightingale was the founder of modern nursing. Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) only employed Trained nurses from its inception in 1885. They followed Florence Nightingale's basic rules of good hygiene, cleanliness, good nutrition and fresh air, which they learned during their Nursing Training at a Hospital, and taught to their patients by instruction and demonstration. In those days Trained nurses were called 'Nurse'. In 1892 MDNS employed Lucy Smith who, through the Nightingale Fund, did her nursing training at the Nightingale Training School at St. Thomas's Hospital in London. She was the first nurse from this school to work at MDNS. Florence Nightingale, born on the 12th of May 1820, was named after the place of her birth in Italy. Born into a wealthy family she was schooled at home where she excelled in her studies; spoke several languages fluently, and was taught home management. She believed she was ‘called’ to reduce human suffering and tended to ill members of her family and tenants on the family estate. She worked as a nurse at Salisbury Infirmary where she learned about nursing sanitation and hospital practice. Florence then enrolled at the Institution of Protestant Deaconesses at Kaiserswerth, Germany where she learned basic nursing skills, the importance of patient observation, and hospital organization. In 1853 she became Superintendent of the Institution for Sick Gentlewomen in Distressed Circumstances in London, where she reformed health care, working conditions, and hospital efficiency. The Crimean War broke out in late 1853 and a newspaper reported the injured and sick soldiers were being cared for by an “incompetent and ineffective medical establishment and that most basic supplies were not available for care”. After an outcry from the public, Florence was asked to lead a group of 38 nurses, whom she had trained, to Scutari where the wounded soldiers were sent. After arriving at the Barrack Hospital in October 1854, she found the soldiers were being cared for in overcrowded and filthy conditions; contaminated water, faeces on the floors and rats running freely. There were few supplies and equipment. Florence bought supplies and equipment and found help to assist in the laundry. The wards were scrubbed from floor to ceiling. Florence set a high standard of care with fresh air, hygiene, clean clothing, sufficient food and regular dressing of wounds being carried out. She realized the importance of psychological needs, and soldiers were assisted to write letters to relatives, and took part in education and recreational activities. Of a night Florence walked through the wards, carrying a lamp to light her way, to check on ill and wounded soldiers and became known as “The Lady with the Lamp”. She gained the respect of the soldiers and the establishment, and later, the public through the soldier’s letters and reports in the newspaper. After visiting Crimea she contracted ‘Crimean Fever’ from which she never really recovered. When she returned to London she was regarded a heroine. The public had given freely to buy her a gift but Florence preferred this money be used to establish a fund, which became known as the Nightingale Fund. Florence had kept excellent records on the running of the Barrack Hospital, medical and nursing staff efficiency, and the causes of illness and death. Many nurses from the training school became Matrons in many countries throughout the world. Florence pushed the Government for legislation to improve drainage and sanitation in homes and in the building of hospitals with fresh air a priority. She wrote the book ‘Notes on Nursing’ and many writings on health reform. She died, aged 90 years, in her home at 10 South Street, Park Lane on the 13th of August 1910. A handwritten letter, written in lead pencil, by Florence Nightingale. It is written to her niece Gwendolen.. The letter is on buff coloured paper and has the date 'Oct 17 1900'/ written in the top right hand corner; below this is, in capital letters, the two line black printed address - '10, South Street,/ Park Lane, W'/ is stamped. The bulk of the letter reads over eight lines: "Dearest Gwendolen",/ "Thanks for your / dear note,/ I shall gladly look / forward to seeing you, / on Friday at 5 ,/ ever your loving, / Aunt Florence./ . rdns, royal district nursing service, miss florence nightingale, mrs e.g. (janet) wilson, mrs d. (elsa) hallenstein

The first After-Care Home in Melbourne was built by the Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) in 1926 for patients of the Society who needed more nursing care than could be given at home but did not need hospitalization. Many patients from Melbourne hospitals who needed further care following discharge from hospital were nursed at the After-Care before going home. The Melbourne District Nursing Society, (MDNS), built the After-Care Home in 1926. The Home was extended and the name changed to Melbourne District Nursing Society and After-Care Hospital in 1934. It was situated at 45 Victoria Parade, Collingwood. Patients of the Society who needed more care than could be given at home, but did not need hospitalization were nursed there, along with many patients from Melbourne hospitals who needed further care before going home. Many children were nursed in the hospital, some long term, during the Polio epidemic and schooling was given to them in the hospital. In September 1930 an Ante-Natal Clinic was established. In October 1934 a Women's Welfare Clinic was opened to educate women on birth control. This was the first of its kind in Melbourne. The MDNS After Care Hospital was under District's banner until 1956. In 1957 the MDNS and the After-Care separated with the Government taking over the running of the After-Care. Melbourne District Nursing Society then became the Melbourne District Nursing Service and in 1966 was given Royal patronage and renamed Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS). Digital image of a front, and part of the left side view, of the Melbourne District Nursing Society After-Care Home and shows the entrance. The white plaque, attached in the centre of the brickwork between the two storeys in the front of the building reads 'Melbourne District Nursing Society After-Care Home' in black capital letters. It is a two story brick building with a tiled pitched roof, and shows two chimneys. There are four long windows running along both storeys of the front and side views. Near the rear left hand side of the building a portico can be seen and behind this part of a brick building with window runs to the left. Greenery is against part of the building and white flowers are seen in the foreground of the photograph. after- care hospital, after-care home, melbourne district nursing society, melbourne district nursing service, mdns, rdns, royal district nursing service

Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS), Sister Meisser is visiting Mrs. Lata to attend to the nursing care she requires in her home. She is greeting Mrs. Lata on her veranda and is observing her interaction with her dog. Sr. Meisser is wearing her RDNS uniform of a grey cotton short sleeve frock with a small white arched material logo with 'Royal District Nursing Service' in blue capital letters emblazoned on it, attached to the upper sleeve. She is wearing her grey peaked hat. This had a metal RDNS logo attached to the centre front. Sister Meisser worked from the RDNS Moorabbin centre.From its earliest years when the Trained nurses of the Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) began to wear uniforms, the chosen colour was grey, though the style changed throughout the years as fashions changed from the late 1800s through to the 1970s. Their Trained nurses (Nurses) firstly wore long grey frocks and a white cap with a long white tail hanging from the centre back. When bicycles were introduced the headgear changed to a white pith helmet adorned with a red Maltese cross in the centre front. This was held on with a veil going over the hat and tied under the chin. Over the years there were complaints that the veils became wet in the rain and they asked for a change of uniform, but this did not happen until 1921. Later the Nurses complained their skirts became wet when riding their bicycles in the rain and asked, when raining, to be able to wear breeches and gaiters. This was granted provided they wore aprons when attending patients. It was not long before the uniform changed to a shorter length grey frock, red cardigan, grey coat and grey brimmed hat; later changed to a peaked grey hat. This uniform was used when MDNS was granted Royal patronage in 1966 and worn until 1971 when the uniform changed to a blue V necked frock over a short sleeve white blouse in summer and a blue/grey skivvie under a blue/grey herringbone V neck tunic style frock made of winter material in the cooler weather. Black and white photograph of Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS), Sister Meisser, of Moorabbin Centre. She is standing on the left of the photograph; has short dark hair and is wearing her grey uniform with peaked hat and black shoes, and is holding her rectangular nursing case. She is standing on the veranda of Mrs. Lata's brick home, and is smiling as she observes, to her right, Mrs. Lata, who has grey curly hair and is wearing a light coloured floral frock. Mrs. Lata is sitting in her wheelchair and with her left hand is patting her pale coloured Labrador dog who has a dark collar and is sitting to her right. Mrs. Lata is in front of her security door which has a white door frame. The house has a white lantern shaped light attached to the wall on the left hand side of the photographPhotographer's stamp and the word 'Publicity'royal district nursing service, rdns, rdns uniform, moorabbin centre, mrs lata, sister m. meisser