Showing 686 items matching bicycling
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Rutherglen Historical Society
Carbide bicycle lamp, Riemann
... bicycling ...Used before batteries for providing light for bicyclesCarbide lamp, metal construction, attachment for fitting to bicycle. Glass missing from front"Riemann's / Phaenomen / H.R.CH.G. / Gebrauchsmusterschutz (2) 012346 (Degree of brightness)"lighting, bicycling, bicycle accessories -
Port Melbourne Historical & Preservation Society
Flyer - Flyer for Buglet 1890, History & Heritage Committee Auscycling Vic, 2023
This promotional flyer featuring the 1890 Buglet was produced by the History & Heritage Committee of Auscyling and promotes one of items in their collection. The Buglet was presented to the Port Melbourne Bicycle Club by George GEDDES on 24 June 1890.A half A4 card with photograph a 1890 Buglet.Presented to the Port Melbourne Bicycle Club by George GEDDES Singer Bicycle Depot 24 June 1890.buglet, sport - cycling, auscycling vic, george geddes, port melbourne bicycle club, singer bicycle depot -
City of Moorabbin Historical Society (Operating the Box Cottage Museum)
Tools, Bicycle spanner kit c1937, c1937
This tool kit of 8 spanners came with the purchase of a bicycle in London, England c1937. Lottie Moore migrated to Australia 1949 and used it to repair her bicycles in Melbourne.A set of 8 steel spanners for a bicycle c1937'Nubot 100 British made' on spanner '8'. Each spanner numbered 1 -8bicycles, tools spanners, london, melbourne, migrants, postwar immigration, british made, transport -
Whitehorse Historical Society Inc.
Vehicle - Bicycle, c1960
The bicycle is one of the last bicycles hand made and assembled by 'Mr. Rob' c1960 prior to the mass manufacture and overseas imports of 'built up' bicycles. On closing down in September 1999 'Mr Rob' presented this bicycle to the Nunawading Historical and another to the Victorian Museum.Boy's 26 inch bicycle fitted with Dunlop tyres, bell, mudguards, handgrips, leather seat, rear reflector and a ' faboati' coaster hub. Bicycle is supported by its rear wheel on a metal stand.on top of frame - 'Hand made special'|On front of angle frame - 'Rob's Special'|On rear of frame and on front stem - an emblem 'another Rob's Cycle Blackburn'|13817s - serial number.transport, bicycles -
Vision Australia
Photograph - Image, Bicycles at Mitchell Manufacturing, 1970-1990
Throughout the 1970's until the 1990's, Mitchell Manufacturing produced a popular range of bicycles for the general public and hiring companies alike. The Lighthouse bicycle was first developed, then superceded by the Mitchell bicycle. Using a combination of overseas sourced materials, these were assembled in the Royal Blind Society of NSW's headquarters in Enfield, and provided employment to range of blind and vision impaired workers. In one image, Neville Wran and Maj General Paul Cullen toast to the success of the company.16 B/W electronic images of bicyclesroyal blind society of new south wales, mitchell manufacturing, neville wran, paul cullen -
Clunes Museum
Photograph
PROBABLY TEAM RIDERS - F.MILES, P. LEONARD, W. THOMAS, R. WHITFORD, B. FINLAYSON, W. BOWRICK, LUFF, F. ROBINSON, J. COZENS, P. HOTCHINS, PAKEHA MC.1 ORIGINAL SEPIA PHOTOGRAPH BICYCLE RIDERS AND SUPPORTERS IN FRONT OF TREES. .2 BLACK AND WHITE PHOTOGRAPH - COPYCLUNES BICYCLE CLUB ROAD RACE. 14 MILES. W. RICHARDS FIRST R. WHITFORD SECOND, W. THOMAS THIRD.photographs, clunes bicycle club, road race -
Vision Australia
Photograph - Image, Sir Hubert Opperman and Arthur Wilkins riding a tandem bicycle, 1975
Sir Hubert Opperman and Arthur Wilkins riding a tandem bicycle.B/W photograph of Arthur Wilkins and Sir Hubert Opperman on a tandem bikeTesting the first tandem bicycle for blind people with Sir Hubert Opperman in the driver's seat.association for the blind, arthur wilkins, hubert opperman -
Vision Australia
Vehicle - Object, Mitchell bicycle
In 1974, the Royal Blind Society established within it's manufacturing division a facility to build high quality tandems for blind and partially sighted members of its sports club. By the end of 1978, the manufacturing division expanded and a new series of high quality, hand built racing cycles were developed to suit the individuals needs of the cycling enthusiast. A demand in the bicycle hire industry prompted the development of a strong universal bicycle and the new 24" Mixti family cycle was born. By 1979 the Royal Blind Society was manufacturing both family bicycles and tandems for the bicycle hire industry in N.S.W., Victoria and the A.C.T. Both cycles received an enthusiastic reception, so much so, that in 1982 they were the first bicycle manufacturer to win an Australian Design Award. This Mitchell bicycle was donated by the Deacon family whose son Paul worked at Mitchell Manufacturing during this time.1 x mens bicycle frame and tyres painted white with gold letteringMitchell Plate attached to cross bar: This Mitchell Bike was assembled by Paul Deacon (1965) Enfield Blind Society NSWroyal blind society of new south wales, mitchell manufacturing -
Wodonga & District Historical Society Inc
Functional object - Bicycle Tool and Repair Kit, c1935
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 -
Rutherglen Historical Society
Bicycle, c1930
Bicycle was owned by Olive Joan Deas who rode it to school in Rutherglen in the 1930s from Graham Brothers.Small, rusty child's bicycle with leather seat and white painted rear mudguard.bicycles, school, graham, deas -
National Wool Museum
Knitting Needle
Vera Neale (1901 - 1990) used needles made from bicycle spokes and piano wire to achieve the fine knitted stitches for her garments.Knitting needles made from bicycle spokes and used by Vera Neale.knitting handicrafts, neale, mrs vera, knitting, handicrafts -
The 5th/6th Battalion Royal Victoria Regiment Historical Collection
Award - Trophy Cup, E.C.M.A - 1929 - Senior cadets Bicycle Race - 1 mile won by 58th Battalion - J.KENNEDY 1930 59BN
E.C.M.A - 1929 - Senior cadets Bicycle Race - 1 mile won by 58th Battalion - J.KENNEDY 1930 59BNTrophy cup which can detach from trophy plate. Has both handles intact and they are shaped like a sea horse. E.C.M.A - 1929 - Senior cadets Bicycle Race - 1 mile won by 58th Battalion - J.KENNEDY 1930 59BN5/6 rvr, 5/6 rvr bhq, 5/6 rvr p&d, e.c.m.a - 1929 - senior cadets bicycle race, 58th battalion, j.kennedy 1930 59bn -
National Wool Museum
Knitting Needle
Vera Neale (1901 - 1990) used needles made from bicycle spokes and piano wire to achieve the fine knitted stitches for her garments.Pair of knitting needles made from bicycle spokes, used by Vera Neale.knitting handicrafts, neale, mrs vera, knitting, handicrafts -
Tatura Irrigation & Wartime Camps Museum
Photograph, Mr TE Williams with bicycle
Mr T E Willilams in jumper and white shorts standing behind his racing bicycleSepia photo of Mr TE Williams with his bicycle. In black plastic frame with glass and L1066Presented to Mr T E Williams. Fastest time 10 Mile Road Race, Kyabram. 31st Sept 1927bicycle, tatura, williams -
Whitehorse Historical Society Inc.
Photograph, Arthur & Janet HOOKE
Arthur & Janet Hooke deeded their property Wandinong' in Canterbury Road to the Nunawading Council in 1973. In 2008 two of their grandchildren presented Janet's bicycle to the Whitehorse Historical Society.Black & White photo of Arthur & Janet Hooke with their bicycles in 1968 at Noosa, Queenslandhooke arthur, hooke janet, wandinong sanctuary -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Functional object - Portable cycle carbide lamp, Powell & Hanmer, Birmingham, c 1920
This is a removable bicycle lantern probably dating from the first half of the 20th Century. It is a carbide lamp which was a popular form of lighting, particularly in rural areas. This item has no known local provenance but is retained as it is a good example of an early bicycle lamp.This is a brass and steel bicycle lamp. It has a circular glass front, a mechanism for attaching the lamp to the bicycle, a lighting adjustable wick and two glass panels on the side, one green and one red. There is a label with the manufacturer's name on the side. POWELL & HANMER "KINGFISHER" MAKERS, BIRMINGHAMvintage lighting, powell and hanmer -
Sunbury & District Heritage Association Inc
Photograph, Bicycle education
The children were students at Bulla Primary School and were participating in a bicycle education activity.A non-digital coloured photograph of a group of children standing in an asphalted area while holding their bicycles and listening to an adult.bulla primary school, bicycle education -
Vision Australia
Photograph - Image, Sir Hubert Opperman and Malvern Star bicycle, 1960's
Four photographs of Sir Hubert Opperman and a Malvern Star Moulton bicycle. Bruce Small took over Malvern Star bicycles in 1920 and hired a young Hubert Opperman, meeting him after 'Oppy' won a race and the prize of a Malvern Star bike. The pair became life long friends and after Bruce joined the Association for the Blind as a board member and President, he encouraged his friend to join as well. These photographs were most likely taken for Sir Hubert joining the board. Possible location for photos is near the Princess Bridge.B/W photographs of Sir Hubert Opperman with Malvern Star Moulton bicycleassociation for the blind, hubert opperman -
Numurkah & District Historical Society
Men's Bicycle
Bike was used by Percy Blackham on a daily basis until he was unable to ride MEN’S BICYCLE – circa: 1920’s The bike was used by Percy Blackham, on a daily basis until he was unable to ride any longer. This bike was made by Malvern Star, an Australian company, established in 1902. 1920's Men's Bicycle with bike clips, light and generatorbike, bicycle, transport, percy blackham -
Ringwood and District Historical Society
Photograph, Mathieson family photographs and history - Ringwood circa 1950's & 1960's
Black and white photographBicycle race in Ringwood -
Royal District Nursing Service (now known as Bolton Clarke)
Photograph - Photograph, black and white, 1907
This photograph was taken four years after bicycles were purchased by the Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) and is a record of the first mode of transport used by their Trained nurses, and a record of the change of head ware needed now bicycles were in use. The uniforms were grey with white collar, belt and cuffs and a red Maltese cross was in the centre of the pith helmet. Prior to the use of bicycles the trained nurses walked to their patients and had become exhausted, particularly in summer. The bicycles were a solution to this problem, and now they could visit more patients and the Society's areas (districts) could be extended. 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), the first such Society in Australia, was founded with one Trained nurse, called 'Nurse' in those days, and a second employed six months later. 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, 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, 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. 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. The Nurses 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. 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. Black and white photo of a group of ten (one partially hidden at rear) Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) trained nurses, with each standing with their bicycles in front of a spiked metal fence.The Nurses are wearing their MDNS uniform long grey frocks with white collar, cuffs and belt and white pith helmets with a central Maltese cross. Nursing bags are strapped to five of the bicycles. A large pedestal urn is seen to the left behind the fence between the 3rd and 4th nurse. Bushes and trees are seen in the background. melbourne district nursing society, mdns, nurses, uniforms, mdns transport, mdns equipment, rdns, royal district nursing service -
Melton City Libraries
Photograph, Oppy's bicycle, 1994
Born in 1904, Opperman attended Melton School 430 1913/14. Achieved fame in bicycle racing, later was a well known Member of Parliament, held ministerial positions both in Australia and overseas. On October 27th he launched Melton’s History – Plains of Promise 1985 The famous bicycle was left at its permanent “home” at the rooms of the Rochester Historical Society formerly Rochester Railway Station 1994.local identities, local significant events -
Ringwood and District Historical Society
Photograph, Mathieson family photographs and history - Ringwood circa 1950's & 1960's
Colour photographView of front of Bicycle store -
Ringwood and District Historical Society
Photograph, Mathieson family photographs and history - Ringwood circa 1950's & 1960's
Colour photographView of front of Bicycle store -
Ringwood and District Historical Society
Photograph, Mathieson family photographs and history - Ringwood circa 1950's & 1960's
Black and white photographView of front of Bicycle store -
Ringwood and District Historical Society
Photograph, Mathieson family photographs and history - Ringwood circa 1950's & 1960's
Black and white photographView of front of Bicycle store -
Royal District Nursing Service (now known as Bolton Clarke)
Photograph - Photograph, sepia, 1916
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 -
Glenelg Shire Council Cultural Collection
Administrative record - Hire Purchase Agreement, c. 1939
From Aussie Velos: Alfred George Healing was born in 1868 in the suburb of Richmond, Melbourne (VIC). Starting in the cycle industry as a cycle builder and repairer in 1898, he obtained the Victorian agency for the English “Haddon” bicycle located on Bridge Road, Richmond. With many years behind him in the bicycle industry in 1907 he opened a small shop from borrowing £50 from his sister and began operating as A.G Healing. Importing bicycle parts Healing was quickly gaining a reputation for his quality and service among the cycling community, with steady business growth, Healing stumbled across an error that had been made in a recent order which resulted in twice the number of bicycle parts received. With no finances to pay for them, Healing decided to cycle around Victoria selling these parts to make the money he needed to fix up the order. As Healing travelled across Victoria he found that there was such a large market place for cycling gear that the order was soon fixed. It became apparent that Healing needed to open cycle shops in various locations. By 1912 Healing decided to open up his own proprietary company in Niagara Lane, Melbourne (VIC), the company was surging with enthusiastic cyclists and commuters and other branches began to spread all over state of Victoria. In 1921 Healing’s son Keith joined the firm and became an apprentice bicycle maker and Healing cycles grew more popular and at peak production 25,000 bicycles were made per year. Shops under the name of Healing were now operating across Australia. The business was now transferred to another location of Melbourne House, Post-office place (MELB). In 1926 Duncan and Co. wholesale and retail distributors of automotive parts was absorbed and was occupied in a larger building in Franklin Street (MELB) to maintain the warehouse operations. A.G Healing was now a public company. By 1933 the firm also began to specialize in importing radios and later began to make their own. One of the many Champions who rode on a Healing cycle was W.K “Bill” Moritz. His achievements included winning all major events in Australia and New Zealand during the years of 1936-37 path racing season. In 1936 Healing released a lightweight cycle that would rule in their supreme line-up, built from the lightest possible materials, the frame and forks were chrome plated, stripped for racing weighed exactly 16 1/2 lbs. It was fitted with special “Osgear” three-speed gear and built specially built for D. Byrant. By 1937, Healing cycles were being ridden by many, at the exhibition board track Jack Molloy won the Victorian ten-mile amateur championship, Bill Moritz captured the five mile professional, and Tassle Johnson the five-mile amateur scratch race. These wins brought up the total championships won in one week by Healing cycles to six.A hire agreement (hire purchase) between H.L. Vivian and R&G Finances Pty Ltd, for a Healing 'A' bicycle, with Eadie Coaster Hub brake. -
Ringwood and District Historical Society
Photograph, Mathieson family photographs and history - Ringwood circa 1950's & 1960's
Colour photographStanley Mathieson outside Bicycle store -
Royal District Nursing Service (now known as Bolton Clarke)
Photograph - Photograph, black and white, c.1905
This photograph shows Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) Trained Nurses (known as 'Nurse' in those days) attending to a family in the early 1900s. It also shows their uniform which had a red Maltese cross in the centre of the pith helmet. The bicycle seen is the first mode of transport purchased by MDNS in 1903. The Nurse's bag is seen strapped to the handles of the bicycle. 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), the first District Nursing Society in Australia, was founded and the decision was made to only employ fully qualified nurses who had trained in a Hospital. In those days they were known as 'Nurse'. One Trained nurse, was employed in March, and a second employed six months later. 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 and only attended patients seen by a Doctor. They provided high quality nursing care; educated their patients in the curing and prevention of disease; teaching the importance of cleanliness, ventilation 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 late 1893 taking midwifery bundles and providing clothes for the babe and mother 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. 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. The Nurses 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. The Nurses liaised with the person's Doctor. 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; and the Nurses supplied milk, beef tea and cooked soup when needed. 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. Black and white photograph of two Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) Trained nurses, 'Nurse', wearing their full length grey uniforms, with white collar, cuffs and belt, and white pith helmets with a Maltese cross applied. One Nurse is standing and holding her bicycle, while the other is kneeling and holding a small child. They are in the garden behind a horizontal weatherboard house. A man dressed in dark clothes is also kneeling beside the child. There is a child, dressed in white, in the doorway of the home, and a lady, dressed in a full length black dress and a white apron, is standing in front of the wooden fence in the garden. The bicycle has 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, mdns, mdns uniforms, mdns transport, rdns, royal district nursing service