Whisky came in bottles bought at a hotel. The shape of the bottles changed as did the stopper used to seal it. Pre 1966 if this bottle was made in Australia.Historical: Change of bottles imperial v metric, shape, glass, stopper embossing, use. Aesthetic: Display showing embossing and shape.Clear glass bottle with oval shape used for whisky. Sides are straight tapering sharply to form a short neck and opening.Large embossing on the front and back sides at the top. There is a broken cork stuck in the opening. The glass has a bubble and an inside 'chip'.Embossed at top inside a banner on one side 'Imperial' and the other side 'Quart'bottle for spirits

Brown methylated spirits bottle with top and labelSparko Industrial. On label: 19 fl. oz. net. Packed by Sparko Speciality Sales and Service, 24 Percy Street, Heidelberg Westbottles, containers, cleaning liquids, lamps

Clear glass methylated spirits bottle with original cork inside and with label.Front - label Methylated spirits John Cook & Co Bairnsdale Bottom - F152bottle glass john-cook methylated-spirits

This type of recessed base was commonly pronounced on wine, champagne or spirits bottles. Possibly done for bottle strengthening and stability. The push-up recess used to be formed by physically pushing upwards in the centre of the base with a tool while the glass was still hot and pliable.Glass objects generally include a wide range of shapes and colours with bottles and jars used for alcohol. This bottle is an example of a specific type of base used in bottle manufacturing.Tall brown glass bottle with recessed base. This bottle has a "push-up" or "kick-up" base. bottle glass push-up-base kick-up-base punt

These products were delivered in bulk to Wodonga and then re-bottled by the local distributors. J. Mann and Sons was first established as a farm produce store in 1921. The range of products was extended in the 1930s and included groceries and hardware, as well as the first petrol bowser in Wodonga outside the store. After WWII, the premises were extended and the range of products continued to increase. In the 1960s the Mann Family opened a new supermarket in Wodonga, in addition to the hardware business, providing steel, plumbing and industrial supplies, and they employed over 100 people at one stage. With changes in the retail industry, the Mann Family sold the main hardware business to Bunnings and the produce business to the Kelly brothers in 2006.These items have local significance as they were supplied by prominent businesses in Wodonga.2 brown glass bottles with triangular base. They were used to sell kerosene and methylated spirits in the middle of the 20th centuries. They were generally bottled by the local distributor from a bulk container. Bottle 1 contained Mobil Kerosene although Petrol has been written on the label and underlined. It was sold by J. Mann & Son in Wodonga. Bottle 2 contained Methylated spirits and was bottled by J.B. and R Harvey of WodongaLABEL 1: " MOBIL/Home Kerosene/ for/ HEATING , LIGHTING, CLEANING/ INCUBATORS, REFRIGERATORS/ Coloured BLUE for safety/ PACKED NET FL. OZS / J. MANN & SON / HIgh Street, Wodonga/ Phone 19 or 61 LABEL 2: "CAUTION/Dangerous if Swallowed/Keep out of Reach of Children/if Swallowed Seek Medical Advice/ HIghly Inflammable/ REFINED/ METHYLATED SPIRITS / KEEP AWAY FROM/ OPEN FIRE/ Net Contents 20 Fl. Ozs./ Bottle by J. B. & R. HARVEY / GROCER/ WODONGA Embossed in Bottle 2: THIS BOTTLE REMAINS THE PROPERTY/ OF HUNTER PRODUCTS PTY. LTD./ FOOTSCRAY/ THIS BOTTLE/ MUST NOT BE / USED AS A/ FOOD CONTAINER.mann wodonga, fuel for domestic use, household fuel

Spirits came in bottles sold at licensed premises either locally or in larger cities visited during shopping expeditions. The shape of bottles varied and were re cycled remaining the property of the manufacturer who paid for their return.Historical: Change of bottles - shape, glass, embossing. Collected by bottle collectors. Aesthetic: Display showing embossing and the shape especially when in good condition.Clear glass bottle used for whisky. Straight sides 190 mm high then a sharp taper to the neck which bulges a little and is 100 mm high. It had a cork stopper. It is embossed on the base.Base: A.G.M. A 6bottle, spirits, whisky

This label is interesting but no record has been found of L.&C. Houlihan. J.&C. Houlihan had a cash store in Raglan Parade in the 1950'sThis label has no known local provenance but is retained pending further research.Buff coloured label with blue text and a decorative border. The label is adhered to a roughly cut piece of grey card.METHYLATED SPIRITS BOTTLED BY: L.& C.HOULIHANl&c houlihan, methylated spirits

These labels come from the Brewery of Hodgens & Co. who operated the Warrnambool Brewery west of the corner of Timor and Banyan Streets This brewery was established by Edmund Wheeler as the Western Brewery in 1866. Daniel Hodgens the principal of Hodgens & Co. owned the Warrnambool Brewery from sometime in the 1890s until 1909. (Hodgens died in 1907.) Daniel Hodgens also owned the National Hotel and the Pieter Both Hotel and leased the Union, Princess Royal, Prince of Wales and the Bayview hotels in the late 1890s.These labels are of considerable interest as they are artistically pleasing and are part of an important brewery business in Warrnambool in times past. .1 Oval grey and white label adhered to a piece of cream coloured card. It has a sketch of a lake and hills in the centre which resembles Tower Hill .This is surrounded by a wide border containing text. The label is discoloured .2,.3 Dark cream paper rectangular labels with black and white text. There are decorations of berries and leaves in one corner. The primary texts are contained in two long arcs and a black rectangle. Both labels are torn. .2 has a section missing. .4,.5 Rectangular labels with a curved top and extended side panels. It features,on a gold coloured background, the profile of Punch wearing a crown with a striped red and white stocking attachment. Punch has a long hooked red nose and is raising a flask towards his mouth. Above him in the curved top section are two diagonal red and dark green panels containing text. Underneath Punch are two rectangular wide, dark green and white panels containing text. The extended side panels are at right angles to the central section.There are two crosses on the top and bottom of .5 The section containing these and also a sections beside the side extensions have been removed from .4. .1EXTRA NOURISHING STOUT HODGENS & CO WARRNAMBOOL .2,.3 HODGENS & CO. WARRNAMBOOL BREWERY BRAVO ALE Refreshing, Invigorating and Contstiting (sic.) an Appetising Tonic while slightly Stimulating. Easy of Digestion HODGENS & CO PROPRIETORS WARRNAMBOOL .4,.5 A CERTAIN CURE FOR INDIGESTION HOT STUFF USED WITH BEER SPIRITS AND AERATED WATERS A DELICIOUS DRINK . Bottled for the Manufacturers by Hodgens & Co. at their Spirits Stores. . warrnambool brewery 1885-1909

Charles Morris had a wine and spirits business in Warrnambool with the known dates 1903 to 1908These labels are perhaps of some significance but we have little information on Charles Morris, an early 20th century shopkeeper . .1, .2,.3 Cream labels with red text surrounded by gold coloured vine leaves and a straight border. There are remnants of paper adhered to the backs. RASPBERRY VINEGAR BOTTLED BY C.W.MORRIS KEPLER STREET, WARRNAMBOOOLcharles morris store, warrnambool

This label comes from the wine and spirits store of Harry Lynch and dates from about the 1940s. A wine and spirits store was established in Fairy Street, Warrnambool (116-118 today) by Giffen Russell in 1878. The business was still known as Giffen Russell and Co in the 1930s when Harry Lynch took over and was later known as Lynch’s store. Harry Lynch died in 1953. After Kelvin Matthew Lynch became the proprietor the K.M. Lynch Food and Liquor store operated under that name until its closure in the second decade of the 21st century. This label is of minor significance and is retained as a memento of Lynch’s Wine and Spirit Store which operated in Fairy Street Warrnambool for over 80 years.A piece of white paper with red and black printing pasted on to a piece of card.Old Judge Pure Australian Wine Rich Port bottled by H.L. Lynchh.l.lynch,, wine & spirits store, history of warrnambool

This bottle came from the general store of Russell and Powell of Fairy Street Warrnambool. This store sold an extensive range of imported wines and spirits as well as tea, clothing materials and hardware. Samuel Giffen Russell, born in Belfast, Ireland, established his store in Warrnambool in 1878 and took Joseph Powell as a partner in 1881. The business premises in Fairy Street were built in 1882. Giffen Russell was Mayor of Warrnambool from 1898 to 1900. By the early 1900s the firm had a store in Bank Street, Port Fairy and was known as Giffen Russell and Company and the business continued under that name until the late 1940s, the proprietor at that time being Harry Lynch. The Lynch family carried on this business until the second decade of the 21st century. This stoneware bottle is of some importance as it is one of the few items we have that came from the long-established Warrnambool general store of S.Giffen Russell.This is a stone bottle in cream and brown tonings. It has a circular base and body with a short neck and a moulded top opening. There is a screw top. The inscription on the bottle is in black print.‘Russell & Powell Warrnambool and Port Fairy’ russell & powell, warrnambool, giffen russell & co., warrnambool

Brown glass, 3-sided methylated spirit bottle. Strong embossing on 2 sides. No cracking or chipping. Crown sealed, circa late 1940s. It was from an era when most common household poisons had their own unique shaped bottle so if the label was removed or illiterate people still knew what the contents were. Brown glass, 3-sided methylated spirit bottle. Strong embossing on 2 sides. Embossed: “Property of Renown and Pearlite Pty Ltd Burney Victoria” “This container must not be used as a food container” methylated spirits, bottles, agm, agm (australian glass manufacturers)

Whisky came in bottles sold at licensed premises either locally or in larger cities visited during shopping expeditions. The shape of bottles varied. Bottles were recycled remaining the property of the manufacturer who paid for their return. History of James Dickson Co. Pty. Ltd.Historical: Change of Bottles - shape, glass, embossing. Collected by bottle collectors. Aesthetic: Display showing embossing and shapeClear glass whisky bottle with heavy embossing on one side where the maker's name and details is printed in capital letters longitudinally. Heavily embossed zig zag pattern at the top of straight sides that go three quarters of the way up. The sides taper to the neck which has straight sides to the screw top opening. The tapered section is grooved with ridges of straight lines to a lip which is between it and the neck. Side (longitudinally): 'This Bottle is the Property of / James Dickson & Co. Pty Ltd / Established 1854 / Melbourne Aust. / And Cannot Be Legally Used By Others' Base: 'A' above 'F892' and 'M' beneath. Reading from the inside of the bottle on the base is 'E41' whisky, bottle, spirit, james dickson co. pty. ltd

Spirits came in bottles sold at licensed premises either locally or in larger cities visited during shopping expeditions. The shape and colour of the bottles varied. An 'Imperial Pint' was the standard measurement at the time. The opening of bottles was hand made prior to 1915. History of Mitchell & Co. Belfast Ltd.Historical: Change of bottles - shape, glass, embossing, manufacture Aesthetic: Display showing how made, embossing, shapeClear glass bottle with green tinge and heavy embossing. Used for Old Irish Whisky. The bottle has a longitudinal join on each side but the opening has been hand made without the joins. The bottle is an oval shape with long straight sides three quarters of the way up tapering to the neck which has a lip and then the opening. The base of the bottle is curved inwards.Front: top and curved around the bottle's shape: 'Old Irish Whisky'. Inside of which is a shield shape with a crown shape inside it. Either side of the shield horizontally 'Trade' (the shield) then 'Mark'. Same side off bottle at bottom are 2 lines in heavily embossed print also in capital letters 'Mitchell & Co / of Belfast Ltd.' Back: curved around the bottle's shape inside a 'ribbon' is "Imperial Pint"spirits, bottle, old irish whisky, mitchell & co. belfast ltd.

Spirits came in bottles sold at licensed premises either locally or in larger cities visited during shopping expeditions. The shape and the glass colour of bottles varied.Historical: Change of bottles - shape, glass, embossing Aesthetic: Display showing shape and seal Clear brown glass bottle with original metal screw top attached. Sides are straight three quarters of the way up from the bottom then tapers to the neck which finishes at the lip where the top seals the opening. Looking at the base the shape is oval on one side and an inverted oval on the other. Embossing on the base.Base: 'GB 114' or '68 114'. At one end of the base: '521'spirits, brown glass, metal screw top

Spirits came in bottles sold at licensed premises either locally or in larger cities visited during shopping expeditions. The shape, embossing and size of bottles varied. Small bottles of whisky or gin were used as a comforting drink for the sick. The embossed squares pattern was used on bottles containing medicine or poison.Historical: Change of bottles - shape, size, glass, embossing Aesthetic: Display showing embossing, shape and size.Small clear glass with mottled pattern and embossed with 4 rows of small squares around the bottom. On 1 side the glass is clear and shaped as a rectangle joined to a circle sitting on top of the rectangle. The opening is heavily embossed for a screw top. The sides are straight for three quarters of the way up then sharply taper to the neck before the lip and opening. Embossed on the base. The shape of the bottle is rectangular with curved ends. Common seal: 'A' followed by 'GB36' or '6836' followed by 'M'spirits, medicine, whisky, gin

Gin came in bottles sold at licensed premises either locally or in larger cities visited during shopping expeditions. The shape of bottles varied and were re cycled remaining the property of the manufacturer who paid for their return. Sealed with a cork. History of H & A Gilbeys Ltd.Historical: Change of bottles - shape, glass, embossing. Collected by bottle collectors. Aesthetic: Display showing embossing and shape.Clear glass bottle with a mottled pattern except on one side where there is a clear rectangle and above it the shape of an elongated heart. The other side is heavily embossed with manufacturer. The first 2 lines across the bottle printed in capital letters below which is the manufacturer written as a signature and Ltd underneath. The shape bulges from the base one third of the way up then tapers gently for the second third to a straight neck. The top third finishing at the lip before the opening. At the bottom there is a short taper to a smaller base. the opening is for a cork seal.Side: 'This Bottle Always / Remains The Property of / J & A Gilbey / Ltd.' Base: centre: '2'gin, spirits, bottle, h & a gilbeys ltd

Spirits came in bottles sold at licensed premises either locally or in larger cities visited during shopping expeditions. The shape of bottles varied and were re cycled remaining the property of the manufacturer who paid for their return. History of the Distillery Corporation.Historical: Change of bottles - shape, glass, embossing. collected by bottle collectors Aesthetic: Display showing variations of shape and embossingClear smooth glass bottle almost rectangular but with curved sides and corners. Long straight sides three quarters of the way up tapering to a short straight neck separated by a lip to the opening. Lightly embossed at the front towards the bottom. It has 4 lines of print in capital letters. The base is curved inwards and therefore rounded. Used for storing rum.Side: 'This Bottle / Is the Property / of the / Distillery Corporation (?)' Base: '122' and '0'rum, glass bottle, drink, distillery corporation, spirits

Spirits came in bottles sold at licensed premises either locally or in larger cities visited during a shopping expedition. The shape of bottles varied and were re cycled remaining the property of the manufacturer who paid for their return. History of Thomas Hardy & Sons Pty Ltd.Historical: Change of bottles - shape, glass, embossing. Collected by bottle collectors. Aesthetic: Display showing embossing and shape. Clear dark brown glass bottle used for storing whisky or rum. the base is oval shaped. The sides are straight three quarters of the way up then tapers quickly to the neck and then a lip near the opening. the fort & back sides have smooth rectangular shapes bordered by heavy embossing of grapes. On the sides heavy embossing of horizontal ripples. embossed front and back print at bottom and at base. Strip of metal around the bottle at the top of the neck (remainder of the seal).Base, front and back sides: 'This Bottle is the Property of / Thos Hardy & Sons Pty Ltd'glass bottle, whisky, rum, spirits, thomas hardy & sons pty. ltd

Many home remedies involve making do with household substances ordinarily on hand. One such common household product is methylated spirits (ethanol), generally used as a fuel, solvent or cleaner, but also used to treat minor injuries. A tall brown tapered three sided bottle with a paper label. There is a cork in the top. The bottle is heavily embossed.MY T FINE METHYLATED SPIRITS, dangerous if swallowed. Seek medical advice. 19 FL OZ Inside a wreath is a butterfly.bottle methylated-spirits

Lucknow Manufacturing Company was located at 103 Brunswick Road, Brunswick in the mid 1930s. In 1937, Lucknow Manufacturing Company was fined for selling methylated spirit which was adulterated (The Age, 19 August, p. 4.) In the early 1940's the company moved to a larger premises in Mount Alexander Road, Flemington, where this particular bottle was produced. Amber bottle with cork stop. White paper label printed in green and red.Poisonous - Not to be taken - MY-T-FINE Methylated Spirits Guaranteed full strength 65-68 O.P. Highly Inflammable Keep away from Fire Contents Approx. 10 ozs Lucknow Manufacturing Co. 96-100 Mt. Alexander Road, Flemington Phone: FF 2094lucknow manufacturing company, methylated spirits

Bendigo Central Bottle Club Newsletter - James Lerk Collection April/May??/ 1977. Article on ''Highlights on Breweries and Beer in Bendigo Area'' - spirits, sly grog and names of some of the early breweries in the area; article on Graytown with first para re history of the area; article on the life and work of George Duncan Guthrie - founder of the Bendigo Pottery (some details of contemporary situation of the Pottery); short article on the Ramage family and their business as tailors and mercers in Bendigo. One page has a copy of an advert which appeared in the 1862 Bendigo Mining Register -Mining Versus health offering Doctor consultation via mail for the price of one pound.

Pink sheet of paper with five labels gummed to it. They are for Vinegar, Petrol, Methylated Spirits, Turpentine and Phenyle. The labels are red on white paper. The top of the label has the trade mark which has a red B and two white S's in front of it and Prop Ltd. Underneath.It has trade on one side and mark on the other. It has some floral work and a bullet on the left and right. Under this is the name of the contents. Under the contents is Bottled by Bendigo Soldiers' Stores Prop. Ltd. Head Store - Corner. Myers & Mitchell Streets., Phone 950 and Branch - Corner. View & Rowan Streets. Phone 830. Stamped Sample by Cambridge Press, Hargreaves St. Phone 130 Bendigo. Number 104, Price per £2/2/6. Date 17/12/23.business, printers, cambridge press, cambridge press collection, bendigo soldier's stores, cambridge press

Ref: Yarra Ranges Regional Museum. M. Balfe Prim Prod Person Bottle 3.5cm (height) x 6cm (width) Bottle of Balfe Black and Colors for Straw Hats. BALFE BLACK AND COLORS FOR STRAW HATS NOTE - CAREFULLY READ DIRECTIONS ON THE SIDES OF THE BOTTLE. FOR ALL STRAW HATS USE ALL CHIP HATS DILUTE THE PREPARATION WITH US/OWN BULK OF METHYLATED SPIRITS OF WINE M. BALFE'S BLACK OR COLORS. Trademark Rectangular aqua tinted clear glass bottle with wide neck. Panels impressed on three sides, one with text embossed, monogram embossed on base.On side panel 'M. Balfe'. AGM monogram on base.dye, straw hats, balfe

JEREMAH CURTIS & BENJAMIN A. PERKINS: BITTERS & MEDICINE In 1848 Jeremah Curtis and Benjamin A. Perkins would become partners in a medical business. The business was located at No. 1 West End Kepduakong Bridge Banger, Maine. The business was called Curtis & Perkins Proprietors. By 1849 they started bottling Jeremah Curtis's mother-in-law, Mrs. Charlotte N. Winslow's syrup which she compounded from sulfate or morphia, sodium carbonate, spirits fueniculi and aqua ammonia. Mrs. Winslow was a physician and a nurse for children for about 30 years. This medicine was made for infants and was named Mrs. Winslow's Soothing Syrup. In time the name was changed to Anglo American Drug Company and was then run by J. Curtis and his son George N. Curtis.Round slender aqua tinted clear glass bottle with embossed text on sides and monogram on base.'MRS WINSLOW'S SOOTHING SYRUP' 'THE ANGLO AMERICAN DRUG CO.' 'SUCCESSORS TO CURTIS & PERKINS PROPRIETORS' The monogram seems to consist of 4 triangular marks in a grid pattern.winslows, syrup

This is the first photograph taken of Trained nurses, who worked with the Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) and has been kept in their Archives (now RDNS) since that time. The photograph, taken about 1892, records the uniforms worn by MDNS Nurses in that era, and records images of Nurse Kennedy, who commenced with the Society at the end of 1891, and worked in the Western District of the CBD until the end of 1893; and Lucy Smith who worked in the Eastern District of the CBD between April 1892 - June 1893 when she left to get married. Nurse Smith trained at the Nightingale Training School for Nurses at St. Thomas's Hospital in London, the first professional nursing school in the world and as such she was given the position of the first 'Head Nurse' at MDNS. Though Florence Nightingale never worked at St. Thomas’s she did form the curriculum for the nurses training and received regular reports regarding the probationers, as well as receiving the nurses in her home during the latter part of their training. According to Lucy's family she met Florence Nightingale. The photograph shows two of the three Trained nurses employed by MDNS at that time. All Nurses employed by MDNS from its inception in 1885 were trained and received their qualification in a Hospital, but in those times were called 'Nurse'. In Melbourne in 1885 it was recognized that skilled nursing was needed in the inner city to care for the sick poor in their own homes. On the 17th of February a meeting was held with prominent Melbourne citizens, five gentlemen and fourteen ladies. ‘Dr. Caffyn and Rev. Charles Strong explained the objects and scope of District nursing Societies that had been formed in other towns’ in UK. On that day the Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) was founded, the first District Nursing Society in Australia. Subsequent meetings were held to form a Committee and to draw up a Code of Rules of the Society. It was decided only nurses who had attended a Nurses Training School and were fully qualified would be employed by the Society, and that the Nurses would keep a daily journal of their work. After interviewing several candidates, the first Trained Nurse, Mrs. Ferguson, was employed with a salary of £100 per annum and commenced work on the 1st of May 1885. 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 was consulted before any person was seen. In rotation, a member of the Superintendence Sub-Committee supervised the Nurse’s visits and could assist to alleviate some of the poor social conditions they found. Though only Trained nurses were employed, the term ’Nurse’ was used in those days. Lady Janet Clarke, a philanthropist, was one of the first two Vice-presidents and President from 1888 until 1908 (except when overseas); she was a driving force in the Society. She held the first fund raiser for the Society at her home ‘Cliveden’ and went on to help organize many functions where she, along with Committee members, manned the stalls to raise funds. She also took her turn to accompany the Nurse, and was noted for her kindness and benevolence. Over the years the Committee, which was made up of 80% ladies, worked tirelessly for the Society; many Auxiliaries were formed. A second Trained nurse, Mrs. Joanna Cannon, was employed in late 1885, with a trial period of six months which was extended. She and Mrs Ferguson 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 the heaviness of the work. Nurse’s salaries were reduced to account for the cost of uniforms, and again in later years when establishments were rented by the Society and the nurses could now live in the Nurses Home. The two Nurses worked in the now CBD, ie from Spencer Street to Spring Street and from Victoria Parade to Flinders Street. At that time they walked the streets and lane ways amid the slums of inner Melbourne carrying their nursing bags 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. 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; and the Nurses supplied milk, beef tea and cooked soup when 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. In 1891 the first Nurses Home was rented for 1 year at £65 per annum at 66 Cardigan Street, Carlton; Nurses wages were now £60 per annum. A Doctor gave lectures from the Home to the public on the understanding and prevention of diseases. The Society decided to commence a Midwifery Service and Nurse Fowler, who had previously worked for the Society, was re-employed as their first trained Midwife. She began home births in August 1893 giving them Ante Natal care, taking midwifery bundles and providing clothes for the babe and mother as needed. Following birth, she gave Post-natal care to the mother and babe twice a day for three days and then daily for a week, and longer if required. She resigned after twelve months and Nurse Wilkie was appointed to the position. As well as walking, the nurses used Public transport in the limited areas it ran, though a taxi was used by the Nurses and Midwife in emergencies and at night. Late in 1891 the Society moved to larger rented premises at 49 Drummond Street and in 1902 moved to 188 Leicester Street, Carlton Sepia Photograph of two Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS), Trained nurses; on the left is Nurse Kennedy (sitting) and to the right Nurse Lucy Smith (standing). They are wearing the MDNS uniform of a long grey frock. Over this they are wearing a grey long sleeve jacket with self buttons down the centre. The jacket forms a V at the waist. Nurse Kennedy has a round visage with her central parted dark hair drawn back. She is wearing ear rings and holds the top of a closed umbrella in her left hand, the feral rests on the ground. She has a straw hat in her right hand. Nurse Smith has a long visage; is wearing ear rings and her central parted dark hair is drawn back. Her right arm is extended holding the back of the chair on which Nurse Kennedy sits. melbourne district nursing society, mdns, mdns uniforms, mdns first 'head nurse', rdns, royal district nursing service, trained nurse kennedy, trained nurse lucy smith

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

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

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