Historical information

Notes by Jock Read who donated painting to the Society:

“Site of present-day Eltham Mall

The property was owned by a Mr David Harbison who was connected to one of the Melbourne daily newspapers who donated the property to the City Newsboys Society to be used as they required.

The property consisted of two building blocks with one four roomed house known as the Cottage. The Secretary of the City Newsboys Society decided to use the property as a Rest Home for mothers of newsboys who needed a rest and could not afford a holiday.

Miss Onians added another four roomed dwelling to the home which was known as the Bungalow.

Another three roomed residence was erected at the rear of the cottage for the use of the Caretaker.

The rear of the property was used as a camp area for the use of Troop of Boy Scouts known as the 13th Melbourne Troop which met at the Newsboys Society Hall in Little Collins Street.

Later the name of the troop was changed to City Newsboys Troop who held their Christmas camps at Eltham and Hurstbridge alternating years.

In 1930 the caretaker (Mr. Francis) became ill and resigned that position.

I had been a member of the scout troop and offered the position as Honorary Caretaker which I held for eight years.

The Homes were used regularly as such until the death of Miss Onians.

It was sold later and used as private homes until the Eltham Mall was built.”

Further research has determined that apparently, Harbison left £1,000 in his will for the City Newsboys Society and the Secretary, Miss Edith Onians built the rest home from these funds. It was opened on November 12, 1919.

Physical description

N.D.
16 x 36 cm
Oil on Masonite board
Unsigned

Inscriptions & markings

Inscribed on back "The David Harbison Rest Home
10 & 12 Arthur St. Eltham"