Historical information

This photograph is part of the “W.R. Angus Collection” that includes historical medical equipment, surgical instruments and material once belonging to Dr Edward Ryan and Dr Thomas Francis Ryan, (both of Nhill, Victoria) as well as Dr Angus’ own belongings. The Collection’s history spans the medical practices of the two Doctors Ryan, from 1885-1926 plus that of Dr Angus, up until 1969.

This sepia photograph is from circa 1950s and came in an envelope with a postage mark commemorating the Australian Jubilee of 1901 and a 2-penny stamp with King George VI. The photo includes Dr. Angus in the second row wearing glasses, his wife Mrs. Angus seated behind in the third row. John Lindsay, Committee Member WDBH, is possibly in the third row on the right. It is probably Sister June H. Stewart, Matron, wearing glasses is seated behind Mrs. Angus. Mr. J. Taylor was Hon. Treasurer. All these names are inscribed on the back of the photograph.

The envelope that the photo came is has a note “NURSES GRADUATION WARRNAMBOOL HOSPITAL ?1951/PHOTOGRAPH OF GRADS.
The 1951 Report of the Warrnambool and District Base Hospital cites McMillian as a Committee Member, Mr. Taylor as Honorary Treasurer and Dr. Angus was Medical Officer to Diseases of the Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat.

It is wondered if this building is the one used by the hospital and removed to 54 Banyan Street, Warrnambool for the use of Legacy?

Significance

The W.R. Angus Collection is significant for still being located at the site it is connected with, Doctor Angus being the last Port Medical Officer in Warrnambool.

The collection of medical instruments and other equipment is culturally significant, being an historical example of medicine from late 19th to mid-20th century. Dr Angus assisted Dr Tom Ryan, a pioneer in the use of X-rays and in ocular surgery.

Physical description

Sepia photograph of nurses and guests seated in rows at an official function.

Inscriptions & markings

MR McMILLAN/MR J NED TAYLOR/MRS J TAYLOR/ SISTER STEWART/ DR W R ANGUS/MRS ANGUS/Ralph Illidge WARRNAMBOOL on the back of the photograph.