Historical information
Dr Michele Matthews has been a local and social historian for nearly three decades since she first used correspondence held by the then Bendigo City Council for her Honours thesis. She is an ardent advocate for the use of local history records to tell Victorian and Australian history from a grassroots perspective. Michele’s MA thesis, ‘A forgotten “Father” of Federation: Sir John Quick 1852‑1911’ (2003), and her PhD thesis, ‘Survivors, schemes, Samaritans and shareholders: the impact of the Great Depression on Bendigo and District 1925‑1935’ (2007), both drew heavily on Bendigo and district records.
Physical description
Michele Matthews Collection: PHD Research - Relief during the great depression
This item includes the following documents:
8672.79a This document is a handwritten letter dated 26 June 1934 from Mr. Jas Peterson of 165 Victoria Street, Bendigo, addressed to Mr. T. Tilner. In the margin, there is a note indicating that it is another example of a Good Samaritan, with Peterson writing on behalf of Walter Legg.
Peterson writes to recommend Mr. Walter Legg for a pair of boots being distributed to unemployed people. He explains that Legg lives at 117 Arnold Street, Bendigo, where he rents a room, and states that he has known him for approximately 38 years, dating back to their time working around the Bendigo mines.
The letter describes Legg as being unable to work because he is suffering from miners' phthisis (a lung disease associated with mining). Peterson emphasises that Legg is a hardworking and respectable man whose difficult circumstances are not the result of any fault of his own. He notes that Legg had recently applied for assistance but, after attending the local asylum, was told he had little chance of receiving support because of his poor health.
Peterson concludes by asking that, if possible, Mr. Tilner arrange for Legg to receive a pair of boots and send him a note at his address. The letter closes with a respectful signature from Peterson, reflecting a personal appeal on behalf of a long-time acquaintance in need.
