Elwood Mechanics' Institute and Infant Welfare Centre

On January 25, 1916 at the fourth annual meeting of the Elwood and South St Kilda Progress Association, on the motion of the newly elected President, Mr J.M. Balfour, a committee, consisting of Captain Wills, Messrs. J. F. Allen, M. Cohen, Russel, Brown, Allitt, and the president and secretary (ex officio) were appointed to consider the desirability of building a public hall at Elwood. (1). 

The editor of the Prahran Chronicle, thought the idea an excellent one -
The proposal contains all the more merit because of the fact that the idea is that Elwood people should own and manage their own public hall. Every community, large or small, is entitled to its own meeting place, and it is the duty of the Elwood Association, as one of the principal guardians of the interests of the residents, to bring the proposal to a satisfactory conclusion. The President mentioned that it might be possible to have a building on the lines of a Mechanics' Institute, and thus secure financial assistance from the Government. To such assistance Elwood would be fairly entitled. Then, again, as time goes on branches of the various friendly societies will be established in Elwood. An Elwood branch of the A.N.A., an Elwood Masonic Lodge, and likewise branches of the. I.O.O.F., M.U.I.O.O.F., Druids, and organisations of a kindred character are all possibilities of the near future, they are essential sources of income in the way of rents and in this connection Mr Balfour and his co-workers will no doubt give some consideration when planning out the scheme for the proposed building. It would be advisable to look a little ahead. In itself the principle that Elwood people should own their own public hall is an excellent one. (2)

The Committee recognised there was little prospect of building a hall during the present stress (3), however they sought the support of the St Kilda Council to approach the Government with a request that they reserve an allotment of land at Glenhuntly road, Elwood, for the purpose of erecting a Mechanics' Institute at an early date, adjoining or in proximity to those allotments already ear-marked for the building of the proposed post office (4), fire brigade and police stations (5).  The Council was supportive and in July 1916 a deputation from the Council and the Hall Committee met with the Minister for Lands, Mr Hutchinson, and he promised to set aside and on the corner of The Broadway and Glen Huntley Road for a public hall and library (6).

Elwood c. 1925. 

Intersection of Glen Huntley Road (runs from top to bottom of the photo) and The Broadway (comes from the left of the photo) and Ormond Road (comes from top right of photo on the diagonal). 

The building on the bottom corner of the vacant land is the Elwood Post Office, erected in 1925 (see footnote 4). It faces Glen Huntley Road. The blocks reserved for the Police Station and Public Hall are to the left of the Post Office in The Broadway. The building with the tower/spire is the now demolished Maison De Luxe dance hall. 

Image: Detail of Elwood area on Port Phillip Bay, c. 1925. Photographer Charles Daniel Pratt, Airspy. 

State Library of Victoria Image http://handle.slv.vic.gov.au/10381/20531 

No doubt due to the War, things moved slowly and in July 1924 it was reported that the St Kilda Council has decided that the Lands Department be asked to forthwith permanently reserve such allotments, and in the case of the site for the public hall to appoint trustees (7). It wasn't until September 24, 1924 that the land, Allotment 17, Section 5, City of St Kilda,  was officially reserved from sale. The allotment closer to Glen Huntly Road, Allotment 16 was reserved for the Police Station, which was built in 1952. (8)

Site reserved for Elwood Police Station and Public Hall

Victoria Government Gazette, October 1, 1924, pp. 3110-3111 

https://gazette.slv.vic.gov.au/images/1924/V/general/169.pdf

Two years later in June 1926, The Age could report that -
A proposal will be submitted by Elwood Progress Association for consideration at a meeting of residents next month for the establishment of a local mechanics' institute, to include a public hall, reading room, library and billiard room. The association hopes that residents will co-operate towards this end. The money to finance the scheme will be raised by means of debentures. It is expected that the institute will become a payable proposition, and that the income received will soon liquidate the initial expenditure. (9).

Nine years later, in 1935, there was still no progress on the matter, in fact the site was so overrun with weeds that it was an eyesore (10). That year the Elwood and St. Kilda Progress Association had approached the Carnegie Trust for the funding of  a Library. The Carnegie Trust was established by Scottish born American, Andrew Carnegie (1835-1919) who led and benefitted from the expansion of the American steel industry. He sold his company, Carnegie Steel, to J.P. Morgan in 1901 for 480 million dollars and then devoted his life to philanthropic activities including Libraries and managed to give away 350 million dollars in his life time (11).

However, the Carnegie Trust was not prepared to subsidise the proposed Elwood Library, as The Age noted -  At a meeting of Elwood and St. Kilda Progress Association, Mr. W. Bleaszby reported that practical assistance from the Carnegie Trust in establishing a public library at Elwood could not be expected. He had ascertained that the trust was not prepared to subsidise a library at which only a care-taker would be in charge.  It would, however, make the services of a qualified person available to assist in the conduct of an established library. The chairman (Major Kean) said that when a representative of the trust had last visited Australia he had been reported to have said that this country was the most backward in availing itself of the opportunities offered by the conditions of the trust for the establishment of libraries (12).  

There was some local frustration about the pace of the project, as well as at a State Government level as in May 1936 the -

St. Kilda council last night received a reminder from the Secretary for Lands that a block of land in The Broadway, Elwood, reserved in 1924 as a site for a public hall, had not been developed. The Minister of Lands was now considering the revocation of the resolution, with a view to putting the land to some use. Cr. Robinson said he intended to convene a meeting of ratepayers to discuss an issue of debentures to build a hall. The Minister should be asked to stay his hand until that meeting could be held. Cr. Morley said the Dunstan Government seemed to be possessed with earth hunger. It was remarkable that it should suddenly concern itself about a 60 foot block of land at Elwood. A motion that the Minister for Lands on asked to defer action in the meantime was carried. (13) 

This missive from the State Government, as well as the fact that the Boys' Scouts Association had asked for permission to erect their own hall on the land, created some action. Thus on June 10 1936 a meeting was called to discuss the erection of the Mechanics' Institute attended by the trustees of the land Councillors Robinson, Burnett Gray and Morley of the St. Kilda Council; Mr Michaelis M.L.A.; and representatives of the St Kilda and Elwood Progress Association and the Boy Scout movement in the district (14).  The meeting resolved to request the St Kilda Council engineer to prepare plans for the Hall, to cost £2500. At the meeting Cr. Burnett Gray, in moving that the request be granted, said the land had a frontage of 60 feet to the Broadway and a depth of 200 feet. He estimated its value at about £1800. The provision of a public hall and library would be of great benefit to the district. Portion of the land could be used later for the erection of a baby health centre. Cr Robinson said that councillors had frequently expressed regret that St. Kilda did not have a public library. It was desired by the progress association that the building should be of a good type, in accordance with the high standards of premises in the neighborhood. (15). 

The money for the hall needed to be raised and one avenue was Unemployment Relief Funds and in August 1936, both the hall and Infant Welfare Centre were listed as part of the Councils proposed works using these funds, but seemingly nothing came of  this (16). 

A year later, in May 1937, the St Kilda Council offered to contribute £1,250 to the cost of erecting a public hall on a site reserved for the purpose in Broadway, Elwood, on condition that citizens should provide £1,250 more. (17). This decision was not made without some debate about the need to spend money in Elwood - 

Cr. Robinson said it would be to the advantage of St. Kilda if a reading centre was established. The upkeep of the hall would be defrayed by rentals. The Mayor [Cr Levy]: I am strongly in favor of a library in the civic centre. It is not needed at Elwood. Cr. Dawkins said it was preposterous impudence for a deputation to ask the council to foot the bill for a hall at Elwood. It was not until recently that there had been any local effort to do anything with the site. He favored a central library. (18).

The Elwood Library debate even made it to the letters page of The Age on November 8, 1937, when the following two letters were published  - 

Library Conscience.

Kindly permit me space in your valuable columns to refer to your able leader and the commentary thereon by our respected chief librarian (Mr. E.R Pitt), so far as St. Kilda is concerned as follows:— (a) St. Kilda city council was first instrumental in obtaining grant of a valuable site in Broadway, Elwood, for a public, hall and library, adjoining Elwood P.O. (b) The council then made a special grant of £1250 to assist same, (c) Site for carnivals on the foreshore to assist this cause granted, also patronage for all functions. (d) The mayor, mayoress, councillors, their wives, innumerable other ladies, and well-known citizens helping voluntarily, most generously and energetically with all entertainments, and expert advice on all beach events and masters generally, to bring into being as speedily as possible this very vital element of practical utility, pro bono publico. South St Kilda, now officially Elwood, is admittedly a very large, important, valuable and prosperous area of St. Kilda city, and all are doing their utmost here to have the hall and library an accomplished fact. 

— ADVANCE CULTURE (Elwood).

While the library correspondence is proceeding the impression has arisen in some quarters that the St. Kilda city council and the residents of St. Kilda and Elwood are not awake to the value of library accommodation. May I through your columns correct this impression? The citizens of Elwood have acquired a site near Elwood post office, valued at £1700, upon which to erect a public hall, library and cultural centre. St. Kilda city council has made a grant of £1250 towards the building. An active committee has been formed, the first £100 is within sight, and many functions are being organised to augment the funds, to enable a first class cultural hall and library to be established, so that this progressive district shall be among the foremost where intellectual development is paramount, — 

W. T. JONES, Org. Secretary, Elwood Hall and Free Library Fund. (19).

Some of the functions organised by the community to raise money for what was now often called the  Elwood Culture Hall, included a a gala variety night at the Broadway Theatre in Elwood; carnival dance at the Maison de Luxe dance hall in Elwood in November 1937; a Beach Carnival with  a scooter derby held over Easter in 1938 and the Elwood Horse Club's Gymkhana in November 1938. (20).

Even though the Elwood Mechanics' Institute was still in the planning stage, there was a potential supply of books for the Library. In November 1937,  it was reported that 

the St Kilda council appointed a committee to inquire into and report on the question as to whether a municipal library should be established.....Many years ago St. Kilda possessed a municipal library which was allowed to lapse. The books which formed it, how ever, were retained, and have for a long time been stored at the town hall. It has been suggested that if it is decided to re-establish the library these volumes, or such of them as are worth retaining, could be restored to the shelves. If the committee of the council referred to reports adversely to the proposal it is felt the books could appropriately be made the nucleus of a library at Elwood. (21).

A hall and library was not the only community facility needed in Elwood. In  August 1940, an Infant Welfare Centre was established in St Bede's Church Hall in Elwood (22). This proved to be most inadequate and there was community agitation to have a new Infant Welfare Centre in conjunction with a public hall. 

Mrs K. A. Wills, of Elwood, wrote to The Argus in April 1944 - 

May I direct the attention of all concerned to the dire need of a public hall in Elwood. Though a suitable site is already provided, the women have no place in which to meet. The Baby Health Centre, at which 79 babies are enrolled, is located - most inadequately and uncomfortably - in two small rooms at St Bede's Church, thus depriving the ladies' guild and the Sunday school of badly needed accommodation. The scholars of the central and other schools have to go to the Melbourne Public Library for information to help them in their studies. A united and determined effort to build a community centre would have the wholehearted support of all. 

(Mrs) K. A. WILLS (Elwood). (23)

She wrote to The Argus on the same topic two years later in August 1946 -

Sir: Although the needs of babies and their mothers are increasing, the so-called baby health centre at Elwood is still the cold, fireless, ill-equipped, and cramped room it was, and the trials of mothers and nurses must have been very severe during the recent winter months. The municipal elections will be held soon, and one question that should be asked of candidates is: "Will you do all in your power to ensure that a baby health centre is provided at Elwood commensurate with the importance and needs of the district?" No consideration should be given to any candidate who does not give a decisive affirmative answer in reply. And what about that public hall, that is still non-existent? And why not a public hospital at Elwood to relieve congestion in the city hospitals? 

(Mrs) K. A. WILLS. Hon Secretary St Kilda-Elwood Branch AWNL. (24)

Mrs K.A. Wills, was I believe Kathleen Adelia Wills, a teacher. The Electoral Rolls show her at various addresses in the area - 40 St Kilda Street, 483 St Kilda Street, Elwood and Hartpury Mansions, 9 Milton Street, Elwood. She died in June 1955, aged 59.  The AWNL was the Australian Women's National League, a conservative group whose objective, amongst other things, was to educate women in politics and safeguard the interests of the home, women and children. (25).

Mrs Wills happily wrote to The Argus again in March 1947, with good news - 

Sir: The gratitude of every woman and child in Elwood will be extended to the St Kilda Council

when the baby health centre and the public hall, the building of which was approved at the last

council meeting, become visible facts. The council can be assured of the wholehearted co-operation

and support of the whole community.

(Mrs) K. A. WILLS (Hon Sec, Elwood-St Kilda branch AWNL). (26).

In the end, the Infant Welfare Centre, named after Cr Burnett Gray (27) was erected on the land set aside for the Public Hall (28) and it was opened on August 22, 1950, as The Argus reported - 

Many mothers with their babies yesterday crowded the new Burnett Gray Infant Welfare Centre, Elwood, for the official opening by Cr. F. W. Binns, Mayor of St. Kilda. The most excited visitor, however, was Sister Margaret Dobbin, who will take charge of the centre today. This attractive centre, which cost £3,300 to build is a triumph for the St. Kilda Council. It replaces the temporary centre at St. Bede's Church of England. Visitors were particularly interested in the sound-absorbing roof treatment, which reduces noise to a minimum. There is also a treatment between the ceiling and roof, which will help to stabilise the temperature of the building. Walls are the softest pastel green and colourful chintz curtains frame the windows. (29).

Opening of Burnett Gray Infant Welfare Centre, August 22 1950.

Image courtesy Port Phillip City Collection SK0947(2)

Those on the platform - Mayor Frank W. Binns, Mayoress Miss V. Buntine, Mr Burnett Gray, Mrs Burnett Gray, Dr Elizabeth Wilmot (Assistant Director Maternal Infant & PreSchool Welfare), Dr Norma Kelso (Infant Welfare Division), Dr S. Allen (Medical Officer of Health), Sister Dobbin, Mr W. H. Greaves (Town Clerk) (30)

Opening of Burnett Gray Infant Welfare Centre, August 22 1950.

Image courtesy Port Phillip City Collection SK0947(1)

Opening of Burnett Gray Infant Welfare Centre, August 22 1950. The empty block to the right is where the Elwood Police Station was built in 1952 (see footnote 8)

Image courtesy Port Phillip City Collection SK0947(10)

This photo below, was also published in The Argus. It would be interesting to know how Mrs K. A. Wills and all the other women from Elwood who had fought for a decent Infant Welfare Centre, felt about the headline - It was all his idea. 

Original caption - Mr. Burnett Gray former Mayor of St. Kilda, was present when the Burnett Gray Welfare Centre, named in his honour, was opened at The Broadway, Elwood, yesterday. He is seen weighing the first baby to be admitted to the centre - seven-months-old Deborah Mahoney.

The Argus, August 23, 1950 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article22908461

The new Infant Welfare Centre was a great outcome for the Elwood community but 107 years after it was first proposed to build a Mechanics' Institute; or a Public Hall and Library or the Elwood Culture Hall, whatever name you choose to use, it has still not been built, even though as the Prahran Chronicle opined in 1916  in itself the principle that Elwood people should own their own public hall is an excellent one. They also wrote -  It would be advisable to look a little ahead - I wonder if they could have looked ahead and saw the future, how amazed they would have been that the Elwood people never had their own Hall.

Acknowledgment - Thank you to Anne, from the Emerald Hill Library and Research Centre, for supplying the copies of photos from the Port Phillip City Collection.

Trove list - I have created  a list of articles on the long hoped for  Elwood Mechanics' Institute, access it here.

Footnotes

(1) Malvern Standard, January 29 1916, see here.

(2) Prahran Chronicle, January 29, 1916, see here.

(3) Malvern Standard, June 3, 1916, see here.

(4) Elwood Post Office - I have written about it here  https://victoriaspast.blogspot.com/2021/12/identical-post-offices-pakenham-east.html

(5) Prahran Chronicle, June 24, 1916, see here.

(6) The Argus, July 6, 1916, see here.

(7) Prahran Telegraph, July 11 1924, see here.

(8) Elwood Police Station - Public Works Department tender advertised in The Argus, December 15, 1950, see here; In March 1952, the builder George Hurse, advertised for brick-layers for the project - 

The Age, March 8, 1952 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/206199403

(9) The Age, June 15, 1926, see here.

(10) The Age, May 25, 1935, see here.

(11) Andrew Carnegie - https://www.americanheritage.com/deal-century; https://www.britannica.com/biography/Andrew-Carnegie

(12) The Age, May 25, 1935, see here.

(13) The Age, May 26, 1936, see here.

(14) The Argus, June 10, 1936, see here.

(15) The Age, June 24, 1936, see  here.

(16) The Age, August 4, 1936, see here.

(17) The Argus, May 25, 1937, see here.

(18) The Age, May 25, 1937, see here.

(19) The Age, November 8, 1937, see here.

(20) See various reports in my Trove list, here. 

(21) The Age, November 10 1937, see here.

(22) The Age, August 27, 1940, see here.

(23) The Argus, April 5, 1944, see here.

(24) The Argus, August 10, 1946, see here.

(25) Mrs K.A. Wills - Electoral Rolls on Ancestry; death notice The Argus, June 13, 1955, see below. The only thing I don't understand is that she use Mrs as a title, but she seemed to be unmarried; in spite of this discrepancy, I still believe K.A.Wills, is Kathleen. Her parents in the Victorian Births, Deaths and Marriages are listed as John Wills and Catherine Adelia Baker. Kathleen is buried in the St Kilda Cemetery.

Australian Women's National League - more information   https://www.womenaustralia.info/biogs/AWE0269b.htm 

The Argus, June 13, 1955, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article71887886

(26) The Argus, March 11, 1947, see here.

(27) Alfred Charles Burnett Gray was born in Geraldton, W.A, on August 21, 1884; he married Queenie Hilary Margaret Smith in 1908 in Victoria. Burnett enlisted in the 22nd Battalion, 19th Reinforcements in October 1915 and returned home at the end of 1919; he was a Sergeant. Burnett was a City of St Kilda Councillor from 1914-1915, when he resigned to joint the AIF., and then from 1920 until 1948. When he was elected Mayor in 1922, he was the first returned soldier to become a Mayor in Victoria. He was a member of the Legislative Assembly for the seat of St Kilda from 1927 until 1932. He died on May 27, 1968 age 83 and he was cremated and is interred at Springvale Botanical Cemetery. Queenie died in 1974, aged 86.(Sources: Indexes to Victorian and Western Australian Births, Deaths and Marriages,; WW1 Enlistment papers at the National Archives of Australia and https://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/about/people-in-parliament/re-member/details/24/1247 )

(28) On LASSI, https://maps.land.vic.gov.au/lassi/  you can see the location of the Burnett Gray Infant Welfare Centre is Allotment 17, Section 5, the same site as set aside for the Public Hall back in 1924.

(29) The Argus, August 23, 1950, see here.

(30) List of names from Port Phillip City Collection website  https://artheritagecollection.portphillip.vic.gov.au/

Identical Post Offices - Pakenham East and Elwood

In this post we will look at two identical Post Offices, both of which opened in 1925 - Pakenham East and Elwood.

Pakenham East Post Office, 1920s

State Library of Victoria Image H89.105/186

This was the fourth Post Office in Pakenham, or Pakenham East as it was then called. The Back to Pakenham souvenir booklet from 1951 tell us that the post office for Pakenham was originally at the railway station. It moved to the site of what is now Mr J. Lia's butcher's shop , then to the site occupied by the cafe next to the picture theatre, and thence to the present site (1). The building was in Main Street, where the existing (the fifth) Post Office is today. The original Pakenham township was on the Princes Highway near Bourke's Hotel on the Toomuc Creek and the Pakenham East township developed around the railway station which opened in October 1877. There was much confusion between the towns, as this article  from 1912, below, tells us.

Confusion between the Pakenham and Pakenham East Post Offices

The Argus July 17, 1912 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/10508789

Great confusion occurs in regard to the post offices here. The Pakenham Post-office is situated 1½ miles from the Pakenham railway station while the post-office at the railway end is called East Pakenham. Nearly the whole of the business people reside at East Pakenham. The shire buildings and public hall are also there. During one week over 600 letters addressed to Pakenham belonged to Pakenham East. The postmistress at the latter office has just been notified that £10 per annum is to be taken from her salary and given to the other office for the purpose of carrying the mail to and from the station (The Argus July 17, 1912)

It wasn't just the Post Offices which were rivals as in the early days there was keen rivalry between the 'old' and 'new' towns. Happily that feeling gradually faded away with the passing of the years, With the steady expansion of building along the Highway, Pakenham and Pakenham East are today to all intents and purposes the one town - geographically and in outlook (2). This was written in 1962 and the use of name of Pakenham East faded from the 1970s (3). The Post Office building was demolished in the 1990s (4). 

This photo from the 1980s shows the Post Office when it was called Pakenham, 

with the postcode 3810.

Image: Casey Cardinia Libraries.

The identical Post Office that was built at Pakenham East was, as we said, the fourth building there, but in Elwood, it was their first Post Office. The locals had been agitating for  a few years for a Post Office (5) and in 1923 land was purchased on the corner of Glenhuntly road and The Broadway, Elwood for the building (6). It is interesting that Elwood and Pakenham East both had the same Post Office because at the time Elwood had a much larger and growing population. In October 1923,  the Mayor of St Kilda, Cr Allen,  had spoken of the need for a Post Office in the area because  in nine years the population of Elwood had increased from 5,509 to 9,469, and the number of houses from 1,339 to 2,608....At present the nearest post-office to Elwood was more than a mile away, many residents had to pay porterage on their telegrams. It was estimated that at least 2,100 houses would be served by the proposed post-office (7).  Compare this to Pakenham East which had a population in 1921 of  324 people and Pakenham of 608. Even twelve years later in 1933, Pakenham East's population was 850 and the old town of Pakenham was 406, still many times less than Elwood's population (8).

The tenders for the  construction of the  Pakenham East and Elwood Post Offices were advertised in April 1925.

Tenders are invited for the erection of the Elwood and Pakenham East Post Offices. 

The Argus April 18, 1925 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/2081894

The Elwood Post Office

Image: The History of St Kilda from its first settlement to a City and after, 1840 - 1930, v. 2 (9).

The contract for the Pakenham East Post Office was awarded to the builders, Cant & Bennett of Footscray on May 6, 1925 and it was to be completed by  August 26, 1925. The cost was £2,330. The Elwood Post Office tender was awarded to W. Simmins of Auburn on April 27, 1925, the completion date was September 14, 1925 and cost was £1,835. 

Contracts accepted for a number of projects including the Pakenham East and Elwood Post Offices.

Click on this link https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/232530228 to see the original document on Trove.

Commonwealth of Australia Gazette, June 4, 1925

There were issues with place names for Pakenham and Pakenham East, as even in 1912 people were addressing letters to Pakenham which should have been addressed to Pakenham East. Pakenham East people seemed to be content with their Pakenham address; though the erection of the Post Office in Elwood had the opposite effect, and was the source of some consternation.

The Age reported in November 1925 that  Residents of South St. Kilda are at present up in arms against the proposal of the Post Office to include portion of their district, from the Elwood Canal to Dickens-street, in the new postal district of Elwood. To consider the matter a meeting of nearly a hundred indignant South St. Kilda residents, lasting nearly two hours, hotly debated the proposal at the Congregational Hall, Mitford-street, St. Kilda. Cr. Dawkins, in moving a motion of protest, said Elwood was a name associated with a swamp, and no one wanted to live near a place where a swamp formerly existed.  The application of the name to portion of South St. Kilda would cause the value of property there to deteriorate in value (10). In the end the locals were allowed to continue using their South St Kilda address, but the mail came from the new Elwood Post Office (11).  The area is now called Elwood. The Elwood Post Office building is still standing and is used as a cafe.

Elwood Post Office, c. 1920s.

State Library of Victoria Image H89.105/84

I have also written about another set of identical Post Offices - Berwick, Donald and Murtoa, see here.

Trove list
I have created a short list on Trove of articles relating to the construction of the Pakenham East and Elwood Post Office. Access the list, here.

Footnotes
(1) Back to Pakenham March 3-10, 1951 Souvenir Booklet. The booklet was compiled by W.J. Stephenson on behalf of the 'Back to Pakenham' Committee.
(2) From Bullock Tracks to Bitumen: a brief history of the Shire of Berwick, p. 76-77. This book was published in 1962 by the Historical Society of Berwick Shire.
(3) Use of the name Pakenham East, these two examples of advertising from N. N. Webster, Pakenham Real Estate Agents, who had an office on Main Street tell the story of the use of the name Pakenham East in the 1970s. Source: Newspapers by Ancestry.

The Age March 14, 1970.

The Age February 15, 1975

(4) The Post Office was still there in November 1985 as the aerial below was taken then.

Aerial of Pakenham, 1985. The Post Office is circled.

Image: Casey Cardinia Libraries.

However, by the nineties the corporatised Post Office was in the business of leasing back Post Offices rather than building a community facility. The advertisement from September 1997, below,  tells us that the Post Office was now in 'Pakenham Post Office Arcade' which is on the site of the 1925 building, so it had been demolished by then.

The Age September 20, 1997

Source: Newspapers by Ancestry.

(5) The Herald, October 2, 1923, see here.
(6) The Herald, October 11, 1923, see here.
(7) Prahran Telegraph, October 19, 1923, see here.
(8) Pakenham and Pakenham East population figures from the Victorian Places website https://www.victorianplaces.com.au/pakenham
(9) Cooper, John Butler The History of St Kilda from its first settlement to a City and after, 1840 - 1930, v. 2 (City of St Kilda, 1931), photo is opposite page 116. Thank you to my fellow historian, Isaac Hermann, for supplying me with the photograph. I was looking through this book and I saw this photo of the Elwood Post Office and immediately recognised it as the twin of Pakenham East.
(10) The Age November 18, 1925, see here.
(11) The Prahran Telegraph, December 11, 1925, see here.

A version of this post, which I wrote and researched, also appears on my work blog, Casey Cardinia Links to our past. 

Honour Board at the Elwood Presbyterian Church

The South St Kilda Presbyterian Church, on the corner of Tennyson and Scott Streets was dedicated on December 12, 1912.  The Church is now known as the Elwood Presbyterian Church. The Argus reported that the new church is to be known as Scots Church, South St. Kilda, and opened as a branch of the St. Kilda Presbyterian Church (1). The Reverend Alexander Yule (1876-1952) was inducted as the first Minister on June 26, 1913 and served at the Church until 1924, when he moved to the newly formed congregation at Balwyn (2).  Alexander Yule, born in Aberdeen in Scotland, came to Victoria when he was a year old; his father who was also called Alexander and also a Presbyterian Minister had been appointed to Erskine Presbyterian Church in Carlton. Alexander Yule, senior, was the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in 1891-92 (3).

The existing Elwood Church, which was built on the Tennyson Street side of the original weatherboard church, was designed by the firm of Scarborough, Robertson and Love. The foundation stone was laid on December 10, 1938 and it was dedicated on April 24, 1939 (4).  The original Church is now the Hall, which for several decades was used as the local kindergarten.

In the Sixth Annual Report (5) of the Church from October 1918, a Roll of Honour was included, listing 47 men from the Church who had served in the war.  On December 14, 1924 an Honour Board was unveiled by the Moderator-General of the Presbyterian Church, the Right Reverend J. Crookston (6).  The board contains 53 names. This post looks at these young men of Scots Church, South St Kilda [who] answered the call to Arms. 

The South St Kilda (Elwood) Presbyterian Church Honour Board, 

unveiled December 14, 1924.

Photo: Isaac Hermann.

I have included the Service Numbers (SN) of the men, so you can look up their files at the National Archives of Australia www.naa.gov.au.   The address of the men is how it was written on their enlistment papers; many have a St Kilda address but it would now be Elwood. Extra information comes from articles and personal notices in newspapers, accessed on Trove;  the Indexes to the Victorian Births, Deaths and Marriages and the Electoral Rolls on Ancestry.com.

Roll of Honour, printed in the South St Kilda Presbyterian Church, 

6th Annual report, October 1918.

(see footnote 5)

Anderson, David Findlay (SN 3455) David was 35 when he enlisted on July 7, 1915 at the age of 35. He was a Storeman.  He Returned to Australia  April 5, 1919. 

Anderson, William Fleming (SN 101)  William enlisted in Guilford, Western Australia on October 5, 1914. He was a 33 year old store assistant.  He was Killed in Action at Gallipoli on August 7, 1915.

David and William, both born in St Kilda, were the sons of Alexander and Catherine Anderson of 14 Scott Street, St Kilda. Alexander had died in 1912, so Catherine was listed as the next of kin. William's Roll of Honour circular said that he had attended Brighton Road State School, St Kilda and that he had also served with the 5th Victorian Mounted Rifles in the Boer War. David also served in the Boer War and they are both listed on the Brighton Road State School Boer War memorial, see here.

William Fleming Anderson. Killed In Action at Gallipoli

Australian War Memorial Image H05646

 

Bagley, John Latrobe (SN 39) Known as Jack, he enlisted at the age of 19 on August 18, 1914. He was a clerk. Sergeant Bagley Returned to Australia November 12, 1916 and was discharged for 'family reasons' in February 1917. 

Bagley, Leonard  (SN 41) Leonard enlisted on August 19, 1914. He was a 25 year old Librarian. Captain Bagley was invalided back to Australia in November 1915 due to 'heart strain' and discharged December 4, 1915. 

The boys were the sons of James Latrobe Bagley of Fairfield, 43 Tennyson Street, St Kilda. James died September 23, 1916 at the age of 60,  so I presume that was the 'family reason' for Jack's discharge. Their mother, Mary Louisa (nee Fuller) had died at the age of 37 in 1903 and they had one sister,  Violet. James was the son of the Reverend John Bagley. His entry in the Jubilee History of the Presbyterian Church of Victoria (7) reads From the Independent Church in Ireland. Settled in Richmond in 1864; at Portland in 1877. Resigned in 1891. Died in 1898.

Bertram, Frederick William (SN 2029)  Fred was a turner and fitter and enlisted at the age of 18 on July 9, 1915. He was the son of  William James Bertram and Harriet Hettie Perkin, of 11 Rothesay Avenue, South St Kilda. In September 1917 he suffered a severe gun shot wound to the face, neck and eye. He was discharged in May 1919. Fred died in 1965, aged 67. 

Biddle, Edward Rathbone (SN 3610) Twenty year old Edward enlisted on December 3, 1917 at the age of 20.  He was from Madresfield, 57 Byron Street,  South St Kilda and he was a clerk with the National Bank. Edward Returned to Australia December 18, 1918.  Next of kin was his father, Thomas. E. Biddle. After the war, Edward moved to Perth, and we know this because his brother, Robert, was married to Olive Moody at St Stephens Presbyterian Church, East St Kilda in June 1932 and their wedding was written up in Table Talk -  Mr Edward Biddle, of Perth, brother of the bridegroom was best man (8). The wedding was officiated by the Revered Alexander Yule.

Bownas, Leslie Anthony Foster (SN 8082) Leslie enlisted at the age of 27 on July 1, 1915. He was a traveller and his next of kin was his father, William, of  22 Mayfield Street, East St Kilda.   Lieutenant Bownas was awarded the Military Medal (London Gazette October 30, 1917) and Returned to Australia August 9, 1919.  He married Sarah Mabel Hyland on November 1, 1919 and died in New South Wales in 1956. 

Bramley,  Samuel Leslie John (SN 68). Leslie, as he was known, enlisted on February 21, 1916 at the age of 20. He was an electrical fitter. His father, Harry of 173 Ormond Road Elwood, was listed as his next of kin. Leslie was appointed as a Lieutenant in the Royal Flying Corp in March 1917 and sadly six months later was officially reported missing in  France on September 28 and later declared dead.  He was only 22. 

Report of Leslie Bramley's death

The Argus October 26, 1917  https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/1658519

Brown, John Anderson (SN 5048)  John was a 21 year old clerk when he enlisted on September 27, 1915. He was Killed in Action in Belgium two years later, September 20, 1917. Sergeant Brown was the son of Alexander and Martha Edith Brown of 5 Clarke Street, St Kilda. 

Report of John Brown's death.

Prahran Telegraph November 3, 1917 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/74840024

Brown, Leslie Herbert (SN 3528) I had two other men with the initials L. H. Brown, who I thought could be this soldier, until I came across Leslie's death notice notice, see below, which told us that he was the brother-in-law of John Parker, who is also on this list, then it all fell into place. Leslie enlisted on August 2, 1915 at the age of 24. His occupation was listed as a labourer, although on his Roll of Honour circular his occupation was Chief Steward. His next of kin was his brother, George Brown, of South Yarra. This was later changed to his wife, Elsie, whose address was Oreti, 55 Regent Street, Elsternwick.  Leslie, who was awarded the Military Medal (London Gazette January 5, 1917), was Killed in Action in France on August 19, 1918. His Roll of Honour circular also says that his step brother William Mills Cleaves was Killed in Action, July 31 1917. However William's circular says Leslie was his half brother. William was born to Louisa Cleaves (no father listed) in 1889. In 1891 Louisa gave birth to  Leslie (no father listed), so the boys were at least half brothers and not step brothers. William's death notice says that he was also known as W. Mills, and I feel that gives a clue to his father's name. Louisa married Thomas Brown in 1893 and Leslie adopted his surname, Thomas may likely to have been his father. Louisa died in 1907, aged 50.

Leslie Brown's death notice

The Argus August 31, 1918 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article1411795

Brown, Joseph  There are two possibilities - Joseph Brown (SN 874)  Joseph was 44 years old and a shopkeeper of 51 Glen Eira Road, East St Kilda when he enlisted on October 14, 1915. He was  a widower and his son, Duncan, was his next of kin. His religion was Presbyterian.  He Returned to Australia June 14, 1919. The other possibility is Joseph Brown ( SN 1059). This Joseph was 20 years old when he enlisted on July 8, 1915. He was in the boot trade and his next of kin was his brother, of 178 Hotham Street, Elsternwick. He Returned to Australia March 5, 1919. He was listed as Church of England, so I think the other Joseph is one on the Roll of Honour.

Campbell, William Barnsdale.  William was commissioned as an officer in the A.I.F on December 23, 1914 and rose to the rank of Captain. His was living in Ballarat when he enlisted, was married to Elsie,  29 years old and was a school teacher.  He was wounded in action on three occasions, Mentioned in Despatches (London Gazette, December 28, 1917) and Returned to Australia January 11, 1918. What is his connection to the St Kilda area? Elsie's address on his enlistment paper was changed to 8 Austin Avenue, St Kilda on March 18, 1918. 

Campbell, Frederick Cole (SN 5355)  Frederick enlisted on March 13, 1916. He was a 25 year clerk and his next of kin was his father, Ronald, of 8 Austin Avenue, St Kilda.  Frederick and William were the sons of Ronald and Selina (nee Cole) Campbell. Lieutenant Campbell was Mentioned in Despatches (London Gazette, December 27, 1918) and awarded the Belgium Croix de Guerre (London Gazette, April 5, 1919). He Returned to Australia September 6, 1919. Frederick's religion was listed as Methodist, this may have been a mistake, or else as the Presbyterian Church was only two short blocks away from Austin Avenue, they may have attended for that reason.

Clyne, Albert Henry  (SN 886). Albert enlisted August 18, 1914. He was a 19 year old clerk and his father, Henry Clyne of 44 Sycamore Grove, East St Kilda was his next of kin. On July 17, 1917 The Argus published  a list of Victorian who had served for 1,000 continuous days, War-worn veterans, and Albert Clyne was on the list. An appeal was being made to relieve these men so they could return to Australia, but it was still over a year before Albert saw home again.  He Returned to Australia November 8, 1918 on 'special 1914 leave', which I presume is leave for those who had been serving since 1914. He had the rank of Gunner and was gassed in October 1917, so by the end of 1918 he must have been exhausted.  Albert died in 1968 aged 72.

War-worn Veterans

The Argus, July 17, 1917  https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/1636374

Cubbins, John Harold (SN 2130)   Harold enlisted on July 10, 1915 at the age of 20. He was a carpenter. Harold was awarded the Military Medal (London Gazette, October 21, 1918) and he Returned to Australia April 10, 1919.

Cubbins, Leslie James Lachlan (SN 3126) Leslie enlisted on October 6, 1916. He was a  25 year old carpenter and his wife Dorothy of 12 Myrtle Street, Ripponlea was his next of kin. He died of broncho-pneumonia on October 20, 1918 in France. 

Cubbins, Lindsay Gordon  (SN 2429). Lindsay was a 20 year old motor trimmer when he enlisted on October 22, 1917. He died in England of haematemesis appendicitis on August 14, 1918. 

Cubbins, William Tennyson (SN 2597). William enlisted in the Australian Flying Corp at the age of 18 on November 5, 1917. Like his older brothers John and Leslie, William was also a carpenter. William Returned to Australia May 6, 1919. Bill played football for St Kilda and was also the Captain and later the coach. He also served in the Army in World War Two from April 1942 until February 1943.

The boys were the sons of James and Jessie (nee McKinnon) Cubbins of Ailsa, 24 John Street, South St Kilda.

Announcement of John Cubbin's Military Medal

The Age October 22, 1918 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article155237049

Durston, Norman Henry (Lieutenant)  Norman applied for a Commission in the AIF on November 3, 1914. He was 21 years old and his next of kin was his father Sidney Durston of Kingsley, 97 Tennyson Street, and later of 119 Tennyson Street. Lieutenant Durston embarked on the Ceramic on December 22, 1914 and less than six months later he was dead. He Died of Wounds on May 9, 1915 at Gallipoli. Norman's two brothers also enlisted in the War,  but they are not listed on this Honour Board.  Twenty six year old Sidney Walter Durston (SN 685) enlisted on June 20, 1917. He was already in the Army - a staff clerk. His next of kin was his wife, Stella, of 91 Acland Street. Warrant Officer Durston served as a clerk in England and Returned to Australia April 3, 1920. Their younger brother, Raymond George, enlisted at the age of 18 on March 16, 1918 (SN 61387). His next of kin was his father, who was also at 91 Acland Street. He was still a student at Scotch College when he enlisted and had spent four years in the Cadets. Raymond embarked on the Barambah on August 31, 1918 for London and Returned to Australia November 22, 1919.

Grant, Bruce  I believe this is Harold Bruce Grant (SN 3348) who enlisted firstly in the Pay Corp then on June 1, 1916 in the AIF, when he was 24. His parents were William Fraser and Catherine (nee Marden) Grant, of Bulla. His address was Princes Street, Flemington (and he was at that location in the 1914 Electoral Rolls as well), he was a clerk and he Returned to Australia November 22, 1919. He was also a Presbyterian and according to his father's death notice from 1916 he known as Bruce.  What's is his connection to Elwood? His parents were married at Trinity Church, South St Kilda on June 23, 1873, which is an Anglican Church.  Catherine is listed as the only daughter of John Marden of St Kilda.  Bruce was engaged in October 1916 to Florence May Tellefsen of Orrong Road, Elsternwick; however  when they married in September 1920 it was at St Marys Church of England in Caulfield. As you can see, I haven't actually found an Elwood Presbyterian connection, but I don't know who else it could be.

Hignett, Benjamin Claude (SN 15548). Surname listed as Highnett in the booklet and on the Honour Board.  Ben enlisted on June 5, 1917 at the age of 22. His occupation was station overseer. His next of kin was his mother, Mary Jane of Kaneira (now called Culgoa) in the Mallee. He was Killed in Action in France on September 20, 1918. His family moved around the State a bit, but they were in St Kilda for a short time as his father, Percy Norman Hignett is listed in the City of St Kilda Rate Books at 7 Gray Street from 1898 for some years. His occupation was bicycle maker. Ben's sister Jean was born in St Kilda in 1901.  As a matter of interest in February 1900,  Percy was a witness at a trial at the St Kilda Police Court where  Kathleen Fraser was charged with shooting her husband, Paul Wilkes Fraser, with intent to murder. Percy, whose occupation was reported as bicycle engineer, saw Mr Fraser 'stagger' and 'his face was bleeding'. The St Kilda Court committed Mrs Fraser to the Supreme Court to be tried for murder, where she was acquitted (9).

Death notice of Benjamin Hignett

Kyneton Guardian October 19, 1918 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/129615059

Hudson, C.H  I could not find a C. H. Hudson, a H. C Hudson, a C.H. Hodson or a H. C. Hodson with a connection to Victoria, so I am unsure who this is.

Keep, Leslie Thomas (SN 3062) Leslie was 25 years old  and a surveyor when he enlisted on July 31, 1915. Leslie was awarded the Military Medal (London Gazette, October 20, 1916). He was wounded in May 1917 whilst serving in France (multiple gunshot wounds) and lost his left eye and Returned to Australia August 27, 1917. His next of kin was his father, Thomas Charles Keep, of 224 Inkerman Street, East St Kilda, later 50 Park Street St Kilda and 10 Docker Street, Elwood. Thomas was a member of the Kirk Session at the Elwood Church.  Leslie married Amy Lobban in 1923. Leslie's sister, Daisy, was married to Harold Wortley, also listed on this memorial. Leslie died in 1944.

 

Report of Leslie Keep's wedding

Wodonga and Towong Sentinel January 19, 1923 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/69643210

Kennedy, Donald (SN 1684) Donald was 23 when he enlisted on June 12, 1915. His occupation was dairy supervisor at Longernong, the Agricultural College. He was gassed in October 1917 and Returned to Australia March 13, 1918 and discharged on medical grounds. Donald died on June 2, 1921 at the Caulfield Military Hospital. 

Kennedy, Leonard (SN 3305) Leonard enlisted on July 12, 1915 at the age of 20. He was a Postal Official. He Returned to Australia May 6, 1919.

The boys were the sons of Peter and Elizabeth (nee Cowden) Kennedy, whose address was Police Station Elsternwick and later 9 Mozart Street, St Kilda. 

Death notice of Donald Kennedy

The Argus, June 4, 1921 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article1763274

Lowe, Alexander Harold (Lieutenant) Alexander enlisted on March 8, 1915 at the age of 22. He was a clerk. He fought at Gallipoli and, because he was sick, he was invalided back to Australia. Alexander recovered and attended Duntroon Military College and appointed to the rank of 2nd Lieutenant. After serving overseas again, he Returned to Australia September 25, 1919. Alexander died in 1985, aged 93. 

Lowe, Hugh Mosman (SN 1053)  Hugh enlisted on October 19, 1914. He was a 20 year old Clerk. He Died of Wounds, received whilst fighting at Gallipoli, on June 1, 1915. Hugh was employed by Michaelis Hallenstein Co., who operated a large tannery at Footscray. They have a  lovely memorial in Footscray, to their employees who died in the Great War, and Hugh's name is one of the men listed. I have written about this Memorial, here.
Lowe, Thomas Ernest  (SN 1057) Thomas was a 26 year old Accountant when he enlisted on March 8, 1915, same day as his brother Alexander. He Returned to Australia a year later suffering from 'Post Typhoid Debility'. He recovered and applied for a Commission and was appointed a Lieutenant. He embarked on May 11, 1917. Thomas was awarded the Military Cross (London Gazette, September 18, 1918). Thomas Returned to Australia February 7, 1919. He died in 1955, aged 67.

Lowe, William Bertram (Lieutenant) William was a 29 year old Commercial Traveller when he enlisted on January 12, 1916. He was Gassed and after treated Returned to Australia September 10, 1917 and was discharged from the AIF in March 1918. William was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal (London Gazette, August 24, 1917).  William died at the age of 42 in 1928.

The Lowe brothers, all born in Aberdeen in Scotland, were the sons of William and Jessie (nee Andrews) Lowe of Lufra, 13 Glen Eira Road, East St Kilda. The family later moved to Leura, 18 Pine Avenue, Elwood. When I say the family, it was actually Jessie Lowe. There is a statuary declaration in Hugh's Attestation file at the National Archives from Jessie, in which she states whether his [Hugh's] father is dead or alive cannot be stated as nothing has been seen nor heard of him by me or my children for the past 18 years. Jessie died in 1943, aged 86. Jessie's son-in-law, Hubert Waller also enlisted, he is written about below.

The square tower is a feature of the Elwood Presbyterian Church.

Image: Isaac Hermann.

Maxwell, Alexander George (SN 317) Alexander was 19 years old, a warehouseman, when he enlisted in the Royal Australian Navy on May 1, 1915. He Returned to Australia March 10, 1918. Alexander's next of kin was his father, Robert Gordon Maxwell of 208 Hotham Street, Elsternwick. Alexander served in the Army from March 1940 until September 1944 during World War Two. By then he was living in Pert in Western Australia, which was where he died in 1971, aged 75.

McBean, James Baker (SN 151)  James was a 19 year old student when he enlisted on August 18, 1914. He was wounded in France - gun shot wounds thigh and chest - and after treatment, Returned to Australia March 10, 1918. James reached the rank of Sergeant. His next of kin was listed as his parents of Corvey, 79 Brighton Road St Kilda and later Grantham, 35 Brighton Road. His parents were Frederick Charles and Jeannie McAllan McBean. James also served in the Army in the Second World War where he was a Lieutenant Colonel. 

McCleery, Alexander Carl  (SN 931) Alexander was 38 years old when he enlisted on February 7, 1916. He was a Clerk. His next of kin was his mother, Annie Robertson McCleery of 86 Tennyson Street, St Kilda. Alexander Returned to Australia July 20, 1919. He died in 1947, aged 70. 

Death notice for Alexander McCleery

The Argus March 28, 1947 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/22417615/1701306

McIntyre, Clement John (SN 1077) Clement was a 19 year old Clerk when he enlisted on August 24, 1914. He was awarded the Military Medal (London Gazette, September 25, 1917) and Returned to Australia October 20, 1918.  He died in 1978, aged 83. 

McIntyre, William Gibson  (SN 4878) William, a Salesman, enlisted at the age of 18 on January 13, 1916. William Returned to Australia April 13, 1919. He died in 1971, aged 73.

Clement and William were the sons of William and Elizabeth (nee McChlery) McIntyre. When the boys enlisted they were living at Darebin Road, Northcote. As William was under 21 his parents had to give permission for him to enlist, and the letter from them in his Attestation file states that his 'father has Brain trouble and is at Kew' referring of course to the Kew Asylum. Elizabeth McIntyre later changed her address to The Breakers, 74 St Kilda Street, Elwood. 

McLeod, Duncan Albert 'Bert' (SN 2630) Bert enlisted in Western Australia on June 17, 1915, he was a 32 year old bank clerk. He had been born in Kiewa in Victoria, was a widower and had one daughter, Mabel Gwen McLeod, who was living with her grandmother, Mrs J. Davies, of Geelong. Bert listed his father, Donald, of 7 Byron Street, St Kilda as his next of kin. Bert Died of Wounds on September 2, 1916.

McLeod, Eric (SN 829) Eric was born in Yackandandah and enlisted on August 17, 1914 at the age of 23. He was a motor mechanic. His mother, Mary, was listed as his next of kin. Her address initially was Tangambalanga and it was later changed to 7 Byron Street. Eric was Killed in Action on August 15, 1916.

Duncan 'Bert' and Eric were brothers, the sons of Donald and Mary (nee Abbott) McLeod. 

There is also Robert McLeod, a Warrant Officer, listed on the Honour Board. There are two possibilities. The first one has a Yackandandah connection, so I have made the assumption that he is related to the two other McLeods, but he has no obvious St Kilda connection.

McLeod, Robert (SN 3832) Robert was 40 years old when he enlisted on July 5, 1917. He had been born in Yackandandah and was a farm hand. His next of kin was his uncle, William Tasker, 29 Little Church Street, Port Melbourne. Robert Returned to Australia August 24, 1918 and was discharged on medical grounds due to rheumatism. 

There is also another Robert McLeod - 

McLeod, Robert (SN 19592). For some reason his file has not been digitised at the National Archives, however his Embarkation Record shows that Robert enlisted January 8, 1916. He was a 21 year old joiner and enlisted as Warrant Officer Class 2. His address and that of his father, J. McLeod, his next of kin was Ruthven Street, Toowoomba in Queensland. There was a James and Mary McLeod in the Electoral Rolls at 20 Steele Avenue, St Kilda from 1903 until 1914. There was a Robert McLeod born to a James McLeod and Mary Donn in St Kilda in 1894. I believe they are the same family. On January 20, 1923 a Mary McLeod, wife of James, died in Toowoomba. She was the mother of a Robert and 'late of St Kilda'. The Queensland Births, Deaths and Marriages, list her father's name was William Donn. So adding all this together, it is more than possible that this man is Warrant Officer Robert McLeod, honoured at the Presbyterian Church in Elwood. 

Death notice of Mary McLeod, mother of Robert

The Age January 23, 1923 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/1870477

Morey, Clement Alexander (SN 1930).  Clement enlisted in the Australian Flying Corp at the age of 18 on March 13, 1917. He was a Draftsman. He was the son of Bernard and Eliza Morey. His mother was listed as his next of kin and their address was 22 Linden Street Elsternwick (it is actually Lyndon Street) and the address later changed to the corner of Byron and Tennyson Street, and then  24 Byron Street. Clement Returned to Australia May 6, 1919.   Clement married Ada Vaughan in October 1924 and he served in the Volunteer Defence Corp in World War Two. 

Munro, William (SN 2182) William, a Clerk, enlisted at the age of 23 on June 11, 1917,  his mother Mary died ten days later on June 21.  His next of kin was his father, also William Munro, of 12 Blessington Street, St Kilda. William joined the Australian Flying Corp and Returned to Australia May 6, 1919. 

William Munro married to Isabel Carnie, by the Reverend Yule, 

 at the Church on September 20, 1919. 

The Argus, October 25, 1919 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article4666238

Parker, John (SN 914). John was an 36 year old engine driver when he enlisted on July 17, 1915. His next of kin was his sister, Rose Parker of 55 Regent Street, Elsternwick. John was awarded the Military Medal and Returned to Australia March 21, 1919. John's sister, Elsie, was married to Leslie Brown, also listed on this memorial. 

Pollock, William Henry (SN558) William was born in Monaghan, in Ireland. He was 21 when he enlisted on February 1, 1916 and his next of kin was his mother, Elizabeth, also of Monahan. William was a draper and his address was 29 Hartpury Avenue, East St Kilda. He Returned to Australia June 23, 1916. Sadly, William was found drowned in the Yarra River. on 1933.  His Attestation file had the following  newspaper clipping from the Melbourne Sun of October 17, 1933. 

Report of the finding of William's body in the Yarra from the Melbourne Sun October 17, 1933. 

National Archives of Australia www.naa.gov.au 

First Australian Imperial Force Personnel Dossiers, 1914-1920

Pollard, William Charles Sydney (SN 213) William was a 19 year old Shorthand writer and Typist when he enlisted on February 4, 1915. He had appendicitis and Returned to Australia on April 12, 1916 to recover; he re-enlisted on September 26, 1916 for Home Service. William's height was listed as 6ft 4 inches, extraordinarily tall for the times. William was the son of William and Charlotte Pollard of 92 Tennyson Street, St Kilda. 

Reid, Eric  I don't know who this is. There are no Reids, Reads or Reeds who enlisted with an Elwood address. There are seven with a St Kilda address and one with an Elsternwick address. Two of these were Presbyterian - George Duncan Reid (SN 2762) of 4 Little Neptune Street, St Kilda. He was Killed in Action in France July 25, 1916.  The other was Vere Aubrey Reed (SN 7063) of 429 Inkerman Street, East St Kilda. He Returned to Australia March 17, 1919. There is a J. T. Reid listed as a member of the Elwood Church Kirk Session, his address is Normanby Road, Elwood (10),  so Eric may be connected to him. 

Scilley, William Russell (SN 3242) William enlisted at the age of 22. He was a wood and coal merchant. His next of kin was his father, William, of 74 Ormond Road, Elwood. Whilst in Egypt he started having heart issues and Returned to Australia August 17, 1916 and was discharged on medical grounds - vascular disease of the heart, mitral regurgitation -  in the November. The family later lived at 5 Vautier Street, Elwood. William married Charlotte Park on February 22, 1919.

The marriage notice of William Russell Scilley and Charlotte Park at the 

Elwood Presbyterian Church, February 22, 1919.

The Age, March 22, 1919 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/155216986/18577843

Semmens, James Michael.  Lieutenant Colonel Semmens  was 46 years old when he received his commission on August 18, 1914.  His address was Siller Craig, Melby Avenue,  East St Kilda and his next of kin was his wife, Jessie. He was pronounced unfit for service at a Medical Board hearing on March 31, 1915 due to 'General Asthenia' and given six months leave and his appointment was terminated October 2, 1915. Lieutenant Colonel Semmens' file at the National Archives is 94 pages long and it has a report that on June 24, 1917 he broke his leg through a jinker accident at Seymour whilst on 'official duty' so he was serving in some capacity at that time. According to his obituary  he was officer in charge of the Seymour Camp, but I can't find an official appointment to this role in his file.  He later became Chairman of the Repatriation Commission from 1920 until 1935, and died in 1937 aged 69. Jessie Semmens was the President of the Red Cross Society at the Church in 1918. 

Obituary of Colonel Semmens

Weekly Times June 26, 1937 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/225721302

Smith, Hamilton Strathern (SN 71) There are five H.S. Smiths who had a connection to suburbs not too far away from Elwood or St Kilda and I think the most likely one is Hamilton because he was Presbyterian and his next of kin was his mother, 'Mrs Smith' who lived at 26 Myrtle Street, Ripponlea, which is off Glen Eira Road, the third street from Hotham Street. Hamilton was a 44 year old Book-keeper when he enlisted on October 8, 1914. His address was 125 Orrong Road, Toorak.  He Returned to Australia March 13, 1918.To further strengthen my case that Hamilton is the man on the Roll of Honour,  H. S. Smith is listed as a Corporal and Hamilton was promoted to a Corporal on March 1, 1916 in Egypt. As well, Hamilton's mother was Matilda Louisa Smith (nee Dean) and a Mrs M. Smith is listed in the 1917 Annual Report, as having donated money to the Church. That's less conclusive as Smith is a very common surname.  Hamilton died in 1947, aged 77.

Stringer, A. C.  It took some time to identify this man as I could only find one A. C. Stringer who enlisted and he was born, lived and enlisted in South Australia. Then I looked for any connections of Stringers to the St Kilda area and found there was a Councillor Arthur Stringer on the St Kilda council from 1899 until 1902.  He was  a successful butcher  with several shops and a farm at Scoresby and  lived at 7 Oak Grove, near the Ripponlea Railway Station. He had a son, Archie Craven Stringer, born in 1889. Archie is not listed in the Embarkation or Nominal Rolls, but has a file at the National Archives, which has not been digitised. However, an Archie Craven Stringer was granted a Soldier Settlement farm at Ensay in1920 and his application (11) tells us that he was rejected here and I went abroad to enlist and that he enlisted on September 10, 1915 and was discharged May 21, 1920. He served with the British Army. Archie also served from March 1942 until September 1945 in the Volunteer Defence Corp in World War Two, which is why he has a file at the National Archives. 

Death notice of Archie's father, Arthur. The notice lists Archie as being 'on active service'

The Herald February 16, 1918 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/page/26340170

Waller, Hubert Hansard (SN 2604) Hubert was 27 years old and a farmer when he enlisted on August 2, 1915. He Returned to Australia March 4, 1919. His next of kin was his wife, Mrs Jessie Alice Campbell Waller c/o Mrs Lowe of Lufra, Glen Eira Road, St Kilda. Jessie was the sister of Alexander, Hugh, Thomas and William Lowe, written about, above. 

Jessie Lowe's engagement to Hubert Waller. 

Punch, March 6, 1913 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/176032458

Wilkie, Alexander Hector  (SN 598)  Alexander was an electrical engineer and he enlisted at the age of 20 on August 18, 1916. His father, Alexander, of 7 Scott Street, St Kilda was his next of kin.  Alexander Returned to Australia May 6, 1919. He married Jessie Cameron in 1934. She came from a pioneering Cranbourne family.  The couple were written up in the Dandenong Journal of July, 11 1935 - Visitors to Cranbourne last week, were Mrs. Ewen Cameron and Mr and Mrs Hector Wilkie, Mrs. Wilkie being a daughter of Mrs. Cameron. Mrs. Cameron, whose home is at East Malvern, is a former much esteemed resident of Cranbourne. In her parents’ home, at "Mayfield,” the first religious services in the district were conducted by the late Rev. Alex. Duff (12). The Reverend Duff was the Presbyterian Minister in Cranbourne and surrounds from 1855 until his retirement in 1888. The Wilkie family had lived in Clyde and were also parishioners at the Cranbourne Presbyterian Church. Hector Wilkie died in 1973 aged 76. 

Woolnough, Edgar Oliver Farkas (SN 6371) Edgar enlisted in Hamilton at the age of 21 on May 30, 1916, his occupation was a farm hand and he was born at Daylesford. His next of kin was his widowed mother, Mary Woolnough,  of 23 Rusden Street, Elsternwick. Mary passed away on August 20, 1917, when Edgar was serving overseas. He Returned to Australia June 19, 1919. Edgar married Ivy Hutchings in 1922 and according to the Electoral Rolls from the mid 1920s until the mid 1960s  lived in Frederick Street, Caulfield Street. His occupation was listed as a painter. Edgar died at the age of 92 in 1987.

Wortley, Harold Valentine (Lieutenant) Harold enlisted on July 7, 1915. He was a 25 year old grocer and his next of kin were his parents of Kilmore, which is where he was born. He attended Brighton Grammar School.  On June 15, 1916 he married Daisy Keep at the Presbyterian Church in St Kilda. She was the daughter of Thomas Keep of Park Street, St Kilda and the sister of Leslie Keep, listed above. Their address after marriage was 1 Beach Avenue, Elwood. Harold embarked on July 4, 1916 and three years later Returned to Australia July 5, 1919. The couple moved to Kilmore after  the War and there was a report in the Kilmore Free Press of November 13, 1919 that Harold had been appointed to the position of Kilmore Shire Council Inspector of Nuisances. The Kilmore Historical Society has an detailed account of Harold's life and military career on their website, see it here.

Lieutenant Wortley's wedding to Daisy Keep.

Kilmore Free Press June 22, 1916 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article58429794

Wright, Charles Norman (SN 5702) Charles enlisted on February 8, 1915. He was a 22 year old tailor and had undertaken his apprenticeship with F. Mitchell, Bridport Street, Albert Park. His next of kin was his mother, Elizabeth Wright, of Elizabeth Street, Elsternwick. Charles Returned to Australia January 2, 1919.  On July 17 the same year,  Norman married Mabel Madeleine Cuthbert at St Mary's in Caulfield. 

Marriage notice of Norman Wright to Mabel Cuthbert.

The Argus, August 16, 1919  http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article4704541

Wright, Leslie Clyde  (SN 4631) 28 year old Leslie enlisted on October 7, 1915. He was a clerk and his next of kin was his mother, Mary Ann Wright, of 46 Elm Grove, East St Kilda. Leslie was Killed in Action in France on August 8, 1918.  Leslie was born in Caulfield to John and Mary Ann (nee Cole) Wright and his Roll of Honor Circular says that he attended Caulfield State School, No. 773.

Death notices for  Leslie Wright 

The Argus, August 24, August 26 and August 31,  1918

Acknowledgment

I have an interest in Churches, Honour Boards and other War memorials. I became interested in this Board because one of the Architects of the Church Allan Rynhart Love of Scarborough, Robertson lived in Elwood at Kingsley, 97 Tennyson Street. He was the son of John Jeremiah Love, St Kilda Councillor and Mayor. Henry Norman Durston, who appears on the Honour Board, also lived for a short time at Kingsley. My  research colleague, Isaac Hermann, has written a short history of Kingsley - 'Kingsley: a history of the Elwood and St Kilda Neighbourhood Learning Centre', published in 2019.  As the title of the book suggests, the building is now the Elwood and St Kilda Neighbourhood Learning Centre (and now at 87 Tennyson Street due to street renumbering) and this got me interested in the Church and Honour Board and the men whose names appeared on it. I'm not glorifying War, I just want them to be remembered. You can read Isaac's history of Kingsley, here. Isaac also took the photos of the Church and the Honour Board. Thank you, Isaac. Also thank you to the Reverend Phillip Chang, for allowing us access to the Church.  

Footnotes

(1) The Argus, December 10, 1912, see here.

(2) Prahran Telegraph, June 28, 1913, see here;  The Argus, July 1 1924, see here. There is a short history of the Church in Spirit of St Kilda: Places of worship in St Kilda by Janette Bomford (St Kilda Historical Society, 2003).  Access it on-line here, http://skhs.org.au/SKHSchurches/churches.htm

(3) Weekly Times, April 18, 1914, see here; The Presbyterian Church of Victoria, Jubilee History: Growth in 50 years 1859-1909 by D. Macrae Stewart (General Assembly, 1909).

(4) The Argus, June 4, 1938, see here; Spirit of St Kilda: Places of worship in St Kilda by Janette Bomford (St Kilda Historical Society, 2003).  Access it on-line here,   http://skhs.org.au/SKHSchurches/churches.htm

(5) I have the 5th and 6th Annual Reports of the Church. They are full of useful information such as the Office Bearers; reports on the Church activities - the Tennis Club, Red Cross Society, Boys Gymnasium Club, Presbyterian Women's Missionary Union (the group which produced the PWMU cookbook, a staple in all Presbyterian houses) and a full financial report.

List of office bearers from the 6th Annual report - click on images to enlarge.

(6) The Argus, December 15, 1924, see here.

(7) The Presbyterian Church of Victoria, Jubilee History: Growth in 50 years 1859-1909 by D. Macrae Stewart (General Assembly, 1909).

(8) Table Talk, July 14, 1932, see here.

(9) Report of Mrs Fraser's trial - The Australasian, February 10, 1900, see here.

(10) Normanby Road, Elwood - doesn't exist in my Melway, perhaps they meant Normanby Road, Caulfield. 

(11) Archie's Soldier Settlement file -  http://soldiersettlement.prov.vic.gov.au/soldiers/972-12-stringer-archie-craven/

(12) Dandenong Journal, July 11, 1935, see here.