Dr Clemente Malouf, the Bishop of Cæsarea Philippi, visits his relatives in Victoria

In 1928, Dr Clemente Malouf, visited Australia. He was the Bishop of Cæsarea Philippi, but also called the Bishop of Syria. Dr Malouf was in Australia to attend the International Eucharistic Congress held in Sydney from September 6th to 9th. This was the first time this Catholic Congress was held in Australia and celebrations started with the consecration of St Mary's Cathedral in Sydney. Bishops, Archbishops, Monsignors and Priests attended from all over the world and the event was considered to be a great success for the Catholic Church and it also had pleasing support from other Christian churches and other faiths - 
New South Wales Premier Thomas Bavin, a devout Protestant, spoke from the pulpit of St Mary's Cathedral during the official opening ceremony – an unprecedented occurrence. Later, a garden party held at Government House to celebrate the Congress and to honour Cardinal Cerretti, Australia's first papal legate, was attended by the Anglican Archbishop, John Wright, the Prime Minister, Stanley Bruce, and the leader of the New South Wales Jewish community, Rabbi Francis Lyon Cohen (1). The Congress ended with a procession through the streets of Sydney, watched by a crowd estimated to be 500,000 (2). 

After the Congress, the Papal Legate, Cardinal Ceretti, and many of the Congress delegates visited Melbourne. They stayed at various Presbyteries throughout Melbourne;  Dr Malouf was billeted at St Georges, Rathdowne Street in Carlton (3). The Argus reported that on Sunday, October 7, the Right Rev. Dr. Malouf, Bishop of Mt. Lebanon (Syria), will celebrate Pontifical High Mass in the Syro-Chaldaic rite at St. George's, Rathdown street, Carlton, on Sunday, at 11 o'clock. Members of the Syrian community are specially invited to attend (4). 

There were other reports in the newspapers about Dr Malouf - he was 66 years old and had studied at the University in Beirut (5). He resides at Banias, a little village on a pleasing site, 990 feet above the sea-level at the foot of Mount Hermon. In the diocese there are 4000 Catholics and twenty priests (6).  He had a great personality, and is loved by all who have had the pleasure of his acquaintance (7).  The Bishop was also found to have  a charming, graceful personality (a notable characteristic of the Syrian race) (8). During his time in Australia, Dr Malouf was accompanied by Father Nicholas Caba, who acted as an interpreter and a Secretary. Father Caba, is sometime erroneously listed in newspaper reports as Father Nicholas. (9).

Bishop Clemente Malouf

The Advocate, August 30, 1928 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/171651637

Dr Malouf took the opportunity of visiting his relatives whilst he was in Victoria. The first visit was to Crib Point on October 13th and 14th,  where he visited his cousin, Charles Malouf, who owned a store in the town, Charles was married to Mary and they had one son, also called Charles who was married to Nazela (10).  As a matter of interest, Charles and Nazela were married in 1916 at St Patrick's Cathedral in Melbourne; they then held a reception at the bride's parents house in Carlton and then another reception at the Crib Point Hall for 300 people, as the newspaper report said - the parents of the bridegroom gave a cordial invitation to everyone (11). 

The Catholic Press of Sydney published an account of his visit to Crib Point -
After the close of the Eucharistic Congress, the Right Rev. Dr. Clement Malouf, Bishop of South Lebanon, Syria, visited the Syrian colonists in Victoria. Dr. Malouf was accompanied by Rev. Father Nicholas, of Sydney, and was the guest of his cousin, Mr. Chas. Malouf, at his residence at Crib Point, during the week-end. A reception was given in his honour on Saturday afternoon and evening by Mr. Malouf, at his home, at which Catholics from the surrounding district were presented to him. His Lordship, assisted by Father Nicholas, and attended by Mr. Jim Bachous (as acolyte) celebrated High Mass in the Syrian rite at 10.30 a.m., at Hastings, a town five miles away. Dr. Malouf preached the sermon in the Arabic language, which was interpreted by Mr. Boyd, of Ballarat. The subject of his discourse was the two great Commandments given to man by God: Thou shalt love the Lord, &c, and thy neighbour as thyself.

The Bishop presided at luncheon to a hundred visitors at Mr. Malouf 's home. An address of welcome, on behalf of the English-speaking section of the gathering, was read to the Bishop. The good wishes contained in it were conveyed to the recipient by Mr. Boyd, who also interpreted Dr. Malouf 's reply. A very fine musical programme was given by the Syrian community, which was much enjoyed by the large gathering. His Lordship, who had duties in Melbourne, was given a rousing send-off. The thanks of the Catholic residents are due to the Malouf family, in particular, and the Syrians in general, for their lavish hospitality, and for the opportunity given of meeting their distinguished co-religionist, whose charming, graceful personality (a notable characteristic of the Syrian race) won the hearts of all whose good fortune it was to meet him. The Bishop was delighted at the arrangements made for his comfort, and has promised to pay another visit to his friends in Crib Point before returning to his homeland. Dr. Malouf was motored to various points of interest, and was shown over the Naval Training Depot by Rev. Father O 'Callaghan, chaplain, R.A.N. (12). 

Visit of Bishop Malouf to Crib Point to see his cousin Charles and his family, 1928

State Library of Victoria Image H92.250/1196

Mary Malouf, died June 5, 1939 and her short obituary in The Argus noted - Many friends on the Mornington Peninsula learned with regret of the death of Mrs. Mary Malouf, wife of Mr. Charles Malouf, sen., at her home at Crib Point. She was born in Mount Lebanon, and she arrived in Melbourne with her husband in October, 1890. They had lived in Crib Point for 27 years, first establishing a business in the part of the township known as the Settlement, and later, after the occupation of Flinders Naval Depot, near the Crib Point railway station. There is one son, Mr. Charles Malouf, Jun. (13). Her husband, Charles, died December 11, 1942; they are buried at the Crib Point Cemetery (14). 

From October 19th to 22nd, Bishop Malouf was at Maffra, visiting his cousins, Henry and James Malouf, who are listed in the Electoral Roll as grocers. Also listed in the Electoral Roll for 1928 was an Amelia Malouf, who was, I believe Henry's wife. On the Sunday in Maffra, it was reported in the The Advocate that Bishop Malouf celebrated Solemn High Mass at Maffra, in the presence of an overflowing congregation. The Mass was according to the Greek-Melchite rite, and liturgy of St. John Chrysostom. After vespers in the evening his Lordship held a levee at the presbytery, and large numbers of parishioners were presented to the distinguished visitors by Very Rev. Fr. Curran, P.P., who is fluent in the Arabic language. (15). 

We are also fortunate that we have another report of the Bishop's time in Maffra - from 12 year-old, Mary O'Brien, who wrote about the occasion in a letter published in The Advocate, the Catholic newspaper. The letter was addressed to Kango, who edited the Children's Corner column in the paper - 

Dear Kango,—Some time ago Bishop Malouf visited Maffra. He arrived here on a Friday and on the Sunday celebrated High Mass before a very big congregation. The Mass was beautiful; it was sung all through to the end. After Mass Bishop Malouf gave a sermon in his own language, which afterwards was interpreted into English by Mr. Boyd, of Ballarat. After Mass Bishop Malouf received an address of welcome from the community of Maffra and district. The following day being Monday, Bishop Malouf visited the school, where he received a hearty welcome from the children. After announcing that we should have a holiday he passed out amidst much cheering. Shortly after visiting the school he went to Melbourne. We will always remember Bishop Malouf's visit to Maffra. Well, Kango, I will close.—I remain, yours sincerely, Mary O'Brien. (16). 

  

Bishop Malouf at St Mary's Catholic Church in Maffra 

His Eminence, Bishop Malouf, supported by Father Nicholas and the Rev. Father Curran (Parish Priest) 

at St. Marys R.C. Church, Maffra.

Weekly Times, November 24, 1928 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/223180647

The Malouf Brothers had purchased the Maffra store in 1926, and were obviously still in town in 1928 when the Bishop visited, but by the 1931 Electoral Roll, Henry and Amelia were listed at Murchison Street in Carlton. (17). 

On Saturday, October 27, Bishop Malouf visited another cousin as the Herald reported -
Dr. Clement Malouf, Bishop of Syria, who came to Australia to attend the Eucharistic Congress, was the guest on Saturday evening of Mr Joseph Malouf, a cousin, at Heidelberg road,  Clifton Hill, when a dinner was given to him prior to his departure for Sydney. Among the large gathering present were Mr Perry, of the English Speaking Union; Mr C. Ramia, who represented the Syrian community in Melbourne; and Father Nicholas, Bishop Malouf's secretary (18). 

On Monday, October 29 Bishop Malouf went off to Mansfield, to visit more cousins, this time Michael Malouf, who with his wife Emily conducted a cafe and greengrocery business in the town (19).  The Age had a short report of the visit -
Bishop Malouf, of Syria, who was a central figure at the eucharistic Congress in Sydney, arrived at Mansfield on Monday night. He is on a visit to his cousin, Mr M. Malouf, who is in business in Mansfield. He was entertained at a dinner on Monday night, and celebrated mass at the Roman 

Catholic church on Tuesday morning. Bishop Malouf is accompanied by Father Nicholaus, the head of the Syrian church in Sydney. The Malouf family has had a bishop of the name in the Syrian church for several hundred years. Bishop Malouf will leave for Albury on Thursday. (20)

Michael Malouf, died May 27, 1947 at Mansfield, aged 63; his death notice lists that he was the father of Pauline, Marjory, Mavis, Kevin, Patsy and Valerie. Emily died in 1972, aged 77 (21).

Bishop Malouf returned to Sydney after his visit to Victoria, where he stayed with his brother. In April 1929, he laid the foundation stone for St Clements Church in Brisbane, the first Syrian Church in Queensland. Dr Malouf, died at the age of 82 in 1941, in Syria (22). 

Trove list - I have  created a list of articles connected to Bishop Malouf's visit to Australia, access it here.

Footnotes
(1) Frappell, Samantha International Eucharistic Congress 1928 from The Dictionary of Sydney  https://dictionaryofsydney.org/entry/international_eucharistic_congress_1928
(2) Ibid
(3) The Advocate, September 27, 1928, see here. The article has a full list, interesting as it shows how many Churches and Presbyteries there were in Melbourne at the time.

(4) The Argus, October 6, 1928, see here.

(5) The Age, October 17, 1928, see here.

(6) The Advocate, August 30, 1928, see here.

(7) Frankston and Somerville Standard, October 19, 1928, see here.

(8) The Catholic Press, October 18, 1928, see here.

(9) Father Nicholas Caba died at the age of 44 in 1932. Read his obituary in the Catholic Freeman's Journal of November 17, 1932, here.

(10) Electoral Rolls on Ancestry.com

(11) Wedding report in the Mornington Standard, February 12, 1916, see here.

(12) Catholic Press, October 18, 1928, see here.

(13) The Argus, June 9, 1939, see here.

(14) Frankston Standard, December 18, 1942, see here.

(15) The Advocate, October 25, 1928, see here.

(16) The Advocate, November 22, 1928, see here.

(17) There is a report in the Gippsland Times of October 28, 1926, see here, which says Mr H. Malouf recently purchased the grocery business. Electoral Rolls on Ancestry.com

(18) The Herald, October 29, 1928, see here.

(19) Electoral Rolls on Ancestry.com list Michael's occupation as greengrocer, but an article in The Age of December 5, 1931, see here, about an attempted arson attack on his property, describes him as a cafe and fruit proprietor. 

(20) The Age, October 31, 1928, see here.

(21) Death notice in The Argus, May 28, 1947, see here. Emily's death date from the Indexes to the Victorian Births, Deaths and Marriages.

(22) Freeman's Journal of December 6, 1928, see here, has an interview with Bishop Malouf, who was staying with his brother at Rose Bay. Foundation Stone at St Clements - Southern Cross, April 5, 1929, see here. Short obituary of Bishop Malouf in The Advocate of August 28, 1941, see here.

Hallam and Hampton Park World War One Soldiers

The areas that are now known as Hallam and Hampton Park have gone through a few name changes over the years. In the case of Hallam this is a relatively new name for the area, dating from around 1905. Before that, the district was known as Hallam's Road after William and Mary Hallam. Earlier than that it was sometimes referred to as Dandenong and sometimes  as Eumemmerring, which covered the area basically from the Dandenong Creek to what is now Hallam Road and  both sides of the Princes Highway - so essentially the current suburbs of Doveton, Hallam, Endeavour Hills and the modern day suburb of Eumemmerring (gazetted May 20, 1981) (1).  William and Mary Hallam purchased the 50 acres (20 hectares) in 1856 on the corner of what is now called the Princes Highway and Hallam Road. They established a store and a Post Office and eventually operated a 'licensed house' which they sold, with their land to Edmund U'ren, in 1885. Edmund operated the premises as a Hotel until his death in 1892, when his wife Elizabeth took over (2).  This Hotel has also being known as Hallam's Road Hotel, Uren's Hotel, Hallam's Eumemmering Hotel and various other combinations of those names which reflects the fluidity of the early place names. 

An early photograph of the Hallam Hotel, taken sometime before 1931 when it was modernised and extended. This would have been a familiar sight to the soldiers in this list.

Image: Casey Cardinia Libraries

Hampton Park  - The first European settlers in the area were the Edey family, Isaac and Catherine and their two sons William and Tom. They selected 231 hectares (572 acres) of land around Hallam Road in 1842. Their homestead was situated about where Ormond Road is now. Isaac (1808-1886) and Catherine (nee Davis 1820-1875)  had two sons, William and Tom. William married in 1874 to Mary Anne O'Leary and they had five children - Emily, Maggie, Lily, William and Percival Isaac, who all worked at home on the farm. Other early settlers in the area were Peter Davis who purchased 128 hectares (316 acres) of land in 1852 and then another 358 hectares (885 acres) in 1854. This land was purchased for one pound per acre. The other early settler was David Duncan who purchased 163 hectares (156 acres) in 1863. These three original land owners subdivided their land during the last part of the nineteenth century into smaller farms of up to 40 hectares (100 acres). (3).

The name Hampton Park comes from a 1917 sub-division by the developer Edward Victor Jones of Somerville Road, Footscray. Until then rate payers of the area were listed variously as living in Eumemmerring, Dandenong or Lyndhurst. Further subdivision at Hampton Park took place after the World War One into blocks between five to 50 acres (4).  Niel Gunson in his book The Good Country: Cranbourne Shire notes - The area had originally enclosed the Dandenong Pound (later known as the Cranbourne Pound).  The ‘pound’ Paddock was later owned by the Garner family of Diamond Hill, well known in Dandenong as undertakers and coach builders. When W. Garner was gored by a bull the paddock was purchased by E.V Jones of Somerville Road, Footscray (5).You can read about Lyndhurst soldiers, here and you can read about the Garners and Diamond Hill, here.

Hampton Park Estate sub-division plan, c. 1920

State Library of Victoria http://handle.slv.vic.gov.au/10381/169514

This post looks at any Great War Soldiers that I could find that have a connection to the Hallam and Hampton Park areas, so thus will also include Doveton, Endeavour Hills and the  Eumemmerring suburb area. There were around 250 soldiers who enlisted with a  Dandenong address or were born in Dandenong, some of whom may be eligible to be in this blog post so if you know that I have missed some Hallam  or Hampton Park soldiers, then let me know.

Some of the information in this post is from the booklet, Hallam 1830-1930 written by  Dr Deborah Stephan and published in 1993 by the City of Berwick. The booklet includes material provided by Mrs Marie Carson, the great niece of Elizabeth Andrews.   Elizabeth was the daughter of John and Bridget Andrews who settled at Hallam in 1854.   Some of the information about  Hampton Park comes from The history of Hampton Park by Roy R. Scott, written in 1970 and  published in the Dandenong & District Historical Society Journal, Gipps-land Gate.

Mrs Carson remembers attending an ANZAC Service at the Hallam State School  I remember about that time..my mother taking me along a rough and bumpy track in a a 'go-cart' as they called a baby pusher in those days, to an ANZAC celebration at Hallam State School. Someone pinned an ANZAC medal with red, white and blue ribbon on it on me and I had it for many years and felt very proud of it....this ANZAC day must have been a very early one - 1919 or 1920 perhaps (6). 

What follows is a list of soldiers, their connection to the Hallam and Hampton Park areas, their fate (i.e. when they Returned to Australia after active service or when they were Killed in Action) and their Service Number (SN) so you can look up their full service record on the National Archives website (www.naa.gov.au)

Andrews, Louis John  (SN 4493) Louis was born in Dandenong and enlisted at the age of 22 on September 30, 1916. He was a printer and his next of kin was his wife, Ellen, of Glenferrie Road, Malvern. He Returned to Australia on April 30, 1919.  Louis was the  grandson of the aforementioned John and  Bridget Andrews, early pioneers of the Hallam area. 

Battersby, John Henry  (SN 2582) Henry, as he was known,  was a 23 year old timber worker when he enlisted on July 14, 1915. He Returned to Australia on March 28, 1919. His next of kin was his father, John Battersby of Hallam Road, Dandenong. John and Susan (nee Skinner) had ten children and built Cloverdale Cottage in 1870. Cloverdale Cottage is still standing in Hallam North Road and is  listed on the City of Casey Heritage Conservation Study (7). Henry is listed on the Narre Warren North War Memorial, see here.

Brown, John Alfred (SN 64160) John was born in Hallam but was living in East Caulfield when he enlisted on May 7, 1918. He was 20 years old and a clerk with the Victorian Railways.  He left Australia in September 1918, suffered from pleurisy (right lung, very severe was the notation in his record) and he Returned to Australia on July 26, 1919 and was discharged on medical grounds on September 13, 1919.

A welcome home to Hallam soldiers.

South Bourke and Mornington Journal October 16, 1919 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-page6365314

Brown, W There is a W. Brown listed in the South Bourke and Mornington Journal article of October 16, 1919 (see article above)  I believe that this is William Reginald Brown (SN 125) as he (or someone by the same name)  is listed in the 1919 Electoral Roll at Hallam Road, Hallam, occupation farmer.  William enlisted on January 11, 1915 aged 24 and a labourer.  His next of kin was his sister, Stella, of South Melbourne. He is listed twice on the Embarkation Rolls - once with his address as Yarram and once as South Melbourne.   He was sent overseas and Returned to Australia on June 10, 1916 and was discharged on medical grounds on October 2, 1916 as he was suffering from 'otitis media'  or deafness.

Brunet, Harry  (SN 52808)   The South Bourke and Mornington Journal has  a report of the Dandenong  Exemption Court hearings from October 16 & 17, 1916. Harry Brunet of Hallam,  applied for an exemption and the paper noted that he was an engine driver and mechanic and could plough 12 acres per day where man and three horses could only plough three and thus could take the place of at least four men in the harvest field.   The Court refused to exempt Harry and he enlisted at the age of 23 on December 18, 1917.   He Returned to Australia on July 26, 1919. His next of kin was his father, Antonio Brunet, of Clyde. The family are listed in the 1917 Electoral Roll at Hallam Road, Hallam and obviously moved to Clyde that year and are in the 1918 Electoral Roll at Clyde.

What was an Exemption Court?  The government made a proclamation at the beginning of October 1916 declaring all unmarried able-bodied men between the ages of 21 and 35 were to undertake military training leading to the possibility of service within the Commonwealth. All men meeting those criteria had to enrol at enrolment centres where they were assessed for suitability. However, there was a procedure whereby men classified as suitable could appeal and be granted exception from service (8).

Harry Burnet's application to the Dandenong Exemption Court

South Bourke & Mornington Journal October 19,1916 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article66190827

Crean, Andrew Norman (SN 1230)  Andrew enlisted on July 17, 1915 aged 22. He was a carter. His next of kin was his father, also Andrew, of Hallam's Road, Hallam. Andrew was awarded the Military Medal. He Returned to Australia on May 15, 1919.  Andrew's mother, Annie Florence Crean, was a member of the Hallam State School Mothers Club in 1921, see photo below between James Meehan and Charles Morris. 

Dempsey, William Stanley (SN 3519)   Mrs Carson writes that her uncle, William Dempsey, enlisted in the First World War. Her father, Walter Dempsey (William's brother) had married a niece of Elizabeth Andrews and the family was living at Hallam 'near the turn of the century' - there was a Patrick Dempsey in the Rate Books at Hallam in 1903 and a Patrick, Clara, James and Walter Dempsey in the Electoral Roll at Hallam in 1906. William's mother Clara was his next of kin when he enlisted on September 27, 1915 at the age of 23, although she was living in Geelong then. His occupation was listed as a waiter. William was discharged on medical grounds on May 18, 1917 as he had suffered  a nervous breakdown. I believe this is the  correct William Dempsey.

Eccles, James Leslie  (SN 72595)  James enlisted on August 19, 1918. He was a 28 year old farmer and his next of kin was his father, James, of Dandenong.  As you can see by the article below he had a 'grand concert and send-off' on October 11. James did not get to serve overseas and was Demobilized on December 24, 1918.

Send-off for James Eccles and Frederick Ganders

South Bourke and Mornington Journal October 31, 1918 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-page6365118

Emerson, Walter Cecil (SN 1559)  Walter enlisted at the age of 18 on August 4, 1915. His occupation was Railway employee.  His father was his next of kin and his address was Richmond, but was later changed to Berwick Road, Hallam. His parents, Alfred and Carrie Emerson, are listed in the Electoral Roll at Hallam for  a few years from 1917. Walter served overseas but was discharged on medical grounds, 'Nerves' was listed as the condition, on May 30 1917. However, Walter re-enlisted on September 17, 1918 and was demobilized as the War ended. In 1929 Walter wrote a letter asking for proof of his service as he was then employed by the Post Masters General Department and as they gave preference to returned soldiers he needed this proof. His address on this letter was the quaintly named 'Cosy Tea Shop', Point Nepean Road, Chelsea.

Letter from Walter Emerson of 'Cosy Tea Shop', Chelsea.

National Archives of Australia www.naa.gov.au

First Australian Imperial Force Personnel Dossiers, 1914-1920

Frawley, John (SN 2172)  According to Mrs Carson - John was known as Jerry, so that's what we will call him. Jerry was born in Hallam and enlisted on April 28, 1916 at the age of 36 years and ten months. He was a labourer and his next of kin was his sister, Rosanna, also of Hallam.  Jerry Returned to Australia on June 10, 1919. Frawley Road is named after the family - Mary Frawley purchased 60 acres in the area in 1857 and Jerry and Rosanna were her grandchildren (9).

Gander, Frederick (SN 1550) Frederick enlisted for the first time at the age of 28 on June 4, 1916. His occupation was farm labourer. Frederick was born in England and his address was Narre Warren. He was sent overseas to England but Returned to Australia on May 4, 1917 and was discharged on medical grounds as he suffered from 'Hammer toes, both feet'  Frederick re-enlisted on June 4, 1918 and missed his send-off that was being held with James Eccles (see newspaper report, above under James Eccles' entry) as he had already sailed. By this time he was 30 years old and living in Hallam. Frederick served in New Guinea and was again discharged on medical grounds this time on August 16, 1919.

Higgins, Thomas (SN 4641) Thomas enlisted on October 15, 1917 at the age of one month off 22 years of age. His next of kin was his father, Edward, of Hallam (the Embarkation Roll has the address listed as Hallam, Mt Dandenong, which is incorrect). Thomas was a 'turner and fitter.' Thomas left for Egypt on April 30, 1918 and Returned to Australia on December 22, 1918. Thomas was farewelled along with Clarie Pool and  Henry Waite by over 200 people on January 31, 1918. (see report below)

Farewell to Thomas Higgins, Clarie Poole and Henry Waite

South Bourke and Mornington Journal February 7, 1918 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article66193494

Hill, David Ernest (SN 4645) David enlisted on October 4, 1915, He was a 21 year old labourer. David Returned to Australia August 29, 1919.
Hill, Robert (SN 1591) Robert was a 19 year old farmer when he enlisted on August 2, 1915. Less than a year later on July 20 1916 he was Killed in Action in France.
Hill, Thomas Frederick (SN 4516) Thomas enlisted on September 6, 1915 at the age of 23. He was a Police Constable. He was wounded in action, gun shot wound right arm, and Returned to Australia March 12, 1918 and was discharged on medical grounds in the June.
David and Robert were both born at Lillimur, between Kaniva and Serviceton, so very close to the South Australian border and Thomas was born in Murtoa. Their parents were George and Mary (nee Jackson) Hill and they were living at Hallam or Hallam's Road as it was listed on Robert and Thomas' file, when the boys enlisted.

Robert Hill. Photographer: Darge Photographic Co.

Australian War Memorial Image DASEY1537

A report in the Horsham Times of the death of Robert Hill.

Horsham Times August 29, 1916 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article72981350

Liston, A   Private A. Liston is named in the report from the South Bourke and Mornington Journal of October 16, 1919 (reproduced further above between John Brown and William Brown)  as being welcomed home with 'other Returned Soldiers connected with Hallam District.'  Who is he? I can't find any Listons listed in the Electoral Roll at Hallam, so no clues there. There was an Alexander Liston (SN 3569) who enlisted on July 28, 1915 in Seymour, his next of kin was his wife Rebecca of South Melbourne. He was a 32 year old labourer. Alexander's his medical examination was carried out in Dandenong, so that's the closest connection that I can find between a Liston and the Hallam area.  Alexander Returned to Australia on January 31, 1918. Ironically, on the Nar Nar Goon Honour Board (see here), there is a C. Liston listed who I can't find either, my best guess is that it is Thomas Liston, who enlisted at Tynong, so I don't know why Listons have proved to be so puzzling.

Masters, Albert Ernest (SN 428) Albert enlisted on February 8, 1915 aged 28, at Morwell. Albert Returned to Australia on December 11, 1918 and was discharged for medical reasons (flat feet, was the disability listed) on March 24, 1919.
Masters, Charles Henry (SN 2893) Charles was 23, a grocer, when he enlisted on June 7, 1915. He was awarded the Military Medal and the Distinguished Conduct Medal. Charles Returned to Australia on January 15, 1919 and was discharged for medical reasons (Gassed) in April 24, 1919.
Albert and Charles were the sons of William and Sarah Jane (nee Blythman) Masters of Kirkham Road in Dandenong. They are listed in the report from the  South Bourke and Mornington Journal of October 16, 1919 (reproduced further above between John Brown and William Brown) as being welcomed home with 'other Returned Soldiers connected with Hallam District' but I am not sure what the exact connection to Hallam was, apart from being the adjacent town.

Meehan, James Joseph (SN 2112)  When  James enlisted on July 5, 1916 at the age of 24, he was living in Sea Lake.  He was wounded whilst serving in France. He Returned to Australia on May 12, 1918 (incorrectly listed as May 12, 1919 on the Nominal Rolls) and was discharged on medical grounds on July 23, 1918.  What is his connection to Hallam? A report in the South Bourke and Mornington Journal of  February 11, 1915 said that Mr J.J. Meehan  was farewelled by the residents of Hallam before his departure to Sea Lake. There is a James Joseph Meehan in the Electorate Roll of 1914 at  Hallam's Road - also listed is a Thomas Michael and Ellen Meehan of Hallam's Road - I am surmising that they are his relatives (Uncle and Aunty perhaps)  - then in 1915 he moved to Sea Lake where he enlisted. In the South Bourke and Mornington Journal of May 29, 1919 there is a report about an unfortunate accident which befel Mr J. Meehan, a  Returned Soldier farming at Hallam (10).   I am confident that this is our James, and that he returned to Hallam after his war service. James Joseph Meehan and Ruth  Rebecca Meehan are in the 1921 Electorate Roll at Hallam's Road. Mrs Meehan is pictured in the Hallam State School Mothers Club photograph from 1921. 

The Hallam's Road School Mothers Club, 1921. Standing at back - left to right - Mrs Boles, Mrs Crean, Mrs Gatter (nee Wallace), Mrs J. Meehan, Mrs Rout, Miss T. Morgan (teacher) and Mrs Blackley (nee Wallace).

 Seated at front - Mrs Opperman, Mrs Butcher, Mrs Wallace, Mrs Service (11)

Image: Casey Cardinia Libraries donated by Mr Jim Alexander. Mr Alexander was an inaugural Councillor for the City of Berwick from 1973 until 1982. James Alexander Reserve in Endeavour Hills is named in his honour.

Morris, Charles (SN 7578) Charles was born in England and was working as a farm labourer in Hallam when he enlisted on April 2, 1917 aged 24. His next of kin was his father who lived in Mansfield, Nottingham in England. Charles was married to  Gertrude Jones in Mansfield on July 12, 1919 and was discharged from the AIF in England on October 2 the same year. Did they return to Australia? I don't know.

Poole, Clarence Edward  'Clarie' (SN 50194) Clarie was living in New South Wales when he first enlisted at the age of 18 on January 17, 1916 and he was discharged February 16 the same year -  a notation in another enrolment paper says that it was because he was underage, although his date of birth was listed as July 24, 1896, so possibly he didn't have his parent's permission as his next of kin was a friend, Mrs Chandler of  Campsie, NSW. His occupation was listed as dairy hand. Anyway he re-enlisted on February 2, 1918  at the age of 21 and this time his next of kin was his mother Amelia Poole of Canterbury in New South Wales.  Clarie's address on the Embarkation Roll was Hallam's Road, Hallam.  He was farewelled along with Henry Waite and Thomas Higgins on January 31, 1918 (see report above between Thomas Higgins and the Hill brothers). Clarie was Killed in Action in France on October 4, 1918.

Possibly Somerville Road, Hampton Park, 1920s

From the Hampton Park Estate sub-division plan, c. 1920

State Library of Victoria http://handle.slv.vic.gov.au/10381/169514

Hampton Park, c. 1920. This is how Hallam and Hampton Park would have looked 

during the First World War

From the Hampton Park Estate sub-division plan, c. 1920

State Library of Victoria http://handle.slv.vic.gov.au/10381/169514

Reedy,  Albert George (SN 1956) Known as George, he enlisted at the age of 22 on February 9, 1916. he was a labourer.  George Returned to Australia on May 15, 1919. Albert was granted a Soldier Settlement farm, you can read his file on the Battle to Farm website, here. 
Reedy, John Thomas (SN 1220) John, known as Jack, was a 32 year old farmer, when he enlisted on July 19, 1915. He Returned to Australia on May 8, 1919. Jack was awarded the Military Medal. John was granted a Soldier Settlement farm, you can read his file on the Battle to Farm website, here. 
Jack and George were the sons of James and Elizabeth (nee Kirkham) Reedy, their father had already passed away when they enlisted and their mother was listed as the next of kin. The Reedy family had  along association with the area. Michael Reedy, the grandfather of Albert and John, had arrived in Victoria in 1841 and his 1883 obituary said that the greater portion of his Colonial life was spent in the Dandenong district (12).   The men were born in Dandenong and this was the address on enlistment, although they actually lived in what we now call Hampton Park. 

Seymour, Francis Joseph (SN 2391) Francis was 18 and a farmer,  when he enlisted on May 31, 1916. His next of kin was his mother, Edith Sarah Seymour of Hallam's Road, Hallam. Francis served overseas and wounded by shrapnel and gassed and spent six months in hospital in England and then Returned to Australia on January 31, 1918 and was discharged as being medically unfit on May 18, 1918. 

Waite, Henry  (SN 50467)  Henry was farewelled at a function on January 31, 1918 along with Clarie Poole and Thomas Higgins (see report above between Thomas Higgins and the Hill brothers). Henry enlisted on December 11, 1917, he was 21 years old. His next of kin was his sister, Elizabeth Waite of Broadford. He was a labourer, presumably working for Mr C.A. McKenzie as his address was C/O Mr McKenzie, Hallam's Road, Hallam. Henry was sent overseas to Egypt and Returned to Australia on March 14, 1919. Henry was granted a Soldier Settlement farm, you can read his file on the Battle to Farm website, here.

Footnotes
(1)  Stephan, Deborah Hallam 1830-1930 (City of Berwick, 1993). the date of the gazettal of the suburb if Eumemmerring comes from Harding, Maria Doveton: a brief history (Friends of Doveton Library, 1993)
(2) Stephan, op. cit.
(3) Scott, Roy R. The history of Hampton Park written in 1970 and  published in the Dandenong & District Historical Society Journal, Gipps-land Gate.

(4) Ibid

(5) Gunson, Niel The Good Country: Cranbourne Shire (Shire of Cranbourne, 1968), p. 212.

(6) Stephan, op. cit., p. 29.

(7) City of Casey Heritage Conservation Study - https://vhd.heritagecouncil.vic.gov.au/places/63177

(8) https://localhistory.kingston.vic.gov.au/articles/264

(9) Stephan, op. cit.

(10) South Bourke & Mornington Journal, May 29, 1919, see here.
(11) More information on these women. According to the Electoral Rolls - Mrs Boles - I can't find Mrs Boles in the Electoral roll; Annie Florence Crean, Hallam, home duties, husband Andrew, a farmer; Mrs Gatter - I can't find Mrs Gatter in the Electoral roll; Ruth Rebecca Meehan, Hallam's Road Hallam, home duties, husband James Joseph, farmer; Ellen Rout, Hallam, home duties, husband Charles Rout dairyman; Miss Morgan - I can't find Miss Morgan in the Electoral Roll but she may not have been 21 years old; Mrs Blackley - I can't find Mrs Blackley in the Electoral roll; Bertha Opperman, Berwick Road Dandenong, home duties, wife of Adolphus Samuel Opperman, water carter; Amy Louise Butcher, home duties, wife of Alfred Butcher, dairy farmer; Augusta Emma Wallace, home duties, wife of Jeremiah Wallace, farmer; Elizabeth Duncan Service, home duties, wife of John Service, Berwick Road, Dandenong, Dairy farmer. 

(12) South Bourke & Mornington Journal, March 14 1883, see here.

A version of this post, which I wrote and researched, has appeared on my work blog, Casey Cardinia Commemorates: Our War Years.

Construction of the West Gate Bridge over the Yarra River

Construction of the West Gate bridge, over the Yarra River,  began on April 8, 1968. Tragically on October 15, 1970 part of the bridge collapsed and thirty five workers died. These photos were taken by my husband, John Arnold, between 1973 and 1976. John was working for some of this time on the tug, Elton Griffin. The bridge was finally opened on November 15, 1978.  

Raising of the wreck of the steam tug 'Melbourne', out of the main shipping channel off Williamstown. the "Melbourne' had been struck by a 40,000 ton cargo ship and sunk.

Image: John Arnold

Taken from the river bank, Fishermans Bend.

Image: John Arnold

Taken from river bank, Fishermans Bend.

Image: John Arnold

From the Yarra River

Image: John Arnold

From the Yarra River

Image: John Arnold

From the Yarra River

Image: John Arnold

From the Yarra River

Image: John Arnold

Taken from the Yarra on the Spotswood / Yarraville side.

Image: John Arnold

Taken from the Yarra River on the Spotswood / Yarraville side.

Image: John Arnold

Taken from the Yarra on the Spotswood / Yarraville side.

Image: John Arnold

This is the Empress of Australia - this ship replaced the Princess of Tasmania. Taken from Webb Dock.

Image: John Arnold

Taken from Lorimer Street, Fisherman's Bend, outside the Government Aircraft factory.

Image: John Arnold

 Taken from Lorimer Street, Fisherman's Bend, out side the Government Aircraft factory.

Image: John Arnold

Dr Gweneth Wisewould and her father, Frank Wisewould

Some years ago I read Dr Gweneth Wisewould's book, Outpost: a Doctor on the Divide (1) about her life as a doctor at Trentham. It is a great book, written in 1971 and republished in 2019, well worth tracking down. Dr Wisewould had sold her practice in Melbourne as she felt that the changing nature of city practices meant doctors were becoming clearing houses for the specialists, and anything more serious than cut fingers and gravel rash were referred on. Dr Wisewould's first love was for the patient as a whole individual in a general practice (2) and she found this in her practice at Trentham, where she lived from September 1938 until her death in 1972. 

Her work in Trentham and the surrounding district involved the usual duties for a country doctor such as operations, treating accident victims and illnesses and delivering babies; initially at a time when there were none of the modern aids to recovery, for it was before the discovery of penicillin, before the establishment of the 'Blood Bank' or modern laboratory aids (3). Dr Wisewould's less usual duties included Post Mortems, amputations, treating dogs in the absence of a veterinarian and baptising fragile new-born babies, if it looked like they might not survive. She was assisted by the local nurse who operated a 6-bed hospital in the town, Dr Wisewould described her as an elderly sister with long experience of bush nursing and game for anything nursing called for and who had war-time experience (4).  

Dr Gweneth Wisewould, in 1972. 

A very practical, highly skilled, caring and hard working woman.

Herald & Weekly Times collection, State Library of Victoria Image H38849/5818

Gweneth, born in Brighton, August 30, 1884, was the only child of  Frank and Isabel Wisewould. The family were at 27 Cromwell Street, Toorak in the 1903 Electoral Rolls, and from 1906 to 1919 at Ellematta, Seymour Road, Elsternwick, and they also had land at Pakenham Upper, more of which later. Gweneth, was educated at home, then studied at Melbourne University, graduating in 1915. 

Gweneth Wisewould was awarded her degree at a ceremony held April 17, 1915.

The Argus, April 19 1915. https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/1510952

After a few years working at various hospital she set up in private practice and holding a number of honorary posts, she performed ear, nose and throat work and general surgery (1918-36) at the Queen Victoria Memorial Hospital for Women and Children; she also instructed medical students in anaesthetics (1918-29) at the Alfred Hospital (5). During the First World War, Dr Wisewould was involved with the Young Women's Christian Association (Y.W.C.A.) and gave classes on Home Nursing and was involved in  First Aid classes, and in 1919, at the Y.W.C.A. she gave  a practical demonstration on how to treat influenza patients (6). She clearly understood the role women played in providing the primary health care to their families at that time. 

Dr Wisewould was also involved with the Free Kindergarten Union. For instance, in 1918, she gave six lectures on hygiene to women on their behalf. One of her more light-hearted associations with the Free Kindergarten Union was playing Father Christmas at their annual Christmas party held for the children.  In 1931 it was reported that she had undertaken this task every year, except one, for over twenty years. (7). She was also the Honorary Medical Officer at the Yoralla Free Kindergarten for Crippled Children. At their annual general meeting in 1920 it was reported that Dr Wisewould spoke eulogistically of the work done at the school in cramped quarters, and with small funds. Much was said about tubercular children but she thought that more should be done to assist children who though crippled in limb, were mentally sound and capable of being educated (8). 

I was trying to work out where her medical practices were - in the 1919 Electoral Roll Gweneth is at 31 Mitford Street, Elwood; 1922 to 1926 Electoral Rolls at 52 Broadway, Elwood; then in the 1934 to 1937 Electoral Rolls she is listed at at 3 Glenhuntly Road, Elsternwick. I presume, like most doctors at this time, her consulting rooms were part of her house.  

One of her more pleasant duties, before she moved to Trentham was judging a Baby Show a the St Kilda Town Hall, held to raise money for the Children's Hospital (9).  I feel this shows how well respected and involved she was in the local community. 

Dr Wisewould judges a Baby Show.

The Argus September 26 1932 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article4500022

Dr Wisewould died in Trentham on January 20, 1972, where she is buried. In June 1968, four years before she died, she gave $20,000 to Melbourne University to establish a Trust fund to send Aboriginal students to University, it was called the Truganini Trust. There was enough money for three scholarships for three students to enrol in full-time courses. Dr Wisewould said that the foundation was set up on the principle that they should have equal chances...the opportunity for higher education will place some Aborigines on a par with other leaders, giving them a better chance of leading their own people (10). The first scholarship was to be awarded for the 1969 Academic year. She was a remarkable woman

I came across a programme of events of the Field Naturalists' Club of Victoria for 1910-1911 (11). It was an extensive program and included such activities as a trip to Eltham to see the silver wattles, a trip to Croydon to study entomology and botany and a trip to Williamstown to study marine life. The President of the Field Naturalists' Club was a  Mr F. Wisewould. I put his name into Trove  and discovered amongst other things that he was Gweneth Wisewould's father and that he had a property at Pakenham Upper.

The Field Naturalists' Club programme from 1910/1911. Frank Wisewould is the President.

This is the story of Frank Wisewould and we can get an overview of his life from his obituary, which was published in The Argus on November 29, 1926 (12).
The many friends of Mr Frank Wisewould, who was for years one of the leading figure in legal circles in Melbourne, will learn with regret of his death, which took place in a private hospital on Saturday. Mr Wisewould became suddenly ill at his residence at Pakenham Upper early in the week, and was removed to Melbourne for treatment. He showed some improvement after an operation, and the fatal ending of his illness was not expected. Mr Frank Wisewould was the son of Mr James Wisewould, an English solicitor who came to Melbourne in 1853, and a year or two latter founded the legal firm of Wisewould and Gibbs which is now known as Wisewould, Duncan and Wisewould. Mr Frank Wisewould was born at Brighton in 1858 and was educated at Scotch College, being one of Dr. Morrison's early pupils. He entered his father's office at the age of 15 years and subsequently became a partner in the firm. He retired in 1922, after having been connected with the firm for 49 years. He then purchased a property at Pakenham Upper, where he engaged in country pursuits until his death. Mr Wisewould was an ardent nature student and was one of the original founders of the Field Naturalists' Society, of which he was made a life member in recognition of his services. He was instrumental in inaugurating the wildflower show which has now become an annual fixture and was always one of its leading exhibitors. A keen interest was taken by Mr Wisewould in the Royal Society of Victoria of which he had been president, and at the time of his death he was a member of the council. While in practice he acted as honorary solicitor for the Melbourne Athenaeum and the Eye and Ear Hospital. He leaves a widow and one daughter, Dr. Gweneth Wisewould.

I will look at a few aspects of Frank's life that were mentioned in his obituary. Firstly the Field Naturalists' Society or Club. The Field Naturalists' Club was formed in 1880 for the purpose of affording observers and lovers of Natural History regular and frequent opportunities for discussing those special subjects in which they are mutually interested (13). During the meetings, members read papers on topics that they were interested in and could display nature specimens. In April 1882, Frank displayed Snakes, also opossums in various stages of growth in spirits (14). In December 1882, he displayed an English Viper and also snakes from the Darling River (15). Frank read a paper in July 1885 on a visit to Chudleigh Caves in Tasmania (16). In 1887 he displayed some carnelian from Tasmania (17). Frank clearly had an interest in snakes and in science more broadly as he was also a member of the Royal Society of Victoria and President from 1922-1923. The Royal Society was formed in 1854 for the promotion of science for the benefit of the community.

This photo from the Field Naturalists' Club photo album is of the Cardinia Creek bridge at Berwick, taken 1887. The album has been digitised by the State Library of Victoria. 

Did Frank go on this excursion?

Bridge over Kardinia Ck. [i.e. Cardinia Creek], Berwick. State Library of Victoria Image H2012.114/1

The obituary mentions that Frank Wisewould purchased his property at Pakenham Upper, after his retirement. However, the Shire of Berwick Rate books show that he purchased his property of 317 acres in 1894/1895. It was Allotment 17h, Parish of Nar Nar Goon, his land is bordered to the south by Army Settlement Road and Gordon Road to the west. The property was called Mona and I wonder if Frank kept all his specimens at the Pakenham Upper house or his house in Melbourne. It is likely that many of the wildflowers that Frank exhibited at the annual wildflower show came from his Pakenham Upper property.

Mr Wisewould took an active role in community life at Pakenham Upper - he was the legal advisor to the Pakenham Upper Fruit Company (18). He was a member of the Progress Association where at one meeting in 1914 he spoke of the advantages of forming a debating society (19). He was also the chair of various functions such as the Pakenham Upper Red Cross concert (20). Perhaps his greatest honour was that he was selected to unveil the Pakenham Upper Roll of Honour at a Red Cross concert on September 22, 1917, due to the absence of the local member, Mr Keast (21). His speech was reported in the Pakenham Gazette (22)
Mr Wisewould spoke of the bravery and unselfishness of the men who had gone. They did not go for gain, and if it was to be that they might not be spared to come back they gave their lives, counting it nothing more than their duty to die for their country. The imperishable bravery of our lads at the landing on Gallipoli had been re-enacted on the bloody fields of Pozieres and Ypres. They were sons worthy of the fathers who had begotten them and the mothers who had nurtured them and their names and gallant deeds would be handed down to their children and their children's children to posterity.

You can read about the Pakenham Upper Honor Board on Patrick Ferry's website A Century After the Guns Fell Silent: Remembering the Pakenham District's WWI Diggers 1914- 1918   https://www.pakenhamww1.com/   Three of Frank's nephews (who are, of course, Gweneth's furst cousins) are listed in the website - Albert, Frank and Harold Wisewould. They are the sons of Edward and Elizabeth Wisewould and appear on the Pakenham State School Honor Board.

Frank, was the son of  James and Sophia (nee Drewitt) Wisewould. He married Isabel Alice Field in Westbury in Tasmania on March 28, 1883. It was two years after his marriage that Frank presented his report on the Chudleigh Caves in Tasmania to the Field Naturalists Club. The caves are about 35 kilometres from Westbury - did Frank visit the caves when he was in Tasmania courting Isabel or did he take a trip to Tasmania to see the caves and when he was there he met Isabel, perhaps through mutual friends or was she on the cave expedition as well?  I cannot tell you, but I rather like the idea that they met and fell in love amongst the stalactites at Chudleigh Caves. Isabel was the daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth (nee Lindsay) Field. Thomas was a member of the Tasmanian Parliament, you can read his obituary here.   Frank died on November 27, 1926 at the age of 68 and Isabel on October 27, 1928, aged 69,  and they are both buried at the Brighton Cemetery (23).

Footnotes

(1) Wisewould, Gweneth Outpost: a Doctor on the Divide (Lowden Publishing, 1971)
(2) Wisewould, op. cit., p. 1.
(3) Wisewould, op. cit., p. 98

(4) Wisewould, op. cit., pages 96 and 99

(5) Australian Dictionary of Biography entry by Farley Kelly -    https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/wisewould-gweneth-12058
(6) Home Nursing - The Herald, July 19 1916, see here;  First Aid - Weekly Times, October 30, 1915, see here  Influenza - The Argus July 18, 1919, see here.

(7) Public lectures on Hygiene - The Herald, October 1, 1918, see here. Father Christmas - The Argus, December 21, 1931, see here.

(8) The Argus, November 25, 1920, see here.

(9) The Argus September 26 1932, see here.  

(10) Death date from her ADB entry, see footnote 5;  The Truganini Trust information is from The Age, June 26 1968 on newspapers.com, part of Ancestry.com.

(11) When I say I came across it, actually my research colleague, Isaac Hermann, who found it for sale on EBay.
(12) The Argus, November 29, 1926, see here.
(13) Field Naturalists' Club programme from 1910/1911, back page.
(14) The Age, April 27, 1882, see here.
(15) The Age, December 19, 1882, see here.
(16) The Age, July 14, 1885, see here.
(17) The Herald, January 24, 1887, see here.
(18) Pakenham Gazette, November 8, 1918, see here.
(19) Dandenong Advertiser, February 26, 1914, see here.
(20) Pakenham Gazette, August 30, 1918, see here.
(21) Willian Stephen Keast (1866-1927). Member of the Legislative Assembly from 1900 to 1917 https://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/about/people-in-parliament/re-member/details/24/1328
(22) Pakenham Gazette, September 28, 1917, see here.
(23) Family information comes from the Victorian Index to the Births, Deaths and Marriages, see here; the Tasmanian Archives, see here; and Birth and Death notices in the newspapers on Trove.

A version of this post, which I wrote and researched, is on my work blog, Casey Cardinia Links to our past and has also been published in the Brighton Cemetorians Journal. This post is an updated version.